The face of state insurance regulation might look very different following this week‘s elections, with more "public interest oriented" or "liberal" regulators likely to be added to the fold next year, industry observers said.
They predicted that, while work on such issues as modernizing insurance regulation and ensuring consumer privacy is likely to continue, the way these items are perceived and handled could change dramatically.
Indeed, the new group of insurance commissioners could offer a voting block that will be more supportive of consumer protections, according to one consumer advocate, Kevin Hennosy, chairman of SpreadtheRisk.org in Kansas City, Mo.
At least 23 new governors were elected, which could lead to changes in the insurance commissioners in those states where the post is appointed.
