Let’s blow this wide open: New York to reveal secret health insurance charges

Change is in the air for health insurance at the national level, but one state is not letting debate slow reform. In a monumental move, New York State Attorney General Andrew M. Cuomo announced in late October the formation of a new not-for-profit company, FAIR Health, Inc., to provide independent data to guide “usual, customary, and reasonable” (UCR) rates for out-of-network health charges. » read on…

Constant “texting” defies safety and common courtesy

On Tuesday the U.S. government banned “texting” on handheld devices by drivers of large commercial trucks and buses. This extends the list of existing bans on texting — drivers of government vehicles are already banned from texting; many states ban it for drivers of all motor vehicles; and many employers ban it for employees who drive while on the job. » read on…

Car insurance for flying vehicles?

Photo courtesy of Terrafugia

As advanced auto technologies hit the road, car insurance companies will need to test drive new types of policies. Terrafugia, Inc., a company based in Woburn, Mass., recently completed a flight-testing program for its Transition Roadable Aircraft, dubbed “The Flying Car.” It is expected to be available in 2011. » read on…

Lightning zaps insurers for $1 billion a year

When lightning strikes, it can cause catastrophic damage. This week, a lightning bolt is suspected to be the cause of a deadly plane crash. Ethiopian Airlines Flight 409 had roughly 90 people on board when it crashed into the Mediterranean Sea on Monday. No survivors have been found. » read on…

Californians will have faster access to doctors, by law

Have you ever had to wait a few weeks to see your doctor? If you live in California and belong to an HMO, that could soon change. Following years of negotiations among state officials, doctors, insurance companies and consumer and health care activists, California could become the first state to set time limits for doctors to see patients. » read on…

Scam artists have always liked insurance

It was only within a day or two of the Haiti earthquake that reports warned about charity scams that claimed to be collecting money for Haitian relief. Scams have always dogged the insurance industry, too. » read on…

More murders mean more traffic accidents?

Do murders and traffic accidents have something in common? I’m racking my brain to find the correlation between the two. But states with high homicide rates also tend to have higher traffic-accident deaths, according to a study by the University of Michigan Transportation Research Institute. » read on…

Why won’t Californians buy earthquake insurance?

Californians, I’m worried about you, especially as I watch the news of the quake destruction in Haiti. A large earthquake centered in California is inevitable and almost certain within the next 30 years. » read on…

Top 10 ways pets break bones

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It’s not surprising that cars pose a huge danger to pets. But have you ever considered your household furniture as a big threat to your furry friend? According to Veterinary Pet Insurance Co. (VPI), pets commonly break bones by falling or jumping from furniture. » read on…

Coloring your insurance green can save you money

The insurance industry is slowly beginning to color itself green. Eco-friendly policies – often referred to as “green” – are a trend in car insurance and home insurance. In some cases, coloring your policy green will even save you money. » read on…