Section 25.5-1-131 - Insurance ombudsman - consumer advocate - duties(1) There is hereby created in the state department the office of the insurance ombudsman to act as the advocate for consumer interests in matters related to access to and the affordability of the standardized health benefit plan created pursuant to section 10-16-1304. The ombudsman shall:(a) Interact with consumers regarding their access to, the affordability of, and coverage issues with the standardized plan;(b) Evaluate data to assess the standardized plan's network and affordability; and(c) Represent the interests of consumers in public hearings held pursuant to section 10-16-1306.(2) In the performance of the ombudsman's duties, the ombudsman shall act independently of the state department. Any recommendations made or positions taken by the ombudsman do not reflect those of the state department.Added by 2021 Ch. 241,§7, eff. 6/16/2021.