Morning Briefing: North Carolina probe of Blue Cross, Blue Shield extended

North Carolina probe of Blue Cross, Blue Shield extended… Allstate offers new ride share coverage for Alberta… Leadership roles announced for Breckenridge growth…

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North Carolina probe of Blue Cross, Blue Shield extended
An investigation into complaints against Blue Cross and Blue Shield in North Carolina will continue as the insurance department’s findings have been disputed.

The News & Observer reports that customers claimed they were double-billed, dropped from coverage or assigned to the wrong health plans and the NC Department of Insurance launched its investigation in May.

The potential outcome was for the insurers to be penalized with multi-million-dollar fines.

State insurance commissioner issued a short statement Monday which says that “further examination of Blue Cross Blue Shield is necessary” explaining that “disagreements on the findings persist.”

The statement noted that a timescale for the conclusion of the probe was not possible at this stage.

Blue Cross says it is working with the insurance department to bring about a resolution and in a memo to employees in April and seen by the News & Observer, it said “Our current challenges stem from platform, technology and process issues, not actions that could be deemed illegal or unethical.”
 
Allstate offers new ride share coverage for Alberta
Allstate Insurance Company of Canada has announced a new personal insurance coverage solution for drivers working for Uber and similar ride-share firms.

The coverage, available in Alberta effective Aug. 22, is available to eligible drivers as an endorsement to their existing personal auto policy and will close the gap between personal lines and commercial coverage for ride-share drivers.

“Allstate Canada recognizes the increasing need for this type of coverage as consumer demand and transportation network enterprises continue to grow,” says Dave MacInnis, Vice-President of Product Operations at Allstate Insurance Company of Canada. “The sharing economy is only going to continue to expand; the insurance industry needs to evolve with it to ensure we are meeting the needs of our customers.”
 
Leadership roles announced for Breckenridge growth
Wholesale specialty insurer Breckenridge has announced that it has filled some key roles ahead of expected growth of the firm.

Pete Feeney, CIC has been named as president of the Breckenridge Insurance Services brokerage division with specific focus on expansion plans for specialty markets.

Meanwhile, Ron Boudreaux also joins Breckenridge Insurance Services as executive vice president of national accounts, bringing almost 40 years of experience to the role.

Both Feeney and Boudreaux were previously with Swett & Crawford.

Finally, Robert J. Matamoros has been named executive vice president of specialized distribution for Breckenridge Insurance Group. He was previously executive VP at the firm’s brokerage division.
 

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