HARRISBURG, PA — Michael Humphreys, Pennsylvania Insurance Commissioner, has been recognized with the esteemed Bonnie Burns Excellence in Consumer Advocacy Award by the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC). This annual award honors a state insurance regulator who has demonstrated exceptional dedication to advancing consumer protections and addressing key issues in the insurance sector. Commissioner Humphreys’ significant efforts at both the state and national levels have not only safeguarded the interests of Pennsylvanians but also shaped policies that promote equity, accessibility, and financial stability within the insurance landscape.
Championing Consumer Rights in Pennsylvania
Commissioner Humphreys has utilized his position at the Pennsylvania Insurance Department (PID) to tackle some of the most pressing challenges facing insurance consumers. One of his key achievements includes ensuring that health insurers comply with mental health parity laws to provide coverage for autism benefits. This initiative has directly benefited tens of thousands of Pennsylvanians with autism, making mental health parity a reality for individuals and families across the state. By taking decisive action, Humphreys exemplified his commitment to standing up for the needs of vulnerable populations.
Another hallmark of his leadership has been his drive to promote equity in the insurance industry. Under his direction, insurers in Pennsylvania are now permitted to collect voluntary demographic data on insurance applications to advance equity initiatives. This pivotal step enables the industry to better address racial and socioeconomic disparities, ensuring that the insurance market evolves to become more inclusive and representative of the communities it serves.
Additionally, Commissioner Humphreys chaired the state’s Flood Insurance Premium Assistance Task Force, producing a detailed report for Governor Josh Shapiro. The report outlined actionable recommendations aimed at improving the affordability and accessibility of flood insurance while enhancing flood risk mitigation measures. The task force’s work is a crucial step in protecting Pennsylvanians from the significant financial burden of flood damage, which can result in uncovered losses amounting to thousands of dollars.
Contributions on the National Stage
Commissioner Humphreys has also made substantial contributions to the insurance sector on a national scale. Among his most notable efforts is his co-chairing of the NAIC’s Special Committee on Race and Insurance (SCORI) Life Insurance Workstream. This committee tackles issues of race, diversity, and inclusion within the insurance industry. Through Humphreys’ leadership, the committee has endorsed financial literacy courses for high school students, equipping future generations with the skills to make informed decisions about insurance and financial planning.
The SCORI committee is also working to collect data on how life insurers and third-party vendors use criminal history records in underwriting processes. These efforts aim to identify and minimize barriers to accessibility, fostering a more equitable life insurance market for consumers across the nation.
Humphreys’ work on these initiatives reflects his dedication to addressing systemic inequities in insurance practices, which have far-reaching implications for consumer trust, accessibility, and financial security.
Key Accomplishments of the Pennsylvania Insurance Department
Under Humphreys’ stewardship, the Pennsylvania Insurance Department has introduced or strengthened several key programs and initiatives. Notable achievements in 2024 include the following:
- NAIC Reaccreditation
The department received reaccreditation from the NAIC for five years, a critical recognition that underscores Pennsylvania’s commitment to maintaining a financially sound and consumer-oriented insurance market. - Independent External Appeals Process
The creation of a state-administered independent appeal process now allows Pennsylvanians to challenge denied insurance claims for medical services, treatments, or items more transparently. This initiative strengthens consumer protections and ensures fairness in dispute resolution. - Improved Accessibility to Contraception
By issuing new guidance to health insurers, PID has made over-the-counter contraception more accessible and affordable, a step that directly impacts the health care options available to women across the state. - Transparency in Coverage Reports
The department released both its inaugural and second “Transparency in Coverage” reports, providing detailed data on health insurer claims, denials, and appeals. These reports not only increase accountability within the insurance sector but also offer Pennsylvanians greater insight into how insurers operate in the Commonwealth.
Recognizing a Dedication to Service
Upon receiving the NAIC award, Commissioner Humphreys expressed his gratitude while reaffirming his ongoing commitment to consumer advocacy. “Ensuring consumers stay protected and receive the benefits they deserve is what this job is all about,” he stated. “I am grateful for this recognition, but there is always more work to be done. At PID, we will continue working to get stuff done on those issues that matter most to Pennsylvanians so that we can make insurance work better for everyone.”
Such recognition is a testament to Humphreys’ ability to merge actionable reforms with a consumer-first philosophy, ensuring that the needs of Pennsylvanians remain at the forefront of policy decisions.
Looking Ahead
Commissioner Humphreys’ accomplishments reflect a broader mission to create an insurance landscape that is equitable, accessible, and transparent. His work promotes public confidence in the insurance market while setting Pennsylvania as a model for other states to emulate. From removing systemic barriers to improving accountability measures, these initiatives collectively ensure that insurance truly serves its intended purpose—providing protection and peace of mind to consumers when they need it most.
Michael Humphreys’ recognition with the Bonnie Burns Excellence in Consumer Advocacy Award cements his position as a leading figure in the insurance regulatory field. It also sends a clear message about the importance of proactive, consumer-focused reforms in building an insurance market that benefits all.
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