ME Insurance Bulletins

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.

Maine DOI: Excluded Driver Law Compliance for Auto Insurance

The Maine Bureau of Insurance issued Bulletin 491 to clarify compliance requirements for the Excluded Driver Law (24-A M.R.S. § 2916-B) for personal automobile insurance policies. Insurers must ensure specific criteria are met for driver exclusions, including policyholder agreement, underwriting justification, and proper policy endorsement.

Maine Network Adequacy Guidance for Plan Year 2027

The Maine Bureau of Insurance has issued updated Network Adequacy Guidance for plan year 2027, superseding Bulletin 487. Insurers offering Qualified Health Plans must continue to meet CMS network adequacy standards, including specific provider-to-enrollee ratios and accessibility standards, with modifications for Maine's specific conditions.