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Speciality Lines
Greetings!
CCAP now has twelve different insurance programs which provide assistance to counties and county related entities. Over the years I have seen members of those programs worry a little too much about who to contact when they have questions or problems. I want to assure you that it does not matter. Regardless of what information you are looking for or what program you are calling about, our staff are all trained that the most important thing they can do is connect members with the right people to help them. Many of you have developed great working relationships with particular CCAP staff members, and it is fine to go to them with any question or information request you have. I even have one member who sends me claims information! We will all make sure it gets to the right place. If you want a quick "cheat sheet", here is a listing of our programs (in alphabetical order) and other services, and who the primary contacts are. Call us at (800) 895-9039 and ask for these folks, or their extension, or click on their name below to email them. There won't be a test... COBALT - Karen Cohen, x 3307 COMCARE - Christie Ward, x 3308 COMCARE PRO - Christie Ward, x 3308 Health Alliance - Julia Jackson, 3305 PACAH Bonds - Christie Ward, x 3308 PComp - Karen Cohen, x 3307 PCoRP - Karen Cohen, x 3307 PELICAN - Dave Harman, x 3331 PIMCC - Christie Ward, x 3308 Tax Collector Bonds - Tona Faust, x 3357 UC Trust - Julia Jackson, 3305 Volunteer Accident Insurance - Cindy Wagner, x 3358 Claims - Dave Harman, x 3331 Finance - Pam Szajnuk, x 3313 Insurance Workshops - Linda Rosito, x 3328 Loss Control - Gary Nicholson, x 3324 Those of you with sharp eyes will notice a change for PELICAN contacts, this happened September 1. See the article below for more information. If you need more information about what these programs are, see the Insurance Section of the CCAP website. Make sure you contact us (any of us) when you need help with something, John Sallade |
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PELICAN Contacts at CCAP
CCAP has made a change in the responsibilities for the PELICAN insurance program. Late last year we added responsibility for the PIMCC program to the work of the Captive Programs Unit. This has made it difficult to have enough time for all their responsibilities (the unit is just two people - Christie Ward and Susan Horne).
To alleviate this workload issue, effective September 1, Dave Harman will be responsible for PELICAN administration. Karen Cohen and her Property & Casualty unit will be assisting, especially with underwriting.
Christie and Susan remain responsible for administration of the COMCARE, COMCARE PRO, PIMCC and PACAH bonds programs, as well as insurance website administration and Insurance Matters.
Questions about this change should be directed to John Sallade.
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Benefit Fairs and Orientation
Keep CCAP's insurance programs in mind when you are organizing events for your employees. We can provide information for orientation of your employees, department head meetings, supervisor meetings and even benefit fairs. We can review the programs in which your county or county related entity participates, including our EAP program, workers' compensation, property and liability insurance issues, training sessions available throughout the state, loss control services and provide reference materials on our programs.
Contact John Sallade or any insurance staff member for more information. |
Upcoming PIMCC Nurses' Seminar
by Christie Ward, Captive Programs Manager
Just a reminder that PIMCC will hold its annual Nurses' Seminar on Tuesday, September 18, 2012 at CCAP North office in Harrisburg. Attendance is free for PIMCC members. The cost for non-members is $150. Pre-registration is required.
The seminar will focus on: motivational interviewing, a positive approach; psychotropic medication, and women's correctional health care. For more information, consult your Fall 2012 Glimpse or check Glimpse online.
PIMCC members are the counties of Bucks, Carbon, Clarion, Columbia, Elk, Greene, Huntingdon, Juniata, Lycoming, McKean, Montour, Perry, Potter, Susquehanna, Tioga, Union and Wayne. Northumberland County is an associate member.
For more information on PIMCC, please contact Ruth Moraski Keller. For information on the Nurses' Seminar contact Carole Rusnak. Both are at Cost Management Plus and can be reached at (800) 552-2752.
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AOPC Announces Regional Local Court Security Committee Workshops
The Administrative Office of Pennsylvania Courts (AOPC) will be conducting their eighth annual Local Court Security Committee regional workshops this fall. The workshops will focus on preparing for and responding to emergencies, including dangerous threats and actions posed by individuals and groups. The AOPC is partnering with the Pennsylvania State Police Criminal Intelligence Center for a presentation on threat groups operating in Pennsylvania.
