Wisconsin Office of the Commissioner of Insurance

Office address: 101 E Wilson St, Madison, WI 53703  
Website: oci.wi.gov 
Year established: 1870 
Employees: 135+ 
Key people: Nathan Houdek (commissioner), Rebecca Easland (deputy commissioner), Lauren Van Buren (chief legal counsel), Rebecca Rebholz and Amy Malm (administrators), Sarah Smith (director) 
Operating budget: $21 million (FY 2025) 

The Wisconsin Office of the Commissioner of Insurance (OCI) regulates the state’s insurance market and protects over 5 million policyholders across Wisconsin. In 2023, it helped recover $4.7 million for consumers and monitored $34.2 billion in direct insurance premiums. 

History of Wisconsin Office of the Commissioner of Insurance 

Wisconsin began regulating insurance in 1870, with full responsibility later handed to the Office of the Commissioner of Insurance. The agency was formally created in 1878 to oversee insurers and protect consumers in a growing and often unstable market. 

Over the decades, the Wisconsin Office of the Commissioner of Insurance expanded its authority and built stronger safeguards for policyholders. Major milestones in its development include: 

• 1871: joined early efforts that led to the creation of NAIC 
• 1911: created the State Life Insurance Fund for affordable life policies 
• 1936: passed the Insurer Liquidation Act for failed insurer oversight 
• 1969: formed the Wisconsin Insurance Security Fund to protect consumers 
• 1975: launched the Injured Patients and Families Compensation Fund 
• 2002: redesigned oci.wi.gov for better public access to services 
• 2020: restructured into market and financial regulation divisions 
• 2022: added licensing exams in Spanish and Hmong to reach more residents 

With each change, OCI kept its focus on public service and accountability. From fire-era losses to modern reforms, it continues to evolve. 

Wisconsin Office of the Commissioner of Insurance mandate 

The Wisconsin OCI operates under Chapter 601 of the Wisconsin Statutes, which outlines its regulatory authority over insurers in Wisconsin. Its mission, updated in 2020, is to protect and educate consumers while promoting a strong insurance market. It has several divisions that carry out its duties: 

1. financial regulation 
2. market regulation and enforcement 
3. administrative services 
4. public affairs 
5. operational management office 
6. commissioner's office 

The Wisconsin Office of the Commissioner of Insurance is led by the insurance commissioner, a role appointed by the governor and confirmed by the state senate. Nathan Houdek currently serves in this position, following his appointment in 2022 under Governor Tony Evers and a senate confirmation in March 2023. 

Key responsibilities  

The Wisconsin Office of the Commissioner of Insurance plays a central role in keeping the state’s insurance system fair and reliable. Its duties help shape insurance laws in Wisconsin. These also include: 

• company licensing: approves and monitors over 2,200 licensed insurers 
• agent licensing: manages more than 497,000 active licenses 
• policy form review: checks for legal compliance and clarity 
• financial oversight: monitors solvency through exams and analysis 
• consumer complaints: investigates and resolves consumer issues 
• fraud enforcement: responds to insurance fraud and misconduct 
• public funds management: oversees State Life Fund and IPFCF 
• rulemaking support: advises on state insurance laws and rules 
• public education: creates tools like WisCovered.com for outreach 
• market regulation: examines conduct and takes disciplinary action 
• national leadership: participates in NAIC committees and task forces 

The Wisconsin OCI also processes licensing exams in Spanish and Hmong and maintains a financial filing portal to cut paperwork. Its work affects policyholders, agents, and insurers statewide. 

Recent initiatives and regulatory focus 

As part of its ongoing consumer support efforts, the Wisconsin Office of the Commissioner of Insurance issued storm recovery guidance after severe weather hit Wisconsin. The agency urged residents to document damage, including spoiled food and roof issues, and to contact insurers promptly to begin the claims process. 

Also, the OCI issued its first insurance fraud forfeiture. It ordered $33,000 from a Milwaukee business owner. The case came through a new fraud unit and a statewide enforcement team focused on stopping false insurance claims. 

Consumer protection and outreach 

The Wisconsin Office of the Commissioner of Insurance offers direct support to residents navigating policies, claims, and consumer rights. It provides online and real-time help through programs designed to protect the public and explain coverage options: 

• consumer affairs team: handles questions, complaints, and insurance problems 
• Life Insurance Policy Locator: helps find lost or unknown life policies 
• WisCovered.com: connects users with free expert health insurance help 
• disaster guidance: shares preparation tips and recovery steps for storm damage 
• online complaint forms: lets consumers file and follow up on insurance issues 

The Wisconsin OCI also answers digital inquiries and walk-ins through a dedicated team in Madison. Its outreach covers homeowners, business owners, Medicare users, and everyone in between.