Indiana Department of Insurance directs insurance companies to implement grace period for Hoosiers in impacted storm areas
On April 4, 2023, Indiana Department of Insurance Commissioner Amy L. Beard issued Bulletin 268 directing insurance companies to implement a 60-day cancellation moratorium for any policyholder directly affected by the recent weather events in Allen, Benton, Cass, Clinton, Howard, Johnson, Morgan, Owen, Sullivan, and White counties.
“The last thing we want those Hoosiers impacted by the recent tornadoes and severe storms to worry about is missing a premium payment or losing coverage,” said Commissioner Beard. “We hope by granting this extension, it will give them some peace of mind.”
Affected policyholders in impacted counties will be granted an extension of 60 days to make premium payments without risk of penalties or policy cancellation. After the 60-day period, policyholders will be required to resume making premium payments. The IDOI requests insurance companies work with the impacted policyholders in paying the premiums that would be due during the moratorium period by either allowing a payment plan or extending the payment due date.
In addition, the IDOI is providing similar courtesies to companies and licensees by implementing a 60-day grace period relating to renewal and cancellations for all licensees, certificate holders and registrants from the impacted areas. This includes premium tax and surplus lines premium tax filings. Any penalties assessed due to late payment during this period will be waived. The 60-day extension also will be applied to the Continuing Education requirements to those producers from impacted areas.
Governor Holcomb signs Senate Bill 480, banning certain procedures for Hoosier minors
Indiana Governor Holcomb signe Senate Bill 480 into law. The bill prevents healthcare providers from performing gender-affirming care to people under the age of 18. This includes surgeries and hormone therapy. Gender reassignment surgery being defined as: any medical or surgical service aiming to surgically alter or remove any healthy characteristics that relate to an individual’s sex, genital, and/or non-genital. It defines gender transition as: the process in which an individual shifts from identifying with and living as a gender that corresponds to his or her sex to identifying with and living as a gender different from his or her sex, and may involve social, legal, or physical changes.
Bill Digest
Gender transition procedures for minors. Prohibits a physician or other practitioner from: (1) knowingly providing gender transition procedures to an individual who is less than 18 years of age (minor); and (2) aiding or abetting another physician or practitioner in the provision of gender transition procedures to a minor. Specifies certain medical exceptions. Establishes civil enforcement actions.
Indiana Attorney General releases tips for Hoosiers to avoid and report disaster fraud
Attorney General Todd Rokita is warning Hoosiers to exercise caution as another round of storms roll into Indiana. Hoosiers across the state have felt the devastating impact of the latest round of severe storms and tornadoes. Now is the time to do your homework when rebuilding during the aftermath and choosing where to send your charitable donations. Here are some steps that Attorney General Rokita recommends:
Fake federal or local aid
- Watch out for fake offers of local or federal aid.
- Government and local disaster workers do not solicit or accept money. They don’t charge for inspections or for help in filling out any disaster aid applications.
- Ask any inspectors to show you their identification badge, and don’t let anyone in your home who claims to be working for the government or disaster relief who cannot provide proof of their identification.
Charitable Giving
- Donate to trusted, established charities.
- Beware of charities that pop up after recent disasters.
- Monitor information from local law enforcement and government officials regarding donation needs and local efforts to raise money.
- Verify phone numbers and websites for charities before giving.
Beware of potential contractor and home improvement scams
- Make sure you have an insurance company evaluate damage before arranging repairs to ensure that the work needed will be covered.
- Watch out for companies going door-to-door in neighborhoods hardest hit by the storms; be sure to conduct your own research before signing anything and try to get at least 3 written estimates.
- Never pay the full amount upfront for a home repair and pause if you are asked to provide a very large deposit.
- Be wary of contractors claiming to be able to complete a repair for a discount using supplies leftover from another job.
Go online to indianaconsumer.com to report charity or disaster scams to the Consumer Protection Division of the Office of the Indiana Attorney General. If you need additional information regarding the Office’s Consumer Protection Division, please call 1-800-382-5516.
This Week in Hoosier History
1841 – President William Henry Harrison died on April 4th at the White House after one month in office. He had served as Governor of the Indiana Territory. As a General, he had led soldiers at the Battle of Tippecanoe and in the War of 1812.
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