BLOG.WAYNEGOODWIN.ORG

For Up-to-Date Blogposts from Insurance Commissioner Wayne Goodwin, go to the special link below:

2012-10-26T06:29:49Z

Go to this link here - the more regularly updated "Wayne's World" blog - until further notice.

Goodwin Campaign Picks Up More Momentum & Organization

2012-05-25T22:13:08Z

Recently filed campaign reports with the North Carolina Board of Elections are quite clear: Insurance Commissioner Wayne Goodwin has tremendous momentum and organization in his 2012 re-election bid.

Goodwin’s campaign has raised $452,164 from well over 1,660 contributors and presently has $272,542 cash-on-hand as of April 23. And, his campaign has no debt. Supporters flock to events of his in every corner of North Carolina. And he’s in the newspaper or other media most days.

On the other hand, his top two opponents are nowhere close to that level of financial or organizational support.

The top Republican vote-getter on May 8th and Republican opponent to Goodwin had raised $52,000 by the April 23rd report, but that came from only two contributors (he and his spouse) and 97% of that was a personal loan from that opposing candidate -- and, by the way, a loan for which that candidate is charging his own campaign 5% percent interest. That opposition candidate also has an outstanding campaign debt of $162,500, mostly from failed campaigns of his in 2006, 2008 and 2010. That is Richard Morgan. He had $10,436.83 cash-on-hand as of April 23rd.

The second-place vote-getter on May 8th had raised approximately $14,000 by that report, and, unlike Morgan, his financial contributors were 214 in number. Mike Causey, who has now requested a run-off election between him and Morgan for July 17, had $4,241 cash-on-hand as of April 23rd, two weeks before that May primary.

Reflecting on the contrasts between his campaign and that of his opponents, incumbent Insurance Commissioner Goodwin said:

“I am humbled by the strong personal and financial support I’ve been shown so early in the election cycle. Folks who know me know that I am out working for citizens every day, and it’s energizing that such a deep, diverse, bipartisan pool of North Carolinians and friends want me to continue doing this job.”

Goodwin's contributors are quite bipartisan and reflect a broad-based level of support. Funds raised by the Goodwin campaign are - by all known indications - the most gathered at this stage of an Insurance Commissioner campaign in North Carolina.

It is also interesting to note that Morgan and Causey have run and lost four previous campaigns for the same office of Insurance Commissioner between them over the last 28 years. And when you count the current election, Goodwin's two GOP opponents will have run six times for this office!

While his potential, perennial General Election Republican opponents continue to be hyper-partisan, Insurance Commissioner Wayne Goodwin stresses how he, his job and his Team are all bipartisan in outreach and support, non-political in its work, and solely focused on doing what’s right and what’s expected of a popularly-elected state insurance commissioner.

And if his fundraising and organization are any indication, Goodwin’s re-election campaign has major momentum heading into the General Election while his opponents spend the next seven weeks running against each other as they await the July 17th run-off election.

# # #

Source: All information above is publicly available at this link here.

To stay up-to-date on the Goodwin campaign, follow it on Twitter @WayneGoodwinNC or become a Facebook friend by liking this link here.

Goodwin Files Fundraising Report, Outpaces Competition

2012-02-01T05:17:43Z

Continues to Set Records for Campaign War Chest & Organization in Re-election Bid

North Carolina Insurance Commissioner Wayne Goodwin continues to gain momentum as he prepares to file for re-election on Feb. 13.

Last week, his campaign committee reported to the State Board of Elections an impressive sum raised for his re-election. Through January 31, Goodwin has raised approximately $390,000. The most recent reports show that other announced candidates running for this same office in 2012 have raised less than $2,500 collectively.

“I am humbled by the personal and financial support I’ve been shown so early in the election cycle,” said Goodwin. “I am out working for citizens every day, and it’s energizing that such a deep, diverse pool of North Carolinians want me to continue doing this job.”

His contributors are quite bipartisan and reflect a broad-based level of support. Funds raised by the Goodwin campaign are - by all known indications - the most gathered at this stage of an Insurance Commissioner campaign in North Carolina.

The Council of State member has built a strong team already, and every week meets with citizens and community leaders. For example, last week alone he interacted with more than 4,500 people in North Carolina, a number that is not surprising given how much in demand his time is by community groups, civic clubs, professional organizations, and conventions.

"Accessibility, approachability, consumer protection, and transparency are hallmarks of both my administration as state Commissioner of Insurance but also of good government in general," he asserted.

