Recovery. Next steps.

In the wake of Hurricane Ian, many physicians in Southwest Florida face the daunting task of rebuilding medical practices that were damaged or destroyed by catastrophic wind and flooding. The FMA, in partnership with the Emerald Coast Medical Association, has launched a Hurricane Resource Center to provide physicians with the support they need to navigate the road to recovery: essential tips from insurance experts, the latest state guidelines, pitfalls to avoid, and where to find further assistance.

 

 

An Expert's Take
The FMA and the Emerald Coast Medical Association have partnered to bring you the following video series to help you navigate the insurance process. Join insurance expert Trey Hutt, President of Panama City-based Hutt Insurance, as he explains the important steps for physicians to take — and red flags to be aware of — in the days immediately following a hurricane. Among the highlights:
Trey Hutt video 1
Beware of predators bearing clipboards
Learn the most important steps to take and pitfalls to avoid in the days immediately after a hurricane.
Trey Hutt video 2
Finances and avoiding scams
Hutt explains how to tackle emergency expenses, the importance of working with Florida-licensed contractors, and red flags to watch out for.
Trey Hutt video 3
Wind vs. flood
Most hurricanes have a combination of wind and flood elements, and those involve different insurance policies.
Trey Hutt video 4
Estimates and adjustors
Learn the basics of working with different types of adjustors and how to handle estimates.
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Download the transcripts

Webinar: Navigating the Insurance Process and Pitfalls in the Aftermath of a Hurricane
On Monday, Oct. 10, the FMA and the Emerald Coast Medical Association (ECMA) hosted an essential webinar covering best practices for navigating the post-hurricane recovery process. Trey Hutt, President of Panama City-based Hutt Insurance, provided invaluable guidance on topics including:
  • Flood vs. wind losses
  • The role of public adjusters
  • Documenting claims for proper payment
  • Getting your claim to the top of the pile

FMA and ECMA member Jon Ward, MD, Founder of Dermatology Specialists based in Panama City, and ECMA Executive Director Michelle Flaat also shared insights and lessons learned from Hurricane Michael, which caused catastrophic damage along Florida’s panhandle in 2018.

Watch the recording


Insurance villages open in Charlotte and Lee counties
State Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis and the Florida Department of Financial Services has set up two insurance villages, located in Charlotte and Lee counties, to assist consumers with insurance claims and other issues. Both locations will be open seven days each week from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. and are expected to remain open for at least two weeks (as of Monday, Oct. 3). However, they could remain in place longer depending on need.

Please do not arrive early and set up. The insurance villages are outdoors and do not have power available, so make sure to bring appropriate equipment to conduct operations in a parking lot. The Department will make restroom facility arrangements.

Charlotte County Insurance Village
Port Charlotte Town Center (parking lot)
1441 Tamiami Trail
Port Charlotte, FL 33948

Lee County Insurance Village
JetBlue Park (parking lot)
11500 Fenway South Drive
Fort Myers, FL 33913



The Doctors Company Announces Premium Grace Period
Florida Medical Association, is committed to supporting its members and their practices through their recovery from the devastation of Hurricane Ian. Consistent with a request from the Florida Office of Insurance Regulation, The Doctors Company is providing members with a premium payment grace period that runs until November 28, 2022.

The grace period is provided without interest or penalty, so that members can focus on their patients and their practices in the aftermath of the storm.

The Doctors Company Member Services team will be happy to assist members with questions regarding their payments or premiums. Members are invited to sign in to their member accounts or call (800) 421-2368 and press 1 for Member Services.

Sign into your account


 

Hurricane Ian DOH Resource Guide
Check out the FMA’s overview of the state’s response efforts, including guidelines during Florida’s State of Emergency, important information from the Department of Health, AHCA, other state agencies, and more.

Read the updated guidelines