As Washington, D.C., considers its next legislative move regarding health care reform amid a myriad of choices, Pennsylvania’s top insurance regulator says his state has a clear focus for change: the small-group health market.

The focus of some sharp criticism in recent days, the nation’s private insurance companies are now taking Washington, D.C., to task for painting them as the bad guys, solely responsible for rising healthcare costs.

In a plan the White House says “bridges the gap” between House and Senate health reform bills, President Barack Obama laid out a comprehensive proposal he feels will make coverage more affordable and accessible, while calling for greater accountability by stakeholders in the market.

The Maryland House Economic Matters Committee is scheduled to debate a bill this week by a Carroll County delegate seeking to sharply increase the auto insurance requirements for those convicted of, or granted probation for, alcohol-related driving offenses.

Fresh off a critical response to Anthem Blue Cross’ plans to raise premium rates in California by up to 39%, the U.S. Department Health and Human Services says such requests are not isolated and comprehensive reform can curb the actions of health insurers.

With the backdrop of the devastation in Haiti fresh in people’s minds, New York insurance regulators are not ruling out a similar event in their own state, a key reason they say insurers should promote the opportunity to buy coverage for such a devastating occurrence.

Officials in Millville, N.J., are hoping a switch in their health care provider can save $1.6 million or more as its shifts from its private insurance plan to a state-run health care plan.

A new virtual alliance is encouraging independent agency owners to look more closely at personal lines business, where “unprecedented” opportunities exist, according to the group’s chairman.

An Artesia, Calif., insurance agent, preparing for trial on grand theft and insurance fraud charges, was recently arrested for alleged misusing insurance premiums.

While Anthem Blue Cross has announced it will delay a rate hike for California customers, the move is being called a “temporary relief” and another reason for the federal government to move forward with comprehensive health reform.