Fewer in middle class obtain, eligible for employer’s health insurance

America’s middle class suffered big losses in health insurance coverage between 2000 and 2008, with coverage to 3 million people in the group disappearing, a new report indicates.  Read Story

Owners of Calif. company accused of workers’ compensation fraud

The owners of a Newbury Park, Calif., drywall and painting company allegedly lied to their workers’ compensation insurer for nine years in an attempt to lower premiums.  Read Story

Virginia agents’ group considering autism summit this summer

After another year of watching another set of bills mandating that insurers cover children with autism fail to become law, a Virginia agents’ group is considering a summit on the matter to try and find a solution.  Read Story

Brochin scolds insurers for ‘absurd’ objections to dependent age bill

A Maryland state senator is taking insurance companies to task for their opposition to a bill raising the dependent age of adult children, saying companies need to get more actively involved in decreasing the number of uninsured state residents.  Read Story

The Manhattan Life Insurance Co., based in Great Neck, N.Y., had its outlook revised to “negative,” from “stable,” by A.M. Best after the ratings service noticed a “noticeable drop” in the risk-adjusted capital position of its lead company.  Read Story

Alleged auto ‘give up’ scheme nets charges against two N.J. men

Two men who allegedly lied to New Jersey police and an insurance company regarding a stolen vehicle face charges, including insurance fraud, and up to 15 years in prison each.   Read Story

House passes revised bill ‘to strengthen health insurance reform’

Echoing a phrase uttered earlier this week by President Barack Obama, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi applauded her colleagues in the U.S. House for voting in favor of a measure “to strengthen health insurance reform.”  Read Story

Insurance groups voice opposition on proposed new tax on annuities

Five industry groups have co-authored a letter to Washington, D.C., urging congressional leadership to reconsider a provision in the new health reform reconciliation package that would enact a 3.8% Medicare contribution tax on annuities.  Read Story

N.Y. agent arrested for allegedly collecting $5,000 in fake applications

A self-employed insurance agent from New York was recently arrested, accused of collecting $5,000 in advance sales commissions through fake applications.  Read Story

N.J. receives $11.4 million to boost use of electronic health records

New Jersey officials and members of the health care industry will utilize $11.4 million in federal funding to create an electronic health records program linking hospitals, doctors and insurance companies ...  Read →  Read Story