Consumer Representatives

CFA-Consumer Federation of American
Consumer Reports
Consumers Union
- Mary Griffin, Consumers Union, Insurance Counsel, Washington Office

In 1994 I was selected as a funded ….
- In these meetings, groups work consumer representative to the on specific charges they have identified National Association of Insurance or that have been assigned to them by Commissioners (NAIC).
In reality, much of what NAIC consumer representatives do to represent consumers is to educate regulators.
- If regulators learn about issues only by listening to the industry, their knowledge is unquestionably biased.

1997 – AP – What Does it Mean to be a Consumer Representative?, by Brenda Cude – 3p

I am not convinced that the consumer advocates,–David Swankin excepted– really know or speak for what the average consumer wants.
- I fear that in the dialogue between regulators, business and consumerists, what the general public really wants may be overlooked.

— William M. White, Connecticut General – Director of Government Regulations

1980 – SOA – Effect of Governmental Actions and Consumerism on Product Design and Pricing of the Future, Society of Actuaries – 26p

Members of the NAIC Market Conduct & Consumer Affairs Subcommittee Advisory Committee
Mr. Hunter then discussed the matter of consumer representation on the committee and stated his viewpoint that if this truly is to be a market conduct and consumer affairs subcommittee, there should be a more proportionate representation on the committee of consumer representatives.
Discussion followed concerning the historical evolution of the subcommittee, with the general understanding expressed that originally it was formed to deal with problems facing insurance department market conduct and complaint handler departments.
It was not felt that the subcommittee was originally designed to be a consumer forum.
Mr. Hunter stated that if this were to be the case, he would suggest that the subcommittee be renamed so as not to give the impression that it is a forum for consumer input.
He suggested a name such as the “Market Conduct and Complaint Handlers Subcommittee” consistent with what the committee’s understanding was of the original purpose of the subcommittee.

1988-1, NAIC Proceedings

7. Discuss Development of Training Program
Director McCartney noted that $10,000 of the 1992 funds will be carried over into the 1993 year to provide for a training program for funded consumer representatives.

1993-1B, NAIC Proceedings