UNCLAIMED PROPERTY:? Commerce returns record $62 million to Minnesotans

Commerce's Unclaimed Property unit returned a record-setting $62.6 million to Minnesotans in fiscal year 2023. That tops the record set in fiscal year 2022, when Commerce distributed $53.5 million. The state?s fiscal year runs from July 1 to June 30 of each year.?

Commerce?s unclaimed property website?makes it easy to check whether you might have property waiting to be claimed.?

Each year, Commerce receives millions of dollars in unclaimed property from businesses and organizations that have lost contact with the owners. The department is responsible for safeguarding the funds or property until claimed by the rightful owners or heirs through a process to legally verify their claims.?Our news release has more details.

If you need health insurance, MNsure can help

MNsure connects eligible Minnesotans with quality, comprehensive coverage and discounts that?lower health insurance costs.?Open enrollment for health insurance starts on Nov. 1; sign up by Dec. 15 for coverage starting Jan. 1.

Get ready for open enrollment and connect with free application and enrollment help at?MNsure.org/free-help?today.

Be aware of scams targeting Minnesotans shopping for health insurance

The Department of Commerce and MNsure caution Minnesotans who are shopping for health insurance to be aware of scams. In some cases, scammers have taken money from consumers by saying they must pay for help enrolling in a plan or asking them to pay for premiums up front over the phone. Some of the scams target?Minnesotans who submitted their Medical Assistance renewal paperwork, found out they do not qualify for the program, and need to find new health insurance. Our news release has more details, including what to do if you think you've been scammed.

ENFORCEMENT: Investigation leads to charges against insurance broker?

A former Minnesota insurance broker has been charged with fraud after an investigation by the Commerce Fraud Bureau found evidence he invented customers and faked Social Security numbers to earn nearly $650,000 in improper commissions.

The felony charges, filed this month in Ramsey County District Court, allege that Kevin Anthony Meyers, 48, submitted hundreds of policy applications from fictitious customers while working for Cigna Corp. from 2018 to 2020. Meyers' first court appearance is set for Oct. 10. Our news release has more details.

If you have questions, concerns, or complaints about insurance, contact the Minnesota Department of Commerce Consumer Services Center at?[email protected]?or 651-239-1600 or 800-657-3602.?