Oakland, CA – A new study details changes in the utilization and reimbursement of California workers’ comp physician and non-physician medical services from 2013 through 2018 – a 6-year span during which the state transitioned to a Resource-Based Relative Value Scale (RBRVS) fee schedule mandated by 2012 legislative reforms (SB 863). The study, authored by… [Read more]
Industry News
MT Commissioner Approves Decrease in Workers’ Comp Loss Costs
Helena, MT – Insurance Commissioner Matt Rosendale approved yet another decrease in workers compensation loss costs this week, continuing a near-decade-long trend of improving Montana’s business insurance climate that Rosendale helped kickstart in 2011. This year’s 8.1 percent overall average decrease in loss costs will go into effect this summer. Rosendale approved decreases of 17.2… [Read more]
Kids’ Chance of America Announces Ken Martino as President-Elect
Philadelphia, PA – Kids’ Chance of America (KCOA) recently announced that its president-elect is Ken Martino, President of MedRisk. The national nonprofit supports 47 state organizations all of which provide scholarships to children of workers who have been seriously or fatally injured on the job. Ken has served on the national board for more than… [Read more]
Former NJ Pharmacy Employee Admits Role in Multi-Million Dollar Kickback Scheme
Newark, NJ – A Bergen County, New Jersey, man recently admitted participating in a conspiracy to pay and accept kickbacks in exchange for medically unnecessary prescriptions, U.S. Attorney Craig Carpenito announced. Zachary Ohebshalom of Fort Lee, New Jersey, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Susan D. Wigenton in Newark federal court to an information charging… [Read more]
NCCI Releases INSIGHTS: 2020 Workers’ Comp Legislative Session Preview
Boca Raton, FL – NCCI recently released a new Insights brief highlighting 2019 legislative trends and hot topics, and previewing activity in 2020. NCCI continually monitors issues that could potentially impact the workers compensation system. In 2019, NCCI tracked almost 700 state and federal workers compensation-related bills and monitored almost 280 workers compensation-related regulations. More… [Read more]
Ohio Controlling Board Approves BWC Safety Grant Increase
Columbus, OH – The Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation (BWC) recently secured approval to spend $70 million in fiscal years 2020 and 2021 on grants for Ohio employers to improve workplace safety. The approval by the Ohio Controlling Board increases BWC’s safety grants funding to $35 million a year, a 75% increase over the agency’s… [Read more]
Carol Sipe Promoted to Senior VP within Great American Property & Casualty Group
Cincinnati, OH – Great American Insurance Group recently announced the promotion of Carol Sipe to Senior Vice President within its Property & Casualty Group. Since 2009, Carol has served as President of Summit, a provider of workers’ compensation insurance coverage in the southeastern United States. She has held a variety of roles within Summit, including… [Read more]
Friedlander Group Announces 25% Dividend for NY Hotel and Motel Safety Group
Purchase, NY -(BusinessWire)- Friedlander Group recently announced a 25% dividend paid to members of the Hotel and Motel Group of New York Workers’ Compensation Safety Group #578*. The 25% paid dividend is in addition to the 25% group discount clients already received on their policies effective June 1, 2018 – June 1, 2019. The combination… [Read more]
DE Companies Save Over $4 Million From Reduced Workers’ Comp Rates
Dover, DE – The Delaware Department of Insurance recently announced that it has analyzed new filings from the state’s top writers of workers’ compensation insurance after announcing the third consecutive year of decreased rates in November. The top writers represent nearly 10,000 companies that hold policies within the state. Policyholders of these companies will see… [Read more]
Amerisure Names New Vice President, General Counsel and Corporate Secretary
Farmington Hills, MI – Amerisure Mutual Insurance Company is pleased to announce the retirement of Kurt Gallinger, current vice president and general counsel. He is retiring after 14 years of service with Amerisure. Upon his retirement, Shannon Anderson Alt is promoted to vice president, general counsel and corporate secretary. “Shannon and Kurt have worked closely… [Read more]