Self-Funded Tribal Workers’ Compensation: Sovereignty. Flexibility. Results.
Summit Administration Services is a proven Third Party Administrator (TPA) for Tribal Nations seeking more control, transparency, and value from their workers’ compensation programs. With a self-funded model, Tribes preserve sovereignty, customize benefits, and keep dollars circulating in Indian Country—while maintaining protection against catastrophic claims.
Discover how your Nation can leverage self-funding and the Summit approach for stronger outcomes and lower costs.
Why Tribal Nations Choose Self-Funded Workers’ Compensation
Sovereign Control
Design your own policies, dispute process, and benefits—free from restrictive state laws or outside carrier rules.
Financial Advantage
Lower administrative costs, no state premium taxes, and the ability to keep reserves and investment gains in the community.
Custom Care & Safety
Incorporate culturally relevant care (including traditional healing) and safety programs tailored to Tribal operations.
Predictable Risk
High Self-Insured Retention (SIR) lets you pay expected claims directly, while excess insurance protects against large losses.
How Self-Funded Workers’ Compensation Works
- Establish a claims fund: Your Tribe pools contributions to pay for expected claims and administrative costs.
- Retain control: Tribal laws and ordinances define coverage, eligibility, dispute resolution, and provider networks.
- Partner with a TPA: Summit handles claims management, compliance, safety training, reporting, and return-to-work programs for a clear, flat fee.
- Buy excess insurance: Purchase a policy to protect against catastrophic losses above your SIR level (e.g., $500,000+).
Why Summit?
- Unmatched Tribal TPA Experience: Summit specializes in self-funded Native American benefit programs.
- Transparent Fees: Flat administration costs—no hidden load or surprise markup.
- Culturally Aligned Care: Support for traditional healing, tailored safety, and wellness programs.
- Actionable Analytics: Detailed reporting and claim trend analysis for leadership.
- Community-First Service: Fast, respectful support—no commercial carrier runarounds.
Tribal Workers’ Compensation FAQ
What makes self-funded Tribal workers’ comp different?
Tribes retain full control over program rules, care, and dispute resolution, rather than being forced into one-size-fits-all commercial plans.
What does Summit do as TPA?
Summit manages claims, reporting, compliance, vendors, safety programs, and helps your Nation navigate every aspect of the program with expertise.
How is risk managed?
Your program pays routine claims up to the SIR; large, unexpected losses are covered by your excess insurance policy—so you’re never exposed to catastrophic risk.
Ready to Rethink Workers’ Compensation?
See how Summit can help your Nation lower costs, improve care, and take control of your workers’ compensation program.
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