continuing Education Archives

Key Insurance Regulatory Updates in 2025

Posted on September 12, 2025October 1, 2025

The insurance industry is no stranger to regulatory change, and 2025 has already brought a wave of updates at both the federal and state level. From healthcare reforms to property and casualty adjustments, regulators are tightening oversight and responding to evolving risks. Below is a summary of the most significant updates—and what they mean for insurance professionals.

Federal Health Insurance and ACA Reforms

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) finalized the Marketplace Integrity and Affordability Rule in 2025, introducing several key changes to strengthen oversight of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) marketplaces.

Highlights include:

Stricter Verification: Enhanced income verification and pre-enrollment checks for special enrollment periods (SEPs) to reduce misuse.
Eligibility Adjustments: DACA recipients will no longer qualify as “lawfully present” for marketplace and Basic Health Program eligibility.
Enrollment Windows: Open enrollment will now run from November 1 through December 15 for the 2027 plan year on federal exchanges.
Premium Payment Requirement: Individuals automatically re-enrolled in zero-premium plans will now need to pay a minimum $5 monthly premium.
Tax Credit Reconciliation: Rules around advance premium tax credits (APTCs) have tightened, with consequences for those failing to reconcile past credits.

The Notice of Benefit and Payment Parameters for 2025 introduced consumer-friendly adjustments, aiming to improve plan choice, expand access, and strengthen marketplace standards.

Impact: For insurers and brokers, these changes mean more administrative oversight, stricter compliance, and potential adjustments to plan design and marketing strategies.

State-Level Insurance Developments

California

California has taken the lead with several regulatory shifts:

Auto Insurance: Minimum liability coverage limits doubled in 2025, rising to $30,000 per person / $60,000 per accident for bodily injury, and $15,000 for property damage. These limits will rise again in 2035.
Wildfire and Climate Risk: New rules require insurers to incorporate catastrophe modeling into rate filings and expand coverage options in wildfire-prone areas. Reinsurance cost pass-throughs will also face stricter oversight.

North Carolina

Regulators approved a 5% auto insurance rate increase effective October 1, 2025—far below the much larger hikes initially sought by carriers.

Alabama

A new law allows Alfa Insurance to offer alternative health plans exempt from certain ACA protections. The new law also includes preexisting condition coverage requirements. While promoted as affordable options, critics warn consumers may lose critical safeguards.

Illinois

Illinois is preparing to launch its own state-based health insurance marketplace, moving away from Healthcare.gov beginning in 2026.

Impact: These shifts highlight the growing divergence among states—some expanding protections, others pulling back federal safeguards. Insurers operating across state lines must remain vigilant about varying compliance obligations.

NAIC and Industry-Wide Priorities

The National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) has laid out its 2025 priorities, reaffirming its commitment to state-based regulation and improved risk oversight. Key initiatives include:

A new Risk-Based Capital (RBC) Model Governance Task Force to review capital standards and better account for catastrophe risk, reinsurance, and market consolidation.
Development of a U.S. version of the Global Insurance Capital Standard, with a draft expected by 2026.
Updated asset adequacy and reinsurance guidelines to improve transparency and strengthen solvency protections.

Impact: These measures signal increasing scrutiny on carriers’ capital adequacy and risk management frameworks. The measures apply to both large insurers and smaller regional players.

What This Means for Insurance Professionals

Taken together, these regulatory updates underscore several key trends:

Compliance is Tightening: Expect more detailed verification, stricter reporting, and less tolerance for administrative errors.
Pricing Pressures Are Rising: Higher liability minimums, climate modeling, and capital requirements will directly impact rate filings and underwriting strategies.
Consumer Access Is Evolving: Some reforms aim to expand choice and affordability, while others could create gaps in coverage—leaving room for brokers and agents to guide clients carefully.
Regulators Are Proactive: Both federal and state regulators are signaling a more hands-on approach to ensuring solvency, sustainability, and fairness.

