WASHINGTON, D.C. — The State-Federal Relations Committee of the National Conference of Insurance Legislators (NCOIL) unanimously adopted a resolution opposing amendment or repeal of the McCarran-Ferguson Act during their summer conference. Specifically, NCOIL opposes S. 618 and H.R. 1081, which would repeal a provision that grants insurers a limited antitrust exemption.
NCOIL held its summer meeting in Seattle July 18-22. During the meeting, the State-Federal relations committee discussed both the recently introduced National Insurance Act of 2007 and the potential repeal of the McCarran-Ferguson Act. According to NCOIL, they oppose the proposed bills “on the grounds that it misinterprets the role of states in enforcing antitrust protections and would jeopardize insurer practices that promote available and affordable coverage; expose insurance markets to uncertainty and litigation; and create an environment that inadvertently disadvantages consumers most in need.” ASA supports the repeal of the McCarran-Ferguson Act based, in part, upon determinations made in the non-partisan Antitrust Modernization Commission (AMC) report and the need for more scrutiny in the regulation of the insurance industry. This report was issued in April and highlighted concerns with broad antitrust exemptions. By repealing the act through the Insurance Industry Competition Act of 2007, ASA believes that consumers and collision repairers would benefit. To view the language of both S. 618 and H.R. 1081, view the AMC report, and to send a letter of support for the repeal of McCarran-Ferguson, visit ASA’s legislative Web site, www.TakingTheHill.com. | 
