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04/28/2021

Workers Comp MCO Enrollment with Sedgwick

Open Enrollment for managed care organization (MCO) selection is May 3-28, 2021. Graphic Media Alliance endorses Sedgwick Managed Care Ohio (Sedgwick MCO) as the clear MCO of choice for our members. 

Your managed care organization plays a vital role in your ability to control claim costs, care for injured employees, and preserve your options for premium savings. GMA’s workers’ compensation program is designed to save money for our members, which includes controlling medical and claim costs, reducing lost time, improving employee health and productivity, and promoting a well-organized workers’ compensation program. Sedgwick MCO is an essential component of this program.

There are no direct costs for MCO services as their fees are included in your BWC premium. We encourage you to explore the full range of member benefits geared to control workers’ compensation costs. For more information please visit Sedgwick MCO online at www.sedgwickmco.com, or call toll-free at 1-888-627-7586.


Workers' Compensation Savings: 5 Key Factors that Employers Cannot Afford to Overlook

Source: Sedgwick, April 7, 2021

A great deal of attention in workers’ compensation is appropriately focused on premium rates and programs that deliver savings.  An employer’s ability to qualify for premium savings through group programs can be fragile, as a single costly claim can limit future group options.  The combination of claim delays and lost workdays can damage premium rates for several years.  Below are 5 areas in which a Managed Care Organization (MCO) can help employers improve the likelihood of lower workers’ compensation premium.

1. Post injury management

An employer’s initial reaction to their employee after an injury is a key moment.  Following an organized game plan fosters trust and cooperation.  A chaotic atmosphere can lead an injured employee elsewhere for direction.  Employers should be prepared to address these three things immediately after an injury:

  1. Initial medical treatment - Know the available medical treatment options in the area. Keep their contact information and coordinate with them after an injury. 
  2. Quick and thorough documentation of the injury - Be prepared to assist in completing an injury report. Facilitate filing a clearly legitimate claim through your MCO.  This will help prevent delays, keeping everyone focused on recovery and return-to-work.
  3. Discuss early return-to-work, Transitional Work options - Establish an expectation for a quick recovery and a quick return-to-work. Be prepared to make adjustments to help facilitate return-to-work. 

2. Negotiating for early return-to-work

When an injured employee is off work for 8 or more days, lost-time costs accelerate quickly and can threaten future savings opportunities.  A physician’s instinct may involve time off work, but this can be negotiated if employers can demonstrate a safe work environment that facilitates recovery.  Working with your MCO to address Transitional Work options can promote cooperation with treating physicians and lessen exposure to costly lost-time claims.  A formal transitional work policy is an asset because it will outline this process for all parties, and MCOs can help build that infrastructure.

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