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What does MIB do? |
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How does MIB work? |
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Where does MIB get information? |
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What type of information is included in MIB records? |
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How are MIB records used? |
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How can I find out if MIB has a record on me? |
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How long are MIB records kept? |
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Who has access to MIB records? |
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How can my record be changed if it is wrong? |
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What does MIB do?
Our mission is to detect and deter attempts by applicants of life, health, disability, or long-term insurance who would omit or misrepresent facts. MIB's presence has made it more difficult to omit or conceal significant information, and as a result, far fewer applicants try.
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How does MIB work?
MIB is a membership association of approximately 600 companies. When an underwriter at a member company has an applicant with a condition considered to be significant to his or her risk classification, this information is then reported to MIB in the form of a code. MIB does not receive the applicant´s entire medical record. The record is nothing more than a "red flag" to alert an underwriter to look closer. The underwriter must make a determination of whether or not the condition is significant. The record is kept on file for 7 years.
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Where does MIB get information?
Member companies send information to MIB as part of their application underwriting process for life, health, disability, or long-term care insurance. Reports are made to MIB only if issues are uncovered during underwriting that affect mortality or morbidity. Every applicant receives a written notice prior to the submission of their application that authorizes the insurance company to release the information to MIB.
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What type of information is included in MIB records?
Our records include medical conditions represented by one or more of about 230 codes. Conditions most commonly reported include: height and weight, blood pressure, ECG readings, and laboratory test results if, and only if, these facts are considered significant to health or longevity. There are only a few non-medical codes relating to information that could impact health or longevity including: an adverse driving record, participation in hazardous sports, or aviation activity.
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How are MIB records used?
When a consumer applies to a MIB member company for life, health, disability, or long-term care insurance coverage, the company may check for a record at MIB. If there is a record, it is sent in coded form to authorized personnel only at the company making the request. The purpose of the report is to detect and deter applicants from omitting or misrepresenting significant facts. The insurer who receives a record from MIB will compare it with information provided by the applicant. If the information in the MIB record is inconsistent with other information, the insurer may conduct further investigation.
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How long are MIB records kept?
MIB records more than seven years old are deleted from our files.
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Who has access to MIB records?
Privacy concerns at MIB and member companies are taken very seriously. Only authorized personnel are authorized to access information. MIB has strict confidentialty rules that member companies agree to follow.
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How can my record be changed if it is wrong?
If you question the accuracy of information in our files, you may write the MIB Information Office (MIB, Inc., P.O. Box 105, Essex Station, Boston, MA 02112) and seek a correction in accordance with the procedures set forth in the Fair Credit Reporting Act.
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MIB will provide consumers with record disclosure once annually without charge!
To obtain free disclosure, you must call MIB’s toll-free phone number listed below.
A few things to bear in mind before you call -
If you have not applied for individually underwritten life, health, or disability insurance during the preceding seven year period, MIB will not have a record on you.
We will ask you for personal identification information to assist us in locating a record, if one exists. We may validate the identification information that you provided with other consumer reporting agencies.
You will be asked to certify under penalty of perjury that the information you provided about yourself to request MIB disclosure is accurate, complete and you represent that you are the person that is requesting disclosure.
MIB’s toll-free number for disclosure is 866-692-6901
(TTY 866-346-3642 for hearing impaired)
Upon receipt of your (a) request for a Record Search and Disclosure, and (b) proper identification, MIB will initiate the disclosure process and provide you with:
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the nature and substance of information, if any, that MIB may have in its files pertaining to you;
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the name(s) of the MIB member companies, if any, that reported information to MIB; and,
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the name(s) of the MIB member companies, if any, that received a copy of your MIB record during the twelve (12) month period preceding your request for disclosure.
MIB is committed to the philosophy that every consumer should be entitled to know the contents of his or her record maintained by MIB and has the right to correct any inaccurate or incomplete information in the record. |
