Conferences

 

  • Thu
    08
    Mar
    2018
    9:00 amHoliday Inn Springfield in Enfield, CT

    MEETING CANCELLED - 

    We regret that due to the anticipated winter storm and out of concern for the safety of our members, participants and speakers travelling, we have made the decision to cancel the March 8, 2018 conference.   If you have pre-paid your registration fee,  you will be contacted to provide a refund. 

     

     

    8 am Registration and Breakfast

    9 am  Conference

    Holiday Inn Springfield Enfield
    1 Bright Meadow Boulevard
    Enfield, CT 06082
    860-741-2211
    Room Rate $99, Deadline for room rate is 2/21/2018, mention New England Claims Association

    From grating to gratifying- strategies to optimize client outcomes (without losing your mind)

     As Claims Specialists, you work with all kinds of people with different injuries, in a system that is not always easy to navigate. Every day can bring a new set of issues that directly affect your clients’ lives. This workshop will provide evidence-based tools and strategies designed to better manage challenging situations that show up with the “difficult” client, improve outcomes, and most importantly, decrease professional burnout.

    Lynn Festa OTR, CHT, CDWF has been a certified hand therapist since 1995, and has been a clinician in a variety of settings for over 29 years. She combines her work as an OT/CHT with providing training to other health care providers in promoting wellness and limiting burnout. Lynn has given national presentations and webinars on this topic, and runs workshops with an emphasis on empathy and compassion, using evidence based studies and strategies. She attained her certificate in positive psychology from the Wholebeing Institute, and is a Certified Daring Way Facilitator through The Daring Way ™. She has also completed life-coach training through the Martha Beck Institute. She is a Clinical Consultant at Berkshire Hand to Shoulder Center, and is the owner of Health Professional Coaching, LLC.

     

    Everything you always wanted to ask an orthopaedic surgeon, (but couldn’t get them on the phone)

    The 2010’s are the decade of integrated or collaborative medicine. Unfortunately this concept has not extended to the injured worker. Orthopaedic surgeons, a major player in the delivery of care, often view the system with hostility and contempt.

    This workshop will provide insight into the surgeon’s mind. Better understand why the provider expects all of his/her recommendations to be accommodated. Learn why they are so hard to reach and discover strategies to overcome these obstacles.

    Michael P Nancollas, MD is a board certified orthopaedic surgeon with a subspecialty certification in hand and upper extremity surgeon. He has been in private practice for over 25 years originally in New York State and now in Massachusetts. With no formal training during his residency in treated the injured worker, he has made a point of gaining knowledge through meetings with claims examiners and worker’s compensation attorneys.

    Online Registration has closed.

    Please contact Danielle Brennan, Treasurer at Danielle_Brennan@glic.com to inquire about registration availability

    Deadline to register is February 28, 2018

  • Fri
    06
    Apr
    2018
    9:00 amWorcester, MA

    8 am  Registration and Breakfast

    9 am Conference

    The Law Year in Review

    This presentation will focus on recent regulatory changes and legal cases that impact the lines of business handled by the Life, Health and Disability Claim Communities.

    Speaker-Chris Collins

    Christopher Collins ("Chris") joined Mirick O'Connell in October 2015 as a member of the Life, Health, Disability and ERISA Litigation Group.  Chris is known both locally and nationally for his extensive experience in litigating first party bad faith matters and insurance cases governed by ERISA.  He has managed numerous class action matters involving Securities, 401(k), False Claim Act, Retained Asset Accounts, and many dealings with insurance and ERISA-related issues.  Prior to joining the Firm, Chris was Senior Vice President and General Counsel at Unum US. In that role, he provided counsel and managed all of the legal resources serving Unum's largest business sector.  During his tenure at the company, he helped to lead the legal department through both acquisitions and mergers and was a key participant in working to solve significant regulatory challenges facing the company in the early 2000's.

    Chris' practice focuses on life and health insurance matters with a concentration on disability income insurance and will assist the Firm in client development both locally and nationally.  He will also continue to serve the community in a broad array of philanthropic activities.

