For Immediate Release
November 30, 2021
Contact: Emme Anderson
(732) 201-4133

NCOIL ADOPTS THREE NEW HEALTH MODEL LAWS DURING ANNUAL MEETING IN SCOTTSDALE
Model Laws Include NCOIL Telemedicine Authorization and Reimbursement Model Act; NCOIL Accumulator Adjustment Program Model Act; and NCOIL Model Act Regarding Air Ambulance Patient Protections

Manasquan, NJ: – During the recently concluded 2021 National Council of Insurance Legislators (NCOIL) Annual National Meeting in Scottsdale, AZ, NCOIL, the nation’s premier legislator-led insurance public policy organization, adopted three new NCOIL Model Laws. The Models were first passed via voice vote by the group’s Health Insurance and Long-Term Care Issues Committee (Committee), Chaired by NY Asw. Pam Hunter, then adopted without dissent by the NCOIL Executive Committee.

The three new Model Laws are: the NCOIL Telemedicine Authorization and Reimbursement Model Act, sponsored by Asw. Hunter; the NCOIL Accumulator Adjustment Program Model Act, sponsored by AR Sen. Jason Rapert, NCOIL Immediate Past President, and co-sponsored by AR Rep. Deborah Ferguson, new NCOIL Secretary and Vice Chair of the Committee, ND Rep. George Keiser, former NCOIL President, and Asw. Hunter; and the NCOIL Model Act Regarding Air Ambulance Patient Protections, sponsored by WV Del. Steve Westfall and co-sponsored by IL Rep. Thaddeus Jones, KY Rep. Deanna Frazier, and TX Rep. Tom Oliverson, M.D., new NCOIL Treasurer.

Asw. Hunter stated “this Committee has worked very hard throughout the past year to make sure these Models were improved in response to the significant feedback received from the wide array of interested parties that were involved in this process. None of the Models adopted received unanimous Committee support, and that’s ok. As we all know from our work in our respective state legislatures – everyone is not going to agree on everything, but it’s important to always maintain a healthy and respective exchange of ideas when it comes to insurance public policy issues.” Hunter continued “and of course, consistent with NCOIL’s philosophy on model laws, states aren’t bound by the provisions in our models. Rather, they are intended to serve as a framework so that states can add or remove things if desired.”

“During my last meeting as NCOIL President, it was great to see the Committee take action on such important issues,” said IN Representative and outgoing NCOIL President Matt Lehman. “I was very pleased to see the Committee be so productive, and I look forward to participating in the
Committee’s great work going forward.”

The NCOIL Telemedicine Authorization and Reimbursement Act (TARA) encourages health insurers and health care providers to support the use of telemedicine, and also encourages state agencies to evaluate and amend their policies and rules to remove any regulatory barriers prohibiting the use of telemedicine services. Having been introduced during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, TARA is an acknowledgement that access to telemedicine is vital to ensuring the continuity of physical, mental, and behavioral healthcare for consumers during the pandemic and responding to any future outbreaks of the virus.

Two issues in TARA that garnered significant attention were reimbursement levels for telemedicine services, and using telemedicine to satisfy network adequacy requirements. Ultimately, the Committee approved language in TARA that permits health insurers and healthcare providers to negotiate reimbursement levels, and permits health insurers to use telemedicine to satisfy network adequacy requirements with regard to healthcare services, but not exclusively.

Asw. Hunter said, “I am proud to have sponsored TARA as it deals with such an important issue. Telemedicine certainly didn’t start with the COVID-19 pandemic, but I think it showed us all that it definitely will be more frequently utilized in the years to come. It is vital that people have the proper access to telemedicine, as it is crucial to ensuring the continuity of physical, mental, and behavioral health care of consumers, especially during health emergencies such as the COVID-19 pandemic.”

“The level of discussion around ‘payment parity’ for telemedicine was perhaps unprecedented for any single phrase in a model law in my time at NCOIL,” stated NCOIL General Counsel Will Melofchik. “However, Chair Hunter stated repeatedly and unambiguously that the reimbursement language does not mean dollar-for-dollar payment equality.”

