Colorado Workers Comp Law Changes 2026: What Changed and Why It Matters
Quick Overview: Key Colorado Workers’ Comp Changes in 2026
If you’ve been injured at work in Colorado, 2026 brings real, concrete changes to workers compensation that directly affect your benefits, your medical care, and your wallet. These aren’t just technical updates buried in legal documents—they impact how much you get reimbursed for driving to doctor’s appointments, how quickly your benefits start, and whether your insurer is playing by the rules.
Here’s what you need to know right now: the mileage reimbursement rate jumped from $0.60 to $0.63 per mile effective January 1, 2026. The updated Medical Fee Schedule and utilization standards under Rules 16 and 18 also took effect on that date, changing what healthcare providers can bill and what insurers must pay. And starting in July 2026, Colorado’s transition to EDI 3.1 (the electronic system insurers use to report claims) creates new opportunities for errors that could delay your temporary total disability checks.
For injured workers in Pueblo, Otero, Fremont, Custer, Huerfano, Las Animas, Crowley Counties, and throughout Colorado, these changes matter because they determine whether you receive full and timely workers compensation benefits—or whether you’re shortchanged by insurers who aren’t following the new requirements.
If you’re dealing with a workplace injury in 2026, don’t wait to get answers. Call Johnston Law Firm, LLC at (719) 309-9484 or message us online for a free workers’ comp case review focused on how the 2026 rules apply to your claim.
Division of Workers’ Compensation (DOWC) Updates You Need to Know in 2026
The Colorado Division of Workers Compensation regularly updates rules, forms, and tools—and 2026 is a significant “implementation year” that affects how claims are processed across the state.
New Division Address
The Colorado Department of Labor and Employment completed its office move on October 24, 2025. The Division now operates from:
707 17th St., Suite 2300
Denver, CO 80202-3404
In-person appointments began November 3, 2025. However, most injured workers in Pueblo and Southern Colorado will interact with the Division by mail, phone, and online rather than traveling to Denver.
Why Updated Forms Matter
Using an outdated form can cause delays or outright rejections. The DOWC has published updated forms and resources for 2026, including:
Revised addresses on all official correspondence
Updated Settlement Agreement (WC104) forms
New DIME forms (WC178, WC198, WC199)
Current WC1 First Report of Injury forms
Insurers and attorneys are expected to use these 2026 versions—and if they don’t, it can hurt your claim.
Quarterly Newsletters and Bulletins
The Division continues publishing Quarterly Newsletters and email bulletins summarizing rule changes, scam alerts, and training opportunities. Johnston Law Firm actively monitors these communications so our clients don’t have to track every update themselves.
While these changes might sound administrative, they directly affect deadlines, where documents are sent, and whether benefits are paid on time. Steve Johnston ensures all filings comply with the latest 2026 requirements so nothing falls through the cracks.
Scam Alerts and Protecting Your Colorado Workers’ Comp Benefits
The Division of Workers Compensation has issued urgent scam alerts warning that criminals are impersonating Division officials and court representatives. These scammers use phone calls, emails, and even video calls to trick injured workers into sending money or sharing personal information.
How Scammers Operate
Fraudsters claim you must pay money to:
“Release” your workers compensation benefits
“Settle” your claim faster
Avoid legal penalties or arrest
This is always a scam. The Division will never demand payment to process your claim.
What Legitimate Communications Look Like
Real Colorado workers’ comp communications will:
Come from official state email domains (@state.co.us)
Use the Division’s verified mailing address (707 17th St., Suite 2300, Denver, CO 80202-3404)
Never demand immediate payment via wire transfer, gift cards, or cryptocurrency
Never pressure you to share bank information over the phone
Reference your actual claim number and treating physician information
What to Do If You’re Targeted
If you receive a suspicious call, email, or letter:
Do not send money or share your Social Security number
Verify the communication directly with the Colorado Division of Workers Compensation
Call Johnston Law Firm at (719) 309-9484 to confirm whether the contact is legitimate
Report the scam to the Division and local law enforcement
Injured workers in Pueblo and surrounding counties who suspect a scam can contact Johnston Law Firm online or by phone for help confirming whether a communication is real—and for assistance reporting fraudulent activity. Falling for a scam can delay or derail your workers compensation benefits, so staying cautious is now an essential part of protecting your claim in 2026.