This year's workshops will again afford ample opportunity for networking and discussion. In addition, presenters will provide up-to-date information and resources, including security incidents captured via the Pennsylvania Judicial Incident Reporting System (PAJIRS) and Continuity of Operations Planning.
Workshop dates and locations are listed below. Invitations have been sent to core local court security committee members (president judges, sheriffs, county executives and court administrators), and commissioners, staff and any other local officials who serve on committees or otherwise assist in court security matters are also invited.
The workshops will begin at 9:00 a.m. and conclude no later than 3:30 p.m. Lunch will be provided. To register, please call or email Rebecca Brandt in the AOPC Office of Judicial Security at (717) 231-3315 and provide the following information: attendee's name, title and date/location of the workshop.
LOCAL COURT SECURITY COMMITTEE WORKSHOP
DATES AND CONFERENCE LOCATIONS
DATE LOCATION
October 3, 2012 Holiday Inn - Clarion
October 9, 2012 AOPC Pennsylvania Judicial Center, Harrisburg
October 12, 2012 Penn Stater Conference Center
November 9, 2012 AOPC Pennsylvania Judicial Center, Harrisburg
November 13, 2012 DoubleTree by Hilton - Greentree
November 20, 2012 Holiday Inn - Williamsport
November 28, 2012 Hilton Scranton Conference Center
December 7, 2012 Philadelphia - City Hall
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DHS Releases Case Study on Emergency Response Communications Systems
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Office of Emergency Communications is developing a series of case studies using real-world examples on how training and planning have made a difference in responding to natural disasters and other emergencies. This is part of their efforts to share the progress made by the nation's emergency response community in enhancing interoperable communications. They recently released a case study about how emergency communications training helped North Carolina emergency responders keep communication systems operational during Hurricane Irene in August 2011.
Follow this link to the CCAP website to read the case study:
Case Study Hurricane Irene.
This is only one of several case studies under development, and DHS welcomes your suggestions on other topics. If you have a real-world example that you would like to share, please contact OEC External Affairs. |
CCAP Academy for Excellence is hosting three Workshops October 24-26
The County Commissioners Association of Pennsylvania (CCAP) is pleased to announce three workshops being held October 24-26 at the Radisson Hotel Harrisburg and open to all county elected officials and staff.
On Wednesday, October 24, join us for the "Unraveling the Mysteries of the Assessment Office" session with speakers Steve Howe, CPE, director of assessment, Dauphin county; Joan Righter Price, solicitor, board of assessment, Montgomery county; and, Randy Waggoner, CPE, chief assessor/director of tax claim, Perry county. Topics of discussion include the responsibilities of the assessment office, appeal types, appeal eligibility; appeal hearings, the appeals board's role, and tax exemptions and the law. This course is scheduled from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. with lunch included. Participants in the CCAP Academy For Excellence In County Government and Advanced Certification programs may earn six elective credits upon their full participation at the event.
Thursday, October 25 features a "Personnel and Labor Relations" session with speakers Christopher Gabriel, esquire, Gretchen Love, esquire, and Neva Stanger, esquire, of Campbell Durrant Beatty Palombo & Miller, P.C. Topics of discussion include the basics of public sector bargaining, the linear thinking behind managing leave requests, the messiest employee and how to best handle them and the public side of personnel issues. The course will run from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. with lunch included. Participants in the CCAP Academy For Excellence In County Government and Advanced Certification programs may earn credit to fulfill the Personnel and Labor Relations core course upon their full participation at the event.
Finally, on Friday, October 26, the "Financial Management" session will be held with speakers Michael Varano, managing director, PFM Asset Management; Brad Remig, managing director, Public Financial Management; Dean Kaplan, managing director, PFM Management and Budget Consulting; Vijay Kapoor, senior managing director, PFM Management and Budget Consulting; Jim Link, managing director, PFM Asset Management; and, John Molloy, managing director, PFM Asset Management. Topics of discussion include an economic update and overview of market forces impacting states, counties and their communities, gaining operational efficiencies, trends in employer retirement plans and strategies for managing public funds. This course is scheduled from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. with lunch included. Participants in the CCAP Academy For Excellence In County Government and Advanced Certification programs may earn credit to fulfill the Financial Management core course upon their full participation at the event.
