The Facts Be Darned, Mike Causey Strangely Says Goodwin Hasn't Saved NC $1.4 Billion

It is certainly the silly season as Election Day 2012 draws near.

Here's the latest evidence: Mike Causey, the four-time challenger for the office of North Carolina Insurance Commissioner and a former paid lobbyist, has told news media that incumbent Insurance Commissioner Wayne Goodwin has saved Tar Heel residents no money during his term in office.

Causey said: "... there's no savings there."

Goodwin has actually ordered $1.4 Billion in refunds, rate cuts, and rebates. (Listen to the WUNC-Radio interview here at this link.)

Causey also said:

" ... insurance rates have been going up for too long, partly because Goodwin's policies have kept more private insurers from offering property policies in the state,..."

Apparently, the Republican candidate Causey doesn't know that a public information request will verify that forty-one (41) new property companies have begun writing in North Carolina just on Goodwin's watch. It's even been in newspapers.

Also, what "policies" and "private insurers" is Causey referring to? Only insurance companies that are insolvent or have major legal problems are prohibited from coming here. Is it that Causey wants North Carolina to open the door to insurance companies that have had their licenses revoked in other states, or is it he just wants to raise rates so more insurance companies come here?

Facts be darned, Causey does not realize that if Insurance Commissioner Goodwin had not taken action and ordered rate cuts, refunds and rebates then billions of dollars of additional insurance expenses would have been on the backs of individuals, families and small businesses.

And what about the actual checks that millions of citizens and policyholders have received as a result of orders by Insurance Commissioner Goodwin?

For example:

One million drivers received a total of $50 million in 2009-10.

Over 215,000 families received $156 million in health insurance rebates in 2010.

Hundreds of thousands more North Carolina residents and businesses received many millions of dollars in refunds (example here) as a result of Insurance Commissioner Goodwin.

Were those checks a figment of everyone's imagination, as Mike Causey would have people believe?

Republican Mike Causey, who wants to take North Carolina back to the 1830s, apparently believes so. What's next -- Mike Causey denying the world is round and denying that men landed on the moon? It's tinfoil hat time.

This state cannot afford to have potential leaders who will deny basic facts just to get elected, and adopt policies that will take us back to the Stone Age. There's just too much at stake.

North Carolina needs an Insurance Commissioner who fights for the people, has bipartisan support, has an actual proven record of savings, and knows both facts and law.

Let's pray that the voters know the true choice they have here.

Vote to re-elect Wayne Goodwin as North Carolina's Insurance Commissioner.

UPDATE, 2 Nov 2012: Read even more recent bouts with truthfulness by the Mike Causey campaign here at this link.

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NC Families Report Receipt of Historic Insurance Refunds: Just in time for Christmas and End-of-Year Bills!

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.

N&O Includes Insurance Commissioner Goodwin in 2010 Thanksgiving Column

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.

NC Insurance Commissioner's Leadership Highlighted on Jon Stewart's "The Daily Show"

For Wayne Goodwin Cutting Insurance Rates, Ordering Refunds

Wayne Goodwin, North Carolina's elected Commissioner of Insurance, has reached another cultural, personal and political milestone: He found himself referenced this week on the highly-acclaimed national news/comedy program, The Daily Show with Jon Stewart. (Covered in greater written detail, inter alia, on The Progressive Pulse and here, here, and here.)

In front of many millions of TV viewers, it was said:

"We have empowered state insurance commissioners to review the rate hikes that are taking place in states. And in some states like North Carolina, they have already used it and rolled back premium increases by 25 percent."

For further context, go to prior coverage at other news and blog links here and here.

Goodwin has received further high praise and recognition for cutting health insurance rates by approximately 25% from what was filed by the insurance carrier and for ordering a return of $156 million back to 215,000+ North Carolina consumers. This is a capstone to the plethora of positive feedback the Tar Heel insurance regulator has received over the last five weeks.