2026 Mileage Reimbursement and Medical Fee Schedule Changes
Out-of-pocket costs like mileage and medical bills are governed by detailed rules and fee schedules that changed for 2026. Understanding these updates can mean the difference between full reimbursement and being shortchanged.
Mileage Rate Increase
The DOWC Quick Reference Guide mileage rate increased from $0.60 in 2025 to $0.63 per mile effective January 1, 2026. This directly affects how much you should be reimbursed for travel to and from authorized medical appointments.
Year | Mileage Rate |
|---|---|
2025 | $0.60/mile |
2026 | $0.63/mile |
If your insurer is still reimbursing at the old rate, you’re being underpaid.
Updated Medical Fee Schedule
The adopted 2026 Medical Fee Schedule and related exhibits under Rule 18 (effective January 1, 2026) set maximum amounts that healthcare providers can bill and that insurers must pay. The 2026 Medical Fee Schedule Excel file is now available on the Division’s website.
Rule 16 utilization standards work together with Rule 18 to determine which treatments are considered reasonable and what they should cost. This impacts what insurers will approve or dispute for your medical benefits in 2026.
Real-World Examples
Example 1: A Pueblo manufacturing worker drives 40 miles round-trip to see an authorized orthopedic specialist twice a week. At the correct 2026 rate, that’s $50.40 per week in mileage. If the insurer pays at the outdated 2025 rate, the worker loses $2.40 per week—which adds up to over $120 per year.
Example 2: An employer pays for physical therapy but refuses to cover the full fee schedule amount for imaging. The injured worker is left with an unexpected bill that should have been covered under the 2026 Medical Fee Schedule.
Think you’re not being reimbursed correctly? Call (719) 309-9484 or contact Johnston Law Firm online for a free review of your mileage and medical payments under the 2026 rates.
Rule Changes Effective January 1, 2026: Rules 16 and 18
Colorado’s workers’ comp rules are organized by “Rule” numbers, and Rules 16 and 18 are two of the most important because they govern medical treatment standards (utilization) and the medical fee schedule. The bill requires that, starting in 2026, House Bill 25-1300 mandates employers or insurers to use the Division of Workers' Compensation's (DWC) utilization standards when responding to requests for authorization from treating physicians.
What Changed
Updated Rule 16, Exhibit 1 became effective January 1, 2026
Newly adopted Rule 18 with exhibits became effective January 1, 2026
Earlier 2025 revisions to utilization standards and medical treatment guidelines now fully apply
Understanding Utilization Standards
Utilization standards are guidelines for what care is considered reasonable and necessary. These standards affect:
Approval of surgeries
Authorization for physical therapy
Imaging (MRIs, X-rays, CT scans)
Specialist referrals
Prescription medications
Disputes over these standards can delay or deny the treatment you need for maximum medical improvement.
Your Rights When Insurers Don’t Comply
Insurers, Colorado employers, and healthcare providers are expected to follow the 2026 versions of these rules. When they fail to do so, injured workers have grounds to:
Challenge denials of medical benefits
Seek penalties against non-compliant insurers
Request hearings before the Division
Johnston Law Firm reviews medical records and billing under the 2026 Rules 16 and 18 to identify when insurers aren’t complying—and to push for the treatment and payments our clients are entitled to receive.
Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) 3.1: 2026 Transition and What It Means for Your Claim
“EDI” is the statewide electronic data interchange system insurers use to file workers’ comp claim data with the Division. In 2026, Colorado is upgrading to EDI Claims Release 3.1—and this transition creates both opportunities and risks for injured workers.
