Keeping workers healthy and on the move

In 2009, the Port Authority of Allegheny County’s 2,700 employees connected over 67 million passengers to their destinations over a 775-square-mile service area.

“When medical costs and wages are rising, but your workers’ comp costs have gone down over the past 12 years — when your program is saving money — that’s the kind of value we appreciate,” says Port Authority Claims Director Todd Stoker. “That’s what we are seeing, thanks to our partnership with UPMC Work Partners.”

In the photo above:
Members of Port Authority of Allegheny County Workers' Compensation Department:
Janet Wyvratt, Joan Medlate, Michelle Hanna, Todd Stoker, and Janet Yenchik

Since 1998, the Port Authority has collaborated with Work Partners to manage its workers’ compensation program. Recently the relationship was extended with a new multi-year agreement.

“Work Partners is very effective in communicating and cooperating with us,” Todd adds. “We take a very aggressive approach; we are constantly looking to improve the program, and Work Partners is very involved in that. Their customer service is second to none.”

“Our partnership with the Port Authority was the first program in the region designed to integrate the administrative and technological strengths of Work Partners with the medical expertise of the UPMC health care delivery system,” says David M. Weir, President of UPMC Work Partners. “We built a program specifically to handle the Port Authority’s complex and geographically dispersed population.”

Port Authority employees appreciate that they have access to prompt, quality care at UPMC treatment centers close to their work locations. “Employees seek care faster, stay healthier, cost less to insure, and are more productive when care is fast and easy to access,” notes David. “We are extremely pleased with the success of the program and with the collaboration of our two organizations. We are proud to provide this kind of value to our clients.”

“Work Partners is our valued partner,” Todd continues. “By helping our employees to stay healthy and productive, they are helping us accomplish our goals.”