WASHINGTON--The Treasury Department last night sent to Congress legislation creating an Office of National Insurance (ONI) with strong authority over solvency and international issues.

The White House is voicing support for a Senate proposal that would impose a tax on health insurance plans valued at $25,000 or more as a means of helping pay for health care reform.

The National Risk Retention Association is joining an industry chorus in opposing a provision in proposed health care reform legislation the industry fears could roll back the uniformity it gained through a 1986 law.

More than 1,000 agents converged on Capitol Hill last week to make clear to their representatives in Congress the vital part they play in helping consumers make wise health insurance choices.

WASHINGTON--The health insurance industry is voicing strong criticism over a proposal by a group of Democratic senators to impose $100 billion in taxes or fees on insurers.

WASHINGTON--The Self-Insurance Institute of America is asking a House committee to remove provisions in proposed health care reform legislation the industry fears is an effort to limit the growth of self-insurance health plans.

The National Association of Insurance Commissioners has written key House lawmakers telling them that a plan to create a federal agency for health care insurance oversight would be costly and unnecessary.

Proposed legislation to create a U.S. Consumer Financial Protection Agency should be revised to eliminate mortgage, title and credit insurance, a coalition of insurance trade groups has written Congress.