Area firms apply to form managed care organizations. (Northwest Managed Care; Workers Managed Care Organization)

Area firms apply to form managed care organizations

Two Portland companies have filed initial applications with the state to form health care organizations that would provide treatment for injured workers.

Northwest Managed Care and Workers Managed Care Organization both filed notices last month of their intent to go after the workers' compensation business.

At least three other local hospital-based businesses are targeting the same market, but only a handful of other competitors throughout the state have entered the workers' compensation health care arena.

Northwest Managed Care is led by former employees of Liberty Northwest Insurance …