New Mexico Superintendent of Insurance Issues Emergency Order to Aid South Fork and Salt Fire Victims
Contact: Colin Baillio – colin.baillio@osi.nm.gov
In response to the devastating Salt Fire and South Fork Fire impacting Lincoln County and the Mescalero Apache Reservation, the New Mexico Office of Superintendent of Insurance (OSI) has issued an Emergency Order. This action follows Governor Lujan Grisham’s Executive Order and aims to provide enhanced insurance protections and support for policyholders in the fire-impacted areas over the next 120 days.
“The entire OSI team is thinking about the communities affected by these horrible wildfires,” said Superintendent of Insurance Alice T. Kane. “Evacuees should first and foremost focus on keeping themselves and their families safe. Our hope is that the protections give these communities one less thing to worry about as they navigate the devastating impacts of the wildfires.”
Key Provisions of the Emergency Order:
Health Insurance Protections:
Grace Periods for Premium Payments: Health insurers must provide grace periods for premium payments to ensure continued coverage.
Early Prescription Refills: Insurers are required to allow early refills of prescriptions.
Coverage for Out-of-Network Services: Insurers must cover out-of-network services.
Waiver of Patient Cost-Sharing and Prior Authorizations: These financial and administrative burdens are waived to ensure access to necessary medical services.
Replacement of Essential Medical Supplies and Equipment: Coverage is extended for essential medical supplies and equipment left behind due to evacuations.
Property Insurance Protections:
Grace Periods for Premium Payments and Claims Submission: Property insurers, including those offering homeowners and automobile policies, must provide grace periods.
Waiver of Deductibles: Deductibles are waived to ease financial stress on policyholders.
Postponement of Cancellations and Non-Renewals: Cancellations and non-renewals of policies are postponed.
Suspension of Late Payment Fees: Late payment fees are suspended to assist policyholders financially.
Advance Payment for Additional Living Expenses (ALEs): Policies that cover ALEs are required to promptly issue an advanced payment of $5,000 to policyholders impacted by the wildfires.
Most homeowners' policies cover ALEs, including hotel costs, meals, and other necessities for displaced policyholders. This advance payment aims to provide immediate financial relief.
Emergency Hotline and Additional Information: OSI stands ready to serve New Mexicans as they navigate the aftermath of these wildfires. The agency’s emergency hotline number for the Salt Fire and South Fork Fire is 1-833-485-1336. For more information, visit OSI's wildfire resource page.
These measures are designed to alleviate the financial and administrative challenges faced by those impacted, allowing them to focus on their safety and recovery during this difficult time.
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