American Fidelity Assurance Company (AFA) is a unique, family-owned organization that was founded in 1960. AFA has grown to become the largest privately-owned life insurance company in the United States1. AFA has more than 1,400 employees across the nation. It was named to Fortune Magazine’s 2007 list of the 100 Best Companies to Work for in America for the fourth straight year2. Since 1982, AFA has been rated "A+" (Superior) by A.M. Best Company, one of the nation's leading insurance rating services3. For more information on our company visit www.afadvantage.com. Daily Quote: "Two monologues do not make a dialogue." - - Jeff Daly
1. Northwestern Mutual Reaches $1 Trillion of Life Insurance in Force MILWAUKEE, Feb. 8 /PRNewswire/ -- Northwestern Mutual announced today that it has reached $1 trillion(1) of individual life insurance protection in force(2), making it the first direct provider of life insurance -- and the only mutual company -- to reach such an historic milestone.For Northwestern Mutual, which will be celebrating its 150th anniversary next month, the accomplishment marks what has been a steady and dramatic increase in life insurance in force over the past two decades. Eclipsing the $200 billion mark in 1989, the company has since put into force $800 billion of life insurance protection. In 2006 alone, $104 billion was added, an amount greater than the total amount of life insurance amassed over the company's first 125 years.www.nmfn.com Return to Headlines - - Print Article / Read Entire Article / E-Mail Article 2. The Council Releases FAME Study on Catastrophic Risk Options WASHINGTON, Feb. 7 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Council of Insurance Agents & Brokers today released a comprehensive analysis of various legislative proposals that have been advanced to deal with the problem of insuring catastrophic risk, from natural disasters to acts of terrorism. The report, "An Analysis of Catastrophic Risk Insurance Proposals," was produced by Georgetown Economic Services, LLC, and financed by the Foundation for Agency Management Excellence (FAME). It was authored by Matthew M. Kemper and David M. Rosner. FAME, which is administered by The Council, is a 501 c (3) charitable and educational organization that promotes leadership and excellence in the agency and brokerage community. In reviewing various proposals to cover risk relating to natural or man- made catastrophes, the report focused on approaches to deal with natural disasters: H.R. 4366, the Homeowners' Insurance Protection Act of 2005; H.R. 846, the Homeowners' Insurance Availability Act of 2005 (HIAA); and tax- deductible reserves. In addition, the authors looked at both the Terrorism Risk Insurance Act of 2002 (TRIA) and the extension of TRIA that was passed in 2005. That law, which provides a federal backstop for the commercial insurance industry in the event of a terrorist attack, will expire at the end of 2007 unless it is extended again.The study presents arguments advanced by advocates and critics of each of the proposals and assesses each in terms of potential effectiveness, analyzing the options but not endorsing any of the potential approaches. The report can be downloaded at The Council's web site: www.ciab.com Return to Headlines - - Print Article / Read Entire Article / E-Mail Article 3. California Healthcare Institute Launches Third Podcast Episode on Dangers of a Cost-based U.S. Healthcare System Caregiver and Journalist Explains Limitations of Cost-based Healthcare LA JOLLA, Calif., Feb. 7 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The California Healthcare Institute (CHI) today launched the third episode of the podcast series, Cost Over Care: The Dangers of Bureaucratic Medicine. As state and federal policymakers search for ways to reduce healthcare costs, the podcast aims to educate policymakers and healthcare consumers about the dangers of cost-based healthcare policy initiatives. The five-part series can be found on the California Healthcare Institute Web site, http://www.chi.org, and is accessible on iTunes and other podcast directories. California Healthcare Institute (CHI) represents more than 250 leading biotechnology, medical device, diagnostics, and pharmaceutical companies, and public and private academic biomedical research organizations. CHI's mission is to advance responsible public policies that foster medical innovation and promote scientific discovery. CHI's web site is http://www.chi.org. Return to Headlines - - Print Article / Read Entire Article / E-Mail Article 4. Mccarty Issues Order Prohibiting Cancellation Of Insurance Policies For Victims Of Tornados TALLAHASSEE (02/03/2007) Florida Insurance Commissioner Kevin McCarty has issued an emergency order prohibiting insurance companies from canceling personal lines insurance policies for victims of Friday night’s tornados in central Florida. The order also prohibits insurers from canceling or non-renewing a policy solely because of claims resulting from the February tornados and extends deadlines