Meanwhile, under Commissioner Goodwin’s watch:

*North Carolina has maintained the lowest auto insurance rates in the South and the 8th lowest rates in the nation.

*New insurance companies have flocked to do business in the state, which indicates strong competition and leads to good prices for citizens.

*Efforts of the Department of Insurance have saved more than $1 billion for individuals, families and businesses in North Carolina.

*Criminal investigators have made more than 575 arrests for insurance fraud, resulting in more than $47 million in restitution and recoveries for victims.

*His office has become a leader on consumer protection, accessibility and transparency in government.

To learn more, go to www.waynegoodwin.org. Follow the campaign at Wayne Goodwin for NC Insurance Commissioner on Facebook, or @WayneGoodwinNC on Twitter.

Contact: news@waynegoodwin.org

NC Insurance Commissioner Goodwin Announces $42 Million in Recoveries for NC Consumers in 2011

2012-01-12T06:00:43Z

Insurance Commissioner Wayne Goodwin today announced that the Department of Insurance saved or recovered more than $42.2 million for North Carolinians in 2011.

"I am very proud of the dedicated work of the Department of Insurance. Having recovered or saved more than $42 million in the last year alone shows that we are fighting fraud, holding our licensees to high standards, and helping people with their insurance questions or complaints," Goodwin said. "We are committed to building on this success as we continue protecting consumers in 2012."

Several divisions of the Department of Insurance contributed to the total recoveries and savings:

The Consumer Services Division, which receives consumer inquiries and complaints about homeowners, auto, life and other insurance-related issues, handled approximately 76,000 calls and 8,100 written complaints from the public. Through these calls and complaints, the Department was able to help citizens recover more than $16.4 million in benefits from insurance companies.
Health Insurance Smart NC and the former stand-alone external review program together returned $1,130,035 to consumers as a result of services provided. Health Insurance Smart NC, the department's newest consumer assistance program, assists people with questions about health insurance, and helps consumers file complaints or appeals with their health insurance companies, identify enrollment opportunities and request external reviews for denied claims. Since its launch in April 2011, Smart NC specialists have responded to 1,159 consumer complaints, 254 health insurance enrollment inquiries and 199 medical appeal cases. The department handled 322 external review requests in the calendar year.
SHIIP, the Seniors' Health Insurance Information Program, assisted more than 100,700 consumers with general Medicare questions and helped more than 6,200 Medicare recipients apply for the Low-Income Subsidy program that provides savings for prescription drug costs. The estimated cost savings for Medicare beneficiaries was $12,053,064. SHIIP offers free, unbiased information about Medicare, Medicare prescription drug coverage, Medicare Advantage, long-term care insurance and other health insurance information. SHIIP's trained volunteers provide one-on-one counseling in all 100 counties.
The Criminal Investigations Division employs 20 sworn law enforcement officers dedicated to investigating claims of insurance fraud and criminal concerns associated with bail bonding, motor clubs, collection agencies and premium finance companies. In 2011, the work of these criminal investigators led to 144 arrests, 83 criminal convictions and more than $10.4 million in restitution and recoveries. Another 109 cases are currently pending in court.
The Agent Services Division regulates all licensed agents, brokers, limited representatives, appraisers, adjusters, premium finance companies, collection agencies, motor clubs, bail bondsmen, surety bondsmen and bail bond runners authorized to do business in North Carolina. Oversight includes licensure qualification, pre-licensing education, continuing education, telephone inquiries, complaint investigations and agency examinations. The Division investigated more than 1,040 complaints and recovered $50,958.28 in premium funds for consumers.
The Market Regulation Division conducts both routine and targeted market conduct examinations on foreign and domestic licensed companies (insurance companies, premium finance companies, HMOs, PPOs and more) to ensure compliance with state laws and regulations. Through these exams, the Division ordered $2,187,748.65 returned to policyholders.

Counting all activities by Insurance Commissioner Goodwin, he has saved NC individuals, families and businesses more than $1 BILLION since taking office in 2009. Clearly, based on that statistic and all of his other work over the years, he is working for the best interests of North Carolina.

Commissioner Goodwin Fights for Coastal NC to Rebuild, Recover Post-Hurricane Irene

2011-12-21T13:50:18Z

Starting days before Hurricane Irene made landfall in eastern and coastal North Carolina and for four months thereafter, Insurance Commissioner Wayne Goodwin has been personally and very directly involved with fighting for the rebuilding and recovery of of the Tar Heel state.

