Group Rating Q & A

1. What is Group Rating?
2. How is workers’ compensation coverage provided under a group rating program?
3. How can I receive a free, no-obligation savings quote?
4. When will I receive my free, no-obligation quote?
5. How much will I save?
6. If I enroll, when will I begin to see the group discounts?
7. How do I enroll?
8. What if my organization is already in another group?
9. What additional benefits can I receive by enrolling in your Group Rating program?
10. How much does it cost to participate in Group Rating?
11. I have an MCO so why should I join a group?
12. What is the timeline for group rating?
13. Why is CompManagement, Inc., a Sedgwick CMS Company, my best choice for group rating?

1. What is Group Rating?
Group Rating is a program offered through the Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation (BWC) which permits employers with better-than-average claim histories to join together, through a sponsoring organization for the purpose of being rated as a larger group. By participating in group rating, employers enjoy much lower premium than they could otherwise attain on their own.

Over 90,000 employers in Ohio have joined a group rating plan and enjoy tremendous reductions in their workers’ compensation premiums.

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2. How is workers’ compensation coverage provided under a group rating program?
Coverage is still provided by the Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation (BWC). Payroll reports still come directly from, and are payable to, the BWC.

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3. How can I receive a free, no-obligation savings quote?
An AC-3 application form (Temporary Authorization) needs to be completed. Once the AC-3 is submitted to our office, we will request your organization's payroll & claim information from the Ohio Bureau of Workers' Compensation (BWC). Once this information is received we will conduct a review to see if your organization is eligible based on BWC eligibility requirements and claim loss criteria.

Completing and returning the AC-3 form does not obligate you in any way to join a group.

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4. When will I receive my free, no-obligation quote?
For private employers that have submitted an AC-3 application (Temporary Authorization) and that are eligible based on BWC eligibility requirements and claim loss criteria, quotes and all enrollment forms are typically mailed in the fall / winter (Sept-Jan), based upon when your AC-3 application was submitted.

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5. How much will I save?
Historically, our groups have realized savings of up to 90% on individual employer premiums. No two group rating plans offer the same savings, and the actual savings that a group enjoys depend on the type of business, final loss figures, enrollment, and reported payroll of participating individual members. Study estimates are based on the most recent claims and payroll information available and are developed conservatively. Because statewide rules dictate that group enrollment must occur four (4) months before the BWC publishes the actual group rate, no group program can guarantee its final savings.

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6. If I enroll, when will I begin to see the group discounts?
Group rates begin with the rating / payroll period of July 1 each year. Since the BWC bills an employer in arrears for the previous six-month period, it will take until February & August of the following year before you will begin to see reduced premiums. See the group rating time line for more information.

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7. How do I enroll?
When you receive your free, no-obligation quote from our office, the necessary enrollment forms will be included. The forms must be completed and received in our office no less than 7 days prior to the BWC's group filing deadline to ensure that your organization is included on the group roster. Paperwork received after that date may not meet the filing deadline, which is the last business day in February. When the deadline is fast approaching, it may be best to fax the forms to our office to avoid any mail delays.

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8. What if my organization is already in another group?
Even if your organization is currently a member of a different group, you can still obtain a comparative analysis from us. However, you may only enroll in one group per year. You are permitted to switch plans on an annual basis by completing an Employer Statement for Group Rating (Form AC-26) for the group you wish to join.

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9. What additional benefits can I receive by enrolling in your Group Rating program?
∙ Cost-effective claims management by experienced professionals
∙ Representation at hearings before the Industrial Commission of Ohio
∙ Rate analysis and review of alternative rating programs, manual classifications, annual premium rates and experience rating
∙ Workers’ compensation education and training through our seminars, newsletters, bulletins, and professional account managers
∙ Online access to safety education and training resources
∙ Access to unemployment compensation consultation
∙ Real-time access to your claim information via the Internet
∙ And more…For more details on the full menu of services available, please contact us at 1-800-825-6755, and select option 3

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10. How much does it cost to participate in Group Rating?
There is no cost or obligation to participate in a group rating review. Should your organization decide to enroll, we offer competitive group administrative fees that include all of our value added services.

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11. I have an MCO so why should I join a group?
Your Managed Care Organization (MCO) provides claims payment and medical management, which will, in the long term help keep your premium in line. However, you should still select a group rating plan, which will significantly reduce the rate you pay for workers’ compensation next year.

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12. What is the timeline for group rating?
∙ March – January: Employer completes and submits AC-3 application (Temporary Authorization to Review Information Form)
∙ July – August: New rates are released by BWC; reviews are completed
∙ September – January: Group savings and enrollment applications are mailed
∙ January 1: Claims management and other services begin
∙ Last business day in February: BWC’s deadline to submit all group enrollment applications. Enrollment information must be received by our office prior to this date for submission to the BWC.
∙ March - June: BWC reviews applicants for final approval (based on eligibility requirements).
∙ July 1: New group payroll rate is effective. Reduced premiums are payable February and August of the following year

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13. Why is CompManagement, Inc., a Sedgwick CMS Company, my best choice for group rating?
∙ We are Ohio’s largest group rating administrator, providing the highest workers’ compensation discounts in the state.
∙ We save you time and money by having multiple service centers - staffed by our claim experts - across the state of Ohio that are ready to handle all of your workers' compensation needs.
∙ Whatever your industry, whatever your claims history, we can help you reduce your workers’ compensation costs.

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