About the ASA Retro Program
ASA-WA offers Members a Group Retrospective Rating Program for:
- Refunds on your State Industrial Insurance Premiums
- Controlled Workers Compensation Claims Costs
- Better Workplace Safety
- Reduction of Your Own Company’s Experience Factor
Retrospective Rating “Retro” Plans are an optional program offered by the Washington State Department of Labor & Industries (L&I) to allow state employers to recapture a portion of their workers compensation premiums. ASA-WA has a Retro Plan for members which rewards employers for maintaining a safe workplace and controlling workers’ compensation costs. The lower the group’s claims costs, the higher the refunds.
How Does the Program Work?
When the group’s premiums paid exceed the annual losses, and after a period
of adjustment, L&I refunds the excess to the group. Members receive a percentage based on their premium contribution. During this time, members continue to file quarterly reports with L&I and they retain their individual experience rating.
What Are the Benefits?
The ASA-WA Retro provides financial rewards including potential refunds on
premiums and premium savings from improved experience factors as well as
efficient claims management and improved workplace safety.
Who Can Participate?
To be eligible, an employer must meet the following minimum criteria:
- Report hours worked in one of the accepted risk classifications.
- Demonstrate a good safety record
- Be current with payment of Washington State L&I premiums.
- Be a member of ASA-WA.
When Can I Join?
ASA-WA’s Group Retro year starts January 1st. However, members will be
considered at any quarter. Applications must be completed and returned by
the 1st of the month prior to the start of the Retro quarter.
What Does It Cost?
The cost to members is 3% of premiums paid to the Department of L&I for the previous four quarters. This covers administration fees of claims management and loss control services and is among the lowest of any retro group.
What is the success rate of the ASA-WA Retro?
The ASA-WA program began in 1991 and is in its 13th year. During this time it has refunded an annual average of 16 % of the group’s premium. With its comprehensive loss prevention program, the ASA-WA Retro has returned over 3.7 million dollars to its members !
Who Manages the ASA-WA Retro Program?
We partner with Integrated Claims Management, Inc. (ICM). Besides the overall Retro Plan administration, their services to Retro members include:
- A written accident prevention plan and help with implementation.
- On-site safety program reviews.
- Claims administration to assure claim validity, aggressive claims management, and claim dispute resolution.
- Assist with back-to-work transitions to reduce lost time costs
- Consulting on safety and claims matters.
- Narrative claims status reports on all open claims.
How Do I Sign Up?
You can obtain an “Authorization for Release of Information” at the ICM website: www.icmoly.com under “forms”. Complete the information and return it by fax or mail to ICM. If you prefer, call ICM at (360) 786-1378 and ask that a “release” form be faxed or mailed to you.