Pools offer budget help through lower insurance costs

• RMP regional meetings PPT presentation (PDF)

By Donna Walker
Risk Services Coordinator

As the economy tightens, many North Carolina counties are struggling to find ways to balance budgets while continuing to provide services to their citizens. The NCACC Risk Management Pools have multiple programs and resources available to help counties reduce costs for Liability and Property, Workers' Compensation and Group Benefits coverage.

The Risk Management Pools are positioned to offer competitive pricing while delivering superior coverage and services to NCACC members.

Risk management staff held a series of five regional meetings across the state in March to explain new underwriting models that will be used this renewal season and how RMP's coverage limits in many instances exceed what is available through commercial insurance. The Pools will again use the Multi-Pool and Safety Incentive plans to help lower costs for members.

The Association's new Risk Control Department has developed a safety incentive program that has been approved by the RMP Board of Trustees, and risk control specialists are developing action plans with members to help them achieve maximum credit. Once implemented, the program will help members:

• reduce exposures/losses, which translates to reduced claims experience, a lower modifier, and an increase in employee morale and productivity.
• enhance their safety environment, resulting in a more efficient and effective workplace.
• earn the potential for credit up to 2.5 percent per coverage line at 2010-11 contract renewal for members aggressively adhering to program parameters.

"I feel positive about the changes that are taking place with the NCACC Risk Management Pools," said Lee County Strategic Initiatives Director/Risk Manager Lesa Price. "The resources that are now available will allow counties to have access to services that were not available in the past."

The key to counties receiving the best return on their coverage investment is through the use of risk management techniques – not only for property and casualty programs but also for health plans. Wellness programs are just that – risk management for employee health coverage. At the meetings, staff shared details on how to develop and implement a successful wellness program.

While the return on investment is not realized immediately, within two to three years claims cost savings can be substantial when paired with a great disease management program.

The County Health Plan is committed to participants' health needs. All plan designs include 100 percent preventative care benefits, access to an aggressive disease management program, and availability of a wellness coordinator to assist with implementing wellness initiatives.

Meeting attendees also learned about benchmarking, best practices and performance measurements used to evaluate the success of risk management programs. Informal round-table discussions were held to discuss the effects of the economy on county workplaces and what changes counties are considering making to employee benefits.

"It was well worth the two-hour drive from Manteo," said Dare County Risk Manager Sandy West, who attended the March 20 regional meeting in Washington. "I took away a lot of useful information and appreciate how much staff could cover in such a short amount of time."

The NCACC Risk Management Pools is a member-driven organization empowering North Carolina counties to effectively manage risks. Staff is available to offer consultative services to all 100 counties regardless of participation in the Pools. Contact the Pools at (919) 719-1100 or customerservice@ncacc.org.