KID Compliments: Thanks to Commissioner Praeger, KID Staff

Below is a sampling of letters that Kansas Insurance Commissioner Praeger and her staff have received for their work in protecting and safeguarding Kansas insurance consumers. Commissioner Praeger and the Kansas Insurance Department staff consider it an honor to serve you.

"Thank you very much for helping me with [my insurance company].
"Consumers shouldn't be in a position to need you, but I'm glad you were there."
- Mary Pickerill, Horton

"I wanted to let you know how much I appreciate your persistence in helping me get this bill paid [by my insurance company]. I am sure they would not have paid it had you not intervened."
- Carolyn Wasylk, Wichita

"Thank you for helping us to resolve the issue with [the insurance company]. We have been paid for our claims after numerous phone calls, begging, pleading and the raising of our voices.
"My staff and I appreciate your efforts."
- Michael Kahn, DDS, Leawood

"I wanted to thank you and your nice staff [particularly Kelly Welch, Consumer Assistance Division] for resolving the problem I had with [my insurance company].…
"The results were what I had hoped for, and in much less time than expected."
- Norm Bowers, Olathe

"I had occasion to work with David Isaacs [Property & Casualty Division]. Mr. Isaacs was extremely helpful and patient. … Based on my experience with him, I believe him to be an asset to your organization."
- Douglas M. Weems, Kansas City, MO

"I want to thank you and your Department for providing this service to us. We really appreciate your concern about fair treatment for the public."
-Walter Westphall, Wichita

"You have done a great job as Insurance Commissioner and have done a great job being organized with your staff serving our needs as citizens of Kansas. Thank you so much!"
- Dr. Kevin Davidson, Hays

"A note to say that Randy Adair [Anti-Fraud Division] was in Pittsburg, KS … and presented 2 hours of continuing education ….
"He did an outstanding job -- had everyone's attention. He represented the Kansas Insurance Department well."
- Joe A Hart, Northwestern Mutual Financial Network, Pittsburg

"I recently had occasion to ask Dave McKee [Director, Producers Division] for help. I want you to know how helpful and friendly he was [and] he got right on the issue I contacted him about."
- Mike Engelmann, Derby

"The issue with [my insurance company] has been settled to my satisfaction. Thank you for your kind service and rapid response."
- Raymond Beard, Topeka

"Ted [Clark, Anti-Fraud Division Director]:
"I got your report in the mail today. Thanks for your good work. It represents the first time in the past two years that somebody actually explained the situation and answered my question. …"
- Dale Goter, Government Relations Manager, City of Wichita

"Jason [Lapham, Consumer Assistance Division] was very helpful, was eager to be so, and in a very short time was able to educate me about annuities such that I could help my mother-in-law. …
"Jason is the epitome of what public service is. He was kind, he listened, he offered education, ideas, and his continued support."
- Tanya J. Treadway, Lawrence

"Joyce [Stillings, Consumer Assistance Division]: I am confident that without your assistance my nightmare dealings with [my insurance company] would have continued until I gave up, or took it to court. It is truly amazing how they went from 'We aren't going to do anything, you can take it to court' to 'How can we help you,' because of your intervention."
- Stephen Burden, Haysville

"Dear Joyce [Stillings, Consumer Assistance Division]:
"[Our insurance company] sent us the check covering our personal items from our house file...
"...[W]e are very grateful that you were there to help us. We feel if you were not there we would still be waiting and listening to the excuses of the insurance company."
- Jeff Thorp, Gardner

"Dear Mr. [Jim] Welch [Director, Consumer Assistance Division]:
"But for your involvement [regarding a recent case], I am sure that it would have been a long and arduous process to recover on [the $10,000] bond.
"I am very grateful for your assistance in this matter, and appreciate the prompt action in getting the bond paid off."
- Richard B. Walker, Chief Judge, 9th Judicial District, Newton

"…I'm taking a moment to personally recognize Beth Gray [Property & Casualty Division] [and] Charlotte Humburg [Financial Surveillance Division] for [their] personable and timely service in handling our recent [transactions]. Based on my past experience with other state regulators …, [their] service is the standard that should apply - but, it is seldom met elsewhere."
- John V. Spain, Key Insurance Company, Overland Park

"Thank you for the time and effort you have put into looking into our insurance issues. My family is very grateful and appreciative no matter what the outcome is. … When the world seems to be caving around you it is nice to have someone who understands your frustration."
- Katy O. Donovan, Iola

"I wanted to write to you … to let you know what good people you have in Bob Tomlinson [Assistant Commissioner] and Leroy Brungardt [Director, Producers Division]. They were in Pittsburg … and met with our NAIFA association.
"…Thank you for having 2 outstanding individuals in the department and I wish every NAIFA association would have the opportunity to hear [them]."
- Joe A. Hart, Northwestern Mutual Financial Network

"I want to compliment your staff in the [Consumer Assistance Division] for their courteousness, responsiveness, and professionalism, especially Ms. Nicole George. They stand head-and-shoulders above any other government agency (local, state, or federal) in terms of their knowledge and their commitment to customer service!"
- Ray Duncan, Leawood

"Dear [Virginia] Mendoza [Consumer Assistance Division]:
"Many thanks for your efforts on our behalf to straighten out the problems we have had with our prescription drug insurance….
"I honestly belief if your office had not intervened on our behalf, this situation would have never been corrected."
- John R. Zutavern, Abilene

"Leroy [Brungardt, Producers Division]:
"Thanks for putting me in touch with Barbara Torkelson and Mark McClaflin, they responded right away to my client who is trying to get some problems with her young son's coverage resolved."
- Bryan Riley, Wichita

