Business Insurance articles from July 2007

Business Insurance archives from July 2007

Insurers lauded at IMCA's 2007 Showcase Awards.(Industry News)(Insurance Marketing Communications Association)(Brief article)
July 1, 2007... NEWPORT, R.I.-Nationwide Mutual Insurance Co., Allstate Insurance Co. and Fireman's Fund Insurance Co. were the big winners in the Insurance Marketing Communications Assn.'s 2007 Showcase Awards. The awards were presented during the IMCA's...

Hiscox acquires livestock insurer in U.S. expansion.(Industry News)(Altoha Inc.)(Brief article)
July 1, 2007... HAMILTON, Bermuda-Specialty insurer Hiscox Ltd. has acquired insurance holding company ALTOHA Inc., subsidiary American Live Stock Insurance Co. and affiliated insurance agency Harding & Harding Inc. for $55 million. Privately held ALTOHA...

Scottsdale, K&K launch sports P/C cover venture.(Industry News)(Scottsdale Insurance Co.)(K and K Insurance Group Inc.)(Brief article)
July 1, 2007... SCOTTSDALE, Ariz.-Scottsdale Insurance Co. and K&K Insurance Group Inc. have entered into a relationship to write property/casualty insurance business related to sports and motorsports programs. Starting Aug. 1, Fort Wayne, Ind.-based K&K...

Legacy system remedies may have side effects.(forecasts and trends of insurance industry)
July 1, 2007... Byline: Rodd Zolkos MINNEAPOLIS-Companies across the insurance industry are wrestling with issues related to legacy information technology systems, but determining just how to solve the problem is an individual decision. "It's up to...

The need for speed in collections.(forecasts and trends of insurance industry)
July 1, 2007... Byline: James A. Shanman Given the amount of uncollected reinsurance proceeds throughout the industry, the speed of reinsurance collections is clearly a constant concern. This is not merely a cedent problem-the costs and uncertainties...

MGAs' flexibility key to soft market success.(Feature: Gatherings)
July 1, 2007... Byline: Rodd Zolkos NASSAU, Bahamas-Softening conditions in many areas of the commercial insurance market have standard lines insurers competing for business in areas that previously were the province of the excess and surplus market, but...

CNA selects system for specialty lines.(Tech Focus)(contracts of CNA Financial Corp. and Camilion Solutions Inc.)(Brief article)
July 1, 2007... CHICAGO-CNA Financial Corp. has chosen Toronto-based Camilion Solutions Inc.'s ProductAuthority system as the product development system for its specialty lines business. Chicago-based CNA will use ProductAuthority to streamline the...

Work comp insurers should brace for an `unsustainable' future.(reports of insurance industry)
July 1, 2007... Byline: Meg Fletcher CHICAGO-The cyclical nature of insurance markets means that workers compensation insurers and reinsurers must look beyond today's favorable results so they are prepared to cope with tomorrow's problems, including...

On the move.(New York Life Insurance Co.)(USI Holdings Corp.)(Marsh Inc. )
July 1, 2007... New York Life Insurance Co. has named Christine Park vp of corporate responsibility and president of the New York Life Foundation with responsibility for managing the New York-based company's philanthropic and volunteer activities. Ms. Park...

EQECAT launches model for offshore energy risks.(EQECAT Inc.)(Brief article)
July 1, 2007... OAKLAND, Calif.-EQECAT Inc. has launched an offshore energy risk model for the Gulf of Mexico. The new model will help insurers and energy producers quantify offshore risks, allowing them to set prices more effectively and make better use...

Study probes insurance as wealth protection tool.(research of Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago)(Brief article)
July 1, 2007... CHICAGO-The Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago is conducting a study looking at how moderate-income consumers use insurance to build and protect wealth. According to the Chicago-based Urban Insurance Partners Institute, information from the...

MarketScout, Skywire, BI/IF set eInsurance Symposium.(Industry News)
July 1, 2007... DALLAS-Executives from leading electronic and online companies that are focused on the insurance industry will gather in Dallas Sept. 17-19 to network, share ideas and explore new frontiers at the 2007 eInsurance Symposium. Organized by...

