AM Best Removes From Under Review with Negative Implications and Downgrades Credit Ratings of CMIC Group’s Members

OLDWICK, N.J.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- AM Best has removed from under review with negative implications and downgraded the Financial Strength Rating to B++ (Good) from A- (Excellent) and the Long-Term Issuer Credit Ratings to “bbb+” from “a-” of Connecticut Medical Insurance Company (Glastonbury, CT) and its sponsored risk retention group company, CMIC Risk Retention Group (District of Columbia). These companies are referred to collectively as CMIC Group (the group). The outlook assigned to these Credit Ratings (ratings) is stable.

The ratings reflect the group’s balance sheet strength, which AM Best categorizes as strongest, as well as its marginal operating performance, limited business profile and appropriate enterprise risk management.

The ratings were placed under review earlier this year in consideration of various strategic initiatives to be implemented by management aimed at improving operating performance. After conducting internal analysis, management decided not to pursue some of the proposed initiatives, largely as a result of costs versus the long-term benefit of such actions.

The ratings downgrade reflects a revision in AM Best’s view of the group’s operating performance from adequate to marginal. Underwriting losses (after policyholder dividends) have been generated since 2014, primarily due to increased claims severity, diminishing reserve redundancies and a declining premium base.

While the 10-year average underwriting and overall performance ratios compare favorably with the medical professional liability (MPL) composite, the more recent five-year ratios compare unfavorably to the MPL composite. Management has significantly reduced policy limits, implemented rate increases and revised underwriting guidelines in an attempt to improve results, which will take time to become evident due to the long-tailed nature of MPL insurance. In addition, management continues to analyze further options to improve operating performance.

This press release relates to Credit Ratings that have been published on AM Best’s website. For all rating information relating to the release and pertinent disclosures, including details of the office responsible for issuing each of the individual ratings referenced in this release, please see AM Best’s Recent Rating Activity web page. For additional information regarding the use and limitations of Credit Rating opinions, please view Understanding Best’s Credit Ratings. For information on the proper media use of Best’s Credit Ratings and AM Best press releases, please view Guide for Media - Proper Use of Best’s Credit Ratings and AM Best Rating Action Press Releases.

AM Best is a global rating agency and information provider with a unique focus on the insurance industry. Visit www.ambest.com for more information.

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Connor Brach, FRM

Financial Analyst

+1 908 439 2200, ext. 5573

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Sharon Pereira Marks

Associate Director

+1 908 439 2200, ext. 5477

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Christopher Sharkey

Manager, Public Relations

+1 908 439 2200, ext. 5159

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Jim Peavy

Director, Public Relations

+1 908 439 2200, ext. 5644

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Source: AM Best