Released: January 22, 2009

Clarissa A. Preston, Department of Insurance Deputy Commissioner of the Office of Consumer Advocacy, spoke to the Acadiana Association of Health Underwriters on Wednesday, January 21, at the Petroleum Club of Lafayette.

Preston and John Lamke, Insurance Compliance Examiner Specialist for the Office of Consumer Advocacy, spoke to the Acadiana Association of Health Underwriters about current health trends in Louisiana and the creation, function and duties of the newly created Office of Consumer Advocacy. Other topics for discussion included, Autism Mandates, Upcoming Joint Insurance Committee Meeting regarding mandating the health insurance coverage of Human Papillomavirus (HPV) and the upcoming Legislative Session. Preston also discussed Commissioner Donelon’s decision to continue advocating balanced billing legislation, which he supported in the last session. The bill would force insurers to cover “reasonably anticipated” ancillary services, such as X-rays, anesthesiology and blood tests performed when a patient is in the hospital.

Legislation in the 2007 Regular Session created the Office of Consumer Advocacy to provide direct assistance to consumers with their insurance problems and to enforce the Policyholder Bill of Rights. The staff of the Office of Consumer Advocacy answers consumer questions; disseminates informational brochures to consumers, civic associations and other interested parties; and reports violations, regulations or laws of those entities regulated by the Department of Insurance to appropriate officials.

“Some attendees said they were unaware that the Office of Consumer Advocacy could assist producers and their clients with health insurance issues,” Preston said. “I’m glad we were able to come out today and spread the word about how our office is here to help.”

The meeting was held at 11:30 a.m. at the Petroleum Club in Lafayette, 111 Heymann Blvd. It was attended by about 30 health insurance producers and health care professionals.