Senate Finance backs sweeping health care reform

E-mail about reason for firing not malicious: Jury October 13, 2009 at 8:50 pm BOSTON—No malice was involved when a company sent an e-mail saying an employee was fired for allegedly padding his expense reports, a jury has concluded in a closely watched case because of the First Amendment issue it raised. Treasury says AIG should lower retention payments October 13, 2009 at 8:50 pm WASHINGTON (Reuters)—The Treasury Department is pushing American International Group Inc. to cut big pay incentives it claims were needed to keep staff but which have stoked a controversy over pay at taxpayer-supported firms. California governor signs workers compensation laws October 13, 2009 at 4:41 pm SACRAMENTO, Calif.—Employers that authorize workers compensation medical care cannot rescind or modify the authorization for treatment already provided, according to legislation California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger has signed into law. Senate Finance backs sweeping health care reform October 13, 2009 at 4:41 pm WASHINGTON—The Senate Finance Committee on Tuesday passed sweeping health care reform legislation on a 14-9 landmark vote, setting the stage for debate on the Senate floor. 2009 cat bond issuance could reach $4B: Guy Carpenter October 13, 2009 at 4:41 pm NEW YORK—Insurers may issue as much as $2.2 billion in new catastrophe bond capacity during the fourth quarter, as a number of factors are combining to boost the insurance-linked securities sector, according to a report released Tuesday. Hannover Re expanding nonlife reinsurance in China October 13, 2009 at 12:33 pm SHANGHAI, China—Hannover Reinsurance Co. said Tuesday it has received approval to open a nonlife reinsurance branch in Shanghai, China. AIG to sell Taiwan life insurance unit for $2.15 billion October 13, 2009 at 12:33 pm TAIPEI, Taiwan (Reuters) American International Group Inc. is to sell its Taiwan life insurance unit for $2.15 billion, marking the largest disposal since a U.S. government bailout saved the insurer from collapse last year. California bans denying workers comp in racial attacks October 13, 2009 at 4:15 am SACRAMENTO, Calif.—California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger signed legislation into law Monday that prohibits the denial of a workers compensation claim filed by an employee attacked because of race, sexual orientation or religious creed. Calif. to recognize same-sex marriages in other states October 13, 2009 at 4:15 am SACRAMENTO, Calif.—California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger has signed into law a bill that recognizes same-sex marriages entered into in other states. California court overturns duty-to-defend ruling October 13, 2009 at 4:15 am LOS ANGELES—A trial court erred in staying a declaration that a liability insurer no longer needed to defend its insured when its policy limits had been exhausted, a California appellate court has ruled. Sickest swine flu patients require heroic measures October 13, 2009 at 4:15 am CHICAGO (Reuters)—Once swine flu patients are sick enough to need hospital care, they decline very fast, requiring ventilators and advanced treatments that quickly strain scarce hospital resources, several teams reported on Monday. White House slams health insurer report on reform impact October 13, 2009 at 4:15 am WASHINGTON (Reuters)—The White House Monday blasted a report from the health insurance industry that said Senate health care legislation would lead to increases in annual insurance premiums of as much as $4,000 by 2019. Aon launches market data operation October 13, 2009 at 4:15 am CHICAGO—Aon Corp. on Monday launched Inpoint, an online information services company that the broker said provides real-time insurance-market data that allows insurers and their clients to analyze market trends. U.S. judge allows Stanford, others to seek defense fees from D&O policy October 13, 2009 at 4:15 am HOUSTON (Reuters)—Financier Allen Stanford and other executives who face charges related to an alleged $7 billion fraud may file claims for defense funds under a directors and officers liability insurance policy, a federal judge said on Friday. Mississippi high court clarifies Katrina coverage October 13, 2009 at 4:15 am JACKSON, Miss. CBO report boosts backers of medical malpractice lawsuit reform October 13, 2009 at 4:15 am WASHINGTON (Reuters)—Limiting medical malpractice lawsuits could save the U.S. H1N1 flu taking off in United States, officials say October 13, 2009 at 4:15 am WASHINGTON (Reuters)—The new pandemic of H1N1 flu has killed 76 children in the United States since it emerged in April and is worsening, U.S. health officials said Friday.