Former CEO of ConnectiCare believes he is a consumer advocate

In a Hartford Courant article Mickey Hebert, a controversial former insurance executive nominated to the CT insurance exchange board, maintains that he is fully capable of understanding the needs of consumers. Advocates dispute that claim, outlining important qualifications that only people who have assisted consumers meet the standard. Advocates are also skeptical that a former insurance executive can put aside his former occupation, looking out for the interests of a for-profit  insurance company, and act in consumers’ best interests, especially when the two are at odds. The state law that created the exchange includes strong conflict of interest language excluding membership on the Board by anyone “affiliated” with an insurance company. Federal regulations state that a majority of voting Board members should be consumer representatives.