The NCOIL Accumulator Adjustment Program Model Act (Accumulator Model) seeks to prohibit accumulator adjustment programs which prevent copayment assistance that helps patients pay for high-cost prescription drugs from counting towards their annual deductible or maximum out-of-pocket costs. The Accumulator Model, and the similar laws across the country, state that no matter who is contributing towards prescription drug costs, whether its pharmaceutical manufacturers, copay systems, a go fund me page, or aunt or uncle, those funds and third party payments should be counted towards a patient’s cost-sharing requirements.

“As legislators, we need to make sure that our constituents are being fairly treated by health insurers and are not receiving any unexpected charges,” said Arkansas Senator Jason Rapert, NCOIL Immediate Past President and Prime Sponsor of the Accumulator Model. “When patients are faced with unexpected charges, they are oftentimes less likely to adhere to their medical regimen, which can lead to various health consequences, such as unexpected visits to the emergency room. I sponsored a similar law in my home state of Arkansas and I am proud that NCOIL has now offered guidance to other states on this important issue.”

The NCOIL Model Act Regarding Air Ambulance Patient Protections (Air Ambulance Model), aims to amend state insurance laws to include certain air ambulance membership subscriptions as insurance products. The Air Ambulance Model also requires any entity operating such an air ambulance membership program to: implement a patient advocacy program that shall include, among other things, a dedicated patient hotline number and dedicated patient resource e-mail address to process patient billing and claims, and to address patient questions, complaints and concerns; and make other consumer disclosures on any advertisement, marketing material, brochure or contract terms and conditions made available to prospective members or the public, including noting that if eligible and covered by Medicaid or Medicaid managed care, the prospective member is already covered with no out of pocket cost liability for air ambulance services.

West Virginia Delegate Steve Westfall, Prime Sponsor of the Air Ambulance Model said, “It is important that products acting as insurance are categorized and regulated as such so that the proper consumer protections are in place. The old saying ‘If it walks like a duck and quacks like a duck…’ rings true with air ambulance membership subscriptions. I sponsored similar legislation in my home state of West Virginia and I am confident that states will look to this tightly crafted NCOIL Model and take action.” Westfall continued “The legal challenges surrounding these types of laws are well known, but I believe the NCOIL Model has been drafted in such a way that affirms the ability of states to regulate the business of insurance without threat of Federal obstruction.”

“Kudos to Chair Hunter, the sponsors, and everyone else involved, for the successful passage of three significant NCOIL Model Laws,” said Commissioner Tom Considine, NCOIL CEO. “These issues have clearly struck a chord with the Committee and interested parties given the level of rigorous debate these Models have had over the past several months. It is encouraging to see how much time and effort goes into the passage of our Model Laws – in these cases over many meetings of vigorous discussion – it shows how much people care which is one of the many reasons why NCOIL is such a great organization.”

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NCOIL is a national legislative organization with the nation’s 50 states as members, represented principally by legislators serving on their states’ insurance and financial institutions committees. NCOIL writes Model Laws in insurance and financial services, works to preserve the State jurisdiction over insurance as established by the McCarran-Ferguson Act over seventy years ago, and to serve as an educational forum for public policymakers and interested parties. Founded in 1969, NCOIL works to assert the prerogative of legislators in making State policy when it comes to insurance and educate State legislators on current and longstanding insurance issues.

For Immediate Release
November 24, 2021
Contact: Emme Anderson
(732) 201-4133

NCOIL CONCLUDES SUCCESSFUL ANNUAL MEETING IN SCOTTSDALE, AZ
Return to Fully In-Person Attendance; Six New Model Laws Adopted; Cooley Elected President

Manasquan, NJ – The nation’s premier legislator-led insurance public policy organization, the National Council of Insurance Legislators (NCOIL) concluded a successful 2021 Annual National Meeting (Meeting) in Scottsdale, AZ from November 17th – 20th at the Westin Kierland. In what
was the organization’s return to fully-in person attendance with no virtual option provided, NCOIL set an all-time attendance record with 357 participants consisting of 70 legislators from 25 states, 22 first-time legislators, seven Insurance Commissioners (or equivalent), and 12 insurance
departments represented.

“In my final meeting as President, I’m extremely proud of all that we have accomplished as an organization, especially with how unprecedented these past two years have been,” said Indiana Rep. Matt Lehman, who concluded his two terms as NCOIL President at the conclusion of the Meeting. “I couldn’t be happier with the turnout at this Meeting – especially the number of first-time legislators. We’ve now had back-to-back meetings where we have had over twenty first-time legislators. It’s really great to see our attendance numbers reach an all-time high even with COVID still being a disrupting factor in society. I look forward to seeing the organization continue to grow and succeed while developing timely and important model laws.”

