Workers Compensation Coverage

The North Carolina Association of County Commissioners (NCACC) began the Workers Compensation Pool in 1981 with 51 members. At that time, local governments were often unable to obtain workers compensation coverages at any price, while insurance rates were escalating rapidly. The traditional insurance market could not provide the coverages needed to meet the county’s specific needs.

Risk Management

The NCACC Workers Compensation Pool currently has 98 members (69 counties and 29 entities). Created by counties to meet their specific needs, the Pool’s objective is to help counties jointly manage their risk and prevent future insurance market changes from creating havoc on county budgets. The Pool provides coverages for county members and helps its members gain control of their losses

With the oversight of the Association staff, service partner Sedgwick Claims Management Services Inc. (SCMS) administers the Pool’s claims so members can receive prompt and responsive claims administration. The association staff and SCMS manage the day-to-day operations.

Under the NCACC Workers Compensation Pool:

  • A variety of options are available, including standard and large deductible products.
  • Members choosing a large deductible are provided with an annual actuarial review of their losses at no charge.
  • Nurses specializing in occupational injuries assist injured workers in understanding their medical treatment.
  • Criminal justice services emphasize policies and procedures to help manage the risk of injury to employees associated with law enforcement activities, including detention centers.
  • Members are visited on-site to conduct comprehensive reviews of safety programs, accidents, and loss trends. We also review employee relations and communications and departmental organizations to look for areas that can be improved.
  • Payroll audits are conducted annually at no cost to the member.
  • Members are assisted in developing return-to-work programs to help get employees back on the job while accommodating those restrictions outlined by their treating physicians.
  • Minimal safety standard programs help members develop programs that impact the frequency of claims and provide a safer working environment.
  • Benefits are provided per North Carolina statutes under the jurisdiction of N.C. Industrial Commission.
  • Claims legal defense is provided through major law firms with extensive experience in workers’ compensation and county-specific issues.
  • Every member has an assigned Risk Control specialist who can conduct industrial hygiene sampling, including air and water quality sampling