Key Dates to Know
Date | What Happens |
|---|---|
July 8, 2026 | Last day insurers can submit claims under older EDI 1.0 standards |
July 9, 2026 | Carriers and TPAs must begin submitting claims using EDI 3.1 format |
July 30, 2026 | EDI 3.1 go-live update (ongoing transition managed with Verisk) |
Why This Matters to You
While injured workers won’t enter data into EDI directly, errors or delays by insurers during the transition can cause:
Late benefit payments
Incorrect claim coding
Confusion about benefit start dates
Temporary total disability checks that stop or never start
Example: A La Junta warehouse worker is injured in August 2026. The insurer’s EDI system mis-codes the claim during the transition, causing a two-week delay in the first TTD check. The worker misses rent and faces financial hardship—all because of a technical error.
How an Attorney Helps
Johnston Law Firm stays current with EDI 3.1 requirements and can step in when a claim seems “stuck in the system” during the 2026 transition. We investigate coding errors, communicate with the Division, and push insurers to correct problems fast.
Legislative Background: HB 25-1300 and Future Changes to Workers’ Choice of Doctor
While many 2026 updates are administrative, the Colorado legislature also passed HB 25-1300 (Workers’ Compensation Benefits Proof of Entitlement), a major bill that phases in significant changes to choice of physician designation and proof of entitlement. The bill requires employers, insurers, and healthcare providers to comply with new mandates regarding how injured workers select their primary treating physician and how entitlement to benefits is established.
Timeline Clarification
The main effective date for expanded physician choice is January 1, 2028—not 2026. However, 2026 is when stakeholders are actively preparing, holding listening sessions, and shaping implementation.
Governor Jared Polis signed HB 25-1300 on June 4, 2025, but called for a stakeholder working group to refine the policy during the 2026 legislative session.
What HB 25-1300 Will Change
Once fully effective, the new law will:
Expand injured workers’ right to choose among nearly 1,200 accredited physicians within 75 miles of home or workplace
Extend the window for changing doctors from 90 days to 120 days (or until maximum medical improvement if the employer assigned the provider)
Require employers and insurers to follow Division utilization standards and new proof requirements
Under current law, employers can limit choices to just four providers. This expansion represents a major shift toward worker autonomy—though business groups have expressed concerns about potential premium increases.
Why 2026 Still Matters
Stakeholder meetings and DOWC communications in 2026 are setting expectations for how HB 25-1300 will change billing practices, workers compensation benefits proof requirements, and enforcement. Workers filing claims now should get legal advice that anticipates these coming rules.
Johnston Law Firm tracks HB 25-1300 developments so that Pueblo and Southern Colorado workers injured today are positioned to benefit from these legal protections as they phase in.
Other 2025–2026 Employment Law Changes That Indirectly Impact Injured Workers
Not all 2025–2026 laws are “workers’ comp” statutes, but several employment laws can affect injured workers’ rights, job protections, and back-pay claims. The Colorado Wage Act amendments will require the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment (CDLE) to publish information about adjudicated wage violations on its website, increasing transparency for employees and employers. Additionally, the amendments will allow the CDLE to waive penalties for employers who pay claimed wages within 14 days of receiving an administrative complaint, providing an incentive for prompt resolution of wage disputes.
Wage and Hour Enforcement (HB 25-1001)
The Colorado Wage Claim Act amendments took effect August 6, 2025, with significant changes:
Wage claims cap rising toward $13,000 through 2027, then inflation adjustments
Public posting of willful violation findings on the Colorado Department of Labor website
Enhanced penalties for employer penalties and unpaid wages
Provisions addressing waive employer penalties and substantial justification defenses
The amendments will also require the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment (CDLE) to publish information about adjudicated wage violations on its website. Additionally, the amendments allow the CDLE to waive such penalties for employers who pay claimed wages within 14 days of receiving an administrative complaint. Claimed wages refer to wages that employees have formally demanded or are seeking through a legal process, and the law now provides clear procedures for addressing these claims. Employers are obligated to pay the same wages owed to employees in a timely manner, and failure to do so may result in statutory penalties. However, if an employer is found lacking substantial justification in disputing a wage claim, they may be liable for additional costs and attorneys' fees. A minority owner, defined as someone with less than a controlling interest who has delegated operational control, may have different liability under wage and hour laws. It is important to understand how Colorado's wage laws interact with federal law, as federal statutes may preempt or influence state-level regulations.
