Big ‘I’ Receives $2 Million for Trusted Choice® COVID-19 Relief Fund from Progressive

​Progressive donation to provide relief to Big ‘I’ members facing pandemic challenges.​ ALEXANDRIA, VA, April 16, 2020— The Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America (the Big “I”) is pleased to announce that Progressive Insurance has donated $2 million dollars to establish the Trusted Choice® COVID-19 Relief Fund in response to the economic and operational challenges the coronavirus crisis has presented to independent agencies. The grant will be dispersed directly to independent agencies via a Big “I” application process to meet those agencies’ critical needs in the midst of the pandemic.  Independent agencies can apply for assistance online​. “The Big ‘I’ is so grateful for Progressive’s…

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Health Insurance Producers Must Send Policyholder Notices

​Similar to the requirements that have had property-casualty insurance producers emailing their clients for the past week, a new state regulation requires health insurance producers to notify their clients about new temporary rules. An emergency regulation issued by the New York State Department of Financial Services last week requires health plans and insurers to make certain concessions to customers experiencing financial hardship due to the COVID-19 pandemic. DFS issued the regulation to comply with an executive order issued by Gov. Andrew Cuomo on April 7. The regulation, which is in effect from April 7 to May 7, applies to insurers, health maintenance organizations (HMOs), and…

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Cuomo To Essential Businesses: Mask Up

​Onsite employees of businesses that remain open during the COVID-19 state of emergency must wear protective masks starting Wednesday, according to a new state order. New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo issued the executive order Sunday to all "essential businesses" operating in the state. Essential businesses are those that the state government has exempted from a previous order that businesses have 100% of their employees offsite. the state government included insurance on the list of essential businesses. The new order stated: For all essential businesses or entities, any employees who are present in the workplace shall be provided and shall wear face coverings when in direct…

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