Industry's global state of affairs.(International Insurance Society)(Industry overview)
July 1, 2007... Byline: Rodd Zolkos Not that much of a reminder is needed these days, but a few recent items reinforced for me the notion of the global world in which we live, the global nature of this industry and some of the ways all that globalizing...

NEBCO rebranding under AmWINS banner.(National Employee Benefits Cos. Inc.)(Brief article)
July 1, 2007... WARWICK, R.I.-Group insurance program and administrative services wholesale broker National Employee Benefits Cos. Inc. is rebranding its operating companies under the name AmWINS Group Benefits. NEBCO said the rebranding results from an...

In focus.(Merrill Lynch and Company Inc.)(Lehman Brothers Holdings Inc.)(UBS Securities L.L.C.)
July 1, 2007... For insurance industry executives concerned with how shareholders and potential shareholders view their companies, the opinions of the analysts who scrutinize the industry for various banks and investment firms are critically important. Here's...

Paying complements; Convergence of markets spurs new risk transfer vehicles.(Cover Focus: Reinsurance Strategies)
July 1, 2007... Byline: Rodd Zolkos The insurance industry has proven attractive to investors recently, and the new capital they're bringing into the market is offering new options for companies looking to transfer risk. "The long-awaited convergence...

The quote.(Industry News)(Quotation)(Brief article)
July 1, 2007... `(Florida) socialized the reinsurance product for the insurance companies and the insureds. Pricing is unrealistic for sustainability over time.' -James P. Bryce, President and Chief Executive Officer IPC Re Ltd. CAPTION(S): James...

Three questions.(International Accounting Standards Board and Ernst & Young L.L.P.)
July 1, 2007... With the International Accounting Standards Board recently releasing a discussion paper on Phase II of its Insurance Accounting Project, European insurers are getting a better idea of the challenges they'll face in implementing new regulations...

Tech providers team up in workers comp effort.(agreements between Isaac Corp. and FairPay Solutions )(Brief article)
July 1, 2007... MINNEAPOLIS-Analytics and decision management technology provider Fair Isaac Corp. will team with specialty review company FairPay Solutions to offer enhanced workers compensation services. Through the agreement, Minneapolis-based Fair...

Search for a solution; Slow progress of U.S. reinsurance regulatory reform raises questions about regulators' commitment, ability to change.(Cover Focus: Reinsurance Strategies)
July 1, 2007... Byline: Meg Fletcher State insurance regulators are facing more questions than answers in the proposed overhaul of the nation's regulatory regime for reinsurance through the introduction of a rating-based system that may eliminate...

IN SEARCH OF ANSWERS.(Cover Focus: Reinsurance Strategies)
July 1, 2007... The National Assn. of Insurance Commissioners is facing questions about the proposed Reinsurance Evaluation Office, including: * Does the NAIC, a trade association, have authority to establish the REO or is federal approval needed? *...

A crushing commitment? The big one could Bankrupt Florida's Citizens Property insurance Corp. and Its Hurricane Catastrophe Fund.(Cover Focus: Reinsurance Strategies)
July 1, 2007... Byline: Meg Fletcher Major insurance industry players are wary of Florida's unprecedented solution to protecting the state's $1.9 trillion in coastal risks from hurricane losses. Many reinsurers and reinsurance intermediaries were left...

C.V. Starr sues AIG for past profits; Lawsuit marks latest move in struggle between former affiliates.(News)(American International Group Inc.)
July 2, 2007... Byline: ROBERTO CENICEROS The bitter legal battle between American International Group Inc. and former affiliate C.V. Starr & Co. took another turn last week, when C.V. Starr sued AIG seeking to potentially recover profits AIG realized...

Fresh capital eases reinsurance pricing with few surprises; Demand, coverage terms are generally remaining steady.(Spotlight: Midyear Market Report: P/C & Health car)(RUPAL PAREKH)
July 2, 2007... Byline: RUPAL PAREKH Reinsurance buyers are paying less for coverage this summer than they did a year ago as reinsurers have replenished their capital and fresh capacity continues to enter the market. Rates are generally softening,...

