Please refer to News for current information.
(3/5/08) PMSLIC has billed policyholders the 2008
Mcare assessment at the full amount as there is no
continuation of the abatement program at this time.
Payments must be postmarked by March 31, 2008 to ensure
there are no Mcare coverage issues in the future due to
delayed payment.
Although there may be announcements of one or more
delays regarding the assessment, we advise our
policyholders to pay the assessment by the March 31
deadline. We believe this is the best way to
protect your interests in any future reported claims.
(1/21/08) To comply with the PA Department of
Insurance's directive to bill the full 2008 Mcare
assessment with a due date of March 31, 2008, we mailed
payment information to all PMSLIC policyholders.
Enclosed with the billing information were copies of
letters from
Governor Rendell and the
Insurance Commissioner.
We are monitoring the abatement situation very
closely and will keep you informed of important
developments as they occur. Additional information is
also available on the
Mcare Web
site. Please contact your PMSLIC underwriter or your
agent if you have any questions.
(5/4/07) PMSLIC was recently endorsed by the Medical
Society of Delaware. We have begun to write coverage for
physicians in that state through the state society's
insurance subsidiary, MSDIS. Click "More" to view a copy
of the press release that was issued to announce the
endorsement and PMSLIC's entry into the state.
Read
news release
(4/19/07) The A.M. Best Company upgraded PMSLIC’s
financial strength rating to A (Excellent) as a result
of a pooling arrangement PMSLIC entered into earlier
this year with NORCAL, our parent company.
You can read Best's press release about our upgrade
by going to the "News & Research" section of Best's Web
site: www.ambest.com.
(3/16/07) PMSLIC is offering three free half-day seminars
to policyholders, their staff, and the Pennsylvania
medical community at large on the topic of coding for
medical reimbursement. The seminars, which are now at
maximum capacity, are designed to train
physicians, office practice managers and others on how
to accurately and properly code office services to
ensure physicians are being reimbursed appropriately for
the services they provide.
For more information or to add your name to a waiting
list, please
contact Lisa Kulp, Marketing Representative, at
800.445.1212, or use our
contact form to
e-mail us. Depending on the level of interest, the
seminar may be repeated at a future date, and names on
the waiting list would be contacted in advance of
general announcements to the physician community.
(11/9/06) On November 7, 2006, the PMSLIC Board of
Directors declared a 2006 dividend of 11 percent. The
dividend will be paid to policyholders renewing their
PMSLIC coverage on or after January 1, 2007.
The Board declared the dividend as the result of
improvement in prior years’ loss experience and strong,
financial management. PMSLIC has a participating policy,
which permits the company to share the benefit of
improved results with its physician policyholders
through policyholder dividends. It is one of many
advantages of insuring with PMSLIC, a physician-directed
carrier.
(11/9/06) On November 10, 2006, packets for the 2007
policy renewal were mailed to policyholders. The
packet contained an update letter from Board Chair, Dr.
Jaan Sidorov, announcing a 2006 policyholder dividend
and outlining information relevant to this renewal. The packet also contained policy documents, products and
services information, a financing offer and the first
quarter invoice.
Policyholders must forward payment by December 5,
2006 to ensure uninterrupted coverage and to prevent
coverage from being cancelled for non-payment of
premium.
Read letter from Dr. Sidorov
PMSLIC's filing for an overall 11% rate reduction has
been approved by the Pennsylvania Department of
Insurance. The rates will be effective January 1, 2008.
The decision to file for the rate reduction was reached
by the company board of directors following a thorough
review of the company's loss experience.
(7/31/06) We have been informed that a relatively new
credentialing process has been made available to medical
practices. CAQH, a not-for-profit alliance of health
plans, networks and trade associations, has developed
the Universal Credentialing DataSourceŽ. This national
process has eliminated the need for multiple
credentialing applications through an online
standardized application service.
Physicians who use the CAQH online credentialing
process will be asked to provide their medical
malpractice insurance information. PMSLIC policyholders
using this online process should do the following:
- Go to www.caqh.org.
- Select the "Universal Credentialing DataSource
link."
- Select the "PROVIDERS" link.
- On the "log-in" page, select "Logging in for the
first time?"
- When prompted to provide your medical
malpractice insurance information, select "others
not listed" from the drop-down menu if your carrier
is not listed.
- Enter "PMSLIC Insurance Company" and our street
address (1700 Bent Creek Blvd., Mechanicsburg, PA
17050) where indicated.
(6/27/06) At the end of June, PMSLIC mailed a letter
to policyholders from our Board Chair, Jaan Sidorov, MD.
