The TWIA Board of Directors will hold an interim meeting on November 13 at 1:00 p.m. CT to review preliminary information on the 2025 budget and provide training for new Board members. The meeting is open to the public for attendance and comment both in person and virtually, with additional options for written comments.

Key Points:

• TWIA Board will review the preliminary 2025 budget on November 13; budget approval is expected at the December 10 meeting.
• Public attendance and participation are available both in person and virtually, with livestreaming on YouTube.
• Three options are provided for public comment: written submission, virtual verbal comment via Zoom, and in-person verbal comment.
• A training program for any newly appointed Board members will be included in the meeting.
• The meeting agenda can be found, here.

The Division of Workers' Compensation (DWC) has proposed the 2025 Medical Quality Review Annual Audit Plan, outlining audit priorities for the year. The proposed plan includes an audit of designated doctor reports to assess quality and the necessity of any additional testing ordered. The Medical Quality Review Panel (MQRP) will also support the 2025 Health Care Provider Performance-Based Oversight Assessment to ensure appropriate documentation regarding injured employees' ability to return to work. Additionally, MQRP members will conduct a study on adopting an updated version of the AMA Guides to the Evaluation of Permanent Impairment, based on recent revisions to the musculoskeletal chapters. Any adjustments to the plan will require approval from the commissioner of workers’ compensation.

 

DWC is seeking input on the proposed plan, specifically on "Section 1: Review Categories." Comments will be accepted until Nov. 22. If you have feedback you would like ICT to consider submitting, email Angie Cervantes by Nov. 17.

Auto insurance rates are increasing across the U.S., driven by extreme weather events, inflation, and rising accident rates. These factors, along with secondary perils like flash floods and heavy rainstorms, are pressuring insurers to raise premiums. Experts warn of the increased risk of flood-damaged vehicles being fraudulently sold, putting unsuspecting buyers at risk.

 

Key Points:

• Auto insurance premiums may rise by up to 22% by the end of the year.
• Extreme weather events are driving significant increases in vehicle damage, leading to higher insurance costs.
• Secondary perils, such as flash floods, are a major contributor to rising insurance premiums.
• Fraudulent sales of flood-damaged vehicles are increasing, posing safety risks to buyers.
• The rising cost of insurance may create financial challenges for families as vehicle damage from climate-related events becomes more common.