Harrisburg, PA – Pennsylvania Insurance Commissioner Jessica Altman reminded Pennsylvanians today that the federal No Surprises Act legislation is now in effect and patients are protected from receiving surprise medical bills.

A surprise bill is an unexpected medical bill that a patient receives when they unknowingly or unintentionally obtain health care from a provider that is outside their plan's provider network. Surprise bills can happen in emergency situations, but can also occur in a non-emergency situation, when an out-of-network ancillary provider such as an anesthesiologist or radiologist provides care at an in-network facility.

"The implementation of the No Surprises Act is a huge step toward ending unexpected and all-too-often financially devastating medical bills," Altman said. "The Insurance Department is committed to protecting patients from balance billing and stands ready to assist consumers and insurers in navigating this new legislation."

The No Surprises Act went into effect January 1. The new legislation protects patients from surprise bills by requiring that emergency services are billed as in-network, without needing prior approval, and certain non-emergency services at an in-network facility provided by out-of-network ancillary providers are also covered as in-network. In both situations, patients are responsible for no more than their in-network cost-sharing (like a deductible or co-pay) for the service. Patients should no longer be receiving surprise balance bills for more than this amount.

"Over the past few years, the insurance department has received numerous complaints about surprise bills," Altman said. "The primary concern following major medical procedures should be recovery, not worry over medical billing.

"While the monetary cost of surprise balance bills is burdensome, so too is the fact that prior to these new protections, it has been consumers put in the middle and forced to navigate the complexities of medical billing in search of any reprieve," Altman continued. "Which sometimes comes, but all too many times does not."

In addition, the No Surprises Act bans certain other out-of-network charges and balance billing without advance notice. Health care providers and facilities are required to provide consumers with a plain-language consumer notice explaining that patient consent is required to get care on an out-of-network basis before that provider can bill the consumer.

In December, Governor Tom Wolf signed an Executive Order designating the Pennsylvania Insurance Department as the lead agency to coordinate implementation of the No Surprises Act in the commonwealth. The Executive Order also directed Pennsylvania state agencies to provide assistance and encouraged interagency cooperation in implementing the new federal legislation.

The No Surprises Act protects individuals with coverage through their employer, Pennie™

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 (Pennsylvania's state-based Marketplace), or directly through an individual market health insurance company. Other types of coverage, such as Medicare and Medical Assistance, already has protections from balance billing in place prior to January 1.

Patients who receive a surprise medical bill for services provided on or after January 1, 2022, should submit a bill review request to the Insurance Department at www.insurance.pa.gov/NoSurprises. When possible, consumers should contact the Department before paying a bill they believe may be a surprise bill or otherwise sent in error. The department's dedicated consumer complaints team will verify the type of coverage the patient has and will reach out directly to the provider regarding the bill in question with the primary goal of ensuring the protections of the No Surprises Act are being met. Depending on the nature of the complaint, the department may have to work with the federal government or another commonwealth agency to help resolve the issue for the patient. Patients can also seek assistance from their health plan.

The Pennsylvania Insurance Department encourages patients to contact the department before paying a bill they believe has been sent in error or appears to not be consistent with the No Surprises Act. In addition to the website, the department can also be reached at 1-877-881-6388

The Annual Spring Conference provides education on the insurance industry’s most pressing issues. This year, PAMIC’s program focuses on hot topics in the industry such as fighting cybercrime, returning to the workplace, coverage gap solutions, and workplace violence/crisis management. The event includes a networking reception on the evening of March 9th, 2022.

The Program Sponsorship opportunity is now available for Annual Spring Conference. Register now to promote your company in front of key decision makers!

Learn more about sponsorship

PAMIC Annual Sponsorship is a great way to promote your company and support the industry! There are two annual sponsorship opportunities to choose from: Platinum (all events) and Signature (3+ events). Platinum Sponsorship is the highest form of sponsorship that PAMIC offers. One registration covers ALL of PAMIC events and webinars, excluding convention. Signature Sponsorship (previously Flex Sponsorship) is a 3+ event package with events of your choosing.

Click here to learn more about PAMIC 2022 Sponsorship Opportunities

On behalf of the PAMIC leadership and staff, we want to wish you a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! The PAMIC office will be closed on Friday December 24th and Friday December 31st in observance of these holidays.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) published on their website on Nov. 16, 2021, that the COVID-19 vaccination and testing emergency temporary standard (ETS) is being put on hold due to pending litigation. The OSHA ETS went into effect on Nov. 5, 2021, and was set to have two compliance dates: one date for employers to finalize their policies on vaccine mandates or weekly testing requirements and another date for the weekly testing to begin. Keep reading to learn more about what’s next for the ETS.

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PAMIC is leading the charge to bring prospective employees in contact with the mutual insurance industry. We are working with universities, professional organizations and our member companies to build out tools to make connections easier and faster. PAMIC and its member companies are at the forefront of developing connections and paths to attract and retain talent to the insurance industry. 

PAMIC is determined to provide connections between interested candidates and mutual insurers.  Job postings are free for PAMIC membership. Input your open positions through the PAMIC Careers Portal and get connected!

