MLM Subscribers Save 5% on 2026 Crittenden Medical Liability Conference

February 17, 2026 by matray

Medical Liability Monitor subscribers can save 5% on registration for the 2026 Crittenden Medical Liability Conference, scheduled for April 15-17 in Savannah, Ga.

The annual gathering of medical professional liability insurers, attorneys, risk managers and healthcare executives will focus on emerging risks and strategies shaping the medical liability market. The conference will be held at the Hyatt Regency Savannah and will offer more than 20 hours of educational programming, with continuing education and continuing legal education credits available in select states.

The event is structured around three primary tracks — Claims/Legal, Risk and Underwriting — and is designed to provide attendees with both strategic perspective and practical guidance. Programming is tailored to professionals working across the medical liability ecosystem, with a focus on how legal, clinical and underwriting developments intersect in day-to-day operations and long-term planning.

Conference sessions will examine medical malpractice trends, patient safety, artificial intelligence in healthcare, emerging liability exposures in care delivery, and evolving claims and underwriting practices. Sessions will be led by industry practitioners and subject-matter experts from insurance, legal and clinical fields — with an emphasis on practical application within organizations.

Highlighted agenda items include sessions addressing the insurance implications of increased GLP-1 medication use, clinical risk exposures that may undermine coverage, the impact of rising nuclear verdicts on bad faith exposure, the underwriting and liability challenges associated with telemedicine, and healthcare-related political and regulatory developments.

In addition to educational programming, the conference will feature multiple networking events intended to facilitate collaboration and the exchange of best practices among attendees.

Medical Liability Monitor subscribers can obtain the discounted registration rate by using the code MLM5 at checkout.

Additional details, including registration information and the full conference agenda, are available through the conference website, www.crittendenmedical.com/conference.

Professional Insurance Plans Expands Coverage to Address AI-Related Liability Risks

February 17, 2026 by matray

Professional Insurance Plans, an insurance provider serving healthcare professionals nationwide, announced it has expanded its liability offerings to address risks associated with artificial intelligence and algorithm-driven clinical tools.

The move comes as AI becomes more deeply embedded in healthcare settings, from diagnostics and treatment planning to administrative functions. As adoption accelerates, new liability exposures are emerging that traditional malpractice policies were not designed to address, the company said.

AI tools are increasingly used to assist with clinical decision-making, data analysis and workflow management. While the technology has been credited with improving efficiency and reducing some human errors, it also introduces new risks, including potential mistakes stemming from data inputs, algorithmic recommendations or system limitations rather than direct physician judgment.

Professional Insurance Plans, which reports serving more than 3,000 healthcare professionals, said claims tied to technology-assisted decisions can raise complex questions about responsibility — including whether an alleged error resulted from clinical judgment, software output or system design.

The company identified several areas of concern as AI becomes more integrated into healthcare settings, including the potential for incorrect diagnoses or treatment decisions tied to machine learning systems, security risks related to sensitive patient data, algorithmic bias that could affect certain populations and the lack of clear regulatory guidance governing AI use in clinical practice.

Traditional professional liability policies were developed for a healthcare environment in which clinical decisions were made exclusively by human providers, the company said. As AI-driven tools become embedded in patient care, coverage gaps may emerge if policies do not account for technology-assisted liability.

The expanded coverage is intended to address claims arising from AI-assisted and technology-driven care as providers continue to incorporate digital tools into clinical workflows, the company said.

Inspirien Announces Strategic Alignment with Coverys to Strengthen Medical Malpractice Program

February 12, 2026 by matray

Inspirien, an insurance provider for the healthcare industry, is announced a new strategic alignment with Coverys. This program collaboration marks a significant step forward in expanding Inspirien's core offerings in the medical malpractice market.

Founded by hospitals and physicians in Alabama, Inspirien reports a longstanding commitment to supporting healthcare organizations in managing the rising costs associated with healthcare liability risks. This collaboration with Coverys allows Inspirien to offer medical malpractice insurance policies through A.M. Best "A" (Excellent) rated carriers, enhancing long-term security for its customers. Inspirien's strong underwriting, risk management, and claims handling expertise, combined with Coverys' financial strength and national resources, create a powerful foundation for continued growth throughout the southeastern United States.

"Inspirien is excited about this collaborative effort with Coverys which allows us to continue following our vision of providing unique ideas and actions to effectively manage our customers' risk," said Margaret Nekic, president and CEO of Inspirien. "Working with Coverys allows us to broaden our impact, continue to deliver an exceptional customer experience that our customers have come to expect, and build a lasting medical professional program, as the healthcare industry evolves." Inspirien expects no disruption to existing customers, but notes that additional benefits to customers include:

• A broader range of policies and endorsements to meet the unique risks of healthcare providers, tailoring solutions as the industry evolves and new exposures emerge
• Access to combined expertise and robust risk prevention tools to help proactively manage and reduce claims

According to Inspirien, this collaboration emphasizes the company's strategy to diversify its offerings, bring greater added value to its customers and remain a leader in insurance innovation.
"We are proud to align with Inspirien in our shared mission to insure and protect healthcare professionals. By combining our deep expertise and forward-thinking approaches, we're developing meaningful solutions that reinforce the strength and resilience of the healthcare professional liability space. This collaboration reflects our mutual dedication to supporting those who care for patients every day—and to advancing the future of healthcare together," said Joseph Murphy, president and CEO of Coverys.

