Data Professionals Week

Transcription

1 Data Professionals s Week July TH EDITION Data Professionals Week Learn About the 2014 Statistical Plan Update Expanding Our Partnership Through New Federal Coverage Service Data Manual Makeover The Circles of Data Management Online Educational Opportunities 2014 Educational Program Breaks the Record Data Manager Dashboard Policy Enhancements Industry Communications Recap 2014 Financial Call Reporting Season Early Results Data Tips Data Professionals s Week Data Professionals Event Model New Policy Data Collection Become a Certified Data Pro Contact Us Your feedback is important to us. If you have any comments or suggestions on this or future editions of The Data Connection, please us at thedataconnection@ncci.com. Welcome to this special issue of The Data Connection, dedicated to the theme Data Professionalism. As someone who works in this field, you know that it takes a variety of skill sets, training, and experience to be a data management professional. NCCI annually conducts a Data Professionals Week, devoted to recognizing the importance of data management as a career. Check out the Data Professionals Event Model article for ideas on creating your own similar company event. Enjoy this edition filled with connections, in every article, to data professionalism. Data Professionals s Week Learn About the Latest and Greatest 2014 Statistical Plan Update NCCI s Statistical Plan contains national and state-specific rules for reporting Unit Statistical data used to fulfill experience ratings, class ratemaking, actuarial analysis, and more. Periodically, NCCI reviews the Statistical Plan to identify opportunities to provide reporting rule clarifications through national item filings.

2 THE DATA CONNECTION Most recently, a national Statistical Plan filing (Item Filing U-1399) was approved in all NCCI states to include the following revisions: Revised Pension Tables Used to determine the present value of expected lifetime benefit payments associated with Death and Permanent Total Injuries to set Unit Statistical indemnity reserves. The revised tables use new life data from the National Center for Health Statistics (US Department of Health and Human Services) and new remarriage data from the US Railroad Retirement Board. The revised tables apply to all claims valued as of October 2014 and subsequent. Reporting Clarifications A variety of reporting topics were updated in this revision to include: Partially Fraudulent and Noncompensable Claims Claimant Attorney Fees Accident Date Claims With Multiple Coverages/Benefits All of the reporting revisions apply to policies effective October 2014 and subsequent. In May 2014, the Statistical Plan was updated to reflect all these changes. Also, the Pension Tables are available in Microsoft Excel format on the Data Reporting Unit Statistical Data page on ncci.com. Comply with the latest rules to achieve data reporting compliance. Expanding Our Partnership Through New Federal Coverage Service Earlier this year, NCCI partnered with the US Department of Labor (DOL) and carriers to implement an electronic data reporting solution for Defense Base Act coverage. Page 2 The Defense Base Act is specialized foreign workers compensation coverage for employees working outside of the United States. It is not written as part of a standard workers compensation policy. In the past, the US DOL collected this coverage information from each carrier in hard copy. In July 2014, NCCI expanded our Federal Coverage Service by implementing the new electronic reporting of Defense Base Act coverage. Simplified electronic reporting streamlines the data reporting process. Time for a Data Manual Makeover! Great news! Our data manuals are getting a makeover. In 2014, we are focusing on the Unit Statistical Reporting Guidebook, Policy and Proof of Coverage Reporting Guidebook, and the Pool Data Reporting Guidebook. The updates will include reorganized and streamlined content for ease of use as well as standardized terminology. Here s what you can expect: Unit Statistical Reporting Guidebook A brand new 2014 edition New Reporting Example Summary including descriptions for all examples Policy and Proof of Coverage Reporting Guidebook New State-Specific data reporting section New Assigned Risk reporting rules section Pool Data Reporting Guidebook New Premium and Loss-Based Tax and Assessment section Multiple part enhancements including the NPX Data section Look for the releases of these updated manuals throughout Keeping manuals fresh and up to date allows for accurate reporting.

