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2006 race for Commissioner of Insurance

Candidate selector Insurance Commissioner

Welcome to our candidate selector for Insurance Commissioner. It's a fun and educational tool that can help you decide which candidate(s) you agree with the most.

Here's how it works. Below, we've listed a set of issues and the candidates' positions on these issues. Check the box next to a candidate's response if you agree with it. After you're done, we'll tell you which candidate(s) you agreed with the most.

Please note that this is meant to be fun and educational - but shouldn't necessarily be used as the de facto way of making such an important decision. We encourage you to learn as much as you can about each candidate.

What should the insurance commissioner's top priorities be when it comes to consumer services?

As Insurance Commissioner, I will work on behalf of the Kansas consumer. I believe the people of Kansas need someone fighting for them, and when you're in trouble, you need someone on your side. My main responsibility is to make sure Kansans get the benefits they have paid for. My office will be open and accessible, treating ALL Kansas' consumers with dignity and respect.

Above all the top priority of the Commissioner's office should be fairness. It is imperative that consumers receive quality treatment from the department's staff, regardless of what company they are dealing with. The office also has a responsibility to encourage competition in the marketplace. This is the single most important factor in lowering premiums and increasing the quality of service.

My top priority as Insurance Commissioner is to be a consumer advocate and my first responsibility is to ensure insurance companies uphold their promise to pay. In four years our department has recovered $37 million in disputed claims for Kansas consumers, I established our first-ever anti-fraud division that has recovered over $750,000, and we are committed to respond rapidly and efficiently to consumers. Advocating for consumers is my commitment and my promise to Kansas.

What steps should be taken to increase health insurance options in the state?

A balanced regulatory environment is crucial for attracting and keeping good companies in Kansas. Companies are returning to Kansas and offering policies in the individual market. Health Savings Accounts are now available in Kansas and we are seeing increased interest and use of these accounts. I plan to continue to work with our federal partners on passage of Senator Enzi's legislation that will allow associations to offer insurance to their members while retaining the ability to regulate these products at the state level.

As Commissioner, I'll have an open door to new ideas. I will listen to everyone and host regular open-door meetings, encouraging people from all walks of life to offer their insights. We need innovative solutions, and good ideas don't come with a party label, and they don't come with a special business card. If we make all aspects of insurance smarter, easier, and more efficient, more options will become available.

The best way to increase health insurance options is to foster an environment that is friendly to new business. An increase in reputable companies can only benefit consumers. It is also vital that the commissioner's office promote expansion of health savings accounts. An expansion of HSA options would give consumers increased control over their health care dollars. HSAs increase flexibility and responsibility, and are a first step toward a less dependent health care model.

Should the AAA in Lawrence be allowed to continue to dispense driver's licenses for the state?

I am sure Lawrence citizens have benefited from having an additional venue to renew their driver's license. However, when that venue also sells automobile insurance policies, a product so closely related to driving an automobile, the government must guard against the impression of endorsement. Even though the decision is not under the scope of my office, I do not want the citizens of Lawrence believing the State has given AAA an exclusive "seal of approval".

This past legislative session, the Legislature examined this issue and chose to take no action because no insurance sales were being made at that office. Even though dispensing driver's licenses is not part of the scope of the Insurance Commissioner's office, I would certainly want to investigate this issue further if there became a sense of impropriety.

I believe AAA should be allowed to dispense driver's licenses. While I understand the concerns raised by companies that feel this is and unfair advantage, AAA is providing a critical service for Kansans by operating an alternate DMV site.

What can be done to make sure insurers pay up in a timely manner, especially after storms?

Kansas has specific regulations that require timely settlement on a correct and completed claim. Following a storm the urgency increases as there is often damage to household structures. Insurance companies do need a certain amount of time to adequately investigate the claim, but when that timeframe is not executed efficiently consumers should call my department. We work closely with Kansans to be sure these regulations are upheld when the timeliness of a settlement is in question.

Many claims are not settled quickly because of disputes between the consumer and the insurance company. This is often a complicated process and my consumer services office will be there to help. During times of crisis, Kansans deserve someone fighting for their rights. As Insurance Commissioner, I will be there to make sure the consumer is treated fairly and gets the benefits they paid for.

The Commissioner's office has a responsibility to take any steps within its power, including legal, to ensure that valid claims are paid in a timely manner. One important aspect of the office that is often overlooked is dissemination of information regarding industry practices. The office should provide as much information as possible regarding company practices, problems, etc. This allows the consumer to make informed decisions and results in quality companies securing more business.

What can the state do to ensure large employers, such as Wal-Mart, provide affordable health-care insurance to its workers?

As Insurance Commissioner, I plan to make health care more affordable and accessible to All Kansans, whether they are managers, blue collar workers or currently unemployed. There are approximately 300,000 Kansans without health insurance. The crisis is much bigger than most like to think.

I am uncomfortable with the state trying to mandate private business practices. There are many examples where the law of unintended consequences has taken over. The availability of insurance is one of the many factors employees consider when seeking a job. I would encourage anyone who is uncomfortable with a company's practices to avoid frequenting the business and divest any stock. This is the clearest and most effective way you can send a message.

To date the Kansas legislature has not passed a requirement that employers provide health insurance. However, it is well documented that access to health care is critical to maintaining a healthy and productive workforce. I will continue advocating for a solution that applies the risk of high-risk policyholders over a large pool of insureds this ensures coverage for the chronically ill who need insurance most and affordability for many businesses and their employees.

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