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Insurance News & Media: Information from MHA Solutions

When it comes to news, you need to know and understand your insurance rights and benefits. MHA Solutions is part of the Massachusetts Health & Hospital Association. It is a full service brokerage and consulting firm. As your all-in-one resource for risk management strategies and solutions, we will help you with any insurance needs. We want to keep you up-to-date with the latest information that can help you lead a healthier, safer, and overall happier lifestyle.

As new information becomes available, please check back here to learn more. We’ll discuss employee benefits you’re entitled to by Massachusetts law, property and casualty information, and other insurance tips and techniques that will help you and your business become more stable, and therefore more successful. You can also check us out via our social media pages. Please visit us on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter for real-time updates too.


  • Summer Driving Hazards

    Summertime presents drivers with unique challenges, such as added traffic from summer vacationers, sun glare and unpredictable weather patterns. In fact, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, July and August are the most dangerous driving months of the year. Some summer driving hazards include:
    • Pedestrians, bicyclists and motorcyclists—Since summer weather allows more people to enjoy outdoor activities, vehicles frequently share the road with joggers, bicyclists and motorcyclists.
    • Increased traffic—During the summer months, roads are often more congested due to traveling vacationers and road construction projects.
    • Inclement weather—In the summer, heavy rainfall, hail, and high winds are common in some locations.
    • Sun glare—Sunshine can cause sun glare and present a challenge for drivers by potentially impairing vision. This issue may be particularly prevalent during early morning and evening hours.
    • Intoxicated drivers—The summer months can be a dangerous time for driving because of all the outdoor celebrations and activities, and research shows alcohol-involved crashes and DUIs increase during this season.

    Click Here to Read More!

  • Attracting and Retaining Employees During the Great Reshuffle

    The labor market is a bit unpredictable at the
    moment. Economists previously warned of a “Great
    Resignation,” a time when employees were expected
    to quit in record numbers and leave considerable
    vacancies in the workforce. This actually happened
    somewhat—according to the Bureau of Labor
    Statistics (BLS), there were a record number of
    resignations at the end of 2021. Although the
    number of quits dropped at the beginning of 2022,
    the employment market is back to experiencing
    record-high quit rates.

    This article explains how employers can focus their
    attraction and retention efforts to capitalize on this
    moment of worker fluidity.

  • 5 Mental Health Employee Benefits Trends for 2022

    Mental health has been a hot topic recently, thanks to the
    COVID-19 pandemic. Over the past two years, so many
    people have experienced issues such as burnout, depression,
    anxiety and substance addiction. In fact, 40% of U.S. adults
    said they have struggled with mental health or substance
    abuse during the pandemic, according to a Jellyvision survey.
    In 2022, mental health will continue to be a top concern for
    workplaces, and employers are taking notice. Over 30% of
    employers have added new mental health benefits within the
    past year, according to McKinsey and Company. Yet, despite
    increased efforts, nearly 25% of employees still don’t feel
    supported when it comes to their mental health.
    With that in mind, employers will need to evaluate their
    mental health strategies and consider how they can best help
    maximize their employees’ overall well-being. To help with
    this, employers can consider the following trends that may
    influence workers’ mental health in 2022.

    Click Here For Full Article!

  • Physician Office Risk Assessment

    Doctors and physicians are educated and licensed to deal with the overall medical health and physical concerns of their patients, but there are many physicians who are not aware of the different risks their practices are exposed to on a day to day basis. Click Here to review our checklist of suggested coverages care providers and to learn about some of the most common risk physicians offices are exposed to.

  • 2020 Open Enrollment Checklist

    Open enrollment can be a confusing and stressful time for employees. Employees must take
    more responsibility when selecting their benefits and securing their future, but that’s easier
    said than done. Click here and learn how you can maximize enrollment for employees.

  • 8 Common Car Insurance Myths

    There are a lot of complexities involved in auto insurance that can be very difficult to understand. But while it can be frustrating at times, it’s still important to know exactly what you’re covered for under your auto insurance policy. Click Here for a list of common auto insurance myths that may teach you something that you didn’t know, and maybe even save you some money.

