Day: February 20, 2024

New Louisiana Law Requires Insurers to Cover Smoking Cessation Treatments

Angela Linders
Lousiana Health Insurance News

Louisiana has taken a bold step in promoting public health with a groundbreaking new law. According to this report, the aforementioned law mandates health insurance coverage for six months of smoking cessation treatment. Historically, the state has been lagging behind in terms of providing tobacco cessation treatments and removing barriers to accessing treatments. In its 2023 State of Tobacco Control report, the American Lung Association scored Louisiana an “F” in funding for tobacco prevention and cessation and a “D” in access to cessation services. What this law means for Louisianan…

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Lawsuit Alleges USAA Uses Computer System to Arbitrarily Deny, Reduce Claims

Logan B.
USAA Insurance News

In a legal case currently gaining attention, USAA is accused of utilizing a computer program to indiscriminately deny or lessen claims for personal injury protection and medical payments. This system, provided by CCC’s Auto Injury Solutions, is at the heart of numerous lawsuits that the insurance giant has faced in recent years. Allegations of Systematic Denials The class-action lawsuit, which emerged from Washington Superior Court for Clark County, suggests that USAA’s reliance on Auto Injury Solutions’ (AIS) computerized system is to the detriment of policyholder claims following vehicle accidents. San…

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California Insurance Market Seeks Solutions Amid Homeowner Policy Crisis

Loreen
California insurance market health

California’s insurance landscape is poised for a substantial rewrite as authorities deal with the implications of devastating wildfires and market instability. With a pivotal public hearing on the horizon, Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara spearheads the effort to address the frustrations of both homeowners and insurers. The Plight of California Homeowners and Insurers Amid the ashes of devastating wildfires, Californian homeowners have faced soaring insurance premiums and widespread policy cancellations, driving the need for regulatory reform. A proposed overhaul by Commissioner Lara aims to streamline rate increase approvals and clarify regulations…

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Virginia considers mandatory health insurance for PANS/PANDAS

H. Cutner
Health insurance - Mandatory in Virginia

The “devastating” childhood illness can cost affected families hundreds of thousands for treatment. A bill in Virginia is being studied by the state Health Insurance Reform Commission for the coverage of treatment for PANS/PANDAS, a mainly childhood neuropsychiatric disorder. The examination of the bill follows a unanimous tabling in a House subcommittee earlier this month. The legislation was proposed by House Delegate Patrick Hope (D-Arlington) and would require private health insurance and Medicaid to provide coverage for PANS/PANDAS treatment in order to lower the cost families must face upon diagnosis.…

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