Allison Bell

The 2020 Draft Health Market Rules Are Here Now

January 18, 2019

One proposed rule: Web brokers can't list issuers that pay more first.

CVS Gets Walmart Back in Its Pharmacy Network

January 18, 2019

Millions of enrollees have been preparing to move their prescriptions.

IHC Acquires a Major Medical Web Broker Entity

January 18, 2019

The name of the entity acquired has not yet been announced.

UnitedHealth's cross-plan offset strategy runs afoul of ERISA

January 18, 2019

The ruling could limit a plan's ability to link payments for in-network care and out-of-network care.

Your Working-Age Clients Need to Understand MAGI

January 17, 2019

What goes into MAGI, and stays out of MAGI, matters. A lot.

Nationwide Helps Start United Way Program for Federal Workers

January 17, 2019

Aflac is offering a premium grace period.

NAIC Names 2019 Consumer Reps

January 17, 2019

Democrats' resurgence in the U.S. House could give the consumer reps a louder voice.

Appeals Court Rejects UnitedHealth Payment Strategy in ERISA Discretion Case

January 16, 2019

The ruling could limit a plan's ability to link payments for in-network care and out-of-network care.

Succession Through Acquisition

January 16, 2019

The author makes the case that selling an agency can give the principals the best of all possible worlds.

Beware the potential of telemedicine compliance missteps

January 16, 2019

Some of the nicest voluntary benefits can turn out to be full of COBRA notice risk.

There's a Boomer Angle to Worksite Dental: Idea File

January 15, 2019

Young workers aren't the only workers thinking about the door.

5 Things Actuaries Are Saying About Death Now

January 15, 2019

A new U.S. population mortality update could affect life and annuity product design and pricing.

Brighthouse to Use Envestnet Insurance Exchange

January 15, 2019

Brighthouse will start by using the exchange to distribute a fee-based Shield contract.

Annuity Order System Posts 2018 Advisor Data

January 15, 2019

The Affirm for Annuities order-entry system handled about seven 2018 orders per advisor user.

UnitedHealth: We Still Hate the ACA Health Insurer Tax

January 15, 2019

But executives note that the company is getting less of its revenue from health insurance.

New York Approves China Oceanwide-Genworth Deal

January 15, 2019

The companies now have all of the required U.S. insurance regulator approvals.

Long-Term Care Insurance Claims Rise 12%: AALTCI

January 15, 2019

The group's new figures suggest average benefits per claimant increased 9%.

Walmart to Leave CVS Pharmacy Network

January 15, 2019

Walmart says it objects to efforts to steer patients toward certain pharmacies.

Judge Blocks Trump Contraception Opt-Out Rules Nationwide

January 15, 2019

On Sunday, a judge issued a similar injunction for 13 states and the District of Columbbia.

3 Hidden Reasons Advisors Avoid Marketing

January 14, 2019

Maybe your fears are a sign that something is wrong.

Life and Annuity Issuers Prep for Q4 Earnings

January 14, 2019

One protective factor could be past investor distaste.

Anthem Medicare Advantage Plans Add CVS OTC Products Coverage

January 14, 2019

Molina has extended its PBM relationship with the company through 2021.

Nationwide and Penn Mutual Launch Permanent Life Products

January 14, 2019

One company has added a new group of universal life polices. The other, a whole life policy.

Securian Adds MYGA Contract

January 14, 2019

MYGA sales growth has been strong.

Judge Blocks Trump Plan to Revoke Obama-Era Contraceptive Rule

January 14, 2019

The list of states affected by the ruling includes California, Illinois, Maryland New York, North Carolina and Virginia.

Telehealth Regs Can Bite Your Client's Leg Off: Idea File

January 14, 2019

Some of the nicest voluntary benefits can turn out to be full of COBRA notice risk.

Former Standard CEO Dies at 70

January 11, 2019

Parsons navigated the company through the start of the Great Recession.

Investing in Support Staff Boosts Happiness

January 11, 2019

Sometimes, spending a little more can lead to a lot more results.

The ACA Is Still a Thing: Idea File

January 11, 2019

The Affordable Care Act is not in great health, but it is alive.

News

Some LTCI Issuers Count More on Future Rate Hikes Than Others: S&P

January 11, 2019

Assumed revenue from the future hikes ranges from less than 2% to about 30% of current reserve totals.

Appeals Court Freezes the Texas v. USA Affordable Care Act Suit

January 11, 2019

Federal courts are putting many cases on hold because they expect to run out of money Jan. 18.

Estate Planning Is Still Important

January 11, 2019

The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act has changed the exemption — but not the need to think carefully about the future.

California's Newsom proposes middle-income health premium subsidy

January 11, 2019

California's new governor is also asking the federal government to allow a move to a single-payer system.

People Still Need a Way to Pay for Long-Term Care: Idea File

January 10, 2019

Vince Bodnar is continuing to try to create new ways to help some people do that.

