In 2012 an “antitrust” class action suit was filed against the Nation’s 36 Blue Cross plans, alleging the Blue Cross Association rules prevented fair competition. In the Fall of 2020, there was a “proposed” settlement of $2.7 Billion dollars that would distribute dollars back to Blue Cross customers that had policies between 2/07/2008 and 10/16/2020. The Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association, in partnership with the “local” Blue Cross plan(s) & the settlement administrator gave notice to eligible employer groups (and some individual employees) information about the proposed settlement and how they can register as a member of the class. Eligible employers had a deadline of November 2021 to register/file a claim as a member of the class, and the past 5 years have shown a number of delays & appeals.
BCBS Association Class Action Settlement
Jun 4, 2026 3:01:39 PM / by DSP Insurance Services posted in Employee Benefits
Illinois Requires Unpaid Leave for Parents of NICU Babies
May 27, 2026 12:37:34 PM / by Eric Vatch posted in Employee Benefits
Starting June 1, 2026, Illinois employers will need to navigate a new leave requirement under the Family Neonatal Intensive Care Leave Act. This law requires certain employers to provide unpaid leave to employees whose child is receiving care in a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU).
At a high level, the law reflects a growing focus on supporting employees during critical and often unexpected life events. At the same time, it introduces additional compliance responsibilities that employers will need to manage carefully.
The Peptide Decade Will Reshape Pharmacy
May 15, 2026 8:50:48 AM / by Blake Erickson posted in Employee Benefits
It's getting noisy over here. Diary of a CEO ran a 90-minute peptide episode that went viral. HHS reversed the FDA ban on most of the restricted peptide list. The wellness industry began its pivot years ago. Your CFO's group chat is asking what BPC-157 is.
Why Your Broker and CPA Should Be Working Together
May 5, 2026 8:29:45 PM / by Blake Erickson posted in Business Insurance
Most business owners don’t have a people problem.
They have a communication problem.
Not internally, but across their advisors.
You might have a strong CPA. A solid insurance broker. Maybe even a financial advisor and an attorney you trust. On paper, that looks like a well-built team. But in reality, those individuals are often operating in completely separate lanes, solving problems without ever comparing notes.
And that’s where things start to break down.
Because your business doesn’t operate in silos. Your advisors shouldn’t either.
The Risk Management Center
Apr 24, 2026 1:58:04 PM / by Mike Pohl posted in Business Insurance
Most companies approach safety training the same way each year. They assign courses, send reminders, track completions, and move on. On paper, that process checks the box. But in practice, it often leaves a gap between completion and actual understanding.
That gap matters.
Eyes on the Road: Distracted Driving Is Still a Major Risk
Apr 15, 2026 1:24:34 PM / by Steve Stetson posted in Safety Services
A driver glances at their phone for a few seconds. That’s all it takes.
A missed brake light. A delayed reaction. A crash that could have been avoided.
Distracted driving remains one of the most preventable causes of serious accidents on the road. And despite better awareness, the numbers have not meaningfully improved.
Captive Insurance: The Strategy Most Business Owners Never Question
Apr 9, 2026 10:58:34 AM / by Mike Pohl posted in Commercial Lines
Here's something that stops me mid-conversation every time I bring it up with a business owner: If I told them they could start their own insurance company, keep the underwriting profit, and potentially save six figures a year, they'd think I was running a scam. But that's essentially what a captive is.
Subcontractor Prequalification Is More Than Risk Management
Mar 31, 2026 9:29:31 AM / by Damien Strohmier posted in Surety
A general contractor loses a subcontractor mid-project. Maybe they ran out of cash. Maybe they took on too much work and could not deliver. Maybe the signs were there for months and nobody was watching closely enough.
The result is the same regardless of the cause: delays, cost overruns, a damaged owner relationship, and a scramble to find someone who can pick up the pieces.
Here is the uncomfortable truth. In most of those situations, the outcome was preventable.
A Small Leak Can Become a Big Problem: Simple Water Defense Tips for Your Home
Mar 19, 2026 9:11:16 AM / by Laura Wywial posted in Personal Insurance
Water damage is one of the most common and costly insurance claims homeowners experience. In fact, it is estimated that nearly one trillion gallons of water are lost each year in the United States due to common household leaks. Many of these losses begin with small issues that go unnoticed until damage has already occurred.
One appliance that deserves a little extra attention is the refrigerator. Water supply lines, filters, and seals can all contribute to leaks or inefficiencies if they are not inspected regularly. A quick annual check is a simple way to prevent water damage at home and keep your appliance running efficiently.
Your Benefits Strategy May Have a Coordination Problem
Mar 6, 2026 9:16:58 AM / by Blake Erickson posted in Employee Benefits
Most employers spend more on employee benefits every year. Costs go up. Complexity goes up. But outcomes? They stay flat.