III exec covers the bases as fantasy sports pioneer.(End Page)(Cary Schneider promoted to vice president)(Brief article)
July 2, 2007... In an industry that deals mainly with losses, some people are hoping for a few wins. That's no doubt true of Cary Schneider, recently promoted to executive vp of the Insurance Information Institute, who was one of the creators of fantasy...

In brief.
July 2, 2007... P/C insurer profits dip in first quarter The U.S. property/casualty insurance industry's aftertax net income dropped 5.5% to $15.81 billion during the first quarter of 2007 compared with last year's first quarter, according to Jersey City,...

Risk Manager standards.(Brief article)
July 2, 2007... Under the Nonadmitted and Reinsurance Reform Act, H.R. 1065, a "qualified risk manager" must meet all of the following requirements: Be an employee of, or third-party consultant retained by, the commercial policyholder; provide "skilled...

WHAT EACH CALIFORNIA PROPOSAL WOULD DO.(News)(health insurance coverage rules)(Brief article)
July 2, 2007... Schwarzenegger proposal: * Require all state residents to have health insurance coverage * Require all employers with 10 or more employees that do not offer health coverage to pay a fee equal to 4% of payroll * Subsidize premiums...

UP CLOSE: Tami L. Singer.(Burns and Wilcox Re Inc.)(Brief article)
July 2, 2007... New job title: Commercial underwriting manager of the Los Angeles branch of Burns & Wilcox Start date: March 1 Previous position: Senior commercial underwriter Reason for joining Burns & Wilcox: I joined Burns & Wilcox for the...

Comings & goings.(appointments)
July 2, 2007... BROKERS: Chris Casper has been promoted to management liability and M&A practice leader for Hub International Midwest in Chicago. Previously, he was manager of product development. INSURERS: Bermuda-based Max Bermuda Ltd. has...

Coaster parks find easy cover in soft market; Competition drives down rates.(analysis of risk management)
July 2, 2007... Byline: BETH MURTAGH Although accidents such as the recent one at Six Flags Kentucky Kingdom grab headlines and spur public concern about ride safety, amusement parks are generally enjoying a favorable market for liability coverage. ...

AHIP meeting draws 3,600; Private-sector solutions seen as best way to curb number of uninsured.(News)(America's Health Insurance Plans)(Brief article)
July 2, 2007... Byline: Gloria Gonzalez LAS VEGAS-About 3,600 people attended America's Health Insurance Plans' 2007 annual meeting in Las Vegas June 20-22. The meeting featured a speech on health care reform by California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger...

Secure personal health records help improve quality of care.
July 2, 2007... Byline: GLORIA GONZALEZ LAS VEGAS-Personal health records are often cited as a critical part of improving the quality of health care, but thorough consent and security policies regarding access and transmission of electronic health...

Errors & Omissions.(EAPs Heavy on Variety)(Light on Enrollees)
July 2, 2007... An article in the June 25 issue, "EAPs Heavy on Variety, Light on Enrollees,'' incorrectly attributed comments in the last paragraph. The comments should have been attributed to Sandra Routledge, senior consultant in the group health care...

Special-purpose vehicle popularity subsides.(Spotlight: Midyear Market Report: P/C & Health car)(Brief article)
July 2, 2007... Byline: Rupal Parekh From here on out, reinsurers' use of sidecars will follow the wind, experts say. Sidecars are special-purpose vehicles-often capitalized by hedge funds-that provide capacity to existing reinsurers by assuming risk,...

Employer health plans stabilize at single-digit increases; Experts, however, warn the cost trend likely only temporary.(Spotlight: Midyear Market Report: P/C & Health car)
July 2, 2007... Byline: JOANNE WOJCIK Cost increases for self-insured and fully insured employer-sponsored health care plans will remain in the single digits for 2008-similar to 2007-thanks to increasing use of wellness and disease management programs and...

