Chapter Ins 6

Ins 6.90(4)(a) (a) “Advertising” means all of the following:

Ins 6.90(4)(a)1. 1. Printed and published material, audio visual material and descriptive literature of an insurer or intermediary used in direct mail, newspapers, magazines, other periodicals, radio and television scripts, billboards and similar displays, excluding advertisements prepared for the sole purpose of recruiting employees, intermediaries or agencies.

Ins 6.90(4)(a)2. 2. Descriptive literature and sales aids of all kinds authored, issued, distributed or used by an insurer, intermediary or third party for presentation to members of the public, including circulars, leaflets, booklets, depictions, illustrations and form letters. Descriptive literature and sales aids do not include material in house organs of insurers, communications within an insurer’s own organization not intended for dissemination to the public, individual communications of a personal nature, and correspondence between a prospective group or blanket policyholder and an insurer in the course of negotiating a group or blanket policy, and general announcements from group or blanket policyholders to eligible individuals that a contract has been written.

Ins 6.90(4)(a)3. 3. Prepared sales talks, presentations and material for use by intermediaries and representations made by intermediaries in accordance therewith, excluding materials to be used solely by an insurer for the training and education of its employees or intermediaries; and

Ins 6.90(4)(a)4. 4. Packaging, including envelopes, used in connection with subds. 1., 2., and 3.

Ins 6.90(4)(a)5. 5. “Advertising” does not include a policy summary as defined in s. Ins 2.14 (3) (f), the “life insurance buyer’s guide” as set forth in s. Ins 2.14 (3) (d), an illustration as defined in s. Ins 2.17 (3) (i), a contract summary as defined in s. Ins 2.15 (4) (a), a preliminary contract summary as defined in s. Ins 2.15 (4) (b), and the “Wisconsin Buyer’s Guide to Annuities” as defined in s. Ins 2.15 (4) (c).

Ins 6.90(4)(b) (b) “Health insurance” includes any policy of individual or group sickness and accident insurance, long term care insurance, Medicare advantage, Medicare supplement, and Medicare part D.

Ins 6.90(4)(c) (c) “Insurance producer” means a person required to be licensed under chs. 600 to 655, Stats., to advertise, sell, solicit or negotiate insurance, including life insurance, health insurance and annuities.

Ins 6.90(5) (5) Prohibited uses of senior-specific certifications and professional designations.

Ins 6.90(5)(a) (a) It is an unfair and deceptive trade practice under s. 628.34 (12), Stats., for an insurance producer to use a senior-specific certification or professional designation that indicates or implies in such a way as to mislead a purchaser or prospective purchaser that the insurance producer has special certification or training in advising or providing services to seniors in connection with the advertising, solicitation, sale, or purchase of a life or health insurance policy, or annuity product or in the provision of advice as to the value of or the advisability of purchasing or selling a life or health insurance policy or annuity product, either directly or indirectly, through publications or writings, or by issuing or promulgating analyses or reports related to a life or health insurance policy or annuity product as follows:

Ins 6.90(5)(a)1. 1. Use of a certification or professional designation by an insurance producer who has not actually earned or is otherwise ineligible to use such certification or designation.

Ins 6.90(5)(a)2. 2. Use of a nonexistent or self-conferred certification or professional designation.

Ins 6.90(5)(a)3. 3. Use of a certification or professional designation that indicates or implies a level of occupational qualifications obtained through education, training or experience that the insurance producer using the certification or designation does not have.

Ins 6.90(5)(a)4. 4. Use of a certification or professional designation that was obtained from a certifying or designating organization that:

Ins 6.90(5)(a)4.a. a. Is primarily engaged in the business of instruction in sales or marketing; or

Ins 6.90(5)(a)4.b. b. Does not have reasonable standards or procedures for assuring the competency of its certificants or designees; or

Ins 6.90(5)(a)4.c. c. Does not have reasonable standards or procedures for monitoring and disciplining its certificants or designees for improper or unethical conduct; or

Ins 6.90(5)(a)4.d. d. Does not have reasonable continuing education requirements for its certificants or designees in order to maintain the certificate or designation.

Ins 6.90(5)(b) (b) There is a rebuttable presumption that a certifying or designating organization is not disqualified solely for the purposes of par. (a) 4., when the certification or designation issued from the organization does not primarily apply to sales or marketing and when the organization or the certification or designation in question has been accredited by:

Ins 6.90(5)(b)1. 1. The American National Standards Institute (ANSI);

Ins 6.90(5)(b)2. 2. The National Commission for Certifying Agencies; or

Ins 6.90(5)(b)3. 3. Any organization that is on the U.S. Department of Education’s list entitled “Accrediting Agencies Recognized for Title IV Purposes.”

