The Ohio Bureau of Workers Compensation has proposed an economic development initiative that could discount a new Ohio employer’s premium by as much as 51 percent. If approved by the BWC Board of Directors, Grow Ohio would offer eligible employers a 25 percent discount on their workers compensation premiums for two years. Or they give them immediate access to participation in the Group Experience Rating Program.
“Employers have many factors to consider when choosing a location, and the costs of conducting business, including workers compensation, are high on that list,” said BWC Administrator/CEO Stephen Buehrer. “By lowering the initial premium of new businesses, Grow Ohio is freeing up more money for those companies to invest in job growth and help restore prosperity to Ohio.” (WCxKit)
Under Grow Ohio, new employers will receive the 25 percent discount on their workers comp premiums, unless they elect to participate in another program incompatible with the Grow Ohio discount. The discount will be applied for the effective new employer’s coverage date and the four subsequent six-month payroll periods.
If new employers prefer, they may instead elect to immediately participate in the Group Experience Rating Program. This program normally is inaccessible to new employers until they have had workers comp coverage for a full year. Employers have 30 days to pursue the Group Rating option, or the 25 percent Grow Ohio discount will be automatically applied.
Participation in group rating could reduce their premiums up to the maximum allowable amount, Currently that amount is 51 percent for the July 1, 2011 policy year. (WCxKit)
Participation in group rating could reduce their premiums up to the maximum allowable amount, Currently that amount is 51 percent for the July 1, 2011 policy year. (WCxKit)
If approved by the board on Sept. 29, the incentives will apply to new Ohio business entities or out-of-state businesses and report payroll in Ohio on or after July 1, 2011. Those incentives will be reflected on bills employers pay beginning in February 2012.
Author Robert Elliott, executive vice president, Amaxx Risk Solutions, Inc. has worked successfully for 20 years with many industries to reduce Workers Compensation costs, including airlines, healthcare, printing/publishing, pharmaceuticals, retail, hospitality and manufacturing. See www.LowerWC.com for more information. Contact: [email protected].
WORK COMP CALCULATOR: www.LowerWC.com/calculator.php
MODIFIED DUTY CALCULATOR: www.LowerWC.com/transitional-duty-cost-calculator.php
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Do not use this information without independent verification. All state laws vary. You should consult with your insurance broker or agent about workers comp issues.
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