Communications

Insurance Commissioner Jon Godfread has appointed Matt Clark as North Dakota’s State Fire Marshal. Clark, who most recently served nearly five years as fire chief of the Williston Fire Department, brings 21 years of fire service experience along with extensive leadership, public safety, and legislative collaboration expertise. In his new role, Clark will oversee fire prevention, investigations, inspections, and public education efforts statewide, working with local, state, and elected partners to strengthen fire safety and community resilience across North Dakota.

The North Dakota Insurance & Securities Department has announced a regulatory update aimed at strengthening protections for investors as more residents participate in private funds and alternative investments. The update aligns North Dakota’s securities oversight with nationally recognized standards by adopting the NASAA Model Rule for Investment Advisers to Private Funds and rescinding a prior state-specific approach. This change reduces regulatory complexity while improving transparency, fraud prevention, and consistency with federal and multi-state frameworks. The Order enhances safeguards for higher-risk investments by limiting participation to financially sophisticated investors and requiring disclosures and audited financial statements. Officials say the update modernizes oversight without limiting legitimate investment activity and takes effect immediately.

The North Dakota Insurance Department is warning insurers and licensed producers against unfair trade practices that limit seniors’ access to unbiased Medicare coverage options. A new bulletin outlines prohibited tactics—such as restricting plan access, discouraging certain enrollments, or changing producer compensation mid-year—calling them violations of North Dakota’s unfair trade practice laws. Insurance Commissioner Jon Godfread emphasized that seniors deserve clear, honest information and that all companies must act in good faith. The Department will monitor compliance and take enforcement action against any insurer or producer found manipulating the Medicare marketplace or harming consumers.

North Dakotans who purchase their own health insurance could see significant premium increases in 2026 if enhanced federal Affordable Care Act (ACA) subsidies are not renewed. Insurance Commissioner Jon Godfread has approved 2026 ACA rates, noting that the most significant cost impact will depend on federal decisions about continuing those subsidies. Catastrophic plans will also expand eligibility in 2026, leading to higher rate increases for that category.

Average approved rate changes include 8.3% for Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Dakota, 5.1% for Sanford Health Plan, and 23.1% for Medica Health Plan in the individual market. Small group rate increases range from 3.9% to 8.3%. Consumers are encouraged to explore different plan options and contact their insurance company or a licensed agent to understand how potential federal subsidy changes could affect their costs and coverage.

North Dakota Insurance Commissioner Jon Godfread has issued a Stop Order against EPIC Management, LLC and its executive officer, Todd Berning. The order requires them to immediately stop offering or selling membership interests in the company. This action was taken to protect investors from potentially unlawful or unregistered securities activity. The Commissioner emphasized the importance of safeguarding consumers and maintaining trust in the state’s financial markets.