Around the PIA Western Alliance States – Week of March 31, 2025

Nevada — Expanding the Definition of Casualty Insurance: A bill in the Nevada Legislature could end up significantly expanding the definition of casualty insurance. Assembly Bill 512 was introduced in the Committee on Commerce and Labor last week and wants to add legal expense insurance into the definition.

Currently the law classifies casualty insurance as coverage for vehicles, liability insurance, workers’ compensation and a few other forms. The bill would add legal expenses to the category. It would — if passed — give policyholders reimbursement for specific legal services or expenses.

Source link: Insurance Business America — https://bit.ly/3XFbr3Z

Oregon — Prescription Drug Price Transparency program updates: Rules: 836-200-0500, 836-200-0505, 836-200-0510, 836-200-0515, 836-200-0520, 836-200-0525, 836-200-0530, 836-200-0531, 836-200-0532, 836-200-0535, 836-200-0540, 836-200-0545, 836-200-0550, 836-200-0555, 836-200-0560.

Rules Summary: Adds a definition for “dosage;” combines the definitions for “inaccurate information” and “incomplete information;” adds clarification about what is not included in the definition of “new prescription drug;” removes dosage guidance from the definition of “one-month supply;” adds clarification to the definition of “reporting manufacturer; removes outdated timelines; sets timeline for reporting manufacturers to create an online account with the department; requires reporting manufacturers to provide the department with at least one contact person, with valid contact information, that is an employee who manages access to the account and receipt of trade secret determinations; updates the threshold for reporting new prescription drugs to reflect current specifications in Medicare Part D; provides a definition for the “date of introduction;" clarifies “good faith” language; clarifies requirements of manufacturer reporting including: drug strength, package size, and the date the drug was first approved; the description of the marketing used in the drug’s introduction; and potential factors used to establish the price of the new drug; and more.

Filed: March 26, 2025

Effective: April 1, 2025

Oregon — Fraud Fighter Summit and Resource Fair set for April 12 in MedfordSalem: The Oregon Division of Financial Regulation (DFR) and Oregon AARP are hosting the Fraud Fighter Summit and Resource Fair on Saturday, April 12, in Medford.

The free event, which runs from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., will be at the Smullin Health Education Center, 2825 E. Barnett Road, in Medford. Doors open at 9 a.m. Parking is available on site and a light lunch will be provided.

Joining DFR and AARP will be representatives from the Federal Trade Commission and the Construction Contractors Board, who will provide insights on current scams. Attendees will learn tips on how to protect themselves against fraud.

They will hear from DFR Administrator TK Keen; Oregon AARP State Director Bandana Shrestha; Oregon AARP Director of Advocacy and Outreach Carmel Snyder; Construction Contractors Board Communications and Outreach Coordinator Tori Garcia; Federal Trade Commission Regional Director Chuck Harwood; and Doug Shadel, a national expert, author, and columnist on fraud prevention.

Keen will be speaking about spotting and recovering from scams and steps to follow while working with your insurance company. This information, which will accompany Garcia’s presentation, will provide consumers with tips and resources for scam and fraud avoidance, resources for recovery, and how to report.

“It is important for people to do their due diligence so that they do not become a victim of scams and fraud,” Keen said. “This is especially true when they are in a vulnerable position, including after a natural disaster. Unfortunately, not everyone who rushes in after a flood or fire is there to help.”

If you believe you may have been scammed related to an insurance or financial product or claim, DFR has resources to help you. Consumer advocates are available by calling 1-888-877-4894 (toll-free) or emailing dfr.financialserviceshelp@dcbs.oregon.gov or dfr.insurancehelp@dcbs.oregon.gov. More information is also available at dfr.oregon.gov/help.

Washington — Ground Ambulance Services Rates Database Update: During the 2024 Legislative Session, Senate Bill 5986 (SSB 5986) added ground ambulance service balance billing protections to the Balance Billing Protection Act (BBPA). Local governmental entities with established or contracted rates for ground ambulance services must submit their rates to the OIC. RCW 48.49.205 requires the OIC to collect and publicly post these rates.

OIC has updated the dataset to reflect the most current local government established and contracted rates.  

If you’ve received this message, you are signed up to get updates on the local governmental entity established and contracted rates.