A personal blog of NC Insurance Commissioner Wayne Goodwin for folks interested in his work as state Commissioner of Insurance, North Carolina politics, history & current events, and the occasional literary reference.
Showing posts with label consumer protection. Show all posts
Showing posts with label consumer protection. Show all posts
Late into the night a few hours before Election Day polls open, countless persons across North Carolina - and even out of state - received spam from Mike Causey, Republican candidate for state insurance commissioner.
In that unsolicited, massive spam Mike Causey - who worked 30 years as a paid insurance company executive! - professed that North Carolina needs a "career insurance man" such as he for state Insurance Commissioner.
Wrong.
North Carolina does not need someone regulating rates and licenses of the insurance industry who has a conflict of interest (and campaign finance scandals and federal tax lien/bankruptcy problems on top of that).
We need to elect an Insurance Commissioner who is not tied to anyone in the industry regulated by the Department of Insurance.
We need an Insurance Commissioner who is not going to tilt the delicate balance away from consumers - individuals, families and small businesses - and towards insurance companies.
In massive contrast to Mike Causey, incumbent Insurance Commissioner Wayne Goodwin has saved consumers over $1.4 Billion, assisted citizens all around the state with their insurance and other matters, fight insurance fraud with great success, and championed our state's firefighters. Goodwin has stood up to insurance companies and been an effective voice for all of us individual residents.
It is imperative that we vote to RE-ELECT Wayne Goodwin as our state Insurance Commissioner.
Republican, Democrat, and Unaffiliated voters agree: Keep Causey Out, Vote Goodwin Back In.
To do otherwise is scary for everyone's pocketbooks.
North Carolina Insurance Commissioner Wayne Goodwin announced that his team busted the largest single embezzlement and insurance fraud scheme in the history of the Department of Insurance.
In what appears to be at least $5.3 million, Goodwin's sworn law enforcement officers and criminal investigators worked and built the case so that the four arrests could be made and the most solid case could be presented to the grand jury.
"This is an instance where the insurance company reported something seemed to be amiss, and my team went in and rooted out what we believe is the largest multi-million-dollar embezzlement in state history. My thanks goes out to the company and to the local prosecutor for working as a terrific team," said goodwin.
On his watch Goodwin's administration has made more than 600 arrests and recovered more than $49 million for victims of insurance fraud.
As a result of his intensified campaigning, his statewide advertising, and the public just paying more attention, incumbent NC Insurance Commissioner Wayne Goodwin has led his challenger in all three public statewide polls.
The two most recent polls - one by Public Policy Polling and the other by Civitas - had Goodwin up by five and eight points, respectively. The first poll had Goodwin's lead at three points; the significance about that one is the survey concluded before Insurance Commissioner Goodwin launched his TV and radio advertising, and it was not too long after Causey appeared on a ballot for the second (runoff) primary. (For additional background, go to this link here.)
This news does not bode well for Republican challenger and perennial candidate Mike Causey, who does not appear to have raised sufficient funds to make a credible media purchase statewide.
Watch for Goodwin, who has ordered insurance rate cuts and refunds and rebates of over $1.4 Billion, to maintain and solidify his lead in the final weeks before the election.
A recently published independent study shows that North Carolinians spend approx 1.6% of income on car insurance, the second lowest spent in the country!
The report acknowledges that a large contributing factor to this particular metric is how North Carolina has regulated car insurance rates over the years.
"It's not a perfect system, but it has contributed to the lowest average car insurance rates from Delaware to Texas and some of the very lowest in the country, while also having the third-most-stable insurance market in the country," explained Insurance Commissioner Wayne Goodwin.
Goodwin sees value in the system while still seeking targeted reforms.
"It is very interesting that some folks won't accept facts or evidence that our average insurance rates are among the very lowest. That's good for business and great for individual drivers and families," he said.
The only candidate for NC Insurance Commissioner Truly Experienced in Insurance Law Enforcement.
A paramount component of North Carolina Insurance Commissioner Wayne Goodwin's goals is to find, investigate, arrest, and seek the conviction of persons committing insurance fraud and other scams in his jurisdiction.
Described as "the Capeless Crusader" here and elsewhere, Goodwin and his team continue their never-ending battle against persons who embezzle, steal, and defraud.
Over the last 3-1/2 years, under his leadership and that of the dedicated professionals of his Department, Goodwin's Criminal Investigations Division has arrested more than 600 persons that has thus far led to at least 330 convictions. During that same time period, he and his team have recovered more than $49 Million for victims of insurance fraud.
"As our Insurance Commissioner and the elected head of a law enforcement agency, I take protecting consumers and fighting insurance crime very seriously,” said Wayne Goodwin. “It’s not about partisanship, but right versus wrong, justice versus the lawbreaker, and competence versus inexperience, as well as protecting State-based regulation for the benefit of consumers and small businesses each and every day.”
It is interesting to note that Insurance Commissioner Goodwin has experience within a municipal Department of Public Safety in 1986, as retired SBI Director Robert Morgan's legal intern in 1989, as a sworn Special Deputy Sheriff in the 1990s, as a member of the General Assembly's Justice and Public Safety Subcommittee for at least six years, and as Assistant State Fire Marshal and Assistant Insurance Commissioner between 2005 and 2008.
