Volume 22 Issue 7

July 2013


www.pacounties.org

INSURANCE MATTERS
An e-newsletter of the County Commissioners
Association of Pennsylvania Insurance Programs

 

Owned by Members   Governed by Members   Service to Members
In This Issue
Local Court Security Committee Training Update
New Government Standards Released for Pension Accounting
PIMCC Welcomes Bradford County
PCoRP Loss Prevention Grants Offered for a Second Year
CCAP Seeks Loss Control Specialist
Dental Discount Program for County Residents
Take A Surefooted Approach Toward Slips, Trips and Falls
PCoRP Grows, Increases Property Limit
Upcoming Events
Quote of the Month
 
Quick Links
 
 
Join Our Mailing List

Specialty Lines

 

Greetings!  

I love Sherlock Holmes' stories, and just finished a new book called The Sherlockians which features both a current and historic mystery. It reminded me how much I enjoyed reading Conan Doyle's stories and books when I was in high school.


One of the main points of the book was that while Arthur Conan Doyle was writing the Holmes stories he viewed them as trifling works, and never expected them to be enduring or of much interest to the public. So when he got bored writing the stories he killed the main character (The Final Solution). And then he was stunned by the reaction of the public. The Holmes tales were serialized in the newspapers of the day, and the public came to rely upon them for a diversion and a mental challenge. Conan Doyle discovered he could not walk down the street in London without being accosted by someone irate that he had killed Sherlock Holmes! Many of his readers came to consider Holmes a real person; in fact when asked to autograph one of his books, many asked him to sign it from Holmes.

 

This is just another example of something I feel strongly about - you never really know how the things you do impact others. Your work in the county or in your agency or company may assist people in ways you will never know. Now and then you might receive that rare feedback or note of appreciation, but generally we don't see much of that. So take the time to let others know when they have helped you or meant something to you. Pass along your appreciation; it will make your day and theirs.

 

Make sure you contact us when you need help with something,

 

                              John Sallade

Local Court Security Committee Training Update 

 

The Administrative Office of Pennsylvania Courts (AOPC) has finalized the dates and locations of the 2013 AOPC Local Court Security Committee workshops.

 

All of the Judges of the Courts Common Pleas and other court officials will be invited to attend the workshops. AOPC is also inviting County Commissioners and County Executives to attend.

 

Members of PCoRP and PComp who have a representative at one of the meetings can also use this for one of the four annual training events for loss control credit.

 

Click here for the listing of the events, dates and locations.

 

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Kyle Ramberger at (717) 231-9589. To register for a session contact Becky Brandt. 

New Government Standards Released for Pension Accounting 

 

The Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB) recently issued a new standard that fundamentally changes how state and local governments account for the cost of pension benefits in their financial statements. The GFOA's new publication, An Elected Official's Guide: The New Pension Accounting uses a simple question-and-answer format to explain the new pension accounting in a way that is designed to be easily understood even by those with little, if any, experience or background in accounting and financial reporting for pensions.

 

The booklet is organized into six parts:

 

* Pensions in the Public Sector - reviews the principal types of pension arrangements encountered in the public sector

 

* Funding the Cost of Pension Benefits - focuses on how employers fund the cost of pension benefits

 

* The New Pension Accounting - explains how employers account for the cost of pension benefits in their financial statements using the new pension accounting

 

* How Pension Accounting Has Changed - covers how the new pension accounting changes traditional pension accounting

 

* Pension Funding Policy - discusses the importance of a sound employer funding policy for pensions and the essential characteristics of such a policy, and

 

* Interpreting Pension Information - offers practical advice on how to evaluate whether a given pension arrangement is being adequately funded

 

The book is written by Stephen J. Gauthier, director, GFOA's Technical Services Center, and author of Governmental Accounting, Auditing, and Financial Reporting and numerous other GFOA publications


The book can be ordered here:
https://www.estoregfoa.org/Source/Orders/index.cfm?section=OrdersBooks

  

PIMCC Welcomes Bradford County 

By Christie Ward, Captive Programs Manager

 

Bradford County is the newest member of PIMCC, the Prison Inmate Medical Cost Containment program.

 

The PIMCC program is an innovative way to help control the expense of providing necessary medical services while still delivering quality care. With an unlimited liability for most inmate medical costs, counties have the option of purchasing our money saving consulting service that has saved members nearly $30 million.

 

Since the implementation of Act 22 of 2011, PIMCC has served as the liaison to the Department of Corrections and the Department of Public Welfare to manage the hospital inpatient medical cost reimbursements for all counties. In this capacity, PIMCC has developed an even stronger relationship with hospitals statewide as well as lending support to providers new to the system.

