Collaborating in Claims

A Technological Solution
By Patti Griffin  December 2, 2011

Even for insurers that have attained high levels of efficiency, claims management and processing remains a complex, difficult endeavor. Each claim requires the involvement of different professionals, many of them in varied locations, and many with widely varying degrees of technological sophistication. At many insurers, there are deep pockets of expertise within the claims workforce, but finding and accessing that expertise may not always be easy.  read more..

Managing Social-Media Risks— A Critical Task for 2012

LinkedIn, et al. can be a valuable asset in the hiring/firing process—but also add liability

By Michelle Strickland
From the December 5-12, 2011 issue of National Underwriter P&C

Without question, social media has revolutionized not only the way we connect with friends and family but also how we conduct business, including the hiring, discipline and termination of any business’ most valuable asset—its employees.  read more..

EPLI Risk-Management Survival Guide

Top 10 steps to take for federal & state compliance in 2012

By Gerald L. Maatman Jr.
From the December 5-12, 2011 issue of National Underwriter P&C

Employers inhabit a complex environment when it comes to human-resources statutes. Federal, state and local laws and regulations are in a constant state of evolution.  read more..

Self-Service Claims Innovation

By Christopher Tidball    November 17, 2011

Innovation and technology have played remarkable roles in the lives of millions. Think about where we would be without our smartphones, tablets, and the Internet. From a claims perspective, consider where we are today when compared to the manual processes of just a few short years ago. While this may seem amazing, the steps in our industry have paled in comparison to others in the marketplace.  read more..

Lengthy Sessions and Notable Changes in Midwest

A Glimpse at Legislative Activity

By Kathy Donovan    November 14, 2011

The winding down mode has started. Local malls are already decked out for the holidays, and the retail industry is awaiting the much anticipated and beloved “Black Friday.” In the insurance industry, those essentially year-long legislative sessions, while already having delivered gifts wrapped up as “acts,” still hold potential holiday surprises. A brief look back at some enacted bills in Midwestern states with lengthy sessions—Illinois, Michigan, and Wisconsin—provides us with some key changes, as well as anticipation of what might be in store in the coming months.  read more..

Enacting ERM Regulation

NAIC Moves ORSA Forward

By Denise Tessier    November 22, 2011

During the past 15 months, as part of the NAIC’s Solvency Modernization Initiative (SMI), the NAIC has been developing requirements for all insurance companies regulated in the U.S. to conduct an Own Risk and Solvency Assessment (ORSA), and report their enterprise risk management (ERM) practices and related findings to their respective regulators.  read more..

Employees Want Employer Help with Benefits, Health Planning

By Phil Gusman, PropertyCasualty360.com  November 21, 2011
NU Online News Service, Nov. 21, 1:50 p.m. EST

Nearly three-quarters of consumers are worried about being able to afford health care now and in the future, and they want employers to do more to help them get the most out of wellness programs to help hold down costs, according to a new survey.  read more..