D&O prices much softer for companies with best loss history; Even businesses with poor loss records and tougher-to-cover categories are seeing modest changes in rates.(analysis of risk management)
July 2, 2007... Byline: DAVE LENCKUS Even some risks that generally aren't attractive to directors and officers liability insurers are finding good deals in the softening D&O marketplace. During midyear renewals, risk managers typically negotiated 5%...

Employers must exert leverage; Intel chief urges more action on costs, changes in the health care system.(News)(Craig Barrett)
July 2, 2007... Byline: GLORIA GONZALEZ LAS VEGAS-Employers must lead the effort to revamp the U.S. health care system because they have the leverage needed to force major changes, said Craig Barrett, chairman of the board of Intel Corp. Health care...

Real surgery for fraudulent ailments.(End Page)(Brief article)
July 2, 2007... "Pssst. Hey buddy, wanna earn a quick buck for letting a doctor cut on you? You might even get a free nose job.'' There's apparently no shortage of people in the United States willing to accept such an offer. According to prosecutors...

Mass. health care reform rules begin to take shape; Questions remain in implementing new law.(News)(Massachusetts, United States)
July 2, 2007... Byline: JERRY GEISEL BOSTON-Massachusetts regulators have taken several steps to help employers and state residents comply with the Bay State's landmark health care reform law. Recent actions taken by officials of the Commonwealth...

Health reform fight heats up in California; Lawmakers, governor differ on cover mandates.(analysis of health planning)
July 2, 2007... Byline: JOANNE WOJCIK SACRAMENTO, Calif.-The stage is set for what could be the final battle in the California Legislature this year on whether state lawmakers will pass and Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger will sign comprehensive health care...

Increased Side A-only limits popular with some risk managers.(forecasts and trends of liability insurance)
July 2, 2007... Byline: DAVE LENCKUS Directors and officers liability insurance market executives are split over whether the demand for Side A-only towers of limits will continue to grow or has reached a plateau. As the D&O market has softened in...

South Carolina weighs captive 'fast-track'; State looks to pass Hawaii as No. 2 domestic domicile.(laws and rules of captive insurance companies)
July 2, 2007... Byline: JERRY GEISEL COLUMBIA, S.C.-Captive regulators in South Carolina are taking steps to further the state's position as a captive insurance company powerhouse. One change being explored is a "fast-track'' captive application...

Colorado considering ways to attract more captives.(laws and rules against captive insurance companies)
July 2, 2007... Byline: JERRY GEISEL DENVER-The nation's first captive domicile may update its law to revive its appeal to captive sponsors. In 1972, Colorado became the first U.S. state to enact legislation to allow the formation of captive insurers,...

Lawsuits raising stakes for public entities.(analysis of risk management)
July 2, 2007... Byline: Dave Lenckus Like the crocus in spring, billboards that have popped up in South Texas are literal signs of a fresh beginning-in this case a new season for plaintiffs attorneys. But for risk managers of cities and counties in...

E&O rates drop for most professionals; Underwriters more willing to cover claims related to loss of data.(reports of National Union Fire Insurance Company of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania)
July 2, 2007... Byline: DAVE LENCKUS Rates are falling for most professionals buying errors and omissions liability insurance-including some risks with past losses-and terms and conditions are improving, according to market executives. "There's...

General liability rates drop as capital moves to casualty; Despite soft pricing, deductible, retention levels remain stable.(Spotlight: Midyear Market Report: P/C & Health car)
July 2, 2007... Byline: GLORIA GONZALEZ General liability insurance prices are still falling for U.S. buyers with favorable loss histories as they continue to benefit from a capacity surplus. Rates have generally fallen 5% to 10% for both primary and...

Surplus lines measure facing Senate hurdle; House approves bill to ease nonadmitted, reinsurance rules.(laws and rules of Congress. House)
July 2, 2007... Byline: MARK A. HOFMANN WASHINGTON-Supporters of a bill that would streamline the regulation of reinsurers and surplus lines insurers are guardedly optimistic that the Senate will follow the House's lead in approving the measure. The...

