Serving Colorado's Counties
Being prepared for winter weather driving is crucial for ensuring safety on the road. Winter conditions can be challenging and unpredictable, and they often present unique hazards that require drivers to take extra precautions. Here are some key reasons why being prepared for winter weather driving is important:
The Colorado Department of Transportation recommends people traveling in cold weather stock their vehicles with a winter weather survival kit that includes the following:
If you find yourself stranded in your vehicle during a snowstorm, immediately check that the tailpipe is clear of snow. A blocked tailpipe can lead to a deadly buildup of carbon monoxide in the passenger compartment. You should also stay in your car with your seatbelt on unless you see a building nearby. Turn the car off to conserve gas, and only turn it back on occasionally to stay warm. The more hydrated you are, the warmer you will stay so melt snow, if necessary.
Being prepared for winter weather driving involves a combination of proactive measures, such as proper vehicle maintenance, using the right equipment, and staying informed about weather and road conditions. Taking these precautions can significantly reduce the risk of accidents and ensure a safer driving experience during the winter months. Keep an emergency winter survival kit in your vehicle and know the steps to take if stranded. For more information, contact CTSI at (303) 861-0507.
As artificial intelligence (AI) becomes more prevalent in contract management, counties must recognize and address the risks accompanying its use. While AI can streamline processes, enhance efficiency, and reduce human error, it also introduces potential vulnerabilities that could affect legal and operational aspects. For counties that rely on technology to manage contracts, implementing AI with careful oversight is essential to avoid unintended consequences.
To mitigate risks, it's essential to understand AI's capabilities and limitations. While AI excels at processing data and automating tasks like contract generation and compliance monitoring, it struggles with nuanced decision-making and legal complexities. Risk management teams shouldn't rely solely on AI for critical contract decisions. Instead, AI should support human judgment, with clear guidelines on when to involve legal experts or contract managers to avoid missing key clauses or obligations.
AI’s effectiveness relies on the quality and accuracy of the data it processes. In contract management, errors or inconsistencies can result in significant risks, like incorrect terms or missed deadlines. Ensuring accurate, complete, and up-to-date data is crucial for minimizing mistakes. Counties using AI should regularly audit input data, implement verification protocols, and enforce strict data entry standards to maintain the integrity of AI-driven processes. Additionally, it’s essential to back up contract data regularly and ensure secure storage to prevent unauthorized access or loss.
AI tools used in contract management must comply with legal and regulatory standards, especially when dealing with government contracts. Requirements should be met to avoid fines, disputes, or breaches. AI systems should be programmed with the latest legal and regulatory information to ensure compliance. Counties should work closely with legal teams to monitor changes in contract law and industry regulations, updating AI tools as needed. In addition, building a regular compliance review process with human oversight is essential to verify that AI-generated contracts are aligned with all legal obligations.
A significant risk with using AI is the potential for opaque decision-making processes, commonly called the “black box” problem, where users are unaware of how AI arrives at certain conclusions. This lack of transparency can be problematic, especially if there is a need to explain or justify contract decisions. Counties should choose AI systems that provide transparency in their decision-making algorithms to address this. Additionally, establishing accountability is vital. Assigning clear roles and responsibilities for AI oversight ensures that when issues arise, there is a clear point of contact who can address the problem and take corrective action.
Human oversight remains critical in AI-driven contract management processes. Employees must be trained to use AI tools, recognize the system's limitations, and know when to intervene. Training should emphasize how to interpret AI-generated results and the importance of critical thinking in decision-making. Establishing a framework for regular review and spot-checking AI-generated contracts can help catch potential errors or discrepancies early before they escalate into more significant issues. Human oversight ensures that AI is a support tool rather than an unchecked decision-maker.
AI offers substantial benefits in contract management, but it has risks. Counties can effectively mitigate these risks by understanding its capabilities and limitations, ensuring data integrity, staying compliant with legal standards, prioritizing cybersecurity, fostering transparency, and maintaining human oversight. For counties using AI, implementing these strategies is essential for safeguarding the integrity of their contract management processes while benefiting from the efficiencies AI can provide. For more information, contact CTSI at (303) 861-0507.
When a CTSI member county acquires or constructs a new building, it must be reported promptly to CTSI to ensure it's included in the county’s Colorado Counties Casualty and Property Pool (CAPP) insurance. The CAPP Building Add Form is available at www.ctsi.org. Timely reporting prevents gaps in coverage and protects the county from financial exposure. There’s no additional charge to add buildings valued under $5 million mid-term, though there’s no credit for mid-term removals. Keeping the property list updated ensures adequate insurance coverage for all assets.