for payment of insurance premiums and other required correspondence. “The victims of the tornados have had their property destroyed and their lives turned upside down,” said McCarty. “The last thing I want them to have to worry about is whether they have insurance to cover damage to their property.” Gov. Charlie Crist has declared a state of emergency in the affected counties, which enables the insurance commissioner to issue general orders to help cope with the emergency situation. Pursuant to the order an insurer may not cancel or non-renew a personal residential or commercial residential property insurance policy covering property damaged as a result of the Florida Tornadoes located in Lake, Seminole, Sumter, and Volusia Counties, for a period of 90 days after the dwelling has been repaired. The prohibition also affects other personal lines insurance policies for those who sustained property damage from the tornadoes. The order also allows storm victims to delay any required correspondence with insurers until April 15, 2007, this includes premium payments which become due after February 1, 2007. This section of the order was issued to assist those whose homes have been damaged or destroyed and who could be expected to have a difficult time finding documents, checkbooks and credit cards or whose mail service has been disrupted. Return to Headlines - - Print Article / Read Entire Article / E-Mail Article 5. Mccarty Orders Prescription Drug Refill Statute Suspended Due To Central Florida Tornados TALLAHASSEE (02/04/2007) Florida Insurance Commissioner Kevin McCarty today reminded Floridians that statutes governing prescription refills are suspended effective February 2, 2007 due to a state of emergency declared because of the tornados which struck central Florida. Therefore, consumers can obtain a 30-day prescription refill, regardless of the date of the most recent refill to provide an adequate supply in the event they have to evacuate their homes. The emergency-preparedness prescription medication refill statute requires all health insurers, HMOs and entities regulated by the Office of Insurance Regulation to allow policyholders to refill medications in advance if there are authorized refills remaining and to provide payment for them. Return to Headlines - - Print Article / Read Entire Article / E-Mail Article
6. AT&T, Baker Center, Center for American Progress, CED, CWA, Intel, Kelly Services, SEIU and Wal-Mart Launch 'Better Health Care Together' Campaign Announce Common Sense Principles to Reform American Heath Care System by 2012 WASHINGTON, Feb. 7 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- An unusual partnership of organizations today launched the "Better Health Care Together" campaign. The announcement included a set of four common sense principles for "achieving a new American health care system by 2012." Founding members include AT&T, the Howard H. Baker, Jr. Center for Public Policy, the Center for American Progress, the Committee for Economic Development, the Communications Workers of America, Intel, Kelly Services, the Service Employees International Union (SEIU) and Wal-Mart. The campaign founders pledged to convene a national summit by the end of May and recruit additional business, labor, government and nonprofit leaders to sign on to the principles and form a wide-ranging coalition. The principles document that each founding member signed begins: America's health care system is broken. The traditional employer-based model of coverage in its current form is endangered without substantial reform to our health care system. It is being crushed by out of control costs, the pressures of the global economy, and the large and growing number of uninsured. Soaring health costs threaten workers' livelihoods and companies' competitiveness, and undermine the security that individuals of a prosperous nation should enjoy. We can only solve these problems -- and deliver health care that is high quality, affordable, accessible and secure -- if business, government, labor, the health care delivery system and the nonprofit sector work together. Specifically, the four principles are:
"Wal-Mart is committed to high quality, affordable and accessible health care. But our current system hurts America's competitiveness and leaves too many people uninsured," said Wal-Mart Stores Inc. President and CEO Lee Scott. "Government alone won't and can't solve this crisis. We have to work together -- business, labor, government and our communities. We also need to empower people to take more responsibility and more control over their own health care. By following this campaign's common sense principles, we believe America can have high quality, affordable and accessible health care by 2012. We can slow the growth of health care costs in this country and guarantee the uninsured access to good health coverage." "What unites us here today is our belief that it will be a far greater America when we finally get health care for every man, woman and child," said Andy Stern, President