Find information to help consumers with insurance, securities and investments, or other products the Iowa Insurance Division regulates as well as filing complaints with the Iowa Insurance Division.
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- Former Epworth Insurance Agent Charged with Fraudulent Sales Practices, Money Laundering, and Violation of a Cease and Desist Order
- Consumer Connection: Flood Preparedness and Insurance
- ACA Special Enrollment Period Begins February 15 through May 15
- Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period Continues Through March 31
- Consumer Connection: Filing an Insurance Complaint
- Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Resources
Former Epworth Insurance Agent Charged with Fraudulent Sales Practices, Money Laundering, and Violation of a Cease and Desist Order
Des Moines, Iowa - Michael J. Heiberger, age 52, of Epworth, was recently charged with one count of Money Laundering (C Felony), six counts of Fraudulent Sales Practices (Class D Felony), and nine counts of Violating a Cease and Desist Order (Class D Felony) following an investigation by the Iowa Insurance Division’s Fraud Bureau.
The charges against Heiberger stem from an investigation which began in 2019. According to criminal complaints filed by the Iowa Insurance Fraud Bureau, Heiberger, while acting as an insurance producer altered customers' premium payment schedules and amounts to use the funds for unauthorized business and personal expenses.
Heiberger allegedly continued to act as an insurance producer without a license in violation of a Cease and Desist order which was issued by the Iowa Insurance Division on May 1, 2020.
Consumer Connection: Flood Preparedness and Insurance
By Sonya Sellmeyer, Consumer Advocacy Officer for the Iowa Insurance Division
Iowa’s snowfall each year brings about the possibility of spring flooding. Damage caused by flooding is often a standard exclusion in home, renters, and property insurance policies. In the most flood-prone areas, flood insurance coverage has traditionally been available through the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). Those that do not live in a NFIP community now have flood insurance options from private insurance carriers.
Why do you need flood insurance? According to FEMA, one inch of water can do $25,000 worth of damage, and the average flood claim in 2018 was more than $40,000. If you live in or around a high-risk flood area, you may be required to have flood insurance. The FEMA Flood Map Service Center is the official public source for flood hazard information in support of the NFIP, and you can use this service to find your property on the official flood hazard map. The NFIP offers two types of coverage, building and contents, to protect your home and belongings. NFIP also offers flood insurance for renters and businesses. Typically, there is a 30-day waiting period before flood insurance takes effect. Call a licensed insurance agent soon to see about coverage. The NFIP also offers preferred risk policies specifically designed for residential properties located in moderate- to low-risk flood zones.
Iowa is a state with previous historical flooding experience. If you don’t live in an area that requires flood coverage or participates in the NFIP program, private flood protection should be considered. Private flood insurance is also sold by licensed insurance agents in Iowa and may also have a 30-day waiting period before coverage takes effect.
ACA Special Enrollment Period Begins February 15 through May 15
Des Moines, Iowa – The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) announced recently an ACA special enrollment period begins February 15, 2021 and ends May 15, 2021 for Iowans purchasing or changing their Affordable Care Act (ACA) individual health coverage.
“The Iowa Insurance Division encourages any Iowans who need health coverage to look at the options available on healthcare.gov during the upcoming ACA special enrollment period," Iowa Insurance Commissioner Doug Ommen said. “Iowans considering individual plans should talk with a licensed insurance agent to thoroughly research all coverage options to determine the best plan for themselves and their families.”
Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period Continues Through March 31
Des Moines – Iowans currently enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan have options to switch through the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment period that continues through March 31.
“During this open enrollment period Iowans can switch to a different Medicare Advantage Plan with or without drug coverage. They can even go back to Original Medicare and, if needed, join a Medicare Prescription Drug Plan,” Kristin Griffith, Director of the Senior Health Insurance Information Program (SHIIP) said.
Iowans switching Medicare Advantage Plans or switching to Original Medicare with or without a Medicare drug plan, will have new coverage start the first day of the month after your new plan gets your request for coverage.
Consumer Connection: Filing an Insurance Complaint
By Sonya Sellmeyer, Consumer Advocacy Officer for the Iowa Insurance Division
The Iowa Insurance Division (Division) is the state regulator that supervises insurance transactions in Iowa. Part of the Division’s duties involve protecting the interest of consumers by enforcing Iowa’s insurance laws, providing consumer information, investigating complaints against insurance companies or agents, ensuring benefits are paid as owed under the terms of the policy, and requiring insurers to conduct a reasonable investigation of all claims.
If you are a consumer, or someone acting on behalf of a consumer, and are having a problem with the actions of an insurance company, entity or agent, start with a call to the insurance company or agent. If you are unsatisfied with their explanation, call our office and speak with one of our analysts. We may be able to provide assistance, or if needed, advise you to file a complaint on the Division’s website. A Spanish version of the complaint form is also available. Alternatively, there is an option to print out the Consumer Complaint form at the bottom of the webpage and submit it along with your supporting documentation by email to complaints@iid.iowa.gov, by U.S. mail to the Iowa Insurance Division, 1963 Bell Avenue, Suite 100, Des Moines, Iowa 50315, or by fax to 515-654-6500.
Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Resources
As the State of Iowa responds to Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19), the Iowa Insurance Division is closely monitoring the situation and actively communicating with insurance companies that operate in the State of Iowa. The Division provides answers to some commonly asked questions below and will update this page as necessary.