    Throughout his career, Chris has been a frequent speaker and panelist at numerous industry conferences.  In 2013, he was the keynote speaker at the Definitive Disability Conference ("DDC").  In addition, he has participated at forums and events sponsored by the Worcester Regional Research Bureau, the Chamber of Commerce, and the City of Worcester.

    WHAT HAPPENS WHEN CLAIM-RELATED DECISIONS END UP IN LITIGATION?

    This panel presentation will offer a legal perspective concerning claim-related decisions and will discuss the typical evolution of a lawsuit and how claim representatives may be involved and/or consulted in the context of such litigation.

    This session will also offer an overview of the discovery process, including how internal claim documentation may end up in the hands of a plaintiff's lawyer and best practices for depositions.

    Takeaways: Attendees will gain a sense of what litigation over a claim denial looks like and will gain insight on how their actions and file documents could end up before a court.

    Joseph M. Hamilton

    Joe is a Partner at Mirick O'Connell and Chair of the Firm's Litigation Group as well as the Life, Health, Disability and ERISA Litigation Group. He concentrates his practice in life, health and disability insurance defense, and ERISA. Mr. Hamilton serves as counsel for numerous life, health and disability insurers and self-insureds at all levels of state and federal courts throughout Massachusetts. Mr. Hamilton's representation includes the full spectrum of issues arising from both individual and group coverage, under both state and federal law, including ERISA. Mr. Hamilton is a member of the Employee Benefits, Life Insurance Law, and Health and Disability Insurance Law Committees of the American Bar Association; the Life, Health and Disability Committee of the Defense Research Institute; The Association of Life Insurance Counsel; and the New England Claims Association. Mr. Hamilton is a past Chair of the ABA's Life Insurance Law Committee; and a Vice-Chair of the ABA's Health and Disability Law Committee. Mr. Hamilton regularly writes and speaks on issues related to life, health and disability litigation. Mr. Hamilton received his B.S., magna cum laude, and J.D. from Boston College.

    Debra A. Conner    

    Vice President, Life & Disability Claims

    Ms. Conner is the Vice President of Life & Disability Benefits for Sun Life Financial with current oversight of the Short Term (including Absence Management) and Long Term Disability claims departments, Worksite Claims as well as Life and Life Waiver benefits. She has in excess of twenty years of experience in the insurance industry, specifically in the life, health and disability product lines for employer sponsored plans, voluntary and individual products.  She has worked in various capacities in the insurance industry including claims (medical, stop loss, LTD, STD, Life and Life Waiver and individual disability) contract and product development and state and federal compliance. As in-house counsel for 10 years she was involved in litigation management, including trial testimony, as well as compliance and regulatory matters and joint venture arrangements.

    She began her career at Sun Life in 2003. Throughout her career she has worked for Phoenix Insurance, Allmerica Financial, Massachusetts Casualty (then a subsidiary of Sun Life of Canada), Hartford Life Insurance Company and GE Financial.

    She is Past- President of the New England Claim Association and Past-president and founder of the New England Anti-Fraud Association. Over the years she has spoken at industry meetings on the topics of fraud, claims management, staffing and organizational development and various legal topics.

    She is a graduate of the University of Massachusetts at Amherst (B.A.) and was awarded her Juris Doctor from Western New England University School of Law in Springfield, MA. She is admitted to the practice of law in the state of Connecticut.

    Robert Dubiel

    Bob has more than 40 years of Group, Association and IDI Claims Experience with The Hartford Life Insurance Companies, Unum Group and MetLife. He is currently a LTD Unit Leader in MetLife’s Bloomfield, CT National Account Office. Additionally, he holds an ALHC designation, is Treasurer of the International Claims Association (ICA), co-chair of the ICA Disability Committee, a member of the ICA Marketing/Membership Committee and a member of the ICA Board of Directors. Bob received his undergraduate degree from LeMoyne College in Syracuse NY.