Final Thoughts

For insurance professionals, the lesson is clear: staying ahead of regulatory change is no longer optional. These new rules will affect everything from product design to client conversations, and the ability to adapt quickly will set successful agents, brokers, and carriers apart.

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New CE Requirement: Variable Life Insurance Policies

Posted on July 1, 2025October 1, 2025

Starting January 1, 2025, California life agents who sell variable life insurance policies must complete a new two-hour continuing education (CE) course before each license renewal. This requirement, established by Senate Bill 263 (SB 263), adds Section 1749.81(b) to the California Insurance Code and applies to both resident and non-resident agents.

What is a Variable Life Insurance Policy?

A Variable Life Insurance Policy is a type of permanent life insurance that provides both a guaranteed death benefit and an investment component. A Variable Life Insurance Policy allows policyholders to allocate a portion of their premiums to a variety of investment options, such as stocks, bonds, or mutual fund-like sub-accounts. The cash value of the policy fluctuates based on the performance of these investments. Therefore, the policyholder assumes more risk but also has the potential for greater growth. While the death benefit is generally guaranteed at a minimum level, the benefit increases if the investments perform well. This type of policy is best suits individuals who want lifelong coverage and are comfortable managing investment risk. Because of the investment component, variable life insurance is regulated as a securities product. Agents selling variable life insurance must be variable life insurance licensed and licensed with FINRA.

What Is the New Requirement?

Under the new law, life agents authorized to sell variable life insurance policies must complete a two-hour training course specific to these products before each license renewal. This requirement effects licenses issued or renewed on or after January 1, 2025. The training focuses on individual variable life insurance policies and is based on the California Department of Insurance’s (CDI) Bulletin 87-3. Bulletin 87-3 outlines the requirements for issuing variable life insurance in the state.

Who Needs to Comply?

The two-hour variable life insurance training is mandatory for all life agents—both resident and non-resident—who sell variable life insurance policies in California. Including agents licensed before January 1, 2025.

How Does This Fit Into Existing CE Requirements?

For California resident agents, the two-hour variable life insurance course counts toward the 24-hour CE requirement for each two-year license term. However, the two-hour course is a distinct requirement and you must complete in addition to other mandatory courses.

How to Find Approved Courses

To find the appropriate two-hour variable life insurance course:

Visit our Course Catalog Page.
Select California
Select the license category – Life Only/ Life & Health/ Annuity (Reg BI) / Ethics / LTC / AML
Add course Variable Life Insurance Policies to cart

Why This Matters

The introduction of this specific training requirement underscores the importance that life agents are adequately prepared to sell complex financial products like variable life insurance. By mandating focused education, the CDI aims to enhance consumer protection and ensure that agents have a thorough understanding of the products they offer.

Final Thoughts

Compliance with this new CE requirement is essential for agents to continue selling variable life insurance policies in California. Agents should plan to complete the two-hour course before their license renewal date to avoid any disruptions in their ability to conduct business. Staying informed and proactive about these changes will help ensure a smooth transition and continued compliance with state regulations.

For more information or assistance, agents can contact the CDI’s Curriculum Review Section at CDI.Education@insurance.ca.gov or call (916) 492-3064.

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New CA Four-Hour Life Insurance CE Course

Posted on June 10, 2025October 1, 2025

Effective January 1, 2025, California has introduced a new continuing education (CE) requirement for life insurance agents. The Four-Hour Life Insurance CE Requirement, from Senate Bill 263 (SB 263), mandates that life agents licensed on or after January 1, 2024, complete a four-hour training course before soliciting individual consumers to sell certain life insurance policies. The California Department of Insurance (CDI) has approved the curriculum for this course, which focuses on individual life insurance policies other than term life with no cash value.

Who Is Affected?

This requirement applies to both resident and non-resident life agents who:

Were licensed on or after January 1, 2024.
Intend to sell individual life insurance policies other than term life with no cash value on or after January 1, 2025.

Agents must complete the four-hour training course before engaging in the sale of these specified life insurance policies.

