Texas Insurance Commissioner Launches ‘Keep it Simple’ Campaign

Texas Insurance Commissioner Kent Sullivan is aiming to ensure that plain language prevails at the Texas Department of Insurance website with a “keep it simple” campaign.

Sullivan is a plain language champion, and his message is taking hold at the Texas Department of Insurance. It’s unlikely TDI can get rid of terms like “contingent nonforfeiture benefit” overnight, but the agency is making headway.

TDI redesigned its website to help customers solve problems. The agency is cutting the jargon, using larger type, and making other changes to make information easier to read, TDI said. Letters and forms are being rewritten with an eye toward shorter words and formats that are easier to read.

TDI is looking volunteers to review information to make sure it’s easy to understand before it is published.

Sullivan also has issued guidance to long-term care insurers about writing rate notices in plain language.

Sullivan said the goal is to use plain language in everything the agency does − on the website, in writing, even on the phone.

“It’s not enough to be technically accurate if no one understands your message,” he said in a statement. “It’s win-win when consumers understand insurance and how it works.”

Sullivan also places a priority on listening – to what information the agency’s customers need and to how to make it easier to read. For example, a Twitter post that mentioned an “incredibly vague postcard” from TDI soon led to a revised version with larger type, simpler language, and a clearer message.

“We invite you to hold us accountable,” Sullivan said. “Insurance can be complex. That makes it even more important to keep the language simple.”

Source: TDI

Topics Texas