Quote of the day
"When they're actually signing a check to pay the claims themselves, they recognize the importance of the claims and the overall loss control process."
Kathy DeBernardi, account manager for Hub International, on the benefits of using a deductible program as an incentive for controlling claims.
Publius: Group Self-Insureds’ State Secrets
In his own inimitable fashion, Publius takes on the secrecy in Department of Industrial Relations group insurance plans. Though each member is responsible for the losses of every other member, do they know how well the group is doing? Will the sun shine in? Should the sun shine in? Find out by clicking here.
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Survey Says Workers’ Comp Still Major Concern
Small businesses view workers’ comp premiums differently than one might think, but two recent public opinion surveys conclude that workers’ comp is a top-ten concern in California. The surveys differ on exactly how big an issue it is. Premium subscribers can get the results of both surveys by clicking here.
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Workplace Reforms Lower Workers’ Comp Costs
A workplace culture that tolerated violations of safety rules and procedures had Nurserymen’s Exchange on the path to extinction. But a new broker and a renewed interest by company management combined to cultivate a new culture of safety that has turned the company’s fortunes around. Premium subscribers can see specific steps this company and its broker took to change the future. Click here to read how the company lowered its X-Mod from 1.55 to just 0.67 in five short years.
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SCIF Tardy in Filing’06 Annual Report
It’s nearly a year late, but SCIF finally produced an annual report on its performance in 2006. A year marked by scandal also produced a sharp drop in market share. Get the scoop by clicking here.
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New Loophole Drives Costs
Repackaged drugs have been regulated into reasonableness. But now another loophole allows medical profiteers to score some extra “bling.” What is this new cost-driver? How serious is it, and what is being done about it? Premium subscribers can get smarter and be prepared by reading all about it, just by clicking this link. Become a premium subscriber here.
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State Looks to Create Safer Workplaces Through Enforcement Program
Employers operating workplaces deemed high-hazard shops—those with X-Mods of at least 125—can expect a knock on the door from a state inspector under a new pilot program. But the state says, “We’re here to help you.” This is something every broker needs to know about. Premium subscribers can get the whole story by clicking here.
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Are Medical Costs Down Due to Containment Efforts?
New data show that spending is up statewide for medical cost containment, while overall medical costs are down. But the debate continues as to whether one is causing the other or whether some have found a new way to pad their budgets. Click here to learn about the controversy.
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