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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE |
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CONTACT: Victoria L. Stanish |
State Rep. John Yudichak |
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House Insurance Committee holds public hearing on Yudichak bill
Legislation would help protect state’s consumers in insurance matters
HARRISBURG, Aug. 30 – State Rep. John Yudichak, D-Luzerne, said the state House Insurance Committee held a public hearing today on his bill that would create an independent office to represent the state’s consumers in insurance matters.
House Bill 1121 would establish an Office of Consumer Advocate for Insurance, which would be an independent office within the Office of the Attorney General and represent the interests of consumers before the department.
The Office of Consumer Advocate for Insurance would have the authority to represent consumers’ interests on any insurance matter before the state Department of Insurance or any other state agency or court. The advocate would also be responsible for identifying and tracking trends in the insurance industry, recommending consumer protections, responding to consumer complaints and educating state residents about insurance issues and practices.
“Insurance customers need someone to represent their interests,” Yudichak said.
The office would be similar to the one that exists within the Public Utility Commission, which has been regarded as effective in representing state residents’ concerns in matters involving public utilities in Pennsylvania.
“This office is needed to act as a consumer advocate on behalf of Pennsylvania citizens when rates are increased or other actions limit their access or ability to get insurance,” Yudichak said.
“Pennsylvania has created an Office of Consumer Advocate within the Insurance Department, but it doesn’t have the authority or the budget to challenge or litigate insurance company rate increases on behalf of consumers.
“This bill would provide the independent voice needed to act in the best interest of consumers,” Yudichak said.
The bill is currently under consideration in the House Insurance Committee.
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