The letter highlighted two important issues for
policyholders:
- 2007 Rates - PMSLIC will not be requesting a rate increase for
2007.
- A.M. Best Rating -
Our A.M. Best rating
of B++ (Very Good) was affirmed.
Read letter from Dr. Sidorov
(3/6/06) PMSLIC added policyholder account
information to our selection of services for certain
registered users of PMSLIC.com. Experience how
online account information can benefit you and your
practice.
Accounting
and Billing
(1/31/06) On January 31, PMSLIC implemented enhancements to PMSLIC.com in order to provide
additional information specifically for policyholders in
a secure manner. Policyholders are asked to register to
gain access to and benefit from the new features.
Changes to PMSLIC.com encompass:
- a new secure section of the site for
registered users. Sign in is required.
- the Certificate of Insurance and Risk
Management resources previously available on PMSLIC.com
moved to the new secure section.
- new features for policyholders are implemented,
including online account information and Loss
Prevention Discount Program status reports.
Policyholders will receive more information in the
mail in early February. A letter introducing the Web
site enhancements was mailed along with information on
the 2006 Loss Prevention Discount Program.
(5/1/06) The phone call from our policyholder tells a
familiar story. Dr. Miller, a 71-year-old PMSLIC
policyholder, decided to retire mid-way through the
policy year. PMSLIC billed him the annual Mcare
assessment at the abated amount in February including
notice that he must successfully apply to only pay the
reduced amount. Dr. Miller paid the abated amount and
then retires in June. PMSLIC returns the Mcare
credit due to him, but Dr. Miller does not apply for the
Mcare abatement either before or after his retirement is
effective. The following spring, after the application
period expires, Dr. Miller is surprised
to receive an Mcare bill for the remainder of the full
assessment now due.
PMSLIC, as a primary carrier, serves as a billing
administrator for Mcare. As such, we handle calls of
this nature on a regular basis and must explain to our
policyholders why payment of the Mcare assessment is
required despite unique situations involving physician
death, retirement, relocation out of state or certain
employment arrangements. In this circumstance where the
insured physician retired mid-way through the policy
year, Mcare coverage is required for the time period
that he was in full-time practice. PMSLIC automatically
billed the Mcare coverage at the abated amount and
informed Dr. Miller he needed to apply, but
because Dr. Miller didn’t take the steps to apply for
the abatement, he is responsible for remitting payment
of the full Mcare assessment. Had he applied, and was
otherwise eligible, Dr. Miller
would have been exempt from repayment of the full
assessment.
No one can completely prepare for what tomorrow may
bring. PMSLIC strongly urges our policyholders to apply
for the Mcare abatement as soon as possible. By
completing the online Mcare abatement application,
policyholders can ensure that despite changing
circumstances, they have submitted the necessary
information to be considered for abatement eligibility. If
eligible, Mcare will e-mail an eligibility status letter—as
well as mail a hardcopy—to the policyholder,
who, in turn, is responsible for sending a copy to
PMSLIC to complete the process.
Abatement repayment is exempt if the physician:
- is enrolled in an approved residency/fellowship
program;
- dies prior to the end of the retention period;
- is disabled and unable to practice prior to the
end of the retention period;
- is called to active military duty prior to the
end of the retention period; or
- retires and is at least 70 years of age prior to
the end of the retention period.
Mcare Abatement Frequently Asked Questions for Health-Care Providers
(9/1/05) On September 1, PMSLIC announced it is
eliminating restrictions on new business and will
begin writing additional policies effective January 1,
2006. Applications are now being accepted. Coverage
quotes will be available with a completed application
beginning early October.
PMSLIC wrote coverage only for physicians joining
existing insured group practices beginning in early 2002 to focus
on providing exceptional service to its customers,
revising underwriting guidelines, and implementing new
patient safety and risk management measures.
Download application
(7/19/05) In mid-July PMSLIC mailed a letter to policyholders
from our Board Chair, Jaan Sidorov, MD. The letter
highlighted three important issues for policyholders:
- 2006 Policy Limits -
The state Insurance
Commissioner concluded the current market is not in
a position to write increased policy limits. As a
result, PMSLIC's 2006 renewal policies will continue
to provide $500,000 per occurrence/$1 million annual
aggregate.
- 2006 Rates -
PMSLIC will not be requesting a rate increase for
2006.
- A.M. Best Rating -
Our A.M. Best rating
of B++ (Very Good) was affirmed. Our rating outlook
was upgraded to stable.