3 JULY 2014 Connect the Circles of Data Management Here at NCCI, we view data management as a series of interlocking key components: Data ata Stewardship Steward 01) Data Stewardship Provides oversight of an organization s data assets to help maintain consistently high-quality data that is easily accessible, in these five components: Storage Provides criteria for data warehousing, ata SStandards tand aan n Data CONNECTING THE CIRCLES OF Data Quality DATA MANAGEMENT data marts, and data retention Access Sets controls on levels of data access and permissions for use Usage Monitors overall fitness of data and performs quality checking of data requests Collection Promotes standard record layouts, data Project ect Management nag rma on rm maa on SSecurity m e Informa on elements, and naming conventions Exchange Monitors appropriate levels of data security and encryption processes 02) Data Standards Provides stakeholders with a uniform set of rules in the exchange of data, to include reporting formats, data elements, code values, business rules, and terminology. 03) Data Quality Ensures that data is credible and usable for its intended purpose; editing, testing, incentive programs, and remediation/ escalation, as needed. 04) Information Security Maintains and ensures the integrity of the industry s data. Electronic Security NCCI s disaster recovery and backup plan is in place and tested annually. A Disaster Recovery/Business Continuity Services provider is utilized in the event that an emergency requires the restoration of NCCI systems. 05) Project Management Coordinates the implementation of projects that are delivered on time, within scope, and within budget. NCCI s Program Management Office (PMO) provides leadership that maintains project standards to meet NCCI s corporate objectives. NCCI protects the nation s largest database of workers compensation insurance information. This is accomplished through information security measures that safeguard electronic and nonelectronic data. Physical Security NCCI s Data Center can withstand The Data Management components work together to strengthen the quality and integrity of data. a Category 5 hurricane and is secured by 24/7 security guards, video surveillance, and a two-factor access through individual badge and keypad code entry. Page 3

4 THE DATA CONNECTION What s on the Menu? Online Educational Opportunities Have you discovered educational opportunities for each data type through NCCI s Webinars on Demand? These modules are designed to allow you to view and listen to valuable training at your convenience right from your desktop. We ve recently spiced up our collection of data reporting modules with multiple-choice questions and interactive exercises that allow you to practice what you learned. Here s the planned 2014 schedule for upcoming training: 2014 Webinars on Demand Available 3rd Qtr. 3rd Qtr. 3rd Qtr. 4th Qtr. Suite of Policy Data Collection via DCA Access Online Data Manager Dashboard Policy Features Name and Address Linking Pension Table Values Indemnity Reserving 2015 Financial Call Season 2014 Educational Program Breaks the Record Once again, we held a successful Data Educational Program, with the highest attendance to date. The event was held from January 28 31, at the Palm Beach County Convention Center in West Palm Beach, Florida. For 2014, the program s theme was Your Connection to Quality Data. Nearly 350 customers received basic and detailed training on the reporting of Proof of Coverage, Policy, Unit Statistical data, Financial Calls, Detailed Claim Information, and the Medical Data Call. Hands-on classes on NCCI s data tools were also included. 2 3 WHAT ARE OUR CUSTOMERS SAYING? I took several data reporting sessions 1 to learn about easier ways to do things, how to identify errors and fix them. This was very valuable! The training was the best, the best, the best. Each year, they make it better. This was my first time going, and I m also new to statistical reporting. I learned a lot, and it will make my job easier. Save the Date! 2015 Data Educational Program Save the Date Next year s event is scheduled for January 27 30, Additional information will be available starting in the 3rd quarter of Education keeps the industry up to speed on the latest requirements, which directly affects the quality of data reported. Page 4

