East Coast snow storm causes havoc in New York – insured losses estimated in the billions

 The East Coast has been assaulted by a violent and unprecedented snow storm. The storm moved in last week ahead of Halloween and the effects were most acutely felt in New York City. The insurance industry is still reeling from devastating natural disasters that occurred earlier in the year, many of which cost billions of dollars in insured losses. According to government officials, the storm has become the 11th economic disaster hitting the nation this year. Thus far, the storm has claimed eight lives and left 2.2 million people without…

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New York farmers to get more aid from insurers after tropical storms

Farmers in New York will be getting some additional help from insurers after requests for financial aid were approved by Governor Andrew Cuomo. New York farmers have been struggling to recover from recent tropical storms that struck the East Coast. Tropical Storms Irene and Lee brought widespread flooding to the state, which caused damage to more than 320 farms. In some cases, these floods completely decimated crops, leaving farmers without a way to generate revenue. Governor Cuomo has approved a plan to distribute an additional $850,000 to more than 100…

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NYC health insurer to disclose information concerning rate increases

When it comes to insurance, information is a very powerful commodity. For insurers, it is not only important to ensure that all possible information is gathered when pricing policies, it is also imperative to control the flow of information to the public. Demand for transparency is on the rise in New York, where insurance prices have been soaring recently. The state’s insurance companies have been tight lipped on why rates are growing so quickly, but these companies may soon divulge this knowledge to the general public, thanks to pressure from…

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Allstate files lawsuit against alleged fraud ring in New York

Allstate Insurance is looking to recover more than $4.5 million from and alleged insurance fraud ring comprised of medical professionals. The company filed a suit in the state of New York, where five physicians, ten medical corporations and a sleuth of other medical professionals had allegedly schemed to charge insurance companies for unnecessary procedures. The latest lawsuit adds to growing concerns regarding the rampant state of fraud in the state of New York, increasing the pressure faced by lawmakers to impose new laws to curb the phenomenon. Since 2003, Allstate…

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New York legislators reject federal funding for health insurance exchange

New York has long stood as a bastion for what the federal government stands for. The state boasts of one of the most populated and diverse cities in the world where the shortfalls and accolades of the government are highlighted in stark contrast. The state is also home to more than 2.6 million uninsured residents, most of whom cannot afford health insurance. Given the high number of those living in the state without insurance coverage, it would seem that lawmakers in New York would be welcoming to federal health care…

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