Cleaners 1, Judge 0 in case of the missing pants.(End Page)(Custom Cleaners)(Roy L. Pearson)(Brief article)
July 2, 2007... District of Columbia Administrative Law Judge Roy L. Pearson may now regret deciding to press suit against a local dry cleaner for temporarily misplacing his suit pants. In seeking $54 million in damages against the dry cleaner, down from...

Shutterbugs get cold shoulder in N.Y.(End Page)(New York, United States)(evaluating photography laws)(Brief article)
July 2, 2007... Big Apple visitors planning to chronicle their trip photographically may soon need to pack something extra in their camera bag-a city permit and $1 million in liability insurance. New York City's Mayor's Office of Film, Theater and...

Securities lawsuit ruling favors defendants; Supreme Court decision in Tellabs case sets standard for dismissing fraud allegations.(News)(Tellabs Inc. et al. vs. Makor Issues & Rights Ltd. et al.)
July 2, 2007... Byline: DAVE LENCKUS WASHINGTON-A U.S. Supreme Court ruling that standardizes how federal courts should determine whether securities class action claims should survive initial dismissal efforts slightly favors defendants but ultimately...

Property risks see wide-ranging rate cuts; Quiet 2006 hurricane season prompts insurers to lower prices, increase coverage.(analysis of hurricane damage)
July 2, 2007... Byline: MARK A. HOFMANN The wildly varying commercial property renewals of midyear 2006-in which policyholders with catastrophe exposures scrambled to find coverage while those with standard risks enjoyed a benign market-has given way to...

Buyers benefit from declining prices in workers comp; California's strong influence on market has some concerned.(analysis of workers compensation)
July 2, 2007... Byline: ROBERTO CENICEROS Workers compensation insurers are agreeing to substantial price reductions as they try to hold on to market share in a competitive environment, brokers say. Renewing accounts are experiencing price reductions...

U.K. flood losses near $1 billion; Recent deluges and projected increases prompt modeling revisions.(analysis of floods)
July 2, 2007... Byline: RICHARD MILLER LONDON-As parts of England experienced some of the country's worst flooding in recent years, the major catastrophe modeling firms have all revealed plans to either upgrade or develop new United Kingdom flood models....

Revised solvency rules aid some Ireland captives.(International News)(Brief article)
July 2, 2007... Byline: MICHAEL BRADFORD DUBLIN, Ireland-Some captives domiciled in Ireland will be able to reinsure greater amounts of fronted business and are subject to new solvency rules under recent regulatory changes. The changes, contained in a...

HIH liquidator withstands trio's bid to drop charges; Court rules against Gen Re, Guy Carpenter.(The Goldman Sachs Group Inc. and HIH Insurance Ltd.)
July 2, 2007... Byline: ELIZABETH FRY SYDNEY, Australia-The New South Wales Supreme Court last week rejected a bid by General Reinsurance Australia Ltd., Guy Carpenter & Co. Inc. and investment bank Goldman Sachs to drop certain charges from a case...

Common-sense vote could unshackle sector.(laws and rules of Congress. House)(Brief article)
July 2, 2007... WE HOPE THE SENATE quickly follows the lead of the House of Representatives and passes the Nonadmitted and Reinsurance Reform Act of 2007. The measure would streamline the regulation and taxation of surplus lines insurers and cut through a...

Well-managed risks yield rewards: Albright.(analysis of risk management)
July 2, 2007... Byline: REGIS COCCIA NEW YORK-Taking risks is a precursor to reward, even in an increasingly uncertain world, Madeleine K. Albright, former U.S. secretary of state, told an audience of insurance industry members and academics last week....

Review of captive law a wise move in Colorado.(Brief article)
July 2, 2007... WHILE NOT A 180-DEGREE turn, we think Colorado insurance regulators' consideration of reviving the state as an attractive captive domicile is significant. As we report on page 28, Colorado regulators are talking to officials in other...

On the web.(analysis of employee health care)(analysis of risk management)(usage of cell phones)(Brief article)
July 2, 2007... ONLINE EXECUTIVE FORUMTM Wellness, consumerism mix in new CDHP webinar Much of the emphasis in consumer-driven health care has been on encouraging employees to take greater responsibility for their health care needs through increased...

