More spending by ACC….

ACC announced recently they were spending up to $3.35 million on a public campaign, aimed at raising awareness of ACC and the services it provides.  Its starts this month with ‘water safety’ and ‘sport’ and will move eventually into ‘healthy relationships’ and ‘workplace injuries’.

According to ACC, almost half the population of New Zealand have low awareness of ACC. This brings back memories of the “You’re Covered” campaign ACC ran a few years ago – the question then, as it is now – is this wise spending from ACC?

The campaign is aimed at claimants – not business.  ACC is encouraging use of their services for claimants with no regard for the cost to business – whether that’s through an increase in levy rates or a direct expense to business via Experience Rating.

Yes it’s good to get the information out there, it’s good that people will know what they’re entitled to and (hopefully) how to get it.  We are concerned about the cost and return of this especially at the expense to the employer.  It is tough enough for employers already when dealing with claims.  What is ACC doing to tell employers what they are entitled to?

Everyone has the right to get care but in the end someone has to pay for it (unless ACC has a money tree in their backyard).  What if the number of accepted claims rises from 2 million a year to 3 million a year or more?  What if the cost of caring for the injured rises significantly? What if there is a perfect storm where care costs go up, more claims are accepted, and there is a recession so there are less businesses to cover the cost? Who’s left to foot the bill?

So what is ACC doing for you in 2020? Education and training – some. Discounts – a bit.  Doing campaigns telling business what they can get – none.

We understand that ACC has to prioritise spending.  Its not like ACC hasn’t just spent millions on their new IT system and transformation that went with it.  But is this latest campaign the best bang for the levies paid? Only time will tell.

Sue Walton, Manager - ManageACC

m 027 210 4918   e sue@managecompany.co.nz