Beth Sammis was named as the interim successor to replace Ralph S. Tyler as Maryland’s insurance commissioner.

Beth Sammis

Gov. Martin O’Malley announced today – Jan. 8 – that Sammis, who joined the Maryland Insurance Administration in 2007 as deputy commissioner, would be the interim replacement for Tyler, who is departing as of today for a post with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

Christine Hansen, deputy press secretary for the governor’s office, told IFAwebnews.com, that O’Malley plans to work with both Tyler and Sammis on naming a full-time replacement to the post, but has no timeline to name a permanent insurance regulator.

“Beth has been an extraordinary partner during my time as commissioner,” Tyler said in a statement.  “She has lead the effort to bring a sharper focus to the agency’s mission of protecting consumers.  Her expertise in health insurance will be a great asset to the state as the state prepares to implement federal health reform legislation.”

In November, shortly after naming Karen Stakem Hornig to the same title as Sammis – deputy commissioner – Tyler told IFAwebnews.com that Sammis would replace him if the need arose, while the governor’s office said it could be Sammis, Stakem Hornig or another person altogether.

According to Karen Barrow, the MIA’s director of public affairs, Tyler’s term expires in May 2011. Under Maryland Code, the term of insurance commissioner is for four years, Barrow said.

Sammis assumes interim oversight of Maryland’s $26 billion insurance industry coming from her role as deputy commissioner, where she worked on regulatory issues and recommended policy direction for health insurance. Prior to joining the MIA, Sammis served as vice president for government affairs for the mid-Atlantic region of UnitedHealthcare and as senior vice-president of corporate communications for Mid-Atlantic Medical Services Inc. (MAMSI).