Ohio Workers’ Comp Administrator Ryan Resigns

Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation Administrator Marsha Ryan has resigned, effective Jan. 9, 2011. Ryan was appointed by Governor Ted Strickland and has served as BWC’s administrator since May 2007. Governor-Elect John Kasich is expected to name her replacement when he takes office.

BWC handles claims for 1.2 million injured workers each year and provides workers’ compensation insurance protection for over 260,000 employers.

Meanwhile, BWC’s board discussed the nationally-recognized, split-experience rating plan in mid-2011. According to Chief Actuarial Officer John Pedrick, the “split plan” rating method is seen as a national standard, and used in 38 states. The plan places more emphasis on claim frequency rather than claim severity when assessing an employer’s risk – or experience – which plays a significant role in the employer’s premium rates. The Board is considering a timeline that will put the split-plan in place beginning July 1, 2011, for a “beta year” trial to determine how rates will be impacted, with full implementation scheduled for July 1, 2012.

The Board also approved base rates and expected loss rates for Public Employer Taxing Districts (PEC) in support of its October 2010 vote to decrease overall premium for PECs by 5.5 percent. These rates will take effect for public employers on Jan. 1, 2011.

Topics Workers' Compensation Ohio