Is the Future of Arbitration at Risk?

The recent passage of the Ending Forced Arbitration of Sexual Assault and Sexual Harassment Act of 2022 (also known as the #MeToo bill) has shifted the landscape of mandatory arbitration.  Although the #MeToo bill is very specific as to what types of claims are barred from mandatory arbitration, a much broader bill was passed by the House of Representatives on March 17, 2022, that calls into question the future of arbitration. The Forced Arbitration Injustice Repeal Act of 2022 (“The FAIR Act”), if passed by the Senate, would end the ability to utilize pre-dispute arbitration agreements in employment, consumer, antitrust and civil right disputes. 

 

Case Study: Going Above and Beyond for Workers with Permanent Disabilities

Over the past few years, the trend for Texas injury benefit plans has been to increase medical, wage and accidental death & dismemberment (AD&D) benefits in order to better protect injured employees against catastrophic injuries. Nevertheless, many plans intentionally do not provide impairment benefits for permanent disabilities. Learn how PartnerSource helps clients achieve a fair outcome and restore balance between employers and injured employees.

 

Five Questions with: Lisa White

This self-effacing professional is a life-long learner who relishes helping others. Art and travel are her biggest passions in life, outside of her dedication to her family. She is moved by Monet and has big plans to see the world. Meet Lisa White.

 

5 Things I Love About Texas Injury Benefit Programs 

Prior to starting at PartnerSource in 2007, Sean Parker had 18 years’ experience working at a large workers’ compensation carrier. Having a dual background in the Texas Option and workers’ compensation affords a unique perspective. Compared to workers’ compensation, there are so many things to love about Texas injury benefit programs. Here are his top 5.

 

Case Study: Teamwork Makes the Dream Work in Return to Work 

Indemnity costs can quickly increase the total claim cost when an injured employee is unable to work in a full duty capacity. PartnerSource has designed custom plans that provide opportunities to proactively return an injured employee to work as soon as possible, once it is safe to do so. This allows a more interactive approach that is not always available under the workers’ compensation program. See how the plan provisions could reduce the indemnity exposure for the following scenario.

The Texas Option Industry Update for June 2021

The 87th Texas Legislature began on January 12 and concluded May 31, 2021. Several bills impacting employers utilizing the Texas Option were on the table. PartnerSource President Jennifer Hurless explains how these bills were resolved and will impact the industry including the newly signed law offering COVID liability protections to businesses in Texas.

Industry Update: PartnerSource President Jennifer Hurless on Topics Important to the Texas Option

The Texas legislative agenda, DOL’s assessment of injury reporting, trends in injury benefit plan design, claims resolution and an important Texas Supreme Court case: Hear from Jennifer Hurless about current topics important to the Texas injury benefits industry.

Working From Home during COVID-19: Reasoned Guidance for Texas Injury Benefit Plans

November 23, 2021

By Staci Cassidy , J.D., senior vice president of PartnerSource

COVID-19 has made working remotely a necessity in many industries. For example, many employers have issued computers to at-home workers, but have likely exercised little-to-no control over the employee’s at-home work environment. Does this recent uptick in the number of employees working from home expand the circumstances under which an injury may be considered “work-related” and eligible for occupational injury benefits?

Five Questions with: Alisa Garland

November 19, 2020

An insatiable curiosity drives Alisa Garland, information services manager, to dig deeply into the data to find out how and why people get hurt on the job. This dynamic professional is energized by her deep commitment to helping injured workers, taking care of her family, and finding the spiciest peppers on the planet. Find out more about Alisa Garland.

PartnerSource Honors Jeffrey Strege with Greenshield Award

Professional recognized for highest level of achievement in delivering better medical outcomes & economic development through alternatives to workers’ compensation

DALLAS, Texas (Oct. 28, 2020) – PartnerSource, the leading source for responsible alternatives to traditional workers’ compensation in Texas, recently honored with the Greenshield Award Jeffrey Strege, formerly senior director of risk management for Sysco Foods and now senior director of risk management with Academy Sports + Outdoors. The Greenshield Award is given to an outstanding professional who is committed to helping deliver better medical outcomes and economic development through responsible alternatives to workers’ compensation. Learn more about Jeffrey Strege.

PartnerSource Names 2020 Compassionate Service Award Winners

Winners noted for outstanding dedication to employees’ health and well-being

DALLAS, Texas (October 28, 2020) – PartnerSource, the leading source for responsible alternatives to traditional workers’ compensation in Texas, recently honored two industry professionals with awards for their outstanding commitment and dedication. Nancy Lott, an adjuster with Brinker International; and Jose Martinez, claims manager with Providence Risk and Insurance Services; were each honored for their compassionate commitment to injured workers. Learn more about the winners of the Compassionate Service Awards.

