Frequently Asked Questions
1. How do I contact the MMJUA of Rhode Island (MMJUA of RI)?
We welcome the opportunity to answer any questions you have, regardless of who your current insurance provider may be. Contact us by email, or reach us by phone at any of the numbers listed below. Inquires made through the “Contact Us” email below will be responded to within two to three business days.
For time-sensitive inquiries, please contact a member of the MMJUA of RI directly for prompt assistance.- Phone: 401-369-8240 | Fax: 401-369-8241
- Contact us via email at:
Johanna L. Rosas, Policyholder Relations and Operations Manager
Email: Johanna.Rosas@BBrown.com - All mail correspondence should be directed to:
MMJUA of Rhode Island
One Turks Head Place, Suite 200
Providence, RI 02903
*** Important Disclaimer ***
The MMJUA of RI cannot bind or alter coverage based on instructions received via the “Contact Us” email.
If you need to contact us about any claim-related matter, please call the MMJUA of RI directly as soon as possible and ask to speak with our claims department.
2. I am interested in applying for coverage with the MMJUA of RI, where do I get an application?
MMJUA of RI applications can only be submitted online at www.MMJUAofRI.com Please visit our main page to create a new account or contact your agent or broker if you are not sure which application is right for you. Once your application has been received, please allow 24-72 business hours for a MMJUA of RI underwriter to follow up with you to review and discuss your needs. Final quotes are available only after full applications have been completed and approved by the MMJUA of RI underwriting team.3. What are the eligibility requirements to receive a quote from the MMJUA of RI?
There are a variety of factors that determine eligibility for coverage by the MMJUA of RI. In most cases, a quick glance below will help you determine whether or not you qualify. You may be eligible if you are a healthcare provider who is:- Licensed in the State of Rhode Island
- Operates a professional healthcare practice located in Rhode Island
- Generates a minimum of 51% of revenue in Rhode Island
4. What are the policy limits offered by the MMJUA of RI, and what do these coverage limits represent?
The MMJUA of RI offers the following policy limits:
- $1,000,000 per medical incident
- $3,000,000 annual aggregate
The coverage limits mean that the maximum payment for any single medical incident is $1,000,000. Additionally, up to three separate $1,000,000 claims can be paid within a year, resulting in a total annual aggregate limit of $3,000,000.
5. What is the difference between an "Occurrence" coverage vs a “Claims-Made” coverage?
There are two types of coverages available in medical professional liability insurance: Claims-Made and occurrence. Your clear understanding of both types of coverage is essential to making a fully informed decision on which type of coverage to buy. Some carriers offer only Claims-Made. Others offer both but may limit access to occurrence coverage to a few medical specialties. Subject to underwriting approval, both occurrence and Claims-Made coverages are available to all eligible individual insureds through the MMJUA of RI.
There are several important differences between “Occurrence” and “Claims-Made” coverage. Key among them are:
- Timing of claim filings required to trigger coverage, and
- How the limits work.
An occurrence policy protects you from any covered incident that “occurs” during the policy period, regardless of when a claim is filed. An occurrence policy will respond to claims that come in – even after the policy has been canceled – so long as the incident occurred during the period in which coverage was in force.
In effect, an occurrence policy offers permanent coverage for incidents that occur during the policy period.
Claims-Made policies provide coverage for claims only when BOTH the alleged incident AND the resulting claim happen during the period the policy is in force. Claims-Made policies provide coverage so long as the insured continues to pay premiums for the initial policy and any subsequent renewals. Each succeeding year the policy is continuously renewed, the “coverage period” is extended. Once premiums stop the coverage stops. Claims made to the insurance company after the coverage period ends will not be covered, even if the alleged incident occurred while the policy was in force.
A Claims-Made policy will cover claims after the coverage period ONLY if the insured purchases extended reporting period or “Tail” coverage.
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Step Factor:
Because both the incident and the claim have to be filed during the coverage period, the Claims-Made insurer has little risk of loss the FIRST year a new policy is in force. That is why the first year premium for Claims-Made coverage is lower. Each year the policy continuously renews, the coverage period expands, and the insurance company’s exposure to loss increases. For the first four years a Claims-Made policy is in force, the premiums increase incrementally to reflect this increased risk. This process is known as the “Claims-Made step factor.”
Usually by the fifth year of Claims-Made coverage, the risk of loss levels off and the “step factor” reaches a “mature” Claims-Made rate. “Mature” Claims-Made rates are typically very close to normal rates for occurrence coverage.
6. Do I have to pay my entire premium at once, or can I pay in installments?
The MMJUA of RI offers a premium payment plan that allows insureds to spread payments over the course of a year. The initial payment is due upon renewal before the policy effective day, with subsequent payments due as follows:
- Quarterly Payment Plan: Make an initial deposit of 50% of the total premium. The remaining balance is divided into two quarterly installments of 25% each. No finance charge is applied.
