State and Federal Governments Specify Required Actions for Insurance Companies in Wake of Flooding Disaster

      Following the devastating storms and floods that have recently swept several Midwestern states, President George Bush and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) have declared many counties to be Major Disaster Areas. As such, insurance providers are required to take specific actions to ensure that affected policyholders will not experience a loss or interruption of coverage as they recover from the effects of this natural disaster. As of today, Major Disaster Areas have been declared in the states of Illinois, Iowa, Indiana and Missouri. In these locations, homes and businesses have been severely damaged or destroyed, health care delivery systems have been disrupted, and there may be limited travel or delivery of U.S. mail.

      We share great concern for all of our members, policyholders, and sales representatives whose lives and livelihoods were dramatically impacted by this unprecedented natural disaster. Please be assured that Universal American Corp. and its subsidiary companies will comply fully with all disaster requirements set forth by the Federal and State governments. At this time, the provisions and accommodations are as follows:

CMS:

  • Medicare Part D Prescription Drugs:

    • Prescription drug plans must guarantee immediate refills of Part D medication to any beneficiary located in any area where major disaster or public health emergency has been declared.

    Please read the complete CMS bulletin for all requirements (Here)


    ILLINOIS:

  • Must post information on the company web-site related to the actions taken to assist affected insureds.

    • Impose moratorium on cancellations or non-renewals.

    • Provide extension of all policy provisions.

    • Provide exceptions to policy requirements.

    • Provide assistance to Medicare beneficiaries.

    • Advise consumers to contact the Illinois Division of Insurance to file complaints regarding any disaster-related dispute or issue.

    • All of the Illinois announcement is available at this link

    Check affected Illinois Zip Codes


    INDIANA:

  • Effective June 17, 2008, a 60-day moratorium has been established for cancellation of any insurance policy in effect for those residing within the disaster areas. This moratorium includes any penalties or late fees.


    • Click Here to read the entire Indiana Department of Insurance announcement.

    Check affected Indiana Zip Codes


    IOWA:

  • Deferral of premium payments and policy time frames for all lines of insurance.


    • The Iowa announcement is posted here

    Check affected Iowa Zip Codes


    MISSOURI:

  • Provide extended grace periods for premium payments and claims documentation procedures.


    • The Missouri announcement is posted here

    Check affected Missouri Zip Codes

Should you have any questions regarding the actions being taken to assist members or policyholders who were affected by the recent natural disaster, please contact the company as follows: Pyramid Life, 1-800-772-2299