In one of the more interesting cases around, a California employer that challenged State Compensation Insurance Fund’s application of its tiered and territorial rating system and other underwriting modifiers won a settlement that more than unwinds the 75.5% surcharge the carrier placed on its account. The disputes between the parties, however, are far from over …
The State Compensation Insurance Fund has new a major claims unit to control costs and improve service for injured workers with catastrophic injuries. Company executives say it is already producing results with the initial claims it has taken on. The unit includes 50 full-time employees including 36 specialist claims adjusters and nine supervisors who are …
The State Personnel Board (SPB) is ordering the State Compensation Insurance Fund to terminate ten more legal services contracts the quasi-governmental carrier awarded to outside law firms in what it calls a violation of state law. State Find management is exploring its options at this point. The contracts cover legal services tied to several high-profile …
The State Compensation Insurance Fund board of directors approved a $37 million dividend for its 2014 policyholders – a 63% reduction from what they awarded in 2013. The move came as State Fund’s earned premium’s increased 53% to $1.7 billion but its net income plummeted amid reserve charges totaling $266 million last year – $200 …
Last week Workers’ Comp Executive had a story about the State Fund rate increase in which we asked for broker’s reactions. Uniformly brokers were critical of SCIF and all except one expressed concern that their name not be used out of fear of retribution. But one brave broker decided we should use his name. This …
The Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals will hear oral arguments later this month in a case challenging the $100 lien activation fee introduced by SB 863 for all liens filed before Jan. 1. 2013. When the case goes to trial, however, the plaintiffs and defendants will not be the only voices the court hears. The …
The State Compensation Insurance Fund board of directors just finished a set of closed door meetings to map out a strategy for its future. One issue has leaders in the construction and building trades sectors radar up. What SCIF might do with or to it’s groups and the thousands of workers’ comp insurance policies inside …
Former State Fund General Counsel Carol Newman has been placed on ‘administrative leave’ and is on her way out according to multiple sources close to the center of things. Some say she is negotiating her “departure package.” New State Fund CEO Vern Steiner, by all accounts so far, “is a first class guy,” and is beginning …