Morrow Insurance Agency, Inc. is pleased to announce four of their agents, Jim Rasmussen, Sharon Robbins, Meredith Tidwell and Rhonda Marshall have been accredited as Certified Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act Professionals through The National Association of Health Underwriters’ (NAHU).

Rasmussen, Robbins, Tidwell and Marshall each completed a 10-hour course to receive the most up-to-date information on the key technical components of PPACA and were required to pass a final exam for accreditation.  “By taking this course, these agents have joined an elite group who is uniquely qualified to assist clients in complying with the new law,” said NAHU CEO Janet Trautwein. “They understand how the market is likely to change over the next few years, and are in the perfect position to advise families and businesses in planning for the future.”

Topics of study include:

• Implementing healthcare reform—overview and politics
• Grandfathered plans and the small-business tax credit
• Medicare Part D and non-discrimination rules
• Patient protection and changes to consumer-directed health plans
• Medical loss ratio requirements and tax implications
• W-2 reporting, summary of benefits, waiting periods, essential benefits and community rating
• Individual mandate, pre-existing conditions and rating reform
• Health insurance exchanges for individuals and small employers
• Employer pay or play
• Self-insured plans

“Becoming Certified PPACA Professionals gives area employers and individuals confidence we are ready and able to assist them with the complex and confusing aspects of Health Care Reform,” comments Jim Rasmussen, Morrow’s Executive Vice President. “Our ability to help navigate the sections of the law that take effect January 1, 2014 and beyond will aid employers in being able be remain focused on their core businesses without getting bogged down in this sweeping legislation.”

The National Association of Health Underwriters represents 100,000 professional health insurance agents and brokers who provide insurance for millions of Americans. For more information on how Morrow Insurance Agency, Inc. can assist your business through continued implementation and compliance with Health Care Reform law,  please call Sharon Robbins, Morrow Insurance Agency, Inc. at 828-694-5143 or email her at srobbins@morrowinsurance.com.  .

Due to an increase in property claims over the last several years and regulations on home insurance pricing in North Carolina, many companies are now requiring that their clients bundle their auto and home coverage together in order to qualify for homeowners insurance.

Our agency has seen homeowner’s rates increase as much as 50% over the last two years as well as an increase in company cancellations due to claims. Also, many companies are increasing their minimum deductibles on property claims or are only offering split deductibles, a higher deductible for wind and hail than for all other perils.

You can maximize your premium credits by insuring your home and auto with the same carrier, saving on both your home and auto. You will also qualify for coverage with many more carriers if you are willing to place both policies with the same company. There has never been a better time to review your insurance portfolio and compare coverage and pricing. Give us a call and put your Morrow Insurance agent to work for you. We will help to determine your best coverage options for your premium dollars.

NCCI Announces Proposed Changes for Experience Modification Calculations
“What can Employers Expect”?

The National Council of Compensation Insurance (NCCI) has proposed changes to the primary loss cap beginning in 2013, the first such change in 25 years. The anticipated change-if approved-is expected to more than triple the current cap by 2015. This proposal by NCCI is being made because the medical costs on workers compensation claims continue to rise significantly. In fact, workers’ compensation underwriting results in the Carolinas have deteriorated over the last three years. NCCI reports calendar-accident year combined loss ratio for North Carolina employers increased from 102.1 in 2008 to 116 in 2010. Carriers in South Carolina showed an underwriting profit in 2008 with a .97 loss ratio, while 2010 results are showing combined losses of 1.24.

Currently in the Experience Rating Plan, the first $5,000 of a loss is considered primary, and the portion of the loss higher than $5,000 is considered excess. The proposed filing calls for an increase in the split point to an inflation-adjusted $15,000 over a three-year transition period, and will further increase this amount thereafter on an annual basis using a countrywide inflation index.

• In year 1, initially increase the split point to $10,000
• In year 2, increase the split point to $13,500
• In year 3 and annually thereafter, increase the split point to the indexed value of $15,000, where the index would be based on annual changes in the average cost of a claim.

How will this affect individual risks?

Currently, employers with several small losses create a higher experience mod than a company with a single, larger loss even if the total loss dollars are the same. By 2015, when the phase-in is complete, $15,000 would go to the primary cap instead of the current $5,000, and the results will create larger experience modification credits or debits depending upon an employer’s loss experience. An employer, if proactive with safety and return-to-work programs that produce fewer losses will see a larger decrease in the experience modification factor. Conversely, if losses increase or even stay the same, the experience modification factor will increase at a faster rate. This can result in lost job opportunities (when bid contracts require experience mods no greater than 1.0) and in higher premiums from your insurance carrier.

Safety Pays with Return-to-Work Programs

Getting injured employees back to work quickly-and providing positive communication and assistance during the rehabilitation process-has always been an important aspect of successful workers’ compensation programs. Understanding that this is sometimes a difficult thing to do, research consistently shows that injured employees whose companies offer return-to-work programs recover faster, are more satisfied with their care, return to their full-duty jobs sooner, and are released from medical care earlier than if no return-to-work programs are in place.

There is another important benefit for employers who offer medically appropriate modified or alternate work while an injured employee is recovering. If the employee declines this job offer, then the employer is in a much stronger position to prevail if the claim is litigated. Avoiding litigation altogether is the optimum position. However, it is tough to argue that an employee who rejected a reasonable offer to return to work should expect to receive long-term workers’ compensation benefits. Employers who routinely make good faith job offers have more favorable results in court.

If you would like more information or need assistance in developing a successful Return-to-Work program, please contact Brian Reep, CIC, Morrow Insurance Agency, @ breep@morrowinsurance.com or 800-228-3132, ext. 139.

Morrow Insurance Agency was presented with he First Citizens Bank Customer Service Award at the Henderson County Chamber of Commerce Annual Awards Ceremony on Friday, February 1, 2013.

“We recognize service excellence is critical to the success of a company, and we want to share with a local business that share with our belief,” said Greg Burnette, area vice president for First Citizens Bank.

To celebrate the importance of exceptional customer service to every business, First Citizens established an award for small to mid-sized businesses that shares their commitment to service.

The First Citizens Bank Customer Service Award is given to companies that go above and beyond their customers’ expectations.

The award is promoted through local chambers of commerce. Nominations come directly from customers or the businesses themselves and are judged by a panel from the chamber of commerce.

The Henderson County Chamber of Commerce has announced members in new leadership positions for 2013.  Among the community leaders recognized, Jim Rasmussen, executive vice president with Morrow Insurance, has stepped up to lead the effort to define and implement large scale plans to advance Henderson County commerce.

Jim is excited to be working with other chamber members on this initiative and looks forward to helping commerce grow within our area.

A full article from the Hendersonville Times News may be found at:  http://www.blueridgenow.com/article/20121217/NEWS/121219810?Title=-Chamber-selects-leaders-to-move-county-forward-in-2013-

It is with great sorrow that Morrow Insurances announces the passing of personal lines agent Pam McMinn.  A member of the Morrow family since 2004, Pam departed this morning following a brief illness.  Arrangements are incomplete at this time.

Our thoughts and prayers are extended to children: Tara, Jonathan & Brad as well as the entire family.

Expressions of sympathy may be sent to our Hendersonville office and will be forwarded to the family.

For account needs, please call us at 828-693-5396 and one of our other personal lines agents will assist you.

On July 17, 2012, Morrow Insurance hosted a seminar to help educate human resource managers, business owners and benefits administrators on the current status of the healthcare reform legislation and what they need to know to prepare for implementation in 2014.  Legal consultant David C. Smith presented this vital information to 62 attendees representing 48 companies.

For a summary, watch this feature from WLOS.

Morrow continues to receive rave reviews and thanks for holding the seminar.   Some of the comments received include:

Thanks so much to both of you for everything you do for (our organization), this is great news and greatly appreciated. ____ and I were discussing insurance and the meeting yesterday concerning changes with the health care reform, his comments were, “ that’s why we have responsible people working for us that know what they are doing.” Again, thank you!

I also want to convey to you and all the staff at Morrow Insurance, how much I appreciate your interest in our renewals and keeping me up to date on notices to be distributed etc. We also appreciate the quick response with any questions that come up from time to time.

I barely saw you (CSR) yesterday….you were so busy. It was a very informative talk! I came back from the seminar and told (our CFO) that we were doing everything right since we had Morrow Insurance Company to watch our backs!

The Seminar was indeed educational and helpful. We appreciate the ongoing education and communication efforts that you and Morrow Insurance provide your customers. Knowledge in this case is not power, as we have lost that option, but knowledge as to what is on the horizon regarding health care provides an awareness of upcoming “CHANGE”. Many thanks, once again, on behalf of (employer), (President)/COO) and me for that opportunity! The event was very well attended and appreciated by all, I’m certain.

We anticipate sponsoring a free webinar soon for those who were unable to attend and wish to learn more about how this piece of legislation will affect their business.  To be notified when the webinar is scheduled, please contact cemory@morrowinsurance.com.

Morrow Insurance continues to work with businesses to provide services beyond policies and claims.  Ask your Morrow Agent about the services we provide through our internal resources and our business partner network.

Morrow Insurance Agency, Inc. is proud to welcome Sharon Robbins to its Benefits Department. Sharon will be partnering with employers in developing relevant and sustainable employee benefits solutions and business owner/key executive compensation packages.

Sharon brings with her over twenty years of consulting and brokerage experience in the employee benefits industry. She comes to us after a 20 year career with Insurance Service of Asheville, Inc, where she held the position of Vice President – Life, Health & Employee Benefits and was an agency principal. With her experience in the roles of employer, employee, consumer and consultant, Ms. Robbins brings great depth of understanding related to all facets of employee benefits that will aid area employers in navigating the difficult and changing world of health care reform.

Sharon is an active member of the National Association of Health Underwriters (NAHU), having held the position of President of the WNC chapter in 2010-2011, during which time the chapter received the 2011 Pacesetter Award for operational excellence and Ms. Robbins was recognized as “Member of the Year” at the state and local levels. She is also heavily involved in community, where she has been recognized as a “Woman of Influence” honoree by the YWCA of Asheville and a top fund-raiser for The American Red Cross and The American Cancer Society. Ms. Robbins is also a respected and sought after inspirational women’s speaker.

We are pleased to have Sharon on board. If you would like to contact her, you may call her at 828-694-5143 or email her at srobbins@morrowinsurance.com.

Sundays in July: Songcatchers Music Series
Sundays in July, 2012

3:00 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.

The Songcatchers Music Series, now in its ninth year, showcases acoustic music with roots in the Southern Appalachians and the musicians who nurture the tradition of passing this heritage on to others. Local musicians are on site at 3:00 p.m. to jam before the concert, which begins with a warm-up at 4:00 p.m. After a short break the featured performer will begin. Concerts take place in the wheelchair accessible, covered outdoor amphitheatre unless storms move them inside the Forest Discovery Center. Picnics are welcome.  Morrow Insurance Agency, Inc. is a presenting sponsor of this event.  Admission for this event is $6.00 for ages 16 and older, $3.00 for youth 15 and under and America the Beautiful pass holders.

According to surveys, nearly one in four Americans are operating some form of home-based business. These businesses range from relatively small, often part-time pursuits such as tax preparation, or small appliance repair, to larger, full-time enterprises such as construction companies and real estate offices. You may be one of the thousands seeking success in multi-level marketing, or possibly consulting. Maybe you’ve turned your hobby of furniture refinishing and restoration into a lucrative flea market business.

No matter what your business, if you operate it out of your home, or headquarter it in a home office and you haven’t considered the need for special insurance coverage, you better talk to your insurance agent in a hurry.

Your homeowners policy, while one of the broadest and most comprehensive insurance policies ever developed, was never designed to include sufficient coverage for business activities.

Some coverage may be included for a certain amount of your business property (computer, filing cabinet, desk, chair, modem), but is usually limited to a small amount at your house, and even less coverage if you take the property away from your house (a laptop computer, for example). If your home business includes selling, it is nearly universal that any items (inventory) you hold for sale will not be covered for any amount. Since these limitations can vary by insurance company and policy, check with your agent for specific details, as well as your options.

Regardless of how much coverage you may have for your business property, standard homeowners policies, with few exceptions, exclude all liability claims arising from your business. For example, one of your business clients comes by your house to sign a new contract for your consulting services. He trips and falls on your front steps and is severely injured. Although your policy’s liability coverage would normally provide you with legal defense and pay such a claim up to the policy limits, in this case the policy will deny any coverage since the injured person was only at your house for business.

This liability exposure represents far too large a risk of loss to leave to chance. What will be the point of all your hard work to develop your business, only to have it swept away in an expensive lawsuit or injury settlement?

Beyond the basic property and liability coverage, your home-based business may also need certain specialty insurance coverages that are also not included in your homeowner’s policy. Examples are professional liability, advertising or publication liability coverage for customers’ property left in your care (for repair or refinishing) and workers compensation coverage for injury to your employees.

Plus add health insurance and retirement plans, and the only practical solution is to talk with your insurance agent without delay. No matter how minor you may consider your business, or how little money it may currently be bringing in, it is better to review your business and future plans with your agent, so that any gaps in your coverage can be discussed and resolved.

If you’ve started a home-based business, you probably are attempting what many never have the courage to dare— pursuing your dream. While you are reaching for the stars, don’t risk having inadequate insurance steal your ladder. At Morrow Insurance Agency, we can assist you with all your insurance coverage needs, from personal, business, to health.

Morrow Insurance is proud to sponsor a team this year in the American Cancer Society Relay for Life of Henderson County.  At the event, our team will camp out overnight and take turns walking around the track to raise money and awareness to help the American Cancer Society create a world with less cancer and more birthdays.  The event will be from 6pm May 18 to 6am May 19th at the WNC Agricultural Center.  If you would like to make a donation on behalf of the Morrow Racers team, please contact one of our team members:  Charlie Cranford, Amy Tayler, Carolyn Wilson, Christina Dinardo, Fay Ryan, Kathy Rhodes, Jean Persons, or Colleen Hobbick or click on our team page link to donate online.

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After one of the most active and deadly years in recent weather history, Gov. Bev Perdue cautions North Carolinians to be on the lookout for tornadoes and severe thunderstorms as spring approaches. Perdue declared March 4-10 Severe Weather Awareness Week in North Carolina and recommends that families have safety plans for home, work or school so they can respond quickly when tornados or severe storms threaten.

“Already this year, we have seen tornadoes sweep through several of our western counties,” Perdue said. “That type of weather is almost unheard of for January in North Carolina. And we all saw in 2011 just how quickly these storms can strike and how dangerous they can become. That is why it is so critical to have emergency plans in place.”

Perdue urged North Carolinians to take time now to discuss and rehearse family emergency plans so that when the National Weather Service issues a storm warning in their area, everyone can act quickly and take shelter calmly. Schools and government buildings statewide will hold tornado drills Wednesday, March 7, at 9:30 a.m. to rehearse their emergency plans.

Tornadoes usually form during heavy thunderstorms when warm, moist air collides with cold air. These storms can also produce large hail and strong winds. Damaging winds are equally as dangerous.

When severe weather is likely, people should listen to local radio, television, a weather channel or a National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration radio for information. If a tornado watch is issued, the conditions are favorable and a tornado is possible. However, if a warning is issued, a tornado has actually been spotted or appeared on radar. This is the time when people should go to a safe shelter immediately.

