Insurance News
Regulatory updates in plain English
Stay current with the latest from CMS, state departments of insurance, NAIC, the Federal Register, and Congress — rewritten so you can actually understand what it means for your practice.
Ingrid Ulrey joins the OIC as Senior Health Policy Advisor
Ingrid Ulrey has been appointed as the new Senior Health Policy Advisor for the Washington State Insurance Commissioner, effective May 18. She takes over from Jane Beyer, who retired after nearly 40 years in the role. Ulrey previously served as the CEO of the Washington Health Benefit Exchange and h...
Implementation of the National Environmental Policy Act
The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) is updating its rules to make it easier to follow the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). These changes will affect how the NRC reviews environmental impacts of nuclear projects. The goal is to reduce unnecessary regulations while still meeting NEPA...
Proposed Revisions to the Federal Reserve Policy on Payment System Risk and the Guidelines for Account and Services Requests
The Federal Reserve is proposing changes to its rules about payment systems that will affect banks and financial institutions. They want to create special accounts for certain types of payment activities and update how banks can request access to these accounts. Additionally, the Federal Reserve is ...
Proposed Extension of Information Collection; Request for Notice of Issuance of Insurance Policy (CM-921)
The Department of Labor is asking for public feedback on a proposed change regarding the collection of information related to insurance policy issuance. This is part of their effort to reduce paperwork and make the process easier for everyone involved. They want to ensure that the information collec...
National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program: Revised Amount of the Average Cost of a Health Insurance Policy
The National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program (VICP) has updated the average cost of a health insurance policy. This change affects individuals and families who may seek compensation for vaccine-related injuries. Insurance agents should be aware of this updated figure as it may impact claims and ...
Medicare Program; Hospital Inpatient Prospective Payment Systems for Acute Care Hospitals (IPPS) and the Long-Term Care Hospital Prospective Payment System and Policy Changes and Fiscal Year (FY) 2027 Rates; Requirements for Quality Programs; and Other Policy Changes
The proposed rule changes how Medicare pays for services at acute care hospitals and long-term care hospitals. It will adjust payment rates and policies for hospital services, including those related to medical education for teaching hospitals. Additionally, there will be updates to quality program ...
Medicare Program; Contract Year 2027 and Certain Contract Year 2026 Policy and Technical Changes to the Medicare Advantage Program, Medicare Prescription Drug Benefit Program, and Medicare Cost Plan Program
The Medicare program has updated its rules for Medicare Advantage, Medicare Prescription Drug Benefits, and Medicare cost plans. These changes affect how Star Ratings are calculated, how plans can market themselves, the process for enrolling in plans, and how drug coverage is managed. This will impa...
National Environmental Policy Act
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has finalized new rules that change how it follows the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). These changes were made after reviewing public comments and are meant to simplify and update the USDA's regulations. Agents should be aware of these updates as t...
Removal of Regulatory Overreach and Federal Crop Insurance Policy Provisions
The Federal Crop Insurance Corporation (FCIC) has updated its rules regarding how it makes final decisions about crop insurance. This change affects how these decisions are viewed legally, ensuring they are not treated as broad laws that apply to everyone. Now, these decisions will only apply to the...
Recission of the Statement of Policy on Qualifications for Failed Bank Acquisitions
The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) has decided to remove its 2009 policy that outlined the qualifications for acquiring failed banks. This change affects financial institutions interested in purchasing banks that have failed. Agents should stay informed about this update as it may impa...
Know why your auto or home policy was declined, canceled, not renewed
A new Texas law requires insurance companies to provide a written explanation if they decline, cancel, or do not renew your auto or home insurance. This law, effective for decisions made after January 1, 2026, helps homeowners and drivers understand the reasons behind these decisions so they can add...