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 Lee
Bureau of Insurance
34 State House Station
Augusta, ME 04333
Phone: (207) 624-8492
Fax: (207) 624-8599
Email: jane.g.lee@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 Lee directly for instructional information.