    Kristina H. Allaire

    Kristina H. Allaire is currently an Assistant Vice President in the individual disability benefits center at Unum Group in Worcester. Prior to joining the benefits center Tina was  inhouse counsel at Unum Group where she managed both ERISA and non-ERISA litigation involving STD, LTD and IDI policies throughout  the United States.  Prior to joining Unum Group, she was an associate at the law firm, Mirick O’Connell where she concentrated her practice in the defense of life, health and disability cases in Massachusetts and Connecticut.  Tina is admitted to practice in the state and federal courts of Massachusetts, Connecticut and New York as well as the First, Second and Federal Circuit Court of Appeals.

     

    Beechwood Hotel

    363 Plantation St

    Worcester, MA 01605

    508-453-1112

    $189 discounted room rate if booked before  3/21/18.  Group Name: New England Claims Association.

    ONLINE REGISTRATION HAS CLOSED, please contact treasurer, Danielle_Brennan@glic.com for additional registration availability

  • Fri
    18
    May
    2018
    9:00 amPortsmouth, NH

    Exploring Social Media & Internet Investigations

    Prior to the internet, claim professionals relied on court records, print books, periodicals, magazines and other references to retrieve the slightest nugget of information. Today, the internet is one of the most valuable tools used in procuring information. According to PEW, 87% of the US population utilizes the internet. Additionally, Facebook boasts 1.8B users globally, with 214M residing in the United States. Claim professionals are oftentimes expected to understand searching protocols without actual guidance. For those who do not practice this skill on a daily basis, search methods can become overwhelming. In this session we attempt to make sense of one of the most confusing, time-consuming, and frustrating tools known to a claims professional.., the internet.

    Featuring: Michael Caldarazzo, Photofax, Inc.

    Michael Caldarazzo is a Certified Fraud Examiner and Certified Forensic Interviewer. He serves as Executive Director of PhotoFax, Inc., a national investigative provider. Additionally, Michael serves as co-chair of the Fraud & Risk Management Committee for the International Claims Association. Michael has dedicated 28-years to investigating and managing insurance fraud investigations. He works with Health, Disability, Long-Term Care and Workers' Compensation providers, in their efforts to defend against fraud and exaggeration. Michael has worked and managed thousands of field  investigations across the United States.  He earned a bachelor's degree from Northern Illinois University in DeKalb Illinois, where he studied Criminology and Public Law. He resides in Naperville, Illinois with his wife and 4 children. Michael is passionate about sharing his experience in fraud schemes, red flags, investigations and tactical remote surveillance.

    Topic: Social Security Mock Hearing Demonstration

    Integrated Benefits, Inc. (IBI) will be conducting a Social Security Mock Hearing Demonstration. Following the hearing, we will encourage questions and dialogue from the audience.

    Presented by Matt Jensen, Ted Norwood, and Anita Kulakowski

    Matt Jensen has worked for Integrated Benefits, Inc. since 2011 and is currently their Executive Vice President, CMO. He has over 12 years in experience in the Group Disability space which includes STD, FMLA, LTD, Social Security Advocacy and Overpayment Recovery. Matt has a Masters Degree in Business (MBA) from Syracuse University.

    Ted Norwood graduated from the University of Missouri School of Law. He has practiced Social Security disability law since 2007. He has handled cases at the administrative and district court levels. He leads IBI's hearings teams and serves as IBI's general counsel.

    Anita Kulakowski has worked for Integrated Benefits Inc. for over three years, as a Senior Onsite Social Security Advocate. She specializes in the Social Security Disability process and acts as an integral resource to Insurance Companies. Anita also participates as the Vendor Liaison of the New England Claim Association. She has specialized in Social Security Disability for the past six years and has worked for eight years in other legal industries. Anita graduated from Hobart and William Smith Colleges with a double major in Sociology and Latin American Studies, with a minor in Spanish.

    Sheraton Portsmouth Harborside Hotel

    250 Market St

    Portsmouth, NH 03801

    603-559-2608

    Room Rate: $169 Parking $19 overnight. Dayparking to be picked up by NECA. Deadline for rooms 4/27/18

     

    Register online by May 10, 2018 to join us.

