To help reduce the spread of COVID-19 in Pennsylvania, Governor Tom Wolf directed the closure of all Pennsylvania state government offices for a minimum of 14 days effective Tuesday, March 17, 2020. All hearings and mediations scheduled during that time are cancelled and will be rescheduled as soon as practicable. Some of the WCJ's, who are already equipped to work from home, have reached out to discuss rescheduling arrangements for mediations. Those will go forward. In addition, in an effort to provide some adjudicatory services, I have authorized the use of telephone hearings for Petitions to Approve Compromise and Release (C&R) Agreements. Requests to schedule C & R hearings are being accepted in all district offices. Beyond that, we will be expanding WCJ telework capabilities generally to conduct telephone hearings on other types of petitions.

For now, the protocol to request a special C & R telephone hearing during the time of government shutdown is as follows: send an e-mail request to the Judge Manager of the district where the case is pending (SE District, JM San Angelo, hsangelo@pa.gov; Eastern District, JM

Wertheimer, kwertheime@pa.gov; Central District, JM Goduto, rgoduto@pa.gov; Western District, JM Cicola, dcicola@pa.gov Your request must include the case caption, dispute #, names and e-mail addresses of counsel, telephone numbers if available, and whether the case requires translation services (include language of testimony to be translated). WCOA staff will schedule the court reporter. The JM will re-assign the case to a specially selected WCJ who will then schedule and conduct the C & R hearing telephonically. The C & R agreement must be notarized. The WCJ assigned to hear the case will advise the parties how the telephone conference is to be arranged and how the C & R documents are to be transmitted prior to the telephone hearing.

This emergency protocol is just a start, and we appreciate your patience. We will continue to expand telephonic participation to include more WCJ's for more types of petitions/hearings. Please refer to WCAIS Alerts on your Dashboard daily for updates.

Sincerely,

WCOA Director, Joseph DeRita

Go to Department of Labor and Industry

March 17, 2020

In light of recent developments surrounding the global health crisis, PAMIC leadership is addressing concerns centered on the COVID-19 pandemic. This communication covers regulatory resources available to you from State Insurance Departments and Departments of Health.

Regulatory Updates

COVID-19 Updates

• PAMIC staff will continue to work during the COVID-19 pandemic providing our members with updated information using email and website updates
• PAMIC created a COVID-19 resource page on our website (https://www.pamic.org/covid19) that provides links to regulatory information.  You will find general COVID19 information from the Centers for Disease Control, State Health Departments and State Insurance Departments.  
• Our Regulatory Contact page (https://www.pamic.org/regulatory-contact-info) provides direct access to information such as the latest Bulletins & Notices, Laws, Regulations, and News from the following states:  Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Ohio, New York, Virginia, West Virginia, Delaware, Michigan, Maine, and California.
• Pennsylvania Insurance Department:  At this time, the Pennsylvania Insurance Department is developing industry guidance in consultation with the Governor’s Office related to the Pandemic response.  As the guidance is published, PAMIC will push the information out to our membership.  

 Contacting PAMIC

For questions regarding:

• PAMIC events, please contact Andrea Stroble at astroble@pamic.org
• Event payments and refunds, contact Lora Sharp at lsharp@pamic.org
• The PAMIC website, contact Brittany Mlynek at bmlynek@pamic.org
• For all other questions, contact Ron Gallagher at rgallagher@pamic.org

Q: Is the Pennsylvania Insurance Department requiring domestic insurers to provide insight into their business operations and the impact COVID-19 is having on those Operations?

