EmR1919 Hearing Information

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

OFFICE OF THE COMMISSIONER OF INSURANCE

The Office of the Commissioner of Insurance announces that it will hold a public hearing on the Emergency Rule for s. INS 3.39 and 3.55, Wis. Adm. Code, relating to Medicare supplement insurance and affecting small business in accordance with s. 227.24 (4), Stats. The Commissioner is seeking public input through the hearing and comment period regarding the emergency rule.

Hearing Information:

Date:     November 25, 2019

Time:   1:00 pm

Location   Office of the Commissioner of Insurance

125 S. Webster St., 2nd Floor Rm. 250

Madison, WI 53703

Accessibility:

Pursuant to the American with Disabilities Act reasonable accommodations including the provision of informational materials in an alternative format, will be provided for individuals with disabilities upon request. Please call Karyn Culver at [phone] with specific information on your request at least 5 days before the date of the hearing. There is also handicap access to the hearing location.

Appearances at the Hearing and Submittal of Written Comments:

Persons wishing to testify or provide oral or written comments regarding the Permanent Rule for the proposed administrative rule may appear during the hearing. Additionally comments may be submitted at https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/code.

For additional information please contact Julie E. Walsh at [phone] or email at [e-mail] in the OCI Legal Unit.

Deadline for submitting comments is December 3, 2019, by 4:00 pm.

Initial Regulatory Flexibility Analysis:

The emergency rule primarily amends ss. Ins 3.39 and 3.55 to make conforming changes to the Medicare supplement model regulation by incorporating changes to implement the federal Medicare Access and CHIP Reauthorization Act of 2015 (MACRA), P.L. 114-10. In the rule, OCI adopts a parallel citation approach for ease of navigation. The remainder of the rule updates terminology, creates consistency in numbering, amends cross references, and updates and simplifies the appendices to the rule. OCI cannot repeal current provisions in s. Ins 3.39, as Medicare supplemental products are guaranteed renewable for life and benefits are tied to the date individuals are first eligible for Medicare. The rule will not adversely impact consumers, agents or insurers as the premium previously charged consumers closely approximated the actual deductible.

Agency Small Business Regulatory Coordinator:

The OCI small business coordinator is Kate Ludlum and she may be reached at [e-mail] or [phone].