business and finance

Careful Consideration of Insurance Plans Urged During Special Enrollment Period

Consumers should be wary of non-marketplace plans that offer limited benefits Insurance Commissioner Trinidad Navarro is joining commissioners across the country in cautioning residents who may be considering purchasing an insurance plan that does not adequately meet their needs or comply with Affordable Care Act (ACA) benefit requirements. The Special Enrollment Period, which started February […]




business and finance

Advances in Primary Care Reform Made Possible by Legislature

General Assembly sent key bill to the Governor The Delaware General Assembly passed legislation to increase Delawareans’ access to high quality, affordable health care through a series of reforms that will refocus Delaware’s healthcare system on primary care and improvements in value. Senate Substitute 1 for Senate Bill 120 requires commercial health insurance companies to […]




business and finance

Delaware Captive Insurance Legislation Signed by Governor

State’s dormancy laws now offer greater flexibility With the Governor’s recent signature, Delaware’s Captive Insurance Division is celebrating increased flexibility in its offerings to captive insurance companies. Senate Substitute 1 for Senate Bill 36 allows captives to be classified as registered series, offers clarity to provisions regarding insuring a parent company, and allows for a […]




business and finance

Mental Health Parity Examinations Find Inequities in Insurer Behavior

More than $1.3M in total fines assessed for coverage discrimination Insurance Commissioner Trinidad Navarro has announced the completion of additional Mental Health Parity examinations on regulated health insurers in Delaware. These violations resulted in $735,000 in fines and significant insurer corrections to create a less discriminatory environment in the future. Combined with two examinations completed […]




business and finance

General Assembly Moves in Unison to Protect Consumers, Local Businesses, from Excessive Pharmaceutical Costs

Expanded oversight of Pharmacy Benefits Managers possible Legislation to further regulate the Pharmacy Benefits Manager industry was passed by the General Assembly in late June and sent to the Governor with unanimous bipartisan support. HB 219, sponsored by Rep. Andria Bennett, Sen. Spiros Mantzavinos, Senate President Pro Tempore Dave Sokola, and Rep. Mike Smith, would […]




business and finance

CONSUMER ALERT: Philips CPAP, BiPAP, Mechanical Ventilators Recalled

Devices being used to treat chronic conditions, COVID-19 Delaware Insurance Commissioner Trinidad Navarro has released a consumer alert for users of respiratory devices manufactured by Philips. An estimated 4 million Philips Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) and Bi-Level Positive Airway Pressure (BiPAP or BiLevel PAP) devices, as well as mechanical ventilators manufactured before April 26, […]




business and finance

Delaware Seeks Data on Climate Change’s Impact on Insurance

Participating in National Insurer Climate Risk Disclosure Survey Insurance Commissioner Trinidad Navarro has announced Delaware’s participation in the National Association of Insurance Commissioners’ Insurer Climate Risk Disclosure Survey, an effort to assess how the impacts of climate change will reverberate across the insurance industry. From investment practices, to increased claim occurrences impacting companies’ financial sturdiness, […]




business and finance

Commissioner Trinidad Navarro Announces National Improper Marketing of Health Plans Working Group

National Antifraud Task Force takes on new charges to protect consumers Delaware Insurance Commissioner Trinidad Navarro, Chair of the National Association of Insurance Commissioners’ (NAIC) Antifraud Task Force, announced today the successful creation of the Improper Marketing of Health Plans Working Group, which aims to tackle some of the nation’s most serious consumer-centered health scam […]




business and finance

Highmark Increases 2022 Affordable Care Act Marketplace Premiums

Expanded federal subsidies keep consumer costs low; SEP sees success After two consecutive years of rate decreases, Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield of Delaware, who offers the state’s Affordable Care Act (ACA) health plans, will increase base rates an average of 3% for the 2022 plan year. The announcement comes after extensive, in-depth independent actuarial […]




business and finance

$12.3 Million in Health Insurance Rebates for Individuals and Small Businesses

Highmark plan participants and groups to receive checks Insurance Commissioner Trinidad Navarro announced today that Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield Delaware will issue rebates totaling over $12.3 million to some Delawareans. Residents who purchase insurance on the Delaware Health Insurance Marketplace, those who purchase Highmark Delaware plans outside of the marketplace, and Highmark small group […]




business and finance

Delaware Receives $10.8 Million to Improve Access to Affordable Health Coverage through Reinsurance Program

NEW CASTLE (Sept. 7, 2021) – The Biden Administration has awarded Delaware $10,831,203 through the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) to improve access to affordable, comprehensive health insurance coverage through its section 1332 state-based reinsurance waiver. Delaware is one of 13 states to receive these funds, also known as “pass-through funding,” which are available […]




business and finance

Medicare Assistance Bureau Shares Resources in Advance of Open Enrollment

Free one-on-one counseling and information available to residents; Bureau earns federal grant The Delaware Medicare Assistance Bureau (DMAB), a division of the Delaware Department of Insurance, is encouraging residents to get ready for Medicare Open Enrollment. DMAB, which provides free, one-on-one Medicare counseling, offers a myriad of virtual appointment options for residents, as well as […]




business and finance

Three Residents Indicted for Insurance Fraud by Grand Jury

Late last month in New Castle County, a Grand Jury indicted multiple residents for insurance fraud. The indictments stem from Department of Insurance Fraud Prevention Bureau investigations, in partnership with the Delaware Department of Justice. They allege that following vehicle accidents, each indicted resident did knowingly present false information to auto insurers or otherwise caused […]




business and finance

Open Enrollment for Delaware’s Health Insurance Marketplace

Delawareans can renew existing coverage or sign up for a new plan. Coverage for enrollees who sign up by Dec. 15 and pay their first month’s premium will take effect Jan. 1, 2022.




business and finance

Delaware to Regulate Multi-Billion-Dollar Pharmacy Benefit Manager Industry, Protecting Consumers and Local Businesses

Department of Insurance will lead effort to rein in monopolistic behavior and excessive pharmaceutical costs Insurance Commissioner Trinidad Navarro announced today that the Delaware Department of Insurance will begin the process of building and enforcing regulations regarding Pharmacy Benefit Managers (PBMs) as a new law goes into effect. The new authorities of the department will […]




business and finance

Insurance Commissioner Navarro, Lt. Governor Hall-Long to Host Dover COVID Vaccine and Flu Shot Clinic

Local independent pharmacy to administer important immunizations Insurance Commissioner Trinidad Navarro, in collaboration with Lieutenant Governor Bethany Hall-Long and Kevin Musto, R.Ph., FAPhA, independent pharmacist with Atlantic Apothecary, has announced a COVID Vaccination and Flu Shot Clinic on Thursday, November 18 from 1:00 to 4:00PM at the Delaware Department of Insurance’s Dover Office, 1351 West […]




business and finance

Workers’ Comp Rates to Decrease for Fifth Consecutive Year

Double-digit drop effective December 1 Insurance Commissioner Trinidad Navarro announced today that workers’ compensation insurance rates will decrease for the fifth year in a row, effective December 1, 2021. The voluntary market is seeing yet another double-digit decrease in voluntary market loss costs, with an average 21.02% reduction, and residual market rates will go down […]




business and finance

Department of Insurance 2021 Data Shows over $21M in Consumer Savings

Successes in serving residents continue The Delaware Department of Insurance (DOI) today published performance and productivity data for 2021. While the pandemic necessitated continued operational adjustments, staff continued to focus efforts on consumer services and saw great success. The department also released an infographic of key statistics. “Year after year, our DOI team delivers for […]




business and finance

Report Finds Gender Disparity in Auto Insurance Premiums, Women Charged More for Same Coverage

Legislative effort to end rating practice announced Insurance Commissioner Trinidad Navarro and the Consumer Federation of America (CFA) today released Gender Disparities in Auto Insurance Pricing, a new report that shows many women are being charged more by auto insurers based solely on their gender. Data shows that many Delaware women pay more per year […]




business and finance

Commissioner Navarro Announces Health Insurance Marketplace Expansion

Consumers to have most options in history of Delaware Marketplace After years of work to increase competition on the Delaware Health Insurance Marketplace, Insurance Commissioner Trinidad Navarro announced today that three health carriers intend to offer plans for the 2023 plan year – the most in the state’s history. AmeriHealth Caritas and Aetna CVS Health […]




business and finance

Delaware Captive Bureau to Welcome New Director

Department shares appreciation for Steve Kinion’s years of service The Delaware Department of Insurance today announced a planned leadership transition following an upcoming departure of long-time Captive Bureau Director Steve Kinion on September 30. The unique form of insurance regulated by this division contributes millions of dollars to the State of Delaware and City of […]




business and finance

Stephen Taylor to Lead Delaware Captive Bureau

The Delaware Department of Insurance today announced that industry veteran Stephen Taylor has joined the department as the incoming Director of its world-renowned Captive Bureau. Taylor will succeed Steve Kinion, who transitions out of the role on September 30. “Stephen Taylor’s extensive experience as an innovative yet meticulous insurance regulator stood out amongst contract applicants […]




business and finance

2023 Health, Dental, Small Group Insurance Rates Announced

Following in-depth reviews by independent actuaries and the Office of Value-Based Health Care Delivery, rates for regulated 2023 health, dental, and small group insurance plans were announced today. While premiums are rising steeply across the country, the extension of consumer-friendly subsidies through the Inflation Reduction Act, coupled with Delaware’s strong 2022 enrollment and 2023 Health Insurance Marketplace expansion, will limit consumer impact locally.




