Some employers who are financially sound (and usually quite large) are "self-insured." An employer can only be self-insured if it obtains permission from the agency. The agency requires employers to demonstrate a very sound financial condition in order to be self-insured.

"Group self-insurance" is another option that is available. Under these plans several small employers which operate the same kind of business and belong to the same trade organization can band together to obtain approval for self-insurance as a group.