WA Group Retro program
Members from Washington state who demonstrate a good safety record may be eligible to participate in this program established through the Department of Labor and Industries.
With the strength of its nearly 250 members and its comprehensive loss prevention program, the WA Group Retro program has earned refunds from the Department of Labor & Industries in excess of $11 million. Find out how the program works and if your organization is eligible to participate.
- What is the WA Group Retro program?
The WA Group Retro program rewards employers for maintaining a safe workplace and controlling workers' compensation costs. Since accident prevention and lower claims are universally beneficial, the Trust, through the Department of Labor and Industries (L&I), established a retro program, allowing a portion of L&I premiums to be refunded to Retro participants. When losses are low, the refunds are substantial.
- How can I benefit from the WA Group Retro program?
The WA Group Retro program offers several benefits:
- Premium savings from improved experience factors
- Refunds on premiums
- Less paperwork
- Better workplace safety
- Who can participate in the WA Group Retro program?
To be eligible for the program, an employer must meet the following minimum criteria:
- Be a nonprofit 501(c)(3) employer in the state of Washington
- Report hours worked in one of twenty-three accepted risk classifications
- Demonstrate a good safety record
- Be current with payment of L&I premiums
- How does the program work?
Each WA Group Retro year begins on October 1 and ends September 30. Member agencies continue to file quarterly reports with the Department of L&I and pay premiums. Each participant retains its individual L&I experience.
At the end of each retro year, the Department of L&I calculates the retrospective adjustments. If WA Group premiums paid exceed developed losses (claim costs plus reserves), the Department refunds the excess premium to the group. As a large group, the WA Group is eligible for the maximum refund level. Refunds are distributed to member agencies each year when received.
If claims exceed premiums, the WA Group Retro can be assessed up to 10% in additional premiums. The 501(c) Agencies Trust has established a reserve fund for protection against additional premiums.
- How do I participate in the WA Group Retro program?
Each retro year runs from October 1 through September 30 of the following year. Applications for agencies first enrolling in the program must be received by September 1 to participate for the entire retro year. In some cases, new enrollments may also be considered quarterly. In subsequent years, participants simply provide The 501(c) Agencies Trust with updated information and the Department of L & I automatically renews participating members.
- How will the program help me with loss control?
Integrated Claims Management (ICM), the WA Group Retro program claims administrator, provides services designed to save money and control losses for members.
Services provided include:
- Claims management that includes assurance of claim validity, facilitation of the claim process, and aggressive claim resolution
- On-sight safety audits and recommendations
- A written safety plan for loss control, which can be site-specific—assistance is provided with its implementation
- Help with a transition back to work and reduction of time loss through consultation with physicians, assistance in the writing of the job offer, and procedures to ensure compliance with the process
- Quarterly claim reports
- Quarterly reports detailing activity on each open claim
- On-site workshops as requested