Slip and falls, overexertion, accidents, are just a few of the workplace misfortunes that can cause you to pay a pretty penny in workers’ compensation. There are several things you can do to help save you money on workers’ compensation insurance. A good way to look at it is the same way you would look to save money on your auto insurance, taking the necessary preventative measures.

1. Check the Office 

One of the first things you can do is see if your carrier will come to your workplace and offer advice and tips on things to fix. Make these corrections and fix any hazards that are pointed out. If your carrier doesn’t offer this service, there are risk service managers who can do it for you. 

2. Training Programs 

Having properly trained employees can lead to more efficient and better workers. A person who is properly trained to use a machine is less likely to cause an accident than a person who is learning on the job. Training programs are also important in reducing the risk of user errors around the workplace.

3. Drug Free Workplace Policy 

It may seem comical that we even need to mention a drug free workplace, but according to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, “employed drug abusers cost their employers about twice as much in medical and worker compensation as their drug-free coworkers.” It is a good idea to screen new hires and make job offers dependent on passing a drug test. Also, arrange for random drug testing of all employees. Include all of the substance abuse rules that you would like employees to follow in the employee handbook, and include the disciplinary action for each offense. These steps can pay off because there typically is a discount associated for employers who arrange a drug free workplace program. 

4. Safety Program 

A proper safety program can lead to a drop in workers’ compensation insurance premiums. Premiums typically reflect the amount and types of injuries that happen in your workplace. A well thought and successful safety program that encourages employees to think safety first, rather than go through motions, can reduce the number of accidents and injuries, which may lead to more money in your pocket.

5. Accident Response Plan 

No matter how many training programs are installed, accidents will still happen. So having a good accident response plan could be crucial in helping you save money on your workers’ compensation insurance. A good accident response plan can help limit the severity of an injury, thus decreasing the amount to be paid out. For example, if an employee happens to get injured on the job, having proper immediate attention to the injury may reduce the amount of medical attention needed to be done, creating a smaller medical bill. A less expensive claim, means a less expensive premium. 

6. Evaluate Your Policy Annually 

If possible, every year you should try to review your policy with your agent. A lot can happen in a year, and things may have changed causing you to update your policy for more or less coverage. Also, this will build your relationship with your insurance agent, and let them see you are very serious about reducing your costs, taking all the proactive measures that you can. 

7. Outsource

If your business involves dangerous work, it may be smart to consider outsourcing those jobs. Obviously there are some jobs that just cannot be outsourced, but for those that can, take a look into it. Let the risk of someone getting injured be on someone else’s watch, not yours. It may also save your business money overall, not just on workers’ compensation insurance. 

Workers’ Compensation Insurance should be a top priority for all businesses to have. If you would like more information on workers’ compensation, read our previous blog, “ Hard to Place Workers’ Compensation Insurance Solutions .” If you have any questions, or are interested in purchasing workers’ compensation insurance, or any other form of business insurance , please contact us at 954-828-1819 or visit us online at mhginsurance.com . Our insurance specialists have the knowledge and experience to assist and advise your business about all the necessary business insurances.

Many of us work hard and save up to buy a home, car, save for retirement, etc. Things that are symbolic for success and hard work, and also provide security for you and your family’s future. But what if all of that could be taken away from you? All of that hard work, years and years of saving and planning gone in an instant. All because you were the cause of a major accident, or someone injured themselves at a party you were throwing at your house. Accidents can happen anywhere, anytime, and are never expected. So don’t go through life worrying about when or where an accident is going to happen trying to keep it from happening, you will lose your mind. Just make sure you have a good umbrella policy to give you coverage in those events. And no, I’m not talking about that umbrella. Sometimes you need more coverage 

There are times when your business or company will need coverage. Whether you are working with a company that requires you to have more coverage than your general liability policy. Rather than increasing your general liability, many times you can get an umbrella policy to cover the rest. For example. Say your general liability gives you coverage for $1 million, and you are doing work for a company who will only work with you if you have $2 million in coverage. It may make sense to take out an umbrella policy to cover that extra $1 million.

