Regulation/Legislation

Health insurance reform legislation drafted for the Senate Finance Committee would create a network of nonprofit cooperatives as an alternative provider for the coverage, according to an outline obtained by National Underwriter.

An insurance regulators' poll of small businesses finds nearly two thirds of owners lack the know-how to pick a health plan fitting their company's finances and workers' needs.

Health insurance coverage should be required for all, similar to the way most states require auto insurance, the National Association of Insurance Commissioners said late last month.

News of a discussion among a group of state regulators aimed at creating a National Insurance Supervisory Commission isn't being welcomed by one state legislator.

Strong voter push-back over controversial health care reform proposals, cost concerns and the political vacuum left by the death of Sen. Edward Kennedy are likely to prompt Congress to ultimately pass more moderate, "reform-lite" legislation.

The sad truth about the current debate over health care is that it has little to do with real reform, while there is not much informed debate going on anymore.