Builder’s risk insurance is a specific form of property insurance that provides coverage for structures while they are under construction. It covers physical damage to the building or structure and associated components such as foundations, fixtures, and equipment. Builder’s risk insurance can also cover construction materials and supplies used in the project.
Under CAPP, member counties are automatically provided $5 million in builder’s risk coverage for renovations or repairs at any insured location or for new construction with a total contract cost of under $5 million. This coverage protects the county during construction from various risks, including fire, theft, vandalism, and certain natural disasters.
For projects exceeding $5 million, CTSI’s broker can help secure additional coverage to ensure the project remains fully protected. Counties should contact CTSI early in the planning stages of larger projects to arrange for this supplemental insurance.
In many construction contracts, the contractor provides builder’s risk insurance. However, counties must review the agreement to confirm whether the contractor has secured adequate coverage. If the contractor does not offer builder’s risk insurance, the county must arrange this coverage before construction begins.
Even if the contractor provides the builder with risk insurance, counties must notify CTSI of the project. This allows CTSI to maintain accurate records and confirm that the necessary insurance is in place. The CAPP Builder’s Risk Form, which must be submitted for any new construction project, can be accessed online at www.ctsi.org.
When a new building is acquired, or a construction project begins, county officials should take the following steps to ensure adequate insurance coverage:
By reporting new buildings and securing builder’s risk insurance, counties can protect their valuable assets and minimize potential financial exposure. Ensuring that all county properties and construction projects are adequately insured is a crucial aspect of effective risk management. For more information about adding buildings to CAPP coverage or securing builder’s risk insurance for your county, contact CTSI at (303) 861-0507. The CTSI team can guide you through the process and ensure your county’s properties are fully covered.
The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has recently announced an important update regarding the affordability percentage used under the Affordable Care Act (ACA) for 2025. This percentage, a crucial factor for determining whether employer-sponsored health coverage is affordable, will increase to 9.02% in 2025, up from 8.39% in 2024. This change is particularly relevant for Applicable Large Employers (ALEs), who must offer affordable healthcare to their full-time employees to avoid penalties under the ACA.
Under the ACA's employer mandate, ALEs—defined as employers with 50 or more full-time employees—must offer health coverage that meets minimum value standards and is deemed affordable. If an ALE fails to meet these requirements, it faces potential penalties. The affordability percentage is adjusted annually and determines the maximum contribution an employee can make for self-only coverage without exceeding the affordability threshold.
For 2025, the IRS has increased the affordability percentage to 9.02%, which means that the cost of self-only health coverage for employees cannot exceed 9.02% of their household income. Since employers typically do not have access to an employee’s total household income, there are three safe harbor options to calculate affordability:
This increase in the affordability percentage gives employers more flexibility when determining employee contributions for healthcare coverage. In previous years, lower affordability percentages meant employers had to cover more healthcare costs to remain compliant. However, with the 9.02% threshold, employers can require employees to contribute slightly more toward their health insurance premiums while still meeting affordability requirements.
Many ALEs use the Federal Poverty Line Safe Harbor to determine affordability based on the federal poverty guidelines for a single individual. For 2025, the required contribution for the lowest-cost self-only coverage cannot exceed $113.20 per month, compared to $101.94 in 2024. This modest increase ensures that healthcare coverage remains affordable for lower-income employees, but it also provides employers with a small margin to adjust contributions.
Employers should begin preparing for this change by reviewing their healthcare contribution structures for the 2025 plan year. While the increase in the affordability percentage allows more flexibility, employers must ensure employee contributions remain within legal limits. Failure to comply with ACA requirements can result in penalties. Critical considerations for ALEs include:
The increase in the IRS affordability percentage to 9.02% for 2025 provides ALEs greater flexibility in managing healthcare costs while remaining compliant with the ACA’s employer mandate. Counties should take this opportunity to review their healthcare contribution strategies and ensure they meet affordability thresholds without facing penalties. Employers can better balance healthcare costs with their operational needs by leveraging available safe harbors and adjusting contribution models. For questions, contact CTSI at (303) 861-0507.
Incidents of lithium-ion (Li-ion) battery fires are rising due to increased demand for devices like laptops, phones, e-scooters, and e-bikes. Global demand for Li-ion batteries is expected to surge sevenfold by 2030, raising significant risks for insurers and businesses.
Li-ion battery fires are most common in urban areas with high usage of e-bikes and e-scooters. Risks increase due to battery damage, manufacturing defects, and improper disposal. When a battery’s casing fails, thermal runaway can occur, leading to fires that are hard to extinguish. These fires release toxic gases, are self-sustaining, and are reactive to water, making them extremely dangerous.
