Happy Wednesday! In this week’s Big I Buzz: a federal reminder impacting Medicare Advantage commissions—plus a timely look at the most common insurance claims during the holiday season.

CMS: States Cannot Regulate Medicare Advantage Broker Compensation

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) issued a Dec. 4 memo reminding state insurance departments that federal law preempts state efforts to regulate Medicare Advantage (MA) broker compensation and marketing practices. The clarification follows heightened scrutiny during open enrollment, including a lawsuit filed by UnitedHealthcare against the Idaho Department of Insurance and recent emergency actions by some states aimed at limiting commission changes. CMS emphasized that MA compensation is governed by federal standards, even as insurers adjust commissions amid rising cost pressures. Read more here.

5 Common Causes of Christmastime Claims

The holiday season is one of the busiest times of year for insurance claims, as increased travel, decorating, hosting, and winter weather all raise risk. Understanding the most common causes of holiday claims can help insureds take preventative steps and avoid costly surprises in the new year.

Some of the most frequent causes of Christmastime claims include:

• Porch piracy 
• Fires 
• Car accidents 
• Winter weather 
• Guest actions

Encouraging safety awareness during the holidays can go a long way in reducing risk and protecting both homes and businesses. Read more 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 join our emailing list.