Saratoga County sees lower payouts but more open workers' compensation claims, officials say

Saratoga County staff reported lower workers' compensation benefit payouts for January and February 2025 compared with the same months in 2024, while the total number of open claims increased and an actuarial projection raised the county's incurred-but-not-reported (IBNR) estimate.

The report, delivered during a regular meeting, said the county paid out $235,426 in January 2025 (down from about $301,940 in January 2024) and roughly $118,053 in February 2025 (down from $363,827 in February 2024). County staff recorded 25 new claims in January (one more than January 2024) and 30 new claims in February (down from 39 in February 2024). As of the February update the county had 191 open claims, up from 160 a year earlier.

County staff emphasized that settlements and program changes have reduced some liabilities. They reported that funds received from the state in 2021 have supported settlements: 14 claims were settled and two were closed because claimants died, producing an approximate savings of $674,000; about $2,350,000 remains in that fund, and staff said 15 open claims could be eligible for settlement using those funds.

An outside claim administrator, PMA, and county staff also highlighted 2024 results: the county paid just under $2.6 million for workers' compensation benefits in 2024, an increase of about 9% from 2023 driven in part by roughly $1.2 million in awards and settlements that remove obligations from the books. Staff reported medical savings of just over $1.1 million, which they said reduced billed charges by about 72%, and a pharmacy savings of just under $18,000.

The county's annual actuarial review reported an increase in the IBNR projection of about $400,000; staff cited a small number of high‑uncertainty post‑traumatic stress disorder and cancer claims and a higher average weekly wage following recent collective bargaining adjustments as drivers of the rise. Total claim reserves were reported to have decreased by about $1.2 million, a change staff attributed to settlements.

Staff credited education, training and the county's work with PMA and internal staff for reductions in per‑claim costs and in pending claims. The presenter noted the county's average paid per closed lost‑time claim is materially lower than PMA's other clients and said open pending claims have dropped 36% since the county began working with PMA.

No formal action or vote was recorded on the workers' compensation report; staff took questions and closed the agenda item.