Fredric Bodner, Principal

Senior Counsel

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Fred Bodner now serves as Senior Counsel to the firm. He is a past Shareholder at Hinman Straub, where he previously managed the firm’s Health Insurance and Life Insurance Departments for many years. With a focus on statutory and regulatory requirements and compliance with applicable law, regulation, and administrative guidelines, Mr. Bodner brings almost 50 years of experience in life insurance, annuity, and accident and health insurance matters to the firm’s clients.

Mr. Bodner joined Hinman Straub in 1999 and has since worked with many clients on various matters regarding the regulation of life insurance companies, accident and health insurance companies, and other entities subject to licensure pursuant to the New York Insurance Law.

Prior to joining Hinman Straub, Mr. Bodner worked at the former New York State Insurance Department (now the New York State Department of Financial Services (NYDFS)). He served in numerous positions at the Insurance Department including Chief of the Life and Health Bureau, Chief of the Health Bureau, Assistant Deputy Superintendent and Special Deputy Superintendent. While serving in these upper management positions, Mr. Bodner was responsible for various aspects of the Insurance Department’s regulation of life insurance companies, accident and health insurance companies, and other regulated entities.

Fred was born in Brooklyn, NY and lives in Latham, NY. He enjoys playing golf and is an avid NY Giants football fan.

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Practice Areas

Education

  • Juris Doctor Degree, Albany Law School, 1975
  • Bachelor of Arts Degree, Major in Psychology, State University of New York at Albany, 1971

Bar Admissions

  • New York State
  • U.S. Northern District of New York

Areas of Expertise

  • Assist life insurance companies and other regulated entities (e.g. insurance agents, insurance brokers) in complying with applicable New York Insurance Law and New York Financial Services Law requirements, NYDFS regulations and NYDFS guidance regarding life insurance and annuities.
  • Assist life insurance companies, accident and health insurance companies, and other regulated entities in complying with applicable New York Insurance Law and New York Financial Services Law requirements, NYDFS regulations and NYDFS guidance regarding accident and health insurance.
  • Assist life insurance companies, accident and health insurance companies, and other regulated entities by providing legal opinions, obtaining policy form approvals, and responding to market conduct matters with the NYDFS on issues such as examination questions, policy replacement, compensation, advertising, enforcement actions, etc.

Accomplishments

  • Worked as retained counsel with the NYDFS in the development of the prior approval with certification process for life insurance and annuity products.
  • Worked as retained counsel with the NYDFS in the development of the Department’s Product Outlines for various types of life insurance and annuity products.
  • Chair of the Life Committee of the NYDFS Insurance Filings Modernization Initiative, convened to examine the mechanisms through which regulated entities submit rate, policy form, licensing, and other insurance filings to the Department and through which the Department processes those filings.

Honors and Awards

Memberships

  • Member and past Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Center for Disability Services in Albany, New York
  • Past member of the Board of Directors of the Insurance Regulatory Examiner’s Society (IRES)
  • Member of the New York State Bar Association