icare finalises introduction of six claims service providers

icare has finalised the commencement of its six claims service providers, marking a major development in its program to improve outcomes for injured workers and employers through the workers compensation scheme. icare CEO and Managing Director Richard Harding said the new claims model will improve the support to 3.2 million workers and 329,000 employers by creating competition between claims service providers, offering more specialist support to injured workers and improving the financial performance of the Nominal Insurer Scheme.

“This new combination of capable, competitive and innovative providers means workers with physical and psychological injuries will receive more early interventions and tailored support when they need it most,” Harding said.

icare Group Executive for Workers Compensation Tony Wessling said the changes to the scheme have been implemented this year and the work will continue to be rolled out over a two-year period. “It’s an important step forward that follows three years of work to improve our Nominal Insurer scheme that protects private sector workers. Employers will also enjoy a greater element of choice, and better options for their injured workers as they recover and return to work,” Wessling said.

The changes to the claims model are part of an improvement program at icare and follow broad consultation in 2021 with injured workers, businesses, unions, industry groups, service providers and the community. The full suite of claims service providers comprises Allianz, DXC Technology, EML, Gallagher Bassett, GIO and QBE, which now manage claims for the Nominal Insurer scheme under the new claims model.

Image credit: iStock.com/AndreyPopov