Excess Medical Verification
Several months ago, we began our Excess Medical Renewal Verification Program. The program includes a renewal questionnaire sent to all policyholders who carry Excess Medical coverage. Early results indicate this program is a success, as we have realized a significant decrease in the number of policyholders who are eligible for this discounted PIP coverage.
We found an agency “best practice” in determining Full/Excess Medical eligibility is to quote new business with Full Medical coverage until you are able to confirm an insured is eligible for Excess. In support of this “best practice,” we now require insureds requesting Excess Medical to provide a letter from their health insurance carrier confirming the carrier is the primary provider of benefits in the event of an auto accident.
When submitting new business or endorsements, you will have the opportunity to attach the documentation to your request using the “Proof of Excess PIP Eligibility” option under File Attachment. If proof from the health care provider is not attached, we will require this information prior to issuance. Please request this documentation from your clients to avoid a delay in issuance.
A few reminders:
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If the insured’s health insurance is provided by Medicare or Medicaid, Excess Medical Benefits are not available, since neither Medicare nor Medicaid provides primary coverage for automobile related accidents.
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If the insured’s health coverage is provided through a county or community plan, Full medical coverage is required.
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If your insured is not sure if the health carrier is Primary, please quote Full Medical until eligibility can be confirmed. We are happy to make mid-term changes once the documentation is received.
Home Photograph Requirement – Repair Cost Policies
Effective December 17, 2013, we will require front and rear home photographs to be submitted and attached in our iBIS quoting/issuance system prior to binding coverage on all repair cost policies. This will impact any new business with an effective date of January 18, 2014 or later.
To attach a photo or other documents in iBIS, select Go To and the File Attachment option from the Navigation Menu in either the application or the New Business Index screen.
Thank you for your continued assistance. We appreciate your continued partnership.
