MIA to hold hearing on reserves level for CareFirst, subsidiary

The Maryland Insurance Administration will hold a public hearing to discuss the reserve levels of Owings Mills, Md.-based CareFirst and its Group Hospitalization and Medical Service’s subsidiary Nov. 19.  Read Story

Two New Jersey men were fined and suspended FINRA for violating securities regulations in the way one referred clients to the other.  Read Story

IBC’s chief operating officer to retire; other leadership changes set

After 18 years with Independence Blue Cross, Christopher D. Butler, the insurer’s chief operating officer and executive vice president, announced his retirement.  Read Story

New York workers’ compensation arrests add up to $600,000 in fraud

A correctional officer working as a bouncer while claiming an injury, a business owner underreporting his paid staff and a construction company using a forged insurance certificate were among those arrested and accused of fraud by New York’s largest workers’ compensation insurance carrier.  Read Story

Regional agents’ group, carriers launch education assistance program

A new service to help agents pay for needed continuing education programs was recently unveiled by the Professional Insurance Agents Association of Virginia and DC (PIAVA/DC) and its carrier partners.  Read Story

Blues ‘disappointed’ in House bill, says it undermines reform goals

While its 39 companies strongly support comprehensive health care reform, the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association says it is “disappointed” that many of the provisions in the House’s bill ...  Read →  Read Story

Florida insurer rejects $42.5 million merger offer from competitor

Claiming an offer by a fellow Florida property-casualty insurer “substantially undervalues” its assets and earnings potential, 21st Century Holding Co. has rejected a proposal for a merger that could have netted a reported $42.5 million.  Read Story

Four arrested at single-payer sit-in at Baltimore CareFirst office

Four protesters, including two doctors, were arrested at a "single-payer health care plan" sit-in at the CareFirst insurance company office in Baltimore Oct. 29.  Read Story

NAIC seeks supplementary, not replacement federal oversight

The organization representing the states’ insurance commissioners encouraged Congress to supplement, not replace, the state-based, coordinated system of oversight of financial markets.  Read Story

GEICO to add 70 employees in Fredericksburg by year’s end

Auto insurer GEICO announced it is recruiting new staff with a plan to add 70 employees to its Fredericksburg, Va., office by the end of this year.  Read Story