Workers' Compensation 101: Who are the Players? - Employers, Insurance Brokers / Companies, Third-Party Administrators Home > Workers' Compensation 101 > Who are the Players?

 

 

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Workers' Comp 101 Topics

  1. What is Worker's Compensation?
  2. Are All Injuries Compensable?
  3. Managing the Process
  4. Who Pays for Insurance?
  5. The Hidden Cost of Workers' Compensation
  6. Lower Your Experience Modification Factor
  7. Who are the Players?
  8. Where Do I Get Help?
  9. Abbreviations
  10. Glossary of Workers' Comp Premium Terms


 

 


Who are the Players?

There are many parties involved in the injury management process:

Employer

Your company is the employer. An employer can also be referred to as the "insured."

Insurance Broker

Your insurance broker understands the risks of your company and obtains insurance to cover those risks in the event of a loss.

A broker reconciles problems between an insurance company and an employer. Some insurance brokers provide risk management services. These include:

  • Loss Control
  • Integrated Benefits
  • RMIS (Risk Management Information Services) or Data
  • Consulting and Workers' Compensation Cost Containment Consulting Services.

Insurance Company

Absorbs some of the financial risk of loss. Often referred to as the "carrier," the "underwriter" or the "insurer." All three terms mean the same thing.

Insurance is often referred to as "cover," "coverage," and "paper."

  • In several states, workers' compensation is provided by the state itself through state funds, including:
    • North Dakota
    • Ohio
    • Washington
    • Wyoming 
  • In Texas, workers' compensation is elective.
  • There are several ways of obtaining insurance including self-insurance, insurance companies and captives. Discuss the best arrangement for your situation with an insurance broker or agent.
  • In most states, employers are permitted to self-insure provided they can meet applicable criteria
  • Many large employers have high deductible programs:
    • Although the employer pays the majority of each loss, this type of insurance arrangement is different from self-insurance because an insurance company "holds the paper"
  • There is more control over how their claims are handled if a company self-insures

Third-Party Administrator (TPA) or Claims Handling Company

There are two types of claims handlers: Third -Party Administrators (TPAs) and insurance companies.

An insurance company has adjusters that handle claims. Independent companies also have adjusters to handle claims.

  • A TPA is an independent company that adjusts claims
  • TPA's focus on administering workers' compensation benefits in accordance with state laws
  • "Unbundling" occurs when an insurance company allows the employer to use a TPA

Next Topic: Where Do I Get Help?



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