Insurance counsel office could be folded into TDI

State lawmakers should make away with the federal agency that stands for consumers before coverage regulators and clear up how and when the Lone-Star State Department of Insurance can utilize some of its enforcement powers, the Lone-Star State Sunset Committee said in a reappraisal of the two federal agencies released today.

The Office of Populace Insurance Advocate is unneeded and should be moved within the coverage section because most rates are reviewed on paper by the federal agency rather than decided at hearings where the business office would have got had a larger function to play, the study said.

But consumer advocators worry such as a move would take away an independent reappraisal of rates.

Rod Bordelon, caput of the consumer agency, said he still wanted to reexamine the study and had till June 9 to formally respond.

"They make have got some principle as to why we would run better under the department, but I believe the manner we run is the more than effectual manner to operate," Bordelon said.

The study also said that much uncertainness have been created in the place coverage marketplace because insurance companies are ill-defined as to when regulators can utilize their enforcement powers, such as as requiring companies to register their rates for blessing before implementing them.

One consumer group, however, said more than regulations would curtail the coverage commissioner.

"All the recommendations are about making life easier for the coverage industry," said Alex Winslow, caput of Austin-based Lone-Star State Watch. "There is nil that talks to the concerns of consumers and the issues they've faced in recent years."