So, as the November elections approach, voters have a real choice: Someone like Wayne Goodwin who is tested, experienced, and has spent years fighting insurance fraud and other shenanigans, or, on the other hand, someone else who is untested, unready, and never been involved with insurance law enforcement.
If it is about who will best protect the public, the clear and obvious choice for Insurance Commissioner this year is Wayne Goodwin.
Has 20 to 1 Advantage Over His 2012 Opponent in One Key Area
There are several ways to measure a successful political campaign.
Most obviously would be to count votes.
But what about before the election – how do you measure success before the votes are cast?
It comes down to (1) money raised; (2) organization; (3) a ground game; and (4) supporters.
NC Insurance Commissioner Wayne Goodwin appears to be winning on all fronts.
As for money raised, Insurance Commissioner Goodwin has raised more funds for this election cycle than any other person has raised for the office since its inception in 1899. Since he was sworn in, he had raised in excess of $520,000. As of the last campaign report, Goodwin had over $300,000 cash-on-hand and a few more scheduled fundraisers to go for the year.
His opponent, Mike Causey, had only mustered less than $30,000 total and had approximately $14,000 on hand as of June 30 before a costly run-off primary election.
At the organizational level, Goodwin has strong support among various constituent groups and keys in every county.
As for Goodwin’s ground game, the state’s elected Insurance Commissioner has been barnstorming the state almost non-stop since 2008 but has ultra-ramped up efforts especially over the last eight months. Every week he delivers multiple speeches to myriad groups, attends functions at fire departments or community gatherings, or is quoted in various newspapers all around North Carolina.
And then there are his supporters. His Facebook supporters alone outnumber his opponent’s list 3 to 1 and his contributors outnumber his opponent’s by 10 to 1. It probably also helps that Goodwin’s goals of consumer protection, fighting for low and fair insurance rates, and helping our firefighters are substantive – plus he has a significant, proven record to back it up -- while his opponent uses worn phrases like he’ll “bring more insurance companies to the State” and he’ll lower rates in certain areas of the State.
“To do what Causey is promising would mean many fewer consumer protections, insurance rates set at any level the companies wanted, and making the rest of the State pay more for insurance coverage than other areas,” pointed out Goodwin. “Voters need to listen closely to what he is saying and remember that Mr. Causey is the fox wanting to guard the henhouse.”
While Goodwin is running for re-election on a strong consumer protection record, his opponent – a retired insurance industry executive and paid lobbyist – is seeking the same office for the fourth time in 20 years. Unlike Causey, Goodwin has never worked for the insurance industry and has never been a lobbyist.
“We need an insurance commissioner with a successful track record and who knows how to fulfill the obligations of this office,” said Insurance Commissioner Goodwin. “I have bipartisan support and a team that champions consumer protection, saving $1.3 Billion during my term, and succeeding in the conviction of 330 persons for insurance fraud. This is not the time to change horses midstream and certainly not the time to try out this important office on someone who is untested and unready.”
Though his campaign continues to gain momentum, Insurance Commissioner Goodwin is aggressively underscoring the achievements of his administration and how he and his team both saved major money for consumers and successfully encourage companies to write insurance business in North Carolina.
Goodwin maintains that he is THE serious candidate for this very serious job.
Insurance Commissioner Wayne Goodwin has entered into a $40 Million settlement with a group of MetLife insurance companies. North Carolinians will receive approximately $1 Million in the interstate settlement that may eventually be valued at $400 Million for consumers.
"This decision is further evidence of my strong support for consumers, whether they be individuals, families or small businesses," said North Carolina's Commissioner Goodwin.
He also stated:
“MetLife has agreed to improve its business practices in ways that enhance consumer protection and may benefit North Carolinians,” said State Insurance Commissioner Wayne Goodwin “And, as a result of this settlement, many life insurance beneficiaries may receive the benefits they’re owed.”
Benefitting from this decision will also be the public schools of North Carolina.
Goodwin is seeking re-election this year, and points out that over the course of his term he has saved consumers more than $1.3 Billion. "My November opponent, a perennial candidate, is closely aligned with the insurance industry, which makes me wonder where he'd stand on this," he added.
North Carolina Insurance Commissioner Wayne Goodwin, by all accounts public and private, is constantly in motion.
Whether giving speeches all across the State, attending community and charitable and church events, supporting firefighter causes, meeting with local legislators and area leaders, or informing and inspiring thousands and thousands of licensees and business owners and families about his work for them, Goodwin has been described as being “everywhere.” (“Everywhere” is a lot easier to say than “ubiquitous!”)
“With 600,000 licensees and 9 million citizens of North Carolina – not to mention the broad impact and scope of this office -- it shouldn’t be surprising that my regular week is chockfull of public appearances and in-state travel,” said Goodwin. “In fact, I’m of the opinion that someone is not doing anything unless they are in motion.”