"From time to time, I have contacted the Insurance Department regarding various questions or concerns, and Joyce [Stillings, Consumer Assistance Division] and others have been very helpful. I am particularly impressed with Joyce, as she is very astute, always returns phone calls promptly and just really knows her stuff very, very well. I wish all government agencies were as well-run, and had such knowledgeable employees. …"
- Nancy G. Holman, McCune

"Ever since last year, I have been in contact with Jason Lapham [Consumer Assistance Division] regarding my long-term care policy. I'm writing to commend his time and caring, as well as excellent help to me. …"
- Beth Crane, Shawnee

"This is to express my appreciation for the timely assistance provided to me by Consumer Representative Jason Lapham …. [Y]our office provided guidance in terms that I could understand. Thank you."
- Mary R. Harms, Topeka

"Kansas has the best online facility for submitting annual filings. Easy to use and user friendly.
"KID Company Desktop rocks!!"
- Kathy Horner, NCMIC Group, Clive, IA

"I have had many opportunities to speak with your staff in the months that I have been with Northwestern and they have always been extremely helpful. …
"… My most recent contact was with Karen Evans [Producers Division], when I sent her the Visa for one of our college interns who is a citizen of Columbia. … Ms. Evans contacted me right away when she saw that there was a problem [with the intern's application] and it was resolved immediately.
"Please let [the KID staff] know how much I appreciate their efficiency and willingness to help. These qualities are sometimes rare in our society these days and they should be commended."
- Lisa A. Randall, Northwestern Mutual Financial Network, Overland Park

"Dear Commissioner Praeger:
"I wanted to [write] to make sure you were aware of the excellent service I received recently from Mary Beth [Shoemaker] in your licensing department (Continuing Education). … Mary Beth provided strong support to quickly help me determine exactly how many additional hours I needed, as well as helping me correctly assign the hours that I had completed. …
"Simply put, based on my experience [as an independent insurance agent], Mary Beth is an outstanding employee for [the] department and provides a friendly/professional/helpful image that even the private sector could learn from. …"
- Ross T. Hendrickson, Chanute

"Thanks again for all your help. Your [department] has been the best of any state/federal government departments I have ever worked with."
- Allison Gardner, Leawood

"Dear Kelly Welch [Consumer Assistance Division],
"Thank you very much for looking into the claim, which was sent to me by [an insurance company]. Needless to say, I was pleased with the result. Your attention to the matter was greatly appreciated."
- Gary Ace, DDS, Emporia

"Dear Mr. [Daryl] Richardson [Consumer Assistance Division],
"On behalf of Bank of the Prairie I want to thank you for the Kansas Insurance Department's efforts in assisting us with the recovery of expenses for the damages to [our] property. We are pleased to inform you that we recently received a check from [our insurance company] acknowledging their mistake."
- Seven A. Barclay, Senior Vice President, Olathe

"Dear Mr. [Ted] Clark [Director, Anti-Fraud Division],
"On behalf of the Topeka Area Retired School Personnel (TARSP), I thank you for being with us … at our luncheon meeting. … If anyone went away [after your presentation] without some new ideas for battling fraud, they must not have been listening! It is wonderful that you and your department is willing to sound the warning for all of us."
- Charlene Hutcheson, Topeka

"I want to share my recent encounter with one of your staff members, Nicole George [Consumer Assistance Division]….
"Several months ago I contacted Ms. George following the total loss of my car in a fire and the difficulties that I faced with my insurance company. …
"I submitted my supporting documentation to her as instructed and recently was contacted by my former insurance company … that they would issue additional monies toward the purchase of a replacement vehicle following the information provided to them ….
"… I appreciate [Ms. George's] honest and professional approach to my issue and her willingness to act on my behalf during this challenging situation."
- Teresa Kellerman, Scranton

"Dear Claudia [Perney, Consumer Assistance Division],
"Thank you for your help resolving my father's insurance problem. The problem seems to have gone away."
- William J. Staab, Jr., Gypsum

"I appreciate your help. Thanks much. After two [tries] by the office manager in Wichita I finally got a letter from [my insurance company] saying my claim had been approved and a check would be in the mail soon."
- Irene Graham, Andover

"Thank you for your support and influence in resolving the matter with [our insurance company] and USD 368. This is one less issue the family will have to address during this trying time."
- Dr. Rod Allen, Superintendent of Schools, USD 368, Paola

"I cannot thank [Steve O'Neil, Consumer Assistance Division] and Commissioner Praeger enough for your swift call to action in my case. … Both claims for June and August have been paid. I am still waiting to hear about the 2007 claims, but I am currently bursting with happiness that you have given me hope for our government doing the right thing in a very efficient manner!! You have simply amazed me and have my heartfelt THANKS!"
- Leah L. Luckeroth, MD, Lawrence

"I wish to thank you so very much for what you did. [My insurance company] even sent me more than … I was asking for. So THANKS, THANKS and THANKS."
- John E. Boyle, Lindsborg

"Dear Claudia [Perney, Consumer Assistance Division]:
"…I want to thank you so very much for helping me & my son ….
"I had … numerous unsuccessful attempts with different department heads [at my insurance company] to resolve our unhappiness with the way they were or weren't handling our … refund request. Had it not been for your involvement, from your status & ability [of] the insurance structure [from] a legal standpoint, I would still be going back & forth with [my insurance company].
"Thank you so very much for your assistance in this matter."
- Diana L. Bruce, S. Hutchinson

"For the past couple of weeks I have been updating my name change throughout the 40+ states. I would like to thank you, as Kansas was the most efficient state at making the forms very easy to find, access and the turn around time of a new license was immediate. … [I] just wanted to say 'THANK YOU' for making this as painless as possible, you wouldn't believe the hassle other states put you through…."
- Debra Anderson Bjorland, Des Moines, IA