Why Offer Public Comment?
Public comment is a fundamental part of policy making. Regulatory proceedings allow members of the public to express their viewpoints on insurance issues under consideration. This typically occurs at the beginning of a proceeding. In many of these cases, before the hearing officer makes a decision, evidence will also be presented by the parties, and expert witnesses testify and are cross-examined. Therefore, the public comment portion of the hearing is a unique opportunity for you, as a member of the public, to voice concern, support, or suggestions early in the agency's decision-making process. Consumer perspective is strongly valued by the Division, and we encourage your participation in public comment hearings.
How To Offer Public Comment
Notices of public hearings at the Division of Insurance are posted to the Division’s website and are published in various newspapers. If you wish to make an oral statement at a public hearing, you may file a "Notice of Intent to Comment" with the Division by email to the docket clerk mailbox: doidocket.mailbox@mass.gov or by mail to Docket Clerk, Hearings and Appeals, Division of Insurance, 1 Federal St, Suite 700, Boston, MA 02110. Include your name, the name of any organization you represent (if any), and the docket number listed in the notice of public hearing. Be sure to file the notice of intent to testify by the date specified in the notice of hearing. Those who do not notify the Division in advance will be heard after those who provide advance notice.
You may also submit written comments while the record is open to doidocket.mailbox@mass.gov