2020 Healthcare Benchmarking for Texas injury benefit programs reflects strong performance for injured workers, employers

October 26, 2020

Relying on the largest claims database for Texas injury benefit programs, PartnerSource has released the 2020 Texas Healthcare Industry Benchmarking Study. Results of the study indicate strong performance for both injured workers and employers.

Five Questions With: Manuel Sosa

October 21, 2020

For Manuel Sosa, a risk analyst with PartnerSource, numbers tell a story that can help people get back to work after an injury. While he loves the science of quantification (he has master’s degrees in both economics and finance!), one thing that he can’t put a number on is his love for this country, his drive to get here, or how much he loves giving back. Find out more about Manuel. 

2020 Industry Update for Texas Injury Benefit Programs

October 8, 2020

Bill Minick, Chairman

2020 was an amazing year for Texas injury benefit programs, with:

  1. New, statistically-credible research showing advantages for injured employees and employers,
  2. More transparency in goals and processes,
  3. Successful rollout of an industry-self-regulated “Seal of Approval” for Texas injury benefit programs, called “QCARE”,
  4. Adapting to COVID-19, and
  5. Federal regulatory dialogue on prompt reporting of injury claims.

We have developed the most effective work injury platform in America and will remain keenly focused on the health & welfare of our injured team mates. Learn more here.

Five Questions with Arlene Markham

August 25, 2020

While she has a passion for critical thinking and analysis, Arlene Markham is someone who also isn’t afraid to follow her intuition, which has guided her through pivotal moments in her life to create an incredible life story. This risk technical analyst for PartnerSource is also deeply dedicated to serving others in both her professional and personal lives. Meet Arlene!

ABD Faux Pas: 5 Missteps to Avoid in Drafting Denial Letters under Texas Injury Benefit Plans

August 24, 2020

Sean Parker, vice president, PartnerSource

As part of PartnerSource’s claim consulting services, we see a broad mix of Adverse Benefit Determinations (ABDs) under Texas injury benefit plans. Recently, we were asked by a new client, “What are some of the common missteps you see when reviewing those letters?” There are several aspects to keep in mind when drafting denial letters under Texas injury benefit plans. Here are the top five:

In the News: PartnerSource Lends Expert View to Industry Magazine

August 19, 2020

Experts from PartnerSource are often called upon to lend their expertise. Recently, an article from Amanda Thompson, J.D., senior vice president of PartnerSource, was featured as an “Expert’s View” by WorkersCompensation.com. Read on for “A Pandemic in Play: Love, Basketball and 10 Tips for Success in Virtual Mediation.”

A Pandemic in Play: Love, Basketball and 10 Tips for Success in Virtual Mediation

July 22, 2020

Amanda Thompson, J.D., Senior Vice President

It has now been exactly four months since my world changed in the midst of this life-changing pandemic. On March 11, 2020, I got the call from my 84-year-old mother, who – in a most dreadful and devastated voice – shared with me important news: She informed me that the NBA had canceled its season.

In the midst of a pandemic, my mother wrestled with the loss of her favorite sport just as I struggled with how mediations of Texas negligence liability claims could be conducted by video conference (or “virtually”). Basketball and virtual mediations? If there’s one thing this pandemic has taught us, it’s to stay on your toes and not waste a second of game play, so lessons from the court translate well into business in a pandemic, too. Here are my tips for achieving success through virtual mediation, inspired by my mother’s favorite sport.

Fifth Circuit Further Addresses Arbitration Exemption for Transportation Workers

July 21, 2020

Julie M. Lambeth, J.D., Executive Vice President

Texas injury benefit programs cannot mandate arbitration of actual benefit disputes under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA). However, such programs commonly mandate arbitration of any negligence liability claim by injured employees. The key to this ability on liability claims is the Federal Arbitration Act (FAA), which is of significant importance to nonsubscribers to Texas workers’ compensation. Read more here >>

Five Questions with Dikxi Varughese, Claims Manager

July 19, 2020

Like most parents, Dikxi Varughese has had to get creative to balance the challenges of work and family life in the midst of a pandemic. Find out how her open-minded approach and deep faith guides her in her roles as a mom and wife, and in her job as a claims manager with PartnerSource. Meet Dikxi.