NCOIL CEO, Commissioner Tom Considine said, “Scottsdale was a wonderful location for our first meeting back to fully in-person attendance, and everyone really enjoyed the city.” Considine continued, “As an organization that is made up of legislators, we are always thrilled to see new legislators attend their first NCOIL Meeting. The only way for us to continue to grow is by having dedicated legislators attend our meetings and engage in important insurance public policy discussions. We’re all looking forward to another year of continued growth and success.”

The Meeting began with the Budget Committee meeting on Wednesday evening, followed by the Welcome Breakfast the following morning where participants were greeted by Arizona Insurance Director Evan Daniels.

After the Welcome Breakfast, the Health Insurance & Long-Term Care Issues Committee, Chaired by New York Assemblywoman Pamela Hunter, met and adopted three new model laws: the NCOIL Accumulator Adjustment Program Model Act; the NCOIL Model Act Regarding Air Ambulance Patient Protections; and the NCOIL Telemedicine Authorization and Reimbursement Model Act.

The NCOIL Innovation Series continued with a discussion on Insurance Score Transparency. The discussion included Gary Sanginario, CPCU, AVP, from LexisNexis Risk Solutions, PJ Smith, Sr. Director of Product Management from LexisNexis Risk Solutions, Amy Bach, Executive Director of United Policyholders, and Jesse McKendry, Senior VP of Insurance for Metromile. Other general sessions held during the Meeting included: “Prior Authorization in HealthCare – Are Gold Cards the Answer?”; and “Man’s Best Friend but Not Insurable?”

The Institutes Griffith Foundation also hosted a legislator luncheon during which Dr. David Pooser, Associate Professor of Risk Management at St. John’s University, delivered a presentation titled “Direct-to-Consumer Insurance: Discussing the Model and Exploring its Impact.”

The Financial Services & Multi-Lines Issues Committee, chaired by Louisiana Representative Edmond Jordan, met and adopted the NCOIL Remote Notarization Model Act, and the NCOIL Uniform Captive Insurer Model Act. The Committee also re-adopted the NCOIL Identity Theft Protection Model Act and discussed the first draft of the NCOIL Insurance Regulatory Sandbox Model Act.

The Workers’ Compensation Insurance Committee, Chaired by Texas Representative Tom Oliverson, M.D., met and heard presentations on Texas occupational injury management and the pending case of Matilde Ek v. See’s Candies Inc. The Committee also adopted a Resolution Opposing Federal Monitoring of the State-Based Workers’ Compensation System.

The day concluded with the meeting of the Nominating Committee which voted to recommend a slate of new officers for next year. Arkansas Representative Deborah Ferguson, DDS will serve as Secretary, the first step in the NCOIL Officer ranks, and Texas Representative Tom Oliverson, M.D., will serve as Treasurer. The Nominating Committee also continued the advancement of California Assemblyman Ken Cooley, who will now serve as President, and New York Assemblyman Kevin Cahill, who will serve as Vice President. Outgoing President Indiana Representative Matt Lehman will serve alongside Arkansas Senator Jason Rapert as Immediate Past Presidents. The full body elected the slate on Saturday.

“I look forward to my term as NCOIL President and continuing to increase state legislator participation at NCOIL. I was very pleased with the amount of first-time legislator attendees in Scottsdale and I believe it is an indicator of where we are heading as an organization,” said California Assemblyman Ken Cooley, new NCOIL President.

The following day began with the meeting of the Life Insurance & Financial Planning Committee which discussed several issues including legislative and regulatory obstacles to the recruitment and retention of insurance producers, protecting vulnerable adults from financial exploitation, and paid family medical leave developments.

A very productive NCOIL-NAIC Dialogue was then held which included an impressive lineup of NAIC representatives: Alaska Director Lori Wing-Heier, Florida Commissioner and NAIC President David Altmaier, Idaho Director and NAIC President-Elect Dean Cameron, Indiana Commissioner Amy Beard, Montana Commissioner Troy Downing, and Oklahoma Commissioner Glen Mulready. Additionally, NAIC CEO Commissioner Mike Consedine also attended. The Dialogue included updates on State adoption of the NAIC Credit for Reinsurance Models, the NAIC Special Committee on Race and Insurance, and the new NAIC Letter Committee which will focus on innovation, technology, and cybersecurity in the insurance sector.