of SEIU. "We can't keep tinkering, hoping that incremental change will fix our broken health care system. We need fundamental change, and it is going to take new thinking, leadership, new partnerships, some risk taking, and compromising to make it happen. But that is what we all owe our country." "There has to be a way for Americans to access group coverage outside the traditional employment relationship," said Kelly Services President and CEO Carl Camden. "Our WWII vintage health care insurance system is woefully out of step with the global economy and the needs of more than 22 million American free agent workers who prefer a more flexible approach to work. Current workforce trends will only re-enforce the movement away from traditional employer-employee relationships. Workforce mobility and flexibility have been historic strengths of the American economy. Unless we act, and act soon, on health care reform, that competitive advantage will be at serious risk." "The U.S. healthcare system delivers results below international norms at high cost, and consumers and industry suffer the consequences," said Craig Barrett, Intel Chairman. "The simple principles and the diverse champions announced today will create a framework to develop workable approaches to the problems. In particular the ideas on consumer empowerment to drive system efficiency are completely in line with the Dossia personal health record effort that many of today's participants have helped kickoff." CWA President Larry Cohen said, "Our current system puts a huge strain on employers that provide quality benefits for employees -- both current and retired -- and their families. It forces many U.S. businesses to compete not on the quality of their products, services and performance, but instead on the cost of health care benefits. It is long past time to move health care -- a public good -- from the corporate balance sheet to the public balance sheet." The campaign's founding members said they will work to engage leaders at all levels - from local communities to Washington, D.C. -- to bring about real and meaningful change to America's health care system. The founders said the campaign will:
Center for American Progress President John Podesta said, "Every person in America should have quality, affordable health care coverage. This coalition of business, union, and policy leaders can help break through the forces of the status quo and ensure that result by 2012." Committee for Economic Development President Charles Kolb added: "CED is honored to join this campaign. As a business-led public policy organization, we have long been concerned about the viability of our rapidly eroding employer-sponsored health insurance system. CED's business Trustees are currently working on a set of market-oriented, incentive-based reforms that we hope will play a constructive role in achieving today's common sense principles for reform." "As they listen to Americans struggling to afford health care, and companies reeling at its costs, officials in both parties sense that the time to fix our health care system is now upon us," said former Senator Howard Baker. "I believe these principles can form the foundation for genuine bipartisan progress in the next few years." Return to Headlines - - Print Article / Read Entire Article / E-Mail Article 7. Statement by Joseph T. Hansen, International President, United Food and Commercial Workers Union on WASHINGTON, Feb. 7 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The following statement was released today by United Food and Commercial Workers Union president Joseph T. Hansen on Wal-Mart's call for universal healthcare: The United Food and Commercial Workers Union (UFCW) supports universal, affordable and quality health care coverage. The UFCW believes that we need to build a broad-based coalition to bring about health care reform. And we applaud everyone, management and labor, that calls for universal care. It's not appropriate to take the stage with a company that refuses to remedy its mistreatment of workers, among other irresponsible practices. Wal- Mart is actually decreasing health care coverage to employees and facing the largest gender discrimination case in the history of this country. The UFCW has a history of working with responsible employers-employers who step up and provide good wages and benefits to employees even in difficult, competitive times. Wal-Mart is the largest corporation that provides the least health care to employees. But suddenly the company has become a proponent of health care for everyone-apparently, though, as long as Wal-Mart doesn't have to deal with the health care needs of its own employees. Wal-Mart is changing its public posture, but it also needs to change its actual corporate practices. And that practice begins with taking responsibility for its own employees. We do need to reform and restructure the current employer-based health system to achieve universal coverage, but until we have such reform, Wal-Mart needs to take responsibility for providing