Rhode Island’s Superior Court has passed a ruling granting the state’s Insurance Commissioner, Christopher F. Koller, the power to regulate contracts between insurance companies and health care providers. The ruling stems from events that unfolded in 2008 when Koller nullified a contract between Rhode Island’s Blue Cross Blue Shield health insurance company and the Care New England hospital group. The contract would have brought major benefits to the medical group at the expense of consumers, Koller claimed. In response, Care New England filed a suit against the Insurance Commissioner to…
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State Auto Insurance Company reduces Massachusetts and eliminates Rhode Island coverage
State Auto Insurance Company, an Ohio-based insurer, has announced that it will be writing a reduced number of specific lines of business in Massachusetts, and in Rhode Island, it will no longer be writing coverage at all. In Massachusetts, State Auto will continue writing its farm and business insurance, but no new lines of any kind will be renewed within Rhode Island. That said, the insurance company has come to an agreement over renewal rights with Narragansett Bay Insurance Company (NBIC), so that the latter will adopt the homeowners insurance…
Read MoreRI Senate advances bills for cell phone and seatbelt use while driving
The Senate of Rhode Island has passed two bills relating two driver safety, one connected to the use of mobile phones while driving, and the other has to do with the increase of enforcement of the use of seat belts. The proposal for the use of cell phones would make it illegal for drivers younger than the age of 21 to use their devices. It will still be permitted for drivers of all ages to use hands-free devices. There will be a fine of up to $100 for violators of…
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