Aetna has launched Aetna Whole Health in western Va., one of its first new health benefit plan using the accountable care organization (ACO) model.

A defunct produce processing company’s insurer is arguing that it is not responsible for a $1.1 million default judgement awarded to the family of man who died after eating the company’s celery.

Former Maryland Insurance Commissioner Ralph S. Tyler, who left the Maryland Insurance Administration in January 2010, now has left his position as chief counsel of the U.S Food and Drug Administration.

Lawsuits and legislation about natural gas harvesting in the Marcellus Shale region and nationwide is underway and expected to spread, eventually reaching the insurance industry.

BenefitMall, a national broker services company based in Dallas, added a new service, company payroll services, to its roster of offerings.

Equias Alliance was selected by 10 state associations, including Maryland Bank Services and the Pennsylvania Bankers Association Services Corp., as their exclusive provider for bank-owned life insurance (BOLI), and executive and director benefits consulting services.

An organization that educates legislators on insurance issues is working with insurance associations to create a model legislation for states concerning misuse of certificates of insurance.

State Auto Financial Corp. estimates that its third quarter 2011 results will include between $60 million and $63 million in pre-tax catastrophe losses, some from second quarter catastrophes.

A.M. Best Co. has affirmed the financial strength rating of B++ (Good) and issuer credit ratings of “bbb+” of Fidelity & Guaranty Life Insurance Co. (FGL) and its wholly owned subsidiary, Fidelity & Guaranty Life Insurance Co. of New York of Purchase, N.Y.

Atlantic/Smith, Cropper & Deeley, an independent insurance agency in Willards, Md., retained its status as part of an elite group of independent insurance agencies around the United States participating in the Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America “Best Practices” Study Group.