Leavitt Select Insurance Services Assembles Veteran MPL Team

April 1, 2025 by matray

Leavitt Select Insurance Services has announced the hiring of Stewart Pierce, a seasoned insurance professional with more than 35 years of experience in the medical professional liability (MPL) insurance segment. Pierce is joining forces with fellow MPL veterans Steve Hammond and Toni Van Ekelenburg, both of whom he previously worked with at UMIA Insurance Inc., formerly known as Utah Medical Insurance Association. Together, their team brings decades of industry-leading experience to serve physicians, medical groups and hospitals throughout the U.S.

“We are thrilled to welcome Pierce to our team, and excited for the work that he, Hammond and Van Ekelenburg will be doing,” said Aaron Cottle, managing partner at Leavitt Select Insurance Services. “Their decades of experience in underwriting and policyholder relations, combined with their commitment to helping healthcare providers manage risk, will be a tremendous asset to our clients.”

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EmPRO Grows Premium 7% with Combined Ratio of 87.9% as Expansion in Northeast Region Continues

April 1, 2025 by matray

EmPRO Insurance Co. has reported for the year ended Dec. 31, 2024, admitted assets of $571.8 million — an increase of 17.3% — with liabilities of $466.4 million, reserves of $349.7 million and a surplus of $105.4 million. EmPRO grew net income to $18.3 million on gross written premium of $190.2 million, while achieving a strong combined ratio of 87.9%.


According to EmPRO, a wholly owned subsidiary of Physicians’ Reciprocal Insurers (PRI), these results maintain its position as the third largest admitted medical malpractice insurer in New York State, and the thirteenth largest medical professional insurer in the United States. In addition to New York, EmPRO now has the ability to write business in New Jersey, Connecticut, Massachusetts and Pennsylvania. EmPRO opened its Hamilton, N.J., office in 2023 and its Boston office in 2025 to serve its insureds throughout the Northeast.

“In 2024 we delivered strong performance and hit multiple key milestones, underscoring EmPRO’s commitment to support and defend physicians and healthcare facilities,” said Bruce Shulan, EmPRO president and CEO. “With disciplined underwriting and strategic expansion into new markets, we continue to strengthen our position as a trusted partner. As we extend our footprint across the Northeast, we remain dedicated to delivering best-in-class service and deep-rooted experience to our insureds.”

“We have made incredible strides over the last year and are confident EmPRO will continue to raise the standards for medical malpractice insurance,” added Brian Nolan, EmPRO executive vice president and chief operating officer. “Our sustained growth last year and financial strength allow us to provide the necessary support to physicians and healthcare facilities, ensuring they have the protection they expect. Our focus remains on delivering exceptional service and solutions to meet the evolving needs of our insureds as we continue to grow into a leader across the Northeast region.”

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The Doctors Company Announces $15.1 Million Dividend

March 31, 2025 by matray

The Doctors Company announced that it has approved a 2025 premium dividend of approximately $15.1 million, bringing the total of declared dividends to date to $485 million.

“We are pleased to reward members once again with earned dividends,” said Richard E. Anderson, MD, FACP, chairman and CEO of The Doctors Company and TDC Group. “Dividends are an important part of our mission to advance, protect, and reward the practice of good medicine.”

Dividends of up to 10 percent were approved by The Doctors Company Board of Governors for eligible members in the following states: Florida, Idaho, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Montana, North Carolina, Ohio, Oregon, Texas, Virginia, Washington, and Wyoming. Members of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons® may also receive a dividend, depending on their eligibility.

Eligible members will receive this year’s dividend on their annual premium for policy renewals between July 1, 2025, and June 30, 2026.

Unlike commercial insurance companies, which look for ways to reward shareholders, The Doctors Company is dedicated to rewarding its members. In addition to dividends, the company provides the Tribute® Plan, an unrivaled career benefit that has awarded more than $175 million to retiring doctors.

“As a member-owned company, we are committed to sharing the results of our financial success with the healthcare professionals we insure,” said Deepika Srivastava, Chief Operating Officer of The Doctors Company. “Our multiyear dividend program recognizes the outstanding outcomes achieved by our members.”

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The Doctors Company to Acquire ProAssurance Corp.

