DeKalb County approves IPEP work-comp renewal after multi-year claims decline

DeKalb County commissioners voted Dec. 8 to approve the county's workers' compensation renewal with the Indiana Public Employers Plan (IPEP) after a presentation from an insurance representative who highlighted an improving claims picture.

The presenter said DeKalb County recorded about $29,000 in claims during the current year across 14 claims and that the county's experience modification — the factor that influences premium pricing — had improved toward 0.86. "This current 2025 year, we've got 29,000 in claims," the presenter said while walking commissioners through loss trends and the experience-mod calculation.

County safety and HR staff were credited with improved reporting and supervisor involvement that reduced both claim frequency and severity. Presentation slides and discussion showed that fewer and smaller claims in recent years help lower the premium; commissioners were told the renewal premium for the next policy term will be lower than the current year.

The commission voted to approve the IPEP renewal and thanked staff for improving documentation, reporting and safety engagement.

Why it matters: Work-comp premiums are a recurring county expense that can rise after large or multiple claims; improved safety, documentation and early-return-to-work practices can materially reduce premiums over time.

Next steps: Staff will implement the renewed policy and continue safety and reporting practices to sustain favorable experience-mod trends.