COVID-19 State Notifications for SERFF Customers

Many states are sending State Generated Messages through SERFF along with providing the NAIC with details for their changes

 

Arizona

  • As you evaluate the need to modify your life and annuity products to respond to the COVID-19 crisis, AZDOI urges you to file via the Insurance Compact.

IIPRC

  • Insurance Compact wanted to remind Compacting States and filers the Insurance Compact's platform is a remote, virtual environment poised to provide seamless reviews at this time.
  • Insurance Compact is fully staffed, including three full-time credentialed actuaries, to review updated and new product filings.
  • The Insurance Compact is here to serve the state regulators at this time of transition with the review of insurance products under detailed Uniform Standards. Company filers can submit a single submission under the Insurance Compact Uniform Standards and receive a single review and approval valid in up to 46 jurisdictions.
  • The Insurance Compact Team will work with filers as they prepare their filings, during, and after review to move product filings through the compliance review process. Filers are encouraged to have a current annual registration in place to facilitate being able to make submissions. Via the Pre-Filing Communication process, the Insurance Compact Team will answer questions to guide filers on the proper filing process, e.g., Supporting Documentation Update, or respond to questions regarding the Uniform Standards.
  • The Insurance Compact Office is available to answer any questions Compacting States or company filers may have regarding Compact product filings.

Kansas

  • Any carrier making a filing in response to COVID-19, please indicate this on the general information page of the filing. This will help the department to easily identify and expedite the review and approval of all such filings. It is suggested that carriers use the term COVID-19 in the "product name" field and provide a description of what the carrier is filing in the filing description field.
  • All filing requirements apply to these filings as they do with all other filings in Kansas
  • The Kansas Insurance Department wants to remind companies that our Health & Life Division is working remotely and we are currently accepting new and revised form, form/rate, rate, and advertising filings for all health, life and annuity TOIs via SERFF.

Louisiana Department of Insurance

  • Working remotely from home
  • LouisianaPC is accepting all filings and trying to review as normal
  • Extended Deemer date from 45 to 60 days and sending a note to filer on each filing regarding the extended Deemer date.

Michigan

  • DIFS wants to assure insurers during these uncertain times that staff has the capability and is committed to continued review of SERFF filings, even as some of our staff are working remotely over the next 60 days.
  • Communications related to filings should continue through SERFF. Non-SERFF filing related questions should be sent to DIFS-OIRF@michigan.gov. Insurers should continue to monitor the DIFS website at www.michigan.gov/difs.
  • Information about this outbreak is changing rapidly and may require additional changes to DIFS procedures, which we will communicate as appropriate. You can also stay informed on the state's response to COVID-19 by regularly visiting Michigan.gov/Coronavirus and CDC.gov/Coronavirus.

 

Missouri

  • Many agencies, companies, and departments have implemented alternate work processes. The filing sections are no exception. In order to promote social distancing and ensure the safety of our staff, many employees are now telecommuting.
  • As this is a new process and a new normal for most of us, we want to assure you that keeping business flowing as normal and ensuring speed to market is a high priority for us.
  • In order to ensure work processes continue as normal, we encourage all communication with filing analysts be electronic. In the event a verbal communication is necessary, please provide advance notice using SERFF Note to Reviewer

North Carolina Department of Insurance

Ohio

  • Product Filing Guidance for Property & Casualty Insurers Introducing Premium Relief Initiatives During COVID‐19 Emergency (details attached).

  Pennsylvania Insurance Department

  • Associates who are able are working remotely
  • Essential filings receive a timely review
  • The following insurer guidance has been issued:
    • Paper filings convert to electronic filing in SERFF where possible
    • Withdraw filings that are not immediately necessary
    • Delay upcoming filings that are not essential to their operations until further notice
    • Where insurers are asking for additional time, we are reviewing those exception requests on a case-by-case basis

Vermont

  • Any carrier making a filing in response to COVID-19, please indicate this on the general information page of the filing. This will help the department to easily identify and expedite the review and approval of all such filings. It is suggested that carriers use the term COVID-19 in the "product name" field and provide a description of what the carrier is filing in the filing description field.
  • PLEASE NOTE: Vermont is not relaxing the requirements for certifications or other submission requirements due to COVID-19. Any filing that is submitted without the proper submission statements, documents and fees will be rejected.

Wisconsin
In regards to policy rate and form filings the following will be in effect immediately:

  • No Filings will be Deemed Approved
  • OCI has several required regulatory filings that are deemed approved by OCI if the filing is not disapproved within a certain time period. For example, extraordinary dividend requests are deemed approved if OCI does not disapprove the request within 30 days in accordance with Wis. Stat. § 617.225. OCI is receiving a high number of inquiries related to the COVID-19 virus and cannot ensure that any filing will be reviewed in the time period specified by statute. Further, because OCI staff is working remotely, OCI cannot guarantee that any filing that is submitted through the mail will be received in a timely manner.
  • For this reason, during the pendency of the public health emergency related to COVID-19, all filings that are deemed approved if OCI does not disapprove the filing within a certain period of time are hereby disapproved. This disapproval is preliminary and OCI will continue to review the filing to determine if a final disapproval or approval is warranted. OCI will review those filings in as timely a manner as possible and will endeavor to provide a final determination within the statutory time frame.
  • Electronic Filings and Electronic Signatures - Insurers are once again encouraged to file required forms electronically. In addition, OCI reminds insurers that OCI will accept electronic signatures that comply with Wis. Stat. ch. 137. OCI also encourages insurers to consider utilizing electronic signatures in their business operations.
  • Questions or concerns can contact Shasta Hoffhein at 608-716-9123 or at shasta.hoffhein@wisconsin.gov.