    Online registration has closed, please contact Danielle_Brennan@glic.com for availability

  • Thu
    14
    Jun
    2018
    9:00 amPine Ridge Country Club, North Oxford, MA

    Pine Ridge Country Club, Oxford, MA

    Tee time PROMPTLY at 9 am.  Thursday, June 14th at:

     

    Pine Ridge Country Club 28 Pleasant St.  N. Oxford, Ma. 01537 (508) 892-9188

    This golf event will be a shot gun start, 4 members per team, best ball / captain and crew style of play. Contests included within the round are closest to the pin, closest to the line, and longest drive. There is a women’s and a men’s prize for each contest. Lunch is included with the round. Grilled items such as hamburgers and hot dogs, etc. will be provided at the clubhouse, with a drink ticket.

    Please note, there is no claims educational session during this gathering- golf and networking are the focus for this event!

    Cost of Golf & Lunch: Member $50 per person, Non-Member $65 per person.

    Note: Cash beverage cart available throughout event.  Drink tickets are to be used in the club house only

     

    Registration has closed. Contact Danielle_Brennan@glic.com for details on late availability

  • Fri
    19
    Oct
    2018
    8:00 amMarriott Sable Oaks - South Portland, Maine

    Join us October 19, 2018 for our Breakfast Conference

    Breakfast and Registration at 8 am

    Conference 9 am to 12 pm

    Marriott Sable Oaks

    200 Sable Oaks Drive

    South Portland, ME

    Hotel Telephone # 207-871-800.

    The Marriott at Sable Oaks offers complimentary on-sight parking.

    Topics and Speaker Biographies:

    “Evaluation of Musculoskeletal Pain and Pain Syndromes”

    Presented by: Barry Gendron, DO

    Dr. Gendron has served as a Physiatrist at Seacoast Area Physiatry in Portsmouth, NH since 1993 following a career as a Pharmacist.  He is also currently the Vice President of Seacoast Area Physiatry, and Board Member and Co-Medical Director at Stafford Health Alliance in Somersworth, NH.  For Wentworth Douglass Health System in Dover, NH Dr. Gendron serves in the following roles:  Medical Director of Rehabilitation Services; Medical Director of Musculoskeletal Health; Chairman of the Integrative Medicine Committee; Member of the Strategic Planning Committee for the Health System; Board Member of The Works Family Health and Fitness Center.  Additionally, Dr. Gendron works as a Consulting Physiatrist at various companies including UNUM, Custom Disability Solutions, and others.

    For almost thirty years, Dr. Gendron has provided numerous presentations on a variety of subjects ranging from the process of medical billing, functional capacity exams, musculoskeletal pain and rehabilitation, concussions, integrative medicine, fibromyalgia and many other subjects.   He is a member of the American Osteopathic Association Task Force on Musculoskeletal Injuries and Prevention and his hobbies include carpentry, skiing, golfing, hiking, running, and fitness.

    "Tools of the Trade- Practical Applications Reviewing Self-Reported Symptoms"

    Panel Presentation by:

    Scott Sperry - Sr. LTD Claims Manager - National Accounts, Sun Life Financial

    Scott Sperry is a Senior LTD Manager at Sun Life Financial focusing on National Account clients. Scott has been in the industry for almost 20 years and has lead teams managing Worksite, STD, CDI and LTD products with direct carriers and reinsurers. He took a brief detour to implement National Account clients for 2 years before returning to claims. Scott attended the University of Maine and holds a Bachelor's Degree in Education.

    Sarah Lawsure, RN - Senior Vice President at ISG.

    Sarah has almost 30 years of experience in the insurance and healthcare industry with an emphasis on maximizing risk management tool utilization specifically medical expertise.   She is an executive with Operations, Clinical and Client Management leadership background for organizations ranging in size from small startups to large mature organizations.   In addition to direct care nursing experience, she has provided strategic direction, implementation expertise for disability, workers Compensation, health and absence programs. Sarah has been active on industry boards and is currently a member of NECA.

