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KWORK tells Chase County it holds large reserves, offers training and premium reductions
Summary
A representative from KWORK described the county‑run workers’ compensation pool’s services, membership growth and financial health, saying the pool holds roughly four times recommended reserves and returned about $1.1 million in premium reductions last year.
Colin Holdhouse, chief operating officer of KWORK, presented an overview of KWORK’s workers’ compensation pool and services to the Chase County commissioners on Oct. 13.
Holdhouse said KWORK is a county‑owned, self‑funded pool organized under the Kansas Municipal Group Funded Pool Act and serves counties across Kansas. He highlighted membership growth (from 82 members in 2015 to 97 in 2025) and said KWORK returned funds via premium reductions, citing a $1,100,000 (12.8%) premium reduction last year. He described services available to members—including safety and loss‑prevention training (defensive driving, forklift, flagger and KDOL compliance training), on‑site safety consultants, scholarships and post‑offer employment testing—to lower experience modification rates and claims costs.
Holdhouse told commissioners KWORK maintains reserves well above industry minimums (stating roughly four times the recommended amount), has not assessed members since 1992, and uses an excess carrier (Safety National) for claims exceeding $850,000. He said claims administration is handled through CIS and that KWORK emphasizes keeping premium dollars in Kansas while providing consultative services that counties often find cost‑effective compared with hiring external vendors.
In response to commissioners’ questions, Holdhouse explained the difference between KWORK (workers’ compensation) and KCAMP (property/casualty), and said many counties participate in both pools. Commissioners asked whether Chase County was taking full advantage of KWORK services; Holdhouse encouraged the county to engage available safety and training resources and offered to supply quotes and additional materials.
No decision or vote on county enrollment or plan changes was made at the meeting; the presentation served as information for future procurement or budgeting discussions.