The workshops are open to all county officials and staff. Associate members and other CCAP vendors are also invited to attend. Registered Academy and Academy Advanced Certification participants may attend at no cost. The costs for non-Academy participants (CCAP members) vary. Other fees may apply for Academy graduates, associate members and other vendors. There is a multi-day discount available. The workshop fee includes refreshment breaks, lunch and session materials on each day.
Seating is limited - for registration information, please visit the CCAP website or contact Mandi Glantz, director of member and vendor relations, by phone (717) 526-1010 x 3339 or email mglantz@pacounties.org.
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Mold 101
What is mold? According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) mold is a fungal growth that forms and spreads on various kinds of damp or decaying organic matter. There are many different mold species that come in many different colors. Molds are sometimes referred to as mildew. They are found both indoors and outdoors in all climates, during all seasons of the year. Outdoors, molds survive by using plants and decaying organic matter such as fallen leaves as a source of nutrition. Indoors, molds need moisture to grow as well as a carbon source from building materials or building contents.
Exposure to mold can lead to respiratory disease, making it difficult to breathe, although it rarely does so. Some people with chronic respiratory disease, immune disorders or underlying lung disease are more susceptible to infections. The key to mold control and leaks is moisture control. Solve moisture problems before they become mold problems!
Certain molds are toxigenic, meaning they can produce toxins (mycotoxins), but the molds themselves are not toxic, or poisonous. Hazards presented by molds that may produce mycotoxins should be considered the same as other common molds which can grow in your house or workplace. Contradicting research results exist regarding whether toxigenic mold found indoors causes unique or rare health conditions such as bleeding in the lungs. Research is ongoing in this area.
Mold growing in buildings, whether it is Stachybotrys chartarum (Stachybotrys atra) or another mold, indicates that there is a problem with water or moisture. The primary reason for mold growth in structures is uncontrolled moisture incursion in the form of liquid flow, condensation and high humidity that dampens building materials. First and foremost, determine the source of moisture and take appropriate measures to make repairs. Damp or wet building materials and furnishings as a result of leaks or flooding should be dried within 24 to 48 hours to prevent the growth of mold. Mold can be cleaned and removed from hard surfaces with detergent and water or a bleach solution of no more than one cup of bleach in one gallon of water. Mold in or under carpets typically requires that the carpets be removed. Once mold starts to grow in insulation or wallboard, the only way to deal with the problem is removal and replacement.
Site, product and procedural issues are immediately recognizable, and can even be addressed proactively to prevent moisture incursion and mold growth from occurring in the first place. When flaws are discovered they should be immediately documented. When defects resulting in moisture incursion are recognized, they should be immediately addressed for liability reduction. The longer moisture incursion is allowed to occur the more extensive the mold growth will be. Note: there is always the potential for hidden mold growth within wall, ceiling and floor assemblies, or in layers of structures (e.g., multiple layers of drywall or vinyl wall coverings) that may not be apparent after a water incursion event.
Proactive measures include developing moisture control strategies and response plans for the site and building. Having water pumps, fans, dehumidifiers and wet vacuums readily available to clean up after water events, or access to a professional drying contractor will help reduce the potential for mold growth. Building materials, particularly porous materials such as drywall and wood, need to be protected and stored in a dry location. Arrangements can be made with material vendors regarding moisture content and what can be done with materials showing visible signs of mold growth.
What workers can do
When workers suspect their health problems are caused by exposure to building-related mold and dampness, workers should:
- Report concerns immediately to supervisors or those persons responsible for building maintenance.
- See your doctor for proper diagnosis and treatment.
- Ask your doctor whether you should be medically restricted from the affected environment.
What management/building owners can do
When health problems are believed to be caused by exposure to mold in the workplace, owners and managers should:
- Advise workers to see their doctor for proper diagnosis and treatment.
- Evaluate the work area for evidence of mold and dampness.
- Repair leaks and remediate water damaged materials.
