Agent Newsletter - September 2026

COMMISSIONER’S CORNER

As we enter the fall of 2026, we find ourselves in a bit of transition at the Department of Insurance with a change in the Chief Deputy Commissioner’s position. Jackie Obusek, who has served the people of North Carolina at the Department for 30 years, is retiring.

I am grateful for the dedication Jackie has given the Department for 30 years. Jackie’s depth of financial experience and leadership will be missed.

Assuming the role of second-in-command at the Department is Chuck Myers, who has served the past three and one-half years as the deputy commissioner for the Louisiana Department of Insurance where he oversaw the Office of Property and Casualty.

I believe Chuck will be a real asset to our mission at NCDOI of protecting consumers and fighting fraud. His impressive insurance, accounting, law enforcement and leadership experience will make the transition of losing Jackie much smoother.

Protecting consumers is a top priority for me and the dedicated employees at the Department of Insurance. We work hard to regulate insurance companies and agents to make sure North Carolina policyholders get what they pay for. We also focus on helping consumers navigate the claims and recovery process.

Last year, the Department saved or recovered $142 million for North Carolinians. The recovered money includes funds from insurance fraud restitution, consumer assistance, market monitoring and external reviews, where Department employees helped consumers get needed medical procedures and prescription drugs. 

In 2025, Department employees helped North Carolinians obtain $65.9 million in claims from life insurance policies that had been lost, helped policyholders facing hurdles with their insurance companies receive $25.9 million after consumer experts intervened and assisted more than 64,000 Medicare beneficiaries, saving them $41.7 million.

North Carolinians originally denied necessary medical procedures or prescription drugs received $1.9 million in services or prescriptions after their reviews or appeals were resolved through our SmartNC program. Our Market Regulation Division, which monitors the conduct of insurance companies, recovered more than $336,000.

Our fraud investigators recovered $6.4 million in fraudulent expenditures. Insurance fraud hurts us all, costing Americans $308.6 billion a year, according to a 2022 study conducted for the Coalition Against Insurance Fraud.

Finally, we’re a little more than halfway through the 2026 hurricane season. Even though this one has been relatively mild, we know that it only takes one storm to cause a disaster. Helene in 2024 and Chantal in 2025 come to mind.

I hope you, your families and your clients stay safe, and I hope you’re prepared for the season. Don’t forget to consider getting flood insurance, which isn’t covered by traditional homeowners’ policies, although mobile homeowners’ and comprehensive automobile insurance does cover damage from floods.

I want to close by thanking all the agents for offering protection and service to their customers, and for doing your part to help keep North Carolina’s insurance industry strong.

FROM THE DEPUTY'S DESK

JACQUELINE R. OBUSEK
NCDOI CHIEF DEPUTY COMMISSIONER

After 30 years with the North Carolina Department of Insurance, I will be stepping down from my role as Chief Deputy Commissioner, effective October 1. My career with the Department has been dedicated to protecting North Carolina consumers and helping ensure that insurance companies operating in our state remain financially sound. From my first day as a financial examiner to my final days as Chief Deputy Commissioner, consumer protection has remained at the center of my work. I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to have served the Department and the people of North Carolina for three decades. I have been fortunate to work alongside an exceptionally dedicated and professional team, and I sincerely appreciate their support throughout my career. 

I also want to express appreciation to Commissioner Mike Causey for his leadership and for giving me the opportunity to serve as his Chief Deputy. Representing the Department and the Commissioner at national organizations, including the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) and the National Council of Insurance Legislators (NCOIL), has been a particularly meaningful part of my career. Such experiences allowed me to work with insurance regulators and professionals from across the country and to contribute to important discussions affecting our industry and consumers.

I am confident that the Department will continue its important mission under the leadership of Commissioner Mike Causey and incoming Chief Deputy Commissioner Chuck Myers. Chuck brings extensive experience in insurance, law enforcement, accounting, investigations, and leadership. His background and experience will be valuable assets to the Department and the people of North Carolina. 

Myers most recently served as deputy commissioner for the Louisiana Department of Insurance where he oversaw the Office of Property and Casualty. Additionally, he chaired the Louisiana Auto Insurance program and restructured the Louisiana Fortified Homes Program. He also led the Title Insurance Working Group at the NAIC.

I am pleased to welcome Chuck to the Department and look forward to seeing the continued progress of the organization. I know his experience and commitment will lend to the important work ahead. I wish Commissioner Causey, Chuck Myers, and the entire NCDOI team continued success in the years ahead.

REGULATORY ACTIONS (Jan - Jun 2026)

View and search all NCDOI Licensing Actions for additional regulatory actions and information.