Businesses urged to revisit insurance needs, encourage workplace safety The Delaware Department of Insurance is sharing reminders with businessowners regarding important measures to take as phased reopenings begin and providing resources that can help companies enhance worker and customer safety throughout the reopening process. Insurance Commissioner Trinidad Navarro recommends that businesses revisit their insurance plans […]

Bureau of Examination, Rehabilitation, and Guaranty (BERG) team from back left: Tracey Weaver, Alisa Pritchard, Danielle Hopp, Matthew Aidala, Kelly West, Laura Hufschmidt, Deputy Commissioner Tanisha Merced, Jasmine Jenkins, Beth Short, Hollylynn Ford, Sherry Wilson, Blake Synnestvedt, and Steven Carlson. From front left, Nicole Brittingham, Charles Santana, Rylynn Brown, Commissioner Trinidad Navarro, Dave Lonchar, Tom […]

Over $1 million claimed by Delaware residents in 2019, More than $400,000 in early 2020 The Delaware Department of Insurance has released new data about local use of the Life Insurance Policy Locator, a free tool offered in conjunction with the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC). In total, 1,116 requests have been submitted, and […]

Temporary codification of expanded telemedicine options helps all Delawareans Today Governor John Carney signed, via livestream, HS 1 for HB 348, sponsored by Representative David Bentz, which temporarily codifies a number of consumer-friendly provisions developed during COVID-19 that can increase access to health care due to expanding telemedicine. Insurance Commissioner Trinidad Navarro issued the following […]

Commissioner Navarro encourages caution in repairs, meets with community Tropical Storm Isaias produced tornado activity, heavy rain and flooding, hail, and strong winds throughout the state, causing significant destruction in several Delaware communities. Insurance Commissioner Trinidad Navarro visited residents and assessed damage on Wednesday. “While measuring the full extent of this storm will take time, […]

New regulations increase oversight of Pharmacy Benefit Managers Excessive pharmaceutical costs are a concerning trend occurring across the nation, and today the Delaware Department of Insurance has finalized new regulations for Pharmacy Benefit Managers (PBMs) to proactively combat the issue. The regulations go into effect on August 11 as part of implementing HB 194, and […]

Second consecutive year of reductions in health insurance rates In a year when the nation’s attention is firmly focused on healthcare and its costs, Delaware Insurance Commissioner Trinidad Navarro has announced another reduction in rates on the Delaware Health Insurance Marketplace. Despite insurer costs related to COVID-19 testing and treatment, Commissioner Navarro negotiated an average […]

Thousands of Highmark 2019 plan participants and groups to receive checks After announcing a reduction of Delaware Health Insurance Marketplace rates for the upcoming enrollment year, Insurance Commissioner Trinidad Navarro has more good news for residents who purchase insurance on the Delaware Health Insurance Marketplace, those who purchase Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield Delaware plans […]

More ways to receive Medicare counseling and information as Open Enrollment approaches, Bureau earns federal grants to support efforts When COVID-19 required cancellation of the Department of Insurance Delaware Medicare Assistance Bureau series of statewide Welcome to Medicare in-person events, the team responded rapidly, engaging with residents in new ways and offering their free, one-on-one […]

DOVER, DELAWARE – Delaware State Auditor Kathy McGuiness and Insurance Commissioner Trinidad Navarro together will host a virtual Fraud Town Hall via Facebook live on Wednesday, October 21, 2020 beginning at 3:00 pm. The Auditor’s Office and the Department of Insurance want to jointly raise awareness of the types of fraud schemes both agencies regularly […]

Decrease and Workplace Safety Program save businesses money during unprecedented time Insurance Commissioner Trinidad Navarro announced today that workers’ compensation insurance rates will decrease for the fourth year in a row, effective December 1, 2020. The voluntary market is seeing yet another double-digit decrease in loss costs, with an average 11.56% reduction, and residual market […]

The marketplace’s eighth open enrollment period starts Sunday, Nov. 1, and ends Tuesday, Dec. 15, at www.HealthCare.gov, where consumers can renew existing coverage or sign up for a new plan. Coverage for enrollees who sign up by Dec. 15 and pay their first month’s premium will take effect Jan. 1.

