Insurance subcommittee forwards bill to publish substantiated insurer violations affecting seniors

The insurance subcommittee on March 18 approved an amended bill requiring public disclosure of final, substantiated findings of insurer misconduct and sent the measure to the full Insurance Committee.

Representative Hakee explained the measure, House Bill 1477, saying it is “about one simple principle, transparency where the public is harmed without it.” He told the committee the bill would require the department to publish substantiated violations involving failures to timely investigate or pay claims, misrepresentation of coverage, patterns of unfair settlement practices and violations affecting Tennesseans older than 65. He said the measure would not disclose personal information, medical records, trade secrets or ongoing investigations and that only final findings would be published.

Under the bill as explained by Hakee, the department would begin posting the information online Oct. 1, 2026, maintain the data in a searchable format and provide quarterly updates starting January 2027. The bill also calls for an annual report specifically detailing claims involving seniors and enforcement actions taken.

Chairman Kumar praised the proposal during discussion, calling it “a good and a bold effort to allow the information to be made available to public so public can shop and know what to expect from their insurance companies,” and noted the bill lists categories of information that should remain confidential.

The committee adopted an amendment to HB 1477 (drafting code 010995) by voice vote and, with no further debate, the clerk reported six ayes and the chair announced the ayes had it. The subcommittee then sent the amended bill to the full Insurance Committee for further consideration.

The meeting record shows other calendar items were either rolled to the Hill or taken off notice; the subcommittee adjourned after completing business.