Farm operators rely on experienced workers to handle grain trucks, tanker trucks, worker transport buses and vital machinery like combines, pesticide sprayers and planters. But an ongoing labor shortage is increasing risks, as less-experienced workers are stepping into these critical roles. The American Trucking Associations warns that a nationwide trucking shortage could exceed 169,000 drivers…
Employers that have decided to offer their staff individual healthcare reimbursement accounts to purchase health insurance on their own have been encountering administrative headaches. Simply tracking whether workers in an ICHRA plan have secured coverage can be complicated, but employers need to contend with other compliance issues too. As a result, more firms have turned…
Nearly half of middle-market businesses feel unprepared for key threats despite implementing various risk management strategies, according to Nationwide Insurance’s latest “Agency Forward” survey. The survey found that while 90% of businesses have formal risk management policies that are reviewed regularly, 21% lack a business continuity plan, leaving them exposed to potential disruptions that could…
Congratulations to Our Distinguished Employee Award Recipient! Ashani Hussong Assistant Controller, Accounting Department San Leandro Office Each year, InterWest recognizes employees who are identified by their co-workers as having demonstrated an extraordinary commitment to their clients, workmates as well as their community. This partnership between work and giving back makes them stand out for…
Chronic health conditions are a growing problem for workers, damaging their well-being, productivity and job satisfaction, according to a new study. The “U.S. Employee Perspectives on Managing Chronic Conditions in the Workplace” poll by the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health and the de Beaumont Foundation found that 58% of U.S. employees report having…
Businesses and homes located in areas that have been hit by wildfires have another risk they face after the fires subside: flooding, landslides, debris and mudflows. And these events are not covered by a standard business property or homeowner’s insurance policy. Areas affected by wildfires have a significantly increased risk of landslides, mudslides and mudflows…
There is a general truth in the health insurance sector: If Medicare and Medicaid are given the green light to cover a certain drug, insurers in the group health and individual health insurance market usually follow suit. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) typically allows Medicare drug plans and Medicaid to cover a…
Insurance agencies move significant amounts of funds through their accounts, particularly when they keep premium deposits in trust accounts before transferring them to insurers. Like any business that has significant cash flow, it’s vitally important for insurance brokerages to have their operations buttoned up tightly to protect against financial fraud. This is especially so due…
Even if you have a business or a home that was not affected by the recent wildfires in Los Angeles, you will likely see a surcharge to help pay for them on your next property insurance policy renewal. The state-run California FAIR Plan, which is the market of last resort when policyholders are unable to…
Congratulations to Our Distinguished Employee Award Recipient! Ed Butler Commercial Account Manager Sacramento Office Each year, InterWest recognizes employees who are identified by their co-workers as having demonstrated an extraordinary commitment to their clients, workmates as well as their community. This partnership between work and giving back makes them stand out for their invaluable…