Commissioner's Corner

Commissioner Praeger's monthly newsletter

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For Additional Information, contact Bob Hanson - Public Information Officer, 785-296-7807 or contact him by email at commissioner@ksinsurance.org.

2012 Commissioner's Corners

February

Increased fraud activity happens this time of year

Kansans stay indoors more during the winter, and we rely on phone service to communicate with others when we can’t get out. Unfortunately, the phone service that lets many of us stay in touch sometimes lets strangers engage us in fraudulent insurance activity.

January

Military families should consider a life insurance policy review

Military families throughout Kansas and the Midwest are relishing the thought of being together more now that troops and reservists have returned from the Middle East. As many settle back into more routine family life, family financial considerations will again become topics of conversation.

2011 Commissioner's Corners

December

It's time to check your lists for insurance, winter driving

The winter holidays are filled with activities and trips. It’s one of the busiest times of the year for families and traveling. Before you take to the roads this winter, make sure your vehicle and insurance are ready. 

November

Nationally-recognized website contains much information for consumers, agents

Our nationally-recognized website provides a valuable information source for consumers and insurance policyholders, as well as the casual visitor.  It also allows insurance agents and companies to access and send documents needed by us as part of our regulation of the insurance industry in Kansas, and it helps them find current information for their clients.

October

Options for health insurance coverage need careful consideration by consumers

With the economy weighing heavily on the wallets of Kansas consumers, and health reform still confusing to many, Kansans have more to think about than ever as they make health insurance decisions this fall.

September

Life insurance awareness part of family protection

Most of us know that life insurance is not about us, but about our families and loved ones. Having a life insurance policy on yourself can be one of the handful of decisions that will have great significance for others over the course of a lifetime.

August

Should you begin planning for long-term care insurance?

As Kansans slowly begin to pull out of economic doldrums, many may look to fund future financial needs once more, such as putting money away for retirement instead of short-term obligations. 

July

Economic trends may impact Kansans' car insurance costs

Financial challenges have forced many Kansans to make lifestyle changes to adapt to the current economy.  From changing jobs to moving to a different house to downsizing vehicles, they have made decisions that impact unexpected areas of their lives – like car insurance. 

June

Storm damages are a reminder to be wary of insurance scams

Kansans have been through their share of storm-related experiences during the past two months. Tornadoes, hail, high winds, driving rains and flooding have made the spring of 2011 one that many of the state's citizens won't soon forget. 

May

Lowering your auto premiums one way to combat rising prices

As summer approaches, Kansans will take to the roads more frequently for business or pleasure.  We will be fighting our way through higher gas prices and higher price tags for new or used vehicles as well. Is there any way we can combat those hits on our wallets? 

April

Do you really know what's in the health reform law?

It’s been just over a year since the federal health care legislation known as The Affordable Care Act (ACA) was signed into law.  The massive legislation now on the books is the most comprehensive federal health reform law since the passage of Medicare back in the 1960s.

March

Exchange discussions will benefit Kansans

Kansas volunteers from the business, insurance, organizational and governmental communities are meeting now and in the coming months to forge ideas on providing Kansas solutions for Kansas health insurance. 

February

It's time to do an annual homeowner's insurance checkup

As Kansans wait out winter, our thoughts turn to springtime.  We're ready for the warmer temperatures, but are we ready for facing the unpredictable springtime weather? Maybe it's time for a homeowner's checkup.

January

Anti-fraud efforts strengthened by sharing reports, information

Health care fraud numbers are staggering.  The U.S. spends more than $2 trillion on healthcare annually. At least 3 percent of that spending —$68 billion — is lost to fraud each year, according to a 2008 study by the National Health Care Anti-Fraud Association. To help combat that, the Kansas Insurance Department's (KID's) Anti-Fraud Division, as well as anti-fraud agencies and organizations throughout the United States, may soon have new informational tools for fighting scams.