  • Get to Know Your Insurance

    Personal Insurance Solutions

    What exactly is Personal insurance? Our clients rely on us to creatively assist them with their insurance and financial needs to protect what matters most. We offer a full range of automobile, home and life insurance solutions, along with loss prevention, health and safety tips to help minimize claims, reduce your risks and promote your well-being. The insurance professionals at MHA Solutions can assist you in selecting the most comprehensive coverage, provided by highly-rated insurance companies. Read more about personal lines of insurance and let us help you decide how to best cover what’s really most important. We’ll discuss your auto, home, life, and everything in between.

  • Game Plan to Cross-training Employees

    Reap the benefits of cross-training your teams.

    To increase employee flexibility and further utilize their skills, many companies engage in cross-training efforts at their organizations. This process involves training employees on various tasks performed at the organization so they can complete the duties of others. This technique is beneficial to the organization and presents new educational opportunities for employees. Plus, it is far less expensive and labor-intensive than hiring new staff members to perform these tasks. Let us help you put together a game plan. Start by reading up on the importance of having a strategic plan and all the benefits you and your employees will receive.

  • Workplace Violence Insurance

    The more prepared you are for the unthinkable, the better.

    Workplace violence is one of the most frightening exposures companies must face. One incident can devastate a company, destroying its bottom line and therefore, threatening its survival. Let MHA Solutions help you with insuring your business to protect your employees, business, and everything you’ve worked so hard for. Read more to see how you can get started or contact us to discuss your options.

  • Mental Health & Your Workplace

    Calm. Relaxed. Happy.

    These should be words used to describe your employees on the job. We want to help you support your employees’ mental health. Reviewing your plan designs and benefits offerings is the first step. Contact us at MHA Solutions to discuss your current offerings and to learn more about the mental health resources that you can provide to your employees.

     

  • Directors & Officers Insurance

    Protect your business and leadership

    Lawsuits involving directors and officers can be financially devastating for both an organization and its leadership. What’s more, D&O liability can come from many sources, and claims can arise without warning. D&O insurance is a must have for organizations of all sizes. Review this guide to get an overview of D&O insurance and its benefits.

  • Mandatory Paid Family Medical Leave

    laws Change. know the details.

    All Massachusetts employers are responsible for making contributions under the PFML law into the state via the MassTaxConnect portal effective 10/1/19. Special rules apply to employers who have under 25 employees. Please download the Reference Guide to gain a better understanding of this complex new law.

  • Succeed with Social Media

    RECRUITING Top Talent W/SOCIAL MEDIA

    Social media can be very beneficial for businesses, especially as it pertains to recruiting new employees. Job seekers today—especially millennials—are looking beyond traditional job boards and career fairs to find work; instead, many are using social media to find job opportunities and get noticed. To make sure your organization is finding the best available talent, consider expanding your recruiting efforts to social media. Read more to get the latest input on using LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter.

  • Insuring Your Business

    Small Business Owners’ Guide

    As a business owner, you need some of the same insurance coverages for the cars, trucks, vans or other vehicles you use in your business as you do for vehicles used for personal travel. Your Business Owners Policy (BOP) does not provide any coverage for vehicles, therefore you must have a separate policy. Most states require you to purchase liability insurance for bodily injury and property damage that may result from a vehicle accident occurring while you or someone from your organization is driving on business. Many states also require you to have uninsured/underinsured motorists coverage and/or medical payments coverage (known as Personal Injury Protection (PIP) in some states). Read more to understand your coverage options and what is right for protecting your small business.

  • Errors and Omissions Insurance

    E&O insurance and do you need it?

    Short answer is yes. E&O policies cover large defense costs incurred when trying to prove liability or innocence. They also ultimately cover the final judgment if you as the business owner do not win the lawsuit. Read more.

  • Road to Wellness

    What is workplace wellness?

    Workplace wellness refers to the education and activities a company may sponsor in order to promote healthy lifestyles for their employees and their families. Check out this road map we put together that helps you understand how a wellness program helps your employees as well as your business. Read more.

  • Soaring Healthcare Costs

    What can you do to reduce the ever-rising cost of healthcare?

    There are many factors that have contributed to rising healthcare costs. Employers are scrambling to cut costs wherever possible; yet this is easier said than done. Some organizations are encouraging workers to utilize telemedicine as a way to trim costs. Read more to learn how you can encourage your workers to take the right path for them, yet still trim costs.