For examples of his work on Hurricane Irene matters from August through December 2011, go to here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here and here.

As you can see at the above links, Insurance Commissioner Goodwin - who also serves as the State Fire Marshal - first deployed his team into the field before the storm, helping fire departments and communities in advance of the storm. He sent out his investigators to go after scam artists, and activated the propery mediation program and prescription drug assistance program. Goodwin flew by helicopter over 15 stricken counties, touching down and touring three of them, all within 14 hours of Hurricane Irene departing the state.

Commissioner Goodwin has made no fewer than eleven personal trips to eastern and coastal North Carolina to view damage or to assist consumers and local governments with post-Irene issues.

During those visits, he has met with homeowners, business leaders, and locally-elected officials.

The Department and the Insurance Commissioner have also been dismayed - angered - by the acts of commission or omission perpetrated by private and public insurance adjusters, and third parties post-Irene. The Commissioner pledges further action in the near future on this topic once all investigations and analyses are completed.

Among the additional issues tackled by the Department of Insurance and Goodwin: Successfully encouraging FEMA and the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) to improve its services and be on the ground with homeowners at special Insurance Assistance Centers and to extend the period of time for proof of losses -- and addressing various, significant vacation travel insurance matters.

Insurance Commissioner Goodwin Awards $1.5 Million to Rescue/EMS Departments

2011-12-21T12:21:24Z

Insurance Commissioner and State Fire Marshal Wayne Goodwin today is proud to announce that almost $1.5 million in grant funding has been awarded to rescue and EMS organizations across the state.

The funding is provided by the Volunteer Rescue/EMS fund, which was created by the North Carolina General Assembly to financially assist North Carolina's volunteer emergency personnel. Under the direction of Insurance Commissioner Goodwin, the fund program helps rescue/EMS organizations purchase equipment and make capital expenditures. Rescue organizations may apply for up to $25,000 in dollar-for-dollar matching grants per fiscal year, and rescue organizations having cash assets of less than $1,000 may apply for non-matching grants up to $3,000.

"Rescue and EMS organizations selflessly serve our communities large and small, and their budgets don't always match the magnitude of their responsibilities," Insurance Commissioner Goodwin said. "It is important that our state helps support them by providing the means by which they can obtain the best equipment to do their jobs safely and effectively."

There were a total of 160 Volunteer Rescue/EMS Fund applications received for the 2011 program, for which $1,460,764.27 was available. Of those,136 applications were approved for a total distribution amount of $1,456,049.12. The surplus money will be placed in the 2012 Volunteer Rescue/EMS fund for distribution to future applicants.

The Volunteer Rescue/EMS Fund has disbursed more than $27 million since 1989.

For a complete list of 2011 grant recipients, and the dollar amount awarded to each, go to the Office of State Fire Marshal website. (http://www.ncdoi.com/OSFM/FRGrants/FRG_home.asp)

NC Insurance Commissioner Continues Cleaning Up Streets from Criminal Fraudsters

2011-12-15T06:47:25Z

As noted on previous posts here and elsewhere, Insurance Commissioner Wayne Goodwin and his dedicated team of law enforcement officers continue to clean up the streets of North Carolina. Go to here, here, here, here, here, here, and here.

Easily you will note that no fraud is too small for the Commissioner and his team to go after.

Since North Carolina Insurance Commissioner Wayne Goodwin took office in 2008, criminal investigators have received more than 11,500 complaints, resulting in 550 arrests, 300 criminal convictions, and more than 115 cases currently pending a court appearance. These arrests have resulted in more than $47.6 million in restitution and recoveries for victims.

Insurance scam artists, embezzlers and bamboozlers beware -- the Capeless Crusader will be on to you before you know it!

Insurance Commissioner Goodwin Engages ASU Students, NC Business Leaders

2011-11-25T15:54:39Z

"Ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do ..." (with a nod to JFK and Ted Sorensen) - NC Insurance Commissioner Wayne Goodwin speaking on 17 Nov 2011 to ASU students, faculty, and NC business leaders at Appalachian State University in beautiful Boone, North Carolina. College students from ASU, UNC-Charlotte, and East Carolina University were preparing for their annual "Insurance Jeopardy" competition.

