Over $100 million in savings . . . again Print E-mail
Tuesday, May 17, 2005

Third quarter numbers indicate another successful year for BWC’s fraud department

COLUMBUS - The Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation (BWC) announced that with one quarter left in fiscal year 2005, the special investigations department (SID) has identified over $105 million in savings for the agency. The fiscal year 2005 budgetary goal was $93,480,000.

“Because our fraud department is getting better and better at utilizing technology, BWC is able to increase financial efficiency and reduce costs for Ohio businesses,” said James Conrad, BWC Administrator and CEO. “The department out does itself each year because so many are committed to protecting the integrity of the system.”

If the SID continues at its current rate, the department will identify approximately $120 million for fiscal year 2005. In fiscal year 2004, the department saved the agency over $126 million, the highest amount yet recorded.

BWC’s SID works to identify and investigate workers’ compensation fraud and other crime related to the agency. For every dollar spent on fraud investigations in FY05, the SID has identified more than $13 in savings. The average savings identified in a workers’ compensation case is $39,000.

“Time after time we successfully catch and prosecute criminals,” said Tom Wersell, director of special investigation. “Over the years, we have become better at recognizing existing fraud and we work very hard to stay ahead of the trends.”

BWC has taken the time to look beyond traditional insurance fraud and their efforts have paid off. The SID not only investigates injured workers but employers who are non-compliant, possible prescription drug abuse and various types of cyber-crime.

Additionally, the SID frequently uses today’s technological advancements to fight fraud. Since 1994, BWC has used information-sharing technology to help detect workers’ compensation fraud. The SID frequently conducts computerized cross matches of information within BWC’s databases and with other agencies.

Since its establishment in 1993, the department has saved the agency over $936 million and has investigated 36,558 cases. The SID consists of 11 teams covering 16 service offices.

To report workers’ compensation fraud, call 1-800-OHIOBWC or contact your local BWC customer service office and ask for the fraud department. You also can submit an allegation on BWC’s Web site at ohiobwc.com.

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Media contact: Jeremy Jackson, BWC, (614) 752-7558 or Emily Hicks, (614)728-6197.