affordable health care to employees. American workers need universal health care. The way out of our country's health care crisis is national reform that brings about affordable, quality universal care. In addition to our continuing advocacy for universal care, the UFCW will continue our fight for good health care benefits for workers at the bargaining table. And we will continue our fight on behalf of Wal-Mart workers so that they have affordable health care benefits and wages. We will not settle for empty expediency. For more information contact: Jim Papian +1-202-466-1564, Jill Cashen +1-202-728-4797, or email press@ufcw.org. Return to Headlines - - Print Article / Read Entire Article / E-Mail Article 8. Wal-Mart Stands Up for Working Families with New Health Care Partnership Working Families for Wal-Mart Chair Applauds Initiative WASHINGTON, Feb. 7 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Wal-Mart CEO Lee Scott today stood with leaders from the business, labor and political community to unveil a new partnership aimed at solving America's health care problems. Working Families for Wal-Mart, an organization with more than 150,000 volunteer members, issued a statement regarding the "Better Health Care Together" campaign: "As Wal-Mart's leaders have long stated, no single entity can solve America's broken health care system. Today's announcement provides an opportunity to put business, labor and political leaders on the side of America's working families while demanding accountability from all parties. "This partnership is a step in the right direction and for Wal-Mart a continuation of its commitment to providing health care solutions. In the last year alone, Wal-Mart has expanded access to health care for its associates and their families and lowered the cost of plans to $23 per month or less anywhere in the country. Wal-Mart's pricing leadership has also resulted in providing millions of Americans access to $4 per month prescription drugs. "We applaud the coalition and call on all Americans to work together in good faith to solve this crisis," said Catherine Smith, Interim Chair of Working Families for Wal-Mart. About Working Families for Wal-Mart Working Families for Wal-Mart is a national organization comprised of volunteer members dedicated to getting the truth out about Wal-Mart's positive contributions to working families. Members come from a variety of backgrounds and include: customers, business leaders, activists, civic leaders, educators and many others. Working Families for Wal-Mart believes in the value Wal-Mart provides to its customers, to its associates and to the communities it serves. Learn more about Working Families for Wal-Mart by visiting http://www.forwalmart.com. Return to Headlines - - Print Article / Read Entire Article / E-Mail Article 9. Statement From WakeUpWalMart.com About Wal-Mart's Disingenuous Healthcare Announcement WASHINGTON, Feb. 7 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The following statement was released today by www.WakeUpWalMart.com: "Without question, WakeUpWalMart.com and the UFCW strongly support the goal of universal health care and we have long offered to work with genuine partners who want real health care reform. Given the intense public pressure brought by our campaign, it is not surprising, albeit disingenuous, that Wal-Mart now wants to support universal health care despite having one of the worst health care records in America. But, what is surprising is how anyone, in good conscience, would give Wal-Mart a stage to make empty statements that will not give health care to one more uninsured Wal-Mart worker. Return to Headlines - - Print Article / Read Entire Article / E-Mail Article 10. Concentra Agrees to Sell Its Workers' Compensation Managed Care Services Businesses to Coventry Health Care, Inc. ADDISON, Texas--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Concentra Operating Corporation ("Concentra" or the "Company") today announced that it has signed a definitive agreement to sell its workers' compensation managed care services business units to Maryland-based Coventry Health Care, Inc. ("Coventry") (NYSE:CVH). Total consideration in the sale is $387.5 million, to be paid in cash at closing. www.cvty.com Return to Headlines - - Print Article / Read Entire Article / E-Mail Article 11. Brooke Credit Corporation to Merge with Oakmont Acquisition Corp. Brooke Corporation to Remain Largest Shareholder OVERLAND PARK, Kan., Feb. 8 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Brooke Corporation announced today that it has entered into a definitive agreement by which Brooke Credit Corporation, its finance company subsidiary, will merge with Oakmont Acquisition Corp. (OTC Bulletin Board: OMAC) ("Oakmont"). The planned merger will result in Brooke Credit becoming a public company with Brooke Corporation as its largest shareholder. Oakmont is a blank check or special purpose acquisition company (SPAC) formed for the purpose of investing in an operating business to build long- term shareholder