According to the National Academy of Social Insurance’s annual workers’ compensation report (released today), Washington has the nation’s highest benefits costs yet again.

For 2013 (the data covered in this report), Washington’s benefits costs per covered worker were $826.94 (a slight decline over 2012). Alaska is the next highest ($808.43), followed by California ($799.25).

When you look at benefits costs as a percent of covered workers wages, Washington ranks fifth (1.57 percent), behind West Virginia, Alaska, Montana and Wyoming. Last year Washington ranked third (1.63 percent) by this measure.

Benefits costs are the best indicator of Washington’s workers’ compensation system costs, as we’ve explained here and here.

[Updated 8/17 to fix typo.]