“Penniless N.Y. Man Unaware of Alleged Insurance Plot to Kill Him”

In another creepy story, two New York insurance agents are accused of taking out a $500,000 policy on an unsuspecting Harlem drifter and plotting to kill him.

It seems that the Harlem man got lucky—the two agents are also accused of insuring four other men and hiring goons to either shoot or poison them. AP: “One of the victims was a homeless alcoholic who was slipped a fatal dose of a sedative while in drunken stupor in a Queens park.” [Insurance Journal]

‘Lawless’ Situation Threatens Okla. Seniors, Commish says

In testimony to the U.S. Senate Special Committee on Aging, Okla. insurance commissioner Kim Holland said federal law prevents her from protecting seniors from insurance scams that prey upon seniors’ confusion over their health care coverage.

Holland said lack of federal regulation of two Medicare plans "has led to virtual lawlessness in Oklahoma," with “unlicensed agents are setting up shop in pharmacies, large retailers, and nursing home lobbies.”

"As insurance commissioner, I currently have greater authority to address a consumer's problem with pet insurance than I do protecting the half a million Oklahoma senior citizens covered under a Medicare Prescription Drug or Advantage plan," Holland said. [(Oklahoma City) KOCO, Channel 5]

“La. House OKs insurance credits to lure companies”

Can $100 million lure more insurers to write policies in Louisiana?

Recently passed by the La. House of Representatives, the “Insure Louisiana Incentive” would offer $2 million to $10 million grants to insurers. Grant recipients would be obligated to write the equivalent amount in new policies in the state. To be eligible for the grants, the bill also stipulates that “25 percent of those policies must be from the ones currently provided at higher rates by Louisiana Citizens Property Insurance Corp.” [(La.) Shreveport Times]

Get Birthday Cards (Check Included) from Your Dead Grandparents!

Not sure what to make of this one. From InsureBlog:

Commemorative Life Insurance Company in conjunction with Assurity Life make it possible for your loved ones to continue receiving cards, and money, for as long as they live. Lifetime annual gifts are available in denominations of $100, $250 or $500. You can name as many, or as few, beneficiaries as you choose.

The weird needle on my mental dashboard is flickering a bit. This is what they’re calling it: AfterThoughts Birthday Insurance (SM).