Forty years of BI.(Willis Faber PLC and Johnson & Higgins)(Business Insurance Corp.)(analysis of employee benefits)(Brief article)
July 2, 2007... On Oct. 8, 2007, Business Insurance will celebrate its 40th anniversary of publication. Each week until then, BI will offer a peek at news we reported during the past four decades. June 14, 1982 Ten international brokers, led by Johnson &...

Online Poll at www.businessinsurance.com.(Opinions)
July 2, 2007... How long should the federal terrorism insurance backstop be extended beyond its current Dec. 31 expiration date? Indefinitely: 31.2% 5 - 10 years: 13.1% 3 - 5 years: 32.8% 2 years: 4.9% Should not be extended: 18.0% ...

ADA lawsuit about scents, sensibility.(End Page)(Americans with Disabilities Act)(Brief article)
July 9, 2007... If a co-worker's scent makes you sick, perhaps suing your employer might provide some relief. That's the tactic adopted by Susan McBride, a worker in the City of Detroit's planning department. Ms. McBride reportedly claims in a lawsuit...

Sour grapes suit blames Starburst 'soft chew' for jaw woes.(End Page)(Brief article)
July 9, 2007... If you think you've had your fill of curious lawsuits, chew on this. A Michigan woman has sued the maker of Starburst Fruit Chews, alleging that the neon-colored treats are too chewy and have afflicted her with a jaw disorder. It was...

Too much for some, too little for others.(End Page)(data source error in Hewitt Associates Inc.)(Brief article)
July 9, 2007... Hewitt Associates Inc. is calling it a "data source error.'' But whatever words are used, a situation involving litigation settlement payments to about 20,000 former Enron Corp. employees who participated in the failed Houston-based energy...

Gov. Spitzer seeks ways to curb med mal costs; Insurance regulator to head review panel on system reforms.(analysis of medical malpractices)
July 9, 2007... Byline: DAVE LENCKUS NEW YORK-A sharp increase in medical malpractice rates for physicians in New York has triggered an effort by Gov. Eliot Spitzer to rein in malpractice costs for all medical risks in the state. Gov. Spitzer's move...

In brief.(Travelers Cos. Inc. and ACandS Inc.)(Validus Holdings Ltd.)(laws and rules of workers compensation)
July 9, 2007... Travelers, ACandS settle asbestos claims The Travelers Cos. Inc. and ACandS Inc. have agreed to settle all of the insulation contractor firm's current and future asbestos-related claims against Travelers. Under the settlement, Travelers...

Evolving group LTC marketplace brings forth changes.(analysis of long term care insurance)
July 9, 2007... Byline: Dennis Healy Group long-term care insurance has matured from the days when it was offered almost exclusively by Fortune 500 companies. Now it is embraced by employers of varying industry and size. But with maturity, comes change....

Heed gut feeling about employee's reaction to termination, expert says; Workplace violence specialist debunks myths at SHRM gathering.
July 9, 2007... Byline: JUDY GREENWALD LAS VEGAS-Human resources executives who are uneasy about how an employee might react to being fired should listen to their gut feeling because they may be right, a psychologist says. "Ask what's making you feel...

SHRM annual conference draws 15,000 attendees in Las Vegas.(Society for Human Resource Management)(Brief article)
July 9, 2007... Byline: Judy Greenwald LAS VEGAS-There were 15,000 paid attendees at the Society for Human Resource Management's 59th annual conference and exposition held June 24-27 in Las Vegas. Human resource executives attended a wide variety of...

Quake-related costs for workers comp decline; California study finds market reforms lower need for loading.(News)(Workers Compensation Insurance Rating Bureau)(National Council on Compensation Insurance)
July 9, 2007... Byline: ROBERTO CENICEROS Paying for insured workers compensation losses from future California earthquakes requires setting aside about $180 million annually, according to research released last week by the California Workers'...

