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True-Up Deadline Approaches!
The True-up period deadline for private employers for policy year 2021 is approaching! Private Employers must complete their payroll true-up report by Sunday, August 15, 2021.
The Bureau of Workers Compensation (BWC) determines employer premiums based on the amount of payroll (exposure) reported multiplied by a specific rate. At the beginning of each policy period, we’ll set an estimated annual premium (EAP) as follows.
- For a new employer, we'll establish your estimated annual premium by using the 12-month payroll estimate you submitted on your application for workers' compensation coverage.
- For an existing employer that had coverage before this policy period, we’ll establish your estimated annual premium by using the estimated payroll from the previous policy year.
At the end of the policy year, we must ensure the estimated premium we set for you was correct. To do this, you must file a true-up report that reflects the actual payroll for that policy year. You must complete the report online using the Payroll true-up report service offering.
If your true-up payroll exceeds the estimated payroll, you'll owe additional premium. If your true-up payroll is less than your estimated payroll, you'll receive a premium credit.
Important: An employer must submit a payroll true-up report even if it has zero payroll.
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BWC announces Workplace Wellness Grant Program
BWC is accepting applications for the Workplace Wellness Grant Program (WWGP). The program assists employers with the creation and implementation of a workplace wellness program.
A workplace wellness program consists of a health-risk appraisal (HRA), a biometric assessment, and programs designed to address those risk factors. Employers may receive $300 per participating employee over a four-year period, up to a maximum amount of $15,000 per policy.
Employers that do not have a wellness plan and meet other eligibility requirements may apply. Employers can find more information on the program, including program requirements, and complete an online application.
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Policy Activity Rebate Program Extension
The Board of Directors have elected to renew the Policy Activity Rebate Program (PAR) for the 2021 policy year.
The PAR program can save employers money by having them earn up to a 50% rebate up to $2,000 on their paid premium. To earn a rebate, employers can choose from 33 activities in our customizable plan to earn the 11 credits needed for the enrolled policy year. Each activity is associated with helping raise employers' awareness and increase understanding of some of the most important aspects of workers' compensation, including safety, claims and policy management.
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Funds are still available for BWC's Indoor Air Quality Assistance Program. The deadline to apply for this program has been moved up to October 15, 2021. This federally funded $28 million program provides reimbursement for improvements to HVAC systems at nursing homes, assisted living centers, hospices, and other facilities that serve vulnerable Ohioans. Experts say such improvements weaken COVID-19’s spread.
For an application and more on this program, visit this BWC webpage.
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Private employers participating in the Drug-Free Safety Program (DFSP) at the advanced level for the July 1 policy year must submit a DFSP Safety Action Plan (DFSP-5) no later than Aug. 30.
Click here to submit the DFSP-5 online.
Employers that are participating at the DFSP Basic level may be eligible for a 4 percent premium rebate and Advanced level may be eligible for a 7 percent premium rebate as long as they satisfy all program requirements. To learn more about our Drug-Free Safety Program visit our DFSP at a glance page.
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Doctors say that anything we can do to reduce the severity of COVID-19 symptoms and to prevent death, we should do as quickly as possible. The vaccines are safe, tested, and effective. Click the image to watch.
#InThisTogetherOhio #TakeTheShot
Brought to you by the Ohio Department of Health.
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The Ohio Department of Health (ODH) is also asking businesses to partner with COVID-19 vaccine providers in their communities to offer convenient clinics that meet the scheduling needs of your employees. ODH has launched a webpage to connect businesses, organizations and partner vaccine providers with resources to plan workplace vaccinations and encourage employee participation.
To get started, visit the ODH COVID-19 Vaccination Program for Businesses and Organizations page.
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News Briefs
Self-Insuring Employer Semi-Annual Assessments:
The Self-Insuring Employer Semi-Annual Assessment payment is due by August 31, 2021 to avoid a late penalty. You may pay online at www.bwc.ohio.gov or over the telephone by making a withdrawal from a checking/savings account or by credit card. BWC accepts VISA®, MasterCard® or American Express®. We do not charge a convenience fee for credit card payments.
You can view your invoice on our website at www.bwc.ohio.gov
Fallen Workers Memorial
BWC will hold its annual Fallen Workers Memorial Service Sept. 2 at 10 a.m. The event honors the memory of those who lost their lives as a result of workplace injury or illness. The event will be streamed live on The Ohio Channel.
Check out our blogs!
We encourage you to visit our blog each month to get the latest on news related to workers’ compensation. New stories:
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Important dates
August 15: Private employer payroll true-up deadline. More info online
August 17: Policy Activity Rebate (PAR) webinar. More info online
August 18: Virtual Training: Work Zone Traffic Control and Safety. More info online
August 23: Confined Space Assessment and Work. More info online
August 24: Webinar: BWC Transitional Work Program and updates. More info online
August 26: Employer Update Webinar. More info online
August 27: Board of Directors Meeting
August 30: Important Private Employer Deadline. More info online
August 31: Self-insuring Employer Assessments Due. More info online
September 2: Fallen Workers Memorial Service.
September 8: Virtual Training: Violence in the Workplace. More info online
August Edition of Safety Update
Check out the latest news from safety and health experts from BWC, NIOSH, and OSHA.
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Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation
Vision: To transform BWC into an agile organization driven by customer success.
Mission: To deliver consistently excellent experiences for each BWC customer every day. Core Values: One Agency, Personal Connection, Innovative Leadership, Relentless Excellence.
Established in 1912, the Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation is the exclusive provider of workers’ compensation insurance in Ohio and serves 249,000 public and private employers. With nearly 1,700 employees and assets of approximately $25 billion, BWC is one of the largest state-run insurance systems in the United States. For more, visit www.bwc.ohio.gov.
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