Policies Impacted by Hurricane Helene

Policies Impacted by Hurricane Helene

In response to Hurricane Helene, five states have issued a Declaration of Emergency. Florida has also released a Declaration of Emergency in the wake of Hurricane Milton. 

Florida issued its emergency declaration for Alachua, Charlotte, Citrus, Columbia, Dixie, Gadsden, Gilchrist, Gulf, Franklin, Hamilton, Hernando, Hillsborough, Jefferson, Lafayette, Lee, Leon, Levy, Liberty, Madison, Manatee, Pasco, Pinellas, Sarasota, Suwannee, Taylor, and Wakulla counties. The declaration is in effect from September 26 to December 10. We will offer extensions for response and payment until December 10 for in-force policies. Florida issued its Hurricane Milton emergency declaration for Brevard, Charlotte, Citrus, Clay, Collier, DeSoto, Duval, Flagler, Glades, Hardee, Hendry, Hernando, Highlands, Hillsborough, Indian River, Lake, Lee, Manatee, Marion, Martin, Nassau, Okeechobee, Orange, Osceola, Palm Beach, Pasco, Pinellas, Polk, Putnam, Sarasota, Seminole, St. Johns, St. Lucie, Sumter, and Volusia counties. The declaration is in effect from November 8 to December 10. We will offer extensions for response and payment until December 10 for in-force policies. 

Georgia issued its emergency declaration for Appling, Atkinson, Bacon, Baker, Baldwin, Ben Hill, Berrien, Bleckley, Brantley, Brooks, Bryan, Bulloch, Burke, Calhoun, Camden, Candler, Charlton, Chatham, Clay, Clayton, Clinch, Cobb, Coffee, Colquitt, Columbia, Cook, Crisp, Decatur, DeKalb, Dodge, Dougherty, Douglas, Early, Echols, Effingham, Emanuel, Evans, Fayette, Fulton, Glascock, Glynn, Grady, Gwinnett, Hancock, Henry, Irwin, Jasper, Jeff Davis, Jefferson, Jenkins, Johnson, Lanier, Laurens, Lee, Liberty, Long, Lowndes, McDuffie, McIntosh, Miller, Mitchell, Montgomery, Pierce, Pulaski, Putnam, Quitman, Randolph, Richmond, Rockdale, Screven, Seminole, Taliaferro, Tattnall, Telfair, Terrell, Thomas, Tift, Toombs, Treutlen, Turner, Twiggs, Ware, Warren, Washington, Wayne, Wheeler, Wilcox, Wilkinson, and Worth counties. The declaration is in effect from October 1 to November 30. We will hold any cancellation or non-renewal notices for in-force polices until November 30. 

North Carolina issued its emergency declaration for Alexander, Alleghany, Ashe, Avery, Buncombe, Burke, Caldwell, Catawba, Clay, Cleveland, Gaston, Haywood, Henderson, Jackson, Lincoln, Macon, Madison, McDowell, Mitchell, Polk, Rutherford, Transylvania, Watauga, Wilkes, and Yancey counties. The declaration also applies to the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians. The declaration is in effect from September 25 to November 29. If policyholders in the affected areas request them, we will offer payment extensions and hold cancellations and non-renewals for in-force policies until November 29. 

South Carolina issued its emergency declaration for the entire state, effective September 25 to November 29. If policyholders request them, we will offer payment extensions and hold cancellations and non-renewals for in-force policies until November 29. 

Tennessee issued its emergency declaration for the entire state, effective September 27 to January 9, 2025. If policyholders request them, we will offer payment extensions and hold cancellations and non-renewals for in-force policies until January 9, 2025. 

If your business is located in one of the declared emergency areas and was impacted by Hurricanes Helene or Milton, please reach out to your agent to discuss the accommodations available to you. Agents, please contact your Marketing Manager or Underwriter with questions about affected accounts. 

Louisiana Policies Impacted by Hurricane Francine

Louisiana Policies Impacted by Hurricane Francine

In response to Hurricane Francine, Louisiana released a Declaration of Emergency. This Declaration notes 25 parishes impacted: Ascension, Assumption, Cameron, East Baton Rouge, Iberia, Iberville, Jefferson, Lafayette, Lafourche, Livingston, Orleans, Plaquemines, Pointe Coupee, St. Bernard, St. Charles, St. James, St. John the Baptist, St. Martin, St. Mary, St. Tammany, Tangipahoa, Terrebonne, Vermilion, Washington, and West Baton Rouge. It will expire on September 18th. If your business is located in one of the listed parishes and was impacted by Hurricane Francine, please reach out to your agent to discuss the accommodations available to you. You can read the Declaration of Emergency here.

New Massachusetts Employee Posting Requirement

New Massachusetts Employee Posting Requirement

The Massachusetts Department of Industrial Accidents has updated its Notice to Employees poster. All employers are required to post the new version by September 16, 2024.

The revised poster includes specific instructions for injured workers on obtaining medical treatment. It now states: “Injured workers may select their medical provider. Medical treatment costs that are reasonable, necessary, and related to the work injury will be paid by the insurer named above.” Additionally, if the insurer listed on the poster has a preferred provider arrangement, the poster provides information on the medical facility for the worker’s initial treatment.

The updated poster is available on our BHHC website in nine languages, including English, Arabic, Chinese, Spanish, and Vietnamese. Click here to access the Massachusetts claim kit with the updated posters.

Questions?

Please contact our Customer Care Team at 800-661-6029 or [email protected].

