April 19

Commissioner names new health care policy director, appoints new division head

Kansas Insurance Commissioner Sandy Praeger has appointed Linda Sheppard, director of accident and health, to a new position as Special Counsel and Health Care Policy and Analysis Director for the Kansas Insurance Department (KID). Taking Sheppard’s place in the accident and health division is Julie Holmes, who previously was assistant director.

March 18

African-American college students can apply for insurance department-sponsored scholarship

The Kansas Insurance Department is seeking applicants for five $1,000 scholarships to be awarded to African-American students enrolled in Kansas universities, colleges or community colleges during the 2013 fall semester. The African-American Monumental Life Settlement Scholarships are part of a nationwide legal settlement regarding premiums charged by Monumental Life Insurance Company to African-Americans. The Kansas Legislature passed a law designating that the state’s share of the settlement money go to a scholarship program for Kansas African-American college students.

January 18

Commissioner Praeger names new consumer assistance director

Kansas Insurance Commissioner Sandy Praeger has named Jennifer R. Sourk as the director of the Kansas Insurance Department’s Consumer Assistance Division.

January 7

Kansas African-American college students can apply for insurance settlement scholarships

Kansas Insurance Commissioner Sandy Praeger is seeking applicants for five $1,000 scholarships to be awarded to African-American students enrolled in Kansas universities, colleges or community colleges during the 2013 fall semester. The deadline for fall semester 2013 applications is May 1, 2013. A scholarship committee of community members and department personnel will review the applications and award the scholarships, which are renewable.