News and Updates
Category: MCO Open Enrollment
2025 MCO Open Enrollment is Approaching!
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
MCO Open Enrollment is Here!
Many of you know that every two years in May, MCO Open Enrollment occurs. This is the time that Ohio employers can choose the Managed Care Organization (MCO) they’ll work with for the next two years, and beyond. If you’re reading this and Spooner Medical Administrators, Inc. (SMAI) isn’t your MCO, now’s the time to move on possibly the best business decision you’ll make this year. Especially if you work with Spooner Inc. as your TPA, having SMAI as your MCO really opens the lines of communication between both parties. SMAI's team is ready to schedule a call, Zoom, or in-person meeting with you anytime through May 26. Click here to send them a message, or give them a call. Remember, MCO Open Enrollment only comes around every two years and only lasts four weeks. If you’re on the fence, it may be time to take a chance. Switching MCOs costs nothing, but when claims are managed poorly from a medical perspective - you’ll feel the sting down the road in your BWC premiums. Additionally, bi-weekly management calls and customizable reports can help you feel like you’re never out of the loop with what’s happening in your claims. Speaking of staying informed - SMAI's proprietary web-based software allows you create and run customized reports 24/7, report a claim at any hour, search in-network providers, and even create multiple company logins with different restrictions and a
MCO Open Enrollment Scheduled for May
2021 Open Enrollment for Managed Care Organizations (MCO) MCO Open Enrollment will take place beginning Monday, May 3rd, and end on Friday, May 28th. While we’re used to seeing MCO Open Enrollment scheduled in May of every even-numbered year – the enrollment period was canceled in May 2020 due to COVID-19. This enrollment comes only every two years, so employers have not had an opportunity to choose an MCO since May 2018, and will not have the opportunity again until 2023. Don’t miss out if you want to make a change! Please email Brian Davis if you have any questions. Brian can be reached at
