The News Review:
- Need for federal insurance czar is questioned
- Watchdog Faults FDIC versight f Failed Texas Bank
- Allstate home insurance rates to jump 5.5 percent statewide
- Federal health chief Sebelius praises Colorado insurance efforts
- Colorado launches long-term care insurance program
- Insurance ption for Loss of a Job
- AdWatch: TV ad war begins over health overhaul
Need for federal insurance czar is questioned
The Associated Press
State regulators say it would duplicate what they do without better protecting consumers. Conservatives bemoan the big government mentality. The issue could flare as lawmakers push to meet an ambitious schedule for votes on health care legislation before their August vacation. Like the notion of a government insurance plan to compete with private companies designating a single official appointed by the president to oversee the market goes to the heart of the federal role.
Watchdog Faults FDIC versight f Failed Texas Bank
Wall Street Journal
–>Watchdog Faults FDIC versight f Failed Texas Bank ArticleCommentsmore in. should have been more aggressive in recognizing problems and forcing changes at a failed Texas bank ahead of its collapse an internal watchdog said in a report released Tuesday. The FDIC’s office of inspector general said in its report that Houston TX-based Franklin Bank failed primarily due to.
Allstate home insurance rates to jump 5.5 percent statewide
Houston Chronicle
5 percent starting in late August. Texas homeowners living closer to the coast will see higher rate hikes. Harris County rates for instance will jump and average 15. 6 percent and Galveston’s will rise an average 9 percent.
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Federal health chief Sebelius praises Colorado insurance efforts
Bizjournals.com
In total the department committed $100 million over the next four years to promoting the government-run programs which Sebelius said are more critical than ever with national unemployment hitting 9. “When parents lose their jobs they lose insurance for themselves and their children” Sebelius said. Since 2007 Sebelius noted that Ritter’s efforts have helped enroll 67000 more Colorado children in Medicaid and Colorado’s children’s health program — a 27 percent increase. Ritter who participated in the conference call said the state has used a combination of paid advertisements unpaid media and outreach to health care nonprofits to get the word out on the programs. “There are too many people who are eligible but not enrolled in government plans” Ritter said.
Colorado launches long-term care insurance program
Bizjournals.com
us Digg This Colorado officials are launching a new public-private effort aimed at encouraging state residents to begin planning for their long-term care needs and offering a new insurance program. The "wn Your Future" program unveiled Tuesday is overseen by various state agencies under the label "Colorado Long-Term Care Partnership. "The program will make available an insurance program to Coloradans ages 45 to 65 through private insurers. The program "enables Colorado residents who purchase Long-Term Care Partnership insurance to have more of their assets protected if they later need the state Medicaid program to help pay for their long-term care". Those applying for Medicaid might otherwise have to "spend down" more of their own assets in order to be eligible for Medicaid coverage.
Insurance ption for Loss of a Job
Wall Street Journal
KNIGHT At least one major insurer is offering job-loss protection plans with its high-end individual disability insurance policies. The Guardian Life Insurance Co. of America has set its sights on professionals looking for occupation-specific income protection who might otherwise put off buying coverage because of the recession. About three in 10 U.
AdWatch: TV ad war begins over health overhaul
The Associated Press
“The ad is part of a handful of commercials that are expected to grow this summer in both numbers and criticism as detailed health bills emerge from Congress and dozens of interest groups companies and labor unions tussle over influencing lawmakers. Through June 27 $31 million has been spent for roughly 47000 TV ads on health care this year says Evan Tracey president of the Campaign Media Analysis Group a firm that tracks issue advertising. That’s double the roughly $14 million the insurance industry spent in 1993 and 1994 for the famous “Harry and Louise” ads credited with helping kill President Bill Clinton’s health care drive but a fraction of the $250 million Tracey guesses will ultimately be spent this year. Hoping to shape the early debate the initial ads are “really being aimed at some people in the administration some people on Capitol Hill a whole bunch of reporters a few bloggers” Tracey said. As Congress’ direction becomes clearer and interest groups seek public support “then I think you’re going to see the spending go on a hockey stick curve straight up” he said. So far Tracey said about $15 million has been spent on ads favoring the Democrats’ push to revamp the health care system and $4 million to oppose it. Another $12 million has gone to ads generally favoring better health care — nearly all of it by the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America representing drug makers which hopes its market will expand if more people have insurance.