Longtime New York Assemblyman, NCOIL participant, and current Congressman Andrew Garbarino (NY-02) delivered the Keynote Address at Friday’s luncheon. Congressman Garbarino spoke about his experiences in Congress thus far and stressed to the first-time legislator attendees how valuable NCOIL can be for those looking to learn more about important insurance public policy issues.

The day concluded with a meeting of the Property & Casualty Insurance Committee, chaired by Kentucky Representative Bart Rowland. The Committee discussed state efforts to lower the uninsured motorist population, safety and insurance requirements for all terrain vehicles, and how the collapse of the Surfside condominiums in Florida might have an impact on property insurance and building standards going forward.

The Joint State-Federal Relations & International Insurance Issues Committee, chaired by Ohio Senator Bob Hackett, met on Saturday morning and adopted the NCOIL Resilient Revolving Loan Fund Model Act which is intended to implement provisions of the federal Safeguarding Tomorrow Through Ongoing Risk Mitigation (STORM) Act. The Committee also heard from Congressman Garbarino and others on the National Flood Insurance Program’s new rating methodology: Risk Rating 2.0, and re-adopted the NCOIL Company Licensing Modernization Model Act.

There were also two workshops during the course of the Meeting focused on educating legislators and providing them with methods on how to conduct effective legislative oversight. The workshops were led by Ben Eikey, Manager of State Training and Communications at the Levin Center at Wayne State Law; Carmen JM Simon, Evaluation & Strategic Planning Consultant; and Sara Gelser, Oregon Senate Majority Whip and Chair of the Oregon Senate Committee on Human Services, Mental Health and Recovery.

Assemblyman Cooley continued “Representative Lehman has done an incredible job as President, especially during such tumultuous times, and the organization is set up to succeed in large part because of his dedication.”

“I’m looking forward to meeting in Las Vegas in March where the agenda will again be filled with important issues to discuss and model laws to develop,” Cooley concluded.

Committee meeting minutes will be posted soon at www.ncoil.org.

The 2022 NCOIL Spring Meeting is scheduled to take place in Las Vegas, NV at Harrah’s from March 3rd – 6th. Registration will open in December.

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NCOIL is a national legislative organization with the nation’s 50 states as members, represented principally by legislators serving on their states’ insurance and financial institutions committees. NCOIL writes Model Laws in insurance and financial services, works to preserve the State jurisdiction over insurance as established by the McCarran-Ferguson Act over seventy years ago, and to serve as an educational forum for public policymakers and interested parties. Founded in 1969, NCOIL works to assert the prerogative of legislators in making State policy when it comes to insurance and educate State legislators on current and longstanding insurance issues

For Immediate Release
November 23, 2021
Contact: Emme Anderson
(732) 201-4133

NCOIL ELECTS NEW OFFICER TEAM
CA’s Cooley, NY’s Cahill, TX’s Oliverson & AR’s Ferguson to Lead National Insurance Legislator Group

Scottsdale, Arizona – The nation’s premier legislator-led insurance public policy organization, the National Council of Insurance Legislators (NCOIL), elected CA Assemblyman Ken Cooley President, NY Assemblyman Kevin Cahill Vice-President, TX Representative Dr. Tom Oliverson Treasurer, and Arkansas Representative Dr. Deborah Ferguson as Secretary for the upcoming year.

“I am proud of the bipartisan friendships and solutions that NCOIL promotes and I consider it a great honor to be asked to take on duties as NCOIL President during 2022,” stated Cooley.

NCOIL is a national legislative organization with the nation’s 50 states as members, represented principally by legislators serving on their states’ insurance and financial institutions committees. NCOIL writes Model Laws in insurance and financial services, works to preserve the State jurisdiction over insurance as established by the McCarran-Ferguson Act seventy six years ago, and to serve as an educational forum for public policymakers and interested parties. Founded in 1969, NCOIL works to assert the prerogative of legislators in making State policy when it comes to insurance and educate State legislators on current and longstanding insurance issues.