Shortlisted for European Captive Review honor Insurance Commissioner Trinidad Navarro shared today that Delaware was named as one of three finalists for International Insurance Domicile of the Year within the European Captive Review Awards. The winning domicile will be announced in a virtual ceremony on November 26. Delaware is the fifth largest global captive domicile. […]

Regulated health insurers found to be in violation laws of that prohibit discrimination in mental healthcare, $597K in fees assessed Insurance Commissioner Trinidad Navarro has announced the completion of the first in a series of Mental Health Parity examinations on health insurers in Delaware. Investigations conducted by the Delaware Department of Insurance uncovered thousands of […]

For those who enroll by the deadline and pay their first premium, coverage will begin Jan. 1, 2021.

Provisional Affordability Standards aim to strengthen primary care in Delaware through increased investment Insurance Commissioner Trinidad Navarro announced the release of the Office of Value-Based Health Care Delivery’s initial provisional Affordability Standards as part of a new report, Delaware Health Care Affordability Standards: An Integrated Approach to Improve Access, Quality and Value, which includes plans […]

NEW CASTLE (Dec. 23, 2020) – Enrollment on Delaware’s Health Insurance Marketplace increased more than 5% during the open enrollment period that ended Dec. 15. From Nov. 1 through Dec. 15, a total of 25,260 Delawareans signed up for 2021 coverage through the marketplace, an increase of 5.3% over last year’s open enrollment period, when […]

Insurance Commissioner Trinidad Navarro highlights successes, resilience The Delaware Department of Insurance published today a series of statistics outlining performance and productivity during 2020. These metrics show successes notwithstanding the pandemic and operational changes such as working remotely. These data have been shared visually in the Department of Insurance 2020 Year in Review infographic. “Despite […]

Company corrections ordered and completed Commissioner Trinidad Navarro has released a consumer alert for Liberty Mutual policyholders. In early December, the Delaware Department of Insurance became aware of unacceptable difficulties in contacting the company and filing claims by phone. The department ordered these issues corrected when discovered, and recently deemed the problems resolved. Policyholders reported […]

Delawareans looking for affordable health insurance will have an additional opportunity to sign up for coverage – including tax credits for eligible enrollees that help to reduce monthly premiums significantly.

Consumers should be wary of non-marketplace plans that offer limited benefits Insurance Commissioner Trinidad Navarro is joining commissioners across the country in cautioning residents who may be considering purchasing an insurance plan that does not adequately meet their needs or comply with Affordable Care Act (ACA) benefit requirements. The Special Enrollment Period, which started February […]

General Assembly sent key bill to the Governor The Delaware General Assembly passed legislation to increase Delawareans’ access to high quality, affordable health care through a series of reforms that will refocus Delaware’s healthcare system on primary care and improvements in value. Senate Substitute 1 for Senate Bill 120 requires commercial health insurance companies to […]

State’s dormancy laws now offer greater flexibility With the Governor’s recent signature, Delaware’s Captive Insurance Division is celebrating increased flexibility in its offerings to captive insurance companies. Senate Substitute 1 for Senate Bill 36 allows captives to be classified as registered series, offers clarity to provisions regarding insuring a parent company, and allows for a […]

More than $1.3M in total fines assessed for coverage discrimination Insurance Commissioner Trinidad Navarro has announced the completion of additional Mental Health Parity examinations on regulated health insurers in Delaware. These violations resulted in $735,000 in fines and significant insurer corrections to create a less discriminatory environment in the future. Combined with two examinations completed […]

Expanded oversight of Pharmacy Benefits Managers possible Legislation to further regulate the Pharmacy Benefits Manager industry was passed by the General Assembly in late June and sent to the Governor with unanimous bipartisan support. HB 219, sponsored by Rep. Andria Bennett, Sen. Spiros Mantzavinos, Senate President Pro Tempore Dave Sokola, and Rep. Mike Smith, would […]

