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Conn. trial lawyers ask state to investigate liability insurance rates

NEWS IN BRIEF — Posted Dec. 4, 2006

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The Connecticut Trial Lawyers Assn. is asking state insurance regulators to rein in premiums that Connecticut Medical Insurance Co. charges physicians, saying they are "overly excessive" compared with the company's healthy profits and reserves over the past two years.

The lawyers group, in an October letter, asked the state's insurance commissioner, Susan F. Cogswell, to conduct a "thorough examination" of the insurer's premiums, to ensure that doctors have access to affordable medical liability coverage, and patients have access to care.

Officials of CMIC, owned by doctors and other health professionals, refute the CTLA's analysis and say the lawyers' efforts are aimed at deterring tort reform. (Connecticut does not have a cap on noneconomic damages.)

The company said its rates have stayed at the same level since 2005.

At press time, trial lawyers were scheduled to meet with insurance officials on Nov. 27, said the CTLA's executive director, Neil H. Ferstand.

Note: This item originally appeared at http://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2006/12/04/prbf1204.htm.

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