Michigan Department of Insurance and Financial Services (DIFS) Director Anita Fox promoted Jeff Hayden to serve as the new director of the office of appeals, legal research, and market regulation (OALRMR).
“We are fortunate that Jeff will be continuing to protect Michigan consumers in his new role here at DIFS,” Fox said. “Jeff is a dedicated public servant and leader with more than a decade of experience. Jeff’s leadership will help us to focus on increasing consumer protections for Michiganders and holding the insurance industry accountable.”
Hayden joined DIFS as the manager of the company market regulation unit in April 2022. Before joining DIFS, Hayden worked for a decade litigating insurance claims. Prior to that, Hayden interned in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Michigan and at the Michigan Court of Appeals. Hayden holds degrees from Calvin University and Michigan State University College of Law.
OALRMR was formed in November 2023 when the company market regulation unit joined the office of research, rules, and appeals. As OALRMR director, Hayden will maintain responsibility over the strategic vision of the company market regulation unit and will oversee a variety of important consumer protection functions, including:
- Processing consumers’ appeals of health insurance denials under the Patient’s Right to Independent Review Act;
- Conducting market regulation analysis, examinations and inquiries to ensure that Michigan’s insurance companies operate fairly and in compliance with state and federal laws as well as DIFS’ bulletins;
- Drafting bulletins, administrative rules, and other formal and informal guidance to the industries DIFS regulates.