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Program Structure (Download PDF Version)


The CIS Workers’ Compensation Group Program is structured much like an insurance company, with the distinction that we write exclusively municipal government risks in the context of a pooling structure. As such, we collect contributions, pay claims, provide risk management and consulting services, purchase reinsurance and manage the fund on behalf of our members. Premiums CIS collects contributions (premiums) based on an annual rating plan developed: to collect the funding target determined by our actuarial firm and Board of Trustees, to be competitive in the market and to fairly distribute the claims and overhead costs among members of the pool. Rates are based on NCCI (National Council of Compensation Insurance) "pure" rates published each January for Oregon. CIS adds expense factors to the pure rates, calculates experience modifications using the NCCI formula, and applies rating criteria to each individual member to determine the net "contribution". Pricing Options CIS offers a standard or guaranteed cost plan, aggregate and per-claim deductibles, and a paid-loss retrospective plan, with a 1.3 maximum liability. Minimum contributions on retro plans vary with the size of the exposure, claims experience and risk management controls in place. Paid losses are invoiced quarterly and closing options are offered at each of four formal evaluations. Minimum premium is $500. Claims The workers’ compensation group is part of the CIS Trust, along with the property and liability coverage lines. CIS has dedicated claims staff located in Tigard, Oregon, comprised of three senior examiners, one medical-only examiner and two claims assistants. Workers’ Compensation Examiners are assigned geographically and are aligned with CIS Risk Management Consultants. Case loads are relatively low to allow for excellence in communication, coordination of return to work, ergonomic issues, and to provide resources for accessing Workers' Compensation Division reimbursement programs for early return to work. CIS examiners are alert to coverage issues other than workers’ compensation, such as employment or non-work related conditions, and refer those to the Worker’s Compensation Manager for coordination with Risk Management Services and pre-loss legal services. Legal Services CIS uses outside legal resources, limited to a small number of law firms specializing in Workers’ Compensation. Examiners utilize legal services at any time during the claim for appropriate strategy and for development of solutions serving the best interest of all parties. Reinsurance Retaining the first $500,000 of each claim, CIS reinsures with CNA/Wexford since July 1, 2006. We offer Coverage A (statutory benefits) with no limit, and Coverage B (Employer’s Liability) at $3,000,000 limit. Our reinsurer is A-rated with AM Best. Our coverage agreement offers broad contract language without exclusion or additional charge for terrorism. Risk Management Services CIS Risk Management Consultants provide technical workers’ compensation services including site inspection, OSHA training and consultation, Best Practices evaluation and assistance with development and implementation of policy. CIS provides sample Return to Work policy and forms and offers professional assistance in ergonomic evaluations, developing transitional work and in coordinating claims with other lines of coverage, e.g. employment liability, disability or tort law. Process for renewal/new business quotes CIS receives a funding target from our Board of Trustees in February each year. This information consists of the actuarial loss estimate, anticipated payroll exposures, experience modifications and trends for the coming policy period, as well as the cost of reinsurance and overhead. This funding target is used to determine how much contribution is needed to cover the fund year ultimate liability. CIS Underwriting develops a rating plan designed to collect the correct amount of contribution fairly and equitably from the members of the Workers’ Compensation Pool. Rate loads and discounts may vary from year to year, and are to some degree based on the employers’ individual claims experience, best practices, compliance with risk management recommendations, and exposures to future loss. The Rating Plan is approved in our April Board meeting and renewal documents are provided to members and agent/Risk Management Advisors for completion and submission for renewal. Documents for new business quotes are similar to that information needed by any carrier to evaluate pricing and are available on the CIS web site. Taxes CIS collects the Workers’ Compensation Tax on behalf of our members and forwards to the WCD. More Information For more information on CIS' Workers' Compensation Program, contact CIS Workers' Compensation Manager Penny Marlette at pmarlette@cciservices.com or 503-763-3850.

People First


Risk management that focuses first on people is our top priority. Proactive case management including early medical treatment, early return to productive work, and excellent communication with all parties is vital, regardless of whether the claim is compensable on the workers’ compensation or employee benefits program. Our workers’ compensation program offers large and small entities a stable program, with the best interest of employers, workers, and taxpayers in mind.

Benefits of Membership


We provide ergonomic evaluations, job safety analysis, safety committee training, body mechanics awareness, and supervisory skills for individual employers and for groups. We support health and wellness through attendance at employer health fairs, health education and medical self-help on CIS benefits plans; enhancing medical management and smart utilization of medical care on the workers’ compensation plan. Additionally, we offer coverage for public safety and other classes of municipal volunteers coupled with risk management strategies for reducing liabilities and supporting this valuable resource.

Competitive Rates


CIS offers competitive rates and flexible pricing for all entity sizes as part of our commitment to provide the best coverage at the lowest possible cost. Our flexible price plans include cash options for larger members. We also provide discounts for multi-line membership with credit given for good experience and effective risk management programs.

Claims Service


CIS Claims provides excellence in claims handling for both property/liability and workers’ compensation. Dedicated, experienced and responsive claims staff with low manageable caseloads are available to discuss strategy, assist in evaluating return-to-work opportunities, and access reimbursement funds from the State. Their conservative claims reserving practices protect the financial integrity of the fund, without penalizing individual employers.

Rating Highlights


CIS uses NCCI (National Council on Compensation Insurance) guidelines for rating classifications, payroll reporting, and experience rating as do all insurance carriers in Oregon. NCCI promulgates "pure" rates in each state based on payroll and claims data submitted by carriers for the oldest three of the last five-year period. CIS uses these base rates and applies "expense loads" to the pure rates, resulting in a tiered rating system with expense loads ranging from 8% to 64% over Oregon pure rates. Criteria for qualification of rate tiers is based on objective and subjective information and reflects an individual member entity’s loss exposures, claims experience, compliance with loss control standards and recommendations, OSHA regulation, and "best practices." Although CIS does not report payroll and claims data to NCCI for rate-making purposes, we use the guidelines followed by insurance carriers in Oregon to be consistent, competitive, and to allow agents and employers to easily compare quotes. CIS collects tax (Workers’ Compensation Division tax of 7.0%) on contribution (premium) and forwards it to the Division on behalf of our members. The minimum contribution for CIS workers’ compensation group members is $500.