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On August 18, 2025, Missouri Governor Tom Johnson signed a historic workers compensation reform bill into law, making significant changes to the state's workers compensation system. The reforms, which have been in the works for months, aim to improve benefits for injured workers while also addressing concerns from employers about rising costs.One of the key changes in the new law is an increase in the maximum benefit rate for injured workers. Under the previous system, workers could receive a maximum of 66.6% of their average weekly wage in benefits. The new law raises this rate to 75%, providing injured workers with a more substantial level of financial support while they are unable to work.Additionally, the reforms include a provision for cost-of-living adjustments to be made to workers compensation benefits. This will ensure that injured workers' benefits keep pace with inflation, providing them with ongoing financial support that reflects the changing economic landscape.Employers also stand to benefit from the new law, as it includes measures to help control costs and streamline the claims process. One such measure is the implementation of a medical fee schedule, which will set limits on the amount that healthcare providers can charge for treating injured workers. This is expected to help reduce medical costs associated with workers compensation claims and prevent unnecessary inflation in the system.Overall, the reforms aim to strike a balance between the needs of injured workers and the concerns of employers, creating a more equitable and efficient workers compensation system in Missouri. Governor Johnson praised the bipartisan effort that went into crafting the bill, stating that it will provide much-needed relief to workers and ensure that Missouri remains a competitive state for businesses.The new workers compensation reforms are set to go into effect on January 1, 2026. In the meantime, stakeholders are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the changes and prepare for the implementation of the new law. With these reforms in place, Missouri workers can expect to see improved benefits and a more streamlined claims process in the years to come.