“This has been a unique time to be NCOIL President” said IN House Majority Leader Matt Lehman, who concluded his term as NCOIL’s President at the Annual Meeting. “I certainly never planned to be NCOIL President for two years, and could not have done so without the tremendous support and assistance of the other NCOIL officers and our staff over this period.”

“Ken’s unique background has made him nationally respected among his lawmaker peers in the 50 states for his collaborative style and thoughtful insurance public policy insights,” Lehman concluded.

“NCOIL owes a debt of gratitude to President Matt Lehman for his service during the trying times of the pandemic these past two years,” stated Cahill. “I have tremendous confidence in Assemblyman Cooley to carry the mantle forward over the next year, and am honored to serve as Vice President,” he concluded.

“I often tell people that ‘everything I know about insurance I learned at NCOIL’ and now I am both honored and delighted to join its officer ranks as Treasurer,” stated Oliverson, who also chairs the Texas House of Representatives Insurance Committee.

Rep. Ferguson stated “I am honored to serve as an officer and help guide NCOIL. I am grateful to have an organization like NCOIL. I have learned so much from the in-depth policy discussions on insurance issues in a non-partisan atmosphere. The model legislation and discussions inform my
legislative decisions in Arkansas.”

Asm. Cooley continued, “[a]s a national organization of state legislators, NCOIL focuses on helping legislators solve insurance availability and operation problems back home and this makes its meetings very practical and bipartisan. NCOIL is the only national public policy organization I’ve been active with as a California Assemblymember since 2013.”

“Everyone associated with NCOIL is exceptionally appreciative to Matt Lehman for his tireless leadership over these past two years; we owe him a great debt,” said NCOIL CEO Commissioner Tom Considine.

“We are also fortunate to have the new officer corps the membership has elected. Ken Cooley has proven, at NCOIL, the NAIC and in the CA legislature, to be one of the most insightful and thoughtful insurance minds in the country. Kevin Cahill is a real leader as the NY Assembly Insurance Chair in addition to his fine work at NCOIL. Also, NCOIL has set a new precedent with the election of two doctors as officers, as well as a welcome return of a woman officer after too long an absence,” Considine continued. “Tom Oliverson and Deborah Ferguson have been leaders in their states on insurance issues and at NCOIL for a number of years and will be excellent officers,” Considine concluded.

“I look forward to maintaining NCOIL’s strong tradition of collegial problem-solving,” Cooley concluded.

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2021 Annual Meeting Presentations & Materials  – CLICK HERE

For Immediate Release
November 1, 2021
Contact: Pat Gilbert
(732) 201-4133

NCOIL STAFF TO PARTICIPATE IN “NO-SHAVE NOVEMBER” FOR SIXTH CONSECUTIVE YEAR
Effort Raised Funds & Awareness for Cancer Research

Manasquan, NJ – NCOIL CEO Commissioner Tom Considine, General Counsel Will Melofchik, and
Coordinator of Administration Pat Gilbert are getting ready to participate in “No-Shave November” for the sixth consecutive year.

“For the last 6 years, the NCOIL staff have tossed aside their razors for the month of November, and this year, we are itching to do the same. As some of you know, I am a cancer survivor and sadly lost my mom to this disease. The fight against cancer has always been personally important” said Considine.

No-Shave November’s mission is to raise funds for cancer research and treatment, and to educate the population about preventive measures. Starting with the surviving children of one father who died of cancer in November 2007, the movement has since spread around the globe. Participants put down their razors for 30 days each year to join the fight against cancer. This year, NCOIL Support Services will make contributions to the Melanoma Research Foundation (MRF) and the Prostate Cancer Foundation (PCF).

The MRF is the leading melanoma community to transform melanoma from one of the deadliest cancers to one of the most treatable. Melanoma diagnoses are increasing at epidemic rates, claiming more 7,000 American lives every year. It is the deadliest form of skin cancer. However, nine out of ten cases are considered to be preventable. The MCF’s mission is to eradicate melanoma by accelerating medical research while educating to and advocating for the melanoma community.

The PCF funds the world’s most promising research to improve the prevention, detection, and treatment of prostate cancer and ultimately save patients’ lives. Right now, one man dies every 17 minutes from prostate cancer in the United States. PCF’s goal is to end all deaths from prostate cancer by raising awareness and funding urgent cutting-edge research.

