McCloud touts safety, dividends in Cleveland visit

BWC Administrator/CEO Stephanie McCloud stopped in Cleveland Dec. 3 to tout the agency’s safety programs and recent $1.5 billion dividend for Ohio’s private and public employers.

McCloud visited Jergens Inc. to praise the company’s participation in BWC’s safety services and for its plan to invest its dividend into workplace safety.

“Like many employers across Ohio, Jergens understands that investing in safety is smart business,” said McCloud, standing inside Jergens headquarters at 15700 South Waterloo Road. “Safe workplaces mean fewer accidents and injuries, steady production and lower costs. That’s good for workers, it’s good for a company’s bottom line and it’s good for our economy.”

Click here to read more about this visit or visit our Facebook page. 

2019 was a busy year at BWC

BWC had some exceptional moments in 2019 that improved the lives and livelihoods of Ohio’s workers and their employers. Here’s a quick rundown:

• A 20% rate cut for public employers July 1; a 12% rate cut Jan. 1 for public employers, followed by another 10% cut approved Aug. 23 that begins Jan. 1, 2020.
• A $1.5 billion dividend for employers, the fifth billion-dollar return since 2013.
• Increased Safety Grant funding to $40 million, up from $30 million.
• Expanded our Substance Use Recovery and Workplace Safety Program that supports employers who hire workers in recovery.
• Removed Oxycontin from our formulary June 1.
• Beginning Nov. 1, offered drug disposal bags at every pharmacy for injured workers’ first-fill opioid prescription.

In the new year, BWC will continue to support Governor Mike DeWine’s RecoveryOhio initiatives to tackle the opioid and substance-use epidemic and keep workplace safety a priority for all Ohioans.

Attention: public employers

Important information on payments, true-up and Go-Green rebate

If you're a public employer taxing district, there are several important and timely items you should be aware of. 

• The first installment for policy year 2020 is due Dec. 23, 2019.
• To earn the 2-percent early payment discount, you must pay your full 2020 estimated annual premium by Jan. 3, 2020.
• Payroll true-up for 2019 will run from Jan. 1 to Feb. 15, 2020. True-up includes completing your report and paying any outstanding balance. 
• Go-Green Rebate Program requirements

  • True-up and pay any resulting balance in the same transaction.
  • Be enrolled to receive electronic notifications prior to completing your 2019 payroll true-up.

About the Go-Green Rebate Program

Through the Go-Green Rebate Program you can earn a 1-percent premium rebate, up to $2,000 each policy year. If you’ve not yet done so, you can enroll in electronic notifications by signing in to www.bwc.ohio.gov. Your electronic notification preferences are listed on your My policy page. Click the Electronic notifications link. to change your preferences. While we encourage you to sign up for BWC updates, Go-Green requires only that you sign up for policy notices.  

In addition, Go-Green requires employers to true-up and pay premium online. You must also be current on your policy, meeting all payment and reporting requirements. We automatically enroll you in Go-Green when you meet all these requirements.

For full details, see the Go-Green Rebate policy.

David Boyd returns to BWC as director of self-insurance

A former director of self-insurance for the Ohio Bureau of Workers' Compensation (BWC) has returned to the agency to serve in the same role he held from 2005 to 2008.

David E. Boyd comes back to BWC from a third-party administrator, York Risk Services, Inc., where he served for 10 years as a senior account executive and risk consultant. His return to BWC continues his 13-year history with the agency.

“We’re thrilled to have David back in the SI Department,” said Winnie Warren, our interim chief of employer services. “His history with BWC and experience with one of our external partners is invaluable. David brings opportunities for creative ideas to assist our employer customers and enhance accuracy and offerings to them.”

Boyd, who rejoined the agency Nov. 25, said he was excited to be back.

“I’m happy to return to the familiar setting of BWC, where I know we have talented and knowledgeable people,” he said. “It will be great to reconnect with the self-insured community and continue to build on the good work the SI Department has been doing over the years.”

As director of self-insurance, Boyd oversees 1,160 Ohio employers who self-administer a workers’ compensation program. He and his staff ensure these employers adhere to underwriting, financial, and claim administration requirements, among other duties.

Boyd holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration with a focus in finance from The Ohio State University. His skills include client relations, account and relationship management, and extensive experience in the insurance industry.