How do I apply?
Go to the “Forms & Links” section of this website and print the appropriate application. Alternatively you may call the toll free number provided in the “Contacts” section, and ask that a form be faxed or mailed to you. Forward the fully completed application, and all of the additional information requested in the application, to the address on the form by mail or fax. If all application information is complete, a quote letter will be sent to you via mail or fax along with binding instructions. If the application is incomplete, you will receive a letter advising you that a quote cannot be issued until additional information is provided. Application to the Plan may be made either directly by the provider, or through an agent or broker. The agent or broker will be paid a commission, but using an agent or broker will not change the amount of premium you pay for the coverage.
How do I bind coverage?
After a quote letter has been issued by the Plan, and all other requested items have been received, coverage will be bound when the deposit premium, full surcharge or surcharge deposit, and signed promissory note (if required) have been mailed to the Plan (as determined by the post mark on the mailing envelope) or on the date requested, whichever is later.
How do I obtain Cerficates of Insurance?
You may request certificates by faxing, calling, or e-mailing us at the addresses included in the “Contacts” section of this website. Certificates must be issued directly by the Plan; agents or brokers are not authorized to issue certificates. Full name and address of the organization requesting the certificate will be required. Certificates indicating individual named insureds on the policy as the certificate holder will not be issued.
Is there a Payment Plan Available?
Yes, if total premium is greater than $10,000 you may pay with a 40% deposit at binding, 30% due on the 60th day and the remaining 30% on the120th day. The Premium Payment Plan will include a non-refundable service fee equal to 2.5% of the total financed premium (premium less deposit), due with payment of the deposit premium.
Are options available for payment of the required additional first year charge?
Yes, the additional first year charge may be paid either in cash or with a 25% deposit and 3 annual installments secured by a Promissory Note. The accepted Promissory Note form will be provided to you with the quote letter. Interest will be charged for the note annually at a rate equal to 2.5% of the unpaid balance. The signed Promissory Note must be returned along with the deposit premium and 25% of the additional first year charge in order to bind coverage.
Are options available for payment of the required additional first year charge?
Yes, the additional first year charge may be paid either in cash or with a 25% deposit and 3 annual installments secured by a Promissory Note. The accepted Promissory Note form will be provided to you with the quote letter. Interest will be charged for the note annually at a rate equal to 2.5% of the unpaid balance. The signed Promissory Note must be returned along with the deposit premium and 25% of the additional first year charge in order to bind coverage.
Providers should consult their tax experts with respect to questions regarding deductibility of the additional first year charge.
What coverage will the JUA provide?
The JUA will write Occurrence Forms of Health Care Professional Liability coverage for eligible providers. Limits of coverage will be $1,000,000 per incident subject to an annual aggregate of $3,000,000 or $500,000 per incident subject to an annual aggregate of $1,500,000 for professional liability. Incidental to the Occurrence professional liability coverage, the JUA will offer an optional “Prior Acts” policy for all providers who are coming to the JUA from previous claims-made form carriers. General Liability coverage for facility providers will also be offered. The same limit amounts will be offered separately for the “Prior Acts” period, and for the General Liability coverage. Separate limits will also be available for professional corporations of physician groups.
How do I report a claim?
A copy of the claim report form is located in the Forms & Links section of the web-site. Please complete the form and fax to the toll free number provided in the “Contacts” section of the web-site. Copies of suit papers, letters from attorneys, demand letters, or any other pertinent documents should be mailed or sent to us by over-night as soon as received.
My current carrier is offering renewal. May I still apply to the Plan?
Yes, if you meet the eligibility requirements you must be accepted for coverage in the Plan, regardless of whether other coverage is available to you.
My current coverage is a claims-made form. How do I convert to occurrence coverage?
There are two options:
1. Request “tail” or “Extended Reporting Endorsement” coverage from your expiring claims-made carrier; or
2. The JUA will offer an optional “Prior Acts” policy incidental to issuance of a new professional liability policy by the JUA. The policy will provide a separate limit of liability to cover claims occurring, but not known or previously reported to an insurer, during the period of time between the claims-made retro-active date of the expiring policy and the effective date of the new occurrence policy. “Prior Acts” coverage quotes will be provided upon request. “Prior Acts” policies will not be offered on a stand-alone basis; they must be written incidental to an occurrence policy form written in the JUA
Why was the JUA formed?
In July 2003, the governor of Missouri requested that the Director of Insurance hold a public hearing to determine whether medical malpractice insurance is reasonably available in the state. On the basis of information presented at the hearing, the Director determined that coverage is not reasonably available. This determination was the statutorily required trigger needed to allow the Director to form a “Joint Underwriting Association” for the purposes of providing professional liability insurance coverage to Missouri health care providers.
The Director named a governing board, and a Plan of Operation was developed specifying eligibility for the plan, as well as rules for the program. In April, 2004, a Servicing Company, Actuary, and General Counsel were named for the operation of the JUA.
What is a JUA?
A Joint Underwriting Association is an association of all of the casualty insurance companies in the state who join together to provide insurance coverage. The casualty insurance companies are assessable if the JUA does not generate sufficient premium volume to pay claims and meet other expenses, in addition to reserving for unearned premium and incurred but not reported losses. The JUA is governed by a board appointed by the Director of the Department of Insurance, made up of representatives from the member licensed casualty insurance companies.
My practice is located in both Missouri and another state. May I still apply for coverage?
Yes if you are able to obtain coverage elsewhere for your practice in the other state, the Association can provide coverage for the Missouri portion of your practice. You must be able to provide the Association with proof of ongoing insurance coverage in the other state, and the Association will attach an endorsement to its policy limiting your coverage to professional medical or dental services rendered within the state of Missouri only.
Does the Association policy allow Consent to Settle?
According to the Association’s Plan of Operation, “The Association shall be authorized to settle claims against an insured provider on behalf of the Association without the agreement of the provider, provided, however, that if the Association settles without the provider’s agreement to the settlement or any terms thereof, this fact shall be documented in the files of the Association and shall be reported on any loss runs on said provider produced by the Association”.