Individuals, families and businesses love it when they hear and see how he is fighting for them – especially after catastrophes like hurricanes and tornadoes or on the cost of insurance, namely car insurance. North Carolina has the lowest average car insurance rates in the South from Delaware to Texas, and is the eighth lowest in the country. Through rate cuts, rebates, refunds, and restitution, Goodwin and his team have saved consumers – including businesses – more than $1 Billion over the last 3-1/2 years. And in 2011 alone, Goodwin's Consumer Services Division recovered $42 million for consumers.
Agents love it when they are reminded about how he is fighting for fairness and their inclusion in his advisory committees, and supporting initiatives that help them keep their agencies open and so their communities continue having access to an insurance counselor on Main Street and avoid marketplace disruption. The insurance commissioner has been described by professionals in state and out of state as “one of the most accessible insurance regulators in the country.”
Firefighters and other first responders love it that Commissioner Goodwin – who is also the State Fire Marshal – champions their causes, and takes the time to join them in moments of triumph and in moments of tragedy.
Law enforcement officials, prosecutors, insurance companies and citizens love that Goodwin’s team has focused even more intently on ferreting out insurance fraud. Over the last 3-1/2 years, his investigators have recovered $47.9 million for victims of insurance fraud.
Homebuilders and local government building officials love it that just a few weeks ago Insurance Commissioner Goodwin’s personal intervention on a code book matter helped avert a crisis (using the words of the North Carolina Homebuilders Association), and prevented the unlawful stoppage of building permits all across North Carolina. Building permits translate to jobs and economic growth, and Goodwin knows it.
And, consumer advocates herald his service as chairman of the national consumers participation board and his focus on transparency in government. Many have highlighted Goodwin’s requirement for more public comment periods and opportunities for public hearings, etc.
In most months he’s been found in every corner of the state – not just Raleigh, Charlotte, Greensboro, Winston-Salem and Asheville, but also in Manteo, Murphy, Matthews, Morrisville, Mocksville, and Marston.
And if you haven’t seen North Carolina Insurance Commissioner Wayne Goodwin before or lately, then don’t worry: You will see him very soon.
Continues to Set Records for Campaign War Chest & Organization in Re-election Bid
North Carolina Insurance Commissioner Wayne Goodwin continues to gain momentum as he prepares to file for re-election on Feb. 13.
Last week, his campaign committee reported to the State Board of Elections an impressive sum raised for his re-election. Through January 31, Goodwin has raised approximately $390,000. The most recent reports show that other announced candidates running for this same office in 2012 have raised less than $2,500 collectively.
“I am humbled by the personal and financial support I’ve been shown so early in the election cycle,” said Goodwin. “I am out working for citizens every day, and it’s energizing that such a deep, diverse pool of North Carolinians want me to continue doing this job.”
His contributors are quite bipartisan and reflect a broad-based level of support. Funds raised by the Goodwin campaign are - by all known indications - the most gathered at this stage of an Insurance Commissioner campaign in North Carolina.
The Council of State member has built a strong team already, and every week meets with citizens and community leaders. For example, last week alone he interacted with more than 4,500 people in North Carolina, a number that is not surprising given how much in demand his time is by community groups, civic clubs, professional organizations, and conventions.
"Accessibility, approachability, consumer protection, and transparency are hallmarks of both my administration as state Commissioner of Insurance but also of good government in general," he asserted.
Meanwhile, under Commissioner Goodwin’s watch:
*North Carolina has maintained the lowest auto insurance rates in the South and the 8th lowest rates in the nation.
*New insurance companies have flocked to do business in the state, which indicates strong competition and leads to good prices for citizens.
*Efforts of the Department of Insurance have saved more than $1 billion for individuals, families and businesses in North Carolina.
*Criminal investigators have made more than 575 arrests for insurance fraud, resulting in more than $47 million in restitution and recoveries for victims.
*His office has become a leader on consumer protection, accessibility and transparency in government.
To learn more, go to www.waynegoodwin.org. Follow the campaign at Wayne Goodwin for NC Insurance Commissioner on Facebook, or @WayneGoodwinNC on Twitter.
I'm very pleased to report that my team and I announced yesterday that in 2011 we were able to recover $42 million for individuals, families and businesses of North Carolina! This is just part of the more than $1 BILLION my service as NC Insurance Commissioner has saved consumers since 2008.
"I am very proud of the dedicated work of the Department of Insurance. Having recovered or saved more than $42 million in the last year alone shows that we are fighting fraud, holding our licensees to high standards, and helping people with their insurance questions or complaints," Goodwin said. "We are committed to building on this success as we continue protecting consumers in 2012."
Several divisions of the Department of Insurance contributed to the total recoveries and savings:
•The Consumer Services Division, which receives consumer inquiries and complaints about homeowners, auto, life and other insurance-related issues, handled approximately 76,000 calls and 8,100 written complaints from the public. Through these calls and complaints, the Department was able to help citizens recover more than $16.4 million in benefits from insurance companies.
•Health Insurance Smart NC and the former stand-alone external review program together returned $1,130,035 to consumers as a result of services provided. Health Insurance Smart NC, the department's newest consumer assistance program, assists people with questions about health insurance, and helps consumers file complaints or appeals with their health insurance companies, identify enrollment opportunities and request external reviews for denied claims. Since its launch in April 2011, Smart NC specialists have responded to 1,159 consumer complaints, 254 health insurance enrollment inquiries and 199 medical appeal cases. The department handled 322 external review requests in the calendar year.
