Connecticut Insurance Commissioner Resigns

Connecticut Insurance Commissioner Thomas Sullivan has resigned from his position as the Nutmeg State’s top insurance regulator.

Sullivan, a former executive at The Hartford, was appointed commissioner in 2007 by outgoing Gov. M. Jodi Rell, a Republican.

His last day will be Nov. 12.

The insurance department, and Sullivan in particular, has over the last year become an increasing target of consumer and advocacy groups as well as some Democratic politicians who charge that the department acts as a rubber stamp for insurance carriers – specifically health insurer Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield — in approving dramatic annual rate increases.

His resignation, effective Nov. 12, comes barely a week after a coalition of advocacy groups, The Citizens for Economic Opportunity, called on Rell to replace Sullivan as commissioner.

In March, a state senator said he would introduce legislation to make the commissioner’s job an elected position, rather than an appointed one.

In his three years as commissioner, Sullivan ushered in a number of efficiency improvements and other changes at the department. Among them: faster approval of rate filings, paperless licensing for out-of-state and in-state agents and brokers and began making insurers’ market conduct reports easily accessible to the public.

With elections ongoing around the country, numerous states’ insurance departments are expected to see shakeups in the next few months — particularly in states like Connecticut, where new governors will be picked today.

Commissioner Sullivan Resignation Letter