Mike Fiato

Insights from the National Council on Compensation Insurance shed light on the ongoing strength of the workers' compensation system. With trends like declining claim frequency and advancements in workplace safety, this segment of the industry continues to evolve. #WorkersCompensation #RiskManagement https://bit.ly/4dCI48t

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Pay close attention here…… I’ve had many clients that automatically term employees after FMLA is exhausted, even if it is for a covered work comp claim. They are NOT cold hearted or being frivolous with their policy making……, they have been advised and believe they have to have 1 standard by which all employees are treated. They THOUGHT FMLA was the standard. In this case, where is the line? How long past FMLA do they hold a position open? Since anyone out on FMLA could be considered disabled, how long do you hold the position? Do you simply stop sending anyone with a personal medical FMLA notice so the clock never starts? How do they defend the decision making for one employee over another?

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Stay up to date with the latest on Paid Family and Medical Leave (PFML)! Our recent webinar covered key legislative changes, new state programs, and essential compliance requirements for 2025 and 2026. Watch the replay now to gain actionable insights that will help you manage workforce absences effectively, align with regulations and prepare your organization for the evolving PFML landscape: https://ow.ly/6xsR50UnqgL #EmployeeBenefits #PFML #Webinar

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From Star Trek to streamlining our agency—AI can be your secret weapon! 🚀 My dad, Brian Bartosh's journey with technology began at a young age. He convinced my Grandpa in the early 80's that Top O'​ Michigan Insurance Solutions - TOMIA247 could use automation as a way to support the efforts of the agency. "Even before PCs became ubiquitous, he recognized that there were functions that a computer could perform better and faster than a human, allowing staff members at the agency to spend more time on providing better service to clients." - The Rough Notes Company, Inc. So when I showed him the power of some new AI tools, he dove right in. This was reminiscent of scenes from Star Trek for him. It has transformed how we communicate, automate, and free up time of our team to interact directly with clients, allowing for a better client experience. Curious how AI could reshape your business too? Check out his insights below. 👇 #AIRevolution #InsurTech #AgencyInnovation #Insurance #IndependentAgency #AI

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Some of our amazing Compliance (Rory Kane Akers, Mark Holloway) Team hosted a webcast yesterday on the 2024 Benefits Compliance Year in Review in a year that certainly wasn't "boring" (Fiduciary Lawsuits, GLP-1s, Mental Health Parity, Gender Affirming Care, Etc.). The audience was full of Lockton clients, future clients, and friends of the organization The lawsuits (J&J, Wells Fargo) specific to the ERISA Fiduciary Duties of Employers (plan sponsors) seemed of highest interest & concern among the group. Rory & Mark did a great job simplifying the basic first steps to be sure your organization is protected. "Prudence, not Perfection" - relative to these steps, as Mark Holloway mentioned. (Let me know if the replay and/or presentation slides are of interest to you or someone on your team.)

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On April 29, 2024, the U.S. Department of Labor released a final rule that rescinds in its entirety a prior 2018 final rule on association health plans. This Legal Update summarizes this development. #dol #employeebenefits

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Our next webinar will bring in both claims and risk control expertise to discuss the framework for a successful return-to-work program. You won't want to miss it!

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Join the experts as they discuss factors outside of medical that are affecting workers compensation outcomes.

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Suicide prevention should be a priority for all Michiganders. By understanding mental health issues, supporting those in crisis, and changing the stigmatic conversation around suicide, we can make a meaningful change. #work

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2024 Workers’ Compensation Trends: What You Need to Know Travelers has just released their latest Injury Impact Report, offering key insights into the trends we’re seeing in workers’ compensation claims this year. As we help our clients navigate these challenges at Brown & Brown, I wanted to share a few highlights from the report that are crucial for businesses to consider: 1. Strains and Sprains Dominate Claims: Over 30% of all workers’ comp claims are for strains and sprains, particularly in industries requiring manual labor. Preventative measures and ergonomic assessments are more important than ever. 2. Costs are Climbing: The average cost per claim is on the rise, driven by factors such as medical inflation and longer recovery times. Early intervention and effective return-to-work programs can help mitigate these costs. 3. Mental Health is Front and Center: Claims related to stress and mental health are growing, especially in high-pressure industries. A comprehensive approach to employee well-being can reduce these claims and promote a healthier workplace. 4. Technology is Key: Companies leveraging data analytics and safety technologies are seeing significant reductions in injury rates. Investing in the right tools can pay dividends in claim reduction. At Brown & Brown, we’re here to help you stay ahead of these trends and protect your most valuable asset—your people. Let’s connect to discuss strategies to manage your workers’ comp risks effectively. #WorkersComp #RiskManagement #WorkplaceSafety #Insurance

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High injury rates for new workers continues. Take a moment to review your orientation process to make sure you are giving new employees the information needed and the opportunity to be successful and productive.

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Trends show that 89% of employees typically choose the same benefits plan each year, even though there are new and improved options being made available. Understanding what each generation values in their benefits plan is key to effectively engaging employees in your program as well as attracting and retaining talent. https://bit.ly/3x5oJwl #HumanResources #HRLeaders #EmployeeEngagement #MarshMMA

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You’ve heard the saying, “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it,” but we can all agree that this isn’t the case with fully-insured employee benefit plans. This model has been broken for years, and employers need someone to fix it. They need solutions to inflation, expensive specialty drugs, opaque and unpredictable rate increases, and a long list of other obstacles.    ParetoHealth gives Members control, flexibility, and transparency so that they can create a plan that works best for them and the specific issues they’re facing. In a sea of brokers recommending fully-insured plans, our consultants stand out as change-makers, offering their clients a new way forward.   Ready to learn more? Reach out today.   #ParetoHealth #ProudlyContrarian

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Workers' Compensation (WC) fraud is a serious felony involving deceitful actions by individuals who falsely claim benefits from insurers or employers, usually by feigning injuries or prolonging the duration of their injuries. Debbie Hammer, my colleague, offers a comprehensive guide to assist in recognizing and combating WC fraud. This guide is invaluable for safeguarding the integrity of the system and ensuring that those legitimately in need receive essential support. #WorkersCompensation

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Discover the Power of Recovery: Elevating Return-to-Work Programs in Workers' Compensation. Explore effective strategies for smooth reintegration and placing employee well-being at the forefront. How are you utilizing vocational rehabilitation and off-site light duty to minimize losses and enhance teamwork? Let's reshape our response to workplace injuries as a collective effort. Read more and join the conversation! #WorkersCompensation #ReturnToWork #CaseManagement #RTW #VocRehab #BusinessInsurance #RiskManagement #DisabilityManagement #HealthCare #ClaimsAdjusters

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