“The Massachusetts' regulatory environment for insurance companies is unique and challenging. The Suffolk Group has utilized their extensive knowledge to negotiate favorable outcomes for every one of our filings and we recommend them highly.”

Jason Berg
President & Secretary
Oxford Life Insurance Company

 

 
Oxford Life Insurance Company

Challenge
Oxford Life Insurance Company faced ongoing financial losses caused by an aging block of Medicare supplement insurance business in Massachusetts. In order to receive the necessary rate increases, however, the Company was required to prove the reasonableness of their rates during complex administrative hearings before the Commissioner of Insurance. Oxford Life retained the Suffolk Group to serve as regulatory counsel and guide the Company through the adversarial hearings while maintaining a favorable public image.

Solution
The Suffolk Group’s experience with the complexities of Massachusetts’ insurance law and regulatory personnel allowed Oxford Life to prepare a persuasive rate filing and serve as confident actuarial witnesses during cross-examination. The preparation also allowed the Company to refute opposing arguments of consumer advocates, the Attorney General, and the State Rating Bureau necessary to obtain the required rate increases and avoid negative publicity.

Success
Through The Suffolk Group’s counsel, Oxford Life has now implemented a strategy of submitting annual filings which seek moderate and more easily accepted rate increases. As a result, financial experience has become more positive and the Company has been allowed to focus on new and innovative markets.