Insurance Compliance

Finnegan Couple Pleads Guilty to Faulty Fire Suppression Systems Installation

Daniel and Sherri Finnegan, owners of Finnegan Fire Safety Equipment, pleaded guilty to installing faulty fire suppression systems in commercial kitchens across Mississippi. They were sentenced to prison time and ordered to pay restitution totaling over $87,000. The investigation involved multiple counties and over $343,000 in payments from victims.

Mississippi DOI: Test Smoke Alarms During Daylight Saving Time

The Mississippi Insurance Department issued a notice reminding residents to test their smoke alarms as Daylight Saving Time begins. The notice highlights that a significant percentage of fire deaths in Mississippi in 2025 and early 2026 occurred in homes without working smoke alarms.

Mississippi Appoints Chief Deputy Fire Marshal

The Mississippi Department of Insurance announced the appointment of Kevin D. Butler as Chief Deputy Fire Marshal, effective March 9, 2026. Butler will oversee the State Fire Marshal's Office and supervise over 50 employees.

Maine DHHS Receives Grant for Reproductive Health Awareness

The Maine Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) has received a nearly $600,000 federal grant from CMS to expand awareness of reproductive health coverage options available through CoverME.gov and MaineCare. The two-year grant will fund outreach and education efforts to inform consumers about available benefits.

Change Healthcare Data Breach Consumer Notice

The Maine Bureau of Insurance issued a consumer notice regarding the Change Healthcare data breach in February 2024. The breach compromised patient information, including names, addresses, and Social Security numbers, and caused widespread disruptions in healthcare payment processing. Change Healthcare is offering two years of free credit monitoring and identity theft protection.

Maine Seeks Comments on Medical Payments Coverage Rules

The Maine Bureau of Insurance is seeking comments on a draft form and proposed rule changes related to medical payments coverage assignments under LD 899. The changes aim to strengthen requirements for written agreements and provide clarity for consumers regarding payment assignments to providers. The law becomes effective September 24, 2025, with enforcement delayed until December 1, 2025.

Maine Finalizes 2026 Health Insurance Premiums

The Maine Bureau of Insurance has announced finalized 2026 health insurance premiums for the individual and small group markets. Average rate increases of 23.9% for individuals and 17.5% for small groups will take effect January 1, 2026, driven by rising medical and drug costs.

Anthem/Northern Light Health Contract Dispute FAQs

The Maine Bureau of Insurance issued FAQs addressing consumer protections related to the potential network termination of Northern Light Health providers from Anthem's network. The FAQs outline patient rights regarding continuity of care and access to services if an agreement is not reached by the stated deadlines.

Maine Insurance Bulletin on Agency Termination and Policy Cancellation

The Maine Bureau of Insurance issued Bulletin 489 to clarify that terminating an agency relationship is not a lawful basis for nonrenewal of homeowners, renters, or personal auto policies. Insurers must adhere to Maine's Cancellation Control Acts and provide explicit reasons for nonrenewal.

Maine Insurance Bulletin: Out-of-Network Provider Referrals

The Maine Bureau of Insurance issued Bulletin 490, updating Bulletin 434 regarding out-of-network provider referrals. The bulletin reflects legislative changes expanding direct health care service arrangements to all licensed physicians and advanced practitioners, changing the term 'direct primary care provider' to 'direct health care provider'. Health carriers must now honor referrals from these providers on the same terms as in-network providers.