Updating DOI Records On Third Party Administrators Or Other Self-Insured Administrative Arrangements

ARKANSAS INSURANCE DEPARTMENT LEGAL DIVISION 1200 West Third Street Little Rock, AR 72201-1904 501-371-2820 501-371-2629 fax August 18, 2003 BULLETIN NO. 5-2003 TO: ALL REGISTERED THIRD PARTY ADMINISTRATORS FROM: ARKANSAS INSURANCE DEPARTMENT RE: UPDATING DOI RECORDS ON THIRD PARTY ADMINISTRATORS OR OTHER SELF-INSURED ADMINISTRATIVE ARRANGEMENTS The Arkansas Insurance Department (“Department”) seeks information from each registered Third Party Administrator (“TPA” or “Company”) for two purposes: (1) to update the State’s general records and information on your TPA activities here; (2) to obtain information to address continuing problems with unauthorized MET or MEWA plans for self-insured administrative arrangements. See prior: Bulletin 4-2002, “SALE OF UNAUTHORIZED ACCIDENT AND HEALTH (DISABILITY) INSURANCE PRODUCTS IN THE STATE OF ARKANSAS”; and Bulletin 7-2002, “2002 UPDATE - SALE OF UNAUTHORIZED ACCIDENT AND HEALTH (DISABILITY) INSURANCE PRODUCTS IN THE STATE OF ARKANSAS.” Please view these Bulletins, other directives, via various links on the DOI web site below. Please read the Arkansas Code (laws) under the Legal Division page at the DOI web site at www.accessarkansas.org/insurance By Monday, September 15, 2003, please submit all Items to the Department. Please submit Items (a) – (c) in electronic form to the Agent License Division: a. A complete listing of each plan you administer that provides health benefits to Arkansas enrollees. Please describe the structure of the plan, i.e. union or collectively bargained plans, fully insured MEWAs, self-funded MEWAs, etc.; b. For each plan listed, state name, mailing address and contact person/phone number for each plan. List the Plan Federal Identification Number (FEIN) for purposes of identity. Disclose if the plan is claiming to be ERISA-exempt; c. The full name of your TPA executive office or mailing address; phone number; fax number; and e-mail addresses, and FEIN number for the TPA; d. Enclosed is a listing of self-insured METS and MEWAS under current Department investigation. Please review this list and contact the Legal Division immediately if you are working with/for any of these plans and Arkansas enrollees; and e. If your Arkansas plan enrollees have complaints (claims payment problems), file a complaint with our Consumer Services Division; 501-371-2640; or file electronically at the DOI web page listed above. Please direct your queries to Mr. Fred Stiffler, Director, Agent License Division, at 501-371-2750, or fred.stiffler@mail.state.ar.us, or to Ms. Jean Langford, Chief Counsel, Legal Division at 501-371-2820, or jean.langford@mail.state.ar.us Thank you for your cooperation. _________________________________________ DATE:_______August 18, 2003___________ MIKE PICKENS, INSURANCE COMMISSIONER Enclosure – METS & MEWAS Investigation Listing