The agreement between Coverys and Inspirien is effective immediately, and program coverage launched on January 1, 2026.

CAP’s Mutual Protection Trust Retains A+ Rating from AM Best

February 11, 2026 by matray

AM Best Affirms Credit Ratings of MLMIC Insurance Co.

February 5, 2026 by matray

AM Best has affirmed the Financial Strength Rating of A+ (Superior) and the Long-Term Issuer Credit Rating of “aa-” (Superior) of MLMIC Insurance Co. The outlook of these Credit Ratings (ratings) is stable.

The ratings reflect MLMIC’s balance sheet strength, which AM Best assesses as strongest, as well as its adequate operating performance, limited business profile and appropriate enterprise risk management. The ratings benefit from the financial support provided by MLMIC’s direct parent company, National Indemnity Co. (NICO), which is ultimately owned by Berkshire Hathaway Inc.

MLMIC has a long track record of favorable reserve development and adequate underwriting returns. In the last seven years, the company’s net operating results have been skewed by the 100% loss portfolio transfer (LPT), and 85% quota share agreements with NICO, which were executed post MLMIC’s acquisition by NICO in 2018. As a result, favorable reserve developments related to prior accident years covered by the LPT (for all business written prior to the acquisition) do not benefit MLMIC’s underwriting results. The pace of favorable reserve development was slowed by the impact of the pandemic on the New York court system, which reduced the speed that claims were closed, as well as delayed the recognition of favorable reserve developments in more recent accident years not covered under the LPT. As a result, the company’s net underwriting results in the last seven years have not yet benefited from the same degree of reserve releases seen in previous years.

Nonetheless, gross underwriting and total operating results, as well as consistent cash from operations, remain in line with historical trends and support the current operating performance assessment of adequate. Over time, AM Best expects that MLMIC’s calendar-year underwriting results will continue to improve and approximate the company’s historically stronger results.

MLMIC’s insurance portfolio is concentrated in the medical professional liability (MPL) line of business. The company underwrites risks only within New York, which is one of the nation’s most challenging and litigious markets for MPL. As a mitigating factor, management has been able to operate successfully through underwriting cycles while maintaining MLMIC’s leading market position within New York. In addition, risk management capabilities have proven to be appropriate for the company’s risk profile.

Indigo Raises $50 Million to Expand R&D, Grow Distribution, Scale Operations

January 29, 2026 by matray

Indigo closed a $50 million oversubscribed Series B financing round to accelerate expansion of its AI-driven medical professional liability insurance underwriting and distribution platform, the company announced today. The round was led by existing investor Rubicon Founders, with participation from new investor Town Hall Ventures and existing strategic investor Optum Ventures.

Indigo provides MPL coverage to physicians across multiple specialties. The company — launched in 2023 — said it now insures nearly 1,000 providers nationwide and has surpassed $10 million in premium. Proceeds from the financing will be used to expand research and development, grow distribution partnerships and scale operations.

Indigo’s underwriting platform, Lux, applies advanced machine learning and purpose-built risk models to automate underwriting workflows traditionally handled through manual, labor-intensive processes. By the end of 2025, about 20% of submissions were fully underwritten automatically, the company said.

“The next phase of innovation in insurance requires technology purpose-built for complex, specialty risk,” said Jared Kaplan, Indigo chief executive officer. “This funding allows us to expand our technology footprint, deepen underwriting rigor and deliver an exceptional ease-of-doing-business experience for brokers — while ensuring physicians receive pricing and coverage aligned with their true risk profile. Our results demonstrate that advanced automation can drive profitable growth while reducing operational friction.”

Investors said the platform’s automation accelerates underwriting without sacrificing risk discipline. Matt Kim, a co-founder of Indigo and a partner at Rubicon Founders, said the company’s technology is fundamentally redefining how MPL risk is assessed, priced and managed. David Whelan, co-founder and general partner at Town Hall Ventures, said Indigo’s lower underwriting overhead gives it an advantage in a legacy market still dominated by manual processes.

MPL Association Names David Kinard SVP of Membership and Business Development

January 23, 2026 by matray

The Medical Professional Liability Association (MPL Association) is pleased to announce that David Kinard has been named senior vice president of membership and business development.

In this new role, Kinard will lead the Association’s strategic growth efforts through member and affiliate partner recruitment, retention and engagement. He also will oversee the marketing and communications functions to more closely align those areas with member and partner acquisition and retention as well as stakeholder awareness.

Kinard has a significant background in the MPL industry, having spent more than nine years with Physicians Insurance A Mutual Co. He also has spent time in the healthcare industry having worked for both a multi-product healthcare organization as chief revenue officer and a large regional health plan as director of enrollment growth.

