New task force launched in California to fight against insurance fraud and an underground economy

The California Department of Insurance has announced that it will be joining the Department of Industrial Relations to fight against the state’s emerging underground economy. The two agencies have formed the Labor Enforcement Task Force in order to crack down on the violations against the state’s insurance and labor regulations that are rampant in this offshoot economy. Insurance Commissioner Dave Jones notes that this economy is mostly comprised of businesses who hire employees that are not fit for certain types of work. These businesses often fabricate documents concerning their employees…

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S&P downgrades Californian insurers while Commissioner Jones insists the companies are financially sound

Rating agency Standard & Poor’s seems to be in the grips of a downgrading frenzy as the agency downgrades the credit ratings of five of California largest insurance companies. The move comes on the heels of the agency’s downgrading of the federal government’s credit rating, which sparked controversy throughout the country and drove many businesses to re-evaluate their place in the commercial market. S&P downgrade of the state’s insurers could have major implications for the industry, but Insurance Commissioner Dave Jones says that there should be no doubt about the…

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California health insurance marketplace just got a little tougher for industry

In California’s ongoing battle over health insurance rates, legislators may have won some ground toward their goals of more affordable coverage. The state’s Assembly approved a bill late last week that would institute much stricter regulations regarding rate changes. The bill requires California insurers to seek approval from regulators regarding rate changes before they can collect premiums from new rates. The majority of the state’s insurance industry opposed the bill, but was unable to sway the minds of lawmakers. The bill expands the powers of the California’s Insurance Commissioner, Dave…

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