Rural Medical Access Program (RMAP)

The Rural Medical Access Program (hereinafter referred to as “RMAP”) governed by Title 24-A M.R.S.A., Chapter 75, §6301-6311 and Maine Regulation Chapter 630. Please refer to the entire Statute and Regulation for a complete understanding of the Program.

WHAT IS THE PURPOSE?
The purpose of the RMAP is to promote prenatal services in underserved areas in Maine. [Title 24-A, M.R.S.A., §6302] The RMAP provides medical malpractice premium assistance to qualified eligible physicians who are licensed and practicing in Maine, who provide prenatal care and delivery services, and practice at least 50% in underserved areas of the state. [§6307] Eligibility for premium assistance, as well as underserved areas in Maine, is determined by the state’s Bureau of Health and Human Services.

WHO IS REQUIRED TO SUPPORT THE PROGRAM?
Every insured and self-insured physician, hospital, and physician’s employer shall support the RMAP. Any physician, hospital or physician’s employer that fails to pay the required assessment is subject to a civil penalty not to exceed $2,000, payable to the Bureau, to be recovered in a civil action. [§6304(2)]

HOW IS THE ASSESSMENT COLLECTED?
Physicians, hospitals, and physicians’ employers who are insured for professional liability through a licensed insurer or an eligible surplus lines insurer shall pay the assessment to the insurer upon the insurers’ premium billing, which should include the RMAP assessment. [6304(1)]

Physicians, hospitals, and physicians’ employers who are insured for professional liability through any entity other than a licensed or surplus lines eligible insurer or who do not purchase professional liability insurance are defined as “self-insured”. [§6303(3)] Self-insured physicians and hospitals are mailed an instructional packet annually to pay the RMAP assessment.

WHO HOLDS THE PROGRAM FUNDS?
All assessments shall be remitted to the principal writer of malpractice insurance in Maine. [6305(F)] The current principal writer of medical malpractice in Maine is Medical Mutual Insurance Company, who is responsible for holding the RMAP funds and administering the Program funds at the direction of the Bureau. The principal writer is determined annually by the Superintendent. All assessment payments should be remitted to:

Medical Mutual Insurance Company
RMAP Assessment
One City Center
P.O. Box 15275
Portland, ME 04112-5275

WHO TO CONTACT FOR MORE INFORMATION?

Jane Lathrop
Bureau of Insurance
34 State House Station
Augusta, ME 04333
Phone: (207) 624-8492
Fax: (207) 624-8599
Email: jane.g.lathrop@maine.gov

MORE INFORMATION:

INSTRUCTIONS AND FORMS FOR INSURANCE COMPANIES

INSTRUCTIONS AND FORMS FOR SELF-INSURED PHYSICIANS

Letter from Superintendent

Assessment Forms

Please note that self-insured hospitals should contact Jane Lathrop directly for instructional information.

Bureau of Insurance

OTHER PFR AGENCIES

Rural Medical Access Program (RMAP)

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