Blog
Letters Regarding 2018 Group Retro Refunds
You may have received, or will soon receive a letter from Ohio BWC stating that they are “unable to approve your request” to issue premium refunds based on 2018 Group Retrospective Rating. To recap, BWC chose to withhold 2018 Group Retro refunds from Ohio employers in light of the large dividend that was released to employers in 2020. Spooner appealed that decision on behalf of our clients with the intent of getting those Group Retro refunds paid out to participating employers, like your business. Spooner has maintained our stance and our fight over the last three years as the hearings and appeals process has continued to play out.
Why did we receive this letter?
These letters are a response to the protests we filed on behalf of Spooner clients who participated in 2018 Group Retro. We filed these requests to preserve our appeal rights, should we continue to be successful with the legal action that is now before the Court of Common Pleas. We have concerns that if we prevail in the legal proceedings, BWC may attempt to pay only the lead plaintiff in the case, as opposed to all Group Retro members.
Why now?
The final snapshot to determine refunds for the 2018 group retro program was on June 30, 2022. We filed the appeals at the end of June 2024 to comply with the two-year statute for filing protests with BWC.
What should we do now?
There is nothing that employers need to do at this time. If it becomes apparent that action is needed on the part of employers, our team will be in contact.
If you have additional questions about this letter or Spooner’s fight to get Ohio employers their Group Retro refunds, please reach out to your Client Services Manager or contact us at clientservices@spoonerinc.net.
BWC's Risk Management Essentials Program
Posted By Brandy King
April 25, 2025
Category: General
Ohio BWC recently announced a new rebate program called Risk Management Essentials (RME). If your company enrolls and meets the requirements, this program could help your business earn additional premium savings of 5% of your annual premium, up to a maximum of $25,000. Both private and public employers who are NOT enrolled in Group Rating or Group Retro can participate in the RME. The policyholder must complete the existing requirements of BWC’s Safety Council Program (attending at least 10 of 12 meetings during the policy year), plus an additional six hours of safety and claims management education provided by the program sponsor. Spooner plans on sponsoring this pilot program so we can offer another option to our clients who don’t qualify for group savings programs. The training must be conducted in-person or virtually in real-time. Other training sessions, like pre-recorded webinars or videos, will not qualify for program credit. In addition, your policy must be in good standing – no lapses over 40 days, current on premium payments, and the most recent True Up completed (and any associated balance paid). Employers will enroll in RME via their third-party administrator, who then submit the applications to BWC by the last business day in May. If you’re a Spooner Inc. client, we’ll notify you if this program could be beneficial for your company in the upcoming 2025 policy year. In the meantime, feel free to reach out to your Client Serv
2025 MCO Open Enrollment is Approaching!
Posted By Brandy King
April 23, 2025
Category: Mco, Ohio Bwc, Mco Open Enrollment, Managed Care Organization, 2025 Open Enrollment
MCO Open Enrollment will take place Monday, April 28 Friday, May 23, 2025. The opportunity for employers to choose their managed care organization (MCO) for Ohio Workers’ Comp comes only every two years, so employers will not have the opportunity again until 2027. Don’t miss out if you want to make a change! We know May is “busy season” for several industries with the weather warming up, but if you’re anything less than pleased with your MCO – it’s worth making time to take a few meetings and consider your options. With all of the mergers and acquisitions in the Ohio MCO marketplace over the last several years, there are now only nine companies to choose from. Since MCOs aren’t paid directly by employers, there are often low expectations set because no “value” is assigned. It’s true that MCOs are paid by Ohio BWC, but they are paid with a portion of employer premium dollars. Mismanaged claims can also cost you in the long run when those costs enter the experience and impact your premiums. If you want to stay with your current MCO, there is nothing you need to do. We suggest being very cautious of what you sign or agree to during this time period, as some sales tactics can be misleading. You can view BWC’s 2025 MCO Report Card here, and learn more about how to interpret the results
Important BWC Dates to Remember
Posted By Brandy King
February 19, 2025
Category: Ohio Bwc, Ohio Safety Congress, Self Insured Assessment, Dfsp, Drug Free Safety Program, Cirp, Claim Impact Reduction, One Claim Program
Employers participating in Ohio BWC’s Drug-Free Safety Program (Basic or Advanced) or a Comparable Program will need to submit their required reports by March 31. The report and instructions for Basic and Advanced participants can be found online here, and the report and instructions for Comparable-Level participants can be found online here. Your report also serves as an application for the next program year. If you have additional questions or concerns about this reporting, or need a resource for training, please reach out to your Client Services Manager at Spooner Inc., or email clientservices@spoonerinc.net. If your policy is enrolled in the Claim Impact Reduction Program (CIRP, formerly known as the One Claim Program), you will need to complete the required training by March 31. A representative from your company must attend a half day class or three hour online class offered by BWC’s Division of Safety & Hygiene. This PDF has additional details about CIRP that first-year participants may find helpful. For self-insured employers, annual self-insured assessments are due February 28th. Ohio Safety Congress registration recently opened as well. This three day educational event is free to attend for employers with an active Ohio BWC policy. The Expo Marketplace will be open Wednesday and Thursday, and we encourage you to come visit us in booth 129! You can register for Ohio Safety Congress
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28605 Ranney Parkway
Westlake, Ohio 44145
Phone: 440-249-5260 ext. 153
Hours: 8AM to 5PM
