Michigan News

Florida Case Is Next Test for Health Care Law

Attorneys for 20 states fighting the new federal health care law told a judge last week it will expand the government’s powers in dangerous and unintended ways. The states want U.S. District Judge Roger Vinson to issue a summary judgment …

2010/2011 Buyer’s Guide

Welcome to Insurance Journal’s 2nd annual Buyer’s Guide, a tear-out directory of services, products and solutions for the insurance industry. Companies are listed within eleven different categories; Agents, Agent Networks, Agency Services, Claims, Construction/Restoration, Education/Training, Human Resources, Insurance Associations, Marketing, …

Business Moves

Ryan Specialty Group, Oakbridge R-T Specialty LLC, the wholesale brokerage unit of Ryan Specialty Group LLC, acquired Bloomfield, Conn.-based Oakbridge Insurance Services LLC, an insurance intermediary focused exclusively on executive and professional liability exposures and insurance solutions. Terms were not …

Rating Recaps: PrimeOne, Berkshire Hathaway (Notes), Safety National

A.M. Best Co. has assigned a financial strength rating of ‘B+’ (Good) and issuer credit rating of “bbb-” to Michigan-based PrimeOne Insurance Company, both with stable outlooks. The ratings of PrimeOne “largely reflect its adequate initial capitalization and the track …

Progressive Insurance Signs On As Sponsor for Gator Bowl

Progressive insurance company has signed a one-year deal to be the title sponsor of the Gator Bowl. The deal includes an option for three more years. The Gator Bowl, which will feature Mississippi State against Michigan on New Year’s Day, …

Obama Team Confident of Ultimate Win on Health Insurance Law

The U.S. Justice Department is confident it will ultimately prevail in defending a key part of President Barack Obama’s landmark healthcare law, a department spokeswoman said Monday. Spokeswoman Tracy Schmaler expressed disappointment that a federal judge in Virginia declared a …

Status of Legal Challenges to Obama Health Reform Law

Within hours of President Barack Obama signing into law last March the healthcare reforms he had championed, several states filed lawsuits challenging the constitutionality of new requirements, including one that individuals buy health insurance. Most legal scholars expect one of …

A.M. Best Affirms Ratings of Michigan Insurance Co.

A.M. Best Co. has removed from under review with negative implications and affirmed the financial strength rating of A (Excellent) and issuer credit rating of “a” of Michigan Insurance Co. based in Grand Rapids, Mich. The outlook assigned to both …

Mercury Insurance Cuts Calif. Auto Rates About 10%

Mercury Insurance announced a $72-million rate reduction for California drivers that includes a rate decrease that could reach up to 10% or more, a new group affiliation discount for university alumni, and the inclusion of 24-hour roadside assistance for auto …

Georgia Regulator Goes After Blue Cross ‘Favored’ Contracts

Georgia’s largest health insurer has such a strong hold on the market that hospitals can’t make better deals with other insurers, which is raising flags for the state’s insurance commissioner. A routine clause in the contract that Blue Cross Blue …