These changes matter when unpaid wages and workers’ comp issues overlap—for example, when an injured worker wasn’t paid correctly before or after a workplace injury.
Key wage terms to understand:
The state minimum wage and federal minimum wage set floors for employee wages
Colorado’s wage laws and the federal Fair Labor Standards Act govern overtime and payroll deductions
Employment agreements and restrictive covenants (including non solicitation agreements) may affect continued employment after injury
FAMLI Changes (SB 25-144)
Starting January 1, 2026, paid family and medical leave insurance under FAMLI provides:
Up to 24 weeks of combined bonding and neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) leave for a child receiving inpatient care
Premium rate reduction from 0.9% to 0.88%
Expanded family and medical leave protections
Injured workers who are also new parents may have overlapping FAMLI and workers’ comp issues, and financial assistance during recovery may come from multiple sources.
Anti-Discrimination Protections
HB 25-1312 (Kelly Loving Act) enhanced protections for transgender individuals as of May 16, 2025. The Colorado Anti Discrimination Act now provides stronger protections based on gender expression, marital status, national origin, and other protected class categories.
Discrimination around injury, leave, or gender expression can appear alongside workers’ comp retaliation issues. An adverse action by an employer—such as termination after filing a claim—may violate multiple employment laws.
Steve Johnston’s broader practice in personal injury, criminal law, and employment issues gives him practical insight into how these notable bills interact with workers’ comp claims in real-world Pueblo workplaces.
Workplace Safety and Injury Prevention: What Colorado Employers and Workers Need to Know in 2026
New Safety Initiatives and Programs
In 2026, Colorado employers and workers are seeing a renewed focus on workplace safety, with the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment rolling out several new initiatives designed to prevent injuries before they happen. The Division of Workers’ Compensation has introduced mandatory safety training for both employers and employees, ensuring everyone on the job understands best practices for injury prevention and emergency response. These programs are part of a broader effort to reduce workplace accidents and fatalities, and they’re backed by increased funding for safety inspections and enforcement across the state.
Colorado employers are encouraged to go beyond the basics by conducting regular hazard assessments and offering ongoing employee training tailored to their specific industry risks. These proactive steps not only help prevent workplace injuries but also demonstrate compliance with the Colorado Wage Claim Act and Division of Workers’ Compensation regulations. By participating in these new safety programs, employers can create a safer work environment, reduce the likelihood of costly workers compensation claims, and show their commitment to workplace safety.
Employer Responsibilities and Compliance
Colorado employers have a legal and ethical responsibility to maintain a safe workplace, and 2026 brings even greater emphasis on compliance with state and federal employment laws. Under the Colorado Anti-Discrimination Act and the Fair Labor Standards Act, employers must ensure that all employees receive at least the minimum wage, are protected from discriminatory practices, and have access to medical leave insurance when needed.
Compliance doesn’t stop there. Employers are required to follow Division of Workers’ Compensation rules, including the use of mandatory electronic billing for medical services and the timely filing of all workers compensation claims. When an employee is injured, employers must provide reasonable accommodations—such as modified duties or temporary transfers—to support the worker’s recovery and return to work. Failing to meet these obligations can result in significant penalties, fines, and reputational harm. Staying up to date with these requirements is essential for Colorado employers who want to avoid legal trouble and support their injured workers.