4 things we’ve learned about COVID-19 & Texas Injury Benefit Programs

June 23, 2020

By Bill Minick, Chairman

Employers in and out of Texas workers’ comp handle COVID-19 injury claims similarly, and may have related liability exposures. But the pace of innovation and performance continues much faster in the Texas injury benefit program environment, led by companies that employ unsung heroes we finally recognize. Read more.

Podcast on the “QCARE Designation: What it Means for Texas Injury Benefit Programs”

June 16, 2020

This “Workers’ Comp Matters” podcast is hosted by Alan Pierce, one of the most respected and accomplished workers’ compensation claimant attorneys in the U.S. Alan visits with Bill Minick, chairman of PartnerSource, about why Texas laws differ from the rest of the country and how the newly-developed QCARE designation is an important marker of responsibility for Texas injury benefit programs. Click here to listen to this insightful conversation.

Five Questions with Amber Labry

June 15, 2020

As executive support for Jennifer Hurless, PartnerSource president, Amber Labry provides that extra hand that keeps things moving smoothly. Her creativity and passion for the mission of PartnerSource also make her a great addition to the marketing team, where she uses her design and organization skills to help others understand how PartnerSource can benefit their employees and their business. Meet Amber.

Form 5500 Filing Requirements During the Pandemic

June 10, 2020

Like most, your Texas Injury Benefit Plan may define the "plan year" as January 1 through December 31. If this is the case, your Form 5500 will be due on July 31, 2020 (the filing deadline is seven months after the end of the plan year). While the U.S. Government has extended some deadlines related to Employee Benefit Plans due to the COVID-19 national emergency, this does not apply to Form 5500 filing deadlines. Learn more here.

DOL EXTENDS ERISA CLAIM FILING DEADLINES

May 10, 2020

The U.S. Department of Labor has just issued a new rule that extends certain timeframes for Texas injury benefit and other ERISA plan participants in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.  The rule became effective on April 30, 2020.  We provide this initial guidance in good faith, using the information available to us at this time. We recommend all Texas injury benefit plan employer sponsors, service providers and insurers immediately and thoughtfully consider.  Read more>>

Texas Supreme Court Changes Injury Litigation Rules for COVID-19

On April 27, 2020, the Texas Supreme Court issued its Twelfth Emergency Order regarding the COVID-19 State of Disaster. Of significance to personal injury and employment litigation, this Order does the following ...

FACTOR THIS: EXPOSING PREDATORY PRACTICES OF MEDICAL FACTORING COMPANIES AND RELATED INJURY LITIGATION

May 7, 2020

By Julie Lambeth, JD, PartnerSource Executive Vice President

We have all seen the attorney television advertisements touting large awards for their clients. They claim to fight the insurance companies to obtain the compensation their clients deserve for injuries sustained in an accident. This begs the question of how personal injury claims are being valued. Read full article>>

Five Questions With: Jason Thurmond

May 4, 2020

Jason Thurmond’s career went from construction and flooring to working with clients on their Texas injury benefit plans. While that may seem like an unlikely jump to some, for Jason it was pursuing a passion for taking care of people.

Read on for “Five Questions With” Jason Thurmond, claims manager with PartnerSource.

FAQ on COVID-19 under Texas injury benefit programs

May 1, 2020

On March 16, PartnerSource provided a client update on COVID-19 and Texas Injury Benefit Programs.  Learn more about our second installment of COVID-19 guidance. Read more>>

Texas Nonsubscriber Insurance Market Insights

After more than a decade of hyper-competition that has driven soft (low premium) pricing from innovative insurers, the market for Texas injury benefit programs has experienced significant change in the past year. Read more>

Five Questions With Gabe Saenz

Gabe Saenz, senior team coordinator, celebrates his two-year anniversary with PartnerSource in April. Before joining PartnerSource, Saenz spent 10 years working in the legal profession. He spends a few minutes telling us about his work, his creativity, and a motto in which he finds great inspiration. Meet Gabe.

Texas Innovation: Applied to Injury Benefits

One of the many reasons Texas is a unique place for business is the opportunity to choose your own responsible injury benefit program. NTX, a publication of the North Texas Commission, profiled PartnerSource in its most recent issue, which focused on the future for Texas businesses. Read more>

 

Benchmarking studies reflect strong performance for injured employees, employers

Relying on the largest claims database for Texas injury benefit programs, PartnerSource performs biennial benchmarking studies within the healthcare, manufacturing, retail, trucking & distribution, restaurant, and hospitality industries. Read More>

Case Study: ERISA at Work

Putting the focus on the employee provides the best outcomes for both parties. Learn more>

Top 5 tips on getting injured workers back to work

The likelihood of a long, expensive leave of absence skyrockets if an injured employee is not treated well and the employer is disengaged.  Learn 5 tips on getting injured workers back to work.

