Henry County commissioners select IPEP for workers’ compensation after insurance review

Henry County commissioners voted 3-0 on July 8 to select the Indiana Public Employers’ Plan, known as IPEP, for the county’s workers’ compensation coverage following a presentation on insurance renewals.

Estill, who led the insurance review, told commissioners the county’s property and inland marine premiums would rise about 3 percent while cyber and health-professional coverages saw modest increases. He said the pivotal comparison was workers’ compensation: “they came in at 302,000, so down almost $40,000 from last year,” while West Bend’s quoted premium was about $304,000, he said. Estill recommended IPEP, citing a long-standing relationship and the carrier’s hands-on safety services including training and seminars.

The recommendation followed discussion of tradeoffs. Commissioners noted West Bend’s broader lines of coverage and expressed appreciation for IPEP’s consultative safety work, which Estill said included tailored on-site visits and public-sector expertise. One commissioner asked whether safety training formerly provided by IPEP had continued under other vendors; Estill said visits happen less often with other carriers but that both finalists offered viable coverage.

Chair (S1) moved to adopt Estill’s recommendation and Commissioner (S2) seconded; the motion carried 3-0. The county’s staff will proceed with the necessary paperwork to place IPEP as the workers’ compensation carrier.

Why it matters: Workers’ compensation is a significant line in the county budget; the board framed the decision around a modest premium reduction and the practical benefits of a carrier that provides regular safety support to county departments. The selection will affect claims handling and safety programming going forward.