IL HB0023

Creates an independent Office of Consumer Health Insurance Counsel to represent the interests of health insurance consumers in Illinois.

Consumer Health Insurance Counsel appointed by Governor with Senate confirmation for a 4-year term; must be a licensed Illinois attorney with commitment to public rights protection and insurance proceeding experience.

Counsel and staff prohibited from: having financial interests in entities regulated by the Department of Insurance, engaging in lobbying activities, holding other elected/appointed offices, or being involved in political party activities.

Counsel may appear before the Director, Department, and state health insurance rate review boards on behalf of consumers as a class regarding rates, rules, and forms; may also intervene in judicial proceedings but cannot intervene in individual insurer licensing or enforcement matters.

One-year "revolving door" prohibition prevents former Counsel or staff from representing parties in matters they personally worked on before the Department or rate review boards.