July 26, 2012 - Formal charges have been filed in Kandiyohi County District Court on allegations that Spicer resident Todd Patrick Paffrath committed felony insurance fraud when a ring was stolen from his Willmar jewelry store last December. According to a formal investigation conducted by the Minnesota Department of Commerce’s Insurance Fraud Unit, Paffrath allegedly submitted an insurance claim after the diamond ring was stolen under a false appraisal for $10,000 more than the ring’s actual value.

July 24, 2012 - A Task Force advising the Minnesota Department of Commerce in the design and development of a new health insurance marketplace for Minnesota consumers will visit Moorhead on Thursday, July 26 from 1:00-3:00pm. The 15-member task force, chaired by Commerce Commissioner Mike Rothman, is comprised of consumers, employers, health care providers, insurers, insurance agents, state legislators, and other health care experts.

July 23, 2012 - The Minnesota Department of Commerce is reminding consumers to fully educate themselves before purchasing Limited Medical Benefit Insurance, or Mini-Med Plans. Often these limited benefit plans are bare bones policies that cover specific expenses and have many more limitations than a comprehensive medical plan. Mini-Med plans may seem like a bargain, but may not always be the best or only option.

July 16, 2012 - Today, Commerce Commissioner Mike Rothman, Human Services Commissioner Lucinda Jesson and Health Commissioner Ed Ehlinger announced that Minnesota has entered into a $41 million dollar contract with MAXIMUS, Inc. (MMS) to design and develop the technical capabilities, including a consumer friendly website, for Minnesota’s health insurance exchange and Medicaid modernization.

June 26, 2012 - Several weeks of severe weather across Minnesota has caused golf ball sized hail in Detroit Lakes, downed trees and power lines in Apple Valley and Hastings, and severe flooding in Duluth, Moose Lake, and Cannon Falls. As Minnesotans begin to assess damage to their homes and businesses, waterlogged basements, and broken windshields, the Minnesota Department of Commerce is on hand to help consumers understand their rights, resolve insurance claims, and provide energy and weatherization assistance to low-income Minnesotans.

June 15, 2012 - Minnesota Department of Commerce Commissioner Mike Rothman and Janet Golden from the Tubman Senior Rights Alliance joined in World Elder Abuse Awareness Day activities through their training, “Preventing Elderly Investment Fraud.” The presentation was tailored to health care professionals, focusing on how to spot and report fraud and financial abuse within the elderly and vulnerable adult populations.

June 12, 2012 - Commissioner Mike Rothman announced that a settlement agreement between the American International Group, Inc. (AIG) and its affiliates with all states and the District of Columbia has become fully effective. Minnesota was one of eight leading states to conduct a Multistate Market Conduct Examination that revealed AIG misrepresented its workers’ compensation insurance premiums to reduce their taxes and assessments, resulting in the $2.1 million settlement for the State of Minnesota.

June 06, 2012 - Commissioner Mike Rothman this week signed a regulatory settlement agreement with American Family Life Assurance Company of Columbus (AFLAC). The Minnesota Department of Commerce joined with the Departments of Insurance of Idaho and Missouri in conducting a market conduct examination.

May 22, 2012 - The Minnesota Department of Commerce announced today an opportunity for local law enforcement, county prosecutors, and community organizations to apply for a third round of auto theft prevention grants.

April 19, 2012 - As sirens all over the state sound for severe weather season, Commerce Commissioner Mike Rothman and Minneapolis Mayor R.T. Rybak reminded all Minnesotans to be prepared for bad weather, including the importance of reviewing their insurance needs ahead of the summer storm season.