    Scott Ferris - Vocational Rehabilitation Consultant, Sun Life Financial

    As a Vocational Rehabilitation Consultant with Sun Life Financial, Scott specializes in return-to-work case management for people with behavioral health diagnoses and also musculoskeletal disabilities. Prior to joining the disability insurance industry in 2011, Scott managed the Employment Services program for Creative Work Systems, a non-profit agency treating adults with disabilities in Portland, ME. Scott received a B.A. from Wesleyan University and a M.S. in Counseling with a concentration in Rehabilitation from University of South Maine. Scott recently completed the highest level of ergonomics training at The Back School and is now a Certified Ergonomics Assessment Specialist III.

     

    Registration has closed. Please contact treasurer, Danielle_Brennan@glic.com for late availability

  • Thu
    15
    Nov
    2018
    Holyoke, MA - The Log Cabin

    Join us the afternoon of 11/15/18 for our annual afternoon meeting and cocktail hour at The Log Cabin in Holyoke.

    Registration from 12pm to 1pm.

    Presentations from 1pm to 4pm.  A reception will follow with a cash bar, hors d'oeuvres, and food stations.

    The Log Cabin

    500 Easthampton Road

    Holyoke, MA

     

    NECA has partnered with D. Hotel & Suites, 1 Country Club Rd, Holyoke, MA for lodging.  NECA participants will receive a room rate of $109 for the night of November 15, 2018 by using code NECA2018.  This offer is valid until November 8, 2018.  Please make your reservations at www.stayattheD.com or by calling (413) 533-2100.

     

    Presentation Topics and Speaker Biographies:

    We are pleased to present our highly anticipated speakers from our March 2018 conference that was snowed out!

     "Strategies to Optimize Client Outcomes (without losing your mind!)"

    As Claims Specialists, you work with all kinds of people with different injuries, in a system that is not always easy to navigate. Every day can bring a new set of issues that directly affect your clients’ lives. This workshop will provide evidence-based tools and strategies designed to better manage challenging situations that show up with the “difficult” client, improve outcomes, and most importantly, decrease professional burnout.

    Presented by: Lynn Festa, OTR, CHT, CDWF

    Lynn Festa OTR, CHT, CDWF has been a certified hand therapist since 1995, and has been a clinician in a variety of settings for over 29 years. She combines her work as an OT/CHT with providing training to other health care providers in promoting wellness and limiting burnout. Lynn has given national presentations and webinars on this topic, and runs workshops with an emphasis on empathy and compassion, using evidence based studies and strategies. She attained her certificate in positive psychology from the Wholebeing Institute, and is a Certified Daring Way Facilitator through The Daring Way ™. She has also completed life-coach training through the Martha Beck Institute. She is a Clinical Consultant at Berkshire Hand to Shoulder Center, and is the owner of Health Professional Coaching, LLC.

    “Everything You Always Wanted to Ask an Orthopaedic Surgeon, (...but couldn’t get them on the phone)"

    The 2010's are the decade of integrated or collaborative medicine.  Unfortunately, this concept has not extended to the injured worker. Orthopaedic surgeons, a major player in the delivery of care, often view the system with hostility and contempt.

    This workshop will provide insight into the surgeon's mind to better understand why the provider expects all of his/her recommendations to be accommodated. Learn why they are so hard to reach and discover strategies to overcome these obstacles.

    Presented by: Michael P. Nancollas, MD

    Michael P. Nancollas, MD is a board certified orthopaedic surgeon with a subspecialty certification in hand and upper extremity surgery. He has been in private practice for over 25 years, originally in New York state and now in Massachusetts.  With no formal training of the inured worker during his residency, he has made a point of gaining knowledge through meetings with claims examiners and worker's compensation attorneys.

    Registration is currently closed for this event.  Please contact Danielle Brennan at Danielle_Brennan@GLIC.com for late registrations.  We look forward to seeing you in Holyoke!

     

 

 

Do you have questions about one of our upcoming conferences?  Contact us here.