March 19, 2025 by matray

The Doctors Company and ProAssurance Corp. today announced that they have entered into a definitive agreement under which ProAssurance will be acquired by The Doctors Company. The combined company will have assets of approximately $12 billion.

“We are excited to further our mission to advance, protect, and reward the practice of good medicine to an even greater number of healthcare providers across the nation,” commented Richard E. Anderson, MD, FACP, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of The Doctors Company. “Healthcare is a team sport and the teams are getting larger. In order to provide them the best imaginable service requires a mission-based company with nationwide scale, resources and dedication to all medical professions and healthcare providers. The addition of ProAssurance to The Doctors Company significantly enhances our ability to serve healthcare professionals now and well into the future."

“This transaction will deliver significant value to our shareholders,” said Ned Rand, ProAssurance’s President and Chief Executive Officer. He added, “Both ProAssurance and The Doctors Company were founded by physicians in response to the medical liability crisis of the 1970s. Both companies have grown over the years by bringing together other physician-founded companies. This shared history has helped both companies fulfill our shared mission to protect others and given us similar operating philosophies and cultures. Bringing the strengths and capabilities of our companies together now will allow our teams to continue to serve today’s healthcare providers with the necessary scale and breadth of capabilities.”

The Board of Directors of ProAssurance has unanimously approved the transaction, and resolved to recommend that its shareholders approve the agreement. The transaction is expected to close in the first half of 2026, and is subject to customary closing conditions, including approval by ProAssurance’s stockholders and the receipt of regulatory approvals. The transaction is not subject to a financing condition. Upon completion of the transaction, ProAssurance’s common stock will no longer be listed on the New York Stock Exchange, and ProAssurance will become a wholly owned subsidiary of The Doctors Company.

Houlihan Lokey Capital, Inc. and Howden Capital Markets & Advisory are serving as financial advisors and Mayer Brown LLP is serving as legal counsel to The Doctors Company.

Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC is serving as financial advisor and Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP and Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP are serving as legal counsel to ProAssurance.

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The Cooperative of American Physicians Celebrates Its 50th Anniversary

March 13, 2025 by matray

The Cooperative of American Physicians (CAP) is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year. Founded in 1975 by a group of nine California physicians, CAP was established to address the escalating costs of medical malpractice coverage through its Mutual Protection Trust (MPT), rated A+ (Superior) by AM Best for 18 consecutive years.

Since its inception, this physician-owned and governed organization has seen remarkable growth in membership and the breadth of services offered. Today, CAP provides exceptional medical professional liability coverage to 13,000 physicians statewide.

“Over the years, CAP has supported tens of thousands of doctors in their mission to provide the highest quality care to their patients while managing successful practices,” said CAP chief executive officer Sarah Scher. “Today, in this continually evolving healthcare landscape, our work is far from finished and our commitment to the success of independent practitioners remains unwavering.”

In addition to their core MPT coverage, CAP physician members receive complimentary risk and practice management services, human resources support, a 24-hour adverse event hotline, access to customized business and personal insurance coverages, a group purchasing program and more.

“CAP is proud to honor a 50-year legacy of providing California physicians with more than just outstanding medical professional liability coverage. Since day one, CAP’s physician leaders have always represented the best interests of its members, ensuring they are well protected and have the resources they need to face challenges head-on,” said CAP president and chair and MPT chair Stewart Shanfield, MD.

To commemorate this milestone anniversary, CAP has published a special edition of Physician Today, its risk and practice management magazine exclusively for private practice doctors. CAP is also hosting several celebratory events across the state, offering free commemorative gifts, and sharing an inside look at the organization’s history and its relevance to California physicians in a series of communications and resources throughout the year. To learn more, visit www.CAPphysicians.com/50Years.

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Medical Liability Monitor March 2025 issue highlights

March 7, 2025 by matray

Below are some headlines and article synopses from the March 2025 issue of Medical Liability Monitor. To read the articles in their entirety, please subscribe today.

