NAVIGATOR PROGRAM ADVISORY COMMITTEE. Maryland Insurance Administration July 30, 2012

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1 1 NAVIGATOR PROGRAM ADVISORY COMMITTEE PRODUCER LICENSING EDUCATION & EXAMINATION OVERVIEW Presentation by Maryland Insurance Administration July 30,

2 Maryland Insurance Administration Functions Protect Maryland consumers by licensing and regulating the State s insurance companies and producers. Provide insurance-related education and outreach to Maryland consumers. Investigate acts of alleged insurance fraud and complaints consumers have about their insurance coverage. Conduct financial examinations and market conduct examinations to ensure company solvency and compliance with Maryland law. Review and approve rates and contract forms. 2

3 Producer Licensing Functions Responsible for licensing producers and other insurance professionals and responding to inquiries from applicants, producers, and consumers. Oversees the issuance and maintenance of the following license/registration types. Producers Surplus Lines Brokers Insurance Advisers Public Adjusters Third Party Administrators Motor Club Representatives Motor Vehicle Rental Companies / Franchisees Portable Electronic Insurance Vendors 3

4 Pre-Licensing and Examination Tasks Section of the Insurance Article requires an applicant to: Demonstrate familiarity with the kind or subdivision of insurance for which they want to be licensed by successfully completing a program of study that has been established or approved by the Commissioner; and Pass an examination given by the Commissioner. The MIA uses a vendor to assist with the review of pre-licensing courses and the development, maintenance, and administration of examinations. Subject Matter Expert (SME) Committee assists with the development of the Examination Content Outline. Committee consist of SME s from the MIA, the vendor, the insurance industry, and test development specialist. 4

5 Pre-Licensing and Examination Tasks Examination Content Outline, once approved by the Commissioner, is used to: Evaluate pre-licensing courses and ensure that each course covers at least all of the material that will be covered in the exam; and Develop valid and reliable two-part exams (state specific and general) to measure the minimum competency required for a candidate to perform the duties and responsibilities of an insurance producer. SME committees update the Examination Content Outlines as needed to address legislative changes or significant variations or fluctuations in testing volume, pass/fail ratios, or item performance. 5

6 Pre-Licensing and Examination Tasks MIA s vendor also assists with: Notifying course providers of any changes/updates needed for the Examination Content Outline or course materials; Random audits of pre-licensing courses to ensure that courses are offered in the approved format and cover the approved topics; Processing electronic rosters listing individuals who have successfully completed approved pre-licensing course; Scheduling examinations for individuals via the online reservation portal or phone reservation system; and Forwarding exam scores nightly via electronic file to MIA to allow for validation of passing scores. 6

7 Continuing Education (CE) Section of the Insurance Article requires an insurance producer to receive CE as a condition of renewing a license. A vendor assists the MIA with: Reviewing CE courses for licensed producers; Updating, daily, current CE courses on a dedicated web page; Maintaining a toll free line to assist licensees and providers; Maintaining transcripts and tracking required hours; Ensuring that courses are relevant and valid; and Random auditing of CE courses to ensure that courses are offered in the approved format and cover the approved topics. 7

8 Licensing Process Individuals who have passed a licensing exam, may submit the license application electronically via the National Insurance Producer Registry or by paper to the MIA. Certain mandatory conditions must be met before an application is accepted or reviewed. An applicant must: Be at least 18 years of age; Provide a social security number and date of birth; Provide a resident, business, and mailing address; Answer all background questions; Provide legal work authorization if not a U.S. citizen; Sign application attesting that all information is true and complete; and Pay the applicable licensing fee. 8

9 Licensing Process If the answer to background questions warrants (e.g. the applicant indicates that he has been convicted of a crime), the application will be forwarded to the MIA s Producer Enforcement Unit for further investigation. The term of a license is 2 years from the date of issuance. A renewed license has an expiration date that is on the last day of the licensee s birth month. 9

10 Applicant visits website to see license requirements Applicant visits website to find local pre-licensing course provider Applicant takes course at local community college Applicant signs up online for license exam Applicant takes exam at local testing site Applicant applies online for license Community college submits course completion for applicant to vendor Vendor submits exam score and course completion info to MIA National License Database submits license application to MIA MIA reviews application, conducts background check, if necessary, and checks with Comptroller and Child Support agencies for any back taxes or fees due MIA issues license

11 SHOP Exchange Navigator License Regulations The Commissioner is responsible for: issuing and reinstating a SHOP Exchange Navigator License; adopting regulations that govern the scope, type, conduct, frequency, and assessment of the written examination required for a license. A draft version of these regulations will be posted on the MIA s website, and will be available for public comment on August 15,

12 Questions?? Megan Mason Special Assistant to the Commissioner for Health Care Reform 12