Simplicity Group Acquires Davis Life

January 10, 2019

Simplicity, formerly known as Futurity First, has backing from Aquiline Capital Partners.

Rod Young to Lead Delta Dental

January 10, 2019

Allan Allford is the dental insurer group's vice chair.

Investor Group Completes Deal for Shenandoah Life's Parent

January 10, 2019

Prosperity Life also owns SBLIUSA Life and S.USA Life.

Drugmakers Defend Pricing Strategies in San Francisco

January 10, 2019

Meanwhile, a fight over costs waits for them in Washington.

House vote gives Pelosi power to defend ACA

January 10, 2019

All 232 of the Democrats who participated voted for the provision, while Republican members voted 192-3 against.

The Call Center Agents Could All Work at Home: Idea File

January 09, 2019

Some people need the structure of an office, but 'virtual' operations can use agents from all over the country.

Distributor Acquires Senior Market IMO

January 09, 2019

Integrity Marketing Group says it will keep the IMO's 60 employees in their current roles.

New York City Mayor Seeks Paid Vacation Law for Private Workers

January 09, 2019

Bill de Blasio could push the paid leave frontier further left.

Myra Palmer to Lead NAILBA

January 09, 2019

Chad Milner will be the distributor association's chair-elect.

Alternative Investments

House Votes to Adopt ACA Lawsuit Rule

January 09, 2019

Greg Walden asked where the Democrats' single-payer health care bill is.

House Passes Medicaid Home Care Extender Bill

January 09, 2019

Rep. Debbie Dingell noted on the House floor that she provides care for former Rep. John Dingell Jr.

New York City May Add $100 Million Primary Health Program for the Uninsured

January 09, 2019

Some of the 600,000 program enrollees could be undocumented immigrants.

Life Insurers Could Help Clients Decode Their Tumors: Idea File

January 08, 2019

A new product could help some purchasers choose better courses of treatment for their cancer.

Michel Khalaf to Lead MetLife

January 08, 2019

Steven Kandarian is set to retire from the chairman, president and CEO posts April 30.

7 Winners and Losers in 401(k) Deferred Annuitization World

January 08, 2019

A QLAC shift could help some of your clients — but, an EBRI analysis suggests, it might not help all.

House May Pass Medicaid Planning Measure This Week

January 08, 2019

H.R. 259 is on a list of legislation slated for fast action.

AALTCI Sees Big Variations in 2019 LTCI Premiums

January 08, 2019

The gap between rates for men and women shrank.

New Calif. Governor Proposes Middle-Income Health Premium Subsidy

January 08, 2019

Gavin Newsom is also asking the federal government to allow a move to a single-payer system.

Trump Goes After Pharma on Twitter as Companies Increase Prices

January 07, 2019

Top pharmaceutical executives are now in San Francisco for a major investor conference.

Which Retirement Doctor Are You?

January 07, 2019

Some of your clients are retiring. When they come to you for advice, what do you tell them?

For Near Retirees, Taxes Are a Mystery: Idea File

January 07, 2019

Information about this one (not so weird) topic might pierce the marketing blizzard.

Warren Kicks Off Presidential Campaign, Offers Estate Tax Proposal

January 07, 2019

The Massachusetts Democrat was in Iowa to talk about her goals.

When Older American Households Fall Short

January 07, 2019

Yes, they should plan ahead. But what if things don't work out?

Linda Lacewell Could Oversee New York State's Sales Standards

January 06, 2019

Lacewell is on track to succeed Maria Vullo as the Empire State's new financial services superintendent.

Premier Dental Acquires a Dental Business From Guardian

January 05, 2019

The company hopes to expand patient access to orthodontia.

Ohio National Adds Whole Life Product

January 05, 2019

An executive says the new 20-pay product is part of the company's strategy to focus on its historic strengths.

Horace Mann Completes BCG Acquisition

January 04, 2019

A rating agency has suggested that diversification could help Horace Mann's life unit.

Flu Season Takes Hold in New York and the South

January 04, 2019

As of the week ending Dec. 22, the impact was below epidemic levels.

Long-Term Care Insurance Issuers Face a Form Tsunami: Idea File

January 04, 2019

Peter Goldstein, the head of a major LTCI administrator, says one menace insurers can do something about is rugs.

Annuity Issuer Makes Changes

January 04, 2019

FGL has replaced its CEO, and appointed a head dealmaker.

17 Ways to Get More Work Done

January 04, 2019

...along with ideas about how to be happy while being productive.

U.S. Brings in Verrilli to Defend Affordable Care Act

January 04, 2019

Verrilli and the new House counsel are already trying to make the House a party in the Texas v. USA case.

HealthCare.gov Seeks 2020 Agent Training Vendors

January 03, 2019

Applications are due Monday.

Dan Morrish to Lead State Insurance Legislator Group

January 03, 2019

One priority is keeping international agreements form affecting state-based insurance regulation.

