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  Rachel McDevitt
  

  

  I cover energy and the environment for StateImpact Pennsylvania at WITF.

  My work focuses on climate change responses and solutions in the state legislature and in the state’s communities. My interest in these issues dates back to my time as a Girl Scout and this episode of Rocko’s Modern Life.

  I’m looking forward to winter because I can go skiing several times a year. I try not to scroll through my phone all the time, but instead knit and learn to play the piano.

  I grew up in Cambria County, Pennsylvania and graduated from Temple University. I started at WITF shortly after Christmas 2014.

Rachel McDevitt / StateImpact Pennsylvania

An uprooted tree blocks the sidewalk on Market Street in Harrisburg on August 9, 2024. The remnants of Hurricane Debby caused flooding and downed trees throughout Pennsylvania.

August 26, 2024 | 8:27 am

The Shapiro administration is asking insurers to be flexible in helping people affected by the remnants of Tropical Storm Debby.

Debby swept through the middle of the state, from Maryland to the New York border, on August 9 as a post-tropical depression. It caused catastrophic flooding and strong winds in some areas. A tornado was confirmed in Harrisburg.

Governor Josh Shapiro declared a disaster for 28 counties, including Berks, Cumberland, Dauphin and York.

His government said people along the storm’s path had lost their homes, vehicles, medicine and other belongings due to the resulting damage.

The Pennsylvania Department of Insurance is now asking insurers to consider some policies for people in the affected counties that will ease the financial burden and prevent a disruption in coverage. Recommendations include relaxing due dates for premium payments, extending payment deadlines, waiving late fees and allowing installment payment plans.

The authority is also calling on health insurance companies to allow patients to redeem prescriptions for destroyed or lost medication early and free of charge.

The Ministry of Insurance believes that insurers’ flexibility is key to helping people rebuild their lives after the loss.

Noah Karn of the Insurance Federation of Pennsylvania, a nonprofit industry association, said it was too early after the storm to say whether policyholders had experienced gaps in coverage or defaulted on payments.

He recommends that people review their policies, document any damage with photos or videos, and contact their insurance agent with any questions or concerns.

Karn said disaster situations are unique and insurers are taking steps to simplify claims processing.

“Our members’ job is to respond to the needs of policyholders and help them in times of need,” Karn said.

Following the storm and the disaster declaration, emergency motor vehicle property damage adjusters are now active, Karn said. These are people who are not licensed as vehicle damage adjusters in Pennsylvania but can come from other states to help vehicle owners file claims more quickly.

Karn also warned against signing new policies or contracts from claims adjusters who promise to receive higher compensation from the insurance company, as these offers usually come with fees.

Pennsylvania residents can ask questions and file complaints with the State Insurance Department by calling 1-877-881-6388 or through its website.

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