How did you get introduced to the non-subscription industry?

The cost to purchase workers’ compensation increased dramatically in the late 1980s. Employers had to quickly pivot to keep their costs down and organizations afloat. Non-subscription offered employers a solution to provide occupational injury and wage replacement benefits to their employees at reduced costs.

As a fiduciary to my clients, I introduced them to non-subscription as a responsible alternative to purchasing workers’ compensation. There were many different plans to evaluate for the best option for my clientele.

Non-subscription requires a dedication and focus on safety. Responsible employers must provide a safe workplace, safety training and personal protective equipment to avoid frequent and severe claims. We brought a 360 degree solution to our clients which included ERISA plans and arbitration.

How were you introduced to ARAWC?

USI sponsored ARAWC’s 2022 Annual Meeting and I was asked to attend. ARAWC is a fantastic organization who advocates non-subscription as a qualified alternative to workers’ compensation to the right employer.

Tell us more about USI Insurance Services.

From many great individuals, USI has become a powerful industry leader. USI began in 1994 with a single office of $6.5 million of revenue and 40 associates. Today, USI has more than $2.5 billion in revenue and over 10,000 associates across 200+ offices nationwide. USI has served over 500,000 clients meeting their property & casualty, employee benefit, personal risk and retirement needs nationwide.

We have more than 150 years of consulting and brokerage experience through our acquired agencies, with local offices dating back in their communities as far as the late 1800s. USI combines industry leading national capabilities delivered through longstanding, passionate and committed local service teams.

USI stands for Understand, Service and Innovate. At USI we work to Understand the specific needs of our clients, to provide an unparalleled local Service experience, and to Innovate with cutting edge solutions so our clients can continue to invest and grow.

The power of USI, and our ability to bring best-in-class solutions and services to our clients and our communities, is achieved through the collective knowledge and experience of our professionals coming together as ONE.

How long have you been a non-subscriber and what is your impression of this Texas Option program compared to statutory workers’ comp?

USI is a subscriber to Workers’ Compensation. My former employer was a non-subscriber. My impression is the Texas Option offers the right employer more control over the occupational injury process. The Texas Option may offer potentially better care, better wage replacement benefits, and a faster recovery process for the injured employee.

Why did your company become a member of ARAWC? What benefits have you seen so far?

USI is a member of ARAWC for all the reasons discussed and outlined above. I’ve met some wonderful & talented risk professionals through our ARAWC membership. I enjoy advocating for an option which may offer potentially better care, better wage replacement benefits, and a faster recovery process for the injured employee.

There is interest in Florida for a responsible alternative to workers’ compensation which would allow Florida employers to seek similar benefits and reduced costs. USI has several offices in Florida and welcomes the opportunity to assist with this process in a responsible manner.