Ohio Lowers Workers’ Comp Premiums for Public Employers

Beginning Jan. 1, 2010, workers’ compensation premiums for Ohio’s Public Employer Taxing Districts (PECs) will drop by an average of 17 percent.

The Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation (BWC) Board of Directors, which announced the rate increase, said the PECs represent approximately 3,800 Ohio cities, counties, townships, villages, schools and special taxing districts.

Rates for individual PEC entities will differ based on their individual claims history. While the total, overall change will be a decrease of 17 percent from the current year, some employers may see a slight increase while others will experience decreases. The board is expected to vote on rule changes to set the actual rates for each PEC industry group at its November meeting.

The board also modified rules related to the marketing activities of group rating program sponsors. These include third-party administrators and associations that provide services to employers who qualify for group discounts. The rule modification prohibits any sponsor or affiliated organization from marketing discounts higher than can be realistically achieved.

Source: Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation