Massachusetts News

Michigan Workers’ Comp Medical Payments Per Claim Among Lowest

Medical payments per workers’ compensation claim in Michigan were among the lowest of 14 states, largely the result of lower utilization and lower prices paid for some services, according to a new study from the Workers Compensation Research Institute (WCRI). …

Florida Workers’ Comp Claims Costs Grew in Years after Reform

Medical costs for workers’ compensation claims in Florida grew between 5 and 7 percent in 2005 and 2006, according to a new study by the Workers Compensation Research Institute (WCRI). The growth rate of followed a period of stabilization in …

Study: Pennsylvania Workers’ Comp Claim Costs Rising

Medical costs for workers’ compensation claims in Pennsylvania are typical of those in other states but rising, according to the Workers Compensation Research Institute (WCRI). In a new study, the Cambridge, Mass.-based WCRI found that typical medical costs per claim …

‘Global’ Payments for Doctors, Hospitals Seen As Way to Curb Medical Costs

A proposal to overhaul the way doctors and hospitals are paid in Massachusetts, a pioneer in healthcare, could help hold down spiraling costs and may have lessons for Washington as it grapples with reforming the U.S. health system. A state-appointed …

Growth Beneath the Radar

Don’t be fooled by the news headlines: Not all of the insurance industry is in retreat mode. In fact, in some pockets, agencies, brokers and carriers are continuing to pursue downright aggressive growth strategies. And many are even seeing positive …

New Markets

The following markets were selected from the MyNewMarkets database of 25,000 coverages and programs. To find additional markets, or to submit markets, go to www.MyNewMarkets.com. Nursing Homes/Assisted Living Facilities Market Detail: U.S. Risk Brokers Inc.‘s Houston office offers an exclusive …

Court: No Coverage for Massachusetts Lawyer who Failed to Report Claim

A claims-made and reported professional liability policy will not cover a Massachusetts lawyer who failed to notify three different insurers about a potential suit against him, the First Circuit Court of Appeals has ruled. The decision – which pitted lawyer …

Massachusetts Police Arrest 13 in Auto Insurance Fraud Case

Thirteen people have been charged with auto insurance fraud in connection with what Massachusetts police say was a staged accident that resulted in more than $76,000 in insurance payouts. Lawrence, Massachusetts Police Chief John Romero said it’s the most people …

Business Moves

NAPCO Wholesale commercial insurance brokerage NAPCO has relocated its corporate headquarters to an 11,000-square foot office inside the Woodbridge Hotel and Conference Center complex in Iselin, New Jersey. NAPCO says the move was prompted by steady growth in the catastrophic …

Love of Language Leads Enterprising Agent into Successful Niche Market

At first glance, Kathryn Soderberg would seem an unlikely candidate for an insurance agent whose expertise in marketing to Hispanic customers lands her gigs on radio talk shows and leading Hispanic market training sessions for large insurance companies. Soderberg, president …