Workers' Compensation

Save with the Policy Activity Rebate (PAR) Program

Ella Baker
Save with the Policy Activity Rebate (PAR) Program
Reading time 4 Mins
Published on Jan 7
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Looking for some serious cost savings on your workers’ compensation premiums? The Policy Activity Rebate (PAR) Program is a fully-customizable plan that allows Ohio employers to qualify for a 50% policy rebate, up to $2,000, for participating in a variety of activities throughout the plan year. In addition to helping your business get a hefty rebate, the Bureau of Workers’ Compensation’s PAR program also seeks to educate employers about safety, policy management, claims, and other important components of the workers’ compensation process and system. Learn more about how you can qualify for this valuable cost-savings program.

Serious savings potential

Participants in the PAR program can earn a 50% premium rebate, up to $2,000, by taking part in activities that are designed to improve workplace safety and help employers become more involved in actively managing their workers’ comp policies. Employers need to earn 11 credits during the policy year by choosing from a wide range of 33 available activities, with some activities being worth up to 2 points. Your third-party administrator can help determine which activities are best suited for you and your company, as well as offering support to help implement policies based on what you’ve learned in the PAR program. Check out Cost-Saving Strategies for Workers’ Comp to learn more about why you should consider working with a TPA and to discover other money-saving opportunities available to your company.

Eligibility

Only state-fund employers may participate in the PAR program. Private employers must complete the Policy Activity Rebate Program application by Jan. 31, 2020; the deadline for public employers to complete the application is July 31, 2020. For private employers, the rebate is calculated using the true-up premium for July 1, 2018-June 30, 2019. For public employers, the rebate is calculated using the true-up premium for the Jan. 1, 2019, through Dec. 31, 2019 policy year.

Employers must have at least $350 in billed premiums during the policy period. The PAR program is not compatible with the group-experience rating program, group-retrospective rating, claim cost deductible, or individual-retrospective rating.

Multiple options to earn credits

In fulfilling its goal of educating employers about safety, policy management, claims, and other issues, the PAR program offers a variety of activities including safety trainings, developing light and modified duty programs, and enrolling employees in the Better You, Better Ohio! wellness program. Activities that can be completed for credit include:

  • Complete any online class on the BWC’s website.
  • Share an injured worker success story with BWC communications.
  • Bring an IW back to work on light/modified duty during the current policy year.
  • Attend an Industrial Commission or Handicap Percentage Reimbursement hearing.
  • Create a post-injury packet for injured workers.
  • Develop or show proof of a transitional work plan.
  • Attend any training class in person through the Division of Safety & Hygiene.
  • Have two or more employees enrolled in Better You, Better Ohio!
  • Conduct drug/alcohol testing.
  • Have a wellness program.
  • Attend the Ohio Safety Congress & Expo.
  • Create an accident analysis/reporting policy.
  • Attend a minimum two-hour safety/health/wellness training provided by an external, non-BWC source.
  • Create a safety & health committee.
  • Host a safety lunch for your employees.
  • Purchase personal protective equipment or any safety equipment outside of BWC’s safety grant program.
  • Use an external safety service to meet OSHA or MSHA requirements.
  • Get up to four credits for watching specific BWC videos on demand.

Your TPA can go over the list of qualifying activities with you to determine which activities best align with your health and safety goals, which best suit your industry, and which will provide the most benefit for your company and employees. Read 5 Reasons You Need a TPA in Your Corner for even more reasons why you should consider talking to a TPA representative today.

Advocating for you

When it comes to helping you reduce your workers’ compensation insurance premiums, your TPA is an invaluable partner. Not only can your TPA help you identify and provide access to cost-savings opportunities like the PAR program, but the expertise they offer can also lead to reduced risk and lower overall costs for your business. Partnering with a TPA is an investment in your company’s future that can create a safer workplace for your employees and lead to lower premiums. Contact us today to learn more.

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