Even though the 2025 BWC policy year is just about to kick off, we’re already preparing to quote 2026-27 policy year Group Rating and Group Retro programs. It can be hard to feel like a savvy buyer when it comes to workers’ comp in Ohio, but Spooner would like to share some pointers for how to understand the timeline and choose the best partner.  

If you’re thinking of changing your partner for Group Rating or Group Retro, DO NOT complete the renewal that your current TPA sends this summer. Employers often don't realize that cutting a check for a renewal in summer of 2025 obligates them to their current TPA through June of 2027. Make sure your accounting team is aware of this, too. We’ve seen too many unhappy customers of other TPAs get trapped this way. 

"Since our business is a member of XYZ Chamber of Commerce or trade association, we have to utilize their partner for workers’ comp programs."  Not the case! The sponsoring organization frames it that way because there’s money on the table. For example, if your business belongs to XYZ Chamber (who happens to be partnered with a specific TPA) and you want to leave that TPA, the Chamber makes less money. Naturally, they want you to stay with their partner, and may even suggest that such a discount isn’t available outside of that partnership. This is patently false. Most TPAs have access to all of the same Group Rating and Group Retro programs for all industries, and the sponsoring organization (like a chamber or trade association) is irrelevant. 

Shop around – but look at more than just annual fees. If it’s not broken, don’t fix it – right?  When was the last time you checked to make sure it’s not broken? How can you be sure you’re getting the most for your money if you don’t know what else is out there? Discount rates and fees are important, but they’re not a measure of a true partner. In Ohio, TPAs holding the key to most discount programs can lead employers to believe that savings via program enrollment is a TPA’s main objective. Program enrollment should be a fraction of their duties. The focus should be on proactive claims and litigation management, followed closely by keeping clients educated. Some TPAs love it when Ohio businesses manage their own claims without realizing they’ve paid a TPA to do so. You do the work, they file some forms on your behalf, and they keep cashing your checks. 

Isn’t Group Rating always the best option if your policy qualifies for it? Not necessarily, especially with the way certain calculations have changed over the last two years. If you’re auto-enrolled in Group Rating every year by your TPA, ask questions about what other programs might be more cost effective.  Program selection is a year-to-year decision that shouldn’t be taken lightly, and a TPA should not be making that decision for you by simply not discussing other programs. If you’re unimpressed by Group Rating or Group Retro, maybe it’s time to look at alternatives like a PEO. 

Is Spooner a TPA?  On paper, sure. Do we consider other TPAs our competition? No. We work hard to be able to consider ourselves more than just a TPA, and more of a consulting firm. Our goal isn’t to file paperwork for a savings program and leave our clients to manage their own claims.  Spooner’s family of companies wants to put your business in the best possible position to succeed by being a true partner in your workers’ comp program. We’d love to provide an in-depth analysis of your workers’ comp policy and claims at no cost, along with quotes for all 2026-27 policy year programs. You can start that process by filling out a temporary authorization on our website, and one of our consultants will reach out to you right away.