Ticker: Price at the pump continues climb; Insurer settles deceptive practices claims

The cost of gas in Massachusetts is up 3 cents from last week, now averaging $3.38 per gallon, according to AAA Northeast. Today’s price is 29 cents higher than a month ago, and $1.30 higher than a year ago.

“We have finally seen a little dip in domestic demand for gasoline, which may signal that the seasonal post-Labor Day easing was a little delayed this year,” said Mary Maguire, AAA Director of Public Affairs. “And if the recent steady increase in crude oil prices takes a breather too, consumers may benefit at the pump with smaller price hikes.”

The price at the pump in the Bay State is 2 cents lower than the national average.

Insurer to pay $625,000 to settle deceptive practices claims

An insurance company has agreed to pay $625,000 to settle allegations that it used deceptive and illegal practices to sell health insurance to state residents, the attorney general’s office said Monday.

Under terms of the settlement, Florida-based Health Insurance Innovations will repay customers $515,000, pay $100,000 in civil penalties to the state and $10,000 to cover the cost of the investigation.

The insurer sold health insurance plans to Massachusetts residents from Unified Life Insurance Co. that were not authorized for sale, according to a complaint filed in Suffolk Superior Court.

Deceptive sales practices included claiming that the unauthorized health insurance covered services that it actually excluded, and describing limited health insurance as comprehensive, authorities said.

An email seeking comment was left with Health Insurance Innovations.

from Boston Herald https://ift.tt/3mA5WS3