PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) — State leaders in Rhode Island are protesting a proposal to eliminate a watchdog agency that monitors health insurance rates for residents.
Lt. Gov. Elizabeth Roberts, a Democrat, will speak Tuesday against a budget plan that saves about $700,000 by eliminating the office of the state health insurance commissioner. Representatives of the Rhode Island Medical Society and business owners were expected to join Roberts.
Commissioner Christopher Koller's staff is responsible for evaluating requests from health insurers that want to raise rates for their customers. He recently asked three health insurers to withdraw plans for rate increases.
On Monday, Republican Gov. Don Carcieri asked lawmakers to restore Koller's job.
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A budget vote was planned for Wednesday.