California insurance regulators are introducing, to the dismay of the insurance industry, controversial legislation to limit self-insurance for small businesses that they say undermines the federal health care reform.

Insurance carriers need to improve if service fundamentals by “proactively” offer advice and provide customized options to employers if they are to increase employer satisfaction with health insurance plans, a new study suggests.

A national property-casualty insurer has acquired a Pennsylvania-based insurance intermediary providing services to self-insured workers’ compensation programs.

The “most cost-effective way” for employers to rein in soaring health care costs is to self-insure, according to a research organization focused on using business technology and management principles to control health care costs.

Two new federal reports appear to justify keeping self-insured health plans from greater regulation, according to a self-insurance plan trade group.

A Tampa, Fla.-based insurance nonprofit says it “enhances” customer service and saves more than $700 million in litigation costs annually for the property-casualty insurance industry by resolving insurance claims disputes through arbitration.

The self-insurance industry faces “potential threats” if the battle over the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA) forces it to comply with “harmful provisions,” a trade group says.

Federal officials looking at how insurance market reforms under the health reform law may cause adverse selection consulted with a trade association representing companies involved in self-insurance.

Plattsburgh, N.Y., Councilor James Calnon said a group of city firefighters are needlessly costing taxpayers by not adopting a new self-funded health insurance plan.

The White House has announced the allocation of $5 billion for a temporary program to make it easier for employers to provide health coverage for early retirees.