 

For more information on PIMCC, contact Christie Ward or call (800) 895-9039. 

PCoRP Loss Prevention Grants Offered for a Second Year 

By Gary Nicholson, CHSP, Loss Control Services Manager
 

The PCoRP Loss Prevention Grant Program has been well received by the members. During the first year, 2012-2013 policy year, for the loss prevention grant program 44 of the 48 members applied and received grants. At the end of May, $386,188 had been awarded to counties and county related entities.

 

The PCoRP board approved offering the grants again during the 2013-2014 policy year and has set aside $600,000 to fund the program for another year. The purpose of the PCoRP Loss Prevention Grant Program is to continue to provide the members the opportunity to fund loss prevention projects for their county or county related entity. The program is to support members' safety committees and administration by awarding grants to offset the costs of enhancing safety, maintenance and risk management programs.

 

Members will want to know about the two changes that were made to the PCoRP Loss Prevention Grant Program.

 

The first change for purposes of the grant program the PCoRP membership is split into two groups; county members and county related entity members. The total available grant is a different dollar amount for each group as well as the type of grant is different for each group. The following will explain the differences. 

  1. An increase in the amount of the individual grants for PCoRP county members. The PCoRP Loss Prevention Grant Program will allow PCoRP member counties to apply for up to a total of $12,500 in funding during the 2013-2014 policy year. This is a $2,500 increase from the prior policy year. Just like the prior year this can be for one or more projects, but the total awarded a member county for all loss prevention grants cannot exceed $12,500.

    The grant money from PCoRP still cannot be more than 50 percent of the cost of the project(s). Therefore, the PCoRP county member must contribute at least half of the cost of the grant project(s). Also, the match can come from the county member's funds, other grants and/or in-kind work done by employees of the county.
     
  2. There are now different requirements and funding amounts for PCoRP county related entities. The PCoRP Loss Prevention Grant Program will allow PCoRP county related entity members to apply for a non-matching grant up to a total of $6,000 during the 2013-2014 policy year. This can be for one or more projects, but the total awarded to a county related entity member for all loss prevention grants cannot exceed $6,000.

    It is important to note for the county related entity members the $6,000 grant is an outright grant and to receive it does not require any matching funds, but all the other grant guidelines must be met.

The second change is that the purpose of the PCoRP Loss Prevention Grant Program is not to be the primary preference for paying for routine maintenance expenses that a member normally encounters annually. This is not the intent of the loss prevention grant program.

However, the PCoRP Claims and Underwriting Committee want to be as flexible as possible in awarding grants. If there is a use that the committee believes will positively impact a member's risk management efforts, the application for that use will be strongly considered.

 

The PCoRP Loss Control staff are available to assist your safety committee and/or management with identification of potential projects.

 

PCoRP will be sending all the members the updated PCoRP Loss Prevention Grant Program Information Sheet that provides current explanations and information about the grant program, and also the 2013-2014 PCoRP Loss Prevention Grant Program Application form. In addition, you can obtain a copy of both the information sheet and application by clicking on the following links; 

For the current policy year PCoRP members have until May 31, 2014 to apply for the loss prevention grants. This applies to both the $12,500 matching grant for the PCoRP county members and the $6,000 non-matching grant for the PCoRP county related entity members.

 

For more information email Gary Nicholson, Loss Control Services Manager or call (800) 895-9039.

CCAP Seeks Loss Control Specialist
  

CCAP has an opening for a Loss Control Specialist to perform work in development, implementation and control of risk management programs for county government insurance pools' members.
 

Responsibilities include onsite visits, performing property, liability and workers' compensation safety analysis, developing written recommendations and programs, and developing and conducting employee safety training. This position is for providing loss control services to counties located in the western portion of PA with some travel requiring overnight stays.

 

Required skills include knowledge of loss control and risk management practices. Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to conduct presentations to groups of all sizes is essential. Must be self-motivated, capable of prioritizing tasks and able to work independently. Proficiency in the Microsoft Office products necessary.

 

Required education and experience include college degree plus four years insurance or related safety experience. Familiarity with PA workers' compensation law is preferred. Prior work with local governments is a plus. The salary is based on experience, in low $40s, plus a company vehicle.

 

To apply, email resume to Gary Nicholson or mail to County Commissioners Association of Pennsylvania (CCAP), PO Box 60769, Harrisburg, PA 17106. CCAP is an EEO employer. Please respond by July 26.