Dr. Sidorov commented, "The upgrade in our rating
outlook demonstrates that PMSLIC is doing what it takes
to be the long-term provider of coverage for
Pennsylvania physicians." Read Dr. Sidorov's
letter to policyholders.
(1/18/05) Policyholders who participate in the 2005
Loss Prevention Discount Program are eligible to earn a
discount on their premium and continuing medical
education (CME) credits. And there are no fees to
sign up.
The 2005 Loss Prevention Discount Program features a menu of eight new risk management learning activities, which are accredited for varying amounts of continuing medical education (CME) credit. Some of these activities are being presented in a printed format, and some are being offered online.
PMSLIC policyholders who complete a total of five CME
credit hours from the program menu by October 11, 2005 are eligible for a
5% discount on their 2006 PMSLIC premium ($300
minimum/$2,000 maximum).
Policyholders may choose any combination of activities to complete to accumulate five credit hours.
Policyholders must order printed course booklets, but
ordering is not required to do online activities or the Consult newsletter.
View detailed Loss Prevention Discount Program brochure...
View brochure 
(12/16/04) HB 1211, signed into law November 29, 2004
by Governor Rendell, extends the Mcare abatement for
another year to provide relief from the 2005 assessment.
Here's a look back at the steps PMSLIC took to implement
the Mcare abatements and what physicians must do to
obtain the 2005 abatement.
Mcare Abatement – Course of Action (Reverse
Chronological Order)
| February 15, 2006 |
Deadline to Apply
for the 2005 Mcare Abatement
In order to apply for the 2005 abatement, insureds
must complete an online application located on the
Mcare Web site. All applications and supporting
documents must be received by Mcare by February 15,
2006. |
|
*February 15, 2005 |
Deadline to Apply
for the 2004 Mcare Abatement
In order to apply for the 2004 abatement, insureds must complete an online application located on the
Mcare Web site. All applications and supporting
documents must be received by Mcare by February 15,
2005. Mcare encourages everyone to apply as early as
possible due to the high volume of applications
expected for processing. |
| February 2, 2005 |
Due Date for the 2005 Mcare Assessment Payment |
| January 11, 2005 |
PMSLIC Bills 2005 Mcare
Assessment The 2005 Mcare assessment was billed at the
abated amount as provided for by statute. Insureds
must file for and receive the Mcare Fund's approval
for eligibility for the 2005 abatement or the full
2005 Mcare assessment will be billed and due at a
later date. |
| November 29, 2004 |
Act 154 Extends the
Abatement Program for Another Year
Act 154 of 2004 extends the Health Care Provider
Retention Program for an additional year to include
policy year 2005 for those Mcare participating
health-care providers who meet all of the necessary
eligibility requirements. |
| July 2004 |
Mcare Begins to Issue
Eligibility Letters for 2004 Abatement Mcare
has issued eligibility letters to those physicians
who applied for the 2004 abatement. PMSLIC
policyholders should forward a copy of the letter to
PMSLIC via mail. |
| June 5, 2004 |
Due Date for 2003 and 2004 Mcare
Assessment Payment |
| May 3, 2004 |
PMSLIC Bills 2003 and 2004 Mcare
Assessment The 2003 and 2004 Mcare assessment
was included with PMSLIC's third quarter premium
billing. The 2004 assessment was billed at the
abated amount as provided for by statute. Insureds
must file for and receive the Mcare Fund's approval
for eligibility for the 2004 abatement or the full
2004 Mcare assessment will be billed and due at a
later date. |
| March 31, 2004 |
Mcare Issues First Eligibility
Letters for 2003 Abatement Mcare issued
eligibility letters to those physicians who applied
for the 2003 Mcare abatement. PMSLIC policyholders
were instructed to forward a copy of the letter to
PMSLIC via mail or fax within five days of receipt
of the letter. PMSLIC used the eligibility letter to
calculate an insured's final 2003 Mcare assessment. |
| December 23, 2003 |
HB44 Signed into Law
— Provides Two-Year Mcare
Abatement
Governor Rendell signed into law
House Bill 44, which establishes the Health Care
Provider Retention Program. This Program will
provide for an abatement of the 2003 and 2004 Mcare
assessments for health-care providers who meet the
eligibility requirements contained in the law. For
more information visit the
Mcare Web site. |
For more information, contact PMSLIC or visit the
Mcare Web site.
(11/29/04) As of Monday, November
29, PMSLIC is
operating from a new office at
1700 Bent Creek Boulevard,
Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania. Please make a note of our
revised
contact information, and
stop in to see us at our new
location.