“David’s extensive knowledge of the MPL industry as well as the passion and energy he brings to his work will be a tremendous asset to the Association. He is an accomplished leader with a track record of success in sales, marketing and business development,” said MPL Association president and CEO Eric Anderson. “David will be integral to the continued evolution of the MPL Association and we are very excited to have him join the team.”

“For almost 50 years the MPL Association has led the way in helping members protect patients, defend physicians and hospitals, and create a fair tort environment,” Kinard said. “We have a legacy to honor and a future to fulfill. I look forward to working alongside members as we write the next chapter of the Association’s future.”

Brown & Brown Forms Integrated National Healthcare Brokerage Unit

January 22, 2026 by matray

Brown & Brown, Inc. has launched a fully integrated, all-lines National Healthcare Practice, bringing together more than 140 professionals into a specialized team focused on delivering risk management, insurance and brokerage solutions for healthcare organizations nationwide, the company announced today.

The new unit, operating as Brown & Brown Healthcare, will serve hundreds of healthcare customers and place billions of dollars in insurance premium in domestic and international markets, the company said. Brown & Brown said the scale of the practice is designed to strengthen market access, support more competitive program design and deliver coordinated solutions across the healthcare sector.

Brown & Brown Healthcare will be co-led by Matthew Siciliani and Tracy Hoffman, with Bob Dubraski serving as practice chairman. Dubraski, who joined the company through its acquisition of Risk Strategies, has experience building and integrating national healthcare brokerage practices and advising healthcare organizations on enterprise-wide risk strategies, the company said.

Siciliani and Hoffman bring experience in managed care and professional liability underwriting, captive reinsurance and healthcare risk consulting, according to the company. Brown & Brown said both executives have played leadership roles in talent development and business growth within the healthcare insurance market.

“Healthcare organizations today face complex, rapidly evolving risks,” Steve Hearn, president of Brown & Brown’s retail segment, said in a statement. He said the national practice is intended to deliver integrated risk management solutions that allow healthcare providers to focus on patient care.

Joe Siech, a senior leader in the retail segment, said the practice’s structure is designed to provide consistent support to healthcare customers as the industry evolves.

The integrated practice will provide services across professional liability, managed care reinsurance, value-based care, property insurance, executive and cyber liability, workers compensation, captive management, actuarial services, surety and data analytics, the company said. Brown & Brown said the national structure is intended to coordinate production, placement and customer service regardless of customer location.

Founded in 1939, Brown & Brown is a publicly traded insurance brokerage with operations in more than 700 locations and a workforce of more than 23,000 professionals worldwide.

MagMutual Names Stephanie A. Sheps Chief Defense Officer

January 15, 2026 by matray

MagMutual Insurance Co. has named Stephanie A. Sheps as its chief defense officer, placing her in charge of MyDefense, the insurer’s liability defense organization.

MyDefense, launched in November 2025, is positioned by MagMutual as an integrated malpractice defense platform combining legal, analytical and emotional support for its insured healthcare providers.

“Stephanie’s expertise and vision will be pivotal in advancing MagMutual's mission to redefine the way we protect our policyholders,” said Neil Morrell, CEO of MagMutual. “Her leadership reflects our ongoing commitment to ensuring MyDefense is the premier resource for healthcare providers undergoing a claim or a lawsuit.”

Sheps has more than 25 years of experience in claims strategy and professional liability. Before joining MagMutual, she served as vice president of Bermuda Claims Group at Allied World Assurance Co., where she oversaw high-exposure claims in the Bermuda market. She also held multiple leadership roles at Coverys, managing claims strategy and execution across national and international markets.

“I’m excited to lead this team and build on MagMutual's strong legacy of protecting healthcare providers,” said Sheps.

MICA Announces $16 Million Policyholder Dividend During 50th Anniversary Year

January 7, 2026 by matray

Mutual Insurance Co. of Arizona (MICA) announced that its Board of Trustees has declared a $16 million policyholder dividend.

The dividend will be allocated among participating policyholders who were current members as of Dec. 31, 2025. MICA said the distribution reflects the company’s strong financial position, supported by an AM Best financial strength rating of A (Excellent) and an a+ (Excellent) long-term issuer credit rating, both with a stable outlook.

"Celebrating 50 years since our founding, our mission remains: supporting and protecting the physicians and medical practices that rely on us," said Edward G. Marley, MICA president and chief executive officer. "This dividend demonstrates our financial stability, mutual structure and enduring commitment to delivering value directly to our member-policyholders. We are pleased to once again share our success with the members we serve."

The dividend represents approximately 18% of a policyholder’s 2025 annual premium for members insured by MICA for a full three-year period ending Dec. 31, 2025. Members insured for less than the full three-year period will receive a prorated amount.

Following the February 2026 distribution, MICA will have returned $762 million in dividends to policyholders since inception, including $79 million over the past five years. Since 2005, the MICA Board of Trustees has declared policyholder dividends each year.