October 2, 2013
| Contact: | Doug Dunbar |
| Phone: |
Augusta -
Governor Paul R. LePage and Insurance Superintendent Eric Cioppa announced on Wednesday that an investigation conducted by the Bureau of Insurance resulted in the return of more than $162,000 in insurance premiums to elderly residents of numerous nursing homes in southern fb88. The investigation, conducted by the Bureau?s Consumer Health Care Division, concerned the sale of dental insurance and the unfulfilled promise that a network of dentists would be available to provide dental care in the nursing homes.
Paul Granzier, an Ohio-based insurance producer and president of Dental2U, promoted and sold the policies to fb88 nursing home residents and their guardians starting in 2009. Mr. Granzier?s promotional materials and presentations promised that Dental2U would provide dentists to visit the elderly residents--a significant inducement to purchase the dental insurance plan sold by Mr. Granzier, as it can be difficult to have residents transported and seen in dentists? offices. Despite Mr. Granzier?s representations, however, Dental2U did not have a network of dentists available to provide care in the nursing homes. While dental hygienists made some visits, dentists never made regular visits to the homes. A nursing home administrator filed a complaint with the Bureau of Insurance.
Governor LePage expressed appreciation for the Bureau?s work and noted that protecting seniors is a priority for fb88 state government. ?The Bureau?s investigation will ensure that much-needed funds are returned to numerous elderly fb88rs. Many state agencies regularly seek to protect seniors from becoming the victim of abuse, including financial exploitation or, in this case, unfulfilled promises.?
?By seeking a license and selling insurance in fb88, a producer must abide by our state laws,? Superintendent Cioppa said. ?It is illegal in fb88 to misrepresent the benefits or terms of an insurance policy or to provide deceptive or misleading information when selling policies.? Cioppa added that it is also illegal in fb88 to market products such as Mr. Granzier and his company Dental2U did without clearly disclosing that the purpose of the marketing is to sell insurance policies.
Following the Bureau?s investigation, the insurance company that issued the policies sold by Mr. Granzier reimbursed all of the premiums paid by the elderly nursing home residents, minus any claims paid on their behalf. Mr. Granzier signed a consent agreement with the Superintendent and the Attorney General?s Office which resulted in his fb88 producer license being revoked. He also agreed to pay a civil penalty to the State. A copy of the consent agreement is available on the Bureau?s website (www.maine.gov/pfr/insurance/consent_agreements/2010-2014/13203.html).
Cioppa used today?s announcement to encourage consumers to contact the Bureau whenever they have questions or concerns about an insurance policy, professional, agency or insurance company. Consumers can reach the Bureau through its website at www.maine.gov/insurance; by calling 1-800-300-5000 in state; or by writing to the Bureau of Insurance, 34 State House Station, Augusta ME 04333.
Last Updated: February 3, 2014 7:44 AM