Ins 6.90(5)(c) (c) In determining whether a combination of words or an acronym standing for a combination of words constitutes a certification or professional designation indicating or implying that a person has special certification or training in advising or servicing seniors, factors to be considered shall include:

Ins 6.90(5)(c)1. 1. Use of one or more words such as “senior,” “retirement,” “elder,” or like words combined with one or more words such as “certified,” “registered,” “chartered,” “advisor,” “specialist,” “consultant,” “planner,” or like words, in the name of the certification or professional designation; and

Ins 6.90(5)(c)2. 2. The manner in which those words are combined.

Ins 6.90(5)(d) (d)

Ins 6.90(5)(d)1. 1. For purposes of this section, a job title within an organization that is licensed or registered by a state or federal financial services regulatory agency is not a certification or professional designation, unless it is used in a manner that would confuse or mislead a reasonable consumer, when the job title:

Ins 6.90(5)(d)1.a. a. Indicates seniority or standing within the organization; or

Ins 6.90(5)(d)1.b. b. Specifies an individual’s area of specialization within the organization.

Ins 6.90(5)(d)2. 2. For the purpose of this paragraph, financial services regulatory agency includes an agency that regulates insurers, insurance producers, broker-dealers, investment advisers, or investment companies as defined under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (15 USC 2d).

Ins 6.90(6) (6) Penalties. A violation of this section is an unfair and deceptive trade practice under s. 628.34 (12), Stats., and shall subject the violator to ss. 601.41, 601.62, 601.64, 601.65 and 628.10, Stats.

Ins 6.90 History History: CR 09-038: cr. Register January 2010 No. 649, eff. 2-1-10.

Ins 6.91 Ins 6.91 Definitions. In addition to the definitions in s. 628.90, Stats., for the purposes of ss. Ins 6.91 to 6.99 the following apply:

Ins 6.91(1) (1) “Business checking account” means any account utilized by a navigator, navigator entity, nonnavigator assister or nonnavigator assister entity in their capacity as a navigator, nonnavigator assister or related entity and in transacting of the business of insurance.

Ins 6.91(2) (2) “Cash disbursed record” means a record showing all monies paid out by the navigator, navigator entity, nonnavigator assister or nonnavigator assister entity in their capacity as a navigator, nonnavigator assister or related entity in transacting the business of insurance.

Ins 6.91(3) (3) “Cash receipts record” means a record showing all monies received by the navigator, navigator entity, nonnavigator assister or nonnavigator assister entity in their capacity as a navigator, nonnavigator assister or related entity and in transacting the business of insurance.

Ins 6.91(4) (4) “Certified application counselors” means a person who is a nonnavigator assister who is not an in-person assister and who is employed, supervised or affiliated with a registered nonnavigator assister entity.

Ins 6.91(5) (5) “Commissioner” means the commissioner of insurance.

Ins 6.91(6) (6) “Formal administrative action” includes consent decrees, cease and desist orders, stipulations, suspensions, revocations, license denials, fines, forfeitures, settlement agreements, navigator license restrictions or other actions limiting the navigator’s method of transacting the business of insurance.

Ins 6.91(7) (7) “Insurance agent” means an “intermediary” as defined in s. 628.02 (4), Stats.

Ins 6.91(8) (8) “Navigator entity” means an entity or organization that employs, supervises or is affiliated with, one or more licensed navigators; is designated by the exchange as a navigator, works on behalf of the exchange, and receives federal navigator grant funding; and is registered with the commissioner.

Ins 6.91(9) (9) “Nonnavigator assister entity” means an entity or organization that employs, supervises or is affiliated with one or more nonnavigator assisters including certified application counselors; is designated by and works on behalf of the exchange, enters into an agreement with the exchange; and is registered with the commissioner.

Ins 6.91(10) (10) “Personnel records” means those records pertaining to anyone who is employed by, supervised by or affiliated with a navigator entity or nonnavigator assister entity including independent contractors.

Ins 6.91(11) (11) “Policyholder records” means all records, applications, request for coverage changes, and coverage complaints associated with a policy generated by or through the navigator, navigator entity, certified application counselor or nonnavigator assister entity.

Ins 6.91 History History: EmR1314: emerg. cr. eff. 9-10-13; CR 13-113: cr. Register August 2014 No. 704, eff. 9-1-14.

Ins 6.92 Ins 6.92 Individual navigators.

