News Digest 9/27/2007

By: Rick Waldinger

Quote of the day

"What New York is saying is that because of this change in the statute, when I go to New York, I have to either have New York coverage on my California comp policy, or I have to purchase a separate policy in New York."

Mark Webb, vice president of government affairs for Employers Direct Insurance Co., on a new law in the Empire State

Go to the full story in Workers' Comp Executive

Coventry and Aetna Lock Arms
Coventry Health Care and Aetna have created a powerful healthcare network that they are applying to workers’ comp. Will it come to California and if so what impact will it have? But who is really getting the upper hand in this deal? Who will benefit and will injured workers and payors fare better? Find out by clicking here if you’re a premium subscriber, or read it in the current print edition of Workers’ Comp Executive.
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A New – and Uncertain – Era for State Fund
As Janet Frank takes her unenviable seat at the head of the State Fund family’s table, Publius wishes her well and offers a few helpful hints to get the job done right. Does the new matriarch have the internal tools she needs to make necessary changes? Workers’ Comp Executive
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Are ACOEM Guides Good for the Long Haul?
A recent Appeals Board panel decision reexamined the issue of whether ACOEM guidelines apply to treatment of chronic conditions. Could considering the opposite mean big costs for employers? Find out in the print edition of Workers’ Comp Executive.
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Terrorism Backstop Bill Could Be Costly
A measure to extend a federal insurance backstop in the event of a terrorist attack is growing in scope, but will the Bush administration give it the green light? Find out in Workers’ Comp Executive.
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New York Law Causing National Headache
A recently enacted statute in the Empire State requires all employers working in New York to provide a New York-issued workers’ compensation policy, no matter where the employer is based. Should you think twice about sending your best and brightest on that next business trip to New York? Find out who’s doing what and by when, as if anyone back there really knows. Click here if you are a premium subscriber. Workers’ Comp Executive
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The Stars Might Lie, but Numbers Never Do
Insurance Regulatory Information System (IRIS) ratios from the National Association of Insurance Commissioners have arrived. Which insurance companies have been cruising on easy street this year, and which carriers are cruisin’ for a bruisin’? Workers’ Comp Executive
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Reinsurers Watching Primary Market Trends
Reinsurers were in Monte Carlo for their annual conference, Les Rendez-Vous de Septembre. Workers’ Comp Executive spoke with an expert who shared her inside look at the reinsurance market. Click here to see what the executive has to say about future pricing. Workers’ Comp Executive
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Industry Ponders Loss Adjustment Expense
Claim frequency and other cost drivers are declining, so why are loss adjustment expenses going the other direction? How does this play into the current rate filing and which two carriers have improved their lot while another carrier’s data do not conform? If you’re a premium subscriber, find out right now by clicking here. Workers’ Comp Executive
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