A: Yes, your PID financial analyst will be contacting all Pennsylvania Domestic insurers to update the Department on their plans to deal with the impacts the COVID-19 virus may cause to the insurers' operations. Here is the most recent update from Kim Rankin, Director, Bureau of Financial Analysis and Licensing:

“As part of our review of the 2019 annual statements, and given the current coronavirus pandemic, the analysts are asking our domestic insurers about their exposure and plans for business continuity given the pandemic. We realize that responses will vary based upon the size, complexity, and business conducted by our insurers. We are also temporarily accepting electronic filings from insurers. “

PAMIC has a unique benefits program for all members providing access to critical Human Resource information on handling COVID-19. Our Partner, Enquiron, has developed a thorough and thoughtful alert for you to use. In the midst of dealing with an emerging situation in the workplace, which can include natural disasters, mass shootings, or pandemic such as COVID-19, employers may have questions related to their workplace and their employees. This Alert is designed to address common questions that affected businesses and employers may be asking in the midst of such a situation – and remember we are here to help! Click here for access: COVID-19 and workplace activities

Q: Will the Department of Insurance, Office of Financial Regulation accept paper filings during the COVID-19 pandemic?

A: Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Insurance Department

(PID) is unable to receive paper filings or hand-delivery at this time.

In an effort to prevent further disruption of the business being conducted by our insurance companies and other licensees, the Office of Corporate & Financial Regulation will, for a limited time, accept filings electronically. Filings should be forwarded via email to your assigned financial analyst with copies to the supervisor and to Kim Rankin (krankin@pa.gov) and may be in Word, Excel, or PDF format.

We would encourage insurers to evaluate the necessity of the filings and to hold filings that are non-essential until further notice. If a particular filing is to be accompanied by a file fee, please include a copy of the check along with the electronic filing. The hardcopy of the original filing and the filing fee should be mailed to Financial Analysis Division, PA Insurance Department, P.O. Box 67330, Harrisburg, PA 17107

Q: On March 16, 2020. Governor Wolf ordered all non-essential businesses closed in Pennsylvania. Does this closure order affect insurance agents, insurers and related businesses?

A: The Pennsylvania Insurance Department’s Chief of Staff, Michael Humphreys issued a clarification on the closure order. Here is the clarification:

“The Administration has strongly urged non-essential businesses to close during mitigation periods to protect employees, customers, and suppliers. While the business of insurance is essential, many roles and functions of insurance offices may be administered remotely or are otherwise non-essential. We encourage carriers and agencies to use their discretion in determining essential functions for essential employees. For example, an agency may determine it is appropriate to close to walk-in visitors, while remaining open for business, and available to consumers, through calls and e-mail."

View all Updates

In light of recent developments surrounding the global health crisis, PAMIC leadership is addressing concerns centered on the COVID-19 pandemic. This communication covers events scheduled through June 30, 2020.

Event Updates

• Claims Summit:  April 7 & 8, 2020 is postponed

• PAMIC leadership is postponing the annual Claims Summit, originally scheduled to be held in Gettysburg on April 7th-8th, 2020.  In the coming weeks, the Claims Committee and PAMIC leadership will be discussing options for the 2020 Claims Summit.

• Eastern & Western Small Company Roundtable Meetings: May 12th & 13th, 2020 is canceled

• These meetings scheduled for May 2020 are canceled but will be rescheduled in the Fall of 2020.

• Congressional Contact Program:  May 20th & 21st 2020 is canceled

• The Congressional Contact program scheduled for May 20th & 21st, 2020 is canceled and will not be rescheduled.

• Car Crash Seminar & Live Demo:  June 4th, 2020 has not been canceled or postponed

• PAMIC leadership will be meeting on April 29, 2020, to discuss the options available for this event.  PAMIC, Rimkus, and Copart are scheduled to host a Live Vehicle Collision Demonstration & Seminar on June 4th, 2020 at the Copart facility in Grantville, PA. 

• Executive & Board Roundtable:  June 10th & 11th, 2020 has not been canceled or postponed

• PAMIC leadership will be meeting on April 29, 2020, to discuss the options available for this event. 

Event Refund Guidance: 

• PAMIC will proactively process refunds for any event that has been canceled.

• For more information refund policies, please follow this link: https://www.pamic.org/covid19 and scroll down to the Frequently Asked Questions section.

