Live Insurance News

President Obama seeks to make changes to controversial health insurance tax

February 11, 2016February 9, 2016 Nordstrom

obama health insurance tax news political

Obama to introduce changes to Cadillac tax with his 2017 budget plan President Barack Obama has plans to introduce changes to the controversial “Cadillac tax” that was approved in late 2015. Unlike the name suggests, the Cadillac tax has nothing to do with auto insurance. Instead, it is focused on health insurance, particularly plans that are sold in the private market. President Obama is set to introduce the changes he wishes to make to the tax when he announced his 2017 budget plan next week. Cadillac tax has been a…

Over 200,000 people enroll for health insurance in Washington

February 10, 2016February 9, 2016 S.Vagus

Washington consumers find the coverage they need through the state’s insurance exchange The open enrollment period for health insurance exchanges has ended and more than 200,000 people have enrolled for coverage in Washington. State officials note that more people may have attempted to acquire coverage through exchanges, but were unable to due to technical difficulties. Those that experienced computer issues are being encouraged to contact Washington Healthplanfinder in order to complete the enrollment process. Though the open enrollment period is over, those with partially completed enrollment applications could be granted…

Utilities are showing more interest in cyber insurance protection

February 5, 2016February 3, 2016 S.Vagus

Utilities in the United States may need insurance coverage to protect against digital threats Utilities in the United States are beginning to express concern over digital risks following cyber attacks that were seen in Ukraine in December 2015. As such, these companies are beginning to look into new cyber insurance policies, which may be able to offer them a degree of protection against digital threats. Malicious groups could do significant damage to a country’s energy infrastructure through a cyber attack and utilities are looking for ways to ensure that this…

Consumers in Texas going uninsured due to the high cost of health insurance

February 2, 2016January 31, 2016 Logan B.

High cost of insurance policies leads many to avoid the coverage that they need Many people in Texas still lack health insurance coverage, but these uninsured people are unlikely to acquire coverage due to its high cost. A new report from the Rice University’s Baker Institute for Public Policy and the Episcopal Health Foundation shows that many people are struggling to pay for insurance coverage, which has lead them to avoid purchasing policies altogether. an estimated 20% of uninsured Texans noted that they simply do not want health insurance coverage…

Young consumers weigh the cost of health insurance and federal penalties

February 1, 2016January 31, 2016 S.Vagus

Young adults are not convinced that insurance coverage is a viable financial option Young adults in the United States have faced a difficult decision during the latest open enrollment period. As open enrollment comes to an end, young and health consumers have had to decide whether or not to purchase health insurance coverage or face a federal fine and which of the two may end up being more expensive. Notably, the fine for those without insurance has gone up in 2016, which may have influenced many young people’s decision to…

End of open enrollment period for health insurance exchanges is coming to an end

January 29, 2016January 27, 2016 S.Vagus

Consumers are running out of time to acquire health insurance policies Residents of the United States have until January 31 to acquire health insurance coverage through federal and state-run exchanges. The end of the open enrollment period of these exchanges is rapidly approaching and those without insurance coverage could face a penalty from the federal government. This penalty has grown this year, which may come as a surprise for some consumers that are unaware. Consumers throughout the country are being encouraged to acquire health insurance, either through HealthCare.gov, or through…

Insurance Commissioner Jones calls for the insurance industry to divest in coal

January 28, 2016April 10, 2017 Logan B.

Dave Jones California insurance commissioner insurance industry rates

Commissioner Jones asks insurers to cut their investments in the coal industry California Insurance Commissioner Dave Jones has issued a call to the insurance industry, encouraging companies to divest from the coal industry. Commissioner Jones is working to require insurers to disclose their investments in coal companies as well. The use of coal among utilities has fallen sharply over the past few years due to federal emissions regulations, but coal companies still receive strong financial support from both the public and private sectors. By divesting from coal, the insurance industry…