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Guidelines on Use of Aerial Imagery in Insurance Coverage Determinations

The Tennessee Department of Commerce & Insurance issued bulletin AerialImageryBulletin25-03 providing guidelines for insurance carriers using aerial imagery and drone photography when inspecting consumer properties. The bulletin warns that aerial imagery should not be the sole basis for coverage decisions and requires insurers to notify homeowners when such imagery is used. The bulletin also warns that using low-resolution or outdated aerial imagery to deny claims may constitute an unfair claims practice under Tenn. Code Ann. § 56-8-105.

Federal Assistance Available for Washingtonians Impacted by December 2025 Floods

FEMA announced federal disaster assistance is available for Washington residents impacted by December 2025 flooding. Aid is accessible to individuals in Chelan, Grays Harbor, King, Lewis, Pacific, Pierce, Skagit, Snohomish, Thurston, and Whatcom counties, plus tribal communities. Assistance includes temporary housing, home repairs, and low-cost loans for uninsured property losses.

IBHS Wildfire Prepared Home Program Expands to Washington

The Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety (IBHS) expanded its Wildfire Prepared Home designation program to Washington and nine other states. The voluntary program offers homeowners in high-risk wildfire areas science-based mitigation steps to reduce ignition risk from wind-driven embers. Two designation levels are available: Wildfire Prepared Home and Wildfire Prepared Home Plus, along with a Wildfire Prepared Neighborhood option for builders and communities.

Direct Acquisition of Bonita Springs Retirement Village Approved

The Florida Office of Insurance Regulation issued Consent Order OIR 2026-29 approving the direct acquisition of Bonita Springs Retirement Village, Inc. (BSRV), a not-for-profit Continuing Care Retirement Community, by ACTS Acquisition and Development Company, LLC. BSRV was previously controlled by SantaFe HealthCare, Inc. ACTS Acquisition's sole member is ACTS Retirement-Life Communities, Inc. The order establishes conditions including a 30-day removal requirement for individuals deemed unacceptable under the Florida Insurance Code.

Surplus Lines Export List Adoption Following March 19 Public Hearing

The Delaware Insurance Commissioner issued a Final Order adopting the Surplus Lines Export List effective April 13, 2026, following a public hearing held March 19, 2026. The Export List identifies insurance coverages that may be placed with eligible surplus lines insurers without first conducting a diligent search among admitted carriers, consistent with 18 Del. C. § 1912. The Department explicitly notes that the Export List does not change existing insurer eligibility standards or compliance obligations.

ATRIO Health Plans Placed Under Supervision Over Financial Condition

The Oregon Division of Financial Regulation issued an order of supervision to ATRIO Health Plans, Inc. on April 13, 2026, due to the insurer's excessive operating losses over the past 12 months and inadequate capital and surplus. The order places a DFR representative on site with control over all financial decisions and restricts the company from withdrawing funds, incurring debt, merging, approving new premiums, or terminating policies. ATRIO serves approximately 35,340 Oregonians enrolled in Medicare Advantage plans across 11 counties.

Commissioner Causey Reschedules Dwelling Rate Hearing to July 6

Insurance Commissioner Mike Causey has rescheduled the dwelling insurance rate hearing from May 4 to July 6, 2026. The N.C. Rate Bureau had filed a proposed statewide average 68.3% dwelling insurance rate increase on October 30, 2025, with a year one increase of 28.5% effective July 1, 2026, and a year two increase of 30.9% effective July 1, 2027. The Department and Rate Bureau indicate progress toward a settlement, necessitating additional time to finalize terms.

Commissioner TK Keen Appointed to NAIC Committees for 2026

Oregon Insurance Commissioner TK Keen has been appointed to several NAIC committees and task forces for 2026. Keen will serve on the Life Insurance and Annuities (A) Committee, Financial Regulation Standards and Accreditation (F) Committee, Consumer Liaison Committee, and American Indian and Alaska Native Liaison Committee. The appointments maintain Oregon's involvement in national insurance policy discussions on affordability, climate change, and wildfire issues.

Oregon PDAB Community Forums on Prescription Drug Costs

The Oregon Prescription Drug Affordability Board is hosting community forums in April and May 2026 to gather public input on prescription drug costs and their impact on Oregonians. Forums will be held both online and in-person across Oregon cities. The board will review eight medications including Jardiance, Ozempic, Keytruda, and others for affordability challenges.

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Montana Data Breach Exposes 462,000 Residents

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Montana disclosed a data breach affecting 462,000 residents after unauthorized access between November 8, 2024, and March 5, 2025. The breach exposed names, addresses, billing information, and medical data. Montana State Auditor and Commissioner of Securities and Insurance James Brown announced a full-scale investigation into the incident and whether notification requirements were followed.