Lawmakers in California are pushing a new bill that would grant the state’s insurance regulators the authority to either reject or approve rate increases imposed on health insurance policies. The issue of rate hikes is not a new one in California. Several months ago, some of the state’s biggest insurers proposed rate increases by as much as 40%. The debate raged until the insurers withdrew their proposals, but the turbulence left many legislators wondering where the decision making power for these issues should lie. The bill caused division within the…
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Delinquent life insurance pay outs being investigated
As insurance companies from around the nation begin to crack down on fraud, some are finding themselves accused of the very thing they are trying to expunge. Such is the case with Metropolitan Life Insurance Co. The insurer is accused by the state of California of not paying life insurance benefits after finding out that the policyholder had passed away. The state is getting ready to investigate the practices of the company in an effort to determine whether these allegations are true or false. Earlier this week, Insurance Commissioner Dave…
Read MoreCalifornia Car Insurance: Sequoia offering new “Pay As You Go” insurance plan
Following the latest insurance trend sweeping the nation, Sequoia Insurance Co., one of the largest insurers in California, will begin offering a pay-as-you-drive auto insurance policy. Sequoia joins State Farm and Progressive in offering this particular policy, increasing the options available to California drivers. Progressive was the first to incorporate this concept into their coverage options after finding that fewer people were taking to the road in light of rising gas prices and other costs. Drivers interested in the coverage must first have a small device installed in their vehicles.…
Read MoreCalifornia health insurers proposed rate hikes delayed
Early last month, California Insurance Commissioner, Dave Jones, called for a delay on a proposed rate hike on premiums from Blue Shield. The rate hikes would have raised premiums by at least 60% and would have gone into effect March 1st. Blue Shield has agreed to postpone the hikes for 60 days after becoming the focus of demonstrations from citizens and health care professionals. Blue Shield initiated proposed the rate hikes as a necessary measure in light of the rising cost of medical care and associated expenses. They claim that…
Read MoreDelays for California health insurance rate hike
On the heels of the announcement that Blue Shield of California would be raising its premiums by 59%, a proposition that has since been delayed by the state’s insurance commissioner, additional delays are being requested from insurers Aetna, Anthem and PacifiCare. Blue Shield of California would be raising its premiums by 59% New Insurance Commissioner, Dave Jones, who urged Blue Shield to postpone their rate hike for 60 days, has extended his inquiry to include the other big name insurers, who claim the rate hike is justified in light…
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