Staff, service improvements help grow NCACC Pools

In its new business model, the Risk Management Pools have incorporated three underlying themes from the NCACC Board of Directors' Strategic Plan: increasing communication, strengthening relationships, and providing greater technical assistance to counties.

Underwriting and risk control services were previously provided by an outside vendor and have been transitioned in-house. The Pools' outreach model incorporates the NCACC's Outreach Associates, and new program specialists serve as "subject matter experts" and interact with more county staff to offer expertise and guidance in meeting the county's risk management and insurance needs. These staff members were invaluable in completing a very successful renewal season for the County Health Plan and Liability & Property and Workers' Compensation Pools.

The 2009-10 renewal season provided unique challenges to North Carolina counties and many opportunities for the NCACC Risk Management Pools – many counties, looking to cut costs and maximize available income, placed their insurance programs out for bid. All three NCACC Pools were able to increase membership by successfully competing with private insurers on superior coverage, price and service.

Throughout the renewal season, RMP program specialists assisted current and prospective members in understanding the differences among coverage agreements when it came time to compare quotes. As the specialists worked with members and prospects, the Pools' underwriters were able to provide multiple alternative quotes, using a variety of deductibles and other variables, to aid members' budgeting. Staff is charged with keeping the counties' best interests in mind, and sometimes that meant coverage was placed elsewhere.

The Group Benefits Pool gained seven new counties and six new entities. The newest member counties – Anson, Caldwell, Columbus, Graham, Hyde, Jones and Scotland – will begin utilizing the County Health Plan's great portfolio of benefits, which includes 100 percent preventative care, a national provider network, and comprehensive disease management programs. Members enjoy wellness initiatives throughout the year, including the availability of wellness grants for funding their own employee wellness programs.

Liability & Property Pool membership stands at 57 counties and 51 entities. New members include Swain and Onslow counties. The Pool, designed by counties, offers the broadest coverage.

In the Workers' Compensation Pool, 13 counties and four entities signed on as new members. New member counties include Anson, Beaufort, Camden, Carteret, Chowan, Columbus, Edgecombe, Macon, Pamlico, Person, Scotland, Swain and Vance.

The Pools' Risk Control Department continues to work with members to develop safety and risk management programs. Risk control specialists have provided loss control training – including defensive driver and slip, trip and fall prevention – to more than 250 county employees. Specialists have also worked with members requesting industrial hygiene surveys and samplings, mold studies and other industrial hygiene activities.

The Pools' risk control specialists work exclusively for North Carolina counties and related entities. With more than 85 years of combined experience, risk control staff is available to provide members with safety policies and procedures guidelines, and help members assess and plan their own risk control programs.

The NCACC Risk Management Pools are governed by a 21-member Board of Trustees. In the spring of 2009, the Trustees adopted a new mission statement: NCACC Risk Management Pools is a member-driven organization empowering North Carolina counties to effectively manage risks. The Pools have developed an increased connection to members through risk control, underwriting and program development. The Pools are positioned for continued improvement, which will only help North Carolina counties in meeting their risk management needs.