By Mark Pew, Senior VP, Preferred Medical This week I want to share two articles about prescription opioids and their deep impact. The first is a comparison of Work Comp opioids in two different states. The second is a robust report on how we can begin to approach the opioid problem in the United States… [Read more]
Top Stories
Coventry’s Bickford Appointed Vice Chair of IAIABC Research and Standards Committee
Downers Grove, IL – Coventry recently announced that Lisa Anne Bickford has been appointed to serve as the Vice Chair of the International Association of Industrial Accident Boards and Commissions (IAIABC) Research and Standards Committee. As Vice Chair, Ms. Bickford will support IAIABC in their efforts to advance the efficiency and effectiveness of workers’ compensation… [Read more]
NY Roofer Who Pled Guilty to Workers’ Comp & Welfare Fraud in 2017 Sentenced
Albany, NY – A Montgomery County roofing contractor who pled guilty to felony Workers’ Compensation and welfare fraud charges in 2017 but never appeared for sentencing was finally sentenced to 1 1/3 to 4 years in prison on each of two felony counts, to be served concurrently. Joseph Kellogg, Sr. was arrested in December in… [Read more]
NCCI Releases Annual “Focus on 5” List of Top of Mind Issues for Workers’ Comp Leaders
Boca Raton, FL – With the beginning of the new year, the National Council on Compensation Insurance (NCCI) is releasing its 2020 edition of Focus on 5, the definitive list of issues that are top of mind for workers compensation industry leaders. “It is critically important that we stay on top of the issues affecting… [Read more]
Church Mutual Completes Conversion to Mutual Holding Company
Merrill, WI – Church Mutual recently announced that it has completed the conversion of its corporate structure to a mutual holding company, effective January 1, 2020. The move provides the organization more flexibility to pursue customer-driven initiatives while preserving its commitment to protect the greater good and serve the long-term interests of policyholders. The conversion… [Read more]
Lontz Joins CopperPoint as Senior VP and Chief Information Officer
Phoenix, AZ – CopperPoint Insurance Companies recently announced Brad Lontz has joined the company as Senior Vice President and Chief Information Officer. “Brad is a seasoned technology leader with over 25 years of experience working in insurance, financial services, supply chain and consulting organizations,” said Scott Shader, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer. “He… [Read more]
TDI-DWC: Medical Facility Convicted of Workers’ Compensation Fraud
Austin, TX – A Houston medical facility recently pled guilty in a Travis County District Court to workers’ compensation fraud and was ordered to pay $30,000 in restitution. EME International, owned by Christine Caldwell of Marblehead, MA was convicted of a 3rd degree felony. Her facility billed Texas Mutual Insurance for two to four-hour Functional… [Read more]
MedRisk Acquires SPNet from Select Medical
King of Prussia, PA – MedRisk recently announced that it has acquired Select Provider Networks, Inc. (SPNet) from Select Medical (NYSE:SEM). SPNet provides a boutique specialty network of physical and occupational therapists to the workers’ compensation industry. Founded in 2008 by Select Medical, SPNet offers payers a prospective, managed rehabilitation solution to control physical medicine… [Read more]
CA State Fund Declares 15% Dividend for 2019 Policy Year
Pleasanton, CA – State Compensation Insurance Fund (State Fund) recently announced plans to distribute an approximate $55 million dividend to its qualifying policyholders with policies that took effect between Aug. 20 and Dec. 31, 2019. This dividend equals approximately 15% of the estimated annual premium reported during that time period. This announcement follows up State… [Read more]
NSC Accepting Nominations for Five Prestigious Safety Awards
Itasca, IL – The National Safety Council is accepting nominations for five of its prestigious safety awards and designations: the Distinguished Service to Safety Award, the Marion Martin Award, the Community Advancement Award, the Teen Safety Award and Rising Stars of Safety. Winners will have advanced safety in the workplace, in the community or on… [Read more]