Happy Wednesday! In this week's Big I Buzz: insurance leaders and lawmakers work on California wildfire relief. Plus, a high-stakes battle over the Affordable Care Act.

Insurance Leaders, Lawmakers Working on California Wildfire Relief

California’s recent wildfires are driving swift action from lawmakers and insurance leaders to protect affected homeowners. Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara issued a one-year moratorium preventing insurers from canceling policies in wildfire-impacted areas and proposed a grant program to help low-income residents reduce wildfire risks with fire-resistant roofs and defensible space.

Lawmakers also introduced the FAIR Plan Stabilization Act to strengthen California’s insurer of last resort by issuing catastrophe bonds. Analysts estimate insured losses from the wildfires could hit $30 billion, with most from homeowners’ policies. Despite the losses, industry leaders say insurers have the capital to cover claims and see the crisis as a potential turning point for reform. Read more here.

SCOTUS Agrees to Hear Challenge to Obamacare’s Preventive Care Coverage

The Supreme Court will take up a significant case challenging the Affordable Care Act’s preventive care coverage in its upcoming term. This marks the latest chapter in ongoing legal battles surrounding the health reform law.

If the court sides with the Texas-based employers who brought the case, it could weaken protections for millions of Americans by allowing insurers to stop covering preventive services like birth control, vaccines, and mental health screenings at no out-of-pocket cost. Read more here.

Trusted Choice Relief Fund

The Trusted Choice Relief Fund is accepting donations and grant applications to help those affected by the recent wildfires in the Los Angeles area. According to the latest reports, the fires have burned over 45 square miles, forcing 179,000 to evacuate. Officials report at least five deaths, 1,300 structures destroyed, and 60,000 more at risk as strong winds fuel the flames in densely populated areas of Southern California.

The Trusted Choice Relief Fund is available to provide financial assistance to insurance industry personnel impacted by these wildfires. Whether you're looking to donate to help agents or are seeking financial assistance for recovery, the Trusted Choice Relief Fund is here to provide critical support. Learn more and donate here.

For more news, check out the Action News section of our weekly e-newsletter, Big I Buzz. If you aren’t subscribed, click here to add your email to our emailing list.