5 JULY 2014 Data Manager Dashboard Policy Enhancements Data Manager Dashboard is NCCI s single source tool that allows you to monitor the timeliness and quality of your Policy, Unit Statistical, Detailed Claim Information, Financial Call, Medical, and Pool data. Recently, NCCI implemented several Policy enhancements to include: Expanded three-year view of your Policy data transaction level monitoring cancellations, reinstatements, POC, and state coverage Improved editing results statistics current and historical To learn more about these new features, visit the Education page on ncci.com and view the Webinar on Demand titled Data Manager Dashboard Policy. Data Quality Enhancements to Unit Notifications Response Grid and Process (DQ ) Announces enhancements to the Unit Notifications feature within DCA Access Online Units Unit Statistical Name Record Requirements (UNITS ) Reiterates reporting requirement of the Name Record on all Unit Statistical reports Colorado Deductible Reimbursement Amount Unit Statistical Edit Changes (UNITS-CO ) Announces edit changes for policies with per-claim deductibles for policies effective July 1, 2013 Policy Pricing Change and Elimination of Hard Copy Conversion Service (POLS ) Announces pricing change and future elimination of policy Hard Copy Conversion Service Industry communications keep the industry informed to apply any needed changes and report quality data to NCCI Financial Call Reporting Season Early Results Thanks, data professionals! Preliminary results indicate that Monitoring the timeliness and quality of data is a core Data Management practice. NCCI has received 100% of expected Financial Call data for the 2014 reporting season. This success is a result of data providers working in partnership with NCCI. It represents more than $22 billion in reported Financial Call premium. That s a Wrap Industry Communications Recap In case you missed them, the following key communications Data reported in the 2014 Financial Call reporting season is utilized in state rate and loss cost filings made throughout 2014 and into early came out this year and are available on ncci.com: Data Reporting Missouri Instructions for Risk Modeling Plan and Additional Mesothelioma Benefits (DR ) Provides data reporting instructions for Risk Modeling Plan and Additional Mesothelioma Benefits Accurate and timely Financial Call data supports state ratemaking and a healthy workers compensation system. Page 5

6 THE DATA CONNECTION Data Tips To Report or Not to Report Did you know that not all claims are reportable? Refer to these guidelines of when to, and not to, report claims on your Unit Statistical data: Reportable: Traumatic injuries that occur on an accident date within the policy period Disease injuries that occur on an accident date within the policy period Disease injuries where the accident date is not specified, and the claimant s last date of exposure to the conditions causing the disease injury is within the policy period Don t Be a Missing Link Reporting policy names and addresses can sometimes be a daunting task. Proper linking ensures that a name is associated with an address to create an employer record, which is then sent to the appropriate state for POC reporting purposes. The four key linking fields are: 1. Name Link Identifier 2. Continuation Sequence Number 3. Name Link Counter Identifier 4. State Code Link Not Reportable: Injuries with accident dates outside of the policy period that are required to be paid due to an official ruling, and where there is no corresponding exposure Refer to Part 4-F of the Statistical Plan for more information about claim reporting rules. Key points to remember: The primary insured is always assigned Name Link Identifier 001 and Continuation Sequence Number 001 Every Name Record requires at least one Address Record with the same Name Link Identifier Check the POC Compliance Guide on ncci.com for states that don t allow an Address Type 6 (No Specific Location) To learn more about name and address linking, watch for a Webinar on Demand in the third quarter of Page 6

7 JULY 2014 When Subrogation Does Not Apply NCCI s Statistical Plan outlines specific conditions that allow a claim to be reported with reduced loss amounts, including subrogation recoveries. Premium Reduction companies may offer payments to carriers, with the intent that the payments be applied as loss reductions to claims, and for corrections to be reported to NCCI with reduced claim amounts. The underlying goal of this practice is to lower an employer s experience rating factor and/or reduce the employer s premium by applying the reduced losses. These payments are not subrogation recoveries and must not be applied as reductions to the claim. For additional information, please refer to the Statistical Plan and Circular UNITS Wage Continuation in Lieu of Benefits Some state laws allow for Wage Continuation in Lieu of Benefits (Wage Continuation). This means that the employer paid the employee salary, wages, or other remuneration for a period of disability, for which the insurer would have otherwise been obligated to pay indemnity benefits. DCI Sampling Sometimes Less Is More One of the unique features of Detailed Claim Information (DCI) is that only a subset of indemnity claims data for each state (approximately 1,200 per year) is necessary for legislative pricing and research. In addition to collecting data for all Death and Permanent Total Disability claims, a sampling process is used for data providers to randomly select a percentage of open and closed claims for each state. The State Sample Ratio table, sampling rules, and examples are located in the Detailed Claim Information Reporting Guidebook. Correct sampling ensures that the appropriate type and number of indemnity claims are being reported. Also, this should match NCCI s expected DCI claims for your company. Here are some tips for correct sampling: Correctly placed decimal points for example, a state sample rate of 4% is programmed as 0.04 Medical-only claims should be excluded Open and closed claims are being sampled at the appropriate state sample rates All Death and Permanent Total Disability claims are reported and not included in your sampling When wage continuation occurs, the insurer is required to report the full value of the indemnity loss in accordance with jurisdiction state workers compensation benefit levels and Statistical Plan rules. The total loss (paid and outstanding) must be reported without any consideration for wage continuation. Using reporting rules to investigate data errors and implement corrective measures is a Data Management Best Practice. For more information about the data reporting impact of wage continuation, refer to Circular UNITS Wage Continuation in Lieu of Benefits. Page 7

