It's a lazy Monday. Catch up on your reading – or, if your Mondays are actually more like mine, email yourself this post to read later on in the week.
Obama to Urge Oversight of Insurers' Rate Increases
The most recent proposal would allow the federal government to block "excessive rate increases" by health insurance companies. "Excessive" hasn't been defined, but the move was prompted by Anthem Blue Cross of California's recent increases of up to 39 percent for more than 700,000 customers.
Health Companies Criticized for Deceptive Marketing While Anthem Hikes Continue to Draw Attention
Kaiser Health News discusses recent news coverage of mismarketed discount plans in an era of rate hikes and decreased benefits. "The companies used words such as 'premium' and 'copay,' and promised to cover 80 percent of medical expenses from a vast network of hospitals and doctors to persuade 4,600 customers in Minnesota they were buying an insurance policy," said Minnesota attorney general Lori Swanson.
Eight Big Changes That Will Reshape the Annuity Biz
Financial reporter Darla Mercado taps Jack Marrion, editor of Advantage Compendium Ltd., to give his predictions for the next 10 years. Number eight: "1035 exchanges will drop off." Check out his explanation, plus seven more predictions for the decade ahead.
Life and Health Customer Approval Surveyed
And life and health insurers are seeing more satisfied customers compared with 2008 – but they're still behind P&C companies.
10 Steps to a Strong Marketing Plan in 2010
Marketing manager Mona Grizio's tips include taking time out, involving the team, and assessing your business.
Top Six Reasons Why Affluent Clients Dump Their Advisors
Earlier this month, we talked with a customer service expert about one reason producers may find themselves losing business. Now, research unveils more reasons behind your potentially impending attrition.
Top 10 Ways to Drive Traffic to Your Small-Business Blog Using Twitter
Because you have a blog, and you use Twitter … right?
Christina Pellett is the editor of the Agent's Sales Journal.
