NSW state insurer icare says it will introduce a six-month freeze on employers moving between claim service providers while it finalises an open market tender.

The open market tender for new claims and injury management providers was announced last month.

For employers currently eligible to move between providers, the freeze will begin on July 15 and end on January 1 2023 – when the successful tenderers for claims management services are to begin operations.

“By making this change, the freeze will minimise potential disruption over this transition period to the new claims model,” icare says.

Any eligible employers who renew their policies prior to July 15 can still choose an alternate claim service provider at the time of their policy renewal.

These eligible employers will also be able to choose between any new claim service providers from 1 January 2023 when the new claims model comes into effect.