Course Curriculum Overview

The four-hour training course encompasses the following key areas:

Types of Individual Life Insurance Policies and Benefits: Understanding various policy structures and their respective advantages.
Applicable California Laws and Requirements: Familiarization with state-specific regulations governing life insurance sales.
Prohibited Sales Practices: Identifying and avoiding unethical or illegal sales tactics.
Unfair Trade Practices: Recognizing actions that constitute unfair competition or deceptive practices.

The curriculum is based on the Prelicensing Education for Life Agents and is designed to ensure that agents are well-versed in the ethical and legal standards required in California.

Integration with Existing CE Requirements

For California resident licensees, the four-hour course integrates the existing continuing education requirements and is not an additional obligation. This means that completing this course will count towards the total CE hours required for license renewal.

How to Find Approved Course

To find the appropriate two-hour variable life insurance course:

Visit our Course Catalog Page.
Select California
Select the license category – Life Only/ Life & Health/ Annuity (Reg BI) / Ethics / LTC / AML
Add course Life Insurance Policies to cart

Final Thoughts

The implementation of this new training requirement underscores California’s commitment to ensure that life insurance agents prepared to serve consumers ethically and competently. Agents should proactively complete this training to remain compliant and continue providing valuable services to their clients.

For further information or assistance, agents can contact the CDI’s Curriculum Review Section at CDI.Education@insurance.ca.gov or call (916) 492-3064.

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California’s New 8-Hour Annuity Training Requirement

Posted on January 2, 2025June 18, 2025

The California Department of Insurance (CDI) has introduced a new 8-hour annuity training requirement aimed at enhancing consumer protection and ensuring insurance professionals are well-versed in the intricacies of annuity products. California’s new 8-Hour Annuity Training updates the state’s commitment to equipping insurance agents with the knowledge necessary to offer suitable recommendations and maintain transparency.

Here’s what insurance professionals need to know about this important update.

Complete the new CA 8-Hour Annuity Training course today

Background: Why the Change?

Annuities are complex financial products that serve as an essential tool for retirement planning. However, their intricacies often make it challenging for consumers to fully understand their benefits, costs, and risks. CDI’s updated training standard aligns with the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) Model Regulation #275, which seeks to ensure that consumers receive clear and informed guidance.

This change is designed to:

Protect consumers by improving the quality of recommendations.
Ensure compliance with California’s best interest standards.
Provide agents with comprehensive knowledge of annuity types, benefits, and risks.

The Key Requirements

Initial Training for New Agents
All newly licensed agents who intend to sell annuity products in California must complete 8 hours of training before offering or soliciting annuities. This foundational course covers critical topics, including:
- Types and classifications of annuities.
- Suitability and best interest standards.
- Tax implications and benefits of annuities.
- How to address potential consumer concerns.
Ongoing Training for Existing Agents
Agents who have already completed their initial annuity training must complete a 4-hour refresher course every two years to stay current on regulatory updates and emerging trends.
Focus on Best Interest Standards
A significant portion of the training focuses on the best interest obligations outlined in recent regulations. Agents are required to prioritize consumer needs over their own compensation and ensure recommendations align with the client’s financial goals.

How This Impacts Insurance Professionals

The new requirements might feel like an additional step, but they offer long-term benefits:

Enhanced Credibility: Comprehensive training builds trust with clients, as it ensures agents can clearly explain the nuances of annuity products.
Compliance Assurance: Staying updated with regulatory standards minimizes the risk of legal and financial penalties.
Competitive Advantage: Agents who demonstrate a deeper understanding of annuity products are more likely to gain a competitive edge in the marketplace.

Conclusion

The new 8-hour annuity training requirement reflects California’s dedication to protecting consumers while ensuring agents are well-equipped to navigate the complexities of annuity sales. While it may require additional time and effort, this update is an opportunity for insurance professionals to enhance their skills, build trust with clients, and ensure compliance in a competitive industry.

By embracing these changes proactively, agents can not only meet regulatory obligations but also position themselves as knowledgeable and trustworthy advisors in the evolving insurance landscape.

