Insurance Commissioner Issues Bulletin Regarding Department Operations
Insurance Commissioner Vicki Schmidt issues a bulletin regarding Department operations during the time in which the State of Disaster Emergency Proclamation issued by Governor Laura Kelly on March 12, 2020, is in effect.
Bulletin 2020-1 announces alternative working arrangements, potential delays in processing license applications and approving company filings as well as suspends all regulatory statutes in Chapter 40, that govern the regulation of insurance, that include a “deemed approved” clause. The Department, however, is not suspending statutes that require insurance companies to pay claims promptly, and in accordance with their normal procedures.
Department operations will continue to be evaluated during the general state government operations suspension. However, non-essential Department operations will be suspended beginning March 23 until at least April 6.
“The alternative working arrangements are designed to ensure the safety of our employees,” Commissioner Vicki Schmidt said. “We will work hard to continue operations with as little disruption as possible, but delays in service will happen and we want companies, agents and the public to understand that.”
The Department will be a resource for the public, but we encourage everyone to first, check the resources available on our website, insurance.kansas.gov or by calling the Department’s consumer assistance division at 1-800-432-2484.
A full copy of the Bulletin 2020-1 can be found on the department’s website at insurance.kansas.gov/legal-issues.
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