Ins 6.92(1) (1) Purpose. This section protects insurance consumers by establishing procedures for the licensing of navigators when transacting the business of insurance, prescribing minimum standards and requirements to ensure timely and reliable information will exist and be available to the commissioner. This section implements and interprets ss. 628.095, 628.097, 628.10, 628.90 to 628.95, Stats., as applicable.

Ins 6.92(2) (2) Procedure.

Ins 6.92(2)(a) (a) Application for navigator license. An individual applying for a navigator license shall submit an application to the office in the form prescribed by the commissioner. A completed application shall include: the navigator’s name; the navigator’s residence; contact email address; mailing and business addresses; confirmation of successful completion of prelicensing training; fingerprints provided in a format specified by the commissioner to complete; an electronic confirmation of criminal history from the Wisconsin department of justice, crime information bureau, and the federal bureau of investigation completed not more than 180 days prior to the licensing examination date; payment of the nonrefundable fees to the testing vendor; an electronic photograph of the applicant taken by the test vendor at the time of testing; confirmation of previous navigator licensure in another state, if applicable; payment of the fee under s. 601.31 (1) (nm), Stats.; proof of financial responsibility under sub. (7); and any documentation required in answer to questions on the application.

Ins 6.92 Note Note: A copy of the navigator license application form OCI 11-090, required in par. (a), may be obtained at no cost from the Office of the Commissioner of Insurance at 101 E. Wilson St., Madison WI 53703, or at the Office’s web address: oci.wi.gov.

Ins 6.92(2)(b) (b) Prelicensing Training. An individual seeking a navigator license, in addition to any training requirements of the federal government, shall complete at least 16 hours of commissioner-approved navigator prelicensing training. Training required under this subsection must be approved by the commissioner and provided by an education provider that is approved by the commissioner.

Ins 6.92(2)(c) (c) Scheduling the navigator licensing examination. An applicant must schedule an examination with the testing vendor at least twenty-four hours prior to the desired navigator licensing examination date. The written examination will test the applicant’s knowledge of the duties and responsibilities of a navigator; the insurance laws and regulations of this state; and the state’s public assistance programs and eligibility. The written examination shall be approved by the commissioner and offered through a commissioner-approved testing vendor.

Ins 6.92(2)(d) (d) Exception.

Ins 6.92(2)(d)1. 1. An insurance agent who holds an active resident license with the accident and health line of authority and is in compliance with continuing education requirements may apply to be licensed as a navigator if the currently licensed insurance agent demonstrates all of the following:

Ins 6.92(2)(d)1.a. a. Compliance as set forth in s. 628.92 (1), Stats., including competence and trustworthiness.

Ins 6.92(2)(d)1.b. b. Satisfactory completion of 4 hours of navigator training specific to public assistance programs, including Medicaid, in addition to the completion of any federally required navigator training and compliance with federal restrictions and requirements including those set forth in 45 CFR 155.205 (d), 155.210, 155.215 (b) and (c), and 155.260 (b), as amended. The state training required under this subsection must be approved by the commissioner and provided by an education provider that is approved by the commissioner.

Ins 6.92(2)(d)2. 2. A currently licensed insurance agent who is in compliance with subd. 1. is exempt from passing the navigator examination and photograph requirements described in par. (a). The currently licensed insurance agent shall provide new fingerprints unless the office has received current, valid fingerprint results provided in a format specified by the commissioner and an electronic confirmation of criminal history from the Wisconsin department of justice, crime information bureau, and the federal bureau of investigation that were completed not more than 180 days prior to the date of the application. The currently licensed insurance agent shall submit a completed application as described in par. (a) and pay the licensing fee in accordance with s. 601.31 (1) (nm), Stats., to the commissioner.

Ins 6.92(2)(e) (e) Issuance of license. The commissioner shall issue a navigator license to an applicant who completes and satisfies the requirements in pars. (a) and (b), in addition to any federal training or requirements including the requirements set forth in 45 CFR 155.205 (d), 155.210, 155.215 (b) and (c), and 155.260 (b), as amended, has passed the commissioner-approved written examination with a satisfactory grade, and meets the standards of competence and trustworthiness as described in sub. (3). Examination scores are valid for 180 days. Failure to apply for a license within 180 days will require the applicant to re-take the examination. Determination of the acceptance or rejection of a completed application shall be made within 90 days of receipt by the commissioner of the completed application, which is tolled until receipt of any additional required or requested documentation.