Resources for Preventing Workplace Injuries
The Colorado Department of Labor and Employment offers a wealth of resources to help both employers and workers prevent workplace injuries and stay compliant with the law. Through the Division of Workers’ Compensation, injured workers can access medical benefits, wage replacement, and vocational rehabilitation services to support their recovery. Employers can take advantage of training programs, safety guides, and consultation services designed to help them identify risks and implement effective safety protocols.
Additional support is available from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), which provides outreach training and guidance on workplace safety standards. Employers may also benefit from tax credits and other incentives for investing in safety initiatives and employee training. Key programs include the Colorado Workplace Safety and Health Program, the OSHA Outreach Training Program, and the Workers’ Compensation Insurance Program. Consulting with safety professionals and experienced attorneys can further ensure compliance with the Colorado Wage Claim Act, the Fair Labor Standards Act, and the Colorado Anti-Discrimination Act. By leveraging these resources, employers can reduce workplace injuries, protect their employees, and strengthen their business operations for the future.
Key Deadlines, Forms, and Administrative Requirements Going Into 2026
Colorado tightened several filing and form requirements in late 2025 and 2026. Failing to use the right forms or meet new deadlines can result in rejected documents or delayed settlements.
Critical Form Updates Still in Effect
Form | Requirement |
|---|---|
WC104 (Settlement Agreement) | Current version mandatory after September 1, 2025 |
WC73 (Settlement Orders) | Updated version required |
WC1 (First Report of Injury) | Accessible version now available |
WC35 (Indigent Determination) | Updated form required |
WC120 (Self-Insurance Guaranty) | Updated version in effect |
WC178, WC198, WC199 (DIME forms) | Separated and updated |
Filing Requirements
Entries of Appearance and Motions to Withdraw must be filed directly with the Division, not just copied from OAC filings
Certificates of Service must accompany all filed documents
Self insured employers have separate reporting obligations
Why This Matters
While insurers and lawyers handle most paperwork, unrepresented workers can be hurt when employers use outdated forms or miss updated requirements. Johnston Law Firm ensures compliance with the latest 2026 form rules and timely filing requirements.
Facing a settlement, DIME, or prehearing process in 2026? Call (719) 309-9484 for help navigating the paperwork and protecting your rights.
How These 2026 Changes Affect Real Injured Workers in Pueblo and Across Southern Colorado
Let’s translate these technical updates into what they mean for your daily life as an injured worker.
Real-World Scenarios
Scenario 1: Underpaid Mileage in Pueblo
Maria works in the construction industry in Pueblo and injures her back lifting materials. She drives 30 miles each way to see her treating physician in Colorado Springs twice a week. At the correct 2026 rate of $0.63 per mile, she should receive $75.60 weekly for mileage. But her employer pays at the old rate—costing her over $300 per year.
Scenario 2: EDI Coding Error in Las Animas County
James works for a local governments contractor in Trinidad. He’s injured in July 2026, right as the EDI 3.1 transition happens. A coding error delays his first TTD check by three weeks, leaving him unable to pay his mortgage. Without an attorney to escalate the issue, he might have waited even longer.
Scenario 3: Scam Call in Huerfano County
Rosa receives a phone call from someone claiming to be from the Division, demanding $500 to “release” her settlement. She almost pays before calling Johnston Law Firm to verify. We confirmed it was a scam and helped her report it—protecting her claim and her savings.
How an Experienced Attorney Helps
An experienced workers’ comp attorney can use the 2026 rules to your advantage by:
Enforcing updated fee schedules
Demanding compliance with Rules 16 and 18
Escalating EDI and form issues with the Division
Auditing mileage and medical bill payments
Coordinating with other rights (wage claims, FAMLI, discrimination claims)
Pursuing attorneys fees and equitable relief when insurers violate the rules
Johnston Law Firm represents injured workers from Pueblo, Pueblo West, Otero, Fremont, Custer, Huerfano, Las Animas, Crowley, and throughout Colorado. We understand rural and small-town employer practices as well as large Denver-area employers.
The laws are complicated—but you don’t have to figure them out alone in 2026.
