The Delaware Insurance Commissioner regulates Delaware’s insurance industry, tracks insurance companies’ financial well-being, and investigates insurance fraud complaints. Delaware’s insurance Commissioner is elected to a four-year term on presidential election years. The commissioner oversees the execution of the Delaware Department of Insurance mission to protect our citizens through the following means: Protect insurance consumers Regulate companies to ensure ability to pay claims Review, approve, and/or disapprove rates submitted by insurance companies Prosecute insurance fraud License agents and brokers Save businesses money on premium costs Assist Medicare-eligible seniors Advocate for residents through arbitration and legislation
Salary: $130,947/year
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Party: Democrat
Campaign Email: trinidadnavarro2016@gmail.com
Work Experience: New Castle County Police Officer 1991- – 2011, New Castle County Sheriff 2011- – 2017, Insurance Commissioner 2017– present
Neighborhood/area of residence: Caravel Woods
Campaign Website: trinidad-navarro.com
Campaign Phone: (302) 593-3345
Education: BS is Criminal Justice, Wilmington University
Community Involvement: Member of the 27th Representative District, Former coach and board member of the Canal Little League
Q: What are your qualifications for office, and what differentiates you from the other candidate(s)?
A: I am the only candidate who is uniquely qualified for this position. I have been an insurance regulator for 8 years having accomplished the following: * I have fined insurance companies millions for prohibited practice violations. * I have investigated and prosecuted insurance fraud. * I have been elected by my peers to serve as the Chair of the national anti-fraud task force. * I have recovered millions for consumers in arbitration. * I have recruited multiple insurance companies who offer various lines of insurance to Delawareans. * I have collected over a billion dollars in premium taxes for the state of Delaware. * Most importantly, I have assisted 1,000’s of consumers who had been taken advantage of by insurance companies.
Q: In 2022 the top 6 health insurance companies reported combined profits of over $40 billion. What is your position on profitability versus coverage and care in healthcare?
A: In evaluating rates, we can mostly take into account paid claims against premiums. We take into account trend analysis for claims. We have contracted analysts with no insurance company affiliation to examine rate requests and offer their finding to the department for a final decision. A large part of companies’ profits are generated from their investment portfolios. As you’re probably aware, the success of the investment markets over the past few years after steep declines during Covid have provided companies with significant profits for their investment portfolios. We can only minimally consider investment profits when reviewing rate filings.
Q: In 2021, insurance companies denied an average of 17% of in-network claims, with private insurers far more likely to deny claims than public plans. Discuss your point of view on insurance denials. What is your perspective on why private insurers are so much more likely to deny claims?
A: Of course we’d like to see that number lower. In the private sector, there is no staff actively assisting its members. It’s up to the individual to appeal denials and go thru the administrative process. In the public arena, ie. State of Delaware employees and retirees, there is the State Benefits office that actively pursues claim denials on behalf of its members. The DOI really doesn’t have a role in this. But I can assure you that in the private sector, once made aware of a constituent’s issues with a denial we will advocate on behalf of the individual to the fullest extent possible.
Q: What is your position on making prior authorizations by health insurers easier for patients to navigate?
A: Prior authorizations have their place to keep overall costs in line. However, studies have shown that insurers ultimately approve the requested procedure –at a rate of about 95%. This year, I supported the premise of the Medical Society’s effort to pass SB 10, the “Prior Authorization Bill.” Although the bill wasn’t completed this year, I look forward to offering our assistance to pass a bill that would lessen the burden for both providers and patients. I would additionally be in favor of having time limits on the approval process, and a more visible process to the consumer.
Q: How should Delaware balance increasing costs for state employee retirement insurance with care gaps from other less expensive plans?
A: As a member of the State Employment Benefit Committee, I voted in favor of keeping the previous plan- in lieu of a Medicare Advantage plan. However, I would be open to offering choices to members and have their costs reflective of the level of coverage they choose. Many people of retirement age encounter increased healthcare costs as they age. Conditions vary from person to person. However, during retirement years of reduced income, it’s essential that healthcare remain affordable. So, I’m in favor of keeping a robust healthcare coverage plan for retirees and a more cost effective option for the State and retirees who are fortunate enough to have a healthy retirement period needing less provider care and medication.
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Ralph Taylor
Party: Republican
Additional Information: Chair of Safety Advisory and Transportation Committee, Member of Dover Economic Development Committee. Dover Development Partnership Lyons Club. Rotary, Murphy School Board of Directors
Community Involvement: Former Dover City Councilmen, Capital School District Board Member,
Campaign Email: Ralphltaylorjr@gmail.com
Neighborhood/area of residence: 30 S Shore Dr Dover DE 19901
Campaign Website: voteralphtaylor.com
Campaign Phone: (302) 313-1486
Work Experience: Retired police officer, entrepreneur owner of The Bug Guy
Education: High school grad, college attendee
Q: What are your qualifications for office, and what differentiates you from the other candidate(s)?
A: This is a leadership position. I’ve assumed a leadership role with each elected position I’ve been blessed to hold. As a councilmen and school board member, party politics played no role in the decision process. As the owner of The Bug Guy pest control services, I currently am the president of the De Pest Control Association, where our board set the standards on training and professionalism. Resolving the issue was the only objective. This helps me in my approach to resolving insurance issues since insurance is mandatory for all regardless of political affiliations. A bipartisan approach to problems solving is all I know. Being a licensed insurance producer, trained leader, elected to two different public offices differentiates me.
Q: In 2022 the top 6 health insurance companies reported combined profits of over $40 billion. What is your position on profitability versus coverage and care in healthcare?
A: These companies not only know the rules, they make them. Corporate attorneys, corporate greed, effective lobbyists in the ears and pockets of elected officials on Capitol Hill have put them in those positions. The money rules the decision making process. Sadly, we’re not getting the best bang for our buck. Family doctors are rapidly disappearing because health care profits are determining health care results. Standard of care is determined by the insurers that make the rules.
Q: In 2021, insurance companies denied an average of 17% of in-network claims, with private insurers far more likely to deny claims than public plans. Discuss your point of view on insurance denials. What is your perspective on why private insurers are so much more likely to deny claims?
A: They deny so regularly due to limited oversight. Unfortunately, insurance companies don’t always do what’s expected, but they will do what’s inspected. The commissioners office doesn’t get involved until a complaint is filed at which time they will be held accountable for their decisions to deny claims whether they’re private or public
Q: What is your position on making prior authorizations by health insurers easier for patients to navigate?
A: I believe a doctor is the best to determine a standard of care, not the insurance companies. If the doctor prescribes the insurance companies should comply. I believe we’ve lost the art of calling patients and walking the through the process. The automated approach works for those that are computer/internet savvy but a serious hindrance to seniors, disenfranchised, physically or cerebrally challenged. Let’s attempt to get back to calling patients and walking them through this arduous process
Q: How should Delaware balance increasing costs for state employee retirement insurance with care gaps from other less expensive plans?
A: Use supplemental insurers whenever possible. A preventive approach through incentives promoting great health while the employee is working and in retirement. Education on how the foods we eat effect our bodies positively and negativity.
The Delaware Journalism Collaborative is a project of the Local Journalism Initiative.