  • Commercial Liability Insurance

    What is Commericial Liability Insurance and should you have it?

    Commercial General Liability (CGL) covers non-professional negligent acts. Understanding this type of insurance coverage is important in order to reduce risks for your business in the event of an accident. Read the PDF to learn more about what this insurance is, what it covers, how to get it, and other options for you to consider.

  • Employee Engagement

    What are you doing to be sure that you’re engaging your employees?

    Studies show that nearly 70% of workers in the U.S. say they’re not engaged on the job. Check out this score card to see if you need to make a change.

  • Workers’ Compensation that helps you manage your cash flow

    Workers’ Compensation – A Cash Flow Solution

    Workers’ Compensation is a form of insurance providing wage replacement and medical benefits to employees injured in the course of employment. In exchange, you give up your right as the employee to sue your employer for the tort of negligence. Because you’re a business, you need to provide this type of coverage. But how do you  go about it from a financial standpoint? A customized billing solution doesn’t have to be complicated. With Pay as You Go Workers Compensation, you, the employer, are billed a portion of the premium each payroll cycle based on actual wages paid. At the end of the year an audit is still done. You’ll be reporting actual wages, therefore you’ll avoid a surprise bill. Read more on how you can benefit from this type of program. Thanks to The Hartford for their explanation of Pay As You Go Workers Compensation.

  • Paid Family & Medical Leave

    WHAT requirements DO YOU as an employer NEED TO KNOW?

    As an employer, when it comes to the Paid Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), you want to be sure you’re employers are covered. Covered to make sure your employees are taken care of and also covered according to what’s mandated by the state. Changes to the requirements you’re obligated to abide by have been updated. For example, by July 1, 2019 employers must comply with workplace posting and new hire notice requirements. Employers must also begin remitting contributions to the trust. As an employer, be in the know. Make sure you’re in compliance with Massachusetts state law. Read more to find out what you can do now.

  • What’s Your Business Owner’s Policy?

    Business Owner’s Policy Information

    Most small medical and healthcare practices purchase a Business Owner’s Policy (BOP). It can help protect your business in much the same way that a homeowner’s policy helps protect your home and personal possessions. What’s your policy? Not sure? Read the PDF to learn more about how to make sure you’re covered.

  • Massachusetts Minimum Wage Laws

    Changes You Need To Be Aware Of

    With the new year getting started, MHA Solutions wants you to know what changes have been made to the Massachusetts Minimum Wage and how it affects you. The federal minimum wage is governed by the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). The Massachusetts Minimum Fair Wage Law (MFWL) complements federal law and, in some cases, prescribes more stringent or additional requirements that most employers in the state must follow. Read more from MHA Solutions to get the information you need in order to be sure you’re being paid fairly.

  • Fire Safety Tips for the Holidays

    How to prevent holiday fires this season.Holiday fire safety

    The holidays are a time for celebration, family, and decorations. Cuddles up by the fire, then making hot chocolate. These are joyous times and we want you to treasure all that 2018 has brought to you and look forward to a wonderful 2019. But with all this festive celebration, also comes new hazards and safety considerations for homes and businesses alike. Each year nearly 47,000 fires occur during the winter holidays, claiming more than 500 lives, causing more than 2,200 injuries, and costing $554M in property damage, according to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). The increased use of candles, fireplaces, and combustible decorations means more risk for fire. It is important that employees and tenants know the property rules and regulations as they relate to holiday fire safety for your organization. Read more from the blog of Philadelphia Insurance Companies.

     

  • Meet the newest member of the MHA Solutions Team

    John Papanastasiou - the newest member to the MHA Solutions teamMHA Solutions welcomes a New team Member

    MHA Solutions is the leading broker and consulting firm for insurance and risk management in New England. They are welcoming John Papanastasiou as the newest MHA Solutions team member. In the Account Executive role, John will focus on the Property and Casualty lines of business. He will provide expert insurance knowledge and experience to new and existing clients, while also providing insight to team members.

    MHA Solutions is thrilled to have John join their team of insurance experts. First, read the press release to learn more about John, and then contact MHA Solutions with any questions regarding your current coverage.