business and finance

Medicare Assistance Bureau: 10 Tips for Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment

As the October 15 to December 7 Medicare Open Enrollment quickly approaches, the Delaware Department of Insurance and its Medicare Assistance Bureau (DMAB) are sharing their annual consumer information announcement.




business and finance

Update: Sixth Consecutive Workers’ Comp Rate Decrease Announced

Double-digit drop will be effective December 1 Insurance Commissioner Trinidad Navarro announced today that workers’ compensation insurance rates will decrease for the sixth year in a row, effective December 1, 2022. Both the voluntary market and the residual market will see rate decreases in the double digits. “Lowering worker’s compensations costs time and time again […]




business and finance

Cristine Vogel Named Director of Value-Based Health Care Delivery

Experienced healthcare management strategist hired after lengthy national search Insurance Commissioner Trinidad Navarro welcomed Cristine Vogel to the Delaware Department of Insurance as its Director of Value-Based Health Care Delivery this week after a lengthy national search to fill the role. As the inaugural Director, Vogel will lead efforts that relate to value-based care, primary […]




business and finance

Office of Value-Based Health Care Delivery Issues Annual Progress Report

Identifies Areas of Compliance and Opportunities to Continue Health Care Payment Transformation Early in March, Insurance Commissioner Trinidad Navarro and Cristine Vogel, the Director of the Department’s Office of Value-Based Health Care Delivery, issued the Annual Review of Carrier Progress Towards Meeting Affordability Standards. Vogel leads the Department’s efforts relating to value-based care, primary care, […]




business and finance

2022 Year-End Data Released By The Department of Insurance

Consumers continue to benefit from carrier expansion and insurer oversight The Delaware Department of Insurance (DOI) has published its annual performance and productivity data, indicating continued success in serving consumers throughout the state. “In the face of inflation, climate change, the pandemic, and other challenges, our priority remains the same: the residents of our great […]




business and finance

CONSUMER ALERT: Data Breach of Genworth Third-Party Vendor

Insureds, agents, and beneficiaries should watch for notification On June 16, PBI Research Services, a third-party vendor for Genworth Financial, disclosed a data breach that impacted the personal information of an estimated 2.5-2.7 million individuals, including about 8,000 Delaware residents. At this time, the company has indicated that the potentially compromised information may include agents, […]




business and finance

Update On Recent Insurer and Third-Party Data Breaches

More than 37,500 Delaware agents, policyholders, beneficiaries impacted Following the receipt of additional data breach reports from insurers, including those related to the breach of the MOVEit file transfer services system used by third-party vendors, the Delaware Department of Insurance is updating this consumer alert and will be updating the online posting as information is […]




business and finance

Insurers and Agents Required to Provide Rate Explanations

Recent reports of misleading comments in response to consumer questions prompt bulletin re-issuance The Delaware Department of Insurance has been made aware of recent misrepresentations related to the basis for premium changes in consumer-facing communications. In response, the department is reminding agents, producers, and insurers of their obligations to provide full explanations of rate changes […]




business and finance

Navarro Announces New Health Insurance Marketplace Carriers, 2024 Individual Rates

Increased competition means more options for Delawareans, employers For the second consecutive year, Delawareans will have access to increased options on the Health Insurance Marketplace, Insurance Commissioner Trinidad Navarro announced today, with 57 total plans offered by four insurers. In the 2024 plan year, consumers will have the opportunity to purchase plans from Celtic Insurance […]




business and finance

Medicare Assistance Bureau: Open Enrollment Reminders

As Medicare Open Enrollment approaches, the Delaware Department of Insurance and its Medicare Assistance Bureau (DMAB) are sharing their annual consumer information update. From October 15 to December 7, consumers can join, switch, or drop a Medicare Prescription Drug Plan (Part D) or Medicare Advantage Plan. DMAB’s free, confidential, unbiased one-on-one assistance can help residents determine if making a coverage change is the right choice. In 2022, the team completed 5,123 counseling sessions, saving beneficiaries a combined $1.5 million.




business and finance

Navarro Announces Seventh Consecutive Workers’ Comp Rate Decrease

New rates will be effective December 1 UPDATE: Following a review of the Delaware Compensation Rating Bureau (DCRB) filing by independent actuaries and a public hearing with DCRB and the State’s Ratepayer Advocate, the final Workers’ Comp rates have been approved. Commissioner Navarro is proud to announce that additional decreases have been negotiated from the […]




business and finance

Delaware Launches D&O Guidance, Other Improvements to Foster Captive Industry Growth