Insurance Commissioner Goodwin Leads State on Fire Prevention

2011-10-12T05:00:24Z

Educating the public about fire prevention is a priority goal for North Carolina's elected Insurance Commissioner Wayne Goodwin.

In his dual role as State Fire Marshal, Goodwin has traveled all across the state meeting with school children, first responders, civic and political leaders, and business owners.

For example, in early October Goodwin visited with fire department members in Lenoir. Then a few days later Commissioner Goodwin attended the 9th annual Cumberland County Fire Prevention Day in Fayetteville. Joining him were his toddler son, Jackson, a great fan of anything to do with the fire and rescue services, and Jan Parker, formerly with the Raleigh Fire Department and now with the Office of State Fire Marshal.

Later, in partnership with the NC Department of Cultural Resources, he led off a press conference and observed the chimney sweeping at the historic Tryon Palace in New Bern. "If there'd been a State Fire Marshal back then, the palace wouldn't have burned down in 1798," Goodwin quipped.

"My family and I will be practicing our family fire drill at home this Wednesday, and I encourage all North Carolinians to do the same with their families," said Goodwin. "Fire Prevention Week is a great time for everyone in the family to learn skills that will help them prevent fires all year long and escape a fire safely."

According to a National Fire Protection Association survey, less than 25 percent of Americans have both developed and practiced a home fire escape plan. And only 8 percent of Americans said their first thought on hearing a smoke alarm would be to get out of the house.

To learn more about this topic, go to this link for the official public press release from the Department of Insurance.

Sponsors from Insurance Commissioner Goodwin's Re-election Fundraiser

2011-10-12T04:12:49Z

Following up on the prior post here at this blog about the September 29th re-election announcement and record fundraiser reception by NC Insurance Commissioner Wayne Goodwin, in the interest of transparency a list of known hosts and sponsors (to date) appears below:

Special Hosts

The Honorable Jim Hunt

The Honorable Elaine Marshall

The Honorable Henry Frye

Platinum

Andy Albright

Mary Cranon

R. Gene Davis

Genworth Financial PAC

Health Network Solutions PAC

Mr. and Mrs. Gordon Joyner

Michael Karfunkel

The Hon. David Levinson

Christopher V. Miller

David C. Miller

Nationwide Carolina Pol. Participation Fund

NC Assoc. of Insur & Financial Advisors PAC

NC Chiropractic Assoc. PAC

NC Farm Bureau PAC

NC Small Business PAC (Independent Insurance Agents of NC)

Ronnie Pack (+ Billy Walkowiak, Hoyt Tessener, David Yarborough, Doug Dunnegan)

Sandip Patel

Southeast Anesthesiology Consultants PAC

Daniel Touizer

Kevin & Jennifer Trapani

United Healthcare PAC

Fletcher & Linda Willey

Gold

Cloyce Anders

Tracy Baker

Donald C. Evans

Roger D. Evans, Jr.

Victor Farah

James Goins

Stephen Hill

J. Leon Hix

A. Dale Jenkins

F.R. Liggett, III

Steven Mariano

Jerry Meek & Hon. Tricia Cotham

NC Assoc. of Nurse Anesthetists PAC

Graham R. Neville

Med Coleman Northcutt

Lloyd Tracy Rainwater

Henry E. Teich

United Transportation PAC
John I. Wilson

Silver

Ronnie Bagwell

Mark Cartret
Bert Collins

Michael Colodny

Jim & Ellie Daniels

Betsy Douglass

Mark B. Edwards, Jr.

Ronald V. Engle

Charles Francis

Alan Hirsch

Wallace Hyde

Jackie Ireland

Leonard Jernigan

Bradley Kading

John Kane

Kari Lehfer

NC Build PAC (NC Homebuilders)

NC Dental PAC

NC Funeral PAC

NC State Farm Agents PAC

Davidson & Anne Neville

Quang C. Nguyen

Donald Glenn Pierce

Larry Powell

Dascheil Propes

Roxanne Rehm

Elias Rothenberg-Lehrer

Kevin Schneider

Gina Schwitzgebel

Melissa Seiler

Haynes Sherron

William Sowter

Sharona Stokes

Wayne Sumner

C. Douglas Sutton

John Wooten, III

Seth T. Wooten

Bronze

Larry M. Barnes

Louis Belo

Mark L. Bibbs

Robert Blankenship

Jay Bradford

Phillip Bradshaw
Martin Brinkley

Anthony L. Broadway

Neil Browder

Timmy Butler

D.M. Campbell, Jr.