  • Virtual Doctor Visits Right for You?

    Virtual Doctor VisitsCouch or Waiting room – your choice

    Nothing’s worse than needing to haul yourself to a doctor when you’re sick. Why not save yourself the hassle and visit your doctor online? This video explains some of the benefits of virtual doctor visits. Watch the quick video to learn more and then contact us with your questions! We’re here to help.

     

     

  • Compliance Bulletin

    Family and medical leave paid enacted in massachusetts

    Beginning in 2021, eligible employees may take protected paid leave for certain family and medical reasons. Effective July 1, 2019, employers must comply with a new workplace poster requirement and new hire notice; and begin remitting contributions for the paid family and medical leave program. Read the PDF to find out what else you may need to do and actions you can take to be sure you’re in compliance.

  • Open Enrollment 2019 – Benefit Notices

    open enrollment health insuranceEnrollment is here. Are you ready?

    Employers that sponsor group health plans should provide certain benefit notices in connection with their plans’ open enrollment periods. Some of these notices must be provided at open enrollment time, while other notices must be distributed annually.

    When it comes to enrolling in coverage plans, we want to help you reduce the stress and confusion for yourself and your employees. This guide gives some great information that you as the employer can use to help you ensure you’re providing the right information at the right time for your employees.
    Download the PDF to learn more.

  • Preparing Your Business for Floods

    Risk Insights

    Prepare for FloodingFloods can sometimes be predictable. For example, charting the habitual swelling of the tides establishes typical water levels. It can indicate when coastal areas might be prone to flooding. However, more often than not, floods can arise without warning. First, be prepared. Then, know how to lower your business’ risk of damage and reduce business interruptions. Read the article to learn more.

  • Live Well, Work Well – Your Monthly Newsletter

    Health and wellness tips for your work and life. Know Your Risk.

    Did you know that high blood pressure guidelines have changed? Read the PDF to find out quickly what you need to know.

     

     

     

  • Are You Prepared? Tornadoes in Massachusetts

    Be prepared for Tornadoes

    Tornado Season Is Upon Us

    Here in Massachusetts, we’ve been through all sorts of weather, but just recently tornadoes have been making their way through parts of our state. Tornadoes are nature’s most violent storms, spawned from powerful thunderstorms, that can cause massive devastation. Should your area receive a tornado warning, do you know what to do? How can you be prepared for such a wild weather situation? Download our quick guide to help you understand what you can do before, during, and after a tornado strikes.

  • Live Well, Work Well

    Summer Safety Tips!

    MHA Solutions hopes you’re having a great summer so far. Now that we’re heading into August, these summer safety notes may help you continue to enjoy the warm sunshine. Talk about how to stay cool with heat avoidance tactics and delicious recipes with your family, friends, and co-workers. Brought to you by the Live Well, Work Well and MHA Solutions teams. Download the PDF

     

  • Massachusetts Employment Law – Medical Marijuana Law

    Medical Marijuana in Massachusetts

    Medical Marijuana LawMassachusetts’ highest court has ruled that terminating an employee for off -duty medical marijuana use may violate the employee’s rights under the state’s disability discrimination and medical marijuana laws.

    The Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court first issued its ruling in Barbuto v. Advantage Sales and Marketing on July 17, 2017. Because of that, the decision does not require employers to always permit off-duty medical marijuana use. Rather, employers may need to allow the use of it in certain circumstances.The decision differs from other state courts, which have held that employers can have zero-tolerance drug use policies.

    First read the PDF to gain more of an understanding of Barbuto V. Advantage Sales and Marketing, Then reach out to your own company for questions or concerns. You have other resources available to you as well. Take a look at state resources such as the Massachusetts Department of Labor Standards and the Massachusetts Department of Public Health. You can also read more about the Massachusetts Medical Marijuana Act (MMMA) enacted in 2012. This act is to protect individuals who are diagnosed with a debilitating medical condition for using doctor-prescribed marijuana.

    For more information download the Massachusetts Medical Marijuana Law – Off-duty Use PDF.

