Idaho Insurance Department Recovers Over $4 Million

The Idaho Department of Insurance reported it has recovered more than $4 million for Idaho consumers in 2009, by helping hundreds of Idahoans settle disputes with insurance companies.

According to DOI Director Bill Deal, complaints are received on all lines of insurance. In 2009, the majority of complaints involved health insurance (33 percent), and mainly concerned denied or improperly paid claims. Auto insurance issues accounted for 19 percent of complaints.

In 2009, consumer affairs staff answered more than 8,000 telephone calls and numerous emails and other correspondence from consumers. Recoveries are based on additional claim payments, overturned denials of benefits, reinstatements of coverage, cancellation of policies with the return of consumers’ money and various other reasons.

The Idaho Health Carrier External Review Act, effective Jan. 1, 2010, will aid consumers in appealing health insurance claims denied by their insurance carriers as being medically unnecessary or investigational, Deal said.

For information, visit www.doi.idaho.gov/.