Myrna Campbell

Peter W. Chauncey

Eugene Choate

Thomas A. Christ

Willie T. Closs

John Curry

Charles F. Curtis

Howard H. Davis

Raife Davis

Cliff DeSpain

Al Dobbins

Betsy Douglass

Linda Edmisten

Angela Ford

Hon. Bruce Goforth

Bruce Goodrich

Fairley J. Grimes

Rohit Gupta

Elliott Hall

Richard L. Hall

Derrick Harrington

Myrna S. Harris

Chris Harrison

Gregory Hatem

Jack Hoile

Drew Honeycutt

J. Darrell Jernigan

Abraham Johnson

Dennis Jones

M. Keith Kapp

Kathy Lance

Frank R. Liggett, III

Don R. Linn

Robert Lisson

Roland Loftin

Ray Martinez

Fred Mills

Billy Owens

Gary Oyster

Julie Paul

Mack Braswell Pearsall

Hon. Gary Pendleton

Leanne Powell

Anthony Robinson

Susan Rogers

Don M. Royster, Jr.

Perry Safran

Dewey B. Sheffield

Hayes Sherron

Chris Shoffner

Maceo Sloan

David C. Smith

J. Dal Snipes

Clayton Somers

Jim L. Spicer

Robert L. Sterrick

James W. Stickney, IV

Larry Summers

Sarah S. Thornburg

Diane W. Trainor

Marla Turlington

Van Duncan for Sheriff Committee

Danielle Wade

Mona Lisa Wallace

Bill White

Michael White

Rose Vaughn Williams

Vicki Williams

David Woodard

Dr. Phail Wynn, Jr.

Commissioner’s Club

Elizabeth Chamberlain

William Ditenhafer

Tommy Fulcher

Thomas W. Frazier, III

Adam Katz

Wnyoka Lewantowicz

William (Billy) Walkowiak

*Note: To the best of our knowledge, this list is inclusive of all official sponsors. Please accept our apologies for any omission. All contributors - whether sponsors or not - will be identified in great detail (including professions and employers) on the official campaign reports submitted to the NC Board of Elections. The next report is not due until January 2012.

Insurance Commissioner Goodwin Announces Re-election Run & Raises Record Campaign Cash

2011-10-05T05:34:31Z

N.C. Insurance Commissioner Wayne Goodwin Announces Run for

Re-election, Raises Record Campaign Cash

RALEIGH – Before a crowd of more than 200 enthusiastic supporters, North Carolina Insurance Commissioner Wayne Goodwin announced his 2012 bid for re-election last Thursday. The re-election kickoff was Goodwin’s most successful fundraiser ever, helping the campaign surpass an impressive $345,000 in total donations for the re-election efforts thus far.

Goodwin, who also serves as State Fire Marshal, officially declared his intentions, telling the standing-room-only crowd that he “has more work to do” for the people of North Carolina:

“In 2008, I pledged stronger consumer protections, reforms of the Beach Plan, greater transparency, a crackdown on insurance fraud, greater outreach and accessibility by all persons and businesses the Department serves, and to be the strongest and most effective voice possible for our fire and rescue services.

In just three years, I have saved individuals, families and businesses across North Carolina more than $1 billion through rate cuts, refunds, rebates and restitution. We recovered $20 million last year alone in our fight against insurance fraud. And I’ve worked to ensure that the 300,000 licensees regulated by the Department more than ever meet our high levels of integrity.

I’m running for re-election because there is more work to do.

We have the lowest car insurance rates in the South and the eighth lowest in the country, but we’ve got more work to do. We’ve lowered workers’ compensation rates and tempered health insurance rates, but we’ve got more work to do. We’ve also fought for fairness to our agents and brokers who serve on the Main Streets all across the state to be counselors for consumers, but we’ve got more work to do.

And, we’ve fought to keep the federal government out of insurance regulation and preserve state-based insurance regulation. Consumers need an experienced advocate who has a proven record of fighting for them, and who will – even against the strongest of out-of-state insurance companies – stand up for consumers, fair rates and a choice in the marketplace every day. It is no accident that we have 20 percent more insurance companies choosing to provide coverage and services here than before I took office.”

Special honorary hosts for the event were former Governor Jim Hunt, former Chief Justice Henry Frye and Secretary of State Elaine Marshall.* The four sponsorship levels were comprised of a bipartisan group of supporters, representing the depth and diversity of Goodwin’s team as he builds momentum across the state for the 2012 election. A full listing of sponsors can be found at www.waynegoodwin.org.