Primary Care Physicians Concerned About GLP-1 Telehealth Prescriptions
Amid soaring patient demand for GLP-1 weight loss medications such as Ozempic and Wegovy, primary care physicians (PCPs) are raising concerns about patient safety risks associated with third-party telehealth prescriptions of the new drugs. According to a recent survey conducted by the San Francisco-based healthcare consultancy Omada Health, those concerns are growing as telehealth services play an increasing role in prescribing these medications, often without the involvement of the patient’s primary care physician …

Utah Law Letting Minors Revoke Consent Raises Healthcare Chaos Fears
Under a 2023 update to Utah’s Health Care Malpractice Act, minors who consent to “hormonal transgender treatment” or surgery on “sex characteristics” can later withdraw that consent before reaching the age of 25 if they experience a “permanent injury” from the treatment. This provision allows patients to argue that their doctors should have anticipated the patient’s health outcome and subsequent regret, opening the door to new medical liability claims against clinicians …

Candello Report Highlights Magnitude, Costs of Documentation Errors
A recent benchmarking report from Candello — a division of CRICO, the provider of primary and excess medical liability insurance coverage to Harvard-affiliated healthcare institutions — reveals an alarming frequency of documentation errors and how those errors affect the defensibility of negligence claims …

Indigo Update: The AI-Driven MPL Insurer Reports Strong Growth During Inaugural Year
Indigo, the emerging medical professional liability (MPL) insurance platform founded on leveraging artificial intelligence, expanded data and advanced technology to deliver customized coverage pricing for physicians, reports making significant strides since its launch in October 2023 …

Arkansas Bans Phantom Damages, Halves Birth Injury Filing Deadline
Arkansas Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders signed two bills affecting the medical liability industry into law last month. Act 28 prohibits phantom damages in lawsuits by limiting recoverable medical expenses to actual costs paid or owed. Act 124 shortens the statute of limitations for birth-injury medical malpractice claims, reducing the deadline for lawsuits from a child’s 11th birthday to their fifth …

N.Y. Gov. Hochul Proposes Physicians Pay Half of Excess Coverage Costs
New York Gov. Kathy Hochul unveiled her Fiscal Year 2026 Executive Budget on Jan. 21. The proposed budget includes a provision reducing state funding for New York’s Excess Medical Malpractice Insurance Program by requiring a 50% copay from covered physicians. This policy change would impose an estimated $40 million cost on approximately 16,000 physicians who currently benefit from this coverage …

Subscribe today to get this issue (as well as the 2024 and 2025 Annual Rate Survey at no additional cost).

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The Mutual Risk Retention Group Announces Retirement of CEO Gloria H. Everett

March 5, 2025 by matray

The Mutual Risk Retention Group recently announced that its long-serving president and chief executive officer, Gloria H. Everett, will retire after 23 years of leadership. As part of a carefully planned transition, the company has initiated a national search for its next CEO, ensuring a seamless leadership change that aligns with The Mutual’s mission, values and commitment to excellence in the healthcare insurance industry.

Since becoming CEO of The Mutual in 2002, Everett has played a pivotal role in shaping the organization into a trusted leader in risk retention and insurance solutions for healthcare providers. Under her leadership, The Mutual has strengthened its partnership with the physician-led healthcare organization providing acute care management and staffing services Vituity, navigated industry shifts with resilience and positioned itself for future success through strategic innovation and operational excellence.

"Gloria’s leadership has ensured The Mutual’s strength and success for the past 23 years. Her strategic vision and dedication to our insureds has led to the tremendous growth of the organization and excellent care of our clients. Gloria has forged a strong partnership with Vituity, and we are appreciative of the legacy she will leave. On behalf of the Board, we are deeply grateful for her service. The Mutual Board of Directors is launching a search for a new CEO, and we are committed to ensuring a smooth transition that honors the foundation Gloria has created,” said Kelli Westcott, MD, chair of the board for The Mutual.

“Gloria’s leadership has been instrumental in strengthening the partnership between The Mutual and Vituity, ensuring that our clinicians and healthcare teams have the support and protection they need to provide outstanding patient care. Her unwavering dedication, strategic vision, and commitment to our shared mission have left an indelible mark on both organizations. We deeply appreciate her years of service and look forward to working closely with The Mutual’s next CEO to continue building on this strong foundation,” said Theo Koury, MD, Vituity president.

