In the previous post, we published the ND GOP press release concerning Schneider's Announcement and a specific statement relating to the ND Workers Compensation System - to make things fair, we laid out the statement in Schneider's release, the Dem NPL release and the ND GOP statement.  We noted that the statement was corrected in the Dem-NPL release....

Original Press Release

Whether it is helping our seniors live more independently in retirement, working to bring health insurance coverage to more North Dakota kids, or increasing fairness in the state's workers compensation system, we've got a lot to talk about and plenty of work to do.

ND Dem-NPL Press Release

"North Dakotans should have access to the best insurance coverage around and be certain that they will receive the protection they pay for," Rep. Schneider said. "That's where my focus will be as Insurance Commissioner. Whether it is strengthening laws that protect consumers, promoting policies that help our seniors live independently, or increasing access to health care for our state's children, we can be doing more to make insurance work for North Dakota families."

ND GOP Release

“If Jasper Schneider is running with the idea that the Insurance Commissioner is going to fix the Workforce Safety and Insurance agency, he needs to learn a little more about the job description of the office. The Insurance Commissioner has no more authority over WSI than the Secretary of State.”

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We did a little checking, below is from the ND Insurance Department Web site

What does the Department Of Insurance do?

The Department of Insurance makes sure all companies and agents selling insurance in North Dakota obey state insurance laws.

The Department provides consumer information and investigates complaints about companies or agents.

What kinds of problems can the Department handle?

Most insurance problems: home, auto, health, life, credit insurance, annuity plans, dental, etc.

Problems involving insurance coverage or claims, sales misrepresentations, policy cancellations, and refunds.

Things the Department CANNOT do.

• Act as your lawyer or give you legal advice.
• Recommend or rate insurance companies.
• Force the company to satisfy you if no laws have been broken, even if you believe the company or agent has been unfair.
• Handle problems with your employer's health plan, if it is self-funded and does not involve an insurance company.

Although we here are not experts on ND Law, it appears that the ND Insurance Department cannot handle any complaints against WSI.....quote:  "[cannot] Handle problems with your employer's health plan, if it is self-funded and does not involve an insurance company."

If, WSI is not defined as an "insurance company" -

Now, if the ND Insurance Department was bold enough, they could choose to investigate a claim against WSI, although, the AG might step in and stop them -

It sure would make for good news coverage....."ND Insurance Commissioner battles WSI"