MN Commerce Insurance Guidance (2025-11-07)
Memorandum to Carriers
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Memorandum to Regulated Entities Related to Assistance to Individuals Affected by the Federal Government
Shutdown
Date:
November 7, 2025
To:
All entities regulated under Minnesota Insurance and Financial Institutions Laws
From: Commissioner Grace Arnold, Minnesota Department of Commerce
Over 18,000 Minnesotans who are federal employees face financial hardship due to the ongoing shutdown of
the federal government. The Department of Commerce (Commerce) is issuing this memo to regulated entities to
request that they take provide flexibility to Minnesota policyholders and customers who are federal workers
affected by the shutdown.
The Department encourages all admitted and non-admitted insurance companies licensed in Minnesota to sell
insurance coverage to:
ā¢
Provide an additional grace period beyond existing statutory requirements for payment of insurance
premiums, and non-renewal or cancellation notices due to non-payment, so that policies are not
cancelled during this period of uncertainty.
ā¢
Consider waiving fees, penalties or other adverse consequences for late payments.
ā¢
Offer flexible or alternative payment arrangements to help affected Minnesotans maintain continuous
coverage.
ā¢
Extend deadlines for affected Minnesota residents to report claims, submit other communications
related to claims, or to make repairs necessary to maintain coverage.
ā¢
Provide clear communication and customer service to affected Minnesotans about the availability of the
flexible arrangements listed above.
The Department encourages all state-chartered and licensed financial institutions authorized to conduct
business in Minnesota to:
ā¢
Work constructively with affected customers. The department views prudent loan modification
programs to financial institution customers affected by the ongoing shutdown of the federal
nnesotans about the availability of the
flexible arrangements listed above.
The Department encourages all state-chartered and licensed financial institutions authorized to conduct
business in Minnesota to:
ā¢
Work constructively with affected customers. The department views prudent loan modification
programs to financial institution customers affected by the ongoing shutdown of the federal
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government as positive actions that can effectively manage or mitigate adverse impacts on borrowers
due to the shutdown, and lead to improved loan performance and reduced credit risk.
ā¢
Consider waiving fees, penalties or other adverse consequences for late loan payments or deficient
account balances.
ā¢
Provide clear and proactive customer service to affected Minnesotans about the availability of any
flexible arrangements that your institution intends to offer.
Many regulated entities have already engaged in some, or all, of the measures listed above. The Department
also recognizes potential strain the federal shutdown may have on company operations. Commerce thanks
companies that have already taken proactive steps to help Minnesotans affected by the federal shutdown
during this difficult time.
Thank you for your partnership and commitment to supporting Minnesotans during the federal shutdown.
Sincerely,
Grace Arnold
Commissioner