The Idaho Department of Insurance (DOI) has joined forces with the
Coalition Against Insurance Fraud, a Washington group that includes insurers, law
enforcement officials, and consumer groups, in expressing concern over the recent
Toyota ad campaign. This campaign shows people dumping their cars so they can
buy new ones.
Every scene depicted in the ads is a crime. The DOI and the Coalition believe the
message is as much about increasing insurance fraud as it is about increasing car
sales.
DOI Fraud Investigator, Don Roberson, has written to the president of the Toyota
company asking him to pull the ads. “Insurance fraud is a very costly and very
harmful venture,” said Roberson. “It affects all of us in the form of increased
premiums.”
Over one in four adults in the United States believe that it is acceptable to cheat on
an insurance claim, up from 21% just nine years ago. The National Crime Bureau
and the Coalition estimate 10-25% of each insurance premium dollar spent by
consumers goes to insurance fraud. That annual cost is $60 billion.
In a response posted to the Coalition’s blog, Toyota had this to say, “The
ridiculous situation portrayed in the commercial is intended only for levity, and is
not meant seriously or to encourage ridiculous or antisocial behavior.” They added,
“Our only intention is to advertise our products. We hoped the commercial would
create a pleasant moment of laughter that would help the viewer keep Toyota in
mind.”
Saturday, August 30, 2008
Health Insurance: What to do if a Health Insurance Company Denies Your Claim
Major illness or a hospital stay following an accident can be stressful. It's not a time you want to be worried about your insurance coverage. However, for some insurance
consumers, this is when they are hit with a denial – notification their insurance company
won't pay all or part of a claim.
The Idaho Department of Insurance offers the following suggestions to help you
understand your options when a claim is denied:
Read and Understand Your Policy
Your individual health insurance policy is a legal contract with an insurance company.
You must read your policy thoroughly to understand your rights and responsibilities.
Your policy will also detail the medical conditions and benefits for which the insurance
company will and will not pay. If you need clarification, contact your insurance agent or
company.
What to Do if a Claim is Denied During Treatment
Make a list of questions and immediately contact your insurance company. You will find
contact information on the back of your insurance card.
Keep thorough notes of all conversations you have with company representatives. Include
in your notes the name of the person with whom you speak, as well as the date and time
of the conversation.
If you are positive and stay calm, the process will go more smoothly and could result in a
more beneficial outcome on your behalf.
Be Persistent
Keep in mind that simple errors such as miscoding or incorrect routing might have caused
your claim to be denied. These types of errors can usually be cleared up quickly. Be sure
to obtain the claim denial in writing.You might need to make several calls to the
company before the claim is paid.
What to Do if an Insurance Carrier Continues to Deny Your Claim
Contact the Department of Insurance for assistance appealing your claim. Eileen
Mundorff, Consumer Affairs Officer for the Department, said, “We need written
permission from the insured.” Be prepared to provide as much information as possible
about the situation.
“We will not take a complaint from doctors, hospitals or attorneys on behalf of insureds
without a signed consent from the insured,” Mundorff said.
Written complaints, along with supporting documentation, should be mailed to Idaho
Department of Insurance, Attention: Consumer Assistance, PO Box 83720, Boise, ID
83720-0043. Complaints may also be submitted electronically via the Department
website, www.doi.idaho.gov.
consumers, this is when they are hit with a denial – notification their insurance company
won't pay all or part of a claim.
The Idaho Department of Insurance offers the following suggestions to help you
understand your options when a claim is denied:
Read and Understand Your Policy
Your individual health insurance policy is a legal contract with an insurance company.
You must read your policy thoroughly to understand your rights and responsibilities.
Your policy will also detail the medical conditions and benefits for which the insurance
company will and will not pay. If you need clarification, contact your insurance agent or
company.
What to Do if a Claim is Denied During Treatment
Make a list of questions and immediately contact your insurance company. You will find
contact information on the back of your insurance card.
Keep thorough notes of all conversations you have with company representatives. Include
in your notes the name of the person with whom you speak, as well as the date and time
of the conversation.
If you are positive and stay calm, the process will go more smoothly and could result in a
more beneficial outcome on your behalf.
Be Persistent
Keep in mind that simple errors such as miscoding or incorrect routing might have caused
your claim to be denied. These types of errors can usually be cleared up quickly. Be sure
to obtain the claim denial in writing.You might need to make several calls to the
company before the claim is paid.
What to Do if an Insurance Carrier Continues to Deny Your Claim
Contact the Department of Insurance for assistance appealing your claim. Eileen
Mundorff, Consumer Affairs Officer for the Department, said, “We need written
permission from the insured.” Be prepared to provide as much information as possible
about the situation.
“We will not take a complaint from doctors, hospitals or attorneys on behalf of insureds
without a signed consent from the insured,” Mundorff said.