value. www.brookeagent.com Return to Headlines - - Print Article / Read Entire Article / E-Mail Article 12. AmeriFlex brings a strategy of competitive differentiation to brokers and producers at the Workplace Benefits Renaissance Conference 2007. Established as a Third-Party Administrator in 1998, AmeriFlex is an independent benefits administrator providing technology-based, consumer-driven benefits and compliance solutions to clients throughout the United States. Our commitment to innovative technology delivers a wealth of benefit options that provide clients with the ability to remain strategically competitive. The core advantage of AmeriFlex’s benefits solutions is our consolidated FSA/HRA/HSA/CRA debit card platform, the AmeriFlex Convenience Cardsm. This single card allows employees to be unencumbered with the confusion and frustration inherent in the understanding and use of multiple cards. We helped pioneer the debit card technology supporting FSAs and HRAs and now have an industry-leading, eight-year track record with debit card administration. We know what we’re doing. AmeriFlex also features Mongoose®, a turnkey, web-based COBRA/HIPAA administration system. When clients designate AmeriFlex as their plan administrator, they shift all responsibilities and liabilities for COBRA administration and compliance to us. The system is fast, easy to use, highly automated, and cost effective. Differentiate yourself from the pack. Discover the unique advantages accessible in AmeriFlex’s consumer-driven benefits and compliance solutions. For general information, visit www.flex125.com. For proposal requests, please e-mail: info@flex125.com. Return to Headlines - - Print Article / Read Entire Article / E-Mail Article 13. Bill Would Deregulate Commercial Form Filings INDIANAPOLIS – The Indiana House Insurance Committee voted to lift some regulatory burden from insurers today. By a vote of 10-0, the panel passed House Bill 1158, which makes Indiana a use-and-file state for commercial forms. Under current law, insurance companies must file policies they wish to sell with the Department of Insurance. The Department then has to approve the policies before the company can sell them. This makes it difficult for companies to get new products on the market. It also discourages insurers from writing custom policies for different types of businesses. House Bill 1158, a bill formed by the Indiana Economic Development Corporation (IEDC), is authored by House Insurance Committee Chairman Craig Fry (D-Mishawaka). Insurance Institute of Indiana President Steve Williams said this bill will strengthen Indiana’s already favorable regulatory environment. www.insuranceinstitute.org Return to Headlines - - Print Article / Read Entire Article / E-Mail Article 14. Conference Attendees Join New Orleans Volunteer Relief New Orleans, LA (February 7, 2007) – The Reinsurance Association of America (RAA) is proud to announce its partnership in two upcoming volunteer opportunities with the New Orleans Habitat for Humanity and Second Harvest Food Bank. This year’s RAA program on Catastrophe Modeling, being held February 13-16, at the Ritz Carlton, New Orleans, has drawn almost 350 registrants from various countries around the world. Numerous participants will arrive in New Orleans a day early or postpone their return home to partake in the volunteer opportunities offered before and after the three day seminar. Return to Headlines - - Print Article / Read Entire Article / E-Mail Article FALLS CHURCH, VA — The Association of Health Insurance Advisors (AHIA), the health insurance division of the National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors (NAIFA), applauds Senator Blanche Lincoln (D-AR) and Senator Gordon H. Smith (R-OR) for their introduction of legislation to encourage Americans to invest in their future long-term care needs.The bill would create a new type of savings mechanism for the purpose of preparing for the costs associated with long-term care services and purchasing long-term care insurance. “AHIA is please to support this approach to providing long-term care security” states AHIA President, Lawrence E. Lounds, CLU, ChFC, LUTCF. Specifically, the Smith-Lincoln legislation would allow an individual who establishes a long-term care trust account to contribute up to $5,000 per year to their account and receive a refundable 10 percent tax credit on that contribution. Interest accrued on these accounts would be tax free, and funds could be withdrawn for the purchase of long-term care insurance or to pay for long-term care services. “This represents meaningful tax relief and is an important incentive for Americans to take greater personal responsibility for their long-term care needs” continues Lounds. The bill also would allow an individual to make contributions to another person’s Long-Term Care Trust Account. “All too often the devastating costs associated with long-term care place undo burdens on families. Allowing individuals to make contributions on behalf of their loved ones offