> HealthMarkets and its affiliates, Mega Life and Health Insurance Company, Mid-West National Life Insurance Company and Chesapeake Life Insurance Company, were fined $325,000 for failing to comply with a 2008 settlement agreement with the Washington insurance commissioner. The settlement found the insurers' consumer disclosure, oversight and training of agents, claims handling and complaint handling practices were insufficient. Statement
> California is particularly prepared to move forward with healthcare reform, including creating and implementing health insurance exchanges and expanding Medicaid, reported the San Francisco Chronicle. Article
> Insurers in Oregon saw a drop in their overall net income for the second consecutive year but still are on pace to achieve financial prosperity in 2012. The seven largest insurers in the state had a combined $1.83 billion in surplus and $56.5 million in net income during the first quarter, according to the Lund Report. Article
> And Finally… Fake feline + fraud = felony. Article