Written complaints, along with supporting documentation, should be mailed to Idaho
Department of Insurance, Attention: Consumer Assistance, PO Box 83720, Boise, ID
83720-0043. Complaints may also be submitted electronically via the Department
website, www.doi.idaho.gov.
Governor Otter Signs Fraud Awareness Week Proclamation
Governor Otter signed a proclamation today declaring this week to be Idaho
Fraud Awareness Week. Fraud is a problem that all Idahoans must be aware of in order to
avoid becoming vicitms.
Fraud Awareness Week is being sponsored by the Idaho Department of Insurance along
with many business, community and insurance industry partners. Department of
Insurance Director Bill Deal said, “Insurance fraud alone causes increased premium rates
for Idahoans. We want to help the residents of Idaho be proactive in protecting
themselves against fraud.”
During Fraud Awareness Week Idaho residents are encouraged to attend free fraud
awareness seminars that are being held throughout the state. The schedule of locations,
times and dates for these classes is available on the Department’s website,
www.doi.idaho.gov.
The Department recently released a toll free fraud hotline for consumers to call with
information on fraudulent insurance activities they may be aware of. The number is 866-
939-SCAM.
Fraud is a crime that everyone pays for. The National Insurance Crime Bureau estimates
insurance fraud costs Americans nearly $30 billion each year. According to information
from the Northwest Insurance Council, Idahoans are not only paying for fraud with
higher insurance rates, but also higher taxes and higher prices for consumer goods.
The Department of Insurance wants to help Idaho residents with any insurance problems,
questions or complaints they may have. Call 334-4250 in Boise, 800-721-3272 toll free
statewide, or visit the website.
Fraud Awareness Week. Fraud is a problem that all Idahoans must be aware of in order to
avoid becoming vicitms.
Fraud Awareness Week is being sponsored by the Idaho Department of Insurance along
with many business, community and insurance industry partners. Department of
Insurance Director Bill Deal said, “Insurance fraud alone causes increased premium rates
for Idahoans. We want to help the residents of Idaho be proactive in protecting
themselves against fraud.”
During Fraud Awareness Week Idaho residents are encouraged to attend free fraud
awareness seminars that are being held throughout the state. The schedule of locations,
times and dates for these classes is available on the Department’s website,
www.doi.idaho.gov.
The Department recently released a toll free fraud hotline for consumers to call with
information on fraudulent insurance activities they may be aware of. The number is 866-
939-SCAM.
Fraud is a crime that everyone pays for. The National Insurance Crime Bureau estimates
insurance fraud costs Americans nearly $30 billion each year. According to information
from the Northwest Insurance Council, Idahoans are not only paying for fraud with
higher insurance rates, but also higher taxes and higher prices for consumer goods.
The Department of Insurance wants to help Idaho residents with any insurance problems,
questions or complaints they may have. Call 334-4250 in Boise, 800-721-3272 toll free
statewide, or visit the website.
Sending Your Children Off to College? Be Sure Insurance Needs are Met
While packing needed belongings for the college experience, review
insurance policies to be sure your student is covered away from home. Health and
property insurance coverages may change when your child is no longer living under your
roof.
In Idaho insurance policies cover dependents who are full-time students until the age of
25. However, individual policies differ so families should check with their providers for
specific information about how the policy defines a full-time student.
Idaho Department of Insurance Director Bill Deal encourages families to talk to their
insurance agents to be sure personal property is covered away from home. “Take an
inventory of personal belongings that are going with the student to college,” said Deal.
This inventory will help in the event of an insurance claim or catastrophe.
If your student is taking a car to school, be sure coverage is adequate for the city and state
in which your child will live.
The Department’s website has more useful insurance tips for families sending children
off to school. For information, click on the Consumer Alerts link at www.doi.idaho.gov.
For any insurance-related questions, problems or concerns, call 334-4250 in Boise, or
800-721-3272 toll free statewide.
insurance policies to be sure your student is covered away from home. Health and
property insurance coverages may change when your child is no longer living under your
roof.
In Idaho insurance policies cover dependents who are full-time students until the age of
25. However, individual policies differ so families should check with their providers for
specific information about how the policy defines a full-time student.
Idaho Department of Insurance Director Bill Deal encourages families to talk to their
insurance agents to be sure personal property is covered away from home. “Take an
inventory of personal belongings that are going with the student to college,” said Deal.
This inventory will help in the event of an insurance claim or catastrophe.
If your student is taking a car to school, be sure coverage is adequate for the city and state
in which your child will live.
The Department’s website has more useful insurance tips for families sending children
off to school. For information, click on the Consumer Alerts link at www.doi.idaho.gov.
For any insurance-related questions, problems or concerns, call 334-4250 in Boise, or
800-721-3272 toll free statewide.
