Members of the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) have met with President Barack Obama, Vice-President Joe Biden and senior members of the administration to discuss 2015 enrolment issues under the Affordable Care Act (ACA).
The meeting was called by the White House to focus on the end of open enrolment in 2014 and preparing for the 2015 open enrolment period.
“Today’s meeting was an important opportunity to reiterate that states are best equipped to balance the access, cost, and geographic variables that exist in their distinct markets,” said Adam Hamm, NAIC President and North Dakota Insurance commissioner.
The meeting, which took place in the East Room, was an opportunity for regulators to discuss ongoing challenges they see in their markets and coordinate with the department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the administration to find solutions.
State regulators expressed concern about the lack of insurance regulatory expertise with HHS secretary Kathleen Sebelius’ departure and recommended that the appointment of a permanent director of the Center for Consumer Information and Insurance Oversight (CCIIO) be done quickly, and that the new director should rely on the expertise of state insurance regulators as decisions are made.
NAIC CEO Senator Ben Nelson attended the White House meeting along with 44 chief insurance regulators from across the country.