And if one were to include other lines of insurance such as automobile and workers compensation, Goodwin has cut rates and saved more than $650 million and ordered refunds totalling $265+ million, plus recovered more than $25 million more for victims of insurance fraud, all for North Carolina consumers, families and small businesses in less than two years in office.

Wayne's White House Adventure Today: President Publicly Thanks Goodwin For Historic Insurance Refunds

Wayne Goodwin, North Carolina's Insurance Commissioner, had quite the adventure on September 22.

On the heels of his joint announcement with Blue Cross Blue Shield CEO Brad Wilson two days ago, the state insurance chief responded to a request from the White House to travel to Washington, D.C., to discuss the $155.8 Million in refunds to 215,000 North Carolinians and the additional savings of $14 Million in health insurance rate reductions.

While heading into the neighboring Eisenhower Executive Office Building, he was surprised to be asked to participate in a press briefing with President Obama as a direct result of the refund news.

Goodwin also briefed approximately 35 other states' insurance commissioners on how BCBSNC and he accomplished their agreement.

Further, Secretary of Health and Human Services Kathleen Sebelius - former Kansas insurance commissioner and Governor - praised Goodwin and North Carolina for such great news for Tar Heel consumers. For the occasion she asked him to sit near the front of the President's conference room.

Goodwin's most excellent adventure concluded as he was whisked to the West Wing of the White House, where he then proceeded to provide a press briefing to a bevy of national reporters and TV cameras. Coverage appeared in multiple national media outlets and various political pundit blogs, etc.

The Raleigh News & Observer published an article about the day's activity. Entitled "Goodwin Basks in Spotlight of White House," reporter Alan Wolfe wrote:

Thanks to "providential" timing, N.C. Insurance Commissioner Wayne Goodwin was the center of attention at the White House today.

During a meeting of state insurance commissioners and Obama administration officials, the biggest buzz was Monday's news of Goodwin's agreement with Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina. The health insurer plans to refund customers $155.8 million and raise rates less than expected.

President Obama mentioned it several times as an example of the federal health overhaul spurring positive results for consumers. He also thanked Goodwin for his work with Blue Cross and told the group: "Well done, Wayne."

"I've met presidents before, but I've never been singled out by first name at the White House," Goodwin said by phone from the Washington airport.

"It's been a pretty good week for a farm boy from Hamlet," he added. "It was thrilling, informative and surreal all at the same time."

Goodwin, who isn't up for reelection until 2012, said the timing of Monday's announcement with Blue Cross was coincidental with the White House event to mark the six months since the health reform law passed.

The Raleigh article continued:

"The timing was just providential. I'm just proud that North Carolina and Blue Cross both were recognized as leaders in protecting consumers."

Goodwin also held a press briefing on the steps outside the West Wing this afternoon. Insurance commissioners from other states continue to ask him how he orchestrated the deal with Blue Cross and whether they can negotiate similar agreements.

"This is a great win for consumers and for state-based regulation," Goodwin said.

Goodwin's hometown newspaper, the Richmond County Daily Journal, had this to say:

"(Today) is the next major benchmark on health care reform implementation, and the National Association of Insurance Commissioners was asked to meet with the president and his cabinet members to discuss it,” Goodwin said. “This was a bi-partisan effort, and I was able to voice some of my concerns about how important it is maintain the role of the states in regulating insurance for the consumers of America.”

Wednesday’s White House meeting came on the heels of an announcement Monday Goodwin and Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina reached an agreement to refund $155.8 million to more than 215,000 individual policyholders in the state.

At Wednesday’s meeting, Goodwin said Obama lauded the effort and referred to Goodwin in a familiar tone.

“Wayne, well done,” Goodwin quoted the president.

CNN referenced Insurance Commissioner Goodwin in its news coverage that evening, saying:

... Some noted that meeting timelines for changes in the legislation would cost states significant resources, while the commissioner from North Carolina cited a benefit. Policies carrying excess contract reserves have been renegotiated at lower rates, bringing cost savings to participants, said the official, Wayne Goodwin.

