MIA Says Price Optimization Violates Statute; Opportunity for Regulatory Challenge Arrives in 2015

• Related Attorney(s):
• Craig D. Roswell

• Practice Area(s):
• Insurance Law, 
• Property Insurance Law

The Maryland Insurance Administration is the first regulatory agency in the country to come out with a clear position on price optimization, issuing Bulletin 14-23 that states that the practice violates § 27-212(e)(1) of the Insurance Article. It calls for any insurer using price optimization to file a corrective action plan by January 1, 2015 and concludes by stating that, “Failure to submit a corrective action plan and to re-file rates/rules that are compliant with Maryland law may result in administrative action.” 

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FIO Report Sets the Stage for an Active Year in Insurance Regulation

• Related Attorney(s):
• Craig D. Roswell

• Practice Area(s):
• Insurance Law

The December 12, 2013 Federal Insurance Office (FIO) report titled, "How to Modernize and Improve the System of Insurance Regulation in the United States,” with its proposed increased federal role in insurance regulation has been met with strong opposition from state regulators. Issues raised with direct federal involvement in regulation include greater engagement in supervisory colleges to monitor financial stability of insurers and reinsurance collateral requirements, among others.

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Another Delay in the Affordable Care Act’s Employer Mandate - A Reprieve for Many Employers

• Related Attorney(s):
• Susan D. Baker

• Practice Area(s):
• Business and Corporate Law, 
• Employment Law, 
• Insurance Law

The Obama administration announced last week that some mid-sized businesses would have an additional year to comply with the employer mandate or “pay or play” provisions of the Affordable Care Act. The employer mandate requires businesses with at least fifty (50) employees to either offer health plans that meet minimum coverage and affordability standards or pay a penalty known as the “employer responsibility payment.”

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Affordable Care Act (“ACA”) - Steps Small Business Should be Taking Now to Prepare

• Related Attorney(s):
• Susan D. Baker

• Practice Area(s):
• Business and Corporate Law, 
• Employment Law, 
• Insurance Law

In July of 2013, the Obama administration delayed the implementation of the Affordable Care Act’s employer reporting requirements. Small business owners should be using the remainder of 2013 and 2014 to prepare for January 1, 2015, the date that the employer mandate becomes fully effective.

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