ABAG's Workers' Compensation Administration Program offers public employers risk-sharing pools, management workers with low case loads, and a proven track record of client savings. To provide these services, the Association of Bay Area Governments has created the following two service programs.

ABAG Workers' Compensation Administration Program

The Workers' Compensation Administration Program is designed for public employers who already self-insure for workers' compensation. ABAG offers top-notch administrative support with an emphasis on diligent claims management. The program manager and all claims examiners are state-certified workers' compensation administrators.

Our policy of keeping case loads low (150 to 175 open indemnity claims per examiner) means careful attention to each claim. This close review has resulted in two criminal fraud indictments and one conviction. Our medical case management company, Business Health Services, monitors treatment to make sure it is appropriate, audits bills for overcharges and "upcoding," and provides preferred provider organization networks for prescriptions, hospitalization, medical testing as well as physician visits. With Business Health Services' assistance, the average savings to our clients was 19.15% in 1994 for a total savings of $1,220,926.44.

One of the main advantages of self-insurance is increased employer control. At ABAG, our clients call the shots. ABAG's workers' compensation examiners view themselves as extensions of our clients' staff. Client preferences for physicians, attorneys, and case direction and resolution are paramount.

ABAG Workers' Compensation Pool

The Workers' Compensation Pool is a risk-sharing pool designed for public employers who are too small to self-insure independently. The ABAG program allows them to share their risk with other jurisdictions, while benefitting from the greater savings and degree of control that self-insurance provides.

ABAG actively supports its Workers' Compensation Program with free educational seminars presented by industry professionals. Topics have included medical and legal issues, safety concerns, and other important new topics in the field as they emerge, to keep our members informed, and to control clients' costs.

For more information on these services, please contact Julie M. Carroll, manager of the Workers' Compensation Program, at (510) 464-7940, or e-mail her at juliec@abag.ca.gov.