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Harvard Pilgrim names new leader

February 10, 2010 – 2:10 am

Mr. Schultz, currently president and CEO of Worcester, Mass.-based Fallon Community Health Plan, succeeds former Harvard Pilgrim President and CEO Charles D. Baker, who left in July 2009 to put together a statewide electoral campaign, and interim CEO Bruce Bullen. Mr. Bullen also has decided to leave Harvard Pilgrim but has agreed to help ensure a smooth transition for a period of time after Mr. Schultz arrival, a spokeswoman for Harvard Pilgrim said.

Mr. Schultz’s 27-year health insurance career also includes roles as the lead executive director of Prudential HealthCare, medical group administrator of Nashville Healthcare Group, and vp and executive director at CIGNA HealthCare.

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39% Premium Increase in California for Anthem

February 9, 2010 – 9:39 pm

Anthem Blue Cross in California has announced premium increases of up to 39% for its members and have defended that increase in a letter to Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius. As pointed out in that letter, the “39% figure” is the worse case scenario for some members.

Anthem blames the need for the increase on declining membership and skyrocketing medical costs.

So, just for curiosity, I took a look at WellPoint, Inc.’s end of 2009 financial report. WellPoint owns Anthem in California. In fact, they probably own a significant share of any health insurance in your state. “WellPoint is the nation’s largest health benefits company, with approximately 34 million members in its affiliated health plans.”

Let’s discuss SG&A expenses.

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Two Senate Democrats oppose health care strategy

January 25, 2010 – 10:50 pm

Democratic leaders said they were in no hurry to make a decision on how to proceed on a health care overhaul and did not expect specific guidance from President Barack Obama when he delivers his State of the Union address Wednesday.

“We’re trying to figure out what is possible,” said House of Representatives Democratic leader Steny Hoyer, D-Md.

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Fire Suppression Contractor Liability Insurance

January 25, 2010 – 2:13 am

If you work in an industry that involves testing various fire protection systems, you should look into fire suppression contractor liability insurance. Some qualifying businesses can include:

• Automatic Fire Sprinkler Contractors
• Fire Extinguisher Sales & Service Companies
• Restaurant & Special Suppression System Risks
• Fire Alarm/Burglar & Security System Installers
• Fire Equipment Distributors/Fire & Emergency Apparatus Dealers

If you work within this industry, protecting yourself from the dangers of working with fire suppression is critical.

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Become Flo’s Friend!

January 24, 2010 – 9:59 am

Love the commercial or hate the commercial, Progressive Insurance’s “Flo,” the quirky girl selling insurance at the “Insurance Superstore,” is a very successful marketing campaign for Progressive.

Now you can be a part of the campaign!

Progressive is running a contest to find a helper for Flo. The winner gets to appear in a commercial and gets a free trip to Los Angeles, CA, for a live audition with Flo. Details can be found at helpflo.com. There you can upload your video entry.

Or, you can attend public auditions at:

• The Metropolitan Pavilion in New York City on Jan.

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Senator questions severance for former AIG legal chief

January 16, 2010 – 8:11 pm

In a Jan. 15 letter to the U.S. pay czar Kenneth Feinberg, Sen. Grassely cited recent media reports indicating that Anastasia Kelly will receive between $2.8 million and $3.8 million in severance following her resignation on Dec. 30, 2009.

Ms. Kelly—who was executive vp, general counsel, and senior regulatory and compliance officer for AIG—resigned at the end of the year in protest of the pay limits Mr. Feinberg last year imposed on AIG executives. In a statement earlier this month, AIG said Ms. Kelly resigned for “good reason” under the terms of AIG executive severance plan.

Sen. Grassely asked for several pieces of information, including Ms. Kelly’s

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