# # #

*unable to attend

NC Insurance Commissioner Goodwin Breaks Re-Election Fundraising Record

2011-08-19T07:30:05Z

Raises More Than Quarter-Million Dollars Before 2012 Election Year; Doubles Previous Known State Record for the Office

North Carolina Insurance Commissioner Wayne Goodwin's campaign for re-election in 2012 has hit a record milestone: He has raised more than double what his long-serving predecessor raised at this point in an election cycle.

Specifically, according to official campaign reports, North Carolina's state insurance regulator has raised more than $260,000 already and he hasn't even hit high gear yet. It is seventeen months until the General Election.

Reaching that plateau shatters the previous record for fundraising for North Carolina Insurance Commissioner.

His predecessor, the late Jim Long, apparently raised less than half of that amount in 2003 and 2007, the two most recent comparative reports one-year before an election. Long served 24 years as Commissioner.

Goodwin's support comes from a broad group of persons: Democrats, Republicans, and unaffiliated voters; consumers; insurance professionals; and, business and industry leaders.

Seventy-three percent of his contributions come from individuals.

"I am deeply humbled and energized by the personal and financial support from such a broad, diverse, deep pool of citizens," said Insurance Commissioner Wayne Goodwin. "The record that voters and I care about the most, though, is my record of saving more than $1 Billion already for individuals, families and businesses in our State."

On Goodwin's watch, North Carolina has maintained the lowest car insurance rates in the South and has the seventh lowest rates in the nation even though it is the ninth-largest state. Through his efforts and the work of his team, many new insurance companies have also flocked to the State for new licenses since 2009, a fact which signals strong competition and that further translates to good prices for customers. Furthermore, Goodwin has been a national leader on consumer protection and transparency in government. Voters, industry officials, and insurance regulator peers have heralded his reasonable, non-partisan, common-sense approach to leadership.

Filing for re-election occurs in February 2012.

# # #

Crimefighting Commissioner and Team Take Out More Scofflaws

2011-08-09T03:45:25Z

North Carolina Insurance Commissioner Wayne Goodwin takes crimefighting - particularly pursuing those who commit insurance fraud - very seriously. Evidence of that statement mounts each month as the Tar Heel insurance regulators successfully tackle more cases each month.

Examples include allegations involving: a Forsyth County retirement investment scam here; a Brunswick County auto insurance scam here; insurance fraud of various types here, here, here and here in Wake, Martin, Gaston and other counties.

The Department does not overlook small fraud cases versus larger fraud cases; it goes after each perpetrator with the same vim and vigor. For a broader view of the depth of their cases, each arrest is documented transparently on the Department's new and improved website at this link here.

"When we arrest folks and aid in their prosecution, we seek a remedy and restitution for the victim where possible and pursue justice as is our duty," declares Commissioner Goodwin.

"I applaud the great leadership and dedicated service of my Criminal Investigations Division as they ferret out these scofflaws, and help us better fulfill our mission to the citizens of North Carolina."

The Department of Insurance employs 20 sworn law enforcement officers dedicated to investigating claims of insurance fraud. In 2010, these criminal investigators successfully closed 402 cases and made 126 arrests, leading to 88 criminal convictions. These resulted in more than $21.1 million in restitution and recoveries-more than double the dollar amount from the previous year and a record for NCDOI.

An estimated 10 cents of every dollar paid in premiums goes toward the payment of fraudulent claims. To report suspected fraud, contact the Department of Insurance Criminal Investigations Division at 919-807-6840. Callers may remain anonymous.

Insurance Commissioner Goodwin: Our Website Has Been Further Improved For Consumers, Agents & Industry

2011-08-09T03:08:36Z

    For the second time since taking the oath of office in 2009, North Carolina's Insurance Commissioner reports that the official website for the Department of Insurance is "new and improved."

    "I believe consumers, agents, and industry leaders will find this revamped website even better than before. It also meets my personal benchmark for enhanced transparency and easy use," said Insurance Commissioner Wayne Goodwin.

    To check out the new look and features of the website, go to www.ncdoi.com.

