Agents’ group to recognize agencies’ use of social media

The National Association of Professional Insurance Agents (PIA National) has announced a new award designed to recognize professional insurance agencies for excellence in their use of social media in a business setting.  Read Story

National financial advisor firm opens office in Texas

CAPTRUST Financial Advisors, an independent retirement plan and investment advisory services provider, is opening an office in Dallas, expanding its reach to Texas.  Read Story

Calif. sheriff’s deputy faces fraud charges over disability benefits

A Solano County, Calif., sheriff’s deputy was arrested for allegedly collecting nearly $90,000 in disability benefits for which he was allegedly not entitled.  Read Story

Sens. Brown, Casey pitch COBRA subsidy extension through November

A pair of U.S. senators is urging colleagues to support an extension of health insurance benefits under the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (COBRA) through the end of November.  Read Story

HHS giving states funds to probe health insurers’ rate hike requests

Insurance regulators across the nation may now access a grant to help them more closely scrutinize requested premium rate hikes by health insurers.  Read Story

A third of long-term care insurance buyers pay less than $1,499 a year

About one-in-three long-term care insurance buyers pays less than $1,499 per year for coverage, and among people under age 61 nearly half pay less than $1,500, according to a new analysis.   Read Story

Pa. investigating ‘truly exorbitant’ rate hikes of health insurers

Pennsylvania’s nine largest health insurance companies are going under the microscope of state officials, who will explore the genesis behind “a pattern of controversial rate increases.”  Read Story

MetLife has introduced a new dual-option dental offering for smaller businesses it says is designed to make it easier for these firms to achieve their top benefits objectives of controlling costs and retaining employees.   Read Story

Hawaii’s insurance commissioner Schmidt resigns to join law firm

Leaving state office, but continuing his involvement in the insurance industry, Hawaii Insurance Commissioner J.P. Schmidt has tendered his resignation, effective July 1.  Read Story

Cuccinelli counters feds’ claims to dismiss health reform suit

With a July 1 hearing in federal court looming to hear his case against federal health reform, Virginia Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli has started his argument.  Read Story