by Jon Styf
Tennessee’s Department of Commerce and Insurance says it has recovered $9.5 million for Tennessee residents in 2024.
The group mediates complaints between consumers and insurance companies, resulting in previously denied claims being overturned and additional benefits identified and paid to consumers.
The recovery comes after the division recorded a record of more than $17.45 million for Tennessee residents in 2023.
“Consumers who may feel frustrated or overwhelmed when dealing with insurance-related issues know they can contact our Consumer Insurance Services team for assistance and information about their insurance policies,” TDCI Assistant Commissioner Bill Huddleston said in a statement.
TDCI’s insurance division includes 126 full-time employees and was budgeted for $25.1 million in expenses in the 2023-24 fiscal year, up from 109 employees and $14.6 million in the 2021-22 fiscal year.
The insurance division’s 2022-23 and 2023-24 budgets were similar at less than $25 million.
TDCI says it regulates all types of insurance, and its Consumer Insurance Services team can answer questions at 800-342-4029 or 615-741-2218.
The most common complaints are related to claim denials, claim delays, unsatisfactory settlement offers and out-of-network benefits.
– – –
Jon Styf is an award-winning editor and reporter of The Center Square who has worked in Illinois, Texas, Wisconsin, Florida and Michigan in local newsrooms over the past 20 years, working for Shaw Media, Hearst and several other companies.
Hard to determine which are the bigger thieves, insurance companies or the Tennessee state government. My bet is on the government. One that throws tax dollars around like there is no tomorrow.