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New Fraud Requirement For California Insurance Continuing Education

Posted on November 13, 2024June 18, 2025

In an effort to bolster integrity within the insurance industry, California has introduced a new continuing education (CE) requirement focused on fraud prevention and awareness. Starting in 2024, all licensed insurance professionals in California must complete a dedicated course on insurance fraud as part of their license renewal process. This requirement comes at a time when the state aims to curb rising fraudulent activities and educate industry members on identifying, reporting, and preventing fraudulent schemes.

Here’s an overview of what the new requirement entails, why it’s important, and how it affects insurance professionals in California.

What Is the New Requirement?

As part of California’s ongoing commitment to consumer protection, the Department of Insurance now mandates that insurance agents and brokers complete a one-hour CE course on insurance fraud. This is a new addition to the existing CE requirements for all lines of insurance. The course must be completed as part of the license renewal process and is specifically designed to equip professionals with knowledge and tools to recognize fraud and understand their legal obligations.

Why Is This Requirement Important?

Fraud in the insurance industry is a costly problem. It affects policyholders through higher premiums, reduces trust in the industry, and impacts insurers’ financial stability. According to the California Department of Insurance, insurance fraud costs billions of dollars each year. By introducing this requirement, the state seeks to reduce the impact of fraud by:

Raising Awareness: Educating insurance professionals on common fraud schemes in areas such as workers’ compensation, auto insurance, life insurance, and healthcare.
Encouraging Reporting: Providing guidance on how to report suspected fraud and the protections in place for those who report it.
Supporting Compliance: Ensuring that agents and brokers understand the legal and ethical standards required to identify and prevent fraud.

Who Is Required to Complete This Course?

The new fraud-focused CE requirement applies to all licensed insurance professionals in California. Whether working in life and health, property and casualty, or any other line, licensees must complete this course to meet their renewal obligations. This requirement is for both resident and non-resident licensees, ensuring a consistent standard of fraud education across the board.

Key Topics Covered in the Fraud CE Course

The required fraud course will cover several essential topics aimed at broadening professionals’ understanding of fraudulent practices, including:

Common Fraud Schemes: Educating agents on typical fraud tactics used by policyholders, providers, or even internal employees.
Red Flags and Warning Signs: Learning the indicators of fraud and how to detect suspicious claims and transactions.
Reporting Requirements: Understanding the mandatory reporting rules for suspected fraud and the processes for submitting reports.
Legal and Ethical Obligations: Reinforcing ethical standards and legal responsibilities to maintain compliance and avoid potential penalties.
Case Studies: Reviewing real-world examples to help illustrate fraud tactics and successful prevention measures.

Compliance and Penalties

Insurance professionals who fail to complete this course risk having their license renewal applications denied. Ensuring compliance with the fraud CE requirement not only keeps licenses in good standing but also supports the broader goals of protecting consumers and maintaining a healthy, trustworthy insurance environment.

Practical Tips for Meeting the New Requirement

For agents and brokers preparing for their next renewal cycle, here are some tips for easily incorporating the new fraud requirement:

Plan Ahead: Avoid last-minute cramming by adding the one-hour fraud course to your CE schedule early in your renewal cycle.
Choose Accredited Providers: Select courses from approved CE providers to ensure you meet the state’s standards and receive credit.
Apply What You Learn: Use the knowledge from the course to proactively address potential fraud cases in your day-to-day work.
Stay Informed: Fraud schemes constantly evolve, so stay current with the latest trends and best practices beyond just this course.

Conclusion

The introduction of a mandatory fraud awareness course in California underscores the state’s dedication to tackling insurance fraud. By fostering a more fraud-aware insurance workforce, this requirement not only benefits professionals but also serves as an important measure to protect consumers and support a stable insurance marketplace. As an insurance professional in California, taking this new requirement seriously and applying the learnings in your practice will help build a stronger, more secure industry for all.

This new CE mandate is a step forward for both individual professionals and the industry at large. Embracing it not only fulfills regulatory obligations but also strengthens the overall credibility and resilience of California’s insurance sector.

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