Long term PAMIC President, Ron Gallagher, is set to retire June 30th of 2022. The search committee for the president's position is extending the description to PAMIC membership.  Details for this position can be found below.  If you are interested in this position, please contact Lora Sharp, by emailing searchcommittee@pamic.org.

Background:  The Pennsylvania Association of Mutual Insurance Companies (PAMIC) is a trade association located in Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania, proudly representing the Mutual Insurance Industry.  Our membership comprises some of the most historic companies in the industry and new companies thriving under the same model. Today our membership represents 52 property and casualty insurance groups (120 insurers) licensed to do business in Pennsylvania. While we are based in Pennsylvania, PAMIC insurer membership represents the Mid-Atlantic region. PAMIC’s mission is to continue the illustrious history of the Mutual Insurance Industry through our three pillars:  Advocacy, Education, and Networking.

Beyond mutual companies, PAMIC represents over 130 market members who are crucial in upholding the value and operations of our member groups. Some examples of our associates are law firms, accounting firms, reinsurance companies, restoration companies, and technology firms.  

Position:  PAMIC is currently seeking to fill the position of President. The President will be responsible for providing strong leadership for the Pennsylvania Association of Mutual Insurance Companies (PAMIC) by working with the board and staff (3 employees) to establish short and long-term goals, budgets (approximately $1 million revenue), plans, and strategies. The President has ultimate responsibility for the overall success of the organization. The President reports to the Board Chair and supports the Board of Directors and PAMIC PAC Trustees. The President’s responsibilities include:

●     Management/Organizational Skills/Planning: Establish and implement strategic and operational plans to achieve PAMIC’s objectives; define the work necessary to achieve the desired future state; identify necessary resources; coach staff performance; assess and report progress. 

●  Advocacy and Public Relations: Serves as the critical public relations person for the Association and lobby PA legislators, regulators, and key staff to influence them to benefit members. Build effective relationships among those areas to have PAMIC be considered a primary source of information and advice on issues impacting the mutual insurance industry. 

●  Educational and Communications Programming:  Oversee educational and networking events, including webinars, seminars, the annual convention, and advocacy events.  Additionally, oversee communications strategy and implementation, including virtual meetings, email, publications, and social media.

●  Visionary and Individual Leadership:  Create a desired future state by helping others see how things can be different and better. Use appropriate interpersonal styles and methods to inspire and guide individuals (subordinates, peers, and superiors) toward goal achievement; modify behavior to accommodate tasks, situations, and individuals involved. Anticipate long-term opportunities and define a desired future state.

●  Membership/Networking Focus: Proactively develop member relationships by listening and understanding the membership, anticipating and providing solutions to the membership’s needs. 

●  Financial Management:  Develop, implement, monitor, and assess sound and compliant financial management practices. 

Qualifications for Association President: 

●  Masters or advanced professional degree preferred.  Additional work experience may substitute for degree provision.

●  Minimum of 15-years’ experience in insurance and related activities, with 10-years’ of managerial experience.

●  Registered or become registered as a Lobbyist in Pennsylvania.

●  Resides in the Central Pennsylvania area.

●  Comprehensive and up-to-date knowledge and understanding of the practices and operations of insurance regulation.

●  Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, both oral and written.

●  Extensive travel both within and outside of Pennsylvania is required.  An overnight stay may be required.  Additionally, the incumbent will experience frequent evening and early morning meetings.

●  Knowledge of office technologies, including communication systems, website, and member management systems, and familiarity with budgeting and accounting software.

PAMIC offers a comprehensive benefit and compensation package. Salary commensurate with education and experience. Please apply through LinkedIn or submit a cover letter and resume outlining salary expectations to:

Lora Sharp, Manager Membership & Administration

EMAIL:  searchcommittee@pamic.org

Committee Volunteer registration is open! Have you ever wanted to be a part of the PAMIC event planning team and promote topics you want to hear about? Looking to network with other PAMIC membership?   Now is your chance! PAMIC Committee Membership meets a few times a year to both network and discuss topics for our upcoming events. Be sure to re-register if you wish to remain on a committee! PAMIC Committee registration is reserved for PAMIC members. 

Get your voice heard, join a PAMIC Committee!

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Join us for our hybrid Insurance Technology Trends Seminar on October 21, 2021 at the Best Western Premier, the Hotel and Conference Center in Harrisburg. Registration is now open! Click below to reserve your seat. 

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PAMIC is pleased to welcome Rebecca (Becky) Ferris to our team as the new Director of Events and Education! 

Becky graduated from the University of Valley Forge in 2011 and holds a degree in Counseling. During her career, she has gained extensive experience in adult continuing education and planning a variety of events ranging from outreach festivals to large annual conventions. Becky also acquired membership association experience, having served as a board member and committee chair for the Capital Area Association for the Education of Young Children. In her free time, Becky enjoys crafting, cooking, and time with her family and dogs.

Becky is thrilled to be a part of the PAMIC team and looks forward to engaging with members and planning purposeful events.

Please be sure to welcome Becky at our next upcoming event!

Say Hello to Rebecca