THE PRICE.(News)(employee health fees in Clarian Health)(Brief article)
July 9, 2007... Beginning in 2009, Indianapolis-based Clarian Health will charge employees a $5 per pay period fee for each of the following high-risk behaviors or conditions: * Tobacco use * Body mass index over 29.9 * Blood pressure over 140/90...

Punitive approach may harm morale.(Opinions)(Brief article)
July 9, 2007... EMPLOYERS SHOULD BE WARY of using financial penalties to prompt workers to lead healthier lifestyles. As we report on page 1, at least one employer plans to charge those employees it deems unhealthy more for health care if they fail to give...

Autism poses challenge in risks and benefits.(Commentary)(autism and health economics)
July 9, 2007... Byline: Regis Coccia Most of the topics mentioned in Business Insurance tend to fall into the realm of either risk management or employee benefits, but occasionally we encounter subjects that touch both. Autism is a prime example. This...

Airlines' pension woes help reforms take off; Financial troubles of one business sector spark rethink for all.(News)
July 9, 2007... Byline: JERRY GEISEL As the nation's airlines fight battles on many fronts, one huge issue that had been hanging over them-how to fund their enormous pension plan liabilities-is virtually gone. Over the past four years, all of the...

Losses affect participants.(Pension Benefit Guaranty Corp.)(Brief article)
July 9, 2007... Byline: Jerry Geisel While the collapse of airline pension plans has cost the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corp. billions of dollars, the impact of the failures on plan participants also has been huge. Because of limitations on PBGC...

Employers grapple with telecommuter, technology risks; Potential legal and practical problems in the workplace can be avoided by communicating policy procedures.(News)
July 9, 2007... Byline: JUDY GREENWALD LAS VEGAS-Employers are struggling with telecommuting-related risks as well as managing the risks associated with technology in the workplace, experts say. The law is just not keeping up with the rapidly changing...

Employer wellness programs to follow federal criteria.(News)(Brief article)
July 9, 2007... Byline: Joanne Wojcik Final regulations issued last December by the U.S. departments of Labor, Health and Human Services and Treasury provide guidelines for employers seeking to add incentives and/or penalties to encourage participation in...

New York blogger ruling may have wider impact; Federal appeals court upholds dismissal of defamation suit.(News)
July 9, 2007... Byline: JUDY GREENWALD NEW YORK-A federal appellate court's dismissal of a defamation lawsuit brought by a Brooklyn moving company against an Iowa blogger will have influence outside New York state, some observers say. Attorneys say...

Attempted bombings stress need for federal backstop.(News)
July 9, 2007... Byline: Mark A. Hofmann The foiled terrorist attacks in the United Kingdom underscore the need for a continued federal role in U.S. terrorism insurance, say proponents of extending some version of the current government backstop. The...

A PRESCRIPTION FOR HEALTH COURTS.(principles of American Medical Association)(Brief article)
July 9, 2007... The American Medical Assn. recently issued its principles for health courts: * Health courts should be structured to create a fair and expeditious system for the resolution of medical liability claims-with a goal of resolving all claims...

Health courts touted to fix 'broken' system; Idea gains support of physician group and congressmen.(laws and rules of American Medical Association)
July 9, 2007... Byline: MARK A. HOFMANN WASHINGTON-Interest in having medical malpractice disputes handled by special "health courts'' appears to be growing, according to experts in the field. For example, bipartisan legislation that would grant funds...

Owner vs. coach in NBA playoff suit.(End Page)(Mark Cuban)(Don Nelson)(National Basketball Association)(Brief article)
July 9, 2007... Winning may not be everything, but losing appears to be entirely unacceptable for Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban. Mr. Cuban is suing Golden State Warriors coach Don Nelson, claiming that the Warriors beat the Mavs in May-one of the more...

Properly funding a self-insurance program; Ask A Casualty Actuary.(management of funding)(Viewpoint essay)
July 9, 2007... Byline: Richard E. Sherman Q: What level of funding do you recommend for a self-insurance program? Funding levels for self-insurance programs range from minimalist to expected to conservative to highly conservative. We may think of these...