Issue 130 – December 2022
NEWS: WORTHY
2022 Workers’ Compensation Claims Audit
Auditor Jim Bankson recently completed the annual audit. Bankson is the president and founder of Northern Claims Management, based in Santa Rosa, California. He has worked extensively with public agency clients and has a comprehensive understanding of the complex workers’ compensation environment in California.
This year’s audit included a review of a random selection of 150 claims emphasizing key performance indicators established by the Authority, compliance with statutory requirements, and industry best practices.
Bankson presented his findings to the Authority’s Executive Committee at its meeting on October 26, 2022. He shared that the team’s overall score of 90.05 percent marked the 13th consecutive year the claims team scored 90 percent or higher.
“The ability of our claims team to reach the 90 percent threshold during a year marked by turnover and a pending change of claims administrator is a testament to the team’s commitment to the Authority and its members,” said Jeff Rush, workers’ compensation program manager.
Although the Authority is moving third-party administrators from Sedgwick to Athens Administrators, most of the claims team will remain together as employees of Athens. Those joining Athens include former Sedgwick claims manager Kevin Fritzsche, all three current claims supervisors, 10 of the 13 claims examiners, four of the six support staff, two former support staff team members, and a former claims examiner.
“We are excited to have so many people that know our members, understand our program, and share our culture and values join us at Athens in 2023,” said Rush. “This will help make for a smooth transition and an opportunity to continue to provide the service our members and their employees have come to expect.”
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