Excess Liability 

Many times, an umbrella policy can be referred to as excess liability. The excess coverage kicks in when the underlying limits on your general liability policy have been exhausted, or your have been sued for something that it doesn’t cover. It can cover you for many things that your business has nothing to do with such as eviction, defamation, false imprisonment, personal injury, invasion of privacy, malicious prosecution, and wrongful entry. Protection against slander and defamation could be a crucial feature to protecting yourself, as word of mouth and negative publicity can ruin a business. 

Lawsuits happen more than you may think

It’s not uncommon for someone to be involved in an accident and immediately look to sue. All it can take is for someone to slip and fall while walking on your property. If that should ever happen, it could destroy your business and financial security. Did I mention that lawsuits are costly? 

You have A LOT to protect

Many people don’t realize all the things they can lose in a lawsuit. Just because you don’t have $1 million in your bank account doesn’t mean you don’t need that kind of coverage. There is more at stake than which you know such as your retirement funds, investments, future earnings, and even the equity in home. If that doesn’t make you reassess whether you need an umbrella policy, I don’t know what will. 

If you own a business, and are looking for protection and would like more information about umbrella policies, MHG Insurance Brokers would be happy to assist you. Also, if you are looking to purchase other various forms of business insurance such as General Liability or Professional Liability, our insurance specialists have the experience to assist your business and offer advice in finding the perfect plan to fit all of its needs. Contact MHG Insurance Brokers today at +1 954-828-1819 or +44 (0) 1624 678668 or visit us online at mhginsurance.com .

FORT LAUDERDALE, FLORIDA (January 27, 2015) – MHG Insurance Brokers announced today that Jeremy Scarlett has joined the company’s Marketing Department as Marketing Assistant. Scarlett’s primary focus will be implementing the company’s social media marketing strategy, in addition to providing general marketing support to all divisions within the MHG Group of Companies. Scarlett is a recent graduate of the University of Central Florida and holds a Bachelor’s degree in Marketing. While at university, Scarlett interned with the university’s Athletics Association and served as Director of Special Events for the Society for Marketing Professional Services where his primary achievement was influencing over 40 local companies to attend and recruit students for internship and full-time positions. 

 

“Jeremy is exceptionally driven and has already exceeded our expectations in engaging our followers via social media.” said Melissa Gribas, MHG’s Marketing Manager. “He shows great promise and he’s a welcome addition to the marketing team.” 

MHG Insurance Brokers has been providing insurance guidance and solutions since 1991. The company has established an unrivalled reputation for providing quality insurance products that meet clients’ coverage requirements and budget.

About MHG Insurance Brokers 

Established in 1991 in Miami, Florida, MHG Insurance Brokers is an independent, global, full service insurance brokerage and consultative facility. Through its extensive relationships with international underwriting markets, MHG develops and provides a full range of employee benefits, risk mitigation programs, business insurance and financial services. In the marine community, MHG is well known for its expertise in the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC 2006) and developing MLC-aligned crew insurance solutions. In the U.S. MHG provides group and individual employee benefits along with advice on federal regulations regarding Health Care Reform and the Affordable Care Act. For more information about MHG Insurance Brokers and the services we provide, please visit mhginsurance.com    

There’s never a bad time to make the decision and commitment to live a healthier lifestyle. We all know that the most popular time to start working out and eating better is at the start of the New Year. Probably because people feel that they need to make drastic changes because this is a new year, or want to lose that holiday weight. Gyms are crowded, carbs are being cut, and many are cooking at home rather than eating out. However, there are countless reasons getting healthy should be the number one priority on your list, and it has a lot more to do with than just losing weight and starting to work on your summer body. Here are just a few that may inspire you to start living healthy today!