NC Insurance Commissioner Goodwin Announces More than $1 million in Additional Refunds

2011-07-01T04:41:06Z

Insurance Commissioner Wayne Goodwin this week announced that SAFECO Insurance Company of America and American States Preferred Insurance Company together have issued refunds totaling $1,050,082.43. The refunds were issued for 11,216 insurance policies for private passenger automobile, homeowners and dwelling fire new business for which the company overcharged North Carolina policyholders.

"Ordering insurance refunds, where warranted, is the work of a Department of Insurance dedicated to consumer protection," said Insurance Commissioner Wayne Goodwin. Over the course of the last three years, Goodwin has ordered hundreds of millions of dollars in refunds be paid from insurance companies back to individuals, families and businesses.

The refunds stem from matters discovered by the Department of Insurance during a market conduct examination encompassing calendar years 2006 through 2008 and self audits requested by the Department and conducted by the company during the course of the most recent market conduct examination.

“This $1 Million refund result is an excellent example of consumer protection: Not only are we getting individuals and families their money back but we’re also ensuring a fair playing field in North Carolina’s insurance marketplace,” said Goodwin. He is particularly proud of ordering more than $1 Billion in savings for North Carolinians since taking office – through insurance premium refunds, insurance rate cuts, restitution, and various consumer services.

For more information on this specific refund, go to this link here, or http://www.ncdoi.com/media/news2/year/2011/062811.asp.

NC Insurance Commissioner Regularly Criss-Crosses State

2011-07-01T04:28:09Z

Goodwin Goes From Murphy to Coast, Helping and Listening Along the Way

Meeting with countless individuals, senior citizens, business leaders and political officials all along the way, North Carolina Insurance Commissioner Wayne Goodwin in the span of one recent week went from west to east - stem to stern - from Murphy to Oak Island.

And he makes similar trips frequently in a month – like his most recent travels, taking him to Manteo, Greenville, Fayetteville, Wilmington, Greensboro, Winston-Salem, Charlotte, New Bern, Rockingham, Boone and Asheville. It may be unusual for some state officials but that type of regular travel schedule has become the norm for him.

In large part, this type of frenetic schedule is a function of the broad scope of Goodwin’s duties: He regulates the business of insurance, which takes him to meetings with agents, brokers and insurance companies, as well as with countless consumers; but he also oversees the Office of State Fire Marshal, which necessitates his work with fire chiefs, code inspectors, and safety officials.

During a recent June trip, Commissioner Goodwin met with Principal Tribal Chief Michel Hicks and members of the Cherokee Tribal Council in their tribal government offices, as well as separately with fire department leaders from Cherokee, Clay and Graham counties. The leaders of the sovereign Cherokee were very pleased to have Goodwin visit again and provide guidance on some key issues.

In Murphy, its Mayor proclaimed that Insurance Commissioner Goodwin had visited Murphy – six times at last count - more than any other one statewide elected official in the span of the last four years.

“As a statewide public official elected by the people, it is vital to doing my job for the people that I meet personally with the people as much as possible,” Insurance Commissioner Wayne Goodwin said. During visits he shares an overview of the Department of Insurance, highlights several key issues on his radar, and answers questions and receives comments.

Buncombe County’s Council of Independent Business Owners (CIBO) also hosted him in Asheville for a June luncheon speech. Both there and with the Asheville Chamber of Commerce that same morning for its “Bagels and Banter” gathering, Insurance Commissioner Goodwin stressed how he has saved individuals and businesses approximately $1 Billion since taking the oath of office in 2009. Goodwin stressed how he is fighting the federal takeover of different types of insurance regulation, and what he’s doing to promote State-based, locally-controlled, reasonable regulation. Attendees also posed questions to him for his consideration.

Members of the manufactured and modular housing industry warmly greeted him at their annual meeting in Greensboro as he discussed the above and addressed matters of interest to their work. During the span of a week, so did the North Carolina Optometric Society at its annual Congress.

At the request of the Charlotte-Mecklenburg League of Women Voters in June he spoke about the above and on the integral relationship between good government and maximizing voter turnout based on their knowledge of key issues of the day.

And, the Cumberland County Senior Democrats wanted to know more about the Department’s Seniors’ Health Insurance Information Program and how they could access independent, unbiased, free information and counseling about Medicare Part D.

All in all, wearing many hats requires him to travel. But Goodwin enjoys it.

“If my hectic schedule on the road helps meet the mission of this constitutional office and saves families and businesses money or protects them and other consumers in various ways, or somehow contributes to a competitive, solvent, reasonably regulated insurance industry, then I’ve done my job,” he added.

