Press Release from Tennessee Citizen Action, April 20, 2012:
Tennessee Citizen Action Asks the Haslam Administration and Their Department of Commerce and Insurance Why They Support a Bill That Will Erode Consumer Protections
Nashville, Tenn. (April 20, 2012) — Yesterday, the sponsor of a bill that would further erode consumer protection in Tennessee stated that the Department of Commerce and Insurance was aware of, and supported, the bill. The bill, SB2271 (HB2454) by Rep. Charles Sargent and Sen. Jim Tracy, states that a consumer or small business is bound to a change in their insurance policy by the simple act of paying their premium – either by check or by automatic bill payment. In other words, a consumer’s cashed check or automatic bill payment is enough to allow an insurance company to completely change their policy.
“The sponsor of HB2454/SB2271 said that the Department of Commerce and Insurance reviewed his bill ‘and they are very fine with this legislation…’” said Mary Mancini, Executive Director of Tennessee Citizen Action, “Since the mission of the Department is to protect “the interests of consumers while providing fair, efficient oversight” and this bill would create an unfair financial advantage for insurance companies over consumers and small businesses, we would like to know why they are “very fine” with it.”
A vote on SB2271/HB2454 was rolled in the House until Monday, 4/23.
Amendment Summary: (b) The payment of premium for an insurance contract, or amendment thereto, by an insured shall create a rebuttable presumption that the coverage provided has been accepted by all insureds under the contract.
Tennessee Citizen Action works in the public interest as Tennessee’s premier consumer rights organization. Our mission is to work to improve the overall health, well-being, and quality of life for all people who live and work in Tennessee
