Oregon senators have given their approval to a bill that eliminates a number of the obstacles faced by emerging community car sharing programs, in an effort that would appear to be designed to increase participation in this environmentally friendly activity. The House Bill 3149 was approved in a 25-3 vote. This bill was designed to set the personal vehicle sharing program standards. It has added the necessity for these programs to provide motor vehicle liability insurance, and should injury or loss occur during a time when the vehicle is being…
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New bill in Maine calls for lawmakers to pay health insurance tax
Republican legislators in Maine have proposed a new bill that would levy a $4 monthly health insurance tax throughout the state. The bill notably exempts federal and state employees from the tax, drawing harsh criticism from both Democrats and citizens. Democrats had submitted amendments to the bill late last week that would remove the exemption for lawmakers, but the notion was dismissed by Republicans. However, Senator Richard Whittemore, R-Skowhegan, issued an emergency legislation that would require state legislators to be included in the tax. The reasoning behind the proposed tax…
Read MoreMedica gets ahead start on the digital insurance market
Medica, a health organization that provides insurance to Wisconsin and Minnesota, has announced plans to launch a new plan for businesses that will give them an opportunity to rein in soaring medical costs. The new plan will also allow policyholders more freedom in tailoring their plans to better suit their needs. The plan, however, will be more expensive than its counterparts, a fact that does not sit well with some consumers who say the last thing people need in a troubled economy is more expensive coverage options. The insurer has…
Read MoreOregon’s low cost health insurer takes a rate hike
Last week, Oregon-based Regence Blue Cross Blue shield was called upon to answer concerns from regulators regarding proposed rate increase of 22%. The state’s Insurance Division hosted the public meeting, the first of its kind in more than two decades. 200 Oregon residents attended the meeting to hear firsthand the rationalization behind the rate change proposal. They were also given the opportunity to make comment and question company officials regarding the issue. Regence provides insurance customers to 12% of the state’s population. The insurer often provides affordable coverage for those…
Read MoreInsurance commissioner’s surprise announcement
Michigan is down one insurance commissioner. Today, Ken Ross, former holder of the office, announced that he would be stepping down, effective Friday. Ross’s announcement was a surprise as he was expected to hold office well into next year. Speculation abounds as to why Ross has abdicated his position, but Ross himself holds that the decision was motivated by personal reasons. Ross was first appointed to the office in 2008 by then Governor Jennifer Granholm. The position normally constitutes a four-year-term. He oversaw the agency through trying economic times and…
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