Anthem to pay $20 million to settle Colorado rate hike complaints

Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield is going to pay $20 million back to about 90,000 policyholders in Colorado as part of a settlement of an investigation into rate increases on its individual health policies in the state.  Read Story

Survey: Fiduciary standard should apply to insurance agents, too

Most U.S. investors say that any financial professional selling investments, including insurance agents, should operate under a “fiduciary standard” requiring them to put their clients’ interests ahead of their own.  Read Story

Aetna extends contract with UPHS for five years

Aetna  signed a five-year contract extension with the University of Pennsylvania Health System (UPHS), assuring continued in-network access for its members in the Philadelphia area.

Financial details of the deal were ...  Read →  Read Story

As you climb to the top of the insurance/financial services industry and are known as a skilled professional, you must first admit that school is never out. Conservatively speaking, there are at least five people who want your job. Right now they are gaining experience, educating themselves and searching for the tools necessary to compete with you for your position. Business today is so competitive; we cannot sit back on our laurels and assume we are secure.  Read Story

IIABNY, Big I say RIMS’ contingent commission stance is wrong

The Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of New York (IIABNY) åis challenging an argument by a Risk and Insurance Management Society (RIMS) official about the role of contingent commissions.  Read Story

Workers’ compensation payments rise, while cash benefits paid fall

Workers’ compensation payments for medical care and cash benefits for U.S. workers injured on the job increased 4.4%, to $57.6 billion, according to a new study.  Read Story

CEO of New Jersey insurance brokerage sent to prison for five years

A Wayne, N.J., insurance agent was sentenced to New Jersey state prison for five years for misappropriating more than $300,000 in insurance premiums.  Read Story

After a long career managing large accounts for an insurance company, Lynn Brooks is hardly a financial novice. But when she sought help from a financial adviser at a brokerage after ...  Read →  Read Story

Labor Dept. told it halts employers from providing more retirement aid

The U.S. Department of Labor must remove hurdles that prevent employers from providing American workers with crucial retirement assistance, a speaker told the federal agency.  Read Story

Insurers facing new requirements with health reform Sept. 23

The first big mark for federal health reform comes Sept. 23, when a wave of changes to how health insurance is delivered take effect.  Read Story