IASA Expands Scholarship Program

Applications Must be Postmarked by March 1
By Staff Writer  January 17, 2012

The Insurance Accounting & Systems Association Inc. (IASA) is accepting applications for the Insurance Industry Scholarship Program, which has been expanded for 2012 to include a new scholarship, and a total of $10,000 in awards.  read more..

S&P Warns of Downgrades for Workers Comp Insurers

By Mark E. Ruquet, PropertyCasualty360.com

NU Online News Service, Jan. 23, 3:05 p.m. EST

Standard & Poor’s Ratings Services warns that signs are pointing to more unprofitable years for the U.S.workers’ compensation insurance market and downgrades could be in the future if there is no improvement.  read more..

Opinion: Improving Claims Processes, Adding Revenue

Policyholder Retention and the Bottom LineBy Jamie Gladman  January 10, 2012

Claims are typically viewed as an expenditure, outflow, and a deficit. They are a point of contention that can often result in conflict with a loyal customer. In many respects, claims are where the battle for retention is won or lost. At their very best, claims are certainly not a celebrated moment in the customer relationship management lifecycle.   read more..

Opioid Use a Growing Epidemic in Workers’ Comp

By Sherri Hickey  January 13, 2012

Unless you are living with your head in the sand, you are keenly aware that opioid misuse and abuse is a mammoth problem in the workers’ compensation field, contributing to an increase in deaths and medical costs.  read more..

Nonprofit Question: Are Volunteers "Workers"?

By William R. Henry Jr.  January 16, 2012

Although volunteers might not be paid, from a workers' compensation perspective they might be better called “workers.” State laws vary widely on the insurability of volunteers under workers’ compensation. Some states do not allow it, while others specify that certain types of volunteers must be covered and others may be covered at the option of the organization for which they volunteer.  read more..

Reinsurers Advise Against Protectionist Regulation

By Arthur D. Postal, PropertyCasualty360.com
January 17, 2012  NU Online News Service, Jan. 17, 2:16 p.m. EST

WASHINGTON—A coalition of reinsurance trade groups are warning that protectionist policies by governments on global reinsurers will ultimately backfire because of the important role global risk distribution via reinsurance plays.  read more..

Buckle Up Bowzer

By Christine G. Barlow  January 13, 2012


It's long been said that “dog is man's best friend,” and many people feel that way about their family pets. They are so attached to their pets, in fact, that they frequently take them along with them in the car—and it's not just a ride to the vet. They're taking dogs to dog parks, day care and even play dates with other dogs. This is all well and good, until one thinks about the distraction that having a dog in the car brings.  read more..