The refund is a result of the White House’s health care reform, the Affordable Care Act of 2010, and is equivalent to more than 1.5 months of premiums. For the average policyholder, this means about $690.

That's not only quite a pleasant Christmas present and economic stimulus for North Carolinians, but significant enough to prompt an excellent White House adventure for this elected state insurance regulator!

Insurance Commissioner Wayne Goodwin: "Strong Encouragement", Cooperation Led to Historic, Huge NC Health Insurance Refund

North Carolina's state Commissioner of Insurance, Wayne Goodwin, today held a major press conference at his Raleigh office.

Joining him at the surprise press conference was Brad Wilson, CEO of Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina.

Goodwin announced that expert actuaries in his office had discovered and determined, in the course of their regulation of the insurance company, that the federal Affordable Care Act freed up $155.8 million in contract reserves for return to policyholders.

"I strongly encouraged Blue Cross to refund all of the money back to policyholders and, after very thorough and rigorous review and negotiations, the company agreed. I commend Mr. Wilson and the BCBSNC Board of Directors for agreeing with this outcome and also the Department's proposal to reduce the rate filing Blue Cross Blue Shield had made," said Insurance Commissioner Goodwin.

He and Wilson described the day's revelations a "win-win" for policyholders and all involved.

For more information, go to the official press release from North Carolina's Department of Insurance. In part, it said:

The refunds will be issued by the end of the year to policyholders who had Blue Advantage or Blue Options HSA for Individuals policies in force as of March 23, 2010, the date the federal law was enacted. Refunds will be proportional to premiums paid and will be equivalent to more than 1.5 months of premiums. Customers may receive lower or higher amounts depending on their specific premium rates. For example, for an average policyholder's monthly premium of about $380, the refund would be approximately $690.

"I'm pleased that the Department and Blue Cross were able to identify a way for $155.8 million to go back into consumers' wallets," said Commissioner Goodwin. "I'm also glad that we were able to negotiate a lower-than-requested rate adjustment that will save $14.5 million in future premiums for policyholders."

Insurance Commissioner Wayne Goodwin later made it clear that but for this cooperation and decision reached by the insurer and the state agency, there would have been at least two court cases, the result of which would have certainly delayed by years any refund at all.

"Having this refund now is the right thing to do now. Policyholders and households need these significant refunds without any delay," said Goodwin. "I believe our work makes for quite an economic stimulus for the State - $155.8 million is nothing to sneeze at and will help families during the upcoming holiday season and end-of-year bills coming due for hundreds of thousands of Tar Heel consumers."

WUNC Public Radio, State Government Radio, TimeWarner News 14, the Progressive Pulse Blog of NC Policy Watch, the News & Observer, WTVD-Channel 11, WRAL-TV and other media provided various viewspoints throughout the day.

For publication on September 21, USA TODAY reported on another point made by Insurance Commissioner Goodwin:

"I hope other state insurance regulators across the country look into whether these same excess contract reserves exist in the holdings of health insurance companies doing business in their states," he said. "Whether $1 or an historic amount like $155.8 million as in North Carolina, perhaps consumers and policyholders in other states are due refunds, too," Goodwin posited.

And as USA TODAY reported above, "Steve Larsen, who heads insurance oversight at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, said there may be others. "I really do think there may be a bigger issue at work here," he said."

North Carolina's insurance chief will ask the 2011 General Assembly for greater regulatory authority regarding health insurance.

"As our elected state Insurance Commissioner,I will continue fighting for stronger consumer protections ... Having these additions tools reinforce the value of state-based insurance regulation over purely federal regulation," concluded Goodwin.

NC Drivers Start Receiving $50 Million in Insurance Refunds Today!

Commissioner Goodwin orders approximately one million policyholders to receive checks totaling $50 million

Insurance Commissioner Wayne Goodwin wants to remind North Carolinians that starting this week, approximately one million policyholders will begin receiving refund checks from their auto insurance companies totaling more than $50 million. The refund distribution is a result of the 2009 auto rate settlement with the N.C. Rate Bureau (NCRB) that Commissioner Goodwin signed last July.

