Intel is Coming to Ohio!
Intel, a great American company, is bringing its most advanced chip manufacturing operation in the world to Ohio. This project—the largest single private sector investment in Ohio history and an entirely new business sector for the state and the Midwest—will have monumental positive impacts for the nation and all of Ohio.
This initial investment of over $20 billion will be used to build two chip manufacturing facilities. This operation will generate more than 20,000 jobs for Ohioans including 3,000 Intel jobs and 7,000 construction jobs and more!
Improve Your Customer Service With C-86 Online Filing
Since November 19, 2020, when BWC added an enhancement to upload evidence with a C-86, we have received over 10,000 C-86 online filings. Wow – thank you!
The benefits to using the C-86 online filing expedites customer service to you and your client(s). The C-86 and supporting evidence goes directly into the claim, eliminating the need for manual entry.
A large portion of C-86 online filings are submitted using the “Other” category, when in fact, the C-86s are because of a dispute in a self-insured claim. For these types of filings, we encourage you to select the “SI Dispute” category rather than selecting “Other.” Using the correct category of the C-86 online filing will assist us as we continue to study the data for areas of improvement and for future enhancements.
Improve Efficiencies By Faxing Once
When a document is faxed directly to a Managed Care Organization (MCO) or the Industrial Commission (IC), BWC will automatically get a copy of that same document. In addition, the MCOs and the IC have access to all documents faxed to BWC.
Because BWC, the MCOs, and the IC share document access, there is no need to fax documents multiple times to all three entities. Send one fax and BWC, the MCOs, and the IC will have access to the same document.
Please help us continue to improve efficiencies by faxing documents once to one source so that we can reduce the duplicate filings in our claims.
Provider’s Additional Allowance (AA) Recommendation on a Request for Medical Service Reimbursement or Recommendation for Additional Conditions for Industrial Injury or Occupational Disease (C-9)
When a C-9 has been filed recommending an AA(s), BWC does not require the injured worker (IW) or the IW representative to submit a Motion (C-86) requesting allowance of the same condition(s). The treating provider’s AA recommendation on the C-9 is sufficient to initiate the AA process and any C-86 filed for the same condition(s) will be considered a duplicate request.
The following is a high-level summary of the process when the treating provider recommends an AA(s) on a C-9:
When the MCO receives a C-9 recommending an AA(s), they will assess the C-9 and provide a recommendation to BWC.
BWC will evaluate the AA request and initially contact the IW or IW representative by phone to discuss the provider’s recommendation.
- If the IW or an IW representative wants BWC to consider adding the AA pursuant to the treating provider’s recommendation, BWC will send a “C-9 IW Acknowledgement Letter” to all the parties to the claim. This letter serves as confirmation of the IW or IW representative’s verbal approval to evaluate the condition(s).
- If IW or an IW representative does not agree with the treating provider’s recommendation, or the IW or IW representative does not respond to BWC’s contact attempt , BWC will send a “C-9 Additional Allowance Closure Letter” to the parties to the claim.
When the IW or IW representative has agreed to adding the AA pursuant to the provider’s recommendation and following BWC’s evaluation of the request condition(s), we will either issue an order to allow, or refer the matter to the IC.
If there is a recommendation for an AA from a treating provider and you have not received communication from BWC, please contact the assigned claim owner to inquire on the status of the recommendation. Please refer to the Additional Allowance policy and procedure for additional information.
Application for Handicap Reimbursement (CHP-4A) Reminder
A CHP-4A is used by BWC to determine the percentage of compensation to properly charge to, or to refund from, the Statutory Surplus Fund as being due to an aggravation of one or more of the pre-existing conditions recognized under Ohio Revised Code Section 4123.343.
The CHP-4A is handled by the Handicap Reimbursement Unit in BWC’s Legal Division. Our legal staff publishes a Handicap Reimbursement Order that allows, denies, or dismisses the request.
The CHP-4A is not a claims application and these applications are not initially imaged into the claim by the Legal Division. If the application is filed into the claim, it may delay processing as the application may not get to the Legal Division for processing. However, the Handicap Reimbursement Order is imaged in the claim as it is an appealable decision issued by BWC.
