Across the country, every business continues to look for ways to save money and reduce operational expenses in order to reinvest in their people, technology and other business practices. Workers’ compensation premiums are one operational expense that may be reduced if your organization has implemented safe work practices and adopted claims management best practice techniques.
“If you are an employer in Ohio, there are many solutions available to you for discounted workers’ compensation premium. Group Rating remains one of the best programs available as a solution for your company with high discounts and program compatibility options,” says John Logue, vice president at CompManagement, Inc.
Smart Business spoke with Logue about why every employer in Ohio should review options for workers’ compensation discounts regardless of size.
What is Group Rating and why should my organization participate?
The Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation (BWC) designed Group Rating in the early 1990s as an incentive program for those employers who establish and maintain safe working conditions. Employers with a better-than-average safety record and little if any claim costs pay at or below the base premium rates established by the BWC. The BWC looks at the group of employers and adjusts the rates as if the group was one big company, thus potentially giving employers much lower premium rates than they could attain on their own. Discounts typically range between 15 percent and the maximum discount available from BWC, which for policy year 2013 is 53 percent for private employers.
How are groups formed?
Third-party administrators (TPAs) that represent sponsoring organizations, such as trade associations and chambers of commerce, review an employer’s experience (current year and past four years). Once the employer has signed a Temporary Authorization to review their information, the TPA will review both the employer’s claim costs and payroll. Group participation is a year-to-year enrollment. If the employer’s experience meets the sponsor’s guidelines for the policy year, then they are invited to participate in the program. Many employers are already members of trade associations or chambers of commerce in their community, so it is worthwhile to investigate whether or not it includes this member benefit.
If eligible for Group Rating, what other programs should my organization consider?
While participating in Group Rating, an employer may also earn additional discounts through Destination Excellence, Drug Free Safety Program and Safety Council, to name a few. Some of these programs include elements of things companies are already doing today, such as making payments online, paying on time, being active in local safety councils and reducing the frequency/severity of claims, and establishing drug-free workplace policies. An employer should contact the group sponsor’s program administrator to evaluate the multiple options and discount percentages allowed, as well as be informed of the different eligibility requirements and expectations to be met for continued participation in the programs.
How is the group savings projection calculated?
Group savings will differ between sponsor programs with those with larger groups offering more stability and accuracy in projected savings. It is very important to make sure that your organization provides the most current payroll information and any future budget impacts when comparing quotes between sponsoring organizations, as payroll, claim costs and industry are major factors in determining the premium for your organization.
An example of the potential savings for a mid-sized service company:
• Payroll — $3,990,000
• Individual discount — 16 percent
• Individual premium — $14,683
• Group discount — 53 percent
• Group premium — $9,632
• Group savings — $5,051
John Logue is vice president at CompManagement, Inc. Reach him at (800) 825-6755, ext 6574 or [email protected].
Save the date: Group Rating enrollment for private employers ends Feb. 28 for the 2013 policy year