•SHIIP, the Seniors' Health Insurance Information Program, assisted more than 100,700 consumers with general Medicare questions and helped more than 6,200 Medicare recipients apply for the Low-Income Subsidy program that provides savings for prescription drug costs. The estimated cost savings for Medicare beneficiaries was $12,053,064. SHIIP offers free, unbiased information about Medicare, Medicare prescription drug coverage, Medicare Advantage, long-term care insurance and other health insurance information. SHIIP's trained volunteers provide one-on-one counseling in all 100 counties.
•The Criminal Investigations Division employs 20 sworn law enforcement officers dedicated to investigating claims of insurance fraud and criminal concerns associated with bail bonding, motor clubs, collection agencies and premium finance companies. In 2011, the work of these criminal investigators led to 144 arrests, 83 criminal convictions and more than $10.4 million in restitution and recoveries. Another 109 cases are currently pending in court.
•The Agent Services Division regulates all licensed agents, brokers, limited representatives, appraisers, adjusters, premium finance companies, collection agencies, motor clubs, bail bondsmen, surety bondsmen and bail bond runners authorized to do business in North Carolina. Oversight includes licensure qualification, pre-licensing education, continuing education, telephone inquiries, complaint investigations and agency examinations. The Division investigated more than 1,040 complaints and recovered $50,958.28 in premium funds for consumers.
•The Market Regulation Division conducts both routine and targeted market conduct examinations on foreign and domestic licensed companies (insurance companies, premium finance companies, HMOs, PPOs and more) to ensure compliance with state laws and regulations. Through these exams, the Division ordered $2,187,748.65 returned to policyholders.
Please share this information with your friends, and remind them that this is a large part of what folks should consider when they go to the polls in 2012.
I work for YOU, North Carolina! And, here's a quick video about how my team and I have saved North Carolinians $42 million in 2011 alone!
Starting days before Hurricane Irene made landfall in eastern and coastal North Carolina and for four months thereafter, Insurance Commissioner Wayne Goodwin has been personally and very directly involved with fighting for the rebuilding and recovery of of the Tar Heel state.
For examples of his work on Hurricane Irene matters from August through December 2011, go to here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here and here.
As you can see at the above links, Insurance Commissioner Goodwin - who also serves as the State Fire Marshal - first deployed his team into the field before the storm, helping fire departments and communities in advance of the storm. He sent out his investigators to go after scam artists, and activated the propery mediation program and prescription drug assistance program. Goodwin flew by helicopter over 15 stricken counties, touching down and touring three of them, all within 14 hours of Hurricane Irene departing the state.
Commissioner Goodwin has made no fewer than eleven personal trips to eastern and coastal North Carolina to view damage or to assist consumers and local governments with post-Irene issues.
During those visits, he has met with homeowners, business leaders, and locally-elected officials.
The Department and the Insurance Commissioner have also been dismayed - angered - by the acts of commission or omission perpetrated by private and public insurance adjusters, and third parties post-Irene. The Commissioner pledges further action in the near future on this topic once all investigations and analyses are completed.
As noted on previous posts here and elsewhere, Insurance Commissioner Wayne Goodwin and his dedicated team of law enforcement officers continue to clean up the streets of North Carolina. Go to here, here, here, here, here, here, and here.
Easily you will note that no fraud is too small for the Commissioner and his team to go after.
Since North Carolina Insurance Commissioner Wayne Goodwin took office in 2008, criminal investigators have received more than 11,500 complaints, resulting in 550 arrests, 300 criminal convictions, and more than 115 cases currently pending a court appearance. These arrests have resulted in more than $47.6 million in restitution and recoveries for victims.
These law enforcement results signal strong consumer protections at work.
Insurance scam artists, embezzlers and bamboozlers beware -- the Capeless Crusader will be on to you before you know it!
RALEIGH – Before a crowd of more than 200 enthusiastic supporters, North Carolina Insurance Commissioner Wayne Goodwin announced his bid for re-election last Thursday (Sept. 29). The 2012 kickoff was Goodwin’s most successful fundraiser ever, helping the campaign surpass an impressive and record-setting $345,000 in total donations for the re-election efforts thus far.
Goodwin, who also serves as State Fire Marshal, officially declared his intentions, telling the standing-room-only crowd that he “has more work to do” for the people of North Carolina:
“In 2008, I pledged stronger consumer protections, reforms of the Beach Plan, greater transparency, a crackdown on insurance fraud, greater outreach and accessibility by all persons and businesses the Department serves, and to be the strongest and most effective voice possible for our fire and rescue services.
In just three years, I have saved individuals, families and businesses across North Carolina more than $1 billion through rate cuts, refunds, rebates and restitution. We recovered $20 million last year alone in our fight against insurance fraud. And I’ve worked to ensure that the 300,000 licensees regulated by the Department more than ever meet our high levels of integrity.
I’m running for re-election because there is more work to do.
We have the lowest car insurance rates in the South and the eighth lowest in the country, but we’ve got more work to do. We’ve lowered workers’ compensation rates and tempered health insurance rates, but we’ve got more work to do. We’ve also fought for fairness to our agents and brokers who serve on the Main Streets all across the state to be counselors for consumers, but we’ve got more work to do.
