BWC Urging Ohio Employers to Make Informed Decision During Open Enrollment Period

More than 3,300 employers have selected a new managed care organization (MCO) during the Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation’s (BWC’s) open enrollment period.

With the open enrollment period halfway complete, BWC Administrator and CEO James Conrad said there is still time for companies that have not started the process to evaluate their MCO and determine whether or not to make a change.

“With 10 days left, it is imperative for employers who want to keep their costs low and their employees safe that they take some time and make an informed decision on selecting an MCO,” Conrad said. “If you as a business owner only think about workers’ compensation once a year, this is the time to do it.

Approximately 15,000 employers switched MCOs during 2002, the last open enrollment period.

Open enrollment began on May 3 and ends on May 21. During this time, employers have the ability to evaluate their current MCO. Ohio businesses can switch to a new MCO or maintain their current one. Employers will not have this ability again until spring 2006.

As part of BWC’s Health Partnership Program, employers partner with an MCO to help care for their employees. When a workplace injury occurs, the MCO makes sure the claim is filed in a timely manner. The MCO is also responsible for making sure injured workers receive prompt, high-quality treatment while partnering with the employer to bring the worker back to work as safely and quickly as possible.

An MCO enrollment kit was mailed to all Ohio companies the week of April 26, but employers can also access an MCO Enrollment Guide and Report Card on BWC’s Web site at ohiobwc.com. An MCO Selection form also is available online for those who decide to select a new MCO.