Hamm reports $5.5 million recovered for North Dakota consumers in 2010 Posted on 2/24/2011
BISMARCK, N.D.-North Dakota Insurance Commissioner Adam Hamm released a report today that shows more than $5.5 million was recovered or saved for North Dakota citizens in 2010.
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.
New to the report this year is information on the Department's fraud investigations. In 2010, the Department received 94 fraud referrals, totaling more than $1 million in suspicious claims.
"My team and I are committed to protecting North Dakota's consumers," Hamm said. "Five and a half million dollars represents a substantial recovery and savings for the people of our state."
In 2010, the Insurance Department hotline handled 8,300 phone calls, helped 110 walk-in clients and processed 235 formal complaints. The Department also handled nearly 13,200 SHIC contacts and more than 2,100 PC contacts.
The complete 2010 Consumer Assistance, Enforcement Action and Fraud Report can be found here. Consumers are encouraged to contact the North Dakota Insurance Department at 1-800-247-0560 with questions.