And, we’ve fought to keep the federal government out of insurance regulation and preserve state-based insurance regulation. Consumers need an experienced advocate who has a proven record of fighting for them, and who will – even against the strongest of out-of-state insurance companies – stand up for consumers, fair rates and a choice in the marketplace every day. It is no accident that we have 20 percent more insurance companies choosing to provide coverage and services here than before I took office.”
Special honorary hosts for the event were former Governor Jim Hunt, former Chief Justice Henry Frye and Secretary of State Elaine Marshall.(*) The four sponsorship levels were comprised of a bipartisan group of supporters, representing the depth and diversity of Goodwin’s team as he builds momentum across the state for the 2012 election. A full listing of sponsors can be found at www.waynegoodwin.org.
As a consequence, company also issues refunds and credits of $638,000 to overcharged policyholders. Total impact: $1.3 MILLION.
Insurance Commissioner Wayne Goodwin today announced a settlement with CIGNA Healthcare of North Carolina, Inc. over violations discovered during a routine market conduct examination. The settlement resulted in a fine of $600,000 on top of the refund of $638,000 to policyholders (individuals and businesses). As required by state law, the monetary penalty component collected will be distributed to the state public school system.
During CIGNA's market conduct examination that began in September 2005 and covered the period of 2002 through 2004, the Department of Insurance found a variety of violations including, but not limited to:
•widespread failure to maintain adequate records in numerous areas of review; •failure to accurately and consistently calculate premium rates in accordance with rating methodology filed with and approved by the Department; •failure to timely process precertification requests; •failure to provide proof of the required provisions for written noncertification notifications including instructions regarding members' rights to external review, retrospective reviews and authorizations to providers; •failure to require verification of all provider credentials; •failure to properly process claims resulting in incorrect payments or improper denials; •failure to process claims timely; failure to send acknowledgment letters within three business days for member grievances and failure to include all required statutory provisions within acknowledgment and decision letters; •failure to provide written notification of decisions for member grievances within 30 days of receipt; •failure to submit accurate filings certifying compliance with North Carolina advertising laws; •failure to sufficiently monitor the activities of delegated entities; and •failure to obtain Department approval prior to executing intermediary agreements.
In addition to the $600,000 fine, refunds and credits totaling $637,974.98 were issued to affected employer group policyholders due to the company's failure to accurately and consistently calculate premium rates. Undercharges in excess of $1.3 million that occurred during the same time period as the overcharges were factored in when determining the credits and refunds.
"My team and I take the job of consumer protection very seriously," said Insurance Commissioner Goodwin. "When I do my job, consumers are better protected, people and Tar Heel businesses save lots of money, firefighters have a fierce advocate, and we are better able to attract lots of jobs," said Insurance Commissioner Wayne Goodwin. ... And in this instance, our Department of Insurance team also greaty benefited North Carolina's public schools."
Refunds were issued in August 2010; however CIGNA was unable to reach some of the affected employer groups. To see a list of companies still owed a refund, visit CIGNA's website by clicking on this link, or call CIGNA at 704-540-3021 for more information.
Cigna Healthcare of North Carolina, Inc Premium Reimbursements 2002 Through 2004 To date, since January 2009 when Goodwin took the oath of office, North Carolina consumers - individuals, families and businesses - have saved through refunds, rebates, credits, restitution, recoveries, and penalties more than $950 MILLION.
Because insurance is interwoven throughout both economic and family enterprises, Goodwin was pleased to remind attendees that in his role he and his team had saved North Carolina families and businesses approximately $900 MILLION statewide in rate cuts, refunds, consumer claims regulation, and from fighting insurance fraud.
"And we accomplished these tremendous savings in just the first two years of my administration," said Goodwin.
During dire economic times or not, almost $1 BILLION in savings is an amazing result from North Carolina's Insurance Commissioner!
Speaks to Insurance Agents, Community Groups, and Schools
Though visiting schools and fire departments are some of his favorites stops as state Insurance Commissioner, Wayne Goodwin also enjoys meeting both with the persons his office regulates as well as with community leaders.
Over the course of the first two months of 2011, Goodwin has made presentations and delivered remarks to citizens and business groups throughout the State - including Sampson, Guilford, Wake, Durham, Dare, Cumberland, Mecklenburg, Cabarrus, Craven, Edgecombe, Wilson, Forsyth, and Johnston counties.
He also joined in a program with River Dell Elementary School in Johnston County wherein he highlighted the statewide and interstate travels of "Flat Stanley" with the Commissioner, and was one of the leading State officials participating in the Chairman's Banquet for the NC Black Leadership Caucus, an organization of which Goodwin is a lifetime member, and which met at the North Carolina Motor Speedway.
Strategizes on Good Government Reforms "Good government" means different things to different people. Among the common denominators of those individual definitions are probably: Government that is honest, law-abiding, responsive, responsible, reasonable, frugal with the public treasury, protective of those who cannot protect themselves, respectful of diversity in myriad ways among the citizenry, and focused on the freedoms enshrined in our Constitution.
