icare confirms new panel of Claims Service Providers for workers compensation scheme

icare announced it has reached another significant milestone following contracts being signed with six Claims Service Providers.

Allianz, DXC Technology, EML, Gallagher Bassett (GB), GIO and QBE will manage claims for the Nominal Insurer scheme - that covers 3.6 million workers - from 2023 following a comprehensive tender process.

icare Group Executive Workers Compensation Mary Maini said this is an extremely important reset of the NSW workers compensation claims model and good news for injured workers and employers across NSW.

"Being injured at work is an incredibly stressful time for both the injured worker and their employer. I'm confident that with the expertise and experience of these Claims Service Providers and the support of icare we can get people back to health and work sooner," Ms Maini said.

"To address the rising number of psychological injuries in the workplace, four providers will have specialised capability to deal with these types of claims.

"Another key feature of the new claims model is icare's intent to publish provider performance. The aim of this is to increase the quality of service for injured workers and make it easier for employers to choose a provider that best suits their needs.

"The heart of what we do at icare is to care for the people of NSW. We believe these changes will ensure injured workers get the best possible care when they need it most, and that their employers are supported."

The transition to the new claims model will be staged to minimise impacts to injured workers and employers. The changes to the scheme will be progressively implemented from early 2023 and rolled-out over a two-year period.

Contracts with current Claims Service Providers Allianz, EML, GIO, and QBE, will end on 31 December 2022 and the new contracts will commence on 1 January 2023. The new providers, DXC Technology and Gallagher Bassett, will be onboarded one at a time from mid-2023 and will undergo thorough readiness assessments to ensure they have the capacity and capability to take on new claims.

Employers with a premium of more than $500,000* will be able to choose their preferred Claims Service Provider at their renewal date from 1 January 2023. The new contracts will be for up to 10 years.

The changes to the claims model are part of an extensive improvement program at icare and follow broad consultation in 2021 with injured workers, businesses, unions, industry groups, service providers and the community.

*Average Performance Premium/Group Average Performance Premium above $500,000.