On January 30, 2020, the World Health Organization declared the novel coronavirus a global health emergency. The virus, now known as COVID-19, was first identified in January in Wuhan, Hubei Province, China. Confirmed cases are concentrated in China but have spread throughout Asia and, more recently, into Europe and other regions, including the United States and Canada. On March 11, 2020, the World Health Organization officially declared the COVID-19 virus outbreak a pandemic.

A serious issue on the minds of PAMIC leaders, staff, and members relates to the impact the COVID-19 virus will have on the April 7 & 8, 2020 Claims Summit in Gettysburg, PA, and what actions PAMIC will be taking.

Concern for the health and safety of PAMIC membership and staff is paramount. PAMIC's Executive Committee will be meeting on March 16, 2020 to determine whether or not the Claims Summit will be held on its regularly scheduled dates, postponed to a later date in 2020, or cancelled. PAMIC will notify you when a final decision is made regarding the Claims Summit. Thank you for your patience as we gather information to make an informed decision. 

Absent federal travel restrictions and/or local, state, or regional decisions to close venues, PAMIC has not decided to cancel or postpone the 2020 Claims Summit. PAMIC is committed to maintaining all appropriate sanitary, health, and safety measures and encourage attendees to follow guidelines recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the World Health Organization. 

We are in daily discussions with the event location (Wyndham Gettysburg) to make sure that they are taking appropriate actions to mitigate the spread of the virus. Additionally, PAMIC is planning on providing effective disinfectants (hand sanitizers, wipes, and spray sanitizers) at the Claims Summit. PAMIC is also looking at our administrative policies with an eye toward ensuring fair treatment of our members.

PAMIC takes the COVID-19 virus seriously. What is PAMIC doing?

• PAMIC staff is developing critical and timely information to help you make informed decisions about attending PAMIC events

• PAMIC is developing proactive and timely communication resources including and the development of a COVID-19 webpage.

Visit our COVID-19 webpage for more information and additional guidance: https://www.pamic.org/covid19

As the impact of COVID-19 evolves, you can count on PAMIC to continue to share news and updates as well as how it impacts the PAMIC community. And in the immediate term, PAMIC encourages attendees at our meetings as well as staff to practice good health habits.

If there are any changes to event schedules, we will provide information to registrants about virtual options that may be available and/or other specific details.  

*************************** 

More Information and Resources:

World Health Organization:  https://www.who.int/news-room/q-a-detail/q-a-coronaviruses

CDC Guidance:  https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html

Pa Department of Health:  https://www.health.pa.gov/topics/disease/Pages/Coronavirus.aspx

PAMIC, Copart, and Rimkus Consulting Group are partnering to bring you a day of real-life applicable knowledge by reconstructing a series of low-speed vehicle collisions. Attendees will be able to observe firsthand  the impact and variety of situations that affect auto claims, reconstruction, and analytics.  

Event details:

Registration price: there is no cost to attend this event for members or non members. 
Continuing education: This seminar will be worth 3 credit hours for: Insurance Producers, Adjusters, Attorneys, and SIU. 

Event Program:

8:00-9:00am: Breakfast & Registration
9:00-10:00am: Live Auto Collision demonstrations
10:00-11:00am: CE Session 1

Accident Investigation, Evidence Gathering, and EDR Analysis Update

This one-hour class is designed to educate participants about vehicle accidents, the evidence gathering process and event data recorders. The presentation introduces multiple types of reported vehicle crashes including: phantom vehicles, sideswipes and rear-end crashes.  It also covers the process of gathering evidence after an accident, which includes site investigation, properly gathering and maintaining evidence, collecting witness statements, and obtaining medical documentation.  Participants will also learn about vehicle event data recorders and the use of contained data in a crash investigation and how to identify situations in which a consultant is needed. 

11:00-11:15am: Mid-morning Break
11:15-12:15pm: CE Session 2

Impact & Damage Analysis in Low-Speed Vehicle Collisions

This one-hour course is designed to assist the participant in assessing the impact severity of low speed vehicle accidents. The course will provide some familiarity of how an impact analysis can help in injury potential assessments and what information is needed to do an impact analysis.  This course will also provide some information on how different types of bumpers and different kinds of vehicles affect low-speed impact analysis. 