"Good government" also means, to many people, a system of government that encourages the maximum level of participation by citizens in the process of government - whether as voters, speakers at public meetings or other public squares, or as candidates or office holders, among others.
Insurance Commissioner Wayne Goodwin has a long record of supporting good government in the broadest sense and was very pleased to participate in Statewide discussions on the subject hosted by the Z. Smith Reynolds Foundation in Winston-Salem. Persons from across the ideological spectrum and from a variety of academic, business, civic, philanthropic, political, and religious organizations participated.
Hails NC Successes to Texas, Florida and Southeast Leaders
North Carolina is the envy of many States.
That statement - to North Carolinians - asserts the obvious.
But in its most objective sense, state Insurance Commissioner Wayne Goodwin is able to attest to his State being admired and coveted by others in the Republic.
Over the last few months, business and government officials in Florida and Texas have sought him out and hosted presentations by Insurance Commissioner Goodwin on the work of his administration. (In the preceding year he has also made presentations to leaders nationally throughout the Southeastern United States, and in Louisiana, New York, and California.)
Among the great many things those States might possibly admire about North Carolina (e.g., its climate, its beaches and mountains, college basketball, business environment, top-notch university and community college systems), those States have honed in on:
how Goodwin has done much to improve greatly the coastal insurance "ticking time bomb" that he faced when sworn in after his 2008 election,
how there has been a 20% increase in the number of insurance companies choosing to write insurance in North Carolina since he took office (which gives citizens more options and better rates),
his official orders of $156 MILLION in health insurance refunds and $50 MILLION in automobile insurance refunds to citizens,
how he and his team have worked tirelessly to do their duty in achieving some of the best insurance rates in the country, and overall savings to his State's citizens of $900 MILLION (all within the first two years of his term).
He is most proud of how North Carolina is now the largest State in the country with the lowest automobile insurance rates, while still maintaining a highly competitive auto insuror market.
"When I do my job, consumers are protected, people and Tar Heel businesses save lots of money, firefighters have a fierce advocate, and we are better able to attract lots of jobs," said Insurance Commissioner Wayne Goodwin.
Announces Major Fraud/Crime Ring Arrests, Record Restitution & Recoveries for Fraud Victims
State Insurance Commissioner Wayne Goodwin, as noted elsewhere, is a crime fighter.
Insurance Commissioner Wayne Goodwin today announced the arrest of 10 individuals involved in an alleged staged auto accident ring operating in Nash, Edgecombe and Franklin counties. Warrants have been issued for six other individuals believed to be involved.
Department of Insurance criminal investigators allege that brothers Howard Earl Whitfield, Jr., and Douglas Whitfield (warrant issued for arrest) were the ringleaders in conspiring with family members and others to stage auto accidents in an effort to defraud insurance companies. Investigators accuse them of filing insurance claims for accidents that never actually occurred and of physically staging accidents in which one suspect intentionally hit another suspect's vehicle from behind.
As a result of the efforts of the alleged group, Universal Insurance, Farm Bureau Insurance of North Carolina, GMAC Insurance, Nationwide Insurance and Geico Insurance paid out a total of $76,217.48 in claims between August 2009 and January 2010.
...
These arrests are the result of cooperation and joint investigation by the Department of Insurance, the Nash County Sheriff's Office and the Edgecombe County Sheriff's Office.
The Department of Insurance employs 20 sworn law enforcement officers dedicated to investigating claims of insurance fraud. In 2010, these criminal investigators have seen more than 402 cases successfully closed with more than $21.1 million in restitution and recoveries, 88 criminal convictions and 126 arrests."
North Carolina's Insurance Commissioner is serious about his role as a crimefighter, and reminds readers about how it was one of his top goals when seeking election to the office.
"While my team and I are on the watch, criminals better watch out when they consider committing insurance fraud," said Goodwin.
"Department of Insurance criminal investigators are cracking down on the serious problem of insurance fraud," said Commissioner Goodwin. "Getting millions and millions of dollars back into the hands of victims of insurance fraud is a significant accomplishment."
An estimated 10 percent of all insurance claims involve some degree of fraud. When insurance companies pay for fraudulent claims, all consumers pay in the form of higher insurance premiums.
"As your Insurance Commissioner, I am working to keep insurance premiums as low as possible for North Carolinians; fighting fraud is an important step towards reaching that goal," Goodwin said.
More video coverage of the press conference led by Goodwin and the sheriffs appears here at this link.
Receives AARP Award
AARP-North Carolina has recognized the Seniors Health Insurance Information Program (SHIIP) for its outstanding work for North Carolinians. On hand for the occasion was state Insurance Commissioner Wayne Goodwin, within whose department resides the SHIIP program.
Goodwin joined the North Carolina's AARP leaders in praising the work of Senior Deputy Commissioner Carla Obiol and her team.
"It makes me so proud for our SHIIP team to receive recognition for its outstanding work on behalf of Tar Heel senior citizens," added Goodwin. "And for the honor to come from the AARP - itself known nationally for its dedicated leadership for seniors - makes us even more humbled."