8 THE DATA CONNECTION Make a Plan Using the Data Professionals Event Model Developing and conducting a Data Professionals event is something that every company can do. The following topics can be used as models to help you develop, plan, and conduct a Data Professionals event that meets your specific needs. Create a Kickoff Provide an overview of the week s activities Invite Guest Speakers Invite industry representatives to provide insights on Data Management and obtaining insurance designations. Focus on Organizational Accomplishments/Individual Acknowledgments Share departmental accomplishments and recognize individuals who have achieved designations, certifications, promotions, or personal goals. Promote educational opportunities, and offer how-tos on achieving designations, such as IDMA and CPCU Enlist staff who have pursued educational activities to speak about the rewards of achieving personal-growth goals Fit in Some Fun Have your Data Professionals participate in a celebratory activity, such as a game, to reinforce learning from the event. Develop Educational Programs/Skill Set Sessions Conduct skill-building training sessions, such as: IDMA training workshops like Data Management for Include a break (with snacks) to recognize everyone s active involvement, and memorialize it with event photos. Insurance Professionals (DMIP) General insurance classes, such as the workers compensation system and policy components Specific training classes on data reporting topics, such as data standards, data principles, and data quality Targeted training classes, including Microsoft Excel, Microsoft PowerPoint, and presentation skills Page 8 Conducting a Data Professionals event promotes Data Management as a profession.

9 JULY 2014 New and Improved Policy Data Collection Is Here! Passing the four IDMA courses leads to the designation of Associate Insurance Data Manager (AIDM ). Our new Policy Data Collection tool (via DCA Access Online) was launched in April and streamlines and improves the data reporting process. The Certified Insurance Data Manager (CIDM ) designation Use this tool as your one-stop source to search, view, and update all Policy and Proof of Coverage information, including Coverage Notice/Binder (Transaction 16). Contact IDMA at for more information on To learn how to use Policy Data Collection via DCA Access Online, review the Webinars on Demand available under the Education section of ncci.com. Online reporting tools promote timely and accurate reporting. requires passing the four IDMA courses and four selected courses taken from CPCU, LOMA, SOFE, or CAS. achieving your data management designation. QUOTES FROM CERTIFIED DATA MANAGERS My credentials and designations are tools 1 I use every day as I travel across the country. The CIDM designation is now my most valuable one, as I lead workshops and panels in data management and data stewardship. (Tracy Spadola) Become a Certified Data Pro The Insurance Data Management Association (IDMA) offers certification courses that focus on developing knowledge and understanding the tools essential to a professional data manager. here are a few courses available in 2 Tdata management given at universities and other learning institutions, but none of them have the insight or concern for insurance industry data issues that the IDMA has. (Charles McLaughlin) Data Management Certification adds value to your career development. The IDMA courses include: Insurance Data Collection and Reporting (IDMA 1) Insurance Data Quality (IDMA 2) Systems Development and Project Management (IDMA 3) Data Management, Administration, and Warehousing (IDMA 4) Page 9

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