NEW YEAR , SAME DREAMS , FRESH START
By : Commissioner Vicki Schmidt
Happy New Year ! Like you , I ’ m looking forward to the year ahead and the opportunity to continue the good work we are doing at the Kansas Insurance Department to help Kansans navigate the insurance and securities industries .
2021 is a special year for the Kansas Insurance Department , as we will celebrate the 150th anniversary of the Department ’ s establishment . Over the years , the Department has seen a number of changes , most recently the addition of the Securities division . We are excited to look back at the history , the commissioners , the staff , and the industry to celebrate the progress we ’ ve made over the years . Watch our social media for some fun content on the 150th Anniversary of the Insurance Department . is something insurance companies look at when deciding where to make their home . The Department must do everything it can to make Kansas an attractive state to do business .
As always , thank you for your work on behalf of Kansas consumers . If there is ever something you think can work better or help other Kansans have a better experience , please share it with me at kid . commissioner @ ks . gov .
Another critical event for the Department this year will be accreditation through the National Association of Insurance Commissioners . This takes place every five years and is an essential tool in maintaining the state-based regulation of insurance . The accreditation process ensures a baseline of uniformity across states to have confidence in the oversight and regulation being done on companies based in other states but doing business in Kansas . Accreditation
Kansas Insurance Commissioner Vicki Schmidt is both a lifelong Kansan and Republican . She worked for more than 40 years serving Kansas families and seniors as a local pharmacist . It was her pharmacy experience and commitment to bettering Kansas that drew her to run for the Legislature . Vicki became the voice for reform . She represented Shawnee and Wabaunsee counties for 14 years , including six as the Chair of the Senate Public Health and Welfare Committee . On Nov . 6 , 2018 , Vicki was elected as Kansas Insurance Commissioner . She became the first pharmacist to serve as Kansas Insurance Commissioner and is the only pharmacist in America to hold a statewide office .
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