The battle over payments to board members at nonprofit health insurers escalated yesterday, as state Attorney General Martha Coakley pressed for legislation that would give her authority to prohibit the fees, while two large Massachusetts health insurance companies again said the money they pay directors is well spent. A report from Coakley's office—which regulates institutions classified as public charities, such as health insurance companies and hospitals—said the insurers' longtime practice of paying directors can't be justified. Some collect more than $80,000 a year for part-time service.