Process and regulatory changes developed in partnership with the Delaware Captive Insurance Association Insurance Commissioner Trinidad Navarro and the Delaware Captive Insurance Association (DCIA) are proud to announce a series of process and regulatory improvements intended to ensure Delaware remains a top domicile for businesses seeking to form captive insurance companies. The news was shared […]




business and finance

Department of Insurance Releases 2023 Data

Another banner year for consumer protection and insurer competition In 2023, the Delaware Department of Insurance’s 101 team members served Delaware residents and seniors, attracted new companies, oversaw expansions of coverage and enhanced competition, and contributed substantial funds to the state. Today’s data release details how each team contributed to Delaware’s strong insurance environment. “Each […]




business and finance

Major Cybersecurity Event Impacting Health Care, Pharmacy Operations

Delays impacting operations, including payments and insurance transactions Earlier this month, one of the nation’s largest health care companies experienced a cybersecurity attack immobilizing much of the industry. Change Healthcare, a subsidiary of UnitedHealth Group that also operates as Optum Solutions, states that it interacts with 1 in every 3 patient records. Their systems are […]




business and finance

Northeast Insurance Departments Highlight Lyme Awareness Month

Regional Insurance Commissioners developing new model law to prevent and treat Lyme The Northeast Zone of the National Association of Insurance Commissioners is promoting National Lyme Disease Awareness Month this May, announcing that the regional group aims to work toward development of a model law aimed at preventing and treating Lyme disease. The CDC estimates […]




business and finance

Stocks Of Adani Group Firms Climb In Morning Trade

Shares of Adani group firms continued to attract heavy demand in morning trade on Tuesday, with Adani Total Gas climbing nearly 20 per cent.




business and finance

NDTV Profit Business Channel Resumes Operations This December

NDTV Profit, the business news channel of the New Delhi Television Ltd, is set to resume regular operations from December.




business and finance

Most Reliable Vendors To Buy Replica Rolex Super Clone Watches

Here's all you need to know about the two vendors that deal with the finest quality Rolex replica watches




business and finance

Sensex Rises By 305 Points, Nifty By 103 In Early Market Trade

Equity benchmark indices rallied in early trade on Wednesday amid continuous foreign fund inflows along with buying in heavyweight IT stocks, Reliance Industries and HDFC Bank.




business and finance

Indian Equity Market Enters Coveted USD 4 Trillion Club For 1st Time Ever

The combined market valuation of all listed companies on the leading stock exchange BSE reached the USD 4-trillion milestone for the first time ever today.




business and finance

Adani Power Takes Up Green Ammonia Combustion Pilot Project At Mundra Plant

As the world leaders converge in the UAE for the COP28 this week to chalk out strategies for climate mitigation, Adani Power announced it has taken up a green ammonia combustion pilot project at its Mundra plant.




business and finance

125 Projects Taken Up For Exploration Of Critical Minerals, Says Minister

The government on Wednesday said 125 new projects have been taken up in the current financial year for exploration of critical minerals.




business and finance

Nandan Nilekani, Nikhil Kamath On Forbes Asia Heroes Of Philanthropy List

Nandan Nilekani, co-founder of Infosys, KP Singh, chairman emeritus at DLF, and Nikhil Kamath, co-founder of Zerodha, have been named on the 17th edition of Forbes Asia's Heroes of Philanthropy list released today.




business and finance

GDP Grew By 7.6% In Q2 Compared To 7.8% In Q1

India's economy grew 7.6 per cent in the September quarter of this fiscal and remained the fastest-growing large economy, mainly due to better performance by manufacturing, mining and services sectors, the government data showed on Thursday.




business and finance

Nifty Hits All-Time High After Upbeat Growth Data, Sensex Up 300 Points

Nifty hit a fresh record high on Friday, as faster-than-expected economic growth in the September-quarter added to optimism over the global interest rate outlook.




business and finance

Centre Bans 'Dark Patterns' On E-Commerce Platforms; Notifies Guidelines

In order to protect consumers' interest, the government has banned use of "dark patterns" on e-commerce platforms which intend to deceive customers or manipulate their choices.




business and finance

PSPCL Posts Rs 564 Crore Q3 Profit On Lower Power Purchase, More Generation

The Punjab State Power Corporation Ltd (PSPCL) has made a profit of Rs 564.76 crore for period ending September as against a loss of Rs 1,880.25 crore in the year-ago period.