NCOIL General Counsel, Will Melofchik, said, “I am proud to say this is the sixth year that I will be participating in No-Shave November to benefit a very worthy cause. I am happy to do my part to help fight this disease that affects so many. Last year, one of my sisters was diagnosed with breast cancer. Luckily, she was able to courageously defeat it and is doing great with her family. This year, No-Shave November means even more to me and my family.”

The No-Shave November campaign has successfully raised over millions to combat this disease. Every dollar raised brings us one step closer in our efforts to fund cancer research and education, help prevent the disease, and aid those fighting the battle. Each whisker grown allows us to embrace our hair, which many cancer patients lose during treatment.

More information on No-Shave November can be found at:

Home

More information on the Melanoma Research Foundation can be found here:

Home

More information on the Prostate Cancer Foundation can be found here:
https://www.pcf.org/

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NCOIL is a national legislative organization with the nation’s 50 states as members, represented principally by legislators serving on their states’ insurance and financial institutions committees. NCOIL writes Model Laws in insurance and financial services, works to preserve the State jurisdiction over insurance as established by the McCarran-Ferguson Act seventy six years ago, and to serve as an educational forum for public policymakers and interested parties. Founded in 1969, NCOIL works to assert the prerogative of legislators in making State policy when it comes to insurance and educate State legislators on current and longstanding insurance issues.

For Immediate Release
October 27, 2021
Contact: Pat Gilbert
(732) 201-4133

NCOIL CONCLUDES SIXTH ANNUAL DC FLY-IN TO EDUCATE MEMBERS OF CONGRESS ABOUT THE IMPORTANCE OF STATE-BASED INSURANCE REGULATION
National Cross Section of State Legislators Met with Senators, Representatives, Committee Staff and Member Staff to Further Education Process

Manasquan, NJ: A bi-partisan group of NCOIL legislators from State Legislatures around the country met in Washington DC to educate Members of Congress and their staff about the vital importance of state-based regulation of insurance and its success for more than 70 years.

Participating legislators included: IN Rep. Matt Lehman, NCOIL President; CA Asm. Ken Cooley, NCOIL Vice President; KY Rep. Joe Fischer, NCOIL Secretary; NY Asw. Pamela Hunter, Chair of the NCOIL Health Insurance & Long-Term Care Issues Committee; OH Sen. Bob Hackett, Chair of the NCOIL Joint State-Federal Relations & International Insurance Issues Committee; and MN Sen. Paul Utke, Vice Chair of the NCOIL Workers’ Compensation Insurance Committee. They, together with NCOIL CEO, Commissioner Tom Considine, and staff, participated in dozens of meetings with Senators, House Members, and committee and congressional staff, including significant numbers of both the House Financial Services Committee and Senate Banking Committee, to highlight the need to protect the state-based system of insurance regulation.

Meetings included Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell and senior staff to Congresswoman Carolyn Maloney, Chair of the House Committee on Oversight and Reform.

“Members of Congress and their staff need to know the importance of the state-based system of insurance regulation and be cautioned against enacting bills that undercut and weaken the McCarran-Ferguson Act,” said IN Rep. Matt Lehman, NCOIL President. “Any attempts to weaken the state-based system of insurance regulation, which has created the largest, most competitive insurance market in the world, can have disastrous consequences for our mutual constituents, consumers, and companies. It is therefore critically important that we have a continuous dialogue with Congress to make sure our insurance policy goals are aligned.”

NCOIL legislators discussed the preservation of the McCarran-Ferguson Act; the Prohibit Auto Insurance Discrimination (PAID) Act as being preemptive of the very heart of state insurance regulation – auto insurance underwriting; the need for a long-term reauthorization and modernization of the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP); amending the Airline Deregulation Act (ADA) to allow states the authority to regulate air ambulances; and amending the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) to add a statutory waiver provision so that States could seek ways to apply their particular reforms to all health insurance plans whose members all reside in that State – including self-insured plans of a certain number of members.

“It was great for NCOIL to return to The Hill for a series of extremely productive, in-person meetings with Members of Congress and their staff” said NCOIL CEO, Commissioner Tom Considine. “While last year’s “virtual fly-in” was great as well, you really do miss the camaraderie and ability to clearly communicate policy positions with Zoom meetings. It is comforting leaving Washington knowing that there is increased knowledge about the importance of preserving the proven state-based system of insurance regulation.”