Idaho Fire Code Book Available Online
The Idaho Fire Code is now available in an online format. Through the joint
efforts of the Idaho Department of Insurance, Idaho State Fire Marshal’s Office and a
licensing agreement with the publisher, the code is now available as a reference to
everyone via the internet.
For years the general public only had access to the fire code through fire-related agencies
unless they purchased a copy. In support of Governor Otter’s request for better customer
service, State Fire Marshal Mark Larson has made the book available to the general
public.
“This is a significant improvement in the way we are providing the residents of Idaho
access to fire code information,” said Larson. Idahoans will no longer be required to visit
the Fire Marshal’s office or their local fire department to read it.
As one of a family of codes affecting building in Idaho, Idaho Fire Code sets forth the
minimum standard for the state of Idaho. According to Larson, the Fire Marshal’s office
receives numerous calls each week from people wanting to review the code for
clarification or information.
Idahoans can access a direct link to the Idaho Fire Code from the Fire Marshal’s website,
www.doi.idaho.gov. The State Fire Marshal’s office can also be reached at 334-4370 in
Boise, 800-721-3272 toll free statewide.
The Idaho Fire Code is also available for purchase. Information about the international
family of codes is available through www.iccsafe.org.
efforts of the Idaho Department of Insurance, Idaho State Fire Marshal’s Office and a
licensing agreement with the publisher, the code is now available as a reference to
everyone via the internet.
For years the general public only had access to the fire code through fire-related agencies
unless they purchased a copy. In support of Governor Otter’s request for better customer
service, State Fire Marshal Mark Larson has made the book available to the general
public.
“This is a significant improvement in the way we are providing the residents of Idaho
access to fire code information,” said Larson. Idahoans will no longer be required to visit
the Fire Marshal’s office or their local fire department to read it.
As one of a family of codes affecting building in Idaho, Idaho Fire Code sets forth the
minimum standard for the state of Idaho. According to Larson, the Fire Marshal’s office
receives numerous calls each week from people wanting to review the code for
clarification or information.
Idahoans can access a direct link to the Idaho Fire Code from the Fire Marshal’s website,
www.doi.idaho.gov. The State Fire Marshal’s office can also be reached at 334-4370 in
Boise, 800-721-3272 toll free statewide.
The Idaho Fire Code is also available for purchase. Information about the international
family of codes is available through www.iccsafe.org.
Department of Insurance Assists Families Affected by Fire
The morning after Monday’s devastating fire, Idaho Department of
Insurance personnel were on the scene to aid and assist homeowners with insurance
concerns and questions.
The Department is tasked with the responsibility of providing assistance to consumers. In
a disasterous situation such as this fire, homeowners will have many questions about
where to turn and what to expect from their insurance companies.
“This is one way we can provide superior customer service to Idahoans,” said
Department Director Bill Deal. “We want the residents to know we are here to help them
with the claim process if needed.”
Amy Lambrecht, consumer affairs officer for the Department, answered coverage
questions and assisted one homeowner in contacting his insurance company. “This is an
emotional time for these people,” said Lambrecht. “They will go through a readjustment
process as they sift through the rubble.”
The Department has tips for consumers regarding homeowners insurance, including a
household inventory form, on the website, www.doi.idaho.gov.
For questions or problems regarding these fires or other insurance related issues,
consumers are encouraged to call 334-4250 in Boise, or 800-721-3272 toll free statewide.
Insurance personnel were on the scene to aid and assist homeowners with insurance
concerns and questions.
The Department is tasked with the responsibility of providing assistance to consumers. In
a disasterous situation such as this fire, homeowners will have many questions about
where to turn and what to expect from their insurance companies.
“This is one way we can provide superior customer service to Idahoans,” said
Department Director Bill Deal. “We want the residents to know we are here to help them
with the claim process if needed.”
Amy Lambrecht, consumer affairs officer for the Department, answered coverage
questions and assisted one homeowner in contacting his insurance company. “This is an
emotional time for these people,” said Lambrecht. “They will go through a readjustment
process as they sift through the rubble.”
The Department has tips for consumers regarding homeowners insurance, including a
household inventory form, on the website, www.doi.idaho.gov.
For questions or problems regarding these fires or other insurance related issues,
consumers are encouraged to call 334-4250 in Boise, or 800-721-3272 toll free statewide.
Global Health Insurance
International Medical Insurance with wide a range of benefits. Compare the Market Leaders in Health Insurance from the comfort of your own home. Just visit globalinsurance.com and you will get it. Or other site you can compare between insurance company above :
1. Protected.co.uk
2. Moneynet.co.uk
3. Insurancewide.co.uk
4. More than
All information above according from globalinsurance.com. So, for more information you can visit that site.
1. Protected.co.uk
2. Moneynet.co.uk
3. Insurancewide.co.uk
4. More than
All information above according from globalinsurance.com. So, for more information you can visit that site.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