Five Questions With: Tim Fatheree

Get to know Tim Fatheree, claims manager at PartnerSource. Read more>

Five Questions With: Amy Blank, Vice President, Partnership Services

Five Questions With: Amy Blank, Vice President, Partnership Services.  Read more >

PartnerSource Honors Wingfield with Greenshield Award

Texas nonsubscription industry leader acknowledged for helping to deliver better medical outcomes for injured workers.  Read more>

Bucking trends in injured worker care for 25 years

June 26, 2019

Almost overnight, companies ramped up outsourcing of human capital processes, including workers’ compensation claims management. In the midst of rapid globalization and rethinking how best to support on-the-job injuries, PartnerSource was formed.

 Texas workers' compensation laws were being re-written and smart companies saw an opportunity to attract the best talent through better benefits. Read more >

PartnerSource Names 2019 Compassionate Service Award Winners

 

Winners noted for outstanding dedication to employees’ health and well-being.  Read more>

 

Five Questions With: Kelly Jones, director of administrative services and TSETA program manager

Kelly wears many hats at PartnerSource, and she keeps processes moving smoothly. What don’t you know about this 15-year veteran? You might be surprised to find out! Get to know Kelly>>

Top 4 Arbitration Practice Tips … At The Front End

July 22, 2019

by Amanda Thompson, PartnerSource Team Leader

There are well-established Texas law that favors agreements between workers and companies to arbitrate negligence liability claims. Learn four tips for arbitration.

Texas injury benefit plans powered by PartnerSource keep getting better

June 20, 2019

Thirty years ago, senior partners at Dallas’ oldest and largest law firm were telling their young-pup-lawyer, Bill Minick (now PartnerSource Chairman) about how clients could no longer stay in business due to crazy-high workers’ compensation insurance costs.

And right then, the first injury benefit plans were born… out of necessity. Read more >

On-the-job injury is a simple social policy issue, right? Well, not exactly… But it may be more straight-forward than you think.

June 10, 2019

Important topics that require determination and insight do need to be addressed, like injury benefit eligibility and benefit adequacy.

Is it possible to find agreement between those who prefer a heavily-regulated state workers’ compensation system and those who prefer an advanced substitute? Read more > 

New Tax Laws Benefit Texas Workers in Alternative Plans

April 15, 2019

2018 opt-out taxes are down, so “Tim’s” injury benefits are up when he loses time from work

How do the new tax laws impact an injured worker under Texas workers' compensation? Learn more > 

 

What about the Workers? Explosive Growth in Gig Economy, Including Lyft and Uber, Brings Worker Benefit Programs to Forefront

March 29, 2019

It’s ‘back to the future,’ as embryonic gig worker benefit programs look like Texas injury benefit plans 30 years ago

There’s no shortage of investment in the growing gig economy. With it comes significant interest in finding out how our modern workplace’s workers will be covered in the event of an injury or illness on the job. Read More>

 

 

PartnerSource Names Compassionate Service Award Winners

December 12, 2018

PartnerSource, the leading source for responsible alternatives to traditional workers’ compensation, recently honored two industry professionals with awards for outstanding commitment and dedication...

Read More>

TDI Report

December 6, 2016

"This new TDI report, coupled with actuarial data on Texas Option performance -- which we have extensive and verifiable results on -- provides clear proof that Texas’ competitive environment encourages innovation and delivers positive results."

Read More>

Oklahoma Supreme Court Rules on Vasquez v. Dillard's

September 13, 2016

Option Supporters Vow to Continue Efforts in Light of the “Unconstitutional” Ruling

Read more>

 

Oklahoma Innovative Work Comp Alternative Works, New Survey Says

February 11, 2016

The workers’ compensation alternative that Oklahoma legislators passed in 2013 is working, according to a new client survey conducted by PartnerSource. This is the first time data on the “Oklahoma Option” has been compiled.

Read More>

Oklahoma Option Supreme Court Litigation and PCI Report on Cost Shifting

June 30, 2016

Option success:  “The Oklahoma Option has been very successful in providing more information to workers on their rights and responsibilities, improving disability benefits for injured workers and achieving better medical outcomes. It has also dramatically reduced the number of claim disputes between employers and workers, and reduced costs for employers and taxpayers, which supports creation of new jobs in a struggling Oklahoma economy.”

Read more>