Electric vehicles (EVs) contribute significantly to Li-ion battery fires. Though less frequent than hybrid or petrol vehicle fires, EV fires can reach up to 4,900°F.
Urban areas, including high-rises, EV charging stations, and student accommodations, face heightened risks. Firefighters are challenged by the unpredictable nature of these fires, which also pose environmental contamination risks from water and soil damage during firefighting.
New fire codes like UL 9540 and UL 9540A aim to enhance safety for energy storage systems and prevent thermal runaway. Industries using Li-ion batteries invest in early detection systems and safety measures to reduce risks.
The risks associated with Li-ion batteries extend beyond fires and have severe implications for counties, especially in densely populated areas or public infrastructure. The unpredictability of thermal runaway, the chain reaction causing fires, poses significant dangers in public buildings such as courthouses, hospitals, and schools. Li-ion battery fires spread quickly, releasing toxic gases and producing intense heat that is difficult to extinguish, increasing the likelihood of property damage and injury. These fires can also re-ignite and are highly susceptible to electrical shock from stored energy and damaged batteries. If there are Li-ion batteries in the workplace, consider purchasing fire extinguishers designed to extinguish these types of fires.
Counties managing public transportation, including e-bikes, electric buses, and EV charging stations, face elevated risks. Improper charging or malfunctioning batteries can lead to severe fires, jeopardizing public safety and causing business interruptions. Facilities like waste and recycling centers are particularly vulnerable due to improper battery disposal, a leading cause of fires at these sites.
For counties, implementing comprehensive risk management strategies is essential. This includes establishing guidelines for storing and charging Li-ion batteries, ensuring proper disposal processes, and conducting regular safety inspections. Employees and community members should also be educated on the hazards of non-certified batteries. Investing in early detection systems and adhering to updated fire codes can further help mitigate the growing risk of lithium-ion battery-related incidents.
Li-ion batteries play a crucial role in the transition to renewable energy, but as their use increases, so do the risks, particularly for counties managing public facilities and services. While safety improvements continue, the potential for fires and related hazards remains. Counties must proactively mitigate these risks by investing in safety controls, enforcing quality assurance measures, and increasing employee awareness about preventing Li-ion battery fires. By taking these steps, counties can better protect their infrastructure, reduce liabilities, and ensure the safety of their communities. For more information, contact CTSI at (303) 861-0507.
In today’s digital age, cybersecurity is a critical concern for counties of all sizes. As cyber threats become increasingly sophisticated, counties must stay vigilant and proactive in protecting their sensitive data. CTSI will stay informed of evolving threats and provide quarterly cybersecurity updates on the latest concerns, best practices, and security protocols. This knowledge can significantly reduce the risk of a successful cyber attack and promote a security-first culture.
A popular method to steal your credentials is using fake login pages to capture your login details. These attacks usually start with a phishing email that directs you to use a link in the email to "log in to your account." The emails are generally authentic-looking and present a seemingly ordinary request. If you click this link, you’re brought to a login page that looks almost identical to the one you’re used to but is a fake page. Once you’ve entered your email and password on the fake page, you may be redirected to the actual website–leaving you unaware that your login credentials were stolen. Once the hackers have your login information, they can even sell it for payment.
As the first line of defense, always navigate to your account’s login page by typing the web address in your browser or using a bookmark that you’ve saved–rather than clicking through links in an email. Also, be aware of the following tips to help you identify fake web pages:
“You get what you pay for,” and this timely scam is no exception. Cybercriminals are distributing a “free” pirated version of Microsoft Office across torrenting websites. The catch is that it’s malware. The malware can begin harvesting your personal data if you download and install it.
The installation process appears legitimate if you download the malicious Microsoft Office file. The installer looks professional and allows you to select the Microsoft Office version you want to install. However, if you run the file, malware will install on your computer. The malware is designed to avoid detection from most antivirus systems. Even if your antivirus software scans and removes it, this particular malware can re-install itself afterward. This “free” version of Microsoft may cost you something - your data!
Follow these tips to avoid falling victim to a malware scam:
Regular cybersecurity updates are vital to an effective security strategy. They help keep counties informed, vigilant, and prepared to respond to threats. CTSI recommends counties implement these essential cybersecurity controls to help manage their cyber exposures. This will safeguard and reduce digital vulnerabilities at the county level and assist in obtaining coverage with higher limits and lower premiums for CAPP. For more information, contact CTSI at (303) 861-0507.
CTSI is much more than insurance. We are county-owned and operated, assisting most Colorado counties and other government agencies. As a membership organization, CTSI is committed to providing high-quality risk management and loss control services as well as employee training and education, human resources, and other value-added services, such as management and regulatory consulting. At the core of CTSI is our mission statement, which guides our team’s every endeavor and underscores our shared vision.
