Workers' Compensation

COHHIO WORKERS’ COMPENSATION UPDATE

Lower Your Premium with a COHHIO/Frank Gates Group Rating Plan
Eligible COHHIO members will begin receiving BWC group rating information in June 2010 for the July 2011-June 2012 rating period.  COHHIO recommends Frank Gates/Avizent as their only group rating TPA/administrator.  By enrolling with the COHHIO/Frank Gates Group plan and not another group, you will receive the highest premium discounts possible, Frank Gates will provide additional cost control services and you will support the mission of COHHIO.  Stay loyal to COHHIO and join the COHHIO/Frank Gates Group for July 2011!

New BWC Drug-Free Safety Program (DFSP) Available July 1, 2010
BWC has approved a new drug-free program available to COHHIO members beginning July 1, 2010 that offers premium discounts between 3-7%.  Companies that are in Group Rating or used up their previous eligibility in the drug-free workplace program are able to enroll in this program and obtain the discount.  There is no limit to the number of years of participation in this new program.  The application deadline to enroll in the July 1 DFSP is June 30, 2010 and the deadline to enroll in the January 1, 2011 DFSP is October 29, 2010.  Frank Gates works with a nationally recognized drug-free provider that can assist with every program requirement including employee and supervisor training and related drug testing so you do not have to worry about anything.  All at DFSP Made Simple package pricing.

BWC Required 2 Hour Safety Training for July 1, 2010
COHHIO members participating in the Group Rating Program for July 1, 2010 who had a claim in 2009 or 2008 are required to attend a 2 Hour Safety Training conducted by the group sponsor or Frank Gates.  The 2 Hour Training must be attended between 7/1/2010-6/30/2011.  BWC is requiring the group sponsor and Frank Gates to inform them who does not meet this training which could impact your ability to participate in the Group Rating Program in the future.  COHHIO and Frank Gates will be contacting those members who are required to attend and indicate the training options available.

BWC’s 10-Step Business Plan for Safety
COHHIO members in the COHHIO/Frank Gates Group Plan and those not in group are encouraged to implement BWC’s 10-Step Business Plan for Safety.  The steps are 1. Visible active senior management leadership. 2. Employee involvement and recognition. 3. Medical treatment and return to work practices. 4. Communications. 5. Timely notification of claims. 6. Safety and health process coordination and employer education <Step 6> . 7. A written orientation and employee training plan <Step 7> . 8. Written and communicated safe work practices <Step 8> . 9. Written safety and health statement or philosophy <Step 9> . 10. Recordkeeping and data analysis <Step 10> . Details of these steps that can prevent claims from occurring and minimize the costs of those that due can be found on BWC’s website (ohiobwc.com) or can be obtained from Frank Gates.  Protect your employees and control your workers’ compensation costs by putting these safety steps in place today.

To learn more about the COHHIO/Frank Gates Group Rating Program, or to request assistance with any workers’ compensation issues, please contact your Frank Gates Representative, Todd Spence, Director of Ohio State Fund Operations at 800-777-4283 ext. 27696 or tspence@frankgates.com.

Workers' Compensation Group Rating Q & A

Workers' comp premium rates are constantly increasing. Dividends are never guaranteed, and their absence in the most recent billing cycle should emphasize the value gained by joining COHHIO's group rating program. As a member of our group, you could receive discounts of 17 percent to 90 percent off 2007 premiums, regardless of decisions made on next year's dividends. The signups for 2007 are approaching, and now is the time to consider your options. Use the following questions and answers as a guide when making your choice.

Q: How can I reduce my workers' compensation premium?
A: The best way to ensure you pay the lowest premiums possible is to join the COHHIO group rating program. Group rating allows employers in the same or similar industry with good safety and claims records to "group" their claims experience and enjoy premium discounts of up to 90 percent. COHHIO's group offers consistently low premiums and savings estimates you can rely on. Our program is administered by The Frank Gates Service Company.

Q: Are all workers' compensation group rating programs alike?
A: No. Hundreds of group rating plans are offered throughout Ohio by many different sponsoring organizations. Each group offers its own savings rates. For 2007, participants can save a maximum of 90 percent on their workers' compensation premium. Even if you are currently enrolled in a group, it pays to compare. You could potentially save thousands more with the COHHIO group rating program. Our members pay no extra association dues to join!

Q: Is there a cost to participate in the program?
A: Each member is charged an administrative fee to be in the program, and must be a paid member of the organization sponsoring the group. By enrolling in our group rating plan, you are also hiring Frank Gates, who will provide expert claims cost control services as your plan administrator. Details of the administrative fee will be provided along with your group savings proposal, but the average member's savings far outweigh their costs. For the 2006 rating year, Frank Gates program members saved an average of $13.57 for every $1 invested in the group rating.

Q: Can you only enroll once a year? Is this true for all groups?
A: Yes. Frank Gates provides savings quotes throughout the fall, and the final Ohio Bureau of Workers' Compensation enrollment date for private employers is the last business day in February.

Q: If I am uncertain whether my company would qualify for the plan, should I apply?
A: Yes. Each year the Bureau assigns new rates based on an employer's payroll and experience. A company that did not previously qualify due to a penalty rating may qualify if its experience improves.

Q: How can I join the COHHIO Group Rating Program?
A: Employers have to apply to join a group program each year. An analysis of your claims loss experience determines if you are eligible for group rating and, if so, how much you could save. For a free, no-obligation group rating savings estimate, call 1-800-395-4119 or visit www.frankgatesgroups.com and submit a savings estimate authorization form (AC-3) online. You may also print a COHHIO AC-3 from the site and mail or fax it to Frank Gates.

 

 

Take advantage of this benefit available to you as a COHHIO member! To request your free, no-obligation savings estimate, call 1-800-395-4119 or visit www.frankgatesgroups.com and submit an online AC-3 today. If you have any questions, please contact Todd L. Spence with Frank Gates at 1-800-777-4283, ext. 27696 or email tspence@frankgates.com.