With significant private business trends and public policy landscape changes on the horizon, it’s a good time for employers to take a look at their workers’ compensation provisions. As we previously outlined for employee benefits, there are many factors that are already starting to impact benefits coverage across the nation. 2014 brings unique challenges as increased numbers of workers are utilizing healthcare services due to the Affordable Care Act (ACA), and there is a shortage of medical providers across Massachusetts.

Here are three important trends and changes that may affect your workers’ compensation costs and/or coverage in 2014:

More Vendors are Consolidating

Workers’ compensation providers are seeing considerable increases in consolidation, resulting in fewer options and decreased price competition. This is of particular note to motor vehicle parts manufacturers and dealers, which had a reported workplace industry and illness rate higher than the national average in 2013.

Have you price-checked your workers’ comp coverage lately? Contact Awane for a quote.

TRIPRA Expires Dec 31, 2014

2014 is the last year of the Terrorism Risk Insurance Program Reauthorization Act (TRIPRA), which currently provides additional coverage for potential terrorist attacks. With the expiration date of this legislation approaching, many insurers in major cities like Boston are already adjusting their policies in preparation for the change. If TRIPRA is not renewed, many carriers are positioning for across-the-board increases, and are already starting to limit available coverage options.

Not sure how this will affect your coverage? Our Massachusetts Workers’ Compensation experts can find out.

More Integrated Disability Coverage

Instead of keeping coverage for occupational and non-occupational disability separate, many companies and third-party benefits administrators are realizing their productivity, and therefore profitability, increases with the wellness of their workers. A smart coverage program needs to integrate standard worker’s compensation coverage with non-occupational disability, while fulfilling ADA and FMLA requirements.


As always, you can contact us at NARFA with any questions you may have about worker’s compensation law or any other benefits administration questions. We know the industry better than most, and have countless clients who trust us to get the job done right.

We also invite you to see what our customers have to say. Check out the video below to learn more about what it means to be an NARFA member when it comes to Worker's Compensation insurance!

NARFA: Trusted By USI Insurance Services of Massachusetts

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