When a loved one passes away, grieving family members face a multi-faceted hardship. On top of their loss, family members suddenly face a long list of potentially expensive tasks including paying for a funeral and burial, medical bills, and day-to-day expenses.
On National Senior Fraud Awareness Day (May 15), the Securities Division of the Tennessee Department of Commerce & Insurance (“TDCI”) reminds the families, friends, and loved ones of older Tennesseans that they can help protect vulnerable Tennesseans by keeping a watchful eye for signs of elder exploitation and promptly reporting possible abuse to the appropriate authorities.
As Tennessee’s insurance regulator, our department’s role is to closely supervise insurers in the Volunteer State as we strive to balance responsible regulation while protecting hardworking Tennessee families.
Mental health and substance use disorders are very real, life-threatening, debilitating illnesses. And, with proper care, they are often treatable.
The March tornadoes from last year tragically resulted in the deaths of 25 people, injuries to many more and significant damage to many homes, vehicles and buildings across Middle Tennessee. In the aftermath of the devastation, we saw selfless volunteerism that captures the best of what it means to be a Tennessean and we saw communities come together to mourn the lost, celebrate their memories and collectively rebuild.
February is Earthquake Awareness Month. Earthquakes frequently occur in Tennessee because of our two seismic zones – the New Madrid Seismic Zone and the East Tennessee Seismic Zone. While most earthquakes that occur in Tennessee are small, scientists estimate that there is a 25-40% probability of a magnitude of 6.0 or greater occurring in the central U.S. within a 50-year window. Overall, about 200 earthquakes occur in the central U.S. every year, many of which go unnoticed. While earthquakes most often occur with little to no warning, there are steps you can take to protect yourself and your family now. This month, I ask that Tennesseans prioritize earthquake preparedness before a disaster strikes in order to reduce their vulnerability.
Ten years ago, Nashville and the surrounding areas were devastated by a flood whose magnitude will never be forgotten. As the floodwaters invaded Nashville, took lives and damaged property and public infrastructure, we all watched with immense disbelief and sadness. As the floodwaters receded, we pulled together, volunteered to help each other and helped the city recover. This year has brought a series of tornadoes and a derecho across Tennessee simultaneous with the spread of COVID-19, a massive derecho in Iowa and Hurricane Laura in the gulf. We have yet again faced unbelievable sadness and devastation nationwide. As we always do, I know that Tennesseans and all Americans will pull together, overcome and move forward in the aftermath of immense devastation.
When a loved one passes away – likely the last thing on your mind is finances. However, that doesn’t mean families shouldn’t do what they can now to plan for the future and protect those they love most. All types of insurance are intended to protect you from unlikely outcomes that would have an outsized financial impact if they occurred such as auto insurance for a car accident.
After much consideration and deep appreciation, I announce my departure as Director of the Tennessee Captive Insurance Section. It has been a tremendous honor to help build a successful captive domicile in Tennessee, and I could not be more pleased that Belinda Fortman will continue to lead Tennessee to the next level of success.
June 28th is National Insurance Awareness Day. We observe this day each year to serve as a reminder to review your insurance policies, assess your risks, and make sure individuals and businesses have the coverage they need.
Ten years ago, Nashville and the surrounding areas were devastated by a flood whose magnitude will never be forgotten. As the floodwaters invaded Nashville, took lives, and damaged property and public infrastructure, we all watched with immense disbelief and sadness. Immediately following that, we pulled together, volunteered to help each other, and helped the city recover. With the recent series of tornadoes across Tennessee simultaneous with the spread of the global COVID-19 pandemic, we have again faced unbelievable sadness and devastation, but it seems that there is truly nothing that Tennesseans cannot face and eventually overcome.