Mike Engstrom

With an increasing number of insurance companies pulling out the market for Homeowners Insurance, California has introduced new regulations requiring companies to offer coverage. Will it work, and will it be a model for other states where Homeowners Insurance is difficult to obtain? https://ow.ly/ShYf50UtBlK

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California Extends SDI and PFL Rates, Announces Significant Changes Starting 2025 California has extended the current rates for its State Disability Insurance (SDI) and Paid Family Leave (PFL) programs through December 31, 2024. These programs, funded by employee contributions, currently apply to earnings up to a wage limit. However, under new legislation, the wage limit will be eliminated starting in 2024, meaning contributions will apply to all earnings without a cap. In addition, significant enhancements to benefits will take effect in 2025. Lower-income workers will become eligible to receive up to 90% of their wages while on leave, reflecting the state’s commitment to expanding accessibility and financial support during periods of disability or family leave. Employers and employees alike should prepare for these changes and assess their impact on payroll and benefits planning.

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Strategies to Lower High X-Mods with PEO Support PEOs provide essential strategies to help reduce high X-Mods: • Detailed safety analysis and reporting • Development of risk mitigation plans • Regular employee safety workshops • Streamlined claims management processes Ongoing safety program adjustments #HighXMods #SafetyStrategies #PEO

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Attention California Employers! Today, California's Workplace Violence Prevention Law (SB553) is officially in effect. This legislation mandates that businesses implement comprehensive strategies to safeguard employees against workplace violence. Employers are required to establish safe workplace policies, conduct risk assessments, and develop incident reporting procedures to effectively prevent and address violent situations. Additionally, training for both managers and employees is mandatory. It's important for HR to coordinate and manage the process to include obtaining the necessary legal advice. To support our clients StoneTapert can provide a Plan Checklist and online training for managers and employees. At StoneTapert, we know the complexities of managing HR. That is why we are committed to supporting HR managers to keep them informed. If you need a trusted HR partner who provides more than simply an insurance plan transaction, contact StoneTapert today. #StoneTapert #EmployerCompliance #ViolencePreventionTraining

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🚨 Updates for Employers Handling Hazardous Chemicals OSHA’s updated Hazard Communication (HazCom) Standard is coming into effect July 19, 2024, aligning with the latest UN Globally Harmonized System. This update includes new criteria for classifying health and physical hazards, revised labeling requirements, and updated safety data sheets (SDSs). Check out the full article below. Key Takeaways: 1. Compliance deadlines vary, with the first major deadline on January 19, 2026, for chemical manufacturers. 2. Accurate labels and SDSs are crucial for protecting workers and ensuring swift emergency responses. 3. HazCom citations are one of the most common citations that OSHA issues. 2️⃣ Steps to Get Ready: 1. Train Your Employees: Ensure they understand the new standards and the importance of accurate labeling. 2. Update Your HazCom Program: Review and update all relevant documentation. Stay ahead of these changes to protect your team and stay compliant! #OSHA #HazCom #WorkplaceSafety Full Article: https://lnkd.in/ggfzefgS

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California has seen a significant rise in interest among employers for self-funding and employee benefits captives, largely due to increasing healthcare costs and the flexibility these models offer. Many California businesses, particularly mid-sized firms, are turning to self-funded plans, often coupled with stop-loss insurance, to manage expenses and have more control over benefits. A survey indicates that over 80% of health insurance executives report a growing employer interest in self-funding, driven by the need to avoid certain ACA-related fees and to gain control over claims data and cost containment strategies. Companies are increasingly adopting self-funded plans to reap the benefits of their cost-saving wellness initiatives directly rather than paying a fixed premium to traditional insurers. Employee benefits captives are also emerging as a compelling choice, especially among organizations with 100 to 900 employees. Captives allow groups of like-minded employers to share risks while enjoying potential savings if claims are low, providing a buffer against high-cost years. By pooling resources, these employers benefit from a shared stop-loss premium, which is often less volatile than self-insuring alone. With this structure, businesses not only control plan design and costs but also gain insights into participant healthcare usage, which can guide more targeted and efficient healthcare solutions. Some captives even offer added benefits like pharmacy coalitions and catastrophic claims technology, making them attractive for cost-conscious employers aiming for better financial stability and improved benefits​ Conner Strong ​ California Broker ​ Self-Insurers' Publishing Corp. .

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Important Update: By July 1st, employers in California must develop and implement a workplace violence prevention plan due to the recently passed State Bill (SB) 553, which is the first general-industry safety requirement for workplace violence prevention in the U.S.   If you are a Gallagher client, please reach out to your representative to register and view our recent webinar that discusses the bill in full.   For additional details, read the following article➡ https://lnkd.in/gqVZPcmF   #insurance #riskmanagement #workplacesafety #CaliforniaSB553

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❗ ❗ California Mandates IVF Coverage for Group Health Plans ❗ ❗ Starting July 2025, California's Senate Bill 729 will require group health plans to cover certain fertility treatments, including IVF, for policies written or renewed on or after July 1, 2025. Large plans must cover up to three IVF cycles, while small plans must offer the option to cover infertility services. Read more to stay prepared in our latest edition of Compliance Directions. https://lnkd.in/g6Vsp2JK #EmployeeBenefits #ComplianceConsulting #ComplianceDirections

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❗ ❗ California Mandates IVF Coverage for Group Health Plans Starting July 2025, California's Senate Bill 729 will require group health plans to cover certain fertility treatments, including IVF, for policies written or renewed on or after July 1, 2025. Large plans must cover up to three IVF cycles, while small plans must offer the option to cover infertility services. Read more to stay prepared in our latest edition of Compliance Directions. https://lnkd.in/g6Vsp2JK #EmployeeBenefits #ComplianceConsulting #ComplianceDirections

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If you own a business, manage employees, work in HR and compliance listen up 👂👀 We've got an upcoming webinar on the 10 mistakes virtually all employers are making in California when it comes to employment practices that can land your company in court... and what you can do to stay out of court. Join me and a panel of experts as we have a round table discussion on how to prevent employee lawsuits before they begin. 11/20/2024 at 2pm Pac link to register: https://lnkd.in/gJkNGsg2 #riskmanagement #hr #compliance #audit #payroll #law #legal #insurance

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Self Insured Employers are paying lower workers comp costs and experiencing fewer claims with better results!!! If your looking to reduce your workers comp costs and claims please message me.

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