Tribal Employee Injury Protection (TEIP)
AMERIND's TEIP program is a cost effective alternative to Statutory Worker's Compensation coverage provided by traditional insurance companies. AMERIND has a twenty year tradition of bringing safe and secure alternative insurance and risk management services to Indian Country. Most of these services have been in response to the lack of availability or affordability of insurance coverage for Tribes, Tribal Housing Authorities and Tribal Enterprises. At AMERIND, we emphasize risk management and risk pooling as cost effective methods for protecting life and property in Indian Country.
Protection of Sovereignty
Traditional worker's compensation coverage is provided on the basis that "one size fits all". The insurance policy you purchase does not provide protection, but rather authorizes the insurance company to pay claims as required under laws created by the various States. Because Tribes are sovereign, we believe it is inappropriate for a Tribe to be required to adopt State law or to come under the jurisdiction of a State for any reason other than by choice. Our TEIP program is a Tribal program and reflects the laws or ordinances of a Tribe, not that of a State. We believe in protecting your sovereign rights and your exercise of self-determination.
Risk Management Approach – Flexibility Focus
Because we represent so many different Tribes, we understand historical and cultural differences among Tribes and the importance these differences play in the Tribal decision making process. Our programs are flexible and are built from the ground up based upon what we hear from our clients rather than forcing you into a "one size fits all" program. Risk management utilizes an evaluation process in which we identify the best methods for protecting life and property in your community. We may recommend one or more of the following methods:
- 1. Avoidance
- 2. Separation
- 3. Retention
- 4. Risk Prevention
- 5. Risk Control
- 6. Risk transference by contract
- 7. Risk transference using insurance
Control and Expense Reduction
Giving you maximum control and reducing your expenses is the ultimate aim of the AMERIND TEIP program. You control the coverage either through a Tribal ordinance or through a modification of our coverage form. Because AMERIND is a non-taxable entity and free from State rules and regulations, our cost of operation is typically 10-15% less than traditional insurance companies – a significant savings to you. Additionally, we emphasize arbitration hearings rather than lengthy court battles; hence, saving you significant legal expense not otherwise realized using traditional insurance. Overall, participants in the AMERIND TEIP program should expect a 25% savings in protecting your employees from on the job injuries with equal or better benefits.
In summary, TEIP is a risk pool program that is designed to offer plan participants excellent protection for their employees at a reduced cost while allowing them to exercise Tribal Sovereignty. TEIP is an alternative to state worker's compensation programs that keeps money in Indian country.
For additional information or to arrange an appointment, contact AMERIND | 800-352-3496.