State Fire Marshal Wayne Goodwin - who also serves as Insurance Commissioner - expressed appreciation to firefighters across eastern North Carolina during his January 2011 stop in New Bern. During a fundraiser for area first responders, he also presented the State's highest civilian honor, the Order of the Long Leaf Pine, on behalf of the Governor to Tommy Moore. Photo credit: Charlie Hall, New Bern Sun Journal.
Visits, Speaks for East Carolina University
Over the course of just a few months, East Carolina University in Greenville has hosted Insurance Commissioner Wayne Goodwin for two different, yet related, meetings with students and faculty. First, Goodwin met with student business major leaders and lectured for a class within the newly-created insurance program at the university. Then, several months later, he joined local and state business leaders, including the Independent Insurance Agents of North Carolina, in honoring students who had completed their coursework in the inaugural insurance program at ECU.
"ECU is not only a world class university in its own right, with a top-notch medical school, but it now provides the tools to train the next generation of insurance producers," said Commissioner Goodwin. "Programs like at ECU, Appalachian State, and UNC-Charlotte help ensure that future insurance agents and brokers are high caliber and of premier integrity, and who will serve consumers greatly in the years ahead."
Meets with Homebuilders/Realtors, Community Leaders, Democratic Women in Dare County
Insurance Commissioner Wayne Goodwin maximized a February 2011 trip to eastern North Carolina, where he met with business and community leaders throughout Dare County and parts of Currituck County.
Among his stops in Nags Head, Manteo, and Kitty Hawk, he spent significant meeting with insurance agents, local elected city and county officials, and board members of the local homebuilder and realtors associations. Wearing his other hat - State Fire Marshal - Goodwin made a presentation and answered questions for a gathering of local fire chiefs and personnel from at least five departments. Rounding out his visit, Goodwin delivered a spirited speech to more than 100 supporters attending the monthly meeting of the Democratic Women of Dare County at the famous Lone Cedar Restaurant, owned by retired State Senator Marc Basnight. Robin Mann, local leader and businesswoman, invited and introduced the Commissioner to the crowd.
“It did feel good to know that the consumer has someone [Goodwin] who is listening to us,” Robin Mann said, “and is as concerned as us with what’s happening in the insurance industry.”
As reported previously here at Wayne's World and around the State, two hundred fifteen thousand families and small businesses over the last two weeks have been receiving their historic $156.8 Million in refunds from Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina, pursuant to a mutual agreement crafted in part by NC Insurance Commissioner Wayne Goodwin.
If you don't believe that the checks have literally been "in the mail" and are now in the hands of individual policyholders, then look at the accompanying picture of a refund check totalling more than $999! (Wayne's World appreciates a reader for emailing the photo.) And, if you need even more proof, check out the myriad comments linked here (go to the bottom of the previous page link) from a very diverse group of individuals representing every portion of the Tar Heel state. The good news has even caused quite the positive flutter on Facebook over the last two weeks.
Counting these most recent refunds, NC Insurance Commissioner Wayne Goodwin has been responsible for more than $900 Million in refunds and insurance rate cuts within his first two years in office alone.
"I'd say the work product of this office and the entire Department of Insurance has provided a tremendous economic stimulus package to North Carolina, in addition to vital consumer protections and a solvent, reasonably-regulated insurance market," said Insurance Commissioner Goodwin.
Conservative, Free-Market Organization Invites Tar Heel Insurance Regulator to Address Texas Leaders Next Month
Next month The Heartland Institute and other partners will host a forum in Austin, Texas brought about, in part, because the 2011 Texas legislature faces a daunting insurance environment for taxpayers and industry alike.
“Out of the Storm News”, a new web publication of the institute’s Center on Finance, Insurance and Real Estate launched five months ago, invited NC Insurance Commissioner Wayne Goodwin to be a primary speaker for the estimated 300+ leaders who will gather in the Texas Capitol Auditorium.
In 2011, the Texas legislature will confront an insurance environment characterized by high rates, serious risks to taxpayers, and inadequate investment in disaster mitigation.
On January 27, The Heartland Institute, in cooperation with its partners, including the National Association of Professional Insurance Agents, will present a half-day program to clarify the nature of the state’s insurance environment and offer solutions from similarly situated states. The program – which will include panel discussions, speeches, and the opportunity for questions from attendees – will be held from 9:30 am to 12:00 pm, at the Texas Capitol Auditorium in Austin, Texas.
Wayne Goodwin, commissioner of the North Carolina Department of Insurance will be a special guest at the program, to share his experience with consumer advocacy through fair rate-making, injury prevention efforts, and close regulation of insurance company solvency and industry practices.
“We’re very excited to have Commissioner Goodwin joining us. He’s been a true change agent in North Carolina and we think that his actions offer a lot of lessons for Texas,” says Eli Lehrer, Heartland Institute senior fellow and national director of the Center on Finance, Insurance and Real Estate.Other panelists include David Marlett, chair of the Department of Finance, Banking and Insurance at Appalachian State University, Daniel Sutter, affiliated senior scholar at the Mercatus Center and Associate Professor of economics at the University of Texas – Pan American, Lars Powell, an associate professor who holds the Whitbeck-Beyer Chair of Insurance and Financial Services at the University of Arkansas-Little Rock, Dennis Burke, the Reinsurance Association of America’s vice president of state relations, Bill Peacock, the vp of research and director of the Texas Public Policy Foundation’s Center for Economic Freedom, Alex Winslow, executive director of Texas Watch, former Texas senator Babe Schwartz, and John Colyandro, executive director of the Texas Conservative Coalition Research Institute.