Why Work with Johnston Law Firm, LLC on a 2026 Colorado Workers’ Comp Case?
Steve Johnston founded Johnston Law Firm, LLC in Pueblo, Colorado with a focus on representing individuals—not insurance companies or corporations. The firm’s key practice areas include:
Workers’ compensation
Personal injury
Automobile accidents
Estate planning
Criminal law
Social Security disability
Multi-Practice Advantage
Steve’s experience across multiple practice areas is an advantage when workers’ comp cases intersect with:
Car accidents (when a workplace injury involves a vehicle)
Criminal investigations (alleged workplace safety violations)
Estate issues after a fatal injury
Social Security disability claims when a worker can’t return to work
Current on 2026 Standards
Johnston Law Firm closely follows Colorado DOWC newsletters, rule changes, and legislative updates. Your case will be built around the most current 2026 standards—not last year’s rules. We track developments in:
Advanced practice registered nurses billing rules
Mandatory electronic billing requirements
New professional contact information and address changes
Malpractice status and provider accreditation
Subsequent violations and penalty enforcement
Local Knowledge
We represent injured workers across Colorado, with deep familiarity in Pueblo County and neighboring counties like Otero, Fremont, Custer, Huerfano, Las Animas, and Crowley. We know local employers, medical providers, and hearing venues.
For more information about our approach and results, visit our client testimonials and case results pages.
What to Do If You’re Hurt at Work in 2026: Step-by-Step
If you suffer a workplace injury in Colorado in 2026, follow these steps to protect your claim:
Immediate Steps
Report the injury to your employer immediately (written notice is best)
Seek authorized medical care from a provider your employer designates or approves
Document everything—take photos of the accident scene, your injuries, and any safety hazards
Keep copies of all forms you receive from the Division, your employer, or the insurer
2026-Specific Tips
Verify any DOWC correspondence uses the new Denver address (707 17th St., Suite 2300)
Check that mileage is reimbursed at $0.63 per mile for 2026 dates of service
Confirm your employer and insurer are using current form versions
Be cautious of any unsolicited calls or messages asking for money to “unlock” benefits
When to Contact an Attorney
Contact Johnston Law Firm early in the process—before you:
Sign any settlement forms
Agree to a Division Independent Medical Examination (DIME)
Accept a denial of benefits
Miss a filing deadline
Getting legal help early allows us to shape your claim strategy around 2026 rules from the start, ensuring you don’t waive important rights or miss opportunities to challenge adverse action by insurers.
Ready to protect your claim? Call (719) 309-9484 or message us online for a free consultation about any Colorado work injury in 2026.
Free Consultation: Get Answers About Colorado Workers’ Comp Law Changes in 2026
Navigating Colorado’s workers’ compensation system is challenging—especially with all the changes taking effect in 2026. You deserve answers about how these updates affect your specific situation.
What You Get
When you contact Johnston Law Firm for a free consultation, you’ll:
Speak directly with an attorney knowledgeable about Colorado’s 2025–2026 workers’ comp reforms
Get personalized advice on how the new rules impact your claim
Learn whether you’re being paid correctly under the 2026 mileage and fee schedule rates
Understand your options if your claim has been denied or delayed
There is no obligation to hire the firm after talking. We’re here to help you understand your rights.
Who Should Reach Out
We welcome calls from:
Injured workers anywhere in Colorado
Family members and dependents dealing with work-related injuries or fatalities
Workers unsure whether they’re receiving correct workers compensation care
Anyone who received a suspicious communication claiming to be from the Division
Contact Johnston Law Firm Today
Call Johnston Law Firm, LLC at (719) 309-9484 now to schedule your free consultation.
Or message us online to get started.
Whether you’re in Pueblo, Canon City, La Junta, Trinidad, Walsenburg, or anywhere else in Colorado, you don’t have to face the evolving workers’ compensation system alone. Johnston Law Firm is ready to help you use the 2026 rules to protect your health, your income, and your future.