- Communicate with workers about areas of the building with evidence of mold or moisture damage and provide the status of remediation plans.
- Arrange for relocation of workers whose doctors restrict them from the implicated work environments.
Recent media attention has increased public awareness and concern over exposure to molds in the workplace. While this may seem to be a new problem, exposure to molds has actually occurred throughout history. In fact, the types of molds found in office buildings are not rare or even unusual. It is important to understand that no indoor space is completely free from mold spores - not even a surgical operating room. Molds are everywhere, making our exposure to them unavoidable, whether indoors or outdoors, at home or at work.
For more information, contact the CCAP Loss Control Department at (800) 895-9039; or email us at:
Gary Nicholson, Loss Control Services Manager
Mauren McMahon, Loss Control Specialist
Andrew Smith, Loss Control Specialist
Bob Lauzonis, Loss Control Specialist
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CCAP Salary Survey Enhancements
CCAP is reviewing options that will significantly enhance the functionality of the CCAP Salary Survey. Considerations include:
To help guide this process, we are seeking your input to make sure the CCAP Salary Survey is restructured to best meet your needs. Additionally, we want to know the impact of delaying the 2012 survey until after the improvements are incorporated. Please share your feedback using the five question online survey below. Responses are requested by Friday, September 7.
- Creating efficiencies in how data is uploaded to the survey
- Improving data report generation
- Increasing the number of counties submitting data
- Determining how and when the data is used
- Defining and incorporating salary survey best practices
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UC Claims Tip: Timely Responsiveness
Article Provided by TALX Corporation
The only way to win unemployment claims up front is by responding timely and providing detailed separation information and necessary documentation when the initial protest is filed. By winning a protest at the initial level, the state will not assess any charges against your county/entity unless, and until, the former employee files an appeal and is able to get the favorable decision reversed. Reasons to Respond Timely - The Department of Labor and state agencies view employers as a contributing factor to benefit overpayments and reduced reserves in state trust funds. Therefore, they're becoming more aware of which employers habitually fail to provide complete and timely separation information. State agencies are more likely to give your county/entity the benefit of the doubt on a particular case if history reflects compliance.
- Some states already charge employers for not responding to claim forms or waiting until the hearing level to provide complete separation information. More states may follow this practice if employers continue to provide insufficient separation information.
- Responding timely and providing all the facts at the claim level is the best time to obtain a disqualification and avoid an unemployment hearing.
- Attending hearings is expensive and time consuming.
- If your county/entity fails to give complete and timely information at the initial claim level, some states will not allow participation in a hearing, resulting in preventable benefit charges.
- A lack of details often results in a "wrong" claim determination and the improper payment of benefits. Even if the decision is corrected through the hearing process, overpaid benefits are often not recovered. Overpayments deplete unemployment trust funds and increase tax rates for all employers. Detailed information means good claim decisions, which in turn can help keep trust funds solvent and deter tax increases.
TALX Corporation is the claims administrator for the CCAP UC Trust. For more information on TALX and the CCAP UC Trust, contact Julia Jackson, CCAP Employee Benefits Program Manager, at (800) 895-9039 x 3305. |
Please Join Us For Some Excellent Trainings This Fall!!!
By Linda Rosito, Insurance Training Director
The fall workshop season is here! We have a great season planned with topics such as compassion fatigue, dealing with difficult people and an advanced course in dealing with unions. The fall season also includes our always popular Excellent Supervisor Seminars with topics of selecting the right candidate when interviewing and evaluating for accountability.
As a reminder, most of the workshops are FREE to attend if your county is a member of the sponsoring Insurance Programs. To check if your county is a member of the sponsoring program, please refer to Glimpse Online and CCAP Insurance Programs Member Listing.
Here is a quick look at the upcoming fall workshop season. Mark your calendars!
FALL WORKSHOP OPPORTUNITIES:
- Thursday, September 6 - Defensive Driving Course, Best Western/Country Cupboard, Lewisburg
- Thursday, September 6 - Excellent Supervisor Seminar, Regional Learning Alliance, Cranberry Twp.
