Rhode Island Insurance Commissioner approves higher health insurance rates The cost of health insurance is set to grow in Rhode Island. Insurance Commissioner Christopher Koller recently approved rate increase proposals that will affect more than 200 plans throughout the state. Higher rates will take effect in 2014 and approval was granted to proposals coming from UnitedHealth of New England and Tufts Health Plan, as well as others operating in the state. On average, rates are to increase by 10% for a variety of plans. Rates for individual market to rise…
Read MoreCategory: Political News
The political arena is ripe with news from the insurance industry – 2012 being a presidential election year, as well as other changes, have made for one of the hottest news topics we have.
Obama administration announces delay to health insurance provision
Health insurance provision for large businesses delayed A major development has emerged in the U.S. concerning the Affordable Care Act. The federal law has been a major source of controversy since its passage in 2010, but the law’s various provisions have yet to be dismantled by any challenger. Thus far, the Obama administration has been the only party capable of introducing any significant changes to the federal law, many of which have been funneled through the Department of Health and Human Services. This week, however, the Obama administration announced a…
Read MoreHealth insurance landscape shifts in Montana
Montana sees major transition in health insurance sector Montana has taken a major step in the field of health insurance. The state’s Insurance Commissioner, Monica Lindeen, has granted her approval for the sale of Blue Cross of Montana, the state’s largest private health insurance provider. Blue Cross of Montana is being sold to the Health Care Service Corp., which is based in Chicago, Illinois. The sale comes with numerous conditions, however, which are meant to benefit state residents to some degree. Sale of Blue Cross of Montana has been approved…
Read MoreLibraries to promote health insurance awareness in the US
Government taps libraries to promote health insurance awareness The U.S. federal government is currently involved in an ambitious campaign to promote the Affordable Care Act. Though the federal law has been upheld by the Supreme Court and faces relatively few legislative hurdles, it must still win over a population that either has a poor view of health care reform or does not know anything about the law. In order to see this campaign reach as many people as possible, the federal government has enlisted a promising ally with strong connections…
Read MoreHealth insurance plans will be offered by six insurers in Iowa
Half a dozen providers have already applied to be able to offer their plans on the state’s exchange. Although six health insurance companies have already applied to be able to sell their policies on the Iowa exchange, having made their submissions to do so by the deadline last Sunday. However, the largest insurer in the state was not among those who opted to participate in the marketplace. The largest health insurance company in Iowa, Wellmark Blue Cross/Blue Shield, currently has about 2 million policyholders in that state and South Dakota.…
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