Hamm reports $7.58 million recovered for North Dakota consumers in 2009 Posted on 2/2/2010
BISMARCK, N.D.-North Dakota Insurance Commissioner Adam Hamm released a report today that shows $7,578,230.11 was recovered or saved for North Dakota citizens in 2009.
This number represents money recovered on behalf of North Dakotans through the Insurance Department's hotline, through complaints filed by consumers against insurance companies and agents, and through investigations performed by the Department. It also includes benefits received through the Department's State Health Insurance Counseling (SHIC) and Prescription Connection (PC) programs.
"The Department staff and I are pleased to be able to provide critical assistance to North Dakotans, especially during what was a difficult financial year for many," Hamm said.
Of the $7.58 million total, more than $6 million was relief through SHIC and PC.
"Many of the consumers we helped in 2009 were looking to save money during the economic downturn," Hamm said. "They were seeking assistance through prescription assistance programs and were more diligent about comparing their Medicare Part D plans to see if they could find savings."
In 2009, the Insurance Department hotline handled nearly 8,500 phone calls, helped 157 walk-in clients and processed 264 formal complaints. The Department also handled more than 18,500 SHIC contacts and 2,500 PC contacts. The number of SHIC contacts is a 16 percent increase over 2008.
The complete 2009 Consumer Assistance and Enforcement Action Report can be found here. Consumers are encouraged to contact the North Dakota Insurance Department at 1-800-247-0560 with questions.
