Quote of the day
"It's the softening of the market, plus the decline in rates, and strong investment concerns that's pushing the limits of the attractiveness of the business."
Mark Murray, senior analyst for A.M. Best
Chronic Pain? Try Pins and Needles
Will California’s Division of Workers’ Compensation finally get around to adopting ACOEM guidelines mandated by the legislature? When is this likely to happen? And what does this mean for medical costs? Premium subscribers can find the answers to these questions and more by clicking here or reading it in the current print edition of Workers’ Comp Executive. Others will have to wonder what’s really going on.
Go to the Full Story…
UR Warnings: Danger Ahead for Payors
Utilization review audits and fines are the order of the day again. Is it deja vu or has something changed? Does the number of call-in complaints in relation to the claims counts tell us that it’s much ado about nothing? Premium subscribers can decide after they read this article online or in the current print edition.
Go to the Full Story…
Attorney Asks Court to Publish Cumbre Opinion
A plaintiff’s counsel has asked an appeals court to publish its opinion in the Cumbre Insurance Services v. State Compensation Insurance Fund case from last month. Find out why in the current print edition of Workers’ Comp Executive.
Go to the Full Story…
Rates Are In
Carriers have filed rate changes before and following Insurance Commissioner Steve Poizner’s announcement of a 14.2 percent decrease. We list the major rate changes by insurers here.
Go to the Full Story…
State Fund’s Larry Mulryan: Exclusive Interview
An exclusive interview with State Fund Interim President Larry Mulryan shows his top-quality management mettle and offers a unique perspective on daily activities and strategic plans. There are some interesting developments here. Offered in the clear as a public service, anyone can click here to read the full story.
Go to the Full Story…
Sacramento Dems Want Voc Rehab Variation Back
California workers’ comp reform savings are attacked again on a whole new level. Two bills winding their way through the process deal with a new kind of voc rehab. Premium subscribers can find out if they’re really going to provide it in advance by clicking here, or reading it in the current print edition of Workers Comp Executive.
Go to the Full Story…
Interview with A.M. Best’s Analyst Mark Murray
Ever-changing variables have made California a tricky place to write workers’ compensation, but those looking in from the outside see a myriad of both dangers and opportunities. In the first of a three-part sit-down with industry analysts, A.M. Best’s Mark Murray shares his cautiously optimistic view on legislative rollbacks, rate decreases and more. This story is available online to premium subscribers as well as in the current print edition of Workers’ Comp Executive.
Go to the Full Story…
LVIII. Publius: If I Had a Hammer
Publius goes out on a limb this time and makes utilization review come alive with choice lines such as “presumption of incorrectness.” Publius’ cynicism on this issue reaches new levels. This clear commentary is available to all for free by clicking here. Enjoy.
Go to the Full Story…
Asbestos Claims Increase
Hundreds of asbestos-related claims are wending their way through California’s workers’ comp system. These seemingly arcane claims are far from over, and attorneys say it could be decades yet before these unique cases have all been put to bed. You’ll be surprised to find out how many cases there are and how they are adjudicated. Did we say double-dipping? Premium subscribers can read the story here or in the current print edition of Workers’ Comp Executive.
Go to the Full Story…