As sun and wildfires toast parts of the state, here are some fire tips

With record summer heat -- and in some places, wildfires -- scorching the state, here are some quick reminders:

-Many rural homeowners fear that human-caused fires aren't covered by insurance because they fall under an arson exclusion. Not so. Fire is one of the "basic perils" listed in homeowner's insurance, and all fires should be covered, so long as they were not intentionally set by the insured person.

-Rural homeowners should do everything possible to limit exposure to wildfires. At a minimum, clear a firebreak around your home and outbuildings, using driveways or well-watered green lawn areas as a buffer between the buildings and trees, brush and uncut fields.

-For more tips, including advice on insurance coverage and protecting family keepsakes, see this checklist.

Legislation wrap-up: new rules for flood insurance, organ transplants, annuities and discount health plans

“Get your medical bills lowered.” “A solution so simple, it’s brilliant.” “The savings do not stop there.”

As people struggle to find affordable health care, many are turning to discount health plans. And some buyers, who mistakenly think they’ve bought insurance coverage with full benefits, are discovering that the discounts are much more limited than they thought.

Several new laws, including one requiring more regulation and disclosure for such plans, took effect yesterday. The others include laws shortening the insurance waiting period for some people getting organ transplants, consumer-protection changes involving flood insurance, and new rules for annuities.

Click here for more information on the specifics.