News
Category: MCO
Transitional Work: Programs, Bonuses and Making Them Work for Your Business
Transitional Work is a topic that’s often misunderstood (therefore not utilized) by Ohio employers, because there are a few different angles on it. Many don’t realize that there’s the official program through BWC, but there are also bonuses available to companies with their own Transitional Work Program (TWP). Ohio BWC’s Transitional Workplace Grant is designed to help employers (who don’t already have a similar program in place) set up the policy itself and develop detailed job descriptions. These can make it much easier for the employer to accommodate restrictions given by the provider, or a light duty offer from the employer’s TPA. The finished job descriptions will include information such as how much an employee in that role would need to push, pull or lift (including weight limits), how much of the shift is spent sitting or standing, and any other physical demands. The grant funds each employer receives will depend on the company’s size and can range from $2900 to $6300 total. So, what if you already have your own TWP in place? Great! You’re a step ahead. Regardless of how your TWP came to fruition, there’s also the possibility of benefitting from the Transitional Work Bonus. As long as your policy isn’t enrolled in Group Retro and the program is utilized on qualifying claims (and a few particulars are met), you may be able to receive as much as 10% of premiums back as part of this program. If you hav
MCO and TPA Responsibilities
Workers' compensation, especially in Ohio, comes with so many acronyms that it can be overwhelming to determine who is responsible for what. Our team put together a helpful graphic to help cover the larger parts of the picture without getting into the weeds. We hope you find it helpful! Feel free to contact us with any additional questions on these
Modified Duty Off-Site Programs
Understanding Modified Duty Offsite Work - What is it, and who is it for? Employers in industries without fixed worksites, like trucking and construction, have been taking advantage of modified duty offsite (MDOS) work for several years - but it can be a good fit for employers of all industries. If an employee is injured at work, their treating physician may provide restrictions detailing what they can and cannot do. Even when the restrictions seem easy to work around, some businesses are still unable to accommodate them because of the manual nature of their industry. With no option for light or restricted duty, the injured worker (IW) is placed on Temporary Total Disability (TTD), meaning that either the employer or Ohio BWC is providing compensation for their lost wages. This raises claim costs, which can raise Ohio BWC premiums as a result. MDOS can make a positive impact for everyone involved by providing the IW an opportunity to perform duties for a non-profit until they’re able to return to full duty with their employer. Maintaining a daily schedule and physical activity while recovering from a workplace injury are key factors in an employee’s return to work plan. What is the purpose/advantage of a modified duty offsite (MDOS) work offer? MDOS facilitates meaningful work for the injured worker through MDOS. Many IWs that have been provided this option have said that working for charity just “feels good.” It removes a significant barri
MCO Open Enrollment Scheduled for May
MCO Open Enrollment will take place beginning Monday, May 3rd and end on Friday May 28th. While we’re used to seeing MCO Open Enrollment scheduled in May of every even-numbered year – the enrollment period was canceled in May 2020 due to COVID-19. This enrollment comes only every two years, so employers have not had an opportunity to choose an MCO since May 2018, and will not have the opportunity again until 2023. Don’t miss out if you want to make a change! Please email Brian Davis if you have any questions. Brian can be reached at
