What has occurred during the program’s first year? The Thurston Chamber Retro program’s fiscal year is Oct. 1 through Sept. 30. Individual members of the group have received claim management on all claims filed. The goal is resolution and management of claims in an effective manner that minimizes the entire retro group experience. Remember, in order for individual members to benefit from the Retro program, the group must perform at a high level. Meanwhile, if you do have a claim, we are here for you. For over 20 years, our administrator, Scott Croucher has been effectively and efficiently managing claims, taking the burden off you.
What administrative fees can we expect to pay this year and when?
Per our agreement, we did not charge any administration fees for the first fiscal year, but those fees will start for the fiscal period 2016-2017. Please know that we’ve been working hard on your behalf for the first year at no charge to you. Our administrative fees are 6 percent and we will send out this bill in February 2017.
What are the chances that our group will receive a refund?
Group refunds are not a guarantee, but it looks like our group is in a good position to receive one.
Now that we’ve concluded our first fiscal year we have a few housekeeping items to complete.
- We closed out the fiscal year—Oct. 1, 2015, through Sept. 31, 2016.
- We will complete all the claims adjustments in September 2017. Based upon those results, TCC will make recommendations on refund disbursements to the members. Right now, we are processing all open claims until the freeze date of July 1, 2017.
- The State of Washington will assess the performance of our group when the claims are closed.
- If the review is positive—and we are anticipating it to be positive—we will receive a return in Sept. 2017.
What is the size of our group? We currently have 65 employers enrolled in the program, representing in premiums of $1.5 million for the group. We’re excited about this money saving program that directly benefits our local businesses. However, the larger the group, the better the program! If you know of a health care organization that could benefit from our Medical Retro program, please have them contact Blake Knoblauch at (360) 357-3362.
Why do you have to be a member of the Thurston County Chamber to enroll in the Retro program? State Law requires that you must be a member of the association that sponsors the group, which will have membership dues.
How is our group performing?
A few of the members have asked about results and potential refunds for next year. At this point it is very early to forecast but based upon the premiums paid and claims filed, we are tracking around 30 percent. Stay up to date on our group’s performance by reading newsletters sent out by program administrator, Croucher Consulting Services. If you are not receiving this newsletter, please send an email to scott@croucherconsulting.com