UnitedHealthcare-Affiliated Insurers Ordered to Pay $165 Million for Misleading Consumers Historic Ruling Against Deceptive Sales Practices A Massachusetts Superior Court has ordered HealthMarkets Inc. and its subsidiaries, The Chesapeake Life Insurance Company and HealthMarkets Insurance Agency, to pay $165 million for engaging in what the court described as “egregious” and widespread deceptive practices. These companies, owned by UnitedHealth Group, have been found guilty of misleading thousands of Massachusetts consumers into purchasing supplemental health insurance policies they did not need or fully understand they were buying. This judgment—comprising $50 million in…
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WA Cares Survives: A Victory for Public Long-Term Care Insurance in the US
Washington State Upholds Innovative Long-Term Care Insurance Program In a decisive move, voters in Washington State have chosen to uphold the state’s pioneering long-term care insurance program, WA Cares. This decision comes after the rejection of Measure 2124, a ballot initiative aimed at dismantling the program. WA Cares stands as the first of its kind in the United States, offering residents up to $36,500 in long-term care benefits, with adjustments for inflation. The program is funded through a payroll tax surcharge of 0.58 percent, impacting all workers in the state.…
Read MoreMassachusetts aims to overhaul its health insurance program, MassHealth
State introduces plans to make changes to its troubled insurance program Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker, along with other officials, has drafted new plans to overhaul the state’s Medicaid program, called MassHealth. This will be the largest overhaul that the program has seen in the past 20 years, marking a significant shift in the health insurance space and potentially ensuring that more consumers will have access to the coverage that they need. MassHealth currently provides coverage to some 1.8 million low-income people throughout the states and represents that majority of the…
Read MoreMassachusetts to investigate homeowners insurance rate increases
Senate panel to look into the rate at which homeowners insurance premiums are growing Homeowners in Massachusetts have been reeling from major insurance hikes in recent years. Many insurers have been raising rates by significant margins due to record snowfall over the past winter. Homeowners have expressed their concerns regarding the rate increases, which have placed them under a greater degree of financial stress. Now, state lawmakers are looking into the issue to determine whether or not the rate increases are necessary. Panel will be interviewing insurance professionals and regulators…
Read MoreHomeowners insurance premiums continue to rise in Massachusetts
State’s homeowners are expressing anger about higher premiums Homeowners in Massachusetts are growing more frustrated with high insurance premiums. The Massachusetts Division of Insurance has taken a step to help consumers better understand why rates are rising so quickly by making the rate review process open to the public. The decision may provide more transparency when it comes to increasing homeowners insurance rates. It is unlikely, however, that this will reduce the frustration that consumers are feeling when it comes to insurance premiums. Division of Insurance will provide more transparency…
Read MoreHealth insurance rates to go up in Massachusetts
Consumers and businesses will see a modest increase in insurance premiums Health insurance premiums are set to grow in Massachusetts, as regulators have approved rate increases for small groups and individuals. The state will see a modest increase in rates when compared to others in the country. The Massachusetts Division of Insurance has posted information concerning the rate increases, providing consumers with an opportunity to review the rate increases coming from insurers and see how it will affect them and the coverage that they have. 300,000 people to be affected…
Read MoreSenate to investigate growing homeowners insurance premiums in Massachusetts
Senate panel will uncover the necessity of homeowners insurance rate hikes Homeowners insurance premiums are spiking in Massachusetts, and a new Senate panel intends to look into the issue. The Senate’s Post Audit and Oversight Committee will be investigating the Massachusetts Division of Insurance and its approval of costly homeowners insurance rate increases. Senator Michael Barrett will be leading the Senate panel in the investigation. Depending on the findings of the investigation, homeowners in Massachusetts could eventually see some relief to growing homeowners insurance rates. State regulators approve rate increases…
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