Participating in National Insurer Climate Risk Disclosure Survey Insurance Commissioner Trinidad Navarro has announced Delaware’s participation in the National Association of Insurance Commissioners’ Insurer Climate Risk Disclosure Survey, an effort to assess how the impacts of climate change will reverberate across the insurance industry. From investment practices, to increased claim occurrences impacting companies’ financial sturdiness, […]

National Antifraud Task Force takes on new charges to protect consumers Delaware Insurance Commissioner Trinidad Navarro, Chair of the National Association of Insurance Commissioners’ (NAIC) Antifraud Task Force, announced today the successful creation of the Improper Marketing of Health Plans Working Group, which aims to tackle some of the nation’s most serious consumer-centered health scam […]

Expanded federal subsidies keep consumer costs low; SEP sees success After two consecutive years of rate decreases, Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield of Delaware, who offers the state’s Affordable Care Act (ACA) health plans, will increase base rates an average of 3% for the 2022 plan year. The announcement comes after extensive, in-depth independent actuarial […]

Highmark plan participants and groups to receive checks Insurance Commissioner Trinidad Navarro announced today that Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield Delaware will issue rebates totaling over $12.3 million to some Delawareans. Residents who purchase insurance on the Delaware Health Insurance Marketplace, those who purchase Highmark Delaware plans outside of the marketplace, and Highmark small group […]

NEW CASTLE (Sept. 7, 2021) – The Biden Administration has awarded Delaware $10,831,203 through the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) to improve access to affordable, comprehensive health insurance coverage through its section 1332 state-based reinsurance waiver. Delaware is one of 13 states to receive these funds, also known as “pass-through funding,” which are available […]

Free one-on-one counseling and information available to residents; Bureau earns federal grant The Delaware Medicare Assistance Bureau (DMAB), a division of the Delaware Department of Insurance, is encouraging residents to get ready for Medicare Open Enrollment. DMAB, which provides free, one-on-one Medicare counseling, offers a myriad of virtual appointment options for residents, as well as […]

Late last month in New Castle County, a Grand Jury indicted multiple residents for insurance fraud. The indictments stem from Department of Insurance Fraud Prevention Bureau investigations, in partnership with the Delaware Department of Justice. They allege that following vehicle accidents, each indicted resident did knowingly present false information to auto insurers or otherwise caused […]

Delawareans can renew existing coverage or sign up for a new plan. Coverage for enrollees who sign up by Dec. 15 and pay their first month’s premium will take effect Jan. 1, 2022.

Department of Insurance will lead effort to rein in monopolistic behavior and excessive pharmaceutical costs Insurance Commissioner Trinidad Navarro announced today that the Delaware Department of Insurance will begin the process of building and enforcing regulations regarding Pharmacy Benefit Managers (PBMs) as a new law goes into effect. The new authorities of the department will […]

Local independent pharmacy to administer important immunizations Insurance Commissioner Trinidad Navarro, in collaboration with Lieutenant Governor Bethany Hall-Long and Kevin Musto, R.Ph., FAPhA, independent pharmacist with Atlantic Apothecary, has announced a COVID Vaccination and Flu Shot Clinic on Thursday, November 18 from 1:00 to 4:00PM at the Delaware Department of Insurance’s Dover Office, 1351 West […]

Successes in serving residents continue The Delaware Department of Insurance (DOI) today published performance and productivity data for 2021. While the pandemic necessitated continued operational adjustments, staff continued to focus efforts on consumer services and saw great success. The department also released an infographic of key statistics. “Year after year, our DOI team delivers for […]

Legislative effort to end rating practice announced Insurance Commissioner Trinidad Navarro and the Consumer Federation of America (CFA) today released Gender Disparities in Auto Insurance Pricing, a new report that shows many women are being charged more by auto insurers based solely on their gender. Data shows that many Delaware women pay more per year […]

Consumers to have most options in history of Delaware Marketplace After years of work to increase competition on the Delaware Health Insurance Marketplace, Insurance Commissioner Trinidad Navarro announced today that three health carriers intend to offer plans for the 2023 plan year – the most in the state’s history. AmeriHealth Caritas and Aetna CVS Health […]

Following in-depth reviews by independent actuaries and the Office of Value-Based Health Care Delivery, rates for regulated 2023 health, dental, and small group insurance plans were announced today. While premiums are rising steeply across the country, the extension of consumer-friendly subsidies through the Inflation Reduction Act, coupled with Delaware’s strong 2022 enrollment and 2023 Health Insurance Marketplace expansion, will limit consumer impact locally.

