A New York insurer and its licensed agents plan to promote an individual major medical policy through direct-mail pieces, newspaper and magazine advertisements, radio scripts, and billboard displays. Under Reg 34 (11 NYCRR Part 215), which statement about the regulation's definition of an advertisement is correct?

Why C is correct

Under Reg 34 (11 NYCRR Part 215), the Department of Financial Services defines an advertisement broadly: it includes printed and published material, audio-visual material, and descriptive literature of an insurer used in direct mail, newspapers, magazines, radio scripts, television scripts, billboards and similar displays. Every one of the planned promotional pieces therefore falls within Reg 34, and the insurer and its agents must ensure each piece meets the regulation's standards for truthfulness and completeness.

Why the other options are wrong

• A) Reg 34's definition is not limited to printed material; radio and television scripts, audio-visual material, billboards and similar displays are expressly included.
• B) Advertising by licensed agents and brokers on behalf of insurers is covered; the regulation is not limited to material the insurer itself prepares.
• D) An advertisement does not have to quote premiums or benefits to be covered; any promotional material for an accident and health policy is within the definition.

Memory hook

Reg 34 advertisement = if it promotes accident and health coverage in any medium, it is an ad.