Maine Bureau of Insurance Recovered $2M in 2013

Maine’s Bureau of Insurance obtained nearly $2 million in recoveries and required payments on behalf of Maine consumers in 2013, officials said.

More than $1.5 million was recovered for consumers by the Bureau’s Consumer Health Care Division, and almost $400,000 was recovered for consumers by the Property and Casualty Division.

Maine Insurance Superintendent Eric Cioppa said the Bureau fielded 9,000 inquiries and more than 700 complaints during 2013: the Property and Casualty Division handled 4,022 inquiries and 306 written complaints; and the Consumer Health Care Division received 4,977 inquiries and 437 written complaints.

“It’s the duty of the Bureau to assist individuals and businesses with insurance-related complaints, including the timely and accurate payment of insurance claims,” Insurance Superintendent Cioppa said. “These recoveries represent contested claims that likely would not have been paid without the intervention of Bureau staff.”

Cioppa said most insurers operating in Maine pay claims properly and quickly, but each year there are many individuals and businesses who seek assistance from the Bureau.