Alliance Also Supports Mass. “Runner” Bill

The Alliance of American Insurers joined the NAII (see previous article) in urging quick approval of the proposed Massachusetts law that would prevent so-called “runners” from recruiting clients for unscrupulous attorneys and medical clinics.

“We commend the committee’s efforts to single out and penalize those who are at the root of insurance fraud in Massachusetts,” stated Alliance Vice President and New England Regional Manager Frank O’Brien. “Passage of SB 170 will help law enforcement officials put some of these runners behind bars and will deter others who might be tempted to get involved in one of these fraud schemes. It will also help protect consumers from the spiraling cost of insurance fraud.”

Alliance Director of Claims Kirk Hansen stressed that runners are at the heart of the fraud system. “A runner is hired by a fraud ring to chase accidents victims and direct them to attorneys and medical clinics where false injury reports and fraudulent lawsuits are their bread and butter,” he continued. “This legislation would make the practice illegal and allow judges to put convicted runners in jail for up to two-and-a-half years and fine them up to $5 thousand. That’s a key crime-fighting tool that has been missing in Massachusetts.”