As healthcare evolves, public entities are looking for new programs that promise savings and improved outcomes. However, if a change is initiated but poorly managed, it can have a detrimental effect—disrupting members’ access to care. It’s essential to consider the following best practices to ensure a change goes smoothly with minimal disruption: 

Medical costs are expected to grow again in 2019 at a rate that will outpace inflation. As a result, many public entities are being pressured to consider new and innovative approaches to their health benefits. This type of change in strategy can help them achieve both quality and affordable care. However, organizations must also ensure that the value to employees will far outweigh any risk or disruption the change will bring. Here are three good reasons to consider such a change:

Risk managers should instantly identify with the principles of resiliency. Much of what happens in our world is predictable and manageable, and loss prevention efforts can make it even more predictable and controllable. For insurable risks, we can then share or spread the risk for the less predictable and manageable through insurance or pooling. Building resilience helps us prepare for and manage uninsurable risk. 

Like most states, California's school budgets are under extreme pressure. Teachers are bearing the brunt of rising healthcare and retirement costs, while infrastructure is failing without sufficient funds to make necessary repairs. Putting a dent in what schools are paying to settle liability claims would help keep dollars focused where they should be – in providing quality education for our children.  But what is the true impact of those claims?

When planning a trip, potential travelers often seek the advice of those who have previously journeyed to a particular destination. They look for recommendations on a wide array of things including what to pack, places to visit (or to avoid) and tips to reduce the hassles and inconveniences that often accompany travel to an unfamiliar place.

There is a real benefit to reporting losses immediately after they happen. This is particularly important in workers’ compensation insurance. The time between the occurrence of the loss and the reporting to the insurance carrier is called lag time, and is usually measured in days.

Traditionally, America's police have met the mission to protect and to serve by responding to almost any call, including the call to intervene in a suicide threat. When a distressed person calls a family member to inform them that he is about to take their own life, the relative often calls the police next. When police arrive, the despondent person shouts at the officers to leave him alone.

Once in a blue moon, the U.S. government allows the implementation of a program that affords employers the opportunity to save money without inconveniencing employees. While you process that statement, think of what your current spend is on pharmacy. What just a few years ago was a small percentage of your medical cost may now occupy a higher percentage of the total spend without a cost control method in sight… until now.

In the last few years, the Federal Department of Justice (DOJ) has reduced their involvement in case investigations and engaging practice consent decrees against local police departments. With that oversight being reduced, the role of public entity insurers and municipal pools has taken on a larger role.

Pools become experts regarding any litigation trends in their state, but they can also learn about changes taking place all around the country by having discussions with their excess or reinsurance carrier.

The State of Ohio is currently considering legislation that would require that nearly all police body camera video be subject to public records disclosure.