Lockton Companies Unveils N.A.T.I.V.E. Program to Benefit Native American Tribes

LOS ANGELES, Oct. 19, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- U.S.-based Lockton Companies, the world's largest privately held, independent insurance broker, has introduced a new program to assist Native American tribes with their property and casualty, and voluntary benefits challenges. Lockton's new N.A.T.I.V.E. (Native American Tribal Insurance & Voluntary Benefits for Enterprises) Program is customized to address distinctive characteristics of Native American operations.

"We have developed a unique offering that finally provides Native American tribes with new insurance capacity, broader coverage, and better analytics, loss control, and claims solutions for their operations," explained Jared Mitilier, leader of Lockton's Gaming, Entertainment, and Sports Practice. "Our proprietary N.A.T.I.V.E. Program assists tribes with navigating the complex risk management and employee benefits landscape."

As Native American tribes continue to grow their diverse portfolio of business operations and investments, so does their need for dedicated, experienced, and trustworthy risk management experts. Meeting this need, Lockton's N.A.T.I.V.E. Program covers:

• Property & Casualty
• Excess
• Auto Liability
• Workers' Compensation
• Promotion & Events

In addition, Lockton's N.A.T.I.V.E. Program aids Native American tribes with health and welfare benefits programs. Lockton's data-driven approach brings clarity and confidence to employees through the following products:

• Critical Illness Insurance
• Accident Insurance
• Supplemental Hospital Indemnity Insurance
• Life Insurance
• Group medical
• Dental
• Vision

"Aflac, in its continued partnership with Lockton, looks forward to providing solutions for this segment of the market," said Drew Niziak, Aflac Senior Vice President. "What were once voluntary benefits have now become an essential part of a company's overall benefits portfolio and offers an employee an additional level of financial protection."

"We are excited to be partnering with two of the industry's leaders in Lockton and Aflac, and look forward to offering customized solutions for effective employee education, enrollment, and benefits administration," said Bart Yancey, CEO of Enrollment Advisors. "Through this exciting new N.A.T.I.V.E Program, we can help Native American tribes address benefits-related challenges and develop a strategy that will generate savings and efficiencies."

Through the N.A.T.I.V.E. Program, Lockton also brings together Vernon Nelson, Esq. of Wilson Elser and Jana M. Simmons, Esq. of Foley & Mansfield, P.L.L.P. Combined, these national law firms have represented a variety of governmental and commercial insureds, in addition to practicing in the areas of tribal and federal Indian law and commercial gaming. 

"We are pleased to support a progressive, cost-effective program that meets the needs of Native American tribes as they continue to focus on commercial business ventures and economic development," said Nelson. "The N.A.T.I.V.E. Program provides Native American tribes with an insurance program that allows them to partner with companies beyond their tribal borders while preserving their ability to self-govern."

"As a strong advocate for Native Americans, I believe this program sets itself above the rest," said Simmons. "N.A.T.I.V.E. is about meaningful service and doing away with the misconception that one tribe is just like another or that 'tribal sovereignty' is nothing more than a legal defense for insurance companies. As a team, we've listened to tribal leaders across the country. Tribes are finding new and creative ways to build their economies and government programs. N.A.T.I.V.E. seeks to proactively promote the unique interests and needs of tribal governments while offering a comprehensive plan of enhanced protection for valuable tribal assets."

Native American tribes interested in Lockton's N.A.T.I.V.E. Program may contact Jared Mitilier, Lockton's Gaming, Entertainment & Sports team leader at (949) 252-4424 or [email protected].

About Lockton
More than 5,600 professionals at Lockton provide 48,000 clients around the world with risk management, insurance, employee benefits consulting, and retirement services that improve their businesses. From its founding in 1966 in Kansas City, Missouri, Lockton has attracted entrepreneurial professionals who have driven its growth to become the largest privately held, independent insurance broker in the world and 10^th largest overall. For six consecutive years, Business Insurance magazine has recognized Lockton as a "Best Place to Work in Insurance." To see the latest insights from Lockton's experts, check Lockton Market Update.

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SOURCE Lockton