CompQuotes | Winter 2026

Agent Online update: New pending cancel flag

Starting in early January, we implemented an enhancement to the book of business information in the agent online portal. Policies with a pending cancellation status will be marked with a red flag for easy identification. As a reminder, you can also sort columns in the Book of Business tab by pending cancellation status, alphabetical order, renewal date, policy number, or premium.

We will continue improving the agent online experience throughout 2026. If you have questions, please contact your agency marketing specialist, Erika Meier, Tami Coxen, or Tina Fowler.

Underwriting training series returns in 2026

Due to popular demand, SAIF is bringing back the underwriting training series. Previously offered as in-person sessions over several days, the series has been redesigned to modern preferences for virtual learning. We are excited to launch it as shorter, one- to two-hour online segments in a series. 

The first session, "Workers’ Compensation Basics," is scheduled for February 24 and will be repeated on March 5. This is an excellent learning opportunity for new workers’ compensation professionals and those seeking to expand their existing knowledge base.  

The underwriting series training courses are available to SAIF-appointed agents and will provide continuing education credits at no cost to your agency. As courses are approved and open for registration, we will post them on our Agent Trainings page on saif.com. 

If you have questions or have feedback, please contact your agency marketing specialist, Erika Meier, Tami Coxen, or Tina Fowler.

2026 Legislative update

The 2026 short legislative session is right around the corner. It begins in early February and will run for five weeks. A primary focus for lawmakers will be balancing the state budget, which is currently projected to face a shortfall.

As in every session, several workers’ compensation proposals are expected. All proposed changes will be reviewed by the Management Labor Advisory Committee (MLAC), which will make recommendations to legislative committees on whether to advance or amend them.

Anticipated proposals include removing treatment limitations for nurse practitioners, physician associates, chiropractors, and naturopathic physicians. Additionally, an MLAC subcommittee developed a proposal that increases time-loss payments for injured workers by adjusting the time-loss rate calculation. OHSU’s Institute of Occupational Health Sciences will request increased funding from the Workers’ Benefit Fund. We also anticipate that other workers’ compensation proposals will emerge as we approach February.

As always, SAIF will work with stakeholders, legislators, and members to support a balanced, fair, and accessible workers’ compensation system in Oregon—one that remains widely available and affordable for policyholders.

Card processing fees coming in 2026

SAIF will begin applying card processing fees to policyholder payments made by card later in 2026. We have officially launched this project and are working with our payment platform vendor to finalize details.

Additional information will be provided in our Spring 2026 newsletter. If you have questions or need assistance, please contact your agency marketing specialist: Erika Meier, Tami Coxen, or Tina Fowler.

Is your agent online user profile information up to date?

In preparation for enhancements to the agent portal in 2026, we kindly request that agents review the information in their agent online user profile for accuracy.

You can view and update your profile by going to Profile Settings in Agent Online.  If you have any questions, please contact Marilyn Cyphers.

Save the date for the 2026 Workers’ Comp Seminar

The annual Workers’ Comp Seminar for agents is scheduled for April 2, 2026, at the Salem Holiday Inn. Watch for registration details in your inbox this February.