As a consumer representative to the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC), I’m pleased to welcome former Democratic Senator Ben Nelson (Nebraska) to his new job as Chief Executive Officer (CEO). Of course, many remember Senator Nelson for his role as the “60th vote” for the Affordable Care Act (ACA), helping the Democrats overcome a Republican-led filibuster of the bill. While initially critical of the bill, Senator Nelson has spoken favorably of the law since its passage.
As a former insurance commissioner and Executive Vice President of the NAIC, Senator Nelson should feel at home in his new role as CEO, where he’ll be the NAIC’s lead representative before Washington policymakers, and will help the trade association navigate the diverse views of its membership. Insurance industry representatives have welcomed the appointment, highlighting Senator Nelson’s tenure as a regulator, Governor, and Senator and his knowledge of insurance issues.
As CEO, Senator Nelson will play a critical role in the implementation of the ACA’s insurance market reforms at the state and federal levels, as well as the development and launch of the new health insurance marketplaces.
Alongside my fellow NAIC consumer representatives, I look forward to working with him to move the ACA forward and improve on its consumer protections.
In other NAIC news, the organization has posted its Committee List for 2013. Commissioner Sandy Praeger from Kansas will continue to chair the NAIC’s health insurance and managed care committee, and Commissioner Stephen Robinson (Indiana) will chair the Consumer Liaison committee.
Stay tuned to CHIRblog for updates on the NAIC’s work implementing the ACA.