Experienced healthcare management strategist hired after lengthy national search Insurance Commissioner Trinidad Navarro welcomed Cristine Vogel to the Delaware Department of Insurance as its Director of Value-Based Health Care Delivery this week after a lengthy national search to fill the role. As the inaugural Director, Vogel will lead efforts that relate to value-based care, primary […]

Consumers continue to benefit from carrier expansion and insurer oversight The Delaware Department of Insurance (DOI) has published its annual performance and productivity data, indicating continued success in serving consumers throughout the state. “In the face of inflation, climate change, the pandemic, and other challenges, our priority remains the same: the residents of our great […]

More than 37,500 Delaware agents, policyholders, beneficiaries impacted Following the receipt of additional data breach reports from insurers, including those related to the breach of the MOVEit file transfer services system used by third-party vendors, the Delaware Department of Insurance is updating this consumer alert and will be updating the online posting as information is […]

Recent reports of misleading comments in response to consumer questions prompt bulletin re-issuance The Delaware Department of Insurance has been made aware of recent misrepresentations related to the basis for premium changes in consumer-facing communications. In response, the department is reminding agents, producers, and insurers of their obligations to provide full explanations of rate changes […]

Increased competition means more options for Delawareans, employers For the second consecutive year, Delawareans will have access to increased options on the Health Insurance Marketplace, Insurance Commissioner Trinidad Navarro announced today, with 57 total plans offered by four insurers. In the 2024 plan year, consumers will have the opportunity to purchase plans from Celtic Insurance […]

As Medicare Open Enrollment approaches, the Delaware Department of Insurance and its Medicare Assistance Bureau (DMAB) are sharing their annual consumer information update. From October 15 to December 7, consumers can join, switch, or drop a Medicare Prescription Drug Plan (Part D) or Medicare Advantage Plan. DMAB’s free, confidential, unbiased one-on-one assistance can help residents determine if making a coverage change is the right choice. In 2022, the team completed 5,123 counseling sessions, saving beneficiaries a combined $1.5 million.

Process and regulatory changes developed in partnership with the Delaware Captive Insurance Association Insurance Commissioner Trinidad Navarro and the Delaware Captive Insurance Association (DCIA) are proud to announce a series of process and regulatory improvements intended to ensure Delaware remains a top domicile for businesses seeking to form captive insurance companies. The news was shared […]

Another banner year for consumer protection and insurer competition In 2023, the Delaware Department of Insurance’s 101 team members served Delaware residents and seniors, attracted new companies, oversaw expansions of coverage and enhanced competition, and contributed substantial funds to the state. Today’s data release details how each team contributed to Delaware’s strong insurance environment. “Each […]

Delays impacting operations, including payments and insurance transactions Earlier this month, one of the nation’s largest health care companies experienced a cybersecurity attack immobilizing much of the industry. Change Healthcare, a subsidiary of UnitedHealth Group that also operates as Optum Solutions, states that it interacts with 1 in every 3 patient records. Their systems are […]

Regional Insurance Commissioners developing new model law to prevent and treat Lyme The Northeast Zone of the National Association of Insurance Commissioners is promoting National Lyme Disease Awareness Month this May, announcing that the regional group aims to work toward development of a model law aimed at preventing and treating Lyme disease. The CDC estimates […]

Shares of Adani group firms continued to attract heavy demand in morning trade on Tuesday, with Adani Total Gas climbing nearly 20 per cent.