Ohio Employers: Don’t Miss Out on the BWC SUPR Reimbursement Program

For Ohio employers looking to improve workplace safety while offsetting costs, the Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation (BWC) SUPR Program offers a valuable opportunity that many businesses overlook. The Substance Use Prevention & Recovery (SUPR) “Reimbursement Only” level allows eligible employers to receive up to $5,000 annually for qualified workplace substance-use prevention expenses — without the extensive participation requirements tied to premium rebate programs.

What Is the Ohio BWC SUPR Program?

The SUPR Program was created by the Ohio BWC to help employers build safer, healthier workplaces through substance-use prevention, employee education, and recovery support initiatives. The program replaced older BWC initiatives such as the Drug-Free Safety Program (DFSP) and related safety grants.

While some SUPR participation levels offer premium discounts, the “Reimbursement Only” option focuses solely on helping employers recover costs for approved services and programs.

What Can Employers Be Reimbursed For?

Eligible employers may receive reimbursement for a variety of workplace safety and substance-use prevention expenses, including:

• Drug-free workplace policy development or review

• Employee education and awareness training

• Supervisor training programs

• Drug and alcohol testing services

• Substance use assessments for employees

The annual reimbursement cap is currently $5,000 per policy year.

Why Employers Like the Reimbursement Only Option

One of the biggest advantages of the Reimbursement Only level is simplicity.

Unlike the Basic or Advanced SUPR levels, employers are not required to:

• Conduct annual employee training programs

• Maintain formal testing percentages

• Submit annual progress reports

• Perform accident analysis requirements

• Meet extensive compliance benchmarks

This makes the reimbursement option especially attractive for:

• Small businesses

• Contractors

• Manufacturing companies

• Transportation employers

• Businesses just beginning a drug-free workplace initiative

  
  

Who Is Eligible?

To participate, employers generally must:

• Be an Ohio state-fund employer

• Maintain an active BWC policy

• Be in good standing with BWC

• Have a physical Ohio business location

  
  

What Documentation Is Required?

To receive reimbursement, employers must provide proper documentation through the Ohio BWC Grant & Program Management Portal. Common required items include:

• Vendor invoices

• Proof of payment

• Training materials or curriculum

• Copies of workplace policies

• Drug testing vendor information

Employers should keep organized records because incomplete submissions are one of the most common reasons reimbursement requests are delayed or denied.

Important Deadline to Remember

Reimbursement requests must generally be submitted within one year of the service date. Waiting too long can result in losing eligibility for repayment.

A Smart Opportunity for Ohio Businesses

Workplace safety programs often come with costs that smaller employers hesitate to absorb. The Ohio BWC SUPR Reimbursement Program helps bridge that gap by supporting proactive employers that invest in safer workplaces and employee wellness.

For many Ohio businesses, the program offers a practical way to strengthen policies, improve workplace culture, and reduce risk — while recovering a portion of the expense.

Employers interested in participating can apply and submit reimbursement requests through the Ohio BWC Grant & Program Management Portal on the BWC website.

Ready to build a safer, healthier workplace while reducing costs? Call Working Partners® today to find out how your Drug-Free Workplace Program can be paid for.

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