When filing a CHP-4A, please send it by one of the following methods:
- Fax to 614-621-9419.
- Deliver to Customer Service at 30 W. Spring St. (first floor) Columbus, OH.
- Mail to BWC, Attn: Handicap Reimbursement Unit, 30 W. Spring St., 26th Floor, Columbus, OH 43215-2256.
For questions concerning Handicap Reimbursement, send an e-mail to BWC Handicap Reimbursement Questions.
Ohio Safety Congress Offers Choice, Convenience, and Value for Participants
Register now for the 2022 Ohio Safety Congress & Expo (OSC22) hosted by BWC! OSC22 is a completely online event including new features for more choice, more convenience, and more value.
OSC22 is the largest free work-safety conference in the U.S. and will be live streamed March 9-10. OSC22 offers a live broadcast of educational sessions that customers can access from anywhere and a dozen on-demand sessions that can be viewed any time through March 31. Visit the OSC22 website to register for the event.
More than 4,000 representatives from Ohio businesses and government are expected to attend and discover strategies and tools for a healthy, safe, and productive workforce.
OSC22 offers safety-related sessions for success in business strategies, innovation and technology, governance and compliance, workers’ compensation, and professional development. A digital expo marketplace will host more than 30 exhibitors. You can also compete in a scavenger hunt, earn CLEs, download resources, earn attendance credit, and ask the experts.
Attendance is free for Ohio employers and their employees. Invite your colleagues and tag us @OhioBWC #OSC22. We’ve got you covered!
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 2022 Medical & Health Symposium
Featuring a Live Surgery, COVID-19 Sessions, an Inspirational Story and More
Register today and plan to attend our free, award-winning virtual Medical & Health Symposium from the comfort of your home or office April 7–9, 2022.
This year’s symposium features leading national and state experts covering the latest topics impacting providers and representatives. BWC is seeking continuing education credit for 19 professional disciplines – including Continuing Legal Education.
On Thursday, April 7, join Freddie Johnson, J.D., MPA for a session on “Navigating Treatment Approvals and Reimbursement,” and Mohammed Ranavaya, M.D., J.D., M.S., FRCPI, FFOM, MCIME for his session on “Empowering Ability in Disability – Breaking the Web of Needless Disability.”
On Friday, April 8, you will not want to miss the live orthopedic surgery at 8 am, followed by Amberley Snyder from the Netflix original movie, "Walk. Ride. Rodeo.", who will tell her personal story of recovery following her rollover motor vehicle accident. She doesn’t let the challenges she faces define her; they refine her. On Saturday, BWC attorney Pete Mihaly, J.D., MHA, will offer a session titled “What Does That Mean? - Legal Terms in a Medical World”.
This year’s event is sure to be an unforgettable one with speakers addressing one of our most pressing medical and health issues, COVID-19. On Friday, Dr. Bruce Vanderhoff, Ohio Department of Health Director, will present “Where are We Now - The Current State of COVID-19”, and Saturday afternoon, Drs. Matthew Indeck and Kristin Englund will present “Exploring COVID-19 Long-Term Effects and Case Management.”
Exhibit space now available. This innovative event features the opportunity for exhibitors to interact with attendees via live chats and Zoom calls, or schedule one-on-one appointments. For information on becoming an exhibitor, click here.
Questions
Visit the symposium’s webpage for the latest information or to register, or email medsymposium@bwc.state.oh.us.
Industry-Specific Safety Program (ISSP) Participation and Update
Employers enrolled in BWC’s ISSP have a variety of ways to earn their required credits (1–3 credits based on reported payroll), including industry-specific training classes, personalized safety & health consultations, and attending Ohio Safety Congress.
Beginning this program year, employers are required to complete Division of Safety & Hygiene (DSH) follow-up activities before the end of the program year to receive credit for safety and health consultations. Follow-up activities may include responding to a DSH action plan or completing a post-training survey. DSH eliminated the requirement to submit a post-consultation (SH-29) survey.