North Carolina Emergency Management recommends the safest place during a tornado is underground in a basement. If there is no basement, people who are at home should go to the lowest floor of the house and to an interior room such as a hallway, pantry or closet. School children should go to inner hallways, but stay out of gymnasiums, auditoriums or cafeterias where there is a large roof span. Office workers should take shelter under something sturdy like a desk or a table to protect from flying debris or a collapsed roof. Everyone should stay away from windows.

Mobile home residents are especially vulnerable to damage from high winds and should go to a prearranged shelter when severe weather is predicted.

Every family’s emergency plan should include information on what to do if severe weather happens while traveling to work or school. Drivers who see a tornado forming or approaching should leave the car immediately and take shelter in a low-lying area. A tornado can easily blow a car off a road and many people have been killed while trying to outrun a tornado. Those who are on foot or a bicycle could encounter falling trees, downed power lines or lightning, and they should go to a safe place immediately. The basement of a sturdy building is best. Lying flat in a ditch or low area may also offer protection, but beware of possible flash flooding and flying debris.

Preparation for any type of severe weather also means having a family disaster plan and an emergency supply kit assembled and in a location that is easy to access during an emergency. More information on tornadoes and overall emergency preparedness is available at www.ReadyNC.org and www.ncem.org.

Like Us on Facebook for a Chance to Win a $25 Gift Certificate for Dining at the Inn on Church!

Morrow Insurance will be giving away a $25 gift certificate for dining at the Inn on Church in a drawing from people who “Like” us on Facebook to be held on April 1, 2012.  If you already like us, you’re automatically included.  If not, please visit us on Facebook and click on “Like” to be included.

Employees of Morrow Insurance and their immediate families are not elligible for the drawing.

The Inn on Church is an intimate 21-room boutique bed & breakfast hotel that blends the romance and charm of the past with the comfort and convenience of modern accommodation.  Lunch is served in their gourmet restaurant, Bistro at 201, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. Monday through Saturday.

Visit the Inn on Church for more information.

Congratulations to Joye Haynes-Ganger for being recognized as one of the top 50 entrepreneurs in the Charlotte region by Business Leader Magazine!

Joye Haynes-Ganger is the President, CEO, and Owner of Whitley Home Medical Equipment, a company that supplies home medical equipment including walkers, lift chairs, compression garments, hospital beds, and more. The company specializes in the making of custom built rehab chairs, both power and manual. These chairs are a necessity for patients with diseases such as ALS, Paraplegics, Quadraplegics, etc. Haynes-Ganger has owned Whitley Home Medical Equipment for 15 years, and most recently opened an additional office for the company, increasing its territory three fold. In addition to her successful career, Haynes-Ganger devotes much of her time to charitable causes including an 11-year stretch in a Rotary Club that gives and fund raises for a number of good causes. Haynes-Ganger says, “It is quite amazing that when you treat others like you want to be treated your business and reputation flourishes.”

Auto accidents account for more than 45% of the Garage program claims reported to Markel Insurance. You can avoid accidents by following these guidelines:

1. Always be on the lookout for the other driver. Watch for vehicles when changing lanes and when turning at intersections and across lanes. If you’re not sure who has the right of way, let the other driver(s) have it.
2. Allow for ample space and use extreme care when moving vehicles in parking areas.
3. Maintain posted speed limits at all times.
4. Use caution when stopping at intersections when roads are wet. Oil and fuel from other vehicles can make stopping more difficult.
5. Never operate a vehicle under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or sleep medications.
6. Avoid distractions. Using a cell phone, eating, and reading while driving can adversely affect your reaction time.
7. Don’t tailgate. Allow at least three seconds of separation between you and the vehicle in front of you. Be prepared to stop suddenly and scan for an alternative route of safe travel to avoid a possible rear-end collision.