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 […]

Commissioner Navarro to provide Naloxone kits and training at event Insurance Commissioner Trinidad Navarro, in collaboration with Public Health’s Kent County Community Response Team, the First Presbyterian Church of Smyrna, and the Smyrna-Clayton Ministerium will provide free training and opioid rescue kits to residents on Wednesday, October 14 from 2:00 to 5:00PM. The event, taking […]

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 […]

Joins ten Insurance Commissioners in providing short- and long-term recommendations to the incoming administration A group of the nation’s state insurance commissioners joined together in a pledge to work with President-elect Joe Biden by providing health policy recommendations to the incoming administration. The commissioners share President-elect Biden’s vision that no American should have to go […]

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 […]

Devices being used to treat chronic conditions, COVID-19 Delaware Insurance Commissioner Trinidad Navarro has released a consumer alert for users of respiratory devices manufactured by Philips. An estimated 4 million Philips Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) and Bi-Level Positive Airway Pressure (BiPAP or BiLevel PAP) devices, as well as mechanical ventilators manufactured before April 26, […]

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 […]

Double-digit drop effective December 1 Insurance Commissioner Trinidad Navarro announced today that workers’ compensation insurance rates will decrease for the fifth year in a row, effective December 1, 2021. The voluntary market is seeing yet another double-digit decrease in voluntary market loss costs, with an average 21.02% reduction, and residual market rates will go down […]

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 […]

Department shares appreciation for Steve Kinion’s years of service The Delaware Department of Insurance today announced a planned leadership transition following an upcoming departure of long-time Captive Bureau Director Steve Kinion on September 30. The unique form of insurance regulated by this division contributes millions of dollars to the State of Delaware and City of […]

The Delaware Department of Insurance today announced that industry veteran Stephen Taylor has joined the department as the incoming Director of its world-renowned Captive Bureau. Taylor will succeed Steve Kinion, who transitions out of the role on September 30. “Stephen Taylor’s extensive experience as an innovative yet meticulous insurance regulator stood out amongst contract applicants […]

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.

As the October 15 to December 7 Medicare Open Enrollment quickly approaches, the Delaware Department of Insurance and its Medicare Assistance Bureau (DMAB) are sharing their annual consumer information announcement.

Double-digit drop will be effective December 1 Insurance Commissioner Trinidad Navarro announced today that workers’ compensation insurance rates will decrease for the sixth year in a row, effective December 1, 2022. Both the voluntary market and the residual market will see rate decreases in the double digits. “Lowering worker’s compensations costs time and time again […]

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 […]

Identifies Areas of Compliance and Opportunities to Continue Health Care Payment Transformation Early in March, Insurance Commissioner Trinidad Navarro and Cristine Vogel, the Director of the Department’s Office of Value-Based Health Care Delivery, issued the Annual Review of Carrier Progress Towards Meeting Affordability Standards. Vogel leads the Department’s efforts relating to value-based care, primary care, […]

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 […]

Insureds, agents, and beneficiaries should watch for notification On June 16, PBI Research Services, a third-party vendor for Genworth Financial, disclosed a data breach that impacted the personal information of an estimated 2.5-2.7 million individuals, including about 8,000 Delaware residents. At this time, the company has indicated that the potentially compromised information may include agents, […]

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 […]