Premiums and deductibles have risen “sharply” since 2003 and are outpacing workers’ payroll increases, although the new health reform law may “reverse” the rate increases, according to a new report.

Health Net of the Northeast, which sold its membership and insurance licenses to UnitedHealthcare last year, plans to shutter its Shelton, Conn., offices by March 2012.

Maryland insurance regulators recently ordered Hartford Fire Insurance Co. and Hartford Casualty Insurance Co. to collectively pay a $25,000 fine for violating seven state laws.

Connecticut Insurance Commissioner Thomas Sullivan announed his resignation Nov. 1, effective Nov. 15, when he will take a position at PricewaterhouseCoopers in Hartford, Conn.

Aetna’s chairman and CEO, Ronald A. Williams will retire from the national health insurer in April 2011.

An insurance agent trade group praised the New York State Insurance Department’s draft regulation that will allow insurance producers to use out-of-state and Internet-based banks.

The Privilege Underwriters Reciprocal Exchange (PURE) is expanding nationally in an effort in part to follow the money, according to its chief executive.

Brown & Brown has acquired Martin Benefits Consulting and Martin Human Resources, companies that offer employee benefits in the tri-state area.

The federal health reform law needs to be amended, Connecticut Gov. M. Jodi Rell wrote to Kathleen Sebelius, secretary of U.S. Health and Human Services, in a letter.

MoneyRates.com rated Virginia as the sixth best state and Maryland as the fifth worst state in two lists naming the 10 best and worst states in which to retire.