“Texas has a seriously flawed and troubled property insurance environment,” says Lehrer. “A lot of the problems stem from an inadequate or simply incorrect understanding of the way insurance works. We’re hoping to correct that through a broad, objective overview of the insurance environment.
This is not the first time that free market and conservative thinkers have lauded NC Insurance Commissioner Goodwin, a North Carolina Democrat, for his efforts at reform: In 2009 he addressed a group of southern business leaders, insurance professionals, and fellow insurance regulators in New Orleans on his successful efforts to maintain coastal insurance for Tar Heels. Goodwin received praise from the John Locke Foundation and The Heartland Institute (separate from the above) earlier in 2010. And, Goodwin has also been recognized and endorsed by former Congressman Barry Goldwater, Jr., son of the late GOP icon, U.S. Senator Barry Goldwater.
"I'm honored and humbled to have the support and confidence of so many folks from across the ideological spectrum and from members and leaders of both major political parties," said Insurance Commissioner Goodwin. Goodwin continued, "I believe that fact is the result of keeping an open mind, focusing on common sensical and reasonable regulation, protecting State-based solutions and State-based authority, watching out for consumers always, and being ever mindful of how important a solvent insurance marketplace is for consumer and industry alike."
Goodwin was elected to his first term as state Insurance Commissioner in 2008. He is up for re-election in 2012.
Insurance Commissioner Wayne Goodwin wants to remind North Carolinians that starting this week, approximately 215,000 Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina individual policyholders will begin receiving refund checks worth a combined $155.8 million. Pursuant to the September agreement reached with Insurance Commissioner Wayne Goodwin and the Department of Insurance, BCBSNC mailed the first batch of refund checks on November 29 to approximately 50,000 policyholders, and the remainder will be mailed no later than December 8.
"With folks preparing for the year-end holidays and taking care of expenses, I know these refunds will help families across North Carolina,” said Commissioner Goodwin. “I'm pleased that my staff and I were able to work with Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina to get this money back into the hands of thousands and thousands of our citizens."
The refunds will be issued to policyholders who had Blue Advantage or Blue Options HSA for Individuals policies in force as of March 23, 2010, the date the federal Affordable Care Act was enacted. Customers may receive lower or higher amounts depending on their specific premium rate, but an average policyholder with a monthly premium of about $380 will receive approximately $690.
The new rating and grandfathering rules in the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act create a one-time circumstance enabling these refunds. The funds come from active life reserves, which are portions of the premium set aside in the early years of a policy to pay future claims and keep rates stable as customers' medical expenses rise during the life of the policy. However, policies purchased or substantially modified after March 23 of this year will end in 2014 under the new health care reform law, which is when the new products under health reform will be introduced. Therefore, the reserves held for these products will cover a much shorter period of time, allowing for these funds to be released.
Consumers with questions about the refunds, including whether they are eligible to receive a refund, should call BCBSNC's dedicated customer refund line, 1-877-784-2375.
Other insurance premium refunds that Commissioner Goodwin has announced include more than $50 million stemming from the 2009 auto rate settlement; Commissioner Goodwin has also announced potential rate savings for auto and workers compensation policyholders totaling approximately $673 million since 2009.
"I'm very pleased that consumers - North Carolina families and small businesses - have benefited so much by the insurance refunds and rate cuts of more than $800 Million announced during my first two years in office," said Goodwin.
Whether during the holidays or not, these monies are certainly an economic stimulus package for North Carolina, courtesy of the dedicated work by your Insurance Commissioner's team.
The Raleigh News & Observer's long-running "Under the Dome" column recognized key State officials and newsmakers on Thanksgiving Day yesterday about those things for which they may be thankful from the past year. Included was this nugget:
Insurance Commissioner Wayne Goodwin, aka the "Capeless Crusader," should be thankful for the accolades and national attention he received this fall from President Barack Obama, "Daily Show" host Jon Stewart and The Wall Street Journal, among others. The praise began to pile up after Goodwin announced in September that Blue Cross and Blue Shield would refund $156 million to its customers and had agreed to a less-than-expected rate increase for 2011.
Apparently the fine folks at the N&O have been visiting the "Wayne's World" blog! We thank you and encourage you to drop by again sometime.
Wayne Goodwin, now Chairman of the NC Democratic Party, served two 4-year terms as the elected Insurance Commissioner of North Carolina, and the State Fire Marshal. He also served four terms in the NC House of Representatives. Further, Goodwin was President of the Young Democrats of North Carolina and held countless other official capacities on the local, state and national levels. Wayne also served in the past as Assistant Commissioner of Insurance for North Carolina.
Wayne has created four successful small businesses, including two law firms and a consulting firm.
His wife, former State Representative Melanie Wade Goodwin, succeeded him in the General Assembly for three terms of her own. They have one daughter, Madison, and a son, Jackson, named respectively after the 4th and 7th U.S. Presidents.
