Financial advisors gearing up for growth, after making tweaks in 2009

The majority of financial advisors see this year as being one for acceleration and growth, according to a new survey. And while most have made changes to their practices, some are not sure how to improve to encourage greater success this year.  Read Story

Liberty Mutual unit opens online ‘Agent Learning Centers’

Liberty Mutual Agency Markets, the business unit of Liberty Mutual, has created online Agent Learning Centers for its commercial lines agents.  Read Story

Mikulski, Cardin support inclusion of public option in health reform

Both of Maryland's senators have gotten behind a last-ditch effort to revive a public, government-run health insurance option by using a controversial legislative procedure known as reconciliation.  Read Story

IWIF board, executives back conversion to nonprofit mutual company

The leadership of the Injured Workers Insurance Fund has indicated its support for a proposal to convert the insurer from a quasi-state agency to a nonprofit mutual insurance company.  Read Story

HHS takes aim at health insurers with new report on premium hikes

Fresh off a critical response to Anthem Blue Cross’ plans to raise premium rates in California by up to 39%, the U.S. Department Health and Human Services says such requests are not isolated and comprehensive reform can curb the actions of health insurers.  Read Story

IFAwebnews.com reports that a Democratic senator is seeking to use the “nuclear” option to pass health care reform. This follows on the heels of two U.S. congressmen who also want ...  Read →  Read Story

N.Y. insurance regulators say state lacks proper earthquake coverage

With the backdrop of the devastation in Haiti fresh in people’s minds, New York insurance regulators are not ruling out a similar event in their own state, a key reason they say insurers should promote the opportunity to buy coverage for such a devastating occurrence.  Read Story

Advocacy group opposes millions in cuts to aid New Jersey’s uninsured

A New Jersey watchdog group is voicing its opposition to millions of dollars in proposed cuts to the states’ budget that aid its uninsured population, calling such measures “mean and short-sighted.”  Read Story

The Hartford names former AIG life executive to CFO post

The Harford Financial Services Group has tapped a former executive with American Life Insurance Co. as its new chief financial officer.  Read Story

House fire results in insurance fraud, arson charges for Pa. men

Two central Pennsylvania men face charges, including insurance fraud and arson, following a fire nearly five years ago in Lycoming County.  Read Story