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Health insurance companies in Louisiana seek rate increases for 2015

July 18, 2014July 16, 2014 Logan B.

Insurers are looking to raise rates for their coverage beginning in 2015 Some health insurance providers in Louisiana have submitted rate increase proposals that have raised red flags among the state’s regulators. The rate increases are for policies that will be sold through the state’s exchange in 2015. Consumers will be able to purchase these policies beginning on November 15, when the exchanges latest open enrollment period is scheduled to begin. The rate increase proposals coming from insurers are to be reviewed by the state’s insurance regulators. Blue Cross and…

Health insurance exchange considered too complex in Louisiana

September 27, 2013September 24, 2013 S.Vagus

online health insurance technology exchange

Commissioner Donelon criticized state’s health insurance exchange Health insurance exchanges throughout the U.S. will begin open enrollment next week, but that does not mean that the controversy surrounding these exchanges will be put to rest, at least not in Louisiana. The state’s Insurance Commissioner, Jim Donelon, claims that consumers will not be able to access enough information to make adequate decisions concerning their health insurance coverage. The Commissioner suggests that the exchanges are designed to be too complex, which could create extreme confusion among those looking to purchase coverage from…

Homeowners insurance group seeks financial protection against hurricane season

July 26, 2013July 23, 2013 S.Vagus

Citizens Insurance Louisiana homeowners insurance property

Homeowners insurance group responds to threats of hurricane season With the peak of the 2013 hurricane season fast approaching in the U.S., Louisiana’s Citizens Property Insurance is looking to protect itself from the financial impact of possible storms. The state-run organization accounts for the majority of the homeowners insurance policies currently in effect throughout the state and primarily provides coverage to properties in coastal areas. Louisiana, like Florida, often falls victim to tropical storms and hurricanes during the hurricane season, but unlike Florida, the state has not managed to avoid…

Citizens Property Insurance of Louisiana looking to raise rates

January 15, 2013 Marc

Citizens Property Insurance aims to raise rates to cover reinsurance costs Louisiana’s Citizens Property Insurance, a state-run insurance organization that accounts for the majority of the state’s homeowners insurance policies, has announced that it is raising rates statewide this year. Citizens officials note that raising rates for coverage is a last resort option and that the many challenges currently facing the organization have sparked the need for higher rates. Higher reinsurance costs are being cited as one of the primary contributors to the organization’s need for higher rates. Insurers eyes…

Louisiana will not build a health insurance exchange

November 19, 2012November 15, 2012 Marc

Health insurance industry news federal government

Louisiana rejects plans to build an exchange program Louisiana has become the latest state to inform the Department of Health and Human Services that it will not run its own health insurance exchange. The state has been examining the viability of an exchange program for some time, but has been fundamentally opposed to the overarching Affordable Care Act. The state’s stance on the health care reform law has put it at odds with the federal government’s insistence that states build a working health insurance exchange. Governor Jindal notifies federal agency…

Louisiana health groups file lawsuit concerning health insurance

September 19, 2012 S.Vagus

Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon - Insurance News

Health groups argue Insurance Commissioner overstepped boundaries in regard to health insurance laws Two health care groups in Louisiana have filed a lawsuit against Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon concerning his actions in the wake of Hurricane Isaac. The groups – Louisiana State Medical Society and the Louisiana Hospital Association – argue that the Insurance Commissioner exaggerated his authority as a response to the natural disaster. The lawsuit cites the changes the Commissioner made to health insurance regulations and coverage due to an emergency ruling that granted him with expanded authority.…

Hurricane Isaac leads to out-of-pocket expenses in Louisiana

September 12, 2012April 30, 2013

Hurricane Isaac spurs unexpected expenses Louisiana continues to struggle in the wake of Hurricane Isaac, which struck the state and other in late August. Insurers and state officials have been working to repair the damage caused by the storm and assist those that have been displaced by the disastrous floods it caused. While state residents continue to piece their lives back together, they may soon face new problems from the state’s insurance industry. Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon has announced that consumers can expect to see higher out-of-pocket expenses as a…