The Commissioner reminds Iowans that they can help prevent the spread of illness by following simple daily precautions including washing hands frequently, covering coughs and sneezes, and staying home when ill. It is currently flu and respiratory disease season, and Iowa Department of Public Health (IDPH) recommends getting the flu vaccine. Influenza activity is widespread in Iowa and as long as flu viruses are circulating, it's not too late to receive the vaccine.
Former Epworth Insurance Agent Charged with Fraudulent Sales Practices, Money Laundering, and Violation of a Cease and Desist Order
Des Moines, Iowa - Michael J. Heiberger, age 52, of Epworth, was recently charged with one count of Money Laundering (C Felony), six counts of Fraudulent Sales Practices (Class D Felony), and nine counts of Violating a Cease and Desist Order (Class D Felony) following an investigation by the Iowa Insurance Division’s Fraud Bureau.
The charges against Heiberger stem from an investigation which began in 2019. According to criminal complaints filed by the Iowa Insurance Fraud Bureau, Heiberger, while acting as an insurance producer altered customers' premium payment schedules and amounts to use the funds for unauthorized business and personal expenses.
Heiberger allegedly continued to act as an insurance producer without a license in violation of a Cease and Desist order which was issued by the Iowa Insurance Division on May 1, 2020.
Consumer Connection: Flood Preparedness and Insurance
By Sonya Sellmeyer, Consumer Advocacy Officer for the Iowa Insurance Division
Iowa’s snowfall each year brings about the possibility of spring flooding. Damage caused by flooding is often a standard exclusion in home, renters, and property insurance policies. In the most flood-prone areas, flood insurance coverage has traditionally been available through the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). Those that do not live in a NFIP community now have flood insurance options from private insurance carriers.
Why do you need flood insurance? According to FEMA, one inch of water can do $25,000 worth of damage, and the average flood claim in 2018 was more than $40,000. If you live in or around a high-risk flood area, you may be required to have flood insurance. The FEMA Flood Map Service Center is the official public source for flood hazard information in support of the NFIP, and you can use this service to find your property on the official flood hazard map. The NFIP offers two types of coverage, building and contents, to protect your home and belongings. NFIP also offers flood insurance for renters and businesses. Typically, there is a 30-day waiting period before flood insurance takes effect. Call a licensed insurance agent soon to see about coverage. The NFIP also offers preferred risk policies specifically designed for residential properties located in moderate- to low-risk flood zones.
Iowa is a state with previous historical flooding experience. If you don’t live in an area that requires flood coverage or participates in the NFIP program, private flood protection should be considered. Private flood insurance is also sold by licensed insurance agents in Iowa and may also have a 30-day waiting period before coverage takes effect.
ACA Special Enrollment Period Begins February 15 through May 15
Des Moines, Iowa – The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) announced recently an ACA special enrollment period begins February 15, 2021 and ends May 15, 2021 for Iowans purchasing or changing their Affordable Care Act (ACA) individual health coverage.
“The Iowa Insurance Division encourages any Iowans who need health coverage to look at the options available on healthcare.gov during the upcoming ACA special enrollment period," Iowa Insurance Commissioner Doug Ommen said. “Iowans considering individual plans should talk with a licensed insurance agent to thoroughly research all coverage options to determine the best plan for themselves and their families.”
Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period Continues Through March 31
Des Moines – Iowans currently enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan have options to switch through the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment period that continues through March 31.
“During this open enrollment period Iowans can switch to a different Medicare Advantage Plan with or without drug coverage. They can even go back to Original Medicare and, if needed, join a Medicare Prescription Drug Plan,” Kristin Griffith, Director of the Senior Health Insurance Information Program (SHIIP) said.
Iowans switching Medicare Advantage Plans or switching to Original Medicare with or without a Medicare drug plan, will have new coverage start the first day of the month after your new plan gets your request for coverage.
Consumer Connection: Filing an Insurance Complaint
By Sonya Sellmeyer, Consumer Advocacy Officer for the Iowa Insurance Division
The Iowa Insurance Division (Division) is the state regulator that supervises insurance transactions in Iowa. Part of the Division’s duties involve protecting the interest of consumers by enforcing Iowa’s insurance laws, providing consumer information, investigating complaints against insurance companies or agents, ensuring benefits are paid as owed under the terms of the policy, and requiring insurers to conduct a reasonable investigation of all claims.
If you are a consumer, or someone acting on behalf of a consumer, and are having a problem with the actions of an insurance company, entity or agent, start with a call to the insurance company or agent. If you are unsatisfied with their explanation, call our office and speak with one of our analysts. We may be able to provide assistance, or if needed, advise you to file a complaint on the Division’s website. A Spanish version of the complaint form is also available. Alternatively, there is an option to print out the Consumer Complaint form at the bottom of the webpage and submit it along with your supporting documentation by email to complaints@iid.iowa.gov, by U.S. mail to the Iowa Insurance Division, 1963 Bell Avenue, Suite 100, Des Moines, Iowa 50315, or by fax to 515-654-6500.
Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Resources
As the State of Iowa responds to Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19), the Iowa Insurance Division is closely monitoring the situation and actively communicating with insurance companies that operate in the State of Iowa. The Division provides answers to some commonly asked questions below and will update this page as necessary.
The Commissioner reminds Iowans that they can help prevent the spread of illness by following simple daily precautions including washing hands frequently, covering coughs and sneezes, and staying home when ill. It is currently flu and respiratory disease season, and Iowa Department of Public Health (IDPH) recommends getting the flu vaccine. Influenza activity is widespread in Iowa and as long as flu viruses are circulating, it's not too late to receive the vaccine.