Topics Related to NCDOI

Insurance Commissioner and Safe Kids NC Chairman Mike Causey encourages North Carolinians to safely dispose of unused or expired medications at one of more than 70 Operation Medicine Drop events around the state on Saturday, Oct. 26, National Prescription Drug Take Back Day.

“Operation Medicine Drop saves lives,” Commissioner Causey said. “Poisonings and deaths occur when medicines and prescription drugs end up in the wrong hands. Medications should always be locked out of reach of children, and when medicines are no longer needed, they should be disposed of in a safe way.”

The Medicare enrollment period is now open and runs for the next seven weeks. Each year during the Open Enrollment Period, Medicare beneficiaries have the opportunity to compare and evaluate their current plan and make changes as necessary.  By comparing plans during the Open Enrollment Period, Medicare beneficiaries can save money and ensure their 2020 plan is best suited to meet their needs.  

The Open Enrollment Period began Tuesday, Oct. 15, and all changes must be made by Dec. 7 to ensure coverage begins without interruption Jan. 1, 2020.

In recognition of Fire Prevention Week which runs from Oct. 6-12, Insurance Commissioner and State Fire Marshal Mike Causey is organizing a statewide fire drill.

On Saturday, Oct. 12 at 1 p.m., fire sirens will sound across the state to remind people to plan and practice their fire escape route.

North Carolina Insurance Commissioner Mike Causey today announced the arrest of Donell McNeil, 67, of 1012 Magnolia Drive, Dunn. McNeil was charged with insurance fraud and obtaining property by false pretense, both felonies.

Special Agents with the Department of Insurance’s Criminal Investigations Division accuse McNeil of obtaining $1,546.59 from National General Insurance Co. by filing an auto insurance claim for damage that occurred before he took out the policy.

[video:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lSWwEFnYqqE&feature=youtu.be]

In recognition of Fire Prevention Week 2019, which runs from Oct. 6-12, Insurance Commissioner and State Fire Marshal Mike Causey is urging everyone to uphold this year’s campaign theme, “Not every hero wears a cape. Plan and practice your escape.”

Public comment period runs through Sept. 26

The North Carolina Department of Insurance received a Dwelling insurance rate filing from the N.C. Rate Bureau on Aug. 14. The N.C. Rate Bureau, which is not part of the Department of Insurance, represents all companies writing property insurance in the state. The NCRB requested a statewide average rate increase of 19.2%, varying by territory, with a requested effective date of July 1, 2020.

North Carolina Insurance Commissioner Mike Causey is encouraging North Carolinians to prepare their homes and belongings for any natural disaster or emergency that could occur as we approach the official peak of the Atlantic hurricane season Sept. 10.

Hurricane Dorian and Tropical Depression Erin are currently churning in the Atlantic. Erin is expected to bypass the eastern U.S. as it heads toward Canada, but the path of Dorian is still uncertain.

The N.C. Department of Insurance has settled a homeowners' insurance legal dispute with the North Carolina Rate Bureau, averting a potentially costly administrative battle with insurance companies. This means the hearing scheduled for Oct. 2 is canceled.

In addition, Commissioner Mike Causey announced that the Department has also negotiated a settlement with the NCRB on mobile home insurance rates.

GASTONIA

North Carolina Insurance Commissioner Mike Causey announced that Victim Assistance Centers (VACs) will be set up in Beaufort and Emerald Isle Monday and Tuesday to assist storm victims with their insurance needs.

The N.C. Department of Insurance will have consumer experts on hand to assist and answer any questions residents have concerning damage from Hurricane Dorian and the tornadoes it generated.

(Note to editors and news directors: Please share this information with your readers, viewers, and listeners so they may attend. Also, please feel free to cover the event.)