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Conference to Highlight Comp Reforms

North Carolina employers should be pleased major reforms passed by the General Assembly in 2011 and new medical-fee schedules imposed in 2015 – two initiatives supported by the North Carolina Association of Self-Insurers - are moderating indemnity and medical costs in the state. But, despite reforms and despite recent improvements, total costs per claim in North Carolina between 2012-2017 were 23% higher than the median of the 18 states monitored by the nonprofit Workers Compensation Research Institute.

Our 2020 annual conference - scheduled for March 25-27 at the Holiday Inn Resort in Wrightsville Beach - will take a closer look at North Carolina’s performance. Carol Telles, senior analyst at WCRI and author of the recent study, will present her findings, and we will also hear the Industrial Commission’s perspective on how reforms are affecting employers and injured workers.

Also on the agenda, a panel discussion by three prominent lawyers on strategies for defending extended benefits, a case law update, recent advances in joint replacement surgeries, and tips on injury prevention and faster rehab. We will also hear about emerging issues at the national level.

“Our annual conference is an ideal forum to network with your peers and potential customers, and learn how workers’ comp is developing in North Carolina,” notes NCASI president Stephanie Gay. She adds along with providing valuable continuing education credits for adjusters and lawyers, the conference is also an excellent opportunity for sponsors and exhibitors.

“This year, we are pleased to waive registration fees for self-insured or high-deductible employers who would be attending the conference for the first time or after an absence. The employers who pay the $350 membership dues can send several registrants at no additional cost,” explains Stephanie Gay, NCASI president.

NCASI’s annual conference opens at noon Wednesday, March 25 and ends at noon on Friday. Registration fees for members are $225 per person, and $650 per person for non-members. Hotel room rates are $159 per night for oceanfront and $139 for standard rooms. Make reservations soon as the hotel fills up quickly.

Demand is brisk also for exhibiting space. Fees are $650 for members and $1050 for non-members. Fees cover registration for two individuals from the same company. Exhibitors can set up any time on Wednesday and take down at their convenience.

Finally, sponsorships are available as follows: Platinum - $1,000; Gold - $500; Bronze - $350. For more details, contact Moby Salahuddin, executive director, at msalahuddin@sc.rr.com