To provide counties with alternative risk management and other technical services that are progressive, competitive, and cost-effective.
At CTSI we pride ourselves on our customer service and being available in-person to meet the needs of our membership. Below is a list of who to contact in each department.
| CTSI Administrative Services | Workers' Compensation Claims |
| Phone: (303) 861-0507 Fax: (303) 861-2832 Website: www.ctsi.org Email: First Initial and Last Name@ctsi.org | Kurt Muehler, WC Claims Manager Staci Metter, WC Senior Claims Examiner Lisa Stoner, WC Claims Examiner Jeannette Bryant, WC Claims Technician Email claims to wcclaims@ctsi.org |
| CTSI Claims Services | Admin & Pool Coverage Inquiries |
| Phone: (303) 861-0507 Phone: (800) 544-7868 Fax: (303) 861-1022 After Hours Phone: (303) 861-0507 CWCP Dial 2, CAPP Dial 3 | Meredith Burcham, CTSI Executive Director CAPP (Colorado Counties Casualty & Property Pool) and CWCP (County Workers’ Compensation Pool) Rhonda Curran, Manager of Risk Programs Brenda Hostetler, Sr. Risk Management Analyst CHP (County Health Pool) Marissa Gaertner, CHP Benefits Manager Betty Apt, Benefits Administrator |
| Loss Control | Other CTSI Services |
| Dana Foley, Senior Loss Control Specialist Steve Pecharich, Senior Loss Control Specialist Siri Vensel, Senior HR Specialist | Jennifer Keller, Finance Director Dennis Hunt, Manager-County Administration & Grant Services Juliann Hargrave, Executive Assistant Norma Garcia, Receptionist/Administrative Assistant |
| Property and Liability Claims | WWW.CTSI.ORG |
| Enid Cordova, P & L Manager Dylan Patterson, P & L Senior Claims Examiner Jamie Heyl, P & L Senior Claims Examiner Email claims to cappclaims@ctsi.org | Insurance policies and summaries Claim forms and information Sample policies and procedures |
Help is only a phone call away. Please use our main number (303) 861-0507 to be connected to the person and/or department you are trying to reach.
Navigating health insurance can be complex, especially when significant life events necessitate coverage changes. These milestones, known as qualifying life events (QLEs), trigger a particular enrollment period during which you can adjust your health insurance outside the standard open enrollment period. Primary members can drop dependents from their health plan at any time during the year. Understanding the requirements and timelines associated with these events is essential to ensure your coverage remains uninterrupted. Below is a guide to qualifying life events and the necessary steps.
Welcoming a new child into your family is a joyful and life-changing event. You have 31 days from birth to enroll your baby in your health plan. To do so, you must include a copy of the birth certificate and the newborn’s Social Security Number (SSN) with the application. This timely action ensures that your child can access necessary healthcare immediately.
Marriage often requires combining or adjusting insurance plans. You have 31 days to update your health coverage after getting married. To make this change, you must submit an application and your marriage certificate. If you’re also changing your name, provide a copy of your new ID card or Social Security card reflecting the change.
Within 31 days of the divorce being finalized, you must update your coverage. The required documents include an application and a copy of the divorce decree. You must also provide a new ID or Social Security card if your name changes. If you’re the primary member and need to remove a dependent, provide a divorce decree to offer COBRA coverage.
Losing health coverage due to job loss qualifies you for an enrollment period to find new coverage. You have 31 days from the event to apply for new health insurance. You’ll need to provide an application and proof of loss of coverage, including documentation showing all dependents under the previous plan. This helps prevent a gap in coverage for you and your family.
If you or a dependent lose Medicaid coverage, the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP), or state premium assistance, you have 60 days to enroll in a new plan. The required documents include an application and proof of loss of coverage from the respective program. This extended window provides more time to secure new coverage without losing essential health benefits.
When transitioning onto Medicare, VA, or Medicaid, adjusting your existing plan is essential. You have 30 days from the start date of your new coverage to make these changes. You must apply with proof of your new Medicare, VA, or Medicaid coverage, including the start date. This step ensures that your health insurance aligns with your new government-provided benefits.
Disclaimer: If you are a member of the County Health Pool, please contact CTSI to review your Plan Document or for any questions. If not, please reach out directly to your Medical Carrier for specific details regarding your plan.
Qualifying life events are critical moments that require timely action to maintain appropriate health coverage. By understanding the specific requirements and deadlines for each event, you can ensure that you and your dependents are protected during life’s major transitions. For more information on navigating these changes or specific HIPAA QLE questions, contact CTSI at (303) 861-0507.
