Connecticut Has New Interim Insurance Commissioner

Days before the Connecticut state insurance department is due to hear a rate increase request from a major health insurance company, Governor M. Jodi Rell has appointed an acting insurance commissioner.

According to the Insurance Journal, Governor Rell’s representatives confirmed the official appointment of Barbara C. Spear on Friday.

Spear will take over the position from Thomas Sullivan, who has served as Connecticut’s insurance commissioner since April, 2007. Friday will be his last day on the job.

Sullivan agreed to a public hearing about a request from Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield to raise their insurance premiums. He said he scheduled the hearing, which will be on Wednesday, because of a series of rate increase requests from this insurer, which has a significant share of Connecticut’s market.