Funds We Serve

About SAIF

SAIF offers school districts a unique opportunity to control insurance costs.

SAIF was formed in 1996 to provide an alternative to traditional insurance programs. SAIF’s goals are as follows:

• Provide predictability in insurance costs
• Reduce administrative costs of the fund.
• Reduce claims costs by risk management and loss control activities.
• Be responsive to members’ insurance needs.
• Retain Risk Management Consultant’s central role as advisor to the member.

How is SAIF Governed?

SAIF operates as a regulated joint insurance fund. Its members elect a Board of Trustees, which is responsible for the fund’s operations. The day-to-day operations are the responsibility of Public Entity Group Administrative Services (PEGAS) and other service providers.

PEGAS is an experienced joint insurance fund manager with offices in Hamilton and West Windsor, New Jersey.

How can a School District join SAIF?

The entity’s risk management consultant submits underwriting information to SAIF. SAIF will review the information to determine the district’s eligibility. If eligible, SAIF will issue a proposal. Upon acceptance of SAIF’s proposal and completion of membership documents, the district will become a member of SAIF.

Fund Professionals

Administrator

Public Entity Group Administrative Services

Actuary

The Actuarial Advantage, Inc.

Attorney

Saul Ewing LLP

Auditor

Withum, Smith & Brown, PC

Claims Administrator

Highland Claim Services, Inc.

Loss Control

J.A. Montgomery Consulting, LLC

Managed Care

Qual-Lynx

About FIRST

Since 1985, Joint Insurance Funds (JIFs) have provided an opportunity for like minded entities to join together, build and direct an insurance program that fits their unique needs.

Founded in 2009, with 9 charter members, the First Responder Joint Insurance Fund (FIRST) is controlled and operated by its members. Each member appoints a representative (fund commissioner) to meet annually as a General Fund that elects an Executive Committee. The Executive Committee meets regularly to make decisions regarding the Fund's operation.

Fund Professionals are contracted by the Fund allowing for savings on professional services through a competitive bidding process. All professionals support the concept of self-insurance and members' risk management activities as these are necessary elements of success.

FIRST utilizes Risk Management Consultants (RMC) to act as a bridge between the Fund and the individual member. The RMC coordinates with the member on matters relating to the Fund's operation and success.

FIRST Goals

• Provide qualified first responders organizations with a long-term alternative to the conventional insurance market for all lines of their required insurance coverage
• Provide predictability in insurance costs
• Reduce claims costs by risk management and loss control activities
• Respond to first responders’ unique insurance needs
• Maintain a conservative funding posture to ensure long-term financial security and stability of the JIF.

How is FIRST Governed?

FIRST operates as a state regulated joint insurance fund. Its members elect a seven-member Executive Committee, which is responsible for the fund’s operations.

The day-to-day operations are the responsibility of Public Entity Group Administrative Services (PEGAS). PEGAS is an experienced joint insurance fund administrator with offices in Hamilton and West Windsor, New Jersey.

Fund Professionals

Administrator

Public Entity Group Administrative Services

Actuary

The Actuarial Advantage

Attorney

Saul Ewing LLP

Auditor

Withum Smith & Brown

Claims Administrator

Highland Claim Services, Inc.

Loss Control Specialist

JA Montgomery

Managed Care

Medlogix