– Maine losing chief of its insurance bureau - Press Herald

Eric Cioppa, superintendent of the Maine Bureau of Insurance, announced Wednesday that he will retire after 11 years in the position.

Cioppa, who will turn 64 this summer, has worked in the state’s Bureau of Insurance for more than three decades. He announced Wednesday that he will retire April 1.

Eric Cioffa Photo courtesy of Eric Cioppa

“Superintendent Cioppa has accomplished so much for Maine people during his tenure at the Bureau,” Gov. Janet Mills said in a statement. “From his work to overhaul the Workers’ Compensation system in the early 90s, to overseeing the implementation of the Affordable Care Act in Maine since 2010, to working with my Administration on health insurance and consumer financial protections during the pandemic – and all the legislative, regulatory and enforcement work in between – Superintendent Cioppa’s contributions to the health and welfare of Mainers have been invaluable.”

Anne Head, commissioner of the Department of Professional and Financial Services, said Cioppa “has been an incredible asset to the state and its people. He has been tireless in his work to protect the rights of Mainers and to support business innovation and competition in Maine’s insurance industry.”

Cioppa has been heavily involved with the National Association of Insurance Commissioners, helping to set national priorities, develop new laws and regulation, as well as serving as the association’s president, vice president and spokesperson.

Cioppa said in a telephone interview Wednesday that he is retiring to spend more time with his family. He lives in the town of China.

The Maine Bureau of Insurance licenses insurance producers and companies, performs examinations and conducts audits, reviews insurance rates, investigates complaints, and educates consumers about their rights and responsibilities. Cioppa said the insurance bureau oversees and regulates 1,300 licensed health, life, auto and other insurance companies. A national search is underway for his successor.

“I tell my staff that we are one of the few state agencies that affect the lives of every citizen in Maine,” he said.

Cioppa believes the insurance commissioner plays an important role protecting Maine consumers from fraud and insurance scams. In 2013, Cioppa ordered four companies to cease doing business in the state and pay civil penalties of $260,000 following an investigation into complaints about unpaid medical bills. Cioppa said the companies were engaging in unlicensed insurance transactions.

Cioppa joined the bureau in 1988 as a statistician before being named supervisor of the Workers’ Compensation Section. He was named deputy superintendent in 1998 and superintendent in 2011. The governor nominates superintendents to five-year terms and must be confirmed by the Legislature.

Consumers with questions about insurance matters can obtain information and assistance from the Maine Bureau of Insurance by visiting maine.gov/insurance or by calling 800-300-5000. Questions or concerns may also be emailed to [email protected]

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