(10/25/04) The first week in November PMSLIC will
mailed the Customer Service Survey to all policyholders.
This bi-annual survey takes approximately 10-15 minutes
to complete. The investment of your time will be repaid
with the highest level of service we can provide to you,
our customer.
The survey measures your satisfaction in the areas of
risk management, underwriting, billing and invoices,
claims, response time, communication and Web site. This
is an opportunity for you to tell us how satisfied you
are in your interactions with our staff and with
information provided to you through programs, materials
and electronic tools.
While some policyholders offer us their feedback on a
regular basis, this survey is a formal measure to
collect data on our performance from all customers. We
conduct the survey every other year in order to
continually evaluate the service we provide. We then can
identify areas for improvement and modify our processes.
Participation from our policyholders is vital. Please
be on the look out for the survey and by completing it, help us HELP YOU.
(10/25/04) Policyholders looked over the menu, placed
their orders from the CME programs offered, and made the
Loss Prevention Discount Program a success!
2004 was the first year the menu plan was offered,
replacing the traditional "one flavor only" home-study
course. Policyholders could select CME activities from
the menu that best suited their interests and needs and
could mix and match between online activities and
courses or newsletters in print.
The 2004 program closed on October 12. Eighty-three
percent of PMSLIC policyholders registered for the
program. Of those registered, 86% completed the program
by successfully earning five or more CME credits and a
5% discount on their 2005 premium. In addition,
policyholders can apply the credits earned toward the
patient safety requirements of Act 13.
An all-new menu will debut in January 2005 and will
include activities on topics such as consent issues,
failure to diagnose colon cancer, communicating
unanticipated outcomes and much more. Stay tuned for
more details.
(8/13/04) Mark S. Reuben, MD, a pediatrician
from Berks County, was elected to the PMSLIC Board of
Directors at the Board's quarterly meeting held on
August 3, 2004. His term is effective November 1,
2004.
Dr. Reuben has served PMSLIC in many capacities over
the last 15 years, lending his expertise to the PMSLIC
Board and the Claims and Risk Management Departments. In
addition to his experience with PMSLIC, Dr. Reuben was
Chairman of the American Academy of Pediatrics' Medical
Liability Committee.
Dr. Reuben is active in organized medicine as a
member of the American Academy of Pediatrics and
Pennsylvania Chapter of American Academy of Pediatrics.
"Dr. Reuben has been a strong advocate for PMSLIC,
and we look forward to having the benefit of his
experience on our Board," said Dr. Jaan Sidorov, Chair
of the Board.
PMSLIC's New Web Design Offers
Easy Access
(7/9/04) Welcome to PMSLIC's redesigned Web site. In addition to the updated look, PMSLIC's site has been
restructured to be more efficient for policyholders and
other visitors looking for key information.
The new For Policyholders section organizes
information such as risk management programs, claims
management details, and frequently asked questions in
one easy-to-access location. Policyholders can
also quickly locate features such as Print a
Certificate of Insurance and the Applications
Center.
Most of the information found on our old site is
still here. The Medical Liability Reform
section is located under the News menu, and
Coverage Options are found under Products and
Services. The benefits and mechanics of
PMSLIC's policy form—Claims-Made—are
described under Products and Services.
Quick links on the
right-hand side will take you to four familiar areas: Medical Liability Reform, the Certificate of
Insurance, For Defense Counsel and Registered
Staff (formerly called the Defense Counsel Network), and
the Loss Prevention Discount Program.
PMSLIC's commitment to
quality and service applies to all areas of our business
including our Web site. PMSLIC wants its Web
audience to enjoy easy access to information on company
products, philosophies and initiatives. In
addition, we want to continually expand the site to
include services that our policyholders and visitors
would find helpful.
Please take a moment to let
us know what you think of the design and whether or not
you found the information presented helpful. If
there are other features or information that you'd like
to see added to the site, let us know that as well. Contact us by
phone or mail, or by using the contact form provided
here. Thanks for your feedback!
(6/2/04) A.M. Best Company, recognized as the leading
provider of ratings for the global insurance industry,
reaffirmed PMSLIC's rating of B++ (Very Good) following
a review of 2003 operating results.
PMSLIC's parent company, NORCAL Mutual Insurance
Company, maintained an A (Excellent) rating.
Dr. Jaan Sidorov, MD, PMSLIC Board Chair, commented,
"Maintaining these ratings in the current medical
professional liability situation is evidence that PMSLIC
is doing what it takes to be the long-term provider of
coverage for Pennsylvania physicians." Read Dr.
Sidorov's
letter to policyholders.
|
