A Tampa, Fla.-based managed care services provider will pay $137.5 million to the federal government and nine states to settle four lawsuits accusing the company of violating the federal False Claims Act.

Express Scripts says it has completed its $29.1 billion acquisition of Medco Health Solutions, which company officials say will reduce costs for members.

HealthSmart Holdings, based in Irving, Texas, acquired a Springfield, Mo.-based insurance and health care services company to expand its national presence.

The marina and boat dealer’s insurance market appears to be hardening after insurers suffered increased losses in 2011, according to early indicators.

A total of 19 states and Washington, D.C., reached an agreement with The Prudential Group, one of the largest life insurance companies in the U.S., in a case involving its unclaimed property practices.

Natural disasters cost insurance companies more than $32 billion in direct insured losses in the first nine months of 2011, nearly double the average of other years, according to the Insurance Information Institute.

Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. is acquiring S. A. Freerks & Associates, a St. Louis-based managing general agent and wholesale insurance broker.

A Souderton, Pa.-based insurance company introduced product solutions designed to cover those who have been or who otherwise would be turned down for long-term care insurance.

Employer-sponsored insurance (ESI) eroded “significantly” in the last decade, although federal health reform is expected to reverse the decline for small employers, two studies say.

The U.S. Justice Department has expanded an investigation of Blue Cross/Blue Shield licensees’ alleged anti-competitive agreements with hospitals beyond Michigan, where it filed an antitrust lawsuit against the insurer.