What Is The Workers Compensation Group?

Established in 1991, the ONA Workers Compensation Group is one of the first organized in Ohio as a result of House Bill 222 which allows for premium savings through group rating as administered by trade associations. The ONA Workers Compensation Group Rating Program has provided savings of more than $4 million to member employers since the program’s inception. The rate of premium savings has topped more than 75% most program years.

Eligible employers may enter the ONA Workers Comp Group during an annual invitation period, based on an evaluation process. Here’s how it works:

In June, authorization documents are sent to employers seeking an evaluation. The evaluation includes payroll reports and claims records with the Ohio Bureau of Workers Compensation. Deadline for the documents is Sept. 30.

In October, Gates McDonald reports its analysis of current and prospective group members to the ONA Workers Comp Group Steering Committee. The committee sets the savings level, final list of invitees and group fees for the coming year.

In November, invitations and enrollment documents are sent to all eligible employers. Enrollment documents and group fees are sent to ONA.

In February, ONA files all appropriate documents with the BWC for the next program year. Deadline is Feb. 28.

On July 1, The ONA Group Rating Program begins its year, expiring June 30 of the following year. Members pay reduced premiums to the BWC during that program year based on participation in the ONA group.

“Program S” is a special feature of the ONA Workers Comp Group. It allows certain “penalty rated” employers, who might otherwise not be eligible for group rating, to participate in the ONA group. Utilizing the BWC’s Premium Discount Program and the ONA group’s equity pooling, “Program S” guarantees a 10% premium saving for eligible employers.

For additional details of the ONA group contact Frank Deaner, ONA executive director, at fdeaner@ohionews.org or Kathy Redmond, Gates McDonald account executive at (614) 854-8650.

Gates, McDonald & Company

Since 1929, Gates McDonald has been a leader in risk and employee benefit cost management. Gates McDonald’s commitment is to provide each of its customers with quality, innovative programs in risk management, employee benefits, managed care and state fund workers’ compensation and unemployment compensation services.

Gates, McDonald & Company, a division of Nationwide Insurance, is the third party administrator for the ONA Workers Comp Group, providing claims service, employer evaluations and additional assistance.

The ONA account team is:

Account Executive Kathy Redmond - (614) 854-8650
Redmond works closely with ONA to insure the program and services are meeting member needs and are within the OBWC requirements for group rating. He is also available to each participating member to address any concerns or issues regarding the Group Rating program.

Claims Examiner Sharlene Edgington - (614) 854-8668
Edgington is responsible for any matters regarding workers’ compensation claims. Any questions concerning individual claims or hearings should be directed to Edgington.

Rate Analyst Ellen Smith - (614) 854-8629
Smith is responsible for all rate activity pertaining to individual WC premiums as well as the group program. She handles semi-annual premium payments to the BWC, audits the annual claims experiences for each participant and files any claims protests from the audit findings. Any questions concerning WC rates should be directed to Smith.

The Gates, McDonald & Company toll-free number is 1-800-336-4733.