More Productive 

Many people don’t exercise or stay active because they have an excuse. Many times that excuse is, “I don’t have enough time.” Which is ironic, because people who do make time to work out every day, whether it be getting up earlier or staying up later, actually get more done in a day than people who don’t. Usually in less time too. Especially those that choose to work out or go for a run in the morning before going to work. It’s a bit ironic considering that exercising can make you tired, but if done correctly, it can get the blood pumping and the mind working and get you ready to perform at your best.

More Energy at Work 

One of the reasons people who live healthier are more productive is because they have much more energy. Most of us arrive at work still trying to wake up, needing to get into our zone in order to get some work done. Yet those that live healthy lifestyles tend to not go through that. They arrive at work ready to go, and when 2:00 pm comes around, they are still kicking. There are certain foods that you can eat and avoid as well to make sure you have the energy you need. Eating fruits and vegetables is a natural way to feel energized. If you’ve noticed, anytime you load up on bread and other carbs, or eat a very big meal, you may tend to feel a little drowsy.

Nip it in the Bud 

Living a healthy lifestyle goes beyond eating right and exercising, you also need to go to the doctor and have your yearly check-ups. By doing so, you may catch an issue and be able to do something about it before it is too late. Also, your doctor may be able to suggest something for you to change in your lifestyle that can aide you, such as vitamins, supplements, exercises, and nutritional advice. For instance, if you have changed your diet, you may be losing weight and feeling better, but also may be depriving your body of certain vitamins or minerals. A doctor will be able to tell you to keep up the good work, or recommend something to help! 

You will be Glad You Did 

The most important reason for you to start living a healthy right now is simple, why not? It is never a bad time to take control of your life and make the changes necessary to ensure that it’s as long and fulfilling as possible. Also, if you start now, in no time will you begin to feel better, and pretty soon, you won’t even remember how you felt before you started. If you have excuses or are waiting until next Monday every week, just remember this, the sooner you start, the sooner you reach your goal! 

Your health and wellness is a priority. MHG Insurance Brokers is committed to serving all of our clients and making sure you have the coverage necessary for you to live a healthy life. We have the experience to assist and advise you on what insurance would be the best for you. If you are interested in Health Insurance , or would like more information, contact us at +1 954 828 1819 or +44 (0) 1624 678668 or visit mhginsurance.com .

As the clock starts to count down, the New Year is almost here. The countdown can also signify the end of the holiday season. With that comes many people wanting to start the New Year on the right track. Maybe set goals and standards to help assure that this New Year will be better than the previous. Many make New Year’s Resolutions, and most fail to keep them. Whether it’s to lose weight, quit smoking, save money, many people have forgotten their resolutions by the time February comes. So instead of worrying about what to put on your New Year’s Resolution list, worry about how to make that list a long-term reality.     

 

Pick One Thing 

When making a New Year’s Resolution, try not to “fluff” it up with little things that you would like to change in your life, instead, pick one thing. Pick something that is important, maybe something that needs to change that is affecting your health or relationships. It is easier to focus on one item at a time rather than having several different things or habits you are trying to change. Also, you will be able to put all your time and energy into it, which will increase your chances of being successful. If you are doing well after a couple months, then add something else to the list. With this strategy, you can have a whole new you by the end of the year! 

Plan Ahead 

After you have selected your resolution, start planning ahead. Make a schedule, and start thinking of how you are going to make this change, and different things you can do to be successful. For example, if your resolution is to lose weight, start planning your workout routine and meals, etc. With a well thought schedule and strategy, it is easier to stick to it rather than waiting to see what comes up. Also, do your research! Read up on it, see what different techniques and tips there are, and see what would work best for you. 

Expect Problems 

Problems will always arise, they are just a part of life. So if something comes up that ruins your routine, try and start back fresh the next day. However, to make sure that there are as few issues as possible, think of all the problems that can come up ahead of time, and how you will deal with them.