Dental Discount Program for County Residents

Article Provided by the National Association of Counties (NACo)

  

Recognizing the direct link between dental health and overall health, in particular oral cancer, the National Association of Counties (NACo) is offering an affordable dental discount card program to promote the importance of preventive dental care and help county residents save money.

 

The NACo Dental Discount Card Program is designed to help families save money on needed dental care, orthodontic treatment and other dental care services through a network of participating private practice dentists.

 

The program, administered by Careington International Corporation and NACo, offers individuals and families affordable monthly and annual membership options to take advantage of dental care discounts throughout the year. Members simply pay an annual or monthly fee for access to participating providers who have agreed to give services at discounted rates. For individuals, the fee is $59 per year or $6.95 per month. For families, the fee is $69 per year or $8.95 per month. A member simply schedules an appointment with a participating dentist or specialist and presents the membership card to receive a discount at the time of service.

 

NACo President Chris Rodgers, Commissioner from Douglas County, NE, said, "Especially during these tough times, NACo is pleased to provide this dental discount program to our member counties. Since this program is not insurance, anyone can join, and there are no limits on use. There are also no age or income restrictions. This program is the latest of many valuable services that NACo provides to our member counties."

 

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, in a 2011 article entitled Oral Health: Preventing Cavities, Gum Loss, Tooth Decay and Oral Cancers - At a Glance 2011, roughly 37,000 Americans each year are diagnosed with oral cancer, and almost 8,000 deaths each year are attributed to this form of cancer. The CDC says oral cancer survival rates are among the lowest of major cancers. Only about half of those diagnosed with oral cancer are alive to tell their story five years after diagnosis.

 

Most signs of oral cancer are painless and difficult to find without an exam by a dental professional, but the most common signs according to the CDC include a mouth sore that won't heal or bleeds easily, a white or red patch that won't go away, a lump, thickening or soreness in the mouth, throat or on the tongue, or difficulty chewing or swallowing. And it could be a routine trip to the dentist for an exam and that can help detect possible warning signs.

 

Beyond oral cancer, other health conditions linked to poor dental health include diabetes, cardiovascular disease, respiratory disease and even pre-term pregnancy. Each of these serious conditions, with a direct link to oral health, can be intercepted by a dentist, and the newly launched NACo Discount Dental Card Program will help residents save money on the preventive dental care that's critical to overall health.

 

More information about the NACo Dental Discount Card Program is available at www.nacodentalprogram.com.

 

About Careington

Since 1979, Careington International Corporation has dedicated itself to improving the affordability and accessibility to quality health care professionals. Serving more than eight million individuals, Careington operates as a licensed Discount Medical Plan and is known for its industry- leading discount dental network and its best-in-class network partners for other health care services it provides. Careington prides itself on offering exceptional customer service to its clients and members.

 

About NACo

The National Association of Counties (NACo) is the only national organization that represents county governments in the United States. Founded in 1935, NACo provides essential services to the nation's 3,068 counties. NACo advances issues with a unified voice before the federal government, improves the public's understanding of county government, assists counties in finding and sharing innovative solutions through education and research, and provides value-added services to save counties and taxpayers money. For more information about NACo, visit www.naco.org.

Take A Surefooted Approach Toward Slips, Trips and Falls
By Gary Nicholson, CHSP, Loss Control Services Manager

 

A slapstick comedian slips on a banana peel and the audience laughs. A schoolchild falls as he walks to the blackboard and another student asks, "Have a good trip?" The jokes are familiar, but slips are no laughing matter. They take a heavy toll in the number of workplace injuries and lost workdays. Falls to the same level are one of the most common causes of injuries on the job, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

 

Investigate slips

The incidence of slips, trips and falls at work may be even higher than the numbers show. Workers do not report many of the incidents because they are minor and make them appear clumsy, which is a mistake. To reduce slips, trips and falls, supervisors should stress the seriousness of all incidents and have employees inform them of even the most harmless ones. Minor incidents that are reported may be clues to troublesome areas needing repairs and may actually help prevent a major accident from occurring. Investigations should focus on the following areas, where most incidents occur:

  • Doorways and other transitional areas
  • Ramps
  • Cluttered hallways
  • Areas with heavy traffic
  • Uneven surfaces
  • Any area prone to wetness or spills 

As long as people move spills will occur, but a variety of products can reduce the chances that they will cause a fall. Some of the most popular products to reduce the risk of falls are slip-resistant floors, mats and footwear. There are recommended guidelines on walking and working surfaces that call for slip-resistant floor surfaces in areas that are generally slippery because of wet, oily or dirty. Also workers should wear slip-resistant footwear to reduce slipping hazards.

