Return to Wellness Perspectives from a WC Underwriter

As part of our ongoing Return to Wellness Perspectives series, we're continuing to interview Eastern team members from various departments regarding to get their take on RTW and WC.  This week, Anne Gennusa draws upon nearly a decade of underwriting experience to provide us with input on the importance of RTW to an underwriter.  Anne works in Eastern's Franklin, Tennessee office and writes business for our Custom underwriting unit.

Q:  For those blog followers who aren’t in the insurance industry, briefly tell us what the primary responsibilities of an underwriter are?

A:  Underwriters review accounts submitted by agents. We work to understand the operations of every potential client and analyze the possible insurance risks. At that point, underwriters determine if we can take on the risk profitably and at what terms and conditions.  

Q:  Why is an Eastern Alliance underwriter concerned with RTW?

Injured workers seem to recover faster and with higher morale when allowed to participate in modified duty. This keeps claims costs down and reinforces the fact that our insured is a willing business partner.   

Q:  How can RTW challenges financially impact an Employer? 

A:  When an employee is not brought back to work on modified duty the employer has to find a short term replacement which can be costly. Also, letting the employee remain at home during the recovery process allows the employee time to think about their injury.

Q:  What is your favorite ecovery resource for resolving RTW issues?

A:  Our Risk Management Consultants are extremely helpful with RTW issues because they have visited the business and can tailor modified duty tasks specific to the employer and injured worker.  The ecovery website has a wealth of information.

Q:  What advice can you give to agents to become more successful in discussing RTW challenges with employers?

A:  Adopt our positive attitude and refer to it as Return to Wellness rather than Work and start educating employers before a claim is filed. Please ask questions, use our website, blog, and sign up for our LinkedIn group which provides ongoing insights on the benefits of RTW. 

Thanks again to Anne for provding us with her perspective on Return to Wellness!  If you have an idea or topic that you would like us to write about, feel free to make a suggestion by sending an email to ecovery@eains.com.