The national Workers' Compensation guide explains the system and the standard policy. This guide covers Mississippi's Workers' Compensation Law (Miss. Code 71-3). It is administered by the Mississippi Workers' Compensation Commission. Mississippi isn't a monopolistic state.

Who must be covered (71-3-5)

• Employers with 5 or more workers or operatives regularly in the same business.
• Not covered:
  • domestic servants
  • farmers and farm labor (commercial processing of farm products is covered)
  • nonprofit charitable, fraternal, cultural or religious organizations
• Counties and cities are covered.
• A sole proprietor, a partner, or a corporate owner of 15% or more of the stock may reject coverage in writing. Those people don't count toward the five.

Securing coverage (71-3-75)

Employers insure with a carrier authorized in Mississippi, or get the Commission's written order to self-insure. Group self-insurance is also allowed for trade associations.

The Commission (71-3-85)

Three members, appointed by the Governor with Senate consent, for 6-year terms after the first staggered terms.

Cancellation and nonrenewal (71-3-77, as amended by HB 1611, 2025)

• For policies issued or renewed on or after July 1, 2026, an insurer's cancellation or nonrenewal isn't effective until 45 days after written notice. Notice is served on the insured personally or by registered or certified mail, and also given to the Commission.
• If the employer gets other coverage, the old policy is deemed cancelled as of the new coverage's effective date, even without notice.
• The insured may cancel the day it returns the policy to the agent or delivers a lost policy release.
• Deductibles are allowed. The insurer still pays claims in full (medical directly to the provider) and collects the deductible from the employer.

Common exam traps

• Coverage required at 5 or more regular employees. Domestic, farm and charitable nonprofit employers are excluded.
• Owners of 15%+, partners and sole proprietors may reject coverage.
• The Workers' Compensation Commission has 3 members.
• Insurer cancellation or nonrenewal: 45 days' notice to the insured and the Commission, for policies on or after July 1, 2026.