Worker's Comp Group Programs

 

Sedgwick is OASBO's third party administrator for workers’ and unemployment compensation and is recognized as the industry leader. Founded in Ohio in 1984, Sedgwick is a privately held organization with headquarters in Dublin and serves the Ohio community on a statewide basis. Offices are located in Dublin, Canton, Cleveland, Cincinnati, Toledo and Youngstown.

Services include claims management, cost containment strategies, client education, coordination of ancillary services, safety consultation, customized reporting, industrial commission hearing representation, manual classification review and premium savings opportunities.

Workers' Compensation
As a state funded employer, it is recommended that your district annually review the alternative rating/premium discount programs available through the Ohio SchoolComp program which is administered by Sedgwick. Ohio SchoolComp is a comprehensive program of OASBO and OSBA designed to meet the risk management needs of Ohio’s public school districts.

OASBO members may utilize the expertise of Sedgwicks colleagues, to review your WC policy and determine the programs that may garner the most savings while keeping in mind your risk tolerance. Programs include:

Group Rating enables small to medium-size districts with better than average claim histories to combine claim expenses and rate calculations to take advantage of premium savings currently reserved for larger districts. By participating in group rating, districts enjoy a much lower premium than could be attained on their own. Savings generally range from 15 percent to the maximum discount allowed by the Ohio BWC each year. Since 1991, Sedgwick's group sponsors have saved Ohio’s employers over $2.3 billion in workers’ compensation premiums.

Group Retrospective Rating is an alternative rating program to assist districts with controlling and reducing their workers’ compensation premium.  The program is designed to reward participants that are able to keep their claim costs below a predetermined amount. Districts join together as a group; however each continues to pay their own individual premium to the BWC. At the end of each of the three evaluation periods, each district has an opportunity to receive retrospective premium adjustments based on the combined performance of the group. School districts, who are committed to improving workplace safety and accident prevention in order to reduce the frequency and severity of accidents involving their employees, should investigate this program further.

Other Alternative Rating Programs
Sedgwick also encourages all members to look at program discount/rebate stacking options when participating in either Group Rating or Group Retrospective Rating. When participating in Group Rating, consider adding on Drug Free Safety (4-7 percent), Industry Specific Safety (3 percent), Transitional Work (up to 10 percent bonus) and Safety Council performance rebate (2 percent). Group Retrospective Rating participants should consider stacking on the Safety Council participation rebate (2 percent). Whether participating in Group Rating or Group Retrospective Rating, additional discounts can be added such as Lapse Free (1 percent) and Go Green (1 percent).

To explore your options, click here for a free, no-obligation analysis or contact Sedgwick’s Customer Support Unit at (800) 825-6755, option 3.

Member Benefits: Unemployment Compensation Program
Unemployment compensation services include account management, program administration, claims administration, development of client personnel procedures as related to unemployment compensation, training and education, benefit charge audits, tax rate calculations including common rate programs, voluntary payments, corporate changes as they affect tax exposure and hearing representation before the Unemployment Compensation Review Commission of Ohio.

OASBO members participating in the Ohio SchoolComp group rating or group retrospective rating programs for workers’ compensation have access to Sedgwick’s unemployment compensation team of professionals at no additional charge.
 
In one year, American businesses overpaid $3.5 billion in unemployment compensation – with the average company paying out over 10% more than they needed to do.  Through Sedgwick’s parent company, Sedgwick, your district can stop overpaying and start saving.  After handling unemployment claims for nearly 35 years, you can be assured the highest level of service and results.  With our experienced team on your side (averaging over 20 years in handling unemployment compensation claims), we can help you meet statutory requirements and minimize unsubstantiated claims.
 
Whether you currently handle unemployment claims in-house or outsource to a payroll company or other provider, you could gain substantial benefits from switching to Sedgwick:

• Reduced overpayments
• Lower operating costs
• Higher level of professional, personal service
• Maximized accuracy and efficiency

**An attorney should be contacted for advice on or review of the contract associated with a Benchmark Program**