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Will Group Health Cost Rise in 2011?

According to Hewitt’s Associates, group health care plan costs are expected to increase an average of 8.8% in 2011, the largest percentage gain since 2005, new research shows. The average group health plan cost per employee is projected to rise to $9,821 next year. Costs include employer and employee premium contributions, but not employee out-of-pocket expenses, such as copayments and coinsurance. The analysis is based on information from 325 large employers, which mainly self-fund their health care programs. That 8.8% cost hike compares with a 6.9% increase this year and 6% increases in 2008 and 2007. The spike in costs… Read More »Will Group Health Cost Rise in 2011?

California Worker’s Compensation Medical Provider Network (MPN) New Requirements Effective October, 2010

In an effort to streamline the notification process and reduce the burden on employers, the Administrative Director of the California Division of Worker’s Compensation (DWC) recently amended regulation relating to MPN’s. The DWC regulates how an employer implements a MPN, requiring them to provide specific notification to their California employees. The purpose of this letter is to alert you to the new requirements and advise you of the steps being taken to inform our customers. The amended regulation becomes effective on October 8, 2010. By that date employers must: Post the updated form DWC-7, Notice to Employees –Injuries Caused by Work… Read More »California Worker’s Compensation Medical Provider Network (MPN) New Requirements Effective October, 2010

Facebook rules again

In the past, we were astonished by several messages, coming from different sources, on how Facebook helps to adhere the law. There was beer case and mafia boss and numerous arrests have been made… Today we have learned about a New York state woman whose own Facebook posting revealed workers compensation fraud has received probation and been ordered to pay restitution, the New York State Insurance Department said. Alexis M. pleaded guilty to stealing $8,975 in workers comp benefits, the state agency said Monday. Investigators said they discovered a Facebook posting in which Ms. Muniz boasted about her salary as an… Read More »Facebook rules again

Child Boost Seats tested by Insurance Institute for Highway Safety

Each product that is going out on market MUST go through a thorough and comprehensive testing, otherwise it may be dangerous to public. Look at all those recalls we here every day. For example, http://www.recalls.gov/ is government own information portal with the latest details on products recall. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety released its information on booster seats safety. Complete details are available here: http://www.iihs.org/news/rss/pr090810.html Out of all car seats tested, only 30% (or 21 of 72) have received the top marks for proper fit for children in the back seat. It’s great, compare to last year results, where… Read More »Child Boost Seats tested by Insurance Institute for Highway Safety

Auto accidents with fatalities are on decline

Newly released by Department of Transportation report celebrates decrease of the fatalities to the lowest number since 1950 – 33,808 in the U.S. for the year 2009. The decline in traffic deaths occurred even while estimated vehicle miles traveled in 2009 increased by 0.2% over 2008 levels. Moreover, 2009 saw the lowest fatality and injury rates ever recorded: 1.13 deaths per 100 million vehicle miles traveled in 2009, compared to 1.26 deaths for 2008. Fatalities declined in all categories of vehicles including motorcycles, which saw fatalities fall by 850 from 2008, breaking an 11-year cycle of annual increases. By the… Read More »Auto accidents with fatalities are on decline

California Processes 15.5% Fewer Surplus Line Premiums

According to Surplus Line Association of California (SLA) it has processed $1.9B in premium for the first 6 months of 2010, a decrease of 15.5% compared to the same period in 2009. The total number of policies filed with the SLA from January 1 through June 30, 2010, was 209,545, representing 4% decrease compared to the 2009  – first 6 month policy count. SLA expects it will process $3.8 billion in premium for the year, if the trend continues. Year-to-date, U.S. based insurers wrote 76.4% of the California surplus line premiums, while Lloyd’s, London based insurance tycoon company wrote 17.1%… Read More »California Processes 15.5% Fewer Surplus Line Premiums

Workers’ Comp Fraud and You: Don’t Get Cheated

Fraud can take several forms in workers’ comp, but the bottom line is the same: >>>>>>>>>>>>>>Someone is trying to cheat the system to gain an unfair advantage. • Employees may commit claimant fraud by attempting to obtain workers’ compensation benefits to which they’re not entitled. • Employers may commit premium fraud by intentionally misrepresenting their payroll, the nature of their work, or their number of employees. • Medical practitioners and other service providers may commit provider fraud through falsified or unwarranted billing practices. As an employer, you can make a difference in  preventing fraud: 1. Educate your employees about workers’… Read More »Workers’ Comp Fraud and You: Don’t Get Cheated

Employer’s Basic Workers’ Comp Responsibilities

It’s time for a quick policy checkup. By law you must follow certain procedures for (1) notifying your employees about workers’ compensation and (2) responding to workplace injuries. Check the lists below to make sure you’re in compliance. If you need any of the forms listed here or any other help, contact your company’s Customer Service Center*. ____________________________ *Applicable for California Employers only. Check with your insurance company for law that applies to your State. Required Employee Notices These notices tell employees about their workers’ compensation rights and how to get medical treatment for workplace injuries. • Post the Notice… Read More »Employer’s Basic Workers’ Comp Responsibilities

Disability Benefits for Injured Employees

In addition to providing medical treatment, workers’comp insurance compensates injured employees for their disability and lost earnings. These compensation benefits can take several forms, depending how severe the injury is. Let’s take a closer look: • Temporary disability. TD is intended to partially replace employees’ wages while they are disabled due to a work injury or illness. In most cases, TD provides benefits for a maximum of 104 weeks. • Permanent disability. PD is provided to employees whose medical disability permanently affects their ability to work. The exact PD benefit depends on such factors as the employee’s medically determined impairment… Read More »Disability Benefits for Injured Employees