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When it comes to prescription drugs and workers' compensation, the adage that you can't judge a book by its cover (or its price) certainly applies.

In 2005, when Martha Basco arrived at Belk, Inc., in risk management, things seemed to be working very well with the incumbent claims TPA ... on the surface.

When it comes to workers' comp claims, the early bird truly catches the worm. The sooner a claim is reported and managed, the better you are able to control costs and improve outcomes.

In recent years, opioid use in workers' compensation cases has been on the rise--an alarming trend for many reasons.

When Sanford, a Sioux Falls, S.D.-based regional health plan, found it needed to cover a few hundred members on the east coast for a financial services industry customer based in the Midwest, it faced uncharted territory. Sanford, a regional health plan that serves South Dakota and parts of Minnesota and Iowa, was not familiar with the east coast, having never operated there.

A 'hidden' challenge for payors.

Accurately determining prescription drug cost projections for Medicare set-asides related to the settlement of workers' compensation cases can be considered part art, part science. But, according to those who must deal with the often complex process on a daily basis, it's almost always frustrating.

With the passage of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) of 2009 in February, $64.1 billion is anticipated to be dedicated to transportation infrastructure initiatives, according to the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. The flow of federal money began in March with the release of $27 billion in ARRA funds to states for transportation-related work.

The case was not atypical in workers' compensation, but one aspect of it was particularly troubling.

Despite today's troubled economy, the trend toward green commercial building continues to move forward. According to the 2008 Green Survey, "Existing Buildings," funded by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), Incisive Media and the Building Owners and Managers Association, more than 80 percent of commercial building owners have allocated funds for green initiatives in 2009.

When it comes to healthcare costs, an ounce of prevention is truly worth a pound of cure.

When it comes to technology, the student population is one of the most adept, influential markets for new products and services. New technology connecting health care payers and providers to the student community is having a positive impact on this growing marketplace.

Education association integrates claims, legal and policy management.

Rising health insurance premiums and increasing out-of-network claims are forcing employers to make radical changes when it comes to their healthcare benefits. New technology connecting health care payers, providers and insureds is helping to facilitate a more positive approach to medical benefits.

Knowledge is power, particularly in the reinsurance market. When it comes to the pricing and placement of coverage, having clear concise and accurate data becomes the cornerstone of an effective reinsurance program and the success of the cedent and reinsurer relationship. Strong analytical metrics combined with exposure management services are particularly important when it comes to developing a successful reinsurance strategy.