The Members of the Michigan Horticulture Industries Self-Insured Workers’ Compensation Fund (MHI Fund) once again rewards its members for outstanding performance and gives back its highest profit return yet! As a member owned self-insured workers’ compensation program, the MHI Fund has become the largest workers’ compensation provider for Michigan’s horticulture industry.
From substantial profit returns to aggressive claims handling, the Fund is the most cost-effective workers’ compensation option for its members year after year. Currently, MHI Fund members will receive a $4,863,878 credit for good performance on their 2019 renewal. This amount of surplus comes from a number of policy years and includes premium not used to pay claims and investment income. This brings the total returned back since inception to over $40 million and represents an average return of premium of 46%; however, 72% of members have received 58% back.
Since 1993, Fund members receive stable yet competitive upfront pricing and continue to outperform the insurance marketplace with lower net premium costs every year. This competitive pricing, along with the MHI Fund’s selective approach to underwriting new members, is designed to save members money on the total cost of workers’ compensation over the long term.
The MHI Fund takes the responsibility for the costs associated with claims and workplace safety very seriously. Reducing the costs associated with workers’ compensation claims means more profit to go back to members. The Fund’s Board of Trustees, elected by the members, governs the operation of the fund and provides authorization on claims settlements of size. In addition, the claims adjusters have lower caseloads compared to other workers’ compensation carriers which allow them more time to be proactive in managing the claim and reducing the overall costs associated with loss time injuries.
By focusing on accident prevention and proper claims management, fund members continue to keep their costs down as low as possible. According to Colleen Meiring, the MHI Fund Board of Trustees Chairman, “the Fund’s safety record has been outstanding with some of the lowest loss ratios in recent years.” Meiring adds “this excellent performance leads to substantial premium returns back to the members and is attributed to each member’s continued commitment to maintain a safe work environment for their employees.”
The MHI Fund offers its members numerous safety resources and loss control programs that are specific to the horticulture industry. Some of the Fund’s educational training focuses on creating a safety culture in the workplace, by working with owners/supervisors on proper claims handling, accident investigation, return-to-work programs and making every employee accountable for safety on the job. The Fund works with loss control specialists who provide sound guidance and cost-saving solutions on safety and loss prevention for its members. The online safety center includes a comprehensive human resource library at no cost to members. It provides in depth information on the most current federal and state employment laws, as well as a complete range of downloadable forms, posters, and literally hundreds of topics.
For most members, the cost savings is the primary reason they insure with the MHI Fund. It has proven to dramatically reduce the overall costs of their workers’ compensation insurance year after year.
Participants of the Fund must be a member of the Michigan Nursery and Landscape Association or Michigan Floral Association. The majority of payroll must fall into one of the following horticulture classifications: landscapers, greenhouses, garden centers, florists, irrigation, nurseries, and sod farms.
Congratulations to MHI Fund members for an excellent job on keeping their premium costs low and employees safe! If you’re not currently a member, you’re missing out on the many benefits the Fund has to offer. Please call the Association headquarters at (517) 575-0110 or email [email protected]