Council for Affordable Health Insurance (CAHI) released its most recent Policy Trends paper, "Trends in State Mandated Benefits, 2011." CAHI's research and analysis uncovers developing trends long before they might become apparent to the casual observer. As a companion piece to our renowned study, "Health Insurance Mandates in the States, 2011," the "Trends, 2011" paper takes the 2,262 mandates CAHI identified this year and forecasts what's ahead for legislators and policy makers.

WESTCHESTER, Ill.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jenny Palmer joins American Westbrook to head up the senior market segment focusing exclusively on Medicare Supplement, Medicare Advantage and prescription drug plans. In this position Ms. Palmer will work with clients, sales professionals and strategic partners by providing them with a variety of Medicare insurance choices and finding a health plan that best fits their needs.

American Westbrook Insurance Services, LLC, a subsidiary of Hendricks Holding Company, Inc., announces the acquisition of North Shore Benefits Group, Inc. effective December 1, 2011.

AMERICAN WESTBROOK INSURANCE SERVICES, LLC Acquires THE AMERICAN WORKER PLANS, INC.

Insurance Headlines

January 31, 2011 Governor Quinn signed into law the Illinois Religious Freedom Protection and Civil Union Act. The law will take effect on June 1, 2011. The following is a short summary of the impact on employers.

The IRS today issued a draft Form W-2 for 2011 which employers use to report wages and employee tax withholding. It also announces relief for employers

The Principal Financial Group announced on Thursday that it planned to stop selling health insurance, another sign of upheaval emerging among insurers as the new federal health law starts to take effect.

Workers can expect to pay hundreds of dollars more for their health care coverage next year.