Greetings ICA members –

Our industry is facing a number of challenges.  In recent years, competitive pressures, economic volatility and regulatory changes have required insurance carriers to operate more efficiently and be more resourceful than ever before. 

In an effort to advance the ICA’s educational offerings, the ICA invites all corporate members to submit a proposal for a white paper and conference presentation that explore the same topic. Upon completion of writing assignment and necessary approvals, white paper authors will be granted one complimentary conference registration to present their white paper topic at the 109^th Annual Education Conference.  

Did you know the Coalition Against Insurance Fraud (“CAIF”) published a report on fraud in life and disability insurance?  If you are not familiar with CAIF (www.insurancefraud.org), it’s one of many different web based resources available for claims professionals to locate information.  As indicated by its name, CAIF focuses on fighting insurance fraud. 

Whoever said the “dead tell no tales” was clearly unfamiliar with forensic claims. In cases of sudden or unexpected mortality, the humble death certificate can provide essential reading for the claims examiner often in conjunction with a police report or medical examiner’s report.

We are saddened to learn of the recent passing of Alfred S. Hammond, (92), ICA Past President (1969-1970). He loved the ICA and was a mentor to many including ICA Past President Jim Adams.

Questions ranging from the language of medicine to the management of claim operations.

A billionaire tossed a verbal stone into an electronic pond, causing ripples worldwide.“ All these concerns about privacy tend to be old-people issues,” LinkedIn founder Reid Hoffman proclaimed about the new world of electronic communication.

Check for upcoming ICA and industry events.

Hello friends!  Autumn has arrived and I hope you have the opportunity to enjoy some of the best the season has to offer.  Whether it be watching football, huddling around a bonfire with friends, or enjoying everything that is pumpkin I hope you are able to make the most of the season.

In this update, we will summarize two recent California decisions, one on the bad faith defense of genuine dispute and one on E.R.I.S.A. We will also discuss a U.S. Supreme Court decision on E.R.I.S.A. If you have not done so, please provide us with your email address. Please contact us if you would like copies of any of the decisions discussed below.  

Last October, the fraud predictive modeling team met… just as it had throughout 2017.  We were all somewhat pleased.  The model was running based on the data we had entered and positive information was being produced. 

As a best practice, I recommend investigating all foreign death claims. Due to technological advancements, it is becoming easier for individuals to purchase or steal illegitimate documents. This doesn’t mean that I complete full investigations on all foreign, some are as easy as reviewing the documentation that is supplied. Other investigations can take months to complete.

Even though paper records for most medical practices have evolved to digital, all of that data currently resides in silos, where consumers attempt to reconcile data among their providers and health payors. This can be challenging, as there is no single source that identifies where all of an individual’s health data resides, let alone the order in which it was entered.

When I think of summer, I think of hot dogs, baseball, kids out of school, fireworks and family vacations! This year, it also signifies to me that the ICA Annual Education Conference in San Diego is just a few short months from now.

Availability and procedures to research the most commonly requested records within México.

On June 15, 2017, American International Group and Standard Chartered Bank announced the first multinational smart contract-based insurance policy using blockchain. Although significant because AIG partnered with IBM to tackle one of the most complex areas in insurance, the development is most noteworthy because it has placed blockchain technology at the forefront of emerging tech in the business world.

Questions ranging from the language of medicine to the management of claim operations.

Key information for claim professionals (available to members only).

“What can I do to IMPROVE my attitude?” This is one of the most asked questions I get.
Being positive most of the time allows you to enjoy life more.

Before you let another day go by, make sure you register now for this year’s Annual Education Conference.