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Coverys Appoints Naveed Anwar as Chief Financial Officer

March 3, 2025 by matray

Coverys has appointed Naveed Anwar as its chief financial officer.

Reporting to Coverys President and CEO Joseph G. Murphy, Anwar will oversee strategic initiatives focused on expanding growth opportunities and optimizing capital management to support the company’s long-term sustainability and organizational goals.

Anwar brings more than 25 years of financial experience, including the past decade as a CFO in the medical professional liability (MPL) industry. Throughout his career, he has played a key role in shaping financial performance, enhancing capital management, and transforming financial operations.

Leveraging his expertise in strategic finance, mergers and acquisitions, and leadership, Anwar will oversee corporate finance functions and lead financial analysis to support Coverys’ short- and long-term growth strategies.

“Naveed is a dynamic and accomplished financial strategist with an exceptional record in driving double-digital growth,” Murphy said. “Furthermore, his experience driving international expansion through strategic initiatives solidifies his standing as a leader who is well-equipped to support Coverys’ global growth and diversification strategy. His appointment reflects our ongoing dedication to elevating operational excellence and driving innovation in an evolving industry.”

“Coverys has remained a steadfast leader in the medical professional liability industry for 50 years,” Anwar said. “The organization has taken a measured approach to portfolio diversification, sustained growth, and profitability that fortifies its long-term financial strength and stability. I am honored to have the opportunity to contribute to its mission of empowering healthcare providers by supporting the organization’s next phase of growth.”

Most recently, Anwar served as CFO at MagMutual Insurance, where he drove financial performance and value creation. Previously, he was CFO for the North American region of Catlin, part of XL Catlin, and held senior finance and consulting roles at AIG, American Express, and PwC across multiple international markets.

Anwar is a member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales and holds a finance and accounting degree from Kingston University in the United Kingdom.

 

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The Doctors Company Promotes Laura Kline to Regional Operating Officer of the Northeast Region

February 21, 2025 by matray

The Doctors Company, part of TDC Group, announced today the promotion of Laura Kline, MBA, CPCU, CIC, to regional operating officer of the Northeast Region.

In her new role, Kline will drive operational excellence across the 26 states located in the Northeast Region and lead teams including Business Development, Underwriting, Claims, and Patient Safety and Risk Management in enhancing member experiences. She is replacing Tammy Clark, who is leaving the company.

Ms. Kline currently serves as senior vice president of business development for TDC Group, with oversight of the national business development team, sales, distribution, agency management, and affinity programs.

"I am thrilled to congratulate Laura on her expanded role at The Doctors Company," said Deepika Srivastava, chief operating officer of The Doctors Company. "She has been a key contributor to our growth and success, serving in many executive roles following an acquisition over 15 years ago. Her extensive experience in healthcare and professional liability insurance and her proven leadership make her very well suited to drive continued excellence in our Northeast Region."

Kline joined the company in 2011 following the acquisition of American Physicians Assurance, where she served as vice president of marketing and president of the alternative risk transfer subsidiary.

"I am very excited to lead the Northeast Region, oversee operational excellence, and ensure growth as we advance, protect, and reward the practice of good medicine," Kline said. "We will continue to serve and advocate for all healthcare professionals as a strong partner for this robust region."

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MagMutual Declares Policyholder Dividend for 2025

February 14, 2025 by matray

MagMutual Insurance Co. announced a 2.5% dividend return to its policy owners for this year.

With this latest declaration, MagMutual now has awarded 26 years of dividends throughout its company history. During that time, the company has returned $468 million in financial rewards to policyholders since inception, including $167 million paid over the past five years.

“Our impressive record of continuously paying dividends year-over-year is one of the many ways we put our policyholders first,” said William S. Kanich, MD, JD, executive chairperson of MagMutual. “This year marks our 18th consecutive year of dividends and 26th year overall. I’m proud that MagMutual continues to return dividends to the healthcare providers who trust us to protect them.”

”MagMutual demonstrates a high rate of financial strength and growth in our industry. This strength has allowed us to dependably declare dividends for the past 18 years,” said Neil Morrell, chief executive officer of MagMutual. “Our record of supporting policyholders with innovative insurance solutions, risk management services and financial rewards continues to be unmatched.”

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