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NCOIL is a national legislative organization with the nation’s 50 states as members, represented principally by legislators serving on their states’ insurance and financial institutions committees. NCOIL writes Model Laws in insurance and financial services, works to preserve the State jurisdiction over insurance as established by the McCarran-Ferguson Act seventy six years ago, and to serve as an educational forum for public policymakers and interested parties. Founded in 1969, NCOIL works to assert the prerogative of legislators in making State policy when it comes
to insurance and educate State legislators on current and longstanding insurance issues.

PLEASE CLICK HERE FOR FURTHER INFORMATION

For Immediate Release
September 29, 2021
Contact: Pat Gilbert
732-201-4133

NCOIL URGES CONGRESS TO PASS NFIP REAUTHORIZATION LEGISLATION
Congressional Action Must be Taken Before Current NFIP Reauthorization Expires on Sep. 30

Manasquan, NJ- The National Council of Insurance Legislators (NCOIL) urges a timely reauthorization of the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) before its expiration on September 30th.

“As we enter the second half of an already incredibly active hurricane season, it is essential that Congress pass, and President Biden signs, legislation reauthorizing the NFIP so that millions of consumers don’t lose access to affordable flood coverage. Consumers must be protected, especially during such a damaging hurricane season,” said IN Rep. Matt Lehman, NCOIL President.

“We urge swift reauthorization of the NFIP to avoid any disruption to consumers and their homes, businesses, and personal property. Further, this proverbial kicking the can down the road through a series of short-term extensions must stop. Congress and the President must come together to finally pass a long-term reauthorization of the NFIP that ensures consumers are protected and creates an environment for the private flood insurance market to work in tandem with the NFIP,” said Commissioner Tom Considine, NCOIL CEO.

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NCOIL is a national legislative organization with the nation’s 50 states as members, represented principally by legislators serving on their states’ insurance and financial institutions committees. NCOIL writes Model Laws in insurance and financial services, works to preserve the State jurisdiction over insurance as established by the McCarran-Ferguson Act seventy-six years ago, and to serve as an educational forum for public policymakers and interested parties. Founded in 1969, NCOIL works to assert the prerogative of legislators in making State policy when it comes to insurance and educate State legislators on current and longstanding insurance issues.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION

For Immediate Release
September 3, 2021
Contact: Pat Gilbert
(732) 201-4133

NCOIL HIGHLIGHTS LIFE INSURANCE AWARENESS MONTH
Urges the Importance of Protecting Loved Ones

Manasquan, NJ – Congress has designated September as “National Life Insurance Awareness Month”. The National Council of Insurance Legislators (NCOIL) applauds this designation. NCOIL focuses on this campaign to serve as a reminder to families of the value of life insurance and encourage them to perceive life insurance as an investment into their families’ security.

NCOIL President, IN Rep. Matt Lehman stated, “Now more than ever, Americans need to be reminded to include life insurance in their financial plans. The COVID-19 pandemic continues to create devastating outcomes for many. Families without life insurance could experience not only immeasurable emotional pain but also severe financial hardship.

NCOIL CEO, Commissioner Tom Considine said, “The past 18 months have made clear that unexpected events are part of life as we know it. Two common perceptions surrounding life insurance are that it is expensive and that it is not needed. However, many people can be insured for the price of a daily cup of coffee. Talk to your financial representative for a quote and work within your budget for a plan that is best for you. People of all ages are falling victim to COVID and everything can change in an instant. Everyone should understand the benefits of life insurance and the risks of going without it.”

Additional information and resources about Life Insurance Awareness Month can be found at https://lifehappenspro.org/life-insurance-awareness-month.

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NCOIL is a national legislative organization with the nation’s 50 states as members, represented principally by legislators serving on their states’ insurance and financial institutions committees. NCOIL writes Model Laws in insurance and financial services, works to preserve the State jurisdiction over insurance as established by the McCarran-Ferguson Act seventy-six years ago, and to serve as an educational forum for public policymakers and interested parties. Founded in 1969, NCOIL works to assert the prerogative of legislators in making State policy when it comes to insurance and educate State legislators on current and longstanding insurance issues.