The National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) is looking for representatives from non-profit organizations to represent consumer interests at NAIC meetings for 2009.

Applications for the NAIC 2009 Consumer Liaison Program will be accepted until Dec. 31, the organization said. The program was started in 1992.

Applicants can become either funded or unfunded representatives, the NAIC said. On its Web site, the NAIC said of funded representatives, “Individuals selected for funding are expected to attend all four NAIC quarterly meetings and to fully participate in NAIC deliberations. In return, the NAIC reimburses consumer representatives for airfare, lodging, and meal expenses associated with participation in and traveling to NAIC meetings.”

The NAIC added that representatives must have an understanding of insurance-related issues, and be free of obligations or commitments to an industry that would conflict with representing consumer interests.

Consumer organizations that do not want or need to request funding can apply for an unfunded consumer representative position, the NAIC said. The NAIC defines a consumer organization as “a national, state, or local organization that serves to protect the interests of consumers as they relate to the regulation of insurance.”

NAIC president and Kansas Insurance Commissioner, Sandy Praeger, said in a statement, “Consumer representatives play a valuable role in helping us achieve our primary goals of consumer protection and education. This program provides a structured way to integrate consumer viewpoints into our regulatory discussions–and we encourage anyone interested in making a difference to apply.”

Application forms and more information are online at www.naic.org/consumer_participation.htm. The NAIC said it will announce funded and unfunded representatives in early February 2009.

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