  • Employee Benefits News: Live Well, Work Well

    Health and wellness tips for your work and life – news presented by MHA Solutions. The World Health Organization (WHO) says that the artificially produced trans fats found in junk and fried foods contribute to more than 500,000 preventable deaths annually. WHO has created a guide for governments to eliminate industrially produced trans fat in their countries. First, watch the video and then learn more about trans fats, how to avoid them, and what you can do overall to live a healthier lifestyle. MHA Solutions wants you to live a balanced, happy life both for work and play. This newsletter is a great way to start so download the PDF for great recipes and snack ideas! Download the Newsletter Today

  • Playing It Safe: Dangers of Texting While Driving

    Texting while driving?

    ArNo Texting While Drivinge you texting while driving? Not only is it illegal, but it’s also incredibly dangerous. The NHTSA claims that driver inattention is the leading cause in most crashes or near-miss accidents in the United States. The most prevalent danger on roadways is texting while driving. Texting requires the driver’s full attention, which then inhibits his or her ability to pay attention to the road. Learn the facts and be safer for it. Download the PDF and be safe and healthy on the job and on the go.

  • HR Insights: Cyber Security for You & Your Business

    Don’t let cyber attacks happen at your company.

    EvCyber Security for You and your business.ery day, more than 1 million people become victims of cyber crime. These types of criminals look for the weak spots and then attack, no matter how large or small the organization. Security for these types of threats should be a company-wide effort because the attacks pose such a prominent threat to your business, customers, and employees. It’s essential to create a plan to deal with this problem. Implementing and adhering to basic preventive and safety procedures will help protect you and your business. Learn simple steps to help reduce your companies chances of becoming under attack. Download the PDF for more information.

  • Live Well, Work Well – Hurricane Preparation at Home

    From June through November, hurricanes are at their peak. During a hurricane, heavy rains and catastrophic winds barrel through coastal areas and can severely damage or destroy homes and businesses. To help you plan and remain safe at home during these potentially deadly storms, download the PDF and follow these safety tips.

     

     

     

  • Massachusetts Employment Law

    Fair Employment Laws – Massachusetts Equal Pay Act

    The federal Equal Pay Act requires employers to pay men and women equally if they perform substantially equal work within the same establishment. In addition, many states, including Massachusetts, have enacted their own equal pay laws prohibiting wage discrimination based on gender. This Employment Law Summary provides an overview of Massachusetts’ Equal Pay Act (MPEA), including the amendments to it that go into effect on July 1, 2018. Download the PDF.

  • Massachusetts Employment Law

    Fair Employment Laws – Pregnant Workers Fairness Act.

    Having a baby? Now, you may be worried about your boss’ reaction, but as a new parent, you have rights. And these rights are in place to protect you. The federal Pregnancy Discrimination Act prohibits employers with 15 or more employers from discriminating against individuals based on pregnancy or related medical conditions. Massachusetts also has enacted a similar law that applies to a broader range of employers in the state. This Employment Law Summary provides an overview of Massachusetts’ Pregnant Workers Fairness Act (PWFA), which was first signed into law on July 27, 2017. This will then go into effect as of April 1, 2018. Download the PDF.

  • The Future of Certain ACA Taxes and Fees

    ACA Taxes and Fees: What You Need to Know

    The future of the ACA as a whole is currently unclear, but some definitive changes have been made to a few of the ACA taxes and fees for 2017. Several steps have been taken in 2017 toward repealing the Affordable Care Act (ACA). Now, you need to know how that affects you and your staff. Employers should be aware of the evolving applicability of existing ACA taxes and fees so that they know how to the ACA affects their bottom lines. Download the PDF and learn more about how to prepare for these changes, what you should do first, and any alterations that may take place in the future.

     

  • Cyber Resilience in 7 Steps

    Cyber security is the most prominent risk issue facing company Boards of Directors and executives worldwide. Read the full article

  • Risks for Homeowners in the Sharing Economy

    The sharing economy is growing at a tremendous rate, with more and more individuals participating in exchanges of services and property. Along with car sharing companies, home sharing companies have rapidly achieved high rates of market penetration and now face increasing regulation. Read the full article

  • Highlights for 2017 Compliance

    Changes under the Affordable Care Act (ACA) and uncertainty about its future significantly impact the group health market.  Read the full article