Live Insurance News

New legislation could have an impact on health insurance for public workers in Wisconsin

December 22, 2015December 20, 2015 Logan B.

Governor Walker signs new legislation to provide budget committee with greater oversight Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker has signed new legislation that will allow the state’s Legislature’s budget committee to have oversight over any contract that will move public health workers into a self-insurance system. A self-insurance system is one in which an employer assumes the financial risks associated with providing health insurance coverage to workers. Such systems are relatively popular among businesses in the United States, especially in the public sector. New legislation may have an impact on 240,000 public…

Crop insurance slashed through legislation for reducing expenses

November 13, 2015November 12, 2015 Julie Campbell

Growers may see reduced coverage levels in order to save taxpayers $24.4 billion over a decade. Two state representatives in Wisconsin have now introduced a bill called the Assisting Family Farmers through Insurance Reform Measures (AFFIRM) Act, which will slash crop insurance with the intention of providing taxpayers with savings over the next ten years. In the span of a decade, the insurance coverage cuts will mean $24.4 billion in expenses will be saved. According to farm subsidy program critic, Congressman Ron Kind (D), the crop insurance bill will still…

Health insurance premiums hikes in Wisconsin attract the notice of state lawmakers

September 10, 2015September 8, 2015 Marc

Lawmakers want to challenge rate increases coming from state insurers With several health insurance companies in Wisconsin seeking to raise rates by a significant degree, lawmakers are beginning to take notice and call for action to be taken against large rate hikes. Some insurers have requested rate increased as high as 33%, which is well beyond what many state legislators consider to be justifiable. Now, two legislators have introduced a bill that would challenge significant rate increases such as those Wisconsin is currently seeing. Large rate increases have not been…

Health insurance education sessions to be hosted by UnitedHealthcare

July 9, 2015July 7, 2015 Logan B.

Insurer aims to dispel the confusion that surrounds health insurance coverage The East Central Regional Enrollment Network, which provides assistance for those interested in enrolling in both private and public health insurance plans, has announced that UnitedHealthcare, one of the nation’s largest insurance providers, will be offering education opportunities. The insurer will be hosting educational sessions concerning the policies it offers through the Wisconsin health insurance exchange. The sessions are meant to dispel confusion among consumers and ensure that they have the information they need in order to acquire the…

Insurance coverage cessation proposal for cities and schools proposed by Gov. Scott Walker

March 3, 2015March 1, 2015 H. Cutner

If the Wisconsin governor’s motion goes ahead, it would mean that private insurers would be required for plans. Governor Scott Walker of Wisconsin has recently proposed a provision that would eliminate the state managed property insurance coverage, and that would require local governments and school districts to have to create their own funds or to look to private insurers if the provision is adopted by the Legislature. The current fund provides coverage for $52 billion worth of property, with an annual premium of over $27 million. The insurance coverage that…