Core and Group Health

Marsh & McLennan Agency LLC, a subsidiary of insurance broker Marsh Inc., today announced it has acquired Prescott Pailet Benefits LP, a $6 million employee benefits broker based in Dallas.

Though the Department of Health and Human Services anticipates the agent and broker industry will play a "critical role" in health exchange plan enrollment, whether (and to what extent) agents and brokers will be able to participate in these exchanges is a decision states will have to make before 2014....

A rookie wage scale and free agency for veterans appear to be the biggest stumbling blocks to ending the NFL lockout.

The Department of Health and Human Services announced Monday guidelines that are designed to help states establish health insurance exchanges — state-based competitive marketplaces where individuals and small businesses will be able to purchase affordable private health insurance.

President Barack Obama warned Monday there would be no deal on raising the government's debt limit if Republicans don't compromise and said he would not sign a short-term extension — raising the stakes on volatile negotiations with the clock ticking toward a Aug. 2 deadline.

With the clock ticking toward an Aug. 2 deadline, congressional leaders return to the White House Monday for another round of budget bargaining with President Barack Obama, who has warned top lawmakers he will call daily meetings until they break their partisan stalemate.