BWC redesigned the ISSP Progress Look-up Tool to provide enrolled employers with real-time updates on their activity status. In addition to showing the type of qualifying activity, the tool now provides status updates to help employers track their activity progress.
BWC Revitalizes Transitional Work Grant (TWG) Program
BWC implemented changes to the TWG program on June 1, 2021, which significantly boosted employers’ interest and participation in the grant program. The TWG program saw a 78.8% increase in applications in just over six months compared to the entire previous year.
The goal of a transitional work program is to facilitate the recovery and return of an employee back to work as soon as medically appropriate following an injury. A timely return-to-work (RTW) can make a significant impact on lowering the employer’s premium and the cost of a workplace injury.
Statistics show that the longer a recovering worker remains off work, the more probable it is that they may never return. There is only a 50% chance an injured employee will RTW after a six-month absence, and this declines to a 25% chance following a one-year absence.
Renewable every five years
One of the changes made in 2021 was employers are now eligible for a TWG every five years. In the event an employer already received a grant, the five years is calculated from the approval date of the employer’s previous grant.
Of the 104 new applications received after this change, 82 of those employers received a grant between 2001 to 2006.
Any unspent approved grant dollars not spent on the initial transitional work program may be used during the 5-year period to purchase additional services to facilitate use of the employer’s program.
No out-of-pocket costs with 100% reimbursement
Another change made in 2021 was the increase of the grant reimbursement to the employer from 75% to 100% of the submitted invoice up to the employer’s maximum grant amount. There is no longer a 25% match required by the employer. These maximum grant amounts are:
- 11- 49 employees up to $2,900.
- 50- 199 employees up to $5,200.
- 200+ employees up to $6,300.
Reimbursement for Workplace Substance Use-Related Expenses
The Substance Use Recovery & Workplace Safety Program (SURWSP) offers reimbursement to employers for workplace substance use-related expenses like drug testing, training for supervisors and employees, and the development and review of workplace policies. Employers who enroll in the program also get free access to BWC’s Better You, Better Ohio workplace wellness program. Enrolling in SURWSP can help employers have a healthier and safer workforce by covering costs associated with workplace substance use policy development, employee training, and drug testing. Maximum reimbursement amounts vary by the type of expense, and restrictions regarding drug testing reimbursement apply.
The program is now available in all 88 counties. Although BWC is managing the program directly in most counties, in some counties the program is managed on behalf of BWC by the county Alcohol, Drug Addiction and Mental Health (ADAMH) board. A map and complete listing of counties and the separate processes for requesting reimbursement that applies to a county can be found on the SURWSP web page. Answers to commonly asked questions about the program can also be found on that page.
SURWSP and the Drug-Free Safety Program (DFSP) are separate programs. Participation in DFSP is not required to enroll into SURWSP. However, employers who do participate in DFSP and who also enroll into SURWSP are able to use SURWSP to get reimbursement for meeting DFSP requirements.
Employers who pay into the State Insurance Fund, are current on BWC payments, and have active or reinstated coverage are eligible to enroll. Self-insuring employers are not eligible to participate in the program. Certain eligibility restrictions apply to client employers of Professional Employer Organizations (PEOs) and Alternative Employer Organizations (AEOs). Participation in SURWSP is voluntary and enrolled employers may quit the program at any time.
Enrollment is quick and easy. For more information, visit the SURWSP web page.
Straight Through Process
BWC has updated the process for the Application for Ohio Workers’ Compensation Coverage (U-3). This process, known as Straight Through, uses cutting edge technology and allows employers to have their policy issued in real-time at the end of their application. Employers that apply and meet eligibility requirements will have the ability to view their certificate of coverage, view policy details, and set up an e-account immediately. As of mid-January 2022, there has been a 73.9% straight through rate, which means that most employers that apply for U-3 coverage have used the new and easier process.
This new application process continues BWC down the path of improved customer service while being as touchless as possible. The updated process will allow employers to get from point A to point B without a long wait or many different stops. The new interface is mobile-friendly and allows for improved communication to our customers with a live chat support option and the ability to update employers via email.
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