Senate confirms Corey B. King as Rhode Island health insurance commissioner, 34-1

Corey B. King was confirmed by the Rhode Island Senate on April 2 as health insurance commissioner by a 34–1 margin, winning the chamber's advice and consent after supporters highlighted his work overseeing Medicaid rate review and regulatory changes aimed at expanding investments in behavioral health.

Chairman Miller introduced King and said he has served as acting health insurance commissioner since December 2022 and previously held roles including director of policy and chief of staff. "Mr. King has continued to make OHIC an important health policy and data resource," Miller said, urging senators to grant their advice and consent.

Senator Bell praised King's leadership, citing the Medicaid rate review and rule changes that "require them to triple their investments in childhood behavioral health" and easing of "hard caps" that Bell said had strained hospital budgets. "In his short time, he's made some really important positive changes," Bell said.

Other senators also voiced support. Senator Ojifuso said King has been "an incredible source of facts and data" with an unswerving goal to serve Rhode Islanders. Senator Wario told colleagues that King and Rhode Island's Office of the Health Insurance Commissioner were held up at a national conference as a benchmark for controlling health care costs.

The Senate recorded 34 votes in the affirmative and one in the negative. The appointment replaces Patrick Teague in the role; the motion for advice and consent was moved by Chairman Miller and seconded by multiple senators. No further implementation details or effective date were specified on the floor.

The nomination was reported to the Senate and adopted; the Office of the Health Insurance Commissioner will proceed under King's leadership.