CPAN, Freedom of Information Act Lawsuit FAQs

Why has CPAN filed a lawsuit against the Michigan Catastrophic Claims Association (MCCA)? The Simple Answer: Its the publics money all drivers are required by law to pay $140 per year into the MCCA. The public has the right to know how those charges are determined and how the fund is being managed. The Detailed Answer: Legislation has been introduced that would dramatically alter Michigans auto insurance as we know it. The insurance industry and others argue that the legislation is needed because the Michigan Catastrophic Claims Association can no longer afford to provide lifetime, uncapped injury benefits to Michigan auto accident victims. However, the MCCA refuses to comply with the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) and open its books to show what assumptions were used to determine the MCCAs sustainability.

What changes to Michigans auto insurance system are currently being proposed? The insurance industry has proposed legislation that would dramatically alter Michigans auto no-fault insurance system as we know it. House Bill 4936 and Senate Bill 649 would: Eliminate lifetime personal injury benefits; Impose mandated price controls on private health care providers; and Cap in-home health care for seriously injured accident victims.

On what legal grounds has CPAN filed its lawsuit? Michigans Constitution prohibits amending one law by referencing that law in another section of law. The actual law being amended must be changed. When the MCCA was created in 1978, lawmakers exempted it from FOIA in the Insurance Code but not in the actual FOIA law. Therefore, the MCCAs exemption from FOIA is unconstitutional.

What is the significance of this lawsuit? Lawmakers are expected to understand the issues before placing their vote, and voters expect this of them. By keeping the MCCA closed to the public eye, it is impossible for lawmakers to make an informed vote on any legislation that impacts Michigans auto insurance system.

What exactly is the Michigan Catastrophic Claims Association? The MCCA was created by the Michigan Legislature in 1978 through an amendment to the Michigan No-Fault Act, and its primary responsibility is to reimburse Michigan auto insurance companies for personal injury claims that exceed $500,000. In this capacity, the MCCA ensures that auto insurance companies are not overly burdened by Michigans requirement that accident victims receive lifetime injury benefits if they are necessary.

What information does CPAN hope to find through this lawsuit? CPAN requested that the MCCA provide information that lawmakers can use to determine whether Michigans auto insurance system is financially sustainable. Specifically, CPAN requested the following information: 1. As to all closed claims previously serviced by the MCCA: a. The age of the claimant as of the date of injury b. The age of the claimant as of the date the claim was closed; and c. The total amount paid by the MCCA as of the date the claim was closed. 2. As to all open claims presently being serviced by the MCCA: a. The age of the claimant as of the date of injury; b. The current age of the claimant; and c. The total amount paid to date for each claim.