- Tuesday, September 11 - Defensive Driving Course, Scranton Hilton, Scranton
- Wednesday, September 12 - Excellent Supervisor Seminar, Scranton Hilton, Scranton
- Thursday, September 13 - KEYS: Advanced Course in Effectively Dealing with Unions, CCAP North Office, Harrisburg
- Tuesday, September 18 - KEYS: Advanced Course in Effectively Dealing with Unions, Regional Learning Alliance, Cranberry Twp.
- Tuesday , September 18 - Correctional Care Nurses Seminar, CCAP North Office, Harrisburg
- Wednesday, September 19 - Compassion Fatigue: When You Are Sick and Tired of Being Sick and Tired, The Penn Stater Conference Center Hotel
- Tuesday, September 25 - KEYS: Dealing with Difficult People, Best Western/Country Cupboard, Lewisburg
- Thursday, September 27- Excellent Supervisor Seminar, The Penn Stater Conference Center Hotel, State College
- Thursday, September 27- Defensive Driving Course, The Penn Stater Conference Center Hotel, State College
- Tuesday, October 2 - Compassion Fatigue: When You Are Sick and Tired of Being Sick and Tired, CCAP North Office, Harrisburg
- Wednesday, October 10 - Safety Workshop, The Penn Stater Conference Center Hotel
- Thursday, October 11 - KEYS: Dealing with Difficult People, Scranton Hilton, Scranton
- Tuesday, October 16 - KEYS: Crime Prevention and Personal Safety Program, CCAP North Office, Harrisburg
- Thursday, October 18 - Compassion Fatigue: When You Are Sick and Tired of Being Sick and Tired, Scranton Hilton, Scranton
- Tuesday, October 23 - KEYS: Dealing with Difficult People, Regional Learning Alliance, Cranberry Twp.
- Wednesday, October 24 - Annual Producers Meeting, CCAP North Office, Harrisburg
- Thursday, October 25 - Compassion Fatigue: When You Are Sick and Tired of Being Sick and Tired, Best Western/Country Cupboard, Lewisburg
- Wednesday, October 31, County Risk Managers Council, CCAP North Office, Harrisburg
- Thursday, November 1 - KEYS: Dealing with Difficult People, CCAP North Office, Harrisburg
- Thursday, November 8 - Prison Personnel Workshop, The Penn Stater Conference Center Hotel, State College
- Wednesday, November 14, County Risk Managers Council, Regional Learning Alliance, Cranberry Twp.
The CCAP Insurance Programs continues to collaborate with the Academy for Excellence in County Government. Please refer to our website for additional information on co-sponsored events. These workshops are FREE to current Academy participants.
By now you should have received your copy of the fall Glimpse. If you need additional copies please email us at glimpse@pacounties.org and we will get extra copies out to you. All the information is also available at Glimpse Online.
As always, if you have any questions, please feel free to contact Linda Rosito or Jenn James at (800) 895-9039.
We hope to see you this fall! |
PComp Helping Members with Panel Provider Lists
By Dave Harman, Claims Manager
PComp is excited to announce a brand new service that it is in the process of providing to our members. CorVel, who does all of PComp's medical bill re-pricing and pharmacy billing, has agreed to assist us in "cleaning-up" and standardizing all of PComp's members panel list. They will be working with PComp's Medical Claims Case Manager, Jen Long, in making sure that all panel provider lists meet all the legal requirements that are directed by Labor & Industry, as well as making the panels easier to read for all county employees.
PComp wishes to stress that we WILL NOT be changing any of the providers that are on any current panel lists without talking to the member first, with the exception of Physical Therapy and Imaging (MRIs, CT Scans, and x-rays). PComp may make a suggestion to a member about a provider that is currently on a panel, but the member will make the final decision. In no way will PComp be attempting to make a change without explicit approval from our member.
As just mentioned, PComp will be adding a phone number to all our members' panel provider lists that employees will be required to call for any physical therapy treatment or imaging needs they may have during the first 90-days of treatment. Even though they are only required to treat with the providers on the panels for the first 90 days, PComp still suggests that our members encourage their employees to treat with these providers as they are more familiar with treating work related injuries and provide superior care. These physical therapy providers are committed to helping our employees get back to their pre-injury medical and work status in a much more focused manner than many of the physical therapists currently being utilized.
