PROVIDENCE— Lt. Gov. Elizabeth Roberts today applauded the restoration of the Office of the Health Insurance Commissioner in the FY 2010 state budget. An amendment to the budget passed in the House of Representatives restored the office, which would have been eliminated, effective July 1.
“Rhode Islanders were on the verge of losing an office that provides vitally important protections making health insurance more affordable and ensuring that those who provide us with medical care are treated fairly,” said Lt. Gov. Roberts. “A broad and diverse coalition of business, health care providers, consumers and advocates joined together to raise their voices to protest the elimination of this office. Both the leadership and rank-and-file members of the legislature heard those voices, and I thank them for listening and acting decisively to protect affordability, fairness and health care reform,” Roberts said.