WORKERS' COMPENSATION GROUP RATING PROGRAM
WSAC offers a Retro Plan that rewards member counties for maintaining
a safe workplace and controlling workers’ compensation costs. The lower
the group’s claims, the higher the refunds. Since it’s inception, the
pool has refunded millions of dollars to participating counties.
Retrospective Rating (Retro) Plans are an optional program offered by
the Washington State Department of Labor and Industries to allow
employers to recapture a portion of their workers compensation premiums.
Washington State Association of Counties (WSAC) offers a Retro Plan that
rewards member counties, special districts, cities and Regional Support
Networks for maintaining a safe workplace and controlling workers’
compensation costs. The lower the group’s claims costs, the higher the
refunds.
Since the Retro Rating Program began in 1986, members have received more
than $4.4 million in refunds from the Department of Labor and
Industries—an average of 17% of the group’s standard premiums—and have
achieved another 6% savings in reduced standard premium costs. That is
over $6 million retained by members.
Member Services
As the Retro Program continues to grow, it continues to implement
changes that will facilitate even greater savings for participating
members. Beginning April 1, 2003, the program instituted a
performance-based refund that rewards members that actively and
successfully manage claims costs. Other services from which our members
benefit include:
- Protection of Group Participation. Retro Program members have
established a reserve fund with premium refunds to protect against the
possibility of future premium assessments.
- Training. The Retro Program dedicates 5% of annual refunds to safety
and prevention training.
- Conferences. The Retro Program offers two conferences each year to
members at no additional fee. Each conference offers members an
opportunity to network and share ideas, participate in training, as well
as hear industry experts discuss current labor and industries issues.
- Program Coordinator. Washington State Association of Counties employs
a Retro Program Coordinator to liaison between member agencies and the
Department of Labor and Industries. The Coordinator provides current
news updates and serves as a resource for member questions.
- Policy Library. The Retro Program manages a library of safety and
accident prevention policies, and other resource materials available to
all Retro Program members.
Members continue to have their individual per hour premium rates set by
the State Department of Labor and Industries, based on their unique
experience.
Membership
Our membership is growing. Today, we represent 27 of Washington’s
counties and health districts:
Questions about our retrospective group rating program?
Contact Maureen Morris, Retro Coordinator, via
email, or telephone at (360) 753-1886.
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