Laura Shirtliff “With temperatures in the negatives across the state, it’s easy to forget that summer is around the corner. Warm spring and early summer temperatures mean two things in Montana: road construction and flooding. A homeowner’s insurance policy does not typically cover flood damage. Now is the time to evaluate your flood risk and consider purchasing … Read more
We have been generally impressed by Troy Downing’s performance as state auditor and insurance commissioner. In his handling of multilevel sales companies, his backing of the federal No Surprises Act and outreach to healthcare consumers who could be helped by it, and his call for reforms of Montana’s cabin-site sale program are all small but … Read more
By: Mike Smith Click HERE to view the entire article. The state has suspended the insurance license of Butte bail bondsman Jay Steven Hubber, who has been charged in a man’s shooting death that occurred during a botched bounty hunt in December. But state Auditor and Insurance Commissioner Troy Downing said regulatory authority over bondsmen … Read more
The rise in Covid-19 cases and the new federally mandated reimbursement program from insurance companies has led to an increase in demand for mail-order, self-administered Covid-19 tests. Home testing, if correctly administered, can give you vital information about the need to avoid contact with others to limit spreading the virus. At-home testing is convenient, but … Read more
New captive insurance company formations continued at a strong pace in 2021. Growth is expected to remain high in 2022, as premium increases are likely to continue in the traditional commercial insurance market, captive regulators and managers say. In Vermont, the largest US captive domicile, 45 captives were licensed last year, the fourth-highest number of … Read more
Federal legislation that took effect at the start of the new year means that Flathead County residents can expect some changes to medical billing practices. For Dr. Annie Robbins, the physician director of revenue cycle at Logan Health, it’s an important opportunity for people to become more involved with their healthcare finances. However, Robbins cautioned … Read more
Our agency has settled a nationwide scheme perpetrated by Metals.com affecting several Montanans ─ who collectively invested more than $2.9 million in precious metals. Our investigation alleged Metals.com advised potential investors their current securities holdings were unsafe and risky and should be liquidated in order to be invested in precious metals. Metals.com representatives also misled … Read more
Click HERE to view the entire article. Montana’s top state office holders have approved a new route for a natural gas pipeline beneath the Yellowstone River over the protests of Laurel landowners. Gov. Greg Gianforte, Auditor Troy Downing, Secretary of State Christi Jacobsen and Superintendent of Public Instruction Elsie Arntzen, voted this week to approve … Read more
The Biden Administration is requiring private health plans and insurance companies to reimburse their members for the cost of over-the-counter rapid COVID tests. This new requirement means individuals with private health insurance can submit a claim to their insurance company for FDA-approved tests purchased by the member for at-home use. Due to the limited supply … Read more