- June 12, 2011

Goodwin Continues Battle Against Criminals Who Commit Insurance Fraud

2011-05-10T03:12:00Z

Capeless Crusader and His Team Root Out Criminals Regularly, Saving Hard-earned Money for Consumers and Businesses

As documented during the last two years here and here, Insurance Wayne Goodwin of North Carolina has kept his pledge as a candidate in 2008 to zero in on insurance fraud.

"When my team of law enforcement officers investigate and arrest someone who is found guilty of insurance fraud and other crimes, it is important to note that the culprits are not just perpetrators of accident rings and falsifiers of documents but also insurance agents, companies, and high-level individuals of those businesses," said Commissioner Goodwin.

Within the last three months, he has already announced even more arrests all across the Tar Heel state. (Here, here, here, here, here, here, here, and here for examples.)

"Sadly, fighting insurance fraud - like police officers who capture other criminals - is not a part-time duty of the Department of Insurance. My team of professional lawmen and I know it takes 24-7 vigilance," declared Insurance Commissioner Goodwin.

In 2010, these criminal investigators successfully closed 402 cases and made 126 arrests, leading to 88 criminal convictions. These resulted in more than $21.1 million in restitution and recoveries-more than double the dollar amount from the previous year and a record for NCDOI.

Insurance Commissioner Asks Legislators to Support Fund for Volunteer First Responders

2011-05-10T03:06:00Z

Insurance Commissioner and State Fire Marshal Wayne Goodwin today encourages members of the North Carolina General Assembly, as they take on the very difficult task of balancing the state budget, to remember the importance of caring for our volunteer first responders.

The Volunteer Safety Workers' Compensation Fund was created in the late 1990s to provide workers' compensation benefits to members of eligible volunteer fire departments and volunteer rescue/EMS units who have suffered injury or death in the line of duty.

Individual volunteers and member departments pay into the fund annually; however, a significant revenue source for the fund is an appropriation from the state's General Fund.

"Volunteer fire and rescue workers put their own safety on the line to help protect their communities," said Goodwin. "It is important that we provide volunteer fire and rescue departments with as much support as possible. I implore our legislators to fund the Volunteer Safety Workers' Compensation Fund in a way that allows it to continue to meet its obligations to its members."

For more information on the Volunteer Safety Workers' Compensation Fund, click on this link.

Goodwin Meets with Homebuilders/Realtors, Community Leaders, Democratic Women in Dare County

2011-04-13T04:25:00Z

Insurance Commissioner Wayne Goodwin maximized a February 2011 trip to eastern North Carolina, where he met with business and community leaders throughout Dare County and parts of Currituck County.

Among his stops in Nags Head, Manteo, and Kitty Hawk, he spent significant meeting with insurance agents, local elected city and county officials, and board members of the local homebuilder and realtors associations.

Wearing his other hat - State Fire Marshal - Goodwin made a presentation and answered questions for a gathering of local fire chiefs and personnel from at least five departments.

Rounding out his visit, Goodwin delivered a spirited speech to more than 100 supporters attending the monthly meeting of the Democratic Women of Dare County at the famous Lone Cedar Restaurant, owned by retired State Senator Marc Basnight. Robin Mann, local leader and businesswoman, invited and introduced the Commissioner to the crowd.

As reported in the Island Free Press:

"It did feel good to know that the consumer has someone [Goodwin] who is listening to us,” Robin Mann said, “and is as concerned as us with what’s happening in the insurance industry.”

Goodwin regularly travels throughout the State, especially in eastern North Carolina.

Goodwin Visits, Speaks for East Carolina University

2011-04-13T04:24:57Z

Over the course of just a few months, East Carolina University in Greenville has hosted Insurance Commissioner Wayne Goodwin for two different, yet related, meetings with students and faculty.

First, Goodwin met with student business major leaders and lectured for a class within the newly-created insurance program at the university. Then, several months later, he joined local and state business leaders, including the Independent Insurance Agents of North Carolina, in honoring students who had completed their coursework in the inaugural insurance program at ECU.

"ECU is not only a world class university in its own right, with a top-notch medical school, but it now provides the tools to train the next generation of insurance producers," said Commissioner Goodwin. "Programs like at ECU, Appalachian State, and UNC-Charlotte help ensure that future insurance agents and brokers are high caliber and of premier integrity, and who will serve consumers greatly in the years ahead."