NAIFA’s Policy Director Roger Moore attended the 2025 Annual Meeting of the National Conference of Insurance Legislators (NCOIL) on November 12-15, where he had the opportunity to strengthen NAIFA’s relationships with state legislators, regulators, and industry trade partners as well as advocate for key legislative priorities affecting NAIFA’s members. The meeting drew a record 414 registrations, including 74 legislators from 33 states, 13 first-time legislators from ten states, five insurance commissioners, and representatives from more than a dozen insurance departments.
NCOIL’s Executive Committee elected new officers for the coming year. Senator Paul Utke of Minnesota was elected President, Representative Edmond Jordan of Louisiana became Vice President, Representative Jim Dunnigan of Utah was elected Treasurer, and Representative Brenda Carter of Michigan was chosen as Secretary.
Life Insurance and Genetic Information
The Life Insurance & Financial Planning Committee continued its work on the Model Act Regarding Life Insurers' Use of Genetic Information, sponsored by Representative Brenda Carter. The model aims to set guidelines for the use of genetic information in life insurance underwriting, modeled on Tennessee's approach. The committee heard from Professor Anya Prince of the University of Iowa College of Law, who provided expert analysis on the implications of genetic testing in insurance contexts. Dr. Deborah VanDommelen, Chair of ACLI's Risk Classification Committee, explained that the proposed model strikes a fair and balanced approach based on several successful state enactments. Dr. VanDommelen noted that genetic information can actually benefit potential insureds by demonstrating the absence of genetic risks, potentially resulting in lower premiums. The committee plans to vote on the model at the Spring meeting or an interim meeting.
Artificial Intelligence Regulation
The Financial Services & Multi-Lines Issues Committee engaged in extensive discussion on the proposed Model Act Regarding Insurers' Use of Artificial Intelligence, sponsored by Assemblyman Erik Dilan of New York and Representative Forrest Bennett of Oklahoma. The American Insurtech Council presented an alternative model, suggesting that a focus solely on having active human engagement was both too narrow and too wide. The Council's alternative emphasized insurer governance, monitoring for potential bias, and executive team oversight of AI compliance.
The discussion revealed significant complexity in regulating AI across different insurance lines. Stakeholders debated whether AI should be allowed to approve claims automatically while requiring human review for denials. The National Association of Mutual Insurance Companies argued that AI regulation was premature in property and casualty insurance, noting that illegal activities remain illegal regardless of whether AI is involved. The committee did not vote on either model, allowing time for further development and stakeholder input.
Federal Health Insurance Issues
The NCOIL-NAIC Dialogue featured extensive discussion of federal health insurance matters. Insurance Commissioners reported significant premium increases due to the anticipated expiration of enhanced Affordable Care Act tax credits, with increases ranging from 21% to over 50% depending on the state. Commissioners emphasized the need for Congress to extend the tax credits to prevent widespread coverage losses and market disruption.
The State-Federal Relations & International Insurance Issues Committee heard presentations on Individual Coverage Health Reimbursement Arrangements (ICHRAs), which allow employers to provide defined contributions for employees to purchase individual market coverage. Peter Nelson from CMS's Center for Consumer Information and Insurance Oversight explained how ICHRAs respond to the need for portable coverage and enable small employers to offer health benefits they otherwise couldn't afford. Georgia representatives described their state-based platform for managing ICHRAs, emphasizing the importance of agent education and state support for these programs.
NAIFA Staff Contact: Roger Moore – Policy Director – Government Relations, at rmoore@naifa.org.