These new networks will also offer PComp member employees convenient and timely appointments at a reduced rate which will help in lowering workers compensation costs for our members. The physical therapy program specifically focuses on rehabilitating an employee's injury while also controlling utilization and managing costs.
All new panel provider lists will be sent to our members by PComp by September 14, 2012 at the latest. Each member will then have one week to review any changes and the new format, and provide their responses to such. PComp will then work with any member that has any questions or concerns about their new provider panel.
Once the new panel provider list has been completed and accepted by the member, PComp will be sending a copy of the new list to all providers on the panel. Each member will be required to notify their employees of the new list and have each of them sign a form that PComp will provide stating that the employee received a copy of the revised list. This will provide everyone involved with the phone numbers that PComp is asking to be used for physical therapy and imaging so that they will also know to start utilizing this new service.
PComp will also be presenting an upcoming webinar in conjunction with CorVel that will discuss the process of revising the panel provider lists as well as the new benefits that the county, and PComp, will have with the new physical therapy and imaging services that are being provided.
If anyone has any questions at this point, please feel free to contact Dave Harman at (800) 895-9039.
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Upcoming Events
- PCoRP Board Meeting
September 14, 2012
CCAP North Office, Harrisburg
- PComp Board Meeting
September 21, 2012
CCAP North Office, Harrisburg
- PIMCC Board Meeting
October 5, 2012
CCAP, North Office, Harrisburg
- UC Board of Trustees Meeting
October 12, 2012
CCAP North, Harrisburg
- Annual Producers Meeting
October 24, 2012
CCAP North Office, Harrisburg
- County Risk Manager's Council
October 31, 2012
CCAP North Office, Harrisburg
Board and committee meetings of all CCAP insurance programs are open to members of those pools. If you plan to attend a meeting, please let us know in advance so we can plan for room set-up and any meals. Send your attendance plans to John Sallade at CCAP. |
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Coverage Corner
Reminders and Pointers about Insurance Coverage and Risk Management
Equipment Breakdown Coverage
A standard property insurance policy covers buildings, contents and potential loss of earnings in the event of a loss (business interruption). However, equipment breakdown is excluded under the standard policy. To alleviate a coverage gap, in addition to standard property coverage, an Equipment Breakdown policy is needed. This type of policy covers loss exposures for equipment and systems installed in buildings. Equipment Breakdown used to be called Boiler and Machinery coverage, but was renamed to better describe the range of covered equipment. The types of equipment covered under the policy include electrical systems, air conditioning and refrigeration equipment, boilers and pressure vessels, electronic technology systems and mechanical equipment.
Here is a brief description of the types of losses that can occur to the equipment normally covered under the Equipment Breakdown policy. The costs most associated with a breakdown of an electrical system include system repairs, generator rental, relocation of tenants (when required due to extensive damage) and loss of revenue caused by building inaccessibility. Air conditioning and refrigeration breakdown can result in closures of buildings, spoilage issues and revenue loss. Boilers and pressure vessels are subject to explosion, cracking, collapse and bulging. Any of these can result in loss of hot water or heat for a building, and would require that arrangements be made for temporary equipment, as well as take care of the permanent equipment repairs or replacement. Electronic Technology Systems include sensitive equipment that can be severely damaged by a power surge. A surge can impact phone systems, computers, satellite systems, EMS security and fire alarms, and other equipment that relies on electronic technology. Other mechanical objects that are covered include water pumps, ventilation fans, elevators, escalators, motors, engines and most other mechanical equipment used to run a building. Equipment Breakdown coverage can be included as a part of your property insurance policy or as a stand-alone coverage. Not all property insurers write this coverage. For PCoRP members, Equipment Breakdown coverage is included with the property coverage provided by PCoRP.
Questions or comments? Contact Karen Cohen, CCAP's Property and Casualty Programs Manager.
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| Quote of the Month
" The good you do today will be forgotten tomorrow.
Do good anyway.
People are illogical, unreasonable and self-centered.
Love them anyway.
The biggest men and women with the biggest ideas can be shot down by the smallest men and women with the smallest minds. Think big anyway."
- Kent Keith
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