Ins 6.92(3) (3) Competence and trustworthiness. The following criteria may be used by the commissioner in assessing trustworthiness and competence of a navigator; failure to meet trustworthiness and competence is cause for denial, suspension or revocation or a license:

Ins 6.92(3)(a) (a) Criminal record. The conviction for crimes which are substantially related to the circumstances of holding an insurance or navigator license, including a felony or misdemeanor conviction under the law of Wisconsin or any other state or under federal law.

Ins 6.92(3)(b) (b) Accuracy of information. Any material misrepresentation in the information submitted on the application form.

Ins 6.92(3)(c) (c) Regulatory action. Any formal regulatory action taken in any jurisdiction with regard to any occupational license held, such as insurance licenses in other states, real estate licenses and security licenses.

Ins 6.92(3)(d) (d) Other criteria. Other criteria which the commissioner considers evidence of untrustworthiness or incompetence, including:

Ins 6.92(3)(d)1. 1. Providing incorrect, misleading, incomplete or materially untrue information in the licensing application.

Ins 6.92(3)(d)2. 2. Violating any insurance laws, or violating any regulation, subpoena or order of the insurance commissioner or of another state’s insurance commissioner, or of the federal government.

Ins 6.92(3)(d)3. 3. Obtaining or attempting to obtain a license through misrepresentation or fraud;

Ins 6.92(3)(d)4. 4. Improperly withholding, misappropriating or converting any monies or properties received in the course of acting as a navigator or insurance agent.

Ins 6.92(3)(d)5. 5. Intentionally misrepresenting the terms of an actual or proposed insurance contract or application for insurance.

Ins 6.92(3)(d)6. 6. Having admitted or been found to have committed any insurance unfair trade practice or fraud.

Ins 6.92(3)(d)7. 7. Using fraudulent, coercive, or dishonest practices in the conduct of business in this state or elsewhere.

Ins 6.92(3)(d)8. 8. Demonstrating incompetence, untrustworthiness or financial irresponsibility in the conduct of personal financial transactions or professional business in this state or elsewhere.

Ins 6.92(3)(d)9. 9. Having an insurance producer license, or its equivalent, denied, suspended, or revoked in any other state, province, district or territory.

Ins 6.92(3)(d)10. 10. Forging another’s name to an application for insurance or to any document related to an insurance transaction.

Ins 6.92(3)(d)11. 11. Improperly using notes or any other reference material to complete an examination for an insurance or navigator license.

Ins 6.92(3)(d)12. 12. Failing to comply with an administrative or court order imposing a child support obligation.

Ins 6.92(3)(d)13. 13. Failing to pay state income tax or comply with any administrative or court order directing payment of state income tax.

Ins 6.92(3)(e) (e) Minimum Age and Residency. An applicant for navigator licensure shall have attained at least eighteen (18) years of age and shall be a resident of this state or maintain his or her principal place of business in this state.

Ins 6.92(4) (4) Change of name or address.

Ins 6.92(4)(a) (a) A licensed navigator shall, within 30 days, notify the commissioner in a manner prescribed by the commissioner of any change in the navigator’s name, residence address, principal place of business, contact email address or mailing address.

Ins 6.92(4)(b) (b) A navigator who is not employed or supervised by or affiliated with a navigator entity and changes residency to a location outside of this state or changes his or her principal place of business to an address outside this state and is not a resident of this state shall have his or her navigator license terminated effective 60 days after the change of address.

Ins 6.92(4)(c) (c) Criteria used by the commissioner to evaluate state residency shall include:

Ins 6.92(4)(c)1. 1. Jurisdiction for payment of state taxes.

Ins 6.92(4)(c)2. 2. Jurisdiction for automobile driver’s license and motor vehicle registration.

Ins 6.92(4)(c)3. 3. Location of voter registration.

Ins 6.92(4)(c)4. 4. Location of principal residence, such as owned or rented dwelling, condominium, or apartment.

Ins 6.92(4)(c)5. 5. Location of principal place of business.

Ins 6.92(5) (5) Applicability of other laws. Licensed navigators are subject to the requirements contained at ss. 628.095, 628.097, and 628.10, Stats., as applicable to individual navigators.

Ins 6.92(6) (6) License renewals.

Ins 6.92(6)(a) (a) The nonrefundable renewal fee of $ 35.00 is due before October 1 of each year. The commissioner shall send notice of the renewal fee in a manner prescribed by the commissioner at least 60 days prior to the fee due date to each navigator. Applications for navigator license renewal shall be submitted before the October 1 renewal deadline. The navigator shall provide proof financial responsibility under sub. (7).