- Monthly Payment Plan: Make an initial deposit of 25% of the total premium over $5,000. The remaining balance is divided into nine monthly installments. A finance charge of ¾ of one percent of the outstanding balance will be added to each installment. This finance charge will not be waived if you pay in full or make early payments.
7. Where do I mail my payment?
The MMJUA of RI Insureds may pay their premiums payments with a Bank Check or Cashier's Check via mail.
Please send your payment to the address below and include both the policy number and the name of the insured medical professional. Additionally, please ensure that you include a copy of the invoice with your payment.
Make your premium payments payable to: The MMJUA of Rhode Island
Regular payments should be mailed to:
MMJUA of Rhode Island
P.O. Box 411636
Boston, MA 02241-1636
Overnight payments should be mailed to:
MMJUA of Rhode Island
One Turks Head Place, Suite 200
Providence, RI 02903
Important: If you have specific timing considerations, contact the MMJUA of RI during normal business hours to confirm proper receipt of payment, and make arrangements for the delivery of any necessary contracts or documentation of coverage.
8. Can I pay my premium by Credit Card or Electric Check?
No. At this time, the MMJUA of RI does not accept credit cards or electrical checks.
9. When is my Premium payment due?
Lump sum premium payments for renewing policies are due on or before the policy renewal date.
Insureds utilizing the MMJUA of RI payment plan will be billed about 30 days before each installment payment is due. Installment payments are due by the due date specified on the invoice. No grace period is allowed on installment payments.
Insureds with unpaid installment invoices will receive a notice of cancellation for non-payment of premium.
If payment is received more than 30 days after the policy has expired, there will be a lapse in coverage, and the policy will need to be rewritten. Please remember that brokers do not have binding authority and that payment to a broker does not constitute payment to the MMJUA of RI.
10. Does my policy automatically renew?
No. Policies do not automatically carry over or renew; they must be renewed each term 45 days in advance of the renewal date.
11. How do I report changes to my policy?
If you need to report changes in your practice, request a change to part-time or full-time status, change your address, cancel your policy, or make other significant changes, please contact your agent or broker, or contact the MMJUA of RI Team for personal assistance.
12. I have to cancel my MMJUA of RI Claims-Made policy and I am not retiring. What do I need to do to get a quote for “Tail” coverage”?
If you cancel your MMJUA of RI Claims-Made policy, the MMJUA of RI will automatically send a quote for Extending Reporting, or “Tail” coverage, to the address on file for your account. You will have 30 days to accept or decline the coverage.
13. What is a reporting endorsement or “Tail” coverage”?
“Tail” coverage is usually purchased when you terminate a Claims-Made policy for any reason and is purchased from the carrier that provided your original coverage. It allows you to continue reporting claims for the years you were insured under your original policy.
14. What are my options for paying for “Tail” coverage”?
The full premium for “Tail” coverage is due within 30 days of the quote issuance. Payments can be made via paper check sent through regular mail. Please note that the MMJUA of RI does not offer a payment plan for the “Tail” coverage premium.
15. How do I report a Claim?
If you have any concerns about a potential claim, we strongly encourage you to contact the MMJUA of RI for guidance and support. You don't need to wait for a claim to be formally filed to access our expertise. The sooner you contact us, the better prepared you’ll be. Early notification, thoughtful planning, and proactive measures can greatly influence the outcome if a claim is eventually submitted.
For immediate assistance, please contact the MMJUA of RI Claims Department at (401) 369-8240 or email Donna Cacicia, Claims Manager at Donna_Cacicia@gbtpa.com.
Your peace of mind is our priority, so please don't hesitate to get in touch!
16. What is “Credentialing” or a “Loss Run” request?
Credentialing is a vital process that allows healthcare providers to qualify for privileges at healthcare facilities or participate in managed care organizations. This thorough review assesses a physician’s education, licenses, certifications, malpractice insurance, and claims history. The MMJUA of RI can assist you by providing a detailed credentialing report that contains the most current information on your malpractice insurance policy and claims history.
To request a credentialing report or loss run report, please submit a signed and dated written request to:
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Donna Cacicia, Claims Manager
Email: Donna_Cacicia@gbtpa.com
Fax: 401-369-8241
17. What do I do if I forget or need to reset my password?
Please visit our website www.MMJUAofRI.com and find the “Login” screen:- Please enter your email address in the Recover Password box (top right).
- Please use the email address on file with us. (Our system only allows one email per user)
- Next, you will receive an automated email message with your temporary password (please check your junk box).
- Next, go back to the login screen and enter both your username (username is not generated by our system, it was created by the user) and temporary password in the Log In box (top left)
- You MUST change this temporary password as soon as you log in the very first time.
The New Password must be: 12 characters long, with upper case and special character
- If you only visit our site once a year you will be required to create a new password at that time
- Once you create a password, you will have to change it every 90 days
- The system automatically rejects the old password. (which will generate an error message)