Missouri Workers’ Comp Insurer to Pay $2M Dividend

Missouri Employers Mutual Insurance Co. says it will pay more than $2 million in dividends this spring to more than 11,000 policyholders.

The Columbia-based workers’ compensation insurance company says the payments will go to those who had policies in effect in 2009. The company says it also will be reducing rates for 2012.

A recent state audit of the insurer had suggested it pay a dividend, noting that the company had built a surplus of more than $160 million.

Missouri Employers Mutual was created under a 1993 state law. The company has come under scrutiny at the state Capitol as officials weigh whether it should continue to carry a federal tax-exempt status or be spun off as a new, entirely private insurance company.