Extension of Bulletin 2020-12 – Waiver of On-Site Review Requirements During COVID-19 Emergency

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# MISSISSIPPI INSURANCE DEPARTMENT

MIKE CHANEY

Commissioner of Insurance

State Fire Marshal

J. MARK HAIRE

Deputy Commissioner of Insurance

501 N. WEST STREET, SUITE 1001

WOOLFOLK BUILDING

JACKSON, MISSISSIPPI 39201

www.mid.ms.gov

MAILING ADDRESS

Post Office Box 79

Jackson, Mississippi 39205-0079

TELEPHONE: (601) 359-3569

FAX: (601) 359-2474

WATS: 1-800-562-2957 (Incoming-USA)

## BULLETIN 2022-01

MISSISSIPPI INSURANCE DEPARTMENT

### EXTENSION OF BULLETIN 2020-12

WAIVER OF ON-SITE REVIEW REQUIREMENTS DURING

COVID-19 EMERGENCY

January 4, 2022

#### Purpose

The purpose of this bulletin is to extend the provisions of MID Bulletin 2020-12 through calendar year 2022.

The Mississippi Insurance Department (MID) issued MID Bulletin 2020-12 to advise all insurance companies regarding compliance with regulatory requirements during the COVID-19 public health emergency based upon guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) that encouraged individuals to practice social distancing to the extent possible in order to mitigate their chances of getting or spreading COVID-19. Furthermore, CDC guidance, “Travel During the COVID-19 Pandemic”, cautioned that travel increases individuals’ chances of getting and spreading COVID-19. As a result, many companies have suspended or limited business travel to protect the health and safety of their employees and communities. As the pandemic continued, the MID issued Bulletin 2021-1 which extended the provisions of Bulletin 2020-12 through calendar year 2021. As the Omicron variant is sweeping the country, the MID finds it wise to continue the provisions of MID Bulletin 2020-12 through calendar year 2022.

#### Waiver of On-Site Review Requirements

Pursuant to Miss. Code Ann. §83-18-109(3)(Rev. 2011), insurers are required to, at least semiannually, conduct an on-site review of the underwriting and claims processing operations of a managing general agent.

he Omicron variant is sweeping the country, the MID finds it wise to continue the provisions of MID Bulletin 2020-12 through calendar year 2022.

#### Waiver of On-Site Review Requirements

Pursuant to Miss. Code Ann. §83-18-109(3)(Rev. 2011), insurers are required to, at least semiannually, conduct an on-site review of the underwriting and claims processing operations of a managing general agent.

Pursuant to Miss. Code Ann. §83-18-13(3)(Rev. 2011), insurers are required to, at least semiannually, conduct a review of the operations of its third-party administrator in cases where an administrator administers benefits for more than one hundred (100) certificate holders, subscribers, claimants, or policyholders on behalf of an insurer, and at least one such review must be conducted

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on site.

In the interest of the public health and safety, the MID will not require insurers to conduct any on-site reviews of managing general agents or third-party administrators in 2020, 2021 or 2022. Through calendar year 2022, insurers may conduct reviews of managing general agents or third-party administrators through electronic information to satisfy their on-site review obligations under Miss. Code Ann. §83-18-13(3)(Rev. 2011) and §83-18-109(3)(Rev. 2011).

Should you have any questions regarding this Bulletin, please contact David Browning, Director of the Financial and Market Conduct Division, at (601) 359-9218, or at david.browning@mid.ms.gov.

Sincerely,

MIKE CHANEY

MIKE CHANEY

COMMISSIONER OF INSURANCE

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