FAQ's and Answers About MQI

Q.	What is MQI?
A.	MQI stands for Malpractice Quality Initiative. This is a new insurance program specifically designed to reward Massachusetts physicians who have good claims experience. The program provides up to a 30% premium reduction based upon the physician’s claims experience and specialty. An additional 5% premium credit will be applied to physicians using a CCHIT certified Electronic Health Record (EHR) system.
Q.	Who is CMIC?
A.	CMIC stands for Connecticut Medical Insurance Company. CMIC was established as a mutual company in 1984 and is a provider of professional liability insurance and services to doctors and health care professionals. CMIC is AM Best A- rated (Excellent). Headquartered in Glastonbury, CT, it serves Connecticut and Massachusetts exclusively.
Q.	Am I eligible?
A.	To be eligible the following criteria must be met: Medical groups (3 physician minimum) Board certification for all group members or 2 years to complete for residents/fellows who are board certified. No closed/open claims with indemnity payment/reserves greater than $100K in the past 10 years. In a group practice, if 80% of the physicians meet this, they will be considered on a case-by-case basis. No disciplinary actions by any state or hospitals in the last 10 years. Participation in MQI risk management and quality improvement program Each physician will be required to satisfactorily complete an annual MQI Practice Management and Loss Prevention seminar/program.
Q.	I choose the MQI program and I no longer meet MQI eligibility criteria in the future?
A.	If you no longer meet the eligibility criteria listed above, you will maintain your free prepaid tail but will be subject to CMIC’s standard underwriting process for Massachusetts doctors.
Q.	Will I have a “consent to settle” with CMIC’s MQI program?
A.	Yes. Under MQI, the physician has the right to consent to any settlement or to defend the case.
Q.	What is the difference between a claims made, a modified claims made, and an occurrence policy?
A.	A claims made policy: Covers only those claims reported on or after the policy inception date that arise from incidents which occurred after the policy retroactive (retro) date and before the policy expiration date. In other words, the policy provides protection against claims that were made during the policy period and after the retro date. Generally, the premium for a claims made policy increases with the number of years of participation, reaching a maturity level at five years. Tail insurance must be purchased if you change coverage to an occurrence policy from a claims made policy. A modified claims made policy: Similar to a claims made policy with respect to coverage, however the tail is provided and does not have to be purchased. Premiums do not have to mature. The MQI program is a modified claims made policy. An occurrence policy: Covers incidents (occurrences) that arise during the coverage period, regardless of when the claims are reported. You do not need to purchase a tail when you leave an occurrence policy. Premiums do not have to mature.
Q.	Do I have to purchase a tail policy if I choose to return to occurrence coverage at some point in the future?
A.	No. By joining the modified claims made MQI program, CMIC is offering to each insured a free tail if you return to an occurrence policy or another claims made policy.
Q.	When do I become eligible for a free tail policy?
A.	Immediately. As soon as you bind coverage with CMIC, you are eligible for a free tail policy.
Q.	May I make payments in installments?
A.	Yes. You can make your payment annually, semi-annually or quarterly with no finance charge.
Q.	How do I get an insurance quote?
A.	It’s easy. Please complete the simple indication form on our website and either email or fax this to our office. We will notify you if you are eligible after receipt of the completed indication form and within 5 business days.