Congress May Need to Intervene After months of discussions, the interim final rule on Medical Loss Ratios (MLRs) released by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) was a huge disappointment. The rule essentially mirrors efforts by the …
State insurance regulators have established a task force to monitor the negative effects the new federal health reform law might have on health insurance agents and brokers. The National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC), which rejected pleas to protect brokers’ …
The medical professional liability insurance industry faces new challenges from both health reform and increased competition. A new industry study by Conning Research & Consulting claims that both health care reform and heightened competition will slow growth and profitability for …
A.M. Best Co. has affirmed the financial strength ratings (FSR) and issuer credit ratings (ICR) of the property/casualty and life/health insurance subsidiaries of Assurant, Inc. Best also affirmed the ICR of “bbb” and debt ratings of Assurant. The outlook for …
As insurance brokers feared, the Obama Administration has not exempted broker commissions from the formula for the medical loss ratio that health insurers must adhere to beginning in 2011. Brokers say they may ask Congress to intervene if the medical …
Illinois is seeking public comment on the structure, governance and financing of an online insurance exchange. Individuals and small businesses would be able to shop for health coverage through the exchange. The nation’s new health overhaul law requires the exchanges …
Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman has appointed Bruce Ramge of Omaha to serve as the director of the Nebraska Department of Insurance (DOI). He has served as acting director since October 30, and has served as deputy director of the department …
New Insurance Products Cover Risks Created by New Laws and Regulations The federal government’s crackdown on fraud and errors in Medicare and Medicaid is raising liability issues for firms that specialize in managing claims and billing for these programs – …
With the first of 77 million baby boomers nearing retirement age in 2011, assisted living facilities and nursing home facilities will play a more important role than ever before. About three million Americans will require long term and post-acute care …
Half of all graduating medical residents or fellows trained in Illinois leave the state to practice medicine elsewhere, in large part due to the medical liability environment in Illinois, according to a new study from Northwestern University Feinberg School of …