Accept Failure

Many times, New Year’s Resolutions are created to break existing habits. They say it takes about three weeks to break a habit or create a new one. So expect to fail or have a setback. If you sneak a cigarette one day, it isn’t the end of the world, it is only part of the process. So, don’t give up! Learn from the failure, figure out what triggers caused the setback, and try to avoid them in the future. 

Reward Yourself

The best incentive for hard work is reward. We go to work every day to be rewarded with a pay check. We try to get healthy and lose weight to be rewarded for looking and feeling better. However, sometimes hard work can leave you with no rewards to see. Which is why it is important to reward yourself, especially through those tough first weeks. Start with little rewards in the beginning, and as you achieve your goals, make the rewards fewer and farther between. Then at the end of the year, give yourself an anniversary reward such as a nice vacation or gift. Something that you will look forward to and will keep you motivated!

MHG Insurance Brokers would like to wish you, your family, and loved ones a very Happy and Healthy New Year. In order to ensure that the upcoming year is a healthy one, make sure you have the proper insurance coverage today by calling +1 954 828 1819 or +44 (0) 1624 678668 or visit mhginsurance.com for more information. Our insurance specialists have the experience to advise and assist you in selecting the best plan for you, your family, and your business.

It is the goal of MHG Insurance Brokers to regularly inform and keep clients up to speed regarding the latest news and information associated with the ACA (Affordable Care Act). The ACA is now in effect for 2014, and its core goals are to provide Americans with improved quality health care, health plans that are more affordable, and access to comprehensive health coverage to those who would have previously been denied coverage before the act was put into place. 

The ACA provides consumers with a choice – something that didn’t exist in the world of healthcare in the United States until now. Whether you were deemed ‘uninsurable’ do to preexisting health conditions, or were simply stuck paying inflated premiums with no other alternatives available to your family, all of that has changed now - you, the consumer, are in the driver’s seat. MHG Insurance Brokers wants to help you take control of your health. There has been quite a bit of chatter in the media about enrollment deadlines and penalties for not having health insurance . MHG Insurance Brokers would like to share the following current and accurate information regarding the open enrollment period with you:

• Open enrollment for ACA health coverage runs through March 31, 2014.
• The deadline to enroll is the 15^th of each month, in order for coverage to become effective on the 1^st day of the following month. For example, if you enroll for coverage by January 15th, your coverage will begin on February 1^st. If you enroll by February 15^th, your coverage will start March 1^st.
• Those who enroll by March 31^st, but not by March 15^th , will have an effective coverage date of May 1^st.
• During this open enrollment period, you may also make changes to your existing plan if you don’t find it to be adequate or are not satisfied with it.
• Penalties for exceeding 3 consecutive months without health coverage have been waived by the Administration, but only during this open enrollment period.
• After the open enrollment period has ended, changes cannot be made to existing plans until the next open enrollment period begins, unless there is a life changing event, such as a marriage, divorce, loss of employment, birth or adoption of a child.

MHG has extensive knowledge and expertise in health reform . We also have the experience and network of resources to provide you with the very best, solid, comprehensive health coverage available that suits your healthcare needs and works with your budget. It is crucial to have a trusted insurance broker like MHG to work with to help you navigate through all of the new regulations, perplexing terminology, and health plan options.  Let us provide you with the tools and knowledge you need in order to make an educated choice regarding your health care. 

MHG Insurance Brokers will also walk you through the enrollment process, which is vital especially if you are purchasing coverage for the first time, whether you are a young adult, or someone who has lost access to health benefits through your employer. If you already have health insurance, contact us and speak with a specialist who will assist you in comparing your existing plan to the new ACA plans that are available. This can help you determine which plan would be most advantageous to you and your family. They will examine the cost comparisons and identify the differences in coverages offered between each of the plans. Contact MHG Insurance Brokers today online at mhginsurance.com or call 954-760-9033 and take control of your family’s health today!

