Massachusetts Office of Consumer Affairs & Business Regulation

The Massachusetts Division of Insurance just released new prior authorization regulatory requirements, that will make it easier for patients to receive many essential healthcare services faster. Read Commissioner Caljouw’s interview with the Boston Globe: https://www.bostonglobe.com/2026/06/05/business/mass-prior-authorization-insurance/

OCABR Events & Outreach Manager Robin Putnam met with residents in Reading Woods to highlight practical ways for protecting personal information and preventing identity theft, both online and offline. Robin’s conversation focused on simple steps that can make a big difference against fraud and risk.

ID: Events & Outreach Manager Robin Putnam in front of a hybrid audience of older adults in Reading Woods’ conference room. End ID.

A safer digital world starts with you! Whether you’re protecting your own personal information or helping your child navigate social media, there are steps everyone can take to stay safe online. Check out our blog for internet safety tips: https://www.mass.gov/news/internet-safety-for-kids-and-teens

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Internet Safety for Kids and Teens Learn about internet safety, scams targeting youth, and other things to know to keep you and your family secure online

All aboard for kickoff at Foxboro MBTA Station! 🚆⚽

Division of Occupational Licensure inspectors Brianna Skowyra, Carissa Lisee, and Chief of Inspections Ross Seavey were thrilled to join the grand opening of the station, which made capacity and accessibility improvements ahead of the 2026 World Cup. Since construction began in August 2025, DOL building, plumbing, and electrical inspectors have been on site every step of the way, ensuring all structures and systems meet all building codes and the station is safe, reliable, and ready for global visitors.

ID: First photo: DOL Office of Public Safety inspectors Brianna Skowyra, Carissa Lisee, and Chief of Inspections Ross Seavey in front of the Foxboro Commuter Rail sign. Second photo: MBTA Commuter Rail train. Photo credit, Josh Qualls, Director of Photography, Office of Governor Maura Healey. End ID.

At Hanover Public Schools' Credit for Life Fair, OCABR Consumer Information Specialist Diego Ramos met with current and rising seniors as they explored real-world financial decisions that come after graduation. From budgeting and credit to making tough purchasing decisions, Hanover students learned to stop and think before spending money that could lead to too much debt.

ID: First Photo: Diego Ramos standing in front of a trifold about credit score. Second Photo: Diego Ramos with four Hanover High School students in a gymnasium. End ID.

OCABR staff had a lot of big wins in May! We celebrated Building Safety Month with the Division of Occupational Licensure and published a Data Breach report with the MassCyberCenter; take a look back at a busy month of consumer protection and education across Massachusetts:

Consumer Tips, Alerts, and Outreach — May 2026 Recap

Have you noticed changes at store registers lately? Due to the penny shortage, some Massachusetts retailers are rounding the final cost of a cash transaction to the nearest $.00 or $.05.

Division of Standards Commissioner Rodrigues recently appeared on GBH's The Curiosity Desk to explain the new “penny rounding” guidance for retailers and consumers. Watch the latest episode: https://youtu.be/1YG-55LNODc

ID: DOS Commissioner Rodrigues and WGBH's The Curiosity Desk host Edgar B. Herwick III posing inside a radio studio. End ID.

Studies show many homeowners don’t fully understand what their insurance policy covers, especially when it comes to flooding. Here’s what you need to know about flood insurance coverage before the next storm hits. Watch now ➡️

Need to Know in 60: Is Flood Insurance on Your Side? April showers bring more than flowers – they can bring flooding. Re...

This week the Massachusetts Division of Banks (DOB) hosted northeastern state and federal regulators for a Conference of State Bank Supervisors (CSBS) district meeting where industry hot topics and supervisory trends were discussed. It was exciting to have newly elected CSBS Board Chair Rhoshunda Kelly of the Mississippi Department of Banking on site, seen here with DOB Commissioner Mary Gallagher who also just joined the CSBS executive committee. https://ow.ly/rC1Z50Z5FGa