Recent News

Predictive modeling a focus for many insurers

Personal and business auto insurance providers may increasingly turn to telematics as a tool for evaluating coverage needs and ratings.

A report from Towers Watson reveals that personal auto insurance providers are using telematics largely to record information about when, where and how a vehicle is driven, as well as annual mileage.

Many are looking at the possibilities of using the collected data to encourage better driving behaviors or for rating purposes. Proponents of telematics suggest they may allow more specific rating and pricing than other methods.

Similarly...

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Dealing with compromised medical information

Healthcare organizations that suffer a data breach can take a number of steps afterwards to contain and minimize the damage.

Expert Mahmood Sher-Jan told Healthcare IT News one important step is to ensure that all the right people are involved. It may be necessary to widen the team addressing the issue over time, he indicated, after the initial investigation reveals a breach. This may include bringing in external as well as internal resources.

Aside from bringing appropriate personnel to bear on the problem, it will also be necessary to determine who needs to be notified...

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Finding the optimal auto insurance policy

For the vast majority of drivers nationwide, auto insurance isn't an option, it's a requirement. However, there are ways for consumers to make sure they aren't overpaying.

First of all, the Insurance Information Institute suggests consumers shop around with multiple companies to make sure they are getting a good value, and not just the absolute lowest price. If drivers have an older, less...

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Healthcare organizations should be cautious in social media use

The growing use of social media both personally and professionally presents a growing challenge, particularly in health and human services risk management.

Healthcare providers often deal with sensitive patient information, both medical and financial. This can lead to risks of patient harm, data breaches, lawsuits, reputational damage and regulatory audits.

"It is important to take a close look at what you want to accomplish with social media in the short and...

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DOL on worker protection in the federal budget

Some aspects of compliance may be increasingly important in the future, as the White House budget proposal highlights a focus on employee safety and rights.

"The Department's budget will enhance worker safety by stepping up enforcement, increasing worker training and providing the most vulnerable workers with the information they need to protect themselves," the Department of Labor stated in a summary of the proposed budget for fiscal year 2013.

A total of $1.8 billion would be appropriated for worker protection agencies under the proposal, including $565...

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Older drivers may need stronger business auto insurance

The aging workforce and effects on older employees may increase the importance of business auto insurance.

Older workers may be at higher risk when performing a number of physical tasks because they commonly have slower reaction times, weaker muscles and less range of motion. Driving can be particularly risky, however, since issues like less effective night vision and suffering more from glare also impact these employees, BLR notes.

The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health reports that drivers are more likely to be involved in fatal work-related crashes once...

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Integrating disability, absence management helps employees, improves productivity

Combining absense and disability management efforts can result in a more effective policy that is better for employers and workers, according to risk management specialist Dan McLaughlin and national practice leader Michael Klachefsky.

The two experts will address the topic at the 2012 Health and Productivity Forum sponsored by the Integrated Benefits Institute & National Business Coalition on Health. According to Klachefsky, employers can benefit from incorporating new policies such as transitional return-to-work...

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Healthcare data security growing concern in Michigan, across nation

Healthcare providers in Detroit are becoming increasingly concerned about and focused on data security as they make the shift to using electronic health records (EHRs), possibly encouraged by the 11 medical data breaches since 2009 which have involved information on 500 or more patients each.

Cases involving fewer people are not required to be reported, the Detroit Free Press notes, but those together accounted for at least 118,000 individuals' personal medical information. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services states that more than 390 breaches of that magnitude have...

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Telehealth tech may reshape future of healthcare

Telehealth technology can lower care costs and improve convenience and efficiency, and some employers hope it may help to reduce the number of unproductive workdays and unnecessary sick days that drag down productivity.

Secure communication by text, audio chat and webcams can allow individuals to access care from home, Employee BenefitNews notes. Consumers may have headaches, strep throat, rashes and other medical problems seen to through telehealth. Technology allows them to contact physicians at any time, and the professional can then determine whether meeting in person is...

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New rules set health insurance policy language standards

The U.S. Departments of Health and Human Services, Labor and the Treasury recently published final regulations governing the language used in health insurance plan documents. The rules are attempting to simplify it so that Americans can more easily understand their coverage, whether it is individual or through a business insurance policy's employee benefits package.

This should make it easier for consumers and employers to compare health plans, according to HHS. Revised explanations must be completed and made...

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