Together, the Governor’s suspension and the Commissioner’s declaration have the following impact on claim handling deadlines and premium payments:
Claim handling
Claim handling deadlines imposed by the state’s prompt payment laws are extended for an additional 15 days to help carriers respond to the COVID-19 outbreak. This extension will be in effect until the Governor’s suspension and Commissioner’s declaration are lifted.
Carriers must continue to:
- Promptly identify, evaluate, and resolve claims.
- Promptly acknowledge receipt of a claim.
- Promptly make appropriate assignments for the investigation of a claim.
Consumers and providers should continue to get timely service and receive prompt claims payments.
Premium payments grace period
- TDI expects all carriers to work with policyholders who may experience financial hardships due to the COVID-19 outbreak.
- Automatic bank drafts for premium payments may continue according to a carrier’s written agreement with a policyholder, unless a policyholder notifies a carrier of a specific hardship.
- It is TDI’s expectation that carriers will work directly with policyholders to resolve issues and minimize the effects of any penalties or additional charges.
Read Bulletin B-007-20 in its entirety here.