 

Pick the right floor

The appropriate floor covering depends on its use. Here are some questions to consider when choosing an appropriate floor: 

  • What kinds of spills are likely?
  • What are the sanitary requirements?
  • Is noise a concern?
  • Will the area have heavy traffic?
  • What equipment must the floor hold?
  • How will the floor be cleaned?
  • Are aesthetic effects a concern? 

Various non-skid floor coatings that increase traction also are available. If requested we can test your floors using a slip meter and determine the floors coefficient of friction level. This will provide valuable data about your floors safety levels and ongoing floor maintenance.
 

Carpets provide good traction but can cause falls if they are worn or do not fit tightly. Make sure rug and runner edges are securely bound and beveled with rubber or plastic to avoid catching on shoes or boots.
 

Slip-resistant mats provide added protection in spots where spills are likely, such as in areas with heavy traffic or where customers and employees may track in water and dirt. Typical places for mats are at entrances to hotels and restaurants, around equipment that sprays water, in service aisles of restaurants, in produce sections of grocery stores and on bathroom floors. Some mats are made to direct water, grease and other spills away from the walking surface. An added benefit of mats is they can relieve back and leg strain.

 

Choose shoes made to grip

Safety experts recommend footwear with slip-resistant soles for people who work in areas where surfaces are wet or greasy or employees move rapidly from one type of floor to another. Employees prefer footwear that's comfortable, stylish and durable.

 

Take control with training

Environmental changes alone cannot protect employees and visitors. To further reduce the risk of falls, employees should check that aisles are clear, floors are clean, signs are present to warn people of slippery areas, and that visitors get the assistance they need. Supervisors should stress these safety reminders:

  • If you drop it, pick it up
  • If you spill it, wipe it up
  • Go where you are looking, and look where you are going 

Not all falls occur because of wet floors, cluttered aisles or missed steps. There are behavioral changes that can be learned to reduce the risk of falls or minimize their impact such as: 

  • Walking techniques that use feet as probes
  • How to balance properly by keeping the head up and maintaining the body's natural center of gravity
  • Ways to get the feet underneath quickly to recover balance after an initial slip
  • How to protect the most vulnerable parts of the body, such as the head and spine, if you do fall 

Whether counties implement behavioral, environmental or a combination of measures to reduce slips, trips and falls, their accident incident rates usually decline.

 

For more information, contact the CCAP Loss Control Department at (800) 895-9039; or email us at:

 

Maureen McMahon, Loss Control Specialist

Andrew Smith, Loss Control Specialist

Gary Nicholson, Loss Control Services Manager

PCoRP Grows, Increases Property Limit
 
The Pennsylvania Counties Risk Pool continues to grow! With the addition of Chester and Warren Counties this year we are up to fifty members, our highest membership in the pool's 26 year history.

 

PCoRP now insures over four billion dollars in property values. Because of this growth, we decided to review our current property coverage limits. The prior policy year limit for property damage is a pool-wide limit of $350 million per occurrence. We are pleased to advise that we went to Travelers, our property reinsurer, and were successful in increasing the property damage limit to a pool-wide $500 million per occurrence. This increase in limit is effective as of June 1, 2013, PCoRP's renewal date. PCoRP members will soon be receiving an amendment to their policy evidencing the limit increase. All certificates will also show this increased limit. And best of all, there is no additional premium charge for this change!

 

Please let us know if you need further information on this or any matter regarding PCoRP. This increase in limits serves to strengthen the PCoRP program and provides an increased comfort level to our members. Thanks for working with us!

Upcoming Events
  
COMCARE Board Meeting
July 24, 2013, 10:00 a.m.
CCAP North Office
  
PELICAN SAC Meeting
August 20, 2013, 10:00 a.m.
Marriott Courtyard Burlington Harbor, Burlington, VT
  
COMCARE PRO SAC Meeting
August 21, 2013, 8:30 a.m.
Marriott Courtyard Burlington Harbor, Burlington, VT   
  

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.

Quote of the Month
 

Quotes from Sherlock Holmes' stories:

 

"The world is full of obvious things which nobody by any chance ever observes."

-The Hound of the Baskervilles

 

"You see, but you do not observe. The distinction is clear."

-A Scandal in Bohemia

 

"It is a capital mistake to theorize before one has data. Insensibly one begins to twist facts to suit theories, instead of theories to suit facts."

-A Scandal in Bohemia  

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Contact Us: John Sallade, Managing Director, CCAP Insurance Programs