"These refund checks represent instances where North Carolina drivers were paying too much for their auto insurance, and I'm glad that these extra premium dollars plus interest will go back into their wallets," said Commissioner Goodwin. "The refund distribution will occur in two different waves, the first starting this week and the second starting on Nov. 1."

Refund checks will be mailed to eligible policyholders. According to the settlement language, companies writing only six-month policies and companies writing both six-month and 12-month policies that expire prior to May 1, 2010, should send out refunds May 1 - July 31, 2010. All other refunds should be sent Nov. 1, 2010 to Jan. 31, 2011.

Under the settlement, the NCRB may not file changes to auto rates until 2011, which means that the maximum allowable auto rates are locked in until Oct. 1, 2011 at the earliest.

"In addition to $50 million in refunds, the 2009 auto rate settlement saves North Carolina policyholders an estimated $545 million and is a good example of the on-going consumer protection efforts of this office," added Commissioner Goodwin.

For more information, go to www.ncdoi.com or this link. Previous reference to the details are found, in part, at this additional link here.

Insurance Commissioner Goodwin Helps 661 NC Businesses with $6.5 Million

On the heels of saving an estimated $545 Million for North Carolina drivers, and in an unrelated matter, Insurance Commissioner Wayne Goodwin has this week distributed refund checks totalling $6.5 Million to 661 North Carolina businesses who had been swindled. To learn more, connect to this link. This is another example of Goodwin's strong consumer protection ethic. "Whether a driver, a parent, a homeowner, or a small business owner, I am fighting for you," he said.

Insurance Commissioner Wayne Goodwin Rolls Back Auto Insurance Rates, Freezes Them, and Orders Refunds

Goodwin Signs Settlement That Decreases Auto Rates and Freezes Them Until At Least 2011: Approximately One Million Policyholders to Receive Refund Checks Together Totaling more than $50 Million.

July 15, 2009

RALEIGH — Insurance Commissioner Wayne Goodwin today signed a settlement with the North Carolina Rate Bureau that will roll back private passenger auto insurance rates to just under 2006 levels; the changes will go into effect on Nov. 1, and are retroactive to Jan. 1.

The North Carolina Rate Bureau (NCRB) is an independent organization that represents all auto insurance companies in the state.

The settlement does away with the NCRB’s implemented 9.4 percent 2008 rate increase and denies their 2009 request for an additional 1.4 percent rate increase and includes an additional .5% decrease. Under the settlement, the NCRB may not file changes to auto rates until 2011, which means that the maximum allowable auto rates are locked in until Oct. 1, 2011 at the earliest. This saves North Carolina policyholders an estimated $545 million over this time period.

“I’m thrilled that North Carolina drivers will see a decrease in their auto insurance rates,” said Commissioner Goodwin. “Drivers will not only see lower rates, but many will also receive refund checks beginning in mid-2010 that may together total more than $50 million. In this economy, every dollar counts, and I am committed to protecting consumers through fair ratemaking.”

The refunds stem from a dispute between the Department and the NCRB over rates ordered in 2008. During the appeals process, the NCRB implemented an interim 9.4 percent rate increase that went into effect on Jan.1 of this year. In cases where insurance companies charged policyholders more than the rates determined by this settlement, insurance companies are required by statute to refund the difference between the rates charged and the settled rates, with interest.

“With this rate rollback, the effect is that I will have capped rates for the five year period spanning from 2006 through 2011,” added Insurance Commissioner Goodwin.

The Department of Insurance has consistently issued small or no rate increases, and in many cases has ordered rate decreases. Combined, this has potentially saved drivers more that $5 billion over the last 25 years.

To learn more about this terrific news for consumers, a sample of TV video and newspaper coverage is here, here, here, here, and here. The Department's official press release is here.