Group Rating

GROUP RATING
for Workers Compensation

In this Section:

Potential Savings
Apply for a Savings Estimate
Application Timeline
Frequently Asked Questions
Accountability Letter

The Chamber's group rating participants are projected to save over $2,430 on average in 2010. We have 115 member companies in the program, and last year they saved a grand total of $270,296 on their workers comp premiums. One member alone saved $16,296!

The Chamber partners with CareWorks Consultants, Inc. (CCI) to offer this group rating program because they help employers achieve the highest group rating discount possible. They analyze each employer's unique claim and premium history to find the highest level of savings - from the BWC maximum to a smaller savings for companies with claims. Joining a group rating program is the single best way for an Ohio employer to significantly lower their workers' compensation premiums.

Even if you are in another group you should compare rates...and remember, as your local Chamber we want to serve you so please give this program your consideration.

Application Timeline

Now is the time to begin making plans to join the Chamber's group rating plan for workers' compensation. As you can see from the timeline below, you can submit a request for a premium estimate between now and the end of the year. Here is the link to the online form (called an AC-3) to request a premium estimate. There is no cost or obligation related to this step in the process. You will then receive an estimate of your savings from joining the group and can make a decision about participating.

June 2010 to February 2011
Obtain Temporary Authorization to review BWC records for group eligibility (AC-3) and forward to CCI, the chamber group's third party administrator.
October 2010 to February 2011
Group rating enrollment packets (AC-26) sent to clients who qualify.
February 11, 2011
Deadline to return group rating application (AC-3) to CCI.
February 25, 2011
Deadline to return enrollment packets (AC-26) to CCI for clients who qualify.
July 1, 2011 to June 30, 2012
Your workers' compensation group rating period begins.

Group rating allows companies in a similar industry to "group" their workers' compensation claims history together. By grouping companies with few or no claims, all businesses enrolled in the group can earn up to the BWC maximum discount on their premium.
Why should I join a group rating program?
Group rating enables companies to save significantly on workers' compensation premiums, up to the BWC maximum available discount. All programs have a sponsor organization, such as a trade association or chamber of commerce. Each program offers its own savings rate. You could potentially save significantly more with a CCI group program compared to other available programs.
How is coverage provided under a Group Rating Program?
Coverage is still provided by the Ohio Bureau of Workers' Compensation (BWC). Each participating employer maintains their own policy number and premium payments continue to be made to BWC.
Can you only enroll once a year, and is this true of all groups?
Yes, BWC regulations dictate this. Quotes are provided throughout the Fall with final actual enrollment taking place in February. We are currently accepting applications for the BWC plan year July 1, 2011 through June 30, 2012.
Is there a cost to participate in the program?
Each member is charged an administrative fee to be in the program. By enrolling in a group rating program, you also receive cost control services provided by plan administrator CareWorks Consultants, Inc. (CCI). Details of the administrative fee will be provided along with the proposal. Also, you MUST be a paid member of the sponsoring organization.
If I am uncertain whether my company will qualify, should I apply?
Yes, each year BWC assigns each employer new rates based on their payroll and experience. A company who did not previously qualify may now qualify if their claim history has improved.
How will I receive my savings?
Coverage is with BWC and the premium statements from BWC will reflect the group discounted rate. The rate will become effective on July 1, 2010, and your first discounted premium payment will be paid in January 2011.

Each year Ohio employers have the opportunity to participate in BWC’s Group-Experience-Rating Program or Group-Retrospective-Rating Program. While these programs are not required, they do provide you with an opportunity to significantly reduce your workers’ compensation premiums, while increasing your awareness of safety and risk-management strategies.

Workplace safety is an important component of these programs. To succeed in accident prevention, we encourage you to use the many resources available to you. We believe a group-rating program is a partnership that includes you and your employees, your sponsoring organization or third-party administrator (TPA) and BWC. Each has specific roles and responsibilities, all designed to assist in preventing workplace accidents. This letter outlines the safety services expectations you should have as an employer enrolled in a group-rating program.

· Implement BWC’s 10-Step Business Plan for Safety and use available safety services as needed;

· Attend the required two-hour training and provide proof of attendance to sponsor for claim(s)

· Communicate, educate and verify BWC’s 10-Step Business Plan for Safety to group members;

· Sponsor eight hours of safety training (this may be done at one time or may be provided incrementally as long as the total is at least eight hours);

· Manage employer fulfillment of the two-hour training requirement, where applicable;

· Assist sponsoring organizations with fulfilling the group-rating safety requirements;

· Work in conjunction with sponsors to develop safety training and deliver safety resources;

· Meet at least annually with sponsoring organizations to provide recommendations for fulfilling safety requirements;

· Provide safety training through Ohio’s Center for Occupational Safety & Health;

· Offer on-site safety consultation (hazard assessments, air and noise monitoring, ergonomics evaluation, training) by a BWC safety professional;

· Conduct employer visits to confirm the employer is meeting group-rating requirements, when appropriate.

The goal of this collaborative effort is to make sure all your safety needs are met. Using these resources will assist you in preventing accidents, reducing claims costs and achieving the highest discounts possible. Below you’ll find contact information for various resources.