12:15pm-1:15pm
: Luncheon

Register

With over 80 volunteers that assist in planning 10 annual PAMIC events each year, we are excited to acknowledge those that are integral in the success of the committee on which they serve. The Committee Member Spotlight Program will highlight one volunteer a month that has shown initiative in reaching the goals of the committee.

View This Month's Spotlight

Registration is open for PAMIC’s Annual Spring Conference, abut will be closing this Friday, February 28th. Every March, PAMIC members and even non-members gather for the evening welcome reception, followed the next day by a half day of educational sessions and a luncheon. This year, the Education Committee has worked to put together an agenda worth 4 CE credits that addresses hot button items in the industry such as:

• IoT and Sensor Technology

• Extreme weather trends

• Hail and Fraudulent Claims

• Future changes in the industry such as changing policy language, recent legal decisions, new endorsement forms, and more! 

For more information or to register for Annual Spring Conference, click here.

New this year: Annual Spring Conference attendees have the opportunity to have breakfast with PA State Representative Tina Pickett to benefit the PAMIC PAC. Separate registration is required. To register or for more information, click here.

Showcase your company in front of the mutual audience! PAMIC is taking sponsorships for this event at the Gold ($900), Silver ($700) and Bronze levels ($500). For more information on sponsoring, click here.

Questions? Please contact Andrea Stroble, Director, Education & Events, at astroble@pamic.org or (717) 303-0197. 

We hope to see you there!

Registration for PAMIC’s Meet the Mutuals Day is open for the remainder of the week but will close this Friday, February 28th. Join us in partnership with the IA&B at the Nittany Lion Inn in State College, PA on March 4th for a day of education and networking. Attendees can earn 3 CE credits by sitting in on the session titled “Understanding Cyber Insurance Risks: Convenience, Corruption, and Coverage” presented by Kevin Amrhein, President of the Florida Insurance School of Continuing Education. 

Additionally, PAMIC insurer members have the opportunity to host a company booth all day during pre-function time, breaks, and at the reception to assist in meeting with interested agents from the IA&B! Booths include 6 or 8ft draped tables and chairs, a boxed lunch if desired, ability to add electricity if needed, and registration for 1 staff member.  Companies that have already purchased booths include:

• Auto-Owners Insurance Company

• Farmers of Marble

• Pennsylvania Lumbermens Mutual Insurance

• Bedford Grange Mutual Insurance

• Nazareth Mutual Insurance

• Windsor-Mount Joy Mutual Insurance

• Mutual Benefit Group

• Farmers Fire Insurance Company

• MMG Insurance

• Millers Mutual Group

• Farmers of Salem

• Allegany Insurance Group

• Mutual Benefit Group

• Utica First

• Friends Cove Mutual Insurance 

In the evening, attendees are invited to the networking reception held in conjunction with Annual Spring Conference. For more information, click here. Questions? Please contact Andrea Stroble, Director, Education & Events, at astroble@pamic.org or (717) 303-0197. We hope to see you there!

As a benefit of your membership of PAMIC, your employees now get free access to Personal Legal Protection (PLP). PLP is a service that can save users hundreds of dollars by using technology to create all their essential legal documents.

These include such services as writing a will or power of attorney, creating a healthcare directive or protecting property with a lease.

To use PLP, your employees can simply visit www.PersonalLegalProtection.com click “register” and enter the following access code to create an account:

PAMIC0220

PLP has been designed by Epoq to enable any size of organization to provide an insuretech offering that makes legal assistance convenient and affordable for consumers and small businesses. Epoq supports over 25 major insurers worldwide and its technology saves 3 million P&C policyholders over $262m in legal fees.

PLP can be sold alongside policies as an opt-out endorsement to generate revenue. It can also be embedded as a free benefit in order to differentiate and improve retention.

More information on how the service can benefit mutuals and their members can be found at www.epoqtech.com/personal/