FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Chapter 383 companies safe?
Yes. Mutual 383 companies have a solid record of success and safety. Records of the Missouri Department of Insurance reflect that no 383 company has ever failed.
Is a 383 company like MoDocs as safe as a stock company?
Yes. The companies that went bankrupt in Missouri were all stock companies. They left many doctors defending their own claims. It is the ability to assess that makes 383 companies safer, and though it would not be good to ever be assessed, (and we know that) in a time of high claims, we know our members would be better off being assessed than being left to defend their own claims.
Is MoDocs a member of the Missouri Insurance Guaranty Association?
No. Statutes expressly forbid any 383 from participation in the MIGA, which provides limited protection only for claims filed before or within 30 days of a company’s failure, and then only for amounts between $100,000 and $300,000.
Does MoDocs have reinsurance?
No. Reinsurance provides little genuine protection. The company would end up paying more to the reinsurer than the company could receive back. In the future, it may be cost effective to purchase reinsurance for catastrophic loss.
Will MoDocs invest in the stock market?
No. MoDocs investment policy is extremely conservative, taking minimal risk and expecting a reasonable return, with no speculative investments.
How will MoDocs reduce claims?
Studies show that only a very small percentage of doctors are responsible for the majority of claims. Physician participation in careful underwriting is our key to providing insurance to careful doctors who should not have to pay dearly for the mistakes of others. Please see “Our Strength”.
What attorney can I expect to handle my claim, if I have one?
MoDocs hires only the best medical liability defense attorneys to defend its policyholders. Currently MoDocs has agreements with Randall Bauman of Bauman Law Offices, for representation throughout the State of Missouri, Wendell Koerner of Franke Schultz & Mullen for representation in the Kansas City area, Bruce Hunt of Burkart & Hunt, P.C. in the Springfield area and J. Thaddeus Eckenrode, Eckenrode • Maupin in the Saint Louis area. While MoDocs cannot assure any policyholder that a certain attorney will represent them, MoDocs can assure you that you will get the best representation possible.
Can I be assessed if I purchase tail coverage?
No.
Is binding arbitration required?
No.
How long does it take to get a Rapid Quote?
Not long. We try to get the price indication out as quickly as possible, usually within two or three business days, and sometimes the same day. If you have special circumstances and need an answer to meet a deadline, call and let us know.
What if I have additional questions?
No problem. Call us at (800) 264-5959, and if you wish to talk to our board chairman, Dr. Rob Schaaf, he can be reached at (816) 294-1409. MoDocs was designed to be physician friendly, and we would appreciate your feedback and comments.
