— Official News Release — North Dakota Insurance Commissioner Adam Hamm today announced the issuance of a consent order with Noridian Mutual Insurance Co. which sells health insurance in North Dakota as Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Dakota (BCBSND).
The order was issued after the completion of a market conduct examination into several claims and underwriting practices of the company. Specifically, the examination covered complaint handling by the company, underwriting dependents under the age of 26, discounting life insurance policies, mental health and substance abuse claims handling as well as coordination of benefits on claims involving other insurance carriers.
“The market conduct examination found several deficiencies at BCBSND that need immediate attention,” said Hamm. “My Department will be closely monitoring the company so changes are made quickly and consumers are treated fairly going forward.”
The consent order also requires the company to pay a $60,000 fine for several violations of North Dakota law. The violations are detailed in the consent order and an examination report.
“As the largest health insurer in North Dakota, BCBSND has an obligation to meet the highest of standards in their day-to-day operations,” Hamm added. “We’ve been assured by the company they will address these issues and cooperate fully with the Insurance Department.”
The consent order can be found here and the market conduct examination report can be found here.
