The right focus: Vince Donnelly of The PMA Insurance Group addresses the challenges of a workers' compensation and disability market changed by terrorism, current economic conditions, and a tighter market

Risk & Insurance, April 1, 2002 by Denise Myshko

Some of our competitors didn't see the instant gratification that they were looking for and there are many explanations for that. Industrywide, there has been a pull back, but our book is growing and we expect it to continue to do so. Although it's not the panacea that some insurers thought it would be, integrated disability is here to stay.

Q: Is IDM living up to its promises?

A: I think it is. First and foremost, customers like the ease of dealing with us. The same claims staff is managing both workers' compensation and disability. There is one claims form for them to fill out. We've simplified claims administration for our clients.

We are applying workers' compensation principles such as being proactive from the first day of notice of loss and return to work for people injured nonoccupationally. In terms of whether it is living up to the expectations of customers: we have a very high retention of IDM customers. That is a significant measure of satisfaction.

Q: Do you think health care can be a part of the mix?

A: I think that is a long way off. There are significant differences in the health care and workers' comp arenas with respect to medical, such as copayments and deductibles. It would be philosophically an issue to blend together. I won't say never but I don't see that in the immediate or intermediate future.

Denise Myshko can be reached at dmyshko@lrp.com