Pools give updates on claims transition, initiatives during regional meetings

Representatives from 62 counties attended the six NCACC Risk Management regional meetings held in November. Risk management staff presented and led discussions on several initiatives, including return to work programs, wellness initiatives, risk control services and training, and the Pools' newest service enhancement project, bringing property and casualty claims administration services in-house.

The Pools successfully transitioned risk control and underwriting services from an outside vendor to internal staff in January 2009, resulting in greater service to members and significant cost savings.

Building off that success, the Pools in January 2011 will begin providing internal claims management for the Workers' Compensation and Liability & Property pools. This change will allow each member to be serviced by a dedicated team of individuals (program specialist, underwriter, adjuster and risk control specialist) operating within the NCACC's core values and philosophy. By providing this service internally, the Pools will be able to exhibit greater control and responsiveness throughout the claims process.

One of the most positive ways to impact Workers' Compensation costs is by developing, implementing and managing a return to work program. During the regional meetings, attendees heard presentations from area county staff – Henderson County's Yvonne Moebs, Forsyth County's Teresa Everhart and New Hanover County's Mike Winebar – regarding the success they have had with their own programs. NCACC staff is preparing a report to share with members that summarizes the great ideas generated during the work sessions.

Also during the regional meetings, staff focused on the rising costs of healthcare and societal behavioral changes that are contributing to those cost increases. The NCACC County Health Plan is strongly committed to wellness initiatives that seek to change consumer behavior, which in turn should lead to healthier, more productive employees and lower healthcare costs for employers. Attendees worked in small groups to discuss efforts being made in their individual counties and to identify the obstacles they face in implementing or maintaining wellness programs. The NCACC now employs a full-time wellness coordinator (Alissa Willett) who is available to members to develop individualized action plans.

The NCACC conducts regional meetings twice a year. The next series of meetings will be held in spring 2010. Contact the Pools at (919) 719-1100.