Which of the following must be reported by private carriers and self-insured employers?

The requirement for private carriers and self-insured employers to report claims to the Commissioner is a fundamental aspect of the workers' compensation system in West Virginia. Reporting to the Commissioner ensures that there is accurate tracking and oversight of claims made by workers. This accountability helps the state monitor the effectiveness of the workers' compensation system, facilitates compliance with regulations, and allows for the collection of relevant data that can be used to improve policies and understand trends in workplace injuries.

In West Virginia, the Commissioner supports the administration of the workers' compensation program, which includes not only tracking payments and claims but also managing funds and ensuring that injured workers receive the appropriate benefits. Timely reporting of claims is essential to uphold the integrity of the system and to facilitate necessary interventions when needed.

The other options involve reporting to different entities or for different purposes that do not directly relate to the requirement for workers' compensation claims oversight by the Commissioner. Claims to local governments or injury statistics to the media may not necessarily be mandated as part of the reporting process for workers' compensation. Annual financial reports could be important for broader financial accountability but are not specifically related to claims reporting in the context of workers' compensation. Therefore, the obligation to report claims to the Commissioner is the correct and most relevant choice.