LAST YEAR TREASURER FRERICHS SPEARHEADED A LAW REQUIRING INSURERS TO USE THE FEDERAL MASTER DEATH FILE TO ENSURE A POLICY HOLDER HASN'T DIED. NOW HE WANTS TO REQUIRE COMPANIES TO LOOK THROUGH THEIR OLD RECORDS TO MAKE SURE NO ONE WAS MISSED AND BENEFITS ARE DUE. HE EXPECTS SOME OPPOSITION.

 

THE TREASURER CHAMPIONED A LAW LAST YEAR THAT REQUIRES INSURERS TO MATCH POLICY HOLDERS AGAINST THE FEDERAL DEATH MASTER FILE, TO MAKE SURE BENEFICIARIES RECEIVE THEIR BENEFITS. HE’S NOW PUSHING A BILL MANDATING COMPANIES CHECK THEIR FILES FOR ANY OLD BENEFITS THAT WERE NEVER PAID. IT’S SPONSORED BY REPRESENTATIVE ROBERT MARTWICK OF CHICAGO WHO SAYS INSURERS NEED TO DO THE RIGHT THING.

 

THE LEGISLATION REQUIRES INSURERS TO LOOK THROUGH RECORDS BACK TO 1996.