 

Introducing Marjorie Hutchings

Introducing Marjorie Hutchings

Welcome to the Team

We are excited to share that Marjorie Hutchings, has joined the BHHC Workers Compensation Division as our new Chief Information Officer (CIO). Marjorie boasts more than 35 years of experience in technology and over 20 years in the insurance industry. Hutchings will lead our IT organization’s administration, daily operations, and strategic planning.

“Marj is an exceptional technology leader whose vast experience and innovative mindset will be instrumental in driving our IT initiatives forward,” said Rob Darby, President and CEO of BHHC Workers Compensation. “Her extensive background in modernizing applications, data security, and cloud implementation aligns well with our strategic goals to enhance operational efficiency and deliver superior service and data security to our policyholders and agency partners.”

With extensive experience in property and casualty claims systems, customer-facing web platforms, and the virtualization of production systems, she has also led the implementation of private cloud infrastructure. Notably, she was a founding member of the technology team at Esurance, an Allstate company known for its innovative use of advanced technology to drive business strategy.

“We are excited to welcome Marj to our leadership team,” added Darby. “Her proven track record in technology management and her ability to lead complex projects make her an excellent fit for BHHC as we continue to innovate and expand our capabilities in the workers compensation insurance sector.”

We warmly welcome Marjorie Hutchings to our team and look forward to the technology strategies she will bring to BHHC.

Read more on Business Wire

The Berkshire Hathaway Homestate Companies (BHHC) are a group of six insurance carriers that are part of the Berkshire Hathaway insurance group. Headquartered in Omaha, Nebraska, and with over 50 years in business, BHHC has evolved from a regional carrier to a national insurance group writing a diverse book of policies from coast to coast. The Berkshire Hathaway Homestate Companies include Berkshire Hathaway Homestate Insurance Company, BHHC Special Risks Insurance Company, Continental Divide Insurance Company, Cypress Insurance Company, Oak River Insurance Company, and Redwood Fire and Casualty Insurance Company.

Berkshire Hathaway Homestate Companies (BHHC) have earned an enviable record of success in the insurance industry. Supported by A.M. Best’s highest financial strength rating of A++ (Superior) (as of February 22, 2024), our corporate size enables our organization to react swiftly and effectively to opportunities in the insurance marketplace. Our financial strength provides our employees, agency partners, and policyholders the security rarely available in today’s marketplace. Browse bhhc.com to learn more.

New Indoor Heat Protections in California

New Indoor Heat Protections in California

What Employers Need to Know

As temperatures rise, so do the risks of heat illness, even indoors. In response, California has enacted new regulations to protect indoor workers, effective July 24, 2024. Here is a comprehensive overview to help you stay compliant and keep your employees safe.

Key Points of the New Regulation

  1. Scope & Applicability
    • Applies to most indoor workplaces, including restaurants, warehouses, and manufacturing facilities.
    • Exemptions include local and state correctional facilities and emergency operations.
  2. Trigger Temperatures & Required Actions
    • At 82°F, employers must provide water, rest breaks, cool-down areas, and training.
    • At 87°F, additional measures include cooling the work area, adjusting work-rest schedules, and providing personal heat-protective equipment.
  3. Special Considerations
    • Additional requirements at 82°F for workers wearing restrictive clothing or working in high radiant heat areas.
    • Employers with both indoor and outdoor workplaces must comply with both sets of regulations.

Read the full News Release here: California indoor heat protections approved and go into effect | California Department of Industrial Relations

Additional Resources

BHHC Safety Center

Log in to the BHHC Safety Center for more resources on Indoor Heat Prevention.

Cal/OSHA

Numerous prepared resources to aid employers in implementing these new protections, including:

  1. Detailed compliance guides: Heat Illness Prevention (ca.gov)
  2. Comparison charts for indoor and outdoor heat standards: Cal/OSHA Heat Illness Prevention Guidance and Resources
  3. Online tools and training materials: 99 Calor
  4. Consultation Services: Cal/OSHA Consultation Services

 

Questions?

For further assistance, employers can contact Cal/OSHA’s Consultation Services Branch at 800-963-9424 or visit the Heat Illness Prevention web page: Indoor Heat Illness Prevention (ca.gov)

The Berkshire Hathaway Homestate Companies (BHHC) are a group of six insurance carriers that are part of the Berkshire Hathaway insurance group. Headquartered in Omaha, Nebraska, and with over 50 years in business, BHHC has evolved from a regional carrier to a national insurance group writing a diverse book of policies from coast to coast. The Berkshire Hathaway Homestate Companies include Berkshire Hathaway Homestate Insurance Company, BHHC Special Risks Insurance Company, Continental Divide Insurance Company, Cypress Insurance Company, Oak River Insurance Company, and Redwood Fire and Casualty Insurance Company.

Berkshire Hathaway Homestate Companies (BHHC) have earned an enviable record of success in the insurance industry. Supported by A.M. Best’s highest financial strength rating of A++ (Superior) (as of February 22, 2024), our corporate size enables our organization to react swiftly and effectively to opportunities in the insurance marketplace. Our financial strength provides our employees, agency partners, and policyholders the security rarely available in today’s marketplace. Browse bhhc.com to learn more.

UPDATED 09/12/24 – Iowa Policyholders Eligible for Payment Extension Due to Severe Weather

UPDATED 09/12/24 – Iowa Policyholders Eligible for Payment Extension Due to Severe Weather

Iowa Insurance Commissioner Doug Omen provides guidance to individuals and entities regulated by the Iowa Insurance Commissioner for severe weather and natural disasters. The state of emergency is county specific. Please visit homelandsecurity.iowa.gov/disasters/individual-disaster-assistance-programs for more information.  You can view the bulletin on the state of emergency here.

County-specific bulletins for the listed counties can be viewed below: