DCBS Media Release

November 16, 1999
For More Information:
John Piper, (503) 947-7213

State fines Portland insurance agency

SALEM – The Department of Consumer and Business Services (DCBS) has fined a Portland insurance agency $6,000 for violations of Oregon administrative rules relating to advertising and service fees.

Following an investigation by the Insurance Division of DCBS, Pacific Benefits Group (PBG) admitted that it violated two administrative rules:

• Distributing a health insurance advertisement that did not identify the name of the insurer that would actually provide the insurance.
• Charging service fees to applicants for personal insurance.

Insurance Division rules require health insurance ads to include the name of the insurance company, and prohibit agents from charging service fees for personal insurance. In addition to the $6,000 fine, PBG must refund the $50 service fee it charged each of 529 insurance applicants.

PBG has been licensed in Oregon as a resident firm or corporate insurance agent since June 26, 1996. Its business address is 120 SW Ankeny St., Suite 315, Portland, OR 97204.