Four trade groups representing large insurers have sent a letter to the House Financial Services Committee opposing changes to legislation creating a Federal Insurance Office.

Legislation giving the government broad authority to deal with troubled financial institutions, including insurers, passed the House Financial Services Committee.

Legislation creating a Federal Insurance Office within the Treasury Department was passed by the House Financial Services Committee.

Sen. Patrick Leahy, D-Vt., said an amendment to repeal the antitrust exemption that exists for health and medical malpractice insurers will be offered during action on proposed health care reform legislation.

Four trade groups representing large insurers have sent a letter to the House Financial Services Committee opposing changes to legislation creating a Federal Insurance Office.

Even though debate on a national health care reform bill in the U.S. Senate is grabbing all the headlines, federal legislation that would radically alter how insurers are regulated remains on the front burner in Congress.

A concern that a so-called "navigator" provision will limit the ability of insurance agents to sell health insurance products will be front and center on the agenda of the industry's lobbyists as the U.S. Senate begins debate Nov. 30.

The National Association of Insurance Commissioners has won significant changes to legislation creating a Federal Insurance Office, giving state regulators more say in its operations.