insurance

Nurses Patricia Wegener (left) and Susan Davis at Mercy Hospital can monitor the condition of a patient who is miles away via the hospital's technology. But some health insurers and analysts remain skeptical that telemedicine saves money.

Telemedicine Expands, Though Financial Prospects Still Uncertain

1:55pm October 02, 2015

by Alex Smith

With apps and video chats now a part of many people's days, some firms and hospitals see big potential for health care delivered remotely. But a lot of insurers still aren't willing to pay for it.

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States Make Laws To Protect Patients From Hidden Medical Bills

10:19am July 15, 2015

by Michelle Andrews

Too many patients only learn after they get the bill that their insurer won't cover some medical services provided in the hospital. New laws in several states aim to stop those nasty surprises.

Some auto insurance companies could be using a tactic called "price optimization" to charge loyal customers a higher premium.

Being A Loyal Auto Insurance Customer Can Cost You

10:58am May 18, 2015

by Tracy Samilton

Businesses often reward their customers with discounts for sticking with them. But some auto insurance companies may raise your premiums if they think you're unlikely to shop for a better rate.

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Bob Ennis says he pays about $3,200 for auto insurance — and he blames his Detroit address for the high annual premium.

National

Why Some Detroit Residents Claim To Live Someplace Else

7:45pm May 16, 2015

by Jason Margolis

The city has some of the highest auto insurance rates in the U.S. Many residents there drop coverage — or claim they live outside the city limits. The mayor has a plan to cut the cost of insurance.

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Patient Gary Wilhelm looks at his medical data on a smartphone that is synchronized to a new Fitbit Surge on his wrist.

Health & Safety

Weighing Privacy Vs. Rewards Of Letting Insurers Track Your Fitness

7:11pm April 09, 2015

by Christina Farr

A major life insurer is offering lower premiums in exchange for policyholders' sharing activity data. But privacy advocates worry such programs eventually will be used to deny coverage.

You don't need to run a marathon â or wear a gorilla suit â to get a discount on John Hancock's new life insurance program. But at least one of them may help.

John Hancock Hopes You'll Trade Activity Data For Insurance Discounts

12:44pm April 08, 2015

by Krishnadev Calamur

Life insurance customers will receive discounts each year based on their activity levels. The practice is used in Australia, Europe, Singapore and South Africa. But privacy experts are concerned.

Kathy Hanlon and her sons, Sergio (left) and Cristian, were traumatized by Superstorm Sandy. Hanlon says her flood insurance company made life after Sandy even more horrible

National

Superstorm Sandy Victims Say FEMA's Role Is Fatally Conflicted

9:20am February 21, 2015

by Charles Lane

As Sandy victims and FEMA work to resolve accusations of falsified damage estimates, some are questioning how the agency can be both a flood insurance provider and a regulator of flood insurance.

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Texas Insurance Brokers Play Bigger Role In 2015's Obamacare

10:25am February 11, 2015

by Carrie Feibel

Though insurance agents say they initially felt sidelined by the Affordable Care Act, many are working hard this round to help uninsured Texans find a good plan through the federal website.

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Economy

Higher Insurance Rates For NC Homeowners

6:12am January 26, 2015

by Michael Burke

North Carolina homeowners are being faced with higher insurance rates or no policy.

Health & Safety

State Expedites 2014 Health Insurance Rates to Stave Off Cancelations

12:10pm November 20, 2013

State Insurance Commissioner Wayne Goodwin is taking steps to reduce the number of health insurance cancelations as a result of the Affordable Care Act. More than 473,000 North Carolinians have received notice from their insurance companies that their plans have been terminated. Goodwin announced last week an expedited review for insurers to speed up the 2014 rates.