Live Insurance News

California lawmakers consider tax package targeting state health insurance program

March 9, 2016March 8, 2016 S.Vagus

Lawmakers aim to support Medi-Cal program with ambitious tax package Lawmakers in California may opt to take action on a tax package that aims to prevent a gap of $1.1 billion in the state’s health insurance program. The California Senate and Assembly are considering three pieces of legislation during a special legislative session, which was called last year in order to adjust taxes on insurance plans. The federal government has announced that it will discontinue support for the state’s Medi-Cal program if lawmakers are not able to effectively address tax…

Covered California sparks more competition in state’s health insurance market

March 1, 2016February 28, 2016 Logan B.

California health insurance industry agent

Competition in California insurance market is growing thanks to the state’s exchange California’s health insurance exchange, called Covered California, has released a new enrollment report. The report shows that the state’s exchange has had a significant impact on competition in the California insurance market. The exchange has lead aggressive negotiations with insurance companies, ensuring that competition remains strong and consumers have a wealth of options when it comes to finding the coverage that they need. According to Covered California, more than 439,000 new people have enrolled into the exchange. 439,000…

Record number of homeowners purchase flood insurance in California

February 25, 2016February 24, 2016 Nordstrom

FEMA reports that more flood policies have been sold through NFIP this year The number of homeowners in California that have purchased flood insurance coverage has grown significantly, according to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). This is due to worry concerning El Nino, which may result in several powerful storms in California. Heavy rainfall in the state may be good news for some, as California has been suffering from a severe drought, but this rainfall comes with the risk of flood disasters in several parts of the state. Worries…

Wildfires in California hit the insurance industry with $1 billion in losses

January 29, 2016January 27, 2016 Marc

Fired introduce more financial strain to the insurance industry Two wildfires in Northern California have destroyed almost 150,000 acres of land, causing approximately $1 billion in insured losses, according to the California Department of Insurance. The fires hit the state last fall and the insurance industry has been working to measure the damage caused by the disasters since then. One of the fires, called the Valley Fire, has become the third most devastating wildfire in the state’s history in terms of total structures destroyed. Wildfires could be more destructive due…

Insurance Commissioner Jones calls for the insurance industry to divest in coal

January 28, 2016April 10, 2017 Logan B.

Dave Jones California insurance commissioner insurance industry rates

Commissioner Jones asks insurers to cut their investments in the coal industry California Insurance Commissioner Dave Jones has issued a call to the insurance industry, encouraging companies to divest from the coal industry. Commissioner Jones is working to require insurers to disclose their investments in coal companies as well. The use of coal among utilities has fallen sharply over the past few years due to federal emissions regulations, but coal companies still receive strong financial support from both the public and private sectors. By divesting from coal, the insurance industry…

San Francisco seeks to help residents acquire health insurance coverage

January 27, 2016January 26, 2016 Marc

City is working to address the lack of insurance coverage among consumers Consumers in San Francisco, California, are finding it difficult to afford their health insurance coverage. The city is notorious for its high cost of living, which has lead many people to forgo acquiring insurance coverage. They are also avoiding seeking medical care or taking advantage of free services that are intended for the poor. Notably, a significant portion of these consumers are eligible for subsidies from the federal government that help cut down the cost of health insurance…

California approves new auto insurance products for TNC industry

January 26, 2016January 24, 2016 Marc

New insurance products will be available for TNC drivers California officials have approved new auto insurance products that will affect the Transportation Network Company (TNC) space. Companies like Uber and Lyft have had a major impact on the insurance space, largely due to concerns that these companies are not providing adequate coverage for their drivers. Insurers are beginning to take note of the rising popularity of TNC and, in order to mitigate risks, have begun offering new insurance policies. State Farm is among these companies. State Farm is among several…