The Idaho Department of Insurance has once again earned accreditation from the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC), reaffirming its commitment to protecting Idaho consumers through strong financial oversight and regulatory excellence. 

Accreditation ensures that Idaho maintains regulatory authority over its own insurance market, helping to keep companies based in-state. It reduces unnecessary regulatory costs, which helps keep premiums more affordable for consumers. It also strengthens Idaho’s appeal to insurers and ensures companies remain financially sound and able to pay claims. 

“This accreditation is more than a regulatory milestone—it’s a promise to Idaho families, businesses, and communities that we are watching out for them,” said Director Dean Cameron. “When you pay your insurance premiums, you’re trusting that your insurer will be there when you need them most. Our accreditation means we have the tools, expertise, and oversight in place to help make sure that trust is well-placed.”

Read the full press release here 

Director Dean Cameron was invited to address the Senior Issues Task Force at the National Association of Insurance Commissioners Fall National Meeting. His presentation focused on unfair trade practices in marketing insurance products to Idaho residents who are eligible for Medicare. 

The Idaho Department of Insurance has taken decisive steps to safeguard seniors and ensure fairness in the Medicare Advantage marketplace. Recent disruptions have raised serious concerns about accessibility, affordability, and transparency for Idahoans relying on these plans.

What Happened? 
For years, Idaho’s individual health insurance market has been stable, with eight carriers offering nearly 200 plans and minimal rate increases. The Medicare Advantage market was similarly healthy—until 2024. That year, carriers began struggling to secure provider contracts, and some threatened to exit the market. By 2025, several carriers withdrew entirely, reducing plan options and creating confusion for consumers. 

Unfair Practices Identified 
After open enrollment, some carriers took actions that Idaho deemed inappropriate, including: 

• Removing applications from websites and limiting access to paper forms. 

• Steering consumers toward competitors during broker meetings. 

• Discontinuing commissions despite having priced them into premiums. 

These moves left seniors and agents in difficult positions, undermining consumer choice and trust. 

Idaho’s Response 
To protect consumers, the Department issued a bulletin clarifying that such actions violate Idaho’s Unfair Trade Practices Act. When carriers failed to cooperate, the Department escalated enforcement: 

• Sent investigative letters under state authority. 

• Issued cease-and-desist orders to two carriers engaging in the most egregious practices. 

Both carriers have since filed lawsuits, challenging Idaho’s authority. The Department maintains that states have clear jurisdiction over trade practices and licensing, even as CMS regulates pricing and networks.* 

Why It Matters 
Medicare Advantage plans are critical for seniors’ access to prescriptions and benefits. Market instability threatens affordability and availability. While federal rules for 2027 are in development, Idaho believes immediate action is necessary to protect consumers.