Regulation/Legislation

Utah has named Todd Kiser, a retiring state legislator, as that states new insurance commissioner.

Congress has passed legislation sought by the insurance industry and other stakeholders since late 2008 that streamlines enforcement of the Medicare Secondary Payment program.

The House Wednesday passed legislation sought by the insurance industry in three Congresses that would streamline enforcement of the Medicare Secondary Payment program.

Insurance groups and CEOs are bristling against the global designation of insurers as Global Systemically Important Insurers by the Financial Stability Board, an action expected in or near the first quarter of 2013.

Proposed curbs on insurers aimed at preventing a repeat of AIG's 2008 taxpayer bailout could raise the cost of insurance, making more people dependent on the state, a finance sector lobby group said.

A total of 18 U.S. states are planning to start their own health insurance marketplaces, which will be available to consumers and businesses in 2014, U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius said in a blog posting on Monday.