We all consider insurance to be necessary when it comes to our health, automobiles, and homes. Though it is difficult for the average person to understand the verbiage that is contained in most policies, that does not hinder people from purchasing life insurance and other types of coverage once they reach a certain age and wish to start a family, or start planning for retirement. One type of insurance that often gets overlooked, however, is travel insurance.  Many people are not sure if they need it, or are aware of what exactly it can do for them. Travel insurance is a valuable tool that is designed to protect those traveling domestically or abroad, for business or recreation. There are several options to choose from depending on the types of coverage you require, but most travel insurance policies provide coverage for the following occurrences:

• Medial emergency or evacuation: This should be the primary reason to buy travel insurance. Although your current health plan may cover you in certain instances while you travel, emergency medical transportation is often not covered, and the cost of this service can rise upward toward $100,000. Travel insurance comes in handy here, as it can prevent you from maxing out the benefits allotted through your health plan. There are primary as well as secondary plans available, which work in tandem with your current health plan.
• Trip cancellation: When you plan a trip months in advance, there is no way to predict what circumstances may arise between now and your departure date. Trip cancellation insurance will protect you in the unfortunate event of a death in the family, an illness, or an accident. You are also covered for situations that occur which are outside of your control, such as severe weather causing the delay or cancellation of your flight.
  
• Baggage or Personal Items Loss/Theft: This covers you if the airline loses your luggage, or if you stored your laptop in your hotel room one afternoon, only to come back to find it missing. You can also insure camera equipment, and other valuables.
  
  
• Personal Liability:  If you are involved in a car accident while driving in a different country, or accidentally cause damage to something and are now finding yourself being asked to remedy the situation, this coverage will be of great value to you.

How can you determine if you need travel insurance? Here are some things to think about:

• Take Inventory: Assess the policies that you currently have in place to check to see if you are covered for health emergencies, medical care and treatment when you travel. Check the credit cards you use as well. Some automatically cover things like baggage loss or flight cancellations.
  
  
• Don’t Skimp on Protection: Most people skip travel insurance because they just see it as an added expense being tacked on to their trip. With most travel insurance policies costing somewhere between 3% and 8% of what the trip costs, this is a drop in the bucket compared to out-of-pocket costs if an incident does occur and you aren’t covered.
  
  
• You Snooze, You Lose: If you are considering buying travel insurance, it is best to purchase it within 24 hours of booking a trip, or as soon as possible afterward in order to get the best rate.
  
  
• Travel More, Save More! If you travel frequently, you can consider multi trip insurance policies, or annual policies, which may be less expensive as compared to obtaining coverage right before each trip.

MHG Insurance Brokers draws from their extensive experience and knowledge in the insurance industry to give clients the greatest value and most comprehensive coverage available. MHG insurance specialists will clearly outline the coverage provided to you in your travel insurance policy, as well as tell you about any limitations or exclusions so you are fully aware of how protected you are before your trip.  Visit MHG Insurance Brokers online at mhginsurance.com , or call and speak to an MHG insurance specialist today at 954-828-1819. Don’t leave home unprotected.

If you are currently in the market to purchase health insurance coverage, MHG Insurance Brokers would like to share some information regarding the healthcare plans that are available both ‘on’ and ‘off’ the exchange which could benefit you. The health insurance exchange is an online marketplace for Americans seeking health coverage that allows them to comparison-shop the different plans that are being offered by competing health care providers. For Americans who previously could not afford health insurance, and yet were not eligible for programs like Medicaid or Medicare, may qualify for federal assistance by way of a tax credit, which will reduce the cost of their monthly premium. This subsidy is only available when selecting a health plan on the exchange. 

