Founded January 1, 1996 the Upstate Human Services Self-Insurance Trust Fund has provided its membership with substantial savings in the cost of workers compensation and NYS Disability insurance coverage.
At present, nearly forty human service organizations throughout New York State receive insurance coverage through the trust. Because of the not-for-profit nature of the trust, and due to the collaborative efforts of the membership, savings of up to 30% of the cost of annual workers compensation and 20% of traditional NYS Disability Insurance premiums have been achieved. These savings are accompanied by service which is superior to that provided by traditional insurers.
How is workers compensation coverage provided by the Trust?
Any not-for-profit organization can apply. At present, our membership consists of
a diverse range of human service agencies whose missions range from providing services to
people with developmental disabilities to teen runaways and other youth at risk, to those
who need assistance with alcohol & substance abuse problems. Arts and cultural
organizations are also invited to apply.
Applicants are provided with a preliminary estimate of the cost of receiving their current year's workers compensation coverage through the trust. This estimate is based on the premium charged by the applicant's current insurer. Because the trust pays attention to preventing injuries to employees at member agencies, our rates for each employee class are typically much lower than the traditional insurer's. Additional savings are realized due to the not-for-profit nature of the trust. We do not need to pay dividends to shareholders and are able to keep our overhead costs quite low. These savings are passed on to our members.
Applicants also need to submit their loss history (medical and compensation claims incurred) for review. A safety review of the applicant's site (or sites) is also performed. We are committed to adding members who take a proactive approach to providing for the safety of their employees.
A review of the applicant's audited financial statements is also performed. This process ensures that all trust members are financially viable and that they are able to pay their premiums in a timely fashion.
Applications are reviewed and approved or denied by trustees who oversee all operations of the trust. The trustees are not-for-profit executives who are equipped to deal with the unique needs of this industry. Our members have told us that the entire application process has been straightforward and easy to complete. Membership Development Associates are charged with assisting applicants throughout the entire process.
How does NYS Disability coverage work?
The same mechanics apply to providing our membership with NYS Disability
coverage. During 1998 trust members received an average 20% reduction in the cost of this
coverage (compared to traditional insured rates). To qualify for this discount, a
not-for-profit agency must be a member of the trust.
As a member, what can I expect from the Upstate Human Services
Self-Insurance Trust Fund?
First of all, you can expect substantial savings in your annual premium. These savings are
typically 30% of the cost of traditional insurance products. Equally important however,
are the services you'll receive through participation in the trust. The claims
administration, loss control, managed medical care, and safety programs provided by the
trust far exceeds those provided by traditional insurance carriers.
Claims will be handled promptly. Unlike traditional insurers, the trust is motivated to handle medical and compensation claims in a timely manner.
Loss control services and safety programs are tailored to the specific needs of our membership. The trust provides safety directed toward preventing workplace violence, ensuring proper lifting and "well back" techniques, and also in the prevention of infection by bloodborne pathogens. Other services may be requested by member agencies as a specific need arises.
Managed medical care focuses on getting your employees back to work in their regular position, or in a "light duty" capacity. Having your employees return to work as soon as medically feasible is another way to save your organization a burdensome administrative cost. Our medical care manager also acts as an advocate in ensuring that proper medical care and follow along services are provided.
The Upstate Human Services Self-Insurance Trust Fund is a visible example of the enormous good that can be achieved when not-for-profit agencies work together toward a common goal.
To find out how your organization can join the Upstate Human Services Self-Insurance Trust Fund, contact the following Membership Development Associates:
Cheryl Meyer
FCS Administrators, Inc.
(716) 631-5001
Joanne Pearl
Pearl, Saur & Co., Inc.
(716)675-5700
Thomas Trainor
UCP of WNY
(716)894-0130
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