U.S. Department of Labor allows more time for insurers to comply with federal law

Insurance companies are pushing for lengthy delays in the enactment of a law that would require them to summarize the benefits plans they provide. According to the Affordable Care Act, health insurance providers must summarize their policies to within four pages of easily understood content. The law is meant to provide consumers with a better understanding of the benefits they will be receiving and what their policies do and do not cover. The Department of Labor, however, has announced that it will not be forcing insurance companies to be adhering…

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WillisWire report highlights the emerging risks facing the global insurance industry

The global insurance industry has been facing many threats in recent years, the majority of which coming from unpredictable natural disasters. The world is changing at a rapid pace in terms of technology, environment and crime and as each of these fields advances, new threats emerge that could destabilize the industry as a whole. Willis Group Holdings, one of the world’s largest insurance brokers, has launched a new website that seeks to document these risks. The site is called WillisWire and will play host to a number of surveys and…

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Federal Insurance Office report could have far reaching implications for state-based insurance regulations

The Federal Insurance Office (FIO) is scheduled to release a report at the end of the month that will have a dramatic impact on how insurance regulations are formed in the U.S. The agency, which is part of the Department of Treasury, has been working with insurers, consumer advocates and legal representative to determine how to modernize existing regulations. Insurers are eagerly anticipating the report as it may bring major changes to how the industry operates. The FIO expects that consumers may find favor with the report because it advises…

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A.M. Best report shows the potential for growth seen in the Indian insurance market

 A new report from A.M. Best, a global insurance rating company, shows that the insurance market of India is poised for major growth. This potential for growth is, however, offset significant challenges facing the insurance industry. The report, titled “Growth Anticipated for Indian Insurers, But Frustrations Remain”, indicates that the nation’s insurance industry will benefit from a growing middle class and economic growth in numerous industries. The report also highlights the shortcomings of the nation’s auto insurance market, which has become quite volatile as more people have begun driving. The…

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Federal Insurance Office receives 150 comments on how to modernize the U.S. health insurance regulatory system

In October of last year, the Federal Insurance Office (FIO) issued a request for commentary on how to modernize health insurance regulations. The commentary period ended in December with the agency receiving more than 150 suggestions on what to do. Now, the FIO is using the comments it has received to help build a report regarding the regulatory system in the U.S. When completed, the report will be given to Congress and used to help plan a course of action for the future. Michael McRaith, director of the FIO, attended…

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