EMPLOYERS' MCO OPEN ENROLLMENT BEGINS MAY 1

Public and private state-fund employers can evaluate their managed care organization’s (MCO’s) customer service and medical-management performance during BWC’s open enrollment period from May 1 to May 26, 2006.

“Caring about our customers is at the heart of the MCO open enrollment process,” says, Joel Donchess, BWC’s chief of injury management services. “Ensuring ongoing care stays intact for injured workers whose employers change MCO’s during open enrollment is a top priority for BWC.”

If an employer decides to stay with his or her MCO, the employer does not need to take any action.  But, if an employer chooses to change MCO’s, BWC will accept requests during the open enrollment period. New MCO’s will begin managing the medical component of employers’ claims starting July 1.

BWC produces the MCO Selection Guide and Report Card prior to the start of the open enrollment period to help employers make this important decision, which is essential for an effective workers’ compensation program. This timely guide provides information that allows employers to evaluate the 28 MCOs and decided whether to select a new one.

Teresa Arms, director of the MCO business and reporting unit, encourages employers to review the MCO Selection Guide and Report Card to help make the best choice for their company and employees.  She says, “Use the guide to evaluate your MCO’s performance, and keep in mind that your selection will be in effect for the next two years.”

Employers will receive the guide in the mail in late April, or they can access it at that time by logging on to ohiobwc.com, and clicking on:

• Ohio Employers:
• Featured links (select the guide).

BWC cautions employers that MCOs distribute marketing materials to encourage you to select their particular MCO. The guide’s report card serves as your only objective source of information on how MCO’s perform.

For more information on the open enrollment process, call 1-800-OHIOBWC and listen to the options.