Plans offered both on and off the exchange provide the same mandatory essential benefits, however, many plans offered off the exchange provide more comprehensive coverage and have larger provider networks than many of the new 2014 plans offered on the exchange. Plans offered off the exchange are still government approved. MHG Insurance Brokers can assist you with determining whether you qualify for a federal subsidy based on your income, as well as evaluating the benefits and provider networks included in each of the plans that you are interested in, whether they are on or off the exchange. Here are just some of the mandatory essential benefits that are offered through the plans available both on and off the marketplace:

• Outpatient doctor visits, including preventative and wellness services
• Pediatric services including dental and vision
• Emergency room services
• Hospitalization
• Maternity and newborn care
• Mental health services
• Substance Use Disorder coverage
• Prescription Drug coverage
• Rehabilitative services
• Lab tests and services

The Affordable Care Act has made way for many improvements to healthcare for Americans. New plans and many older plans will now provide subscribers with these key enhancements, in addition to others that aren’t mentioned on this list:

• Advances in women’s health services
• Improved care for seniors
• New preventative services that require no out of pocket costs.
• No annual or lifetime limits on healthcare.

MHG Insurance is here to guide you each step of the way during these changing times.  MHG Insurance Brokers will assist you with comparing plan choices that are available both on and off the exchange, and help you obtain the health care coverage that is best suited to your family’s health needs and budget. We will utilize our knowledge and expertise to determine whether it is more advantageous to you to shop for a plan on or off the exchange, and clarify the details regarding the benefits, rights and protections included in the new plans. Call one of our insurance specialists today for expert guidance on all matters concerning health care to ensure you are getting the best coverage. MHG Insurance Brokers is always available to answer questions, or assist with processing claims. We continue to be of service for those who are in the market for Supplemental and Long Term Care coverage, Life insurance , and more. Visit MHG Insurance online at mhginsurance.com , or call and speak to one of MHG’s representatives at 954-828-1819.

The open enrollment period is in effect through March 31^st, 2014. MHG Insurance Brokers would like to make you aware of specific deadlines that are approaching, as well as provide you with information on a topic that has been getting a lot of attention lately – shrinking plan provider networks on the ACA health insurance marketplace. Here are some notable dates to bear in mind:

• For government approved health plans effective March 1^st – enrollment deadline February 15^th, 2014
• For government approved health plans effective April 1^st  – enrollment deadline March 15^th, 2014
• Final Enrollment date to obtain a healthcare plan or off the exchange – March 31^st, 2014 for effective date of May 1^st, 2014

If you are looking to buy health insurance, use this time to evaluate and compare the many plans available that you will be presented with. There has been attention given recently to the sizes of the provider networks that are a part of the plans offered through the health insurance marketplace. It appears that these plans’ provider networks are smaller in order for the plans to provide affordability and be able to compete with other plans offered on the exchange. The ACA doesn’t set prices for these plans or for medical services provided to the consumer, the insurance companies do. Smaller networks with fewer provider choices means smaller premiums for the consumer. In order to be more affordable, these plans exclude the most expensive providers. 

While insurance companies decide which doctors and hospitals will be a part of a network, there are also doctors who will only accept higher fees before they choose to participate in some networks. This is typical behavior within a competitive market. It is important when weighing the benefits of plans you are considering to check what provider networks your current doctors are participating in. You may wish to only consider those plans if keeping your doctors is important to you. When you find networks that your doctors participate in, call your doctors to confirm the information before selecting a plan. This extra effort will pay off, as selecting a plan that your doctor may no longer accept could be a critical mistake, as you won’t be able to change your plan again until the next open enrollment period, or a qualifying life event takes place, such as a marriage, birth or adoption of a child, or divorce. 

One comforting fact to be aware of: no matter which plan you select, the law prohibits insurance companies from requiring higher copayments or coinsurance if you get emergency care from an out-of-network hospital. If you are traveling and an unfortunate accident lands you in a hospital emergency room that is not on your provider network, you do not need to get preapproval before receiving emergency services. This applies to all plans that were created or obtained before March 23, 2010. 

 As always, MHG Insurance Brokers is here to assist you with all of your insurance needs . Our in depth and current knowledge can help you navigate through all of the information and choices you will come across when shopping for a health care plan. Call MHG Insurance Brokers today at 954-828-1819 to learn more about the new healthcare plans available, or visit MHG Insurance Brokers online at mhginsurance.com . We look forward to protecting your health!