ABOUT THE MINNESOTA SELF-INSURERS’ ASSOCIATION

The Minnesota Self-Insurer’s Association (“MSIA”) was formed in 1971 to promote the interests of business and government units who are self-insured or retain a high deductible ($250,000.00 minimum) for workers compensation liability in the State of Minnesota. The association is organized as a non-profit corporation and has approximately 105 members – with close to a 50/50 split between self-insured and associate members. MSIA members employ approximately 330,000 people in the state of Minnesota and pay nearly $10 billion in annual payrolls.

The Association is committed to preserving the right to self insure. With respect to public policy, the Association focuses closely on issues that are of special interest to self insurers and large deductible employers. The Association supports—along with other organizations—the efficient management and delivery of workers’ compensation benefits in a way that maximizes available resources for injured workers and minimizes overall system costs.

Voting membership is open to all self insured and large deductible employers in Minnesota. Associate membership is open to any person or company with a bona fide interest in Minnesota workers’ compensation or in those companies that self-insure in Minnesota.

The Minnesota Self-Insurers’ Association is an effective voice and advocate at the Minnesota legislature. It also provides useful information to state agencies charged with the regulation of the workers’ compensation insurance industry.

Many MSIA members are appointed to serve as advisors to the Board and committees involved with self-insurance issues. Current members are actively participating as advisors to many organizations with similar interests, such as the Minnesota Workers’ Compensation Reinsurance Association, the Minnesota Self-Insurers’ Security Fund, the Department of Labor & Industry, the Department of Commerce, the National Council of Self-Insurers and the Risk & Insurance Management Society (RIMS).

The MSIA meets quarterly on the second Friday of the months of March, June, September and December. Three of the annual meetings are held in the Twin Cities metropolitan area. The September meeting is held in greater Minnesota. Meetings start at 8:00 a.m. with a continental breakfast and an opportunity to socialize. The program begins at 8:30 a.m. and concludes around noon. Part of the meeting is used to conduct the business of the Association; however, most of the meeting is used for educational and networking purposes. Each meeting includes a workers’ compensation case law and legislative update. In addition, the MSIA presents guest speakers with expertise on relevant topics such as health care, the legislature, agency regulation and innovative delivery of services.

Information regarding MSIA may be directed to the Executive Administrator, Suzanna Kennedy (612) 335-7078 e-mail suzanna.kennedy@leonard.com.