To Spice Up Existing Products, Add Timing Choices: Idea File

January 03, 2019

Some people want to lock in life insurance for the medium term. Some, for the long term.

Proposed House Rules Could Hurt Medicare for All Efforts: Ocasio-Cortez

January 03, 2019

Centrist Democrats want to make it easier to challenge any proposals that could add to the federal budget deficit.

Why Voluntary Benefits Are Good for Employers

January 03, 2019

Products like accident insurance may help your clients get, and keep, the best workers.

Western & Southern Now Owns Gerber Life

January 03, 2019

The Cincinnati-based company has the financial services industry rights to the Gerber baby image.

ACA litigation and 3 other policy issues to watch as Democrats take the House

January 03, 2019

One section of Democrats' proposed House Rules document would authorize the House speaker to intervene in ACA-related litigation.

Super Hero Rescues Workers From Benefits Confusion: Idea File

January 02, 2019

DataPath has recruited 'Captain Contributor' to help it explain all of those complicated accounts, and rules.

2019 Life, Health and Annuity Planner

January 02, 2019

If you can't make time stand still, at least you can try to use it to see a few great speakers...

Democrats Aim to Put ACA in the New House Rules

January 02, 2019

The House is preparing to defend PPACA in the Texas v. United States litigation.

Get to Know the 'Uninsurables': Idea File

January 01, 2019

A Swiss Re strategist suggests one great place to look for prospects could be the rejected application pile.

7 questions about health insurance in 2019

January 01, 2019

One thing is certain: Clients will hope you can help them figure out what the heck is going on.

Wells Fargo Judgment Gives Term Life Sales Details

December 31, 2018

The number of life policies involved seems to be higher than in a pleading California filed a year ago.

Judge Keeps PPACA in Effect While Appeal Is Under Way

December 31, 2018

The 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals will be hearing the appeal.

7 Urgent New Questions About Health Insurance in 2019

December 27, 2018

One thing is certain: Clients will hope you can help them figure out what the heck is going on.

5 Questions About Life Insurance for 2019

December 26, 2018

This might be a year when plain old reliable oatmeal looks good.

Genworth Gets Major Regulatory Approvals for China Oceanwide Deal

December 26, 2018

The Delaware commissioner says he will try to help Genworth's GLIC subsidiary pay all promised LTCI benefits.

5 New Questions About How the Annuity Market Will Weather 2019

December 24, 2018

Why buy products with guarantees? Maybe the end of 2018 will show prospects why....

IRS Eases ACA Individual Penalty Exemption Process for 2018

December 24, 2018

The notice will free people from having to apply to ACA public exchange programs to get hardship exemptions.

Life and Health Stock Prices Drop With Rest of Market

December 24, 2018

One S&P life and health index is down 1.84% for today, and 4.95% for the past five days.

Start Your New Year's Business Plan Today

December 24, 2018

The New Year presents a new opportunity to do things better.

5 New Questions About Life and Annuity Deals in 2019

December 24, 2018

Dealmakers want to buy low.... Will they actually have the capacity to buy low?

5 Insurtech Questions for 2019

December 24, 2018

This may be a year when data security concerns overshadow other concerns.

Economy & Markets

Mnuchin Bid to Calm Markets Risks Making Bad Situation Worse

December 24, 2018

A Manulife asset manager wonders if a 'bigger, broader issue' might not be involved.

How to Ice This One Brutal Enemy of New Year's Resolutions

December 21, 2018

One way to make New Year's resolutions stick is to do something about the calendar...

How to Help Your Clients Keep Their New Year's Resolutions

December 21, 2018

A successful journey to financial wellness can begin with one small baby step.

Congress May Leave Big ACA Taxes Intact

December 21, 2018

The House passed a tax-blocker bill Thursday, but the Senate may leave town without considering it.

Last-minute surge narrowed ACA signup gap

December 21, 2018

A seventh-week surge helped bring the signup total for the entire 2019 enrollment period to 8.5 million, about 4.2 percent lower than 2018.

Microsoft-BlackRock Retirement System May Offer Annuities

December 21, 2018

BlackRock emphasized that it wants to offer lifetime income solutions.

Cigna completes Express Scripts deal

December 20, 2018

The insurer is celebrating in an interesting way.

Guardian Gets Control Over Real Estate Investment Advisory Firm

December 20, 2018

Lowe Enterprise Investors will keep its management team and take the name Broadshore Capital Partners.

Coming soon to HHS: Office of Drug Manufacturing?

December 20, 2018

Concerned by the lack of competition in the U.S. generic market, Sen. Elizabeth Warren has proposed creating a new drug manufacturing department.

Northwestern Mutual Forms Joint Ventures With Shopping Center Manager

December 20, 2018

Through one joint venture, Northwestern Mutual will get an 85% interest in a $368 million portfolio.

News

Cigna Completes Express Scripts Deal

December 20, 2018

The insurer is celebrating by donating $200 million to philanthropic efforts.