BWC keeps employers, stakeholders and other interested parties up to date on changes and proposed changes to Ohio’s
group-rating program using a variety of communications tools and methods.
The following are links to correspondence pieces, press releases and legislative testimony designed to keep the
public informed about Ohio’s group-rating program. Links will be added to this page as new materials become available.
Press release regarding long-term plan to reform BWC premium rates – Sent to newspapers
and media outlets throughout Ohio, this press release provided information on the BWC Board of Directors' approval of a long-term plan
to transition to a new split-experience rating plan. It also addresses the board's plan to reduce the maximum discount for group rating
from 85 percent to 77 percent beginning July 1, 2009. Sent June 27, 2008
2008 credibility table – This item illustrates the 2008
credibility table reflecting the BWC Board of Directors' decision to reduce the maximum credibility for Ohio's
group-rating program to 85 percent, effective July 1, 2008. Sent Nov. 26, 2007
Notice to group sponsors and TPAs on the credibility reduction to 85 percent – This
letter, sent to group sponsors and third-party administrators provides notice on the BWC Board of Directors' decision to
reduce the maximum credibility for Ohio's group-rating program, effective July 1, 2008. Sent Nov. 21, 2007
Press release regarding reduction of group-rating discount to 85 percent – Sent to newspapers
and media outlets throughout Ohio, this press release provided information on the BWC Board of Directors' decision
to reduce the group-rating discount from 90 percent to 85 percent effective July 1, 2008. Released Nov. 21, 2007
Press release regarding group-rating public forum – Sent to newspapers
and media outlets throughout Ohio, this press release provided information on the Nov. 14, 2007, public forum on Ohio's
group-rating program. The public forum was hosted by the BWC Board of Directors' Actuary Committee. Released Nov. 14, 2007
Press release announcing plans for public forum on group rating - Sent to newspapers
and media outlets throughout Ohio, and posted to BWC's Web site, this press release provided the latest information on
the BWC Board of Directors' Actuary Committee's plans to host a public forum regarding group rating on Nov. 14, 2007. The
release also included a Public Participation Form to be completed by persons interested in addressing group rating
during the forum. Released Nov. 1, 2007
Press release regarding BWC Board of Directors' action - Sent to newspapers
and media outlets throughout Ohio, this press release provided information on the BWC Board of Directors’ discussion of
proposed changes to group rating at its Oct. 26, 2007, meeting. It also announced the Board's plans to host a public
forum regarding group rating on Nov. 14, 2007. Released Oct. 26, 2007
Second notice to group-rating sponsors - This letter, sent to
group sponsors, further explains BWC's decision to propose lowering the maximum discount to no less than 80
percent. Sent Oct. 24, 2007
Consumer advisory to Safety Council Discount Program participants – This letter,
sent to employers participating in BWC's Safety Council Discount Program, informs these employers of the BWC Board of
Directors’ recommendation to reduce the discount to no less than 80 percent for the policy year beginning July 1, 2008. It also
advises employers of the potential for adverse fluctuations in premium rates if the employer is removed from a
group-rating program. Sent Oct. 23, 2007
Safety council leader letter – This letter, sent to the leadership
of all Ohio Safety Councils, informs them that members of safety councils have received correspondence advising them of
the BWC Board of Directors' recommendation to reduce the discount to no less than 80 percent for the policy year
beginning July 1, 2008. Sent Oct. 23, 2007
Consumer advisory to employers – This letter, sent to Ohio employers, informs employers of the BWC Board of Directors’
recommendation to reduce the discount to no less than 80 percent for the policy year beginning July 1, 2008. It also
advises employers of the potential for adverse fluctuations in premium rates if the employer is removed from a
group-rating program. Sent Oct. 18, 2007
Letter to the General Assembly – This
letter, sent to all Ohio General Assembly members, informs lawmakers of the potential
improvements to the group rating program. It also outlines additional long-term changes
that BWC is considering including transitioning to a new, nationally tested experience-rating
system known as NCCI, strengthening the rules that govern the group-rating program, and
aligning the maximum discount to an actuarial sound level over a period of time. Sent Oct. 9, 2007
Notice to group-rating program sponsors – This letter informs group-rating sponsors of the BWC Board of Directors’
recommendation to reduce the discount to no less than 80 percent for the policy year beginning July 1, 2008. It also
explains the rationale for the recommendation and the potential benefits it can have for Ohio employers and the state’s
workers’ compensation system. Sent Oct. 2, 2007
Testimony to the Ohio House Insurance
Committee – On Oct. 2, 2007, BWC Administrator Marsha Ryan delivered testimony to the
House Insurance Committee providing an overview of BWC's operational goals and improvements.
Press release regarding BWC Board of Directors' action – Sent to newspapers
and media outlets throughout Ohio, this press release provided information on the BWC Board of Directors’ recommendation
to reduce the discount to no less than 80 percent for the policy year beginning July 1, 2008. Released Sept. 27, 2007
