Workers Comp Stands in Way of Football Expansion

July 26, 2023

Workers’ comp prices hurt arena football

  • MVP Arena general manager Bob Belber claims it would be virtually impossible for an ownership group to bring a new arena football team franchise to Albany next season unless the state lowers its workers’ compensation insurance premium.
  • The Albany Empire franchise, which was kicked out of the National Arena League in June, had a premium of $1.5 million this year, 15 times higher than many arena teams in other states.
  • The issue must be resolved by mid-August for scheduling purposes, whether Albany wants a team in the new Arena Football League, the Indoor Football League, or the NAL.
  • Belber is still in discussions with an ownership group that is exploring the possibility of having an arena football team play in MVP Arena next year.
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Montana wants public comment on workers’ comp

  • Montana Gov. Greg Gianforte today announced he is seeking public comment on applicants to the vacancy for the Montana Workers’ Compensation judgeship.
  • Members of the public can provide letters of support or other comments regarding the applicants through Friday, August 4, 2023, at 5 p.m.
  • Members of the public should submit letters or other comments by email to nominatejudges@mt.gov, by fax to (406) 444-4151, or by mail to Attn: Hannah Slusser, Governor’s Office, PO Box 200801, Helena, MT 59620.
  • Letters or other comments submitted will be publicly available and posted at nominatejudges.mt.gov.
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Enrollment for workers’ comp council

  • The enrollment period deadline is July 31 for new Highland-Fayette-Clinton (Ohio) Safety Council members interested in qualifying for a rebate of up to 3% on workers’ compensation premiums.
  • The rebate offer excludes self-insuring employers or state agencies, according to a news release.
  • The HFC Safety Council provides the tri-county business community with quality programs addressing occupational safety and health, workers’ compensation, and risk management education and information.
  • As a member, you’ll stay informed on the latest safety techniques, products, and services from qualified experts representing a wide range of occupational fields.
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American Claims Management launches advocacy program

  • American Claims Management created a Claims Advocacy Program that delivers empathetic claims service while reducing workers’ compensation costs for employers and insurance companies.
  • The American Claims Management Claims Advocacy Program encompasses protocols in the claims process to ensure that the injured worker’s voice is heard.
  • There is a dedicated return-to-work program and head injury claims program.
    A pre-surgery pain screening program.
  • The program also has utilization review in the event of claim denial for surgery, including communication with the injured worker and with the requesting physician on a course of treatment.
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