The
Pennsylvania Commissioner of Insurance is a state executive position in the Pennsylvania state government.
In Pennsylvania, and 38 other states, the Insurance Commissioner is an appointed position. However, in March 2011, Pennsylvania state Rep. Neal Goodman introduced a bill that would make it elected. Under his bill, the position would also be term-limited to two consecutive, four-years terms.[1]
Current officeholder
The current officeholder is Michael Consedine.
Authority
Though the state constitution does not specifically create the office of insurance commissioner, it does allow for the addition of public officers in Article IV, Section 1:
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All officers, whose selection is not provided for in this Constitution, shall be elected or appointed as may be directed by law.
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Given this authority, the general assembly created the department in 1873 and reorganized the department in 1920.[2]
Qualifications
There are no specific qualifications for this office.
Appointments
The Commissioner of Insurance is not elected in Pennsylvania. The Governor nominates a candidate to the state senate, and the senate confirms the nominee by a two-thirds majority before the candidate takes the oath of office.
Vacancies
Article IV, Section 8 of the Pennsylvania Constitution grants the governor the power to appoint officers to fill vacancies. In the event of a vacancy in the office of insurance commissioner, the governor nominates a successor. This nomination must be made to the commonwealth senate within 90 days of the vacancy. The senate must then take action (confirming or not confirming the nomination) within 25 legislative days.[3]
Duties
The primary duty of the Department of Insurance is to regulate the insurance industry. There are a number of ways in which the Commissioner and staff work to achieve that goal:[2]
- monitor the finances of insurance companies
- license insurance companies, producers, and agents
- review insurance rates
- review the language of insurance policies
- coordinates the rehabilitation and liquidation of insurance companies that do not have sufficient assets to continue operating
- administer health insurance programs for eligible children
Divisions
The separate offices within the Pennsylvania Insurance Department have specific functions. Some provide more administrative, legal, and general support, and others are more focused on the insurance and regulation duties of the office.[4]
Office of Chief Counsel
The Office of Chief Counsel is a group of legal advisors for the commissioner and staff. The attorneys that staff this office are also responsible for taking legal action to enforce state insurance laws.
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Phone: 717-787-2567
Fax: 717-722-1969
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Office of Legislative Affairs
The Office of Legislative Affairs is a conduit between the department and the state legislature, staying abreast of all legislation that has the potential to affect the insurance industry and consumers.
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Phone: 717-525-5884
Fax: 717-705-4471
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Office of Press and Communications
The Office of Press and Communications is the department's point of contact for public information. The staff prepares news releases and speeches, and schedules speaking engagements for department officials.
Office of Administrative Hearings
The Administrative Hearings Office is responsible for the hearings and adjudications processes for cases involving insurance laws and regulations.
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Capital Associates Building
Pennsylvania Insurance Department
901 North 7th Street
Harrisburg, PA 17102
Phone: 717-783-2126
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Office of CHIP and adultBasic
The Office of CHIP and adultBasic manages CHIP and adultBasic - two public health programs that cover children and adults in Pennsylvania.
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1142 Strawberry Square
Harrisburg, PA 17120
Phone: 1-800-986-5437 (CHIP)
Phone: 1-800-462-2742 (adultBasic)
Fax: (717) 705-1643
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Office of Corporate and Financial Regulation
The Office of Corporate and Financial Regulation ensures the proper licensing and financial integrity of all insurance entities that do business within the state.
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Phone: 717-783-5437
Fax: 717-705-8557
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Office of Insurance Consumer Liaison and Market Analysis
The Office of Insurance Consumer Liaison and Market Analysis voices concerns and questions about insurance from Pennsylvania residents. The office also analyzes data to discover trends in the insurance market to inform new laws and regulations.
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Phone: 717-525-5884
Fax: 717-705-4471
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Office of Insurance Product Regulation and Administration
The Office of Insurance Product Regulation and Administration regulates health, life, property, and casualty insurance plans and rates.
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Phone: 717-783-5079
Fax: 717-787-8555
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Office of Liquidations, Rehabilitations, and Special Funds
The Office of Liquidations, Rehabilitations, and Special Funds works to rehabilitate or liquidate insurance companies that are having financial difficulties.
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Capital Associates Building
Pennsylvania Insurance Department
901 North 7th Street
Harrisburg, PA 17102
Phone: 717-787-6009
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Office of Market Regulation
The Office of Market Regulation investigates and works to resolve consumer complaints. The office also oversees the testing and licensing of insurance agents, brokers, adjusters, solicitors, damage appraisers, and professional bondsman.
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Phone: 717-787-6174
Fax: 717-787-8585
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Office of Mcare
The Office of Mcare (the Medical Care Availability and Reduction of Error Fund) works to ensure "reasonable compensation for individuals that are injured due to medical negligence."[4]
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30 North Third Street
Harrisburg, PA 17101
Phone: 717-783-3770
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State budget
The budget for the Department of Insurance in Fiscal Year 2012-2013 was $123,195,000.[5]
Compensation
- See also: Compensation of state executive officers
2012
In 2012, the commissioner was paid an estimated $131,922. This figure comes from the Council of State Governments.
2010
In 2010, the Pennsylvania Commissioner of Insurance was paid an estimated $125,939 according to the Council of State Governments.[6]
Contact information
Pennsylvania Insurance Department
1326 Strawberry Square
Harrisburg, PA 17120
Phone:1-877-881-6388
Department Email Addresses
Department Phone Numbers
See also
External links
References
- ↑ Body Shop Business, "Pennsylvania Bill Would Make Insurance Commissioner an Elected Position," March 11, 2011
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 'Pennsylvania Insurance Department, "About," June 6, 2011
- ↑ Pennsylvania State Legislature, "Executive branch," June 1, 2011
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 Pennsylvania Insurance Department, "Offices and organizational charts," June 6, 2011
- ↑ Pennsylvania Budget Office, "2012-13 Enacted Budget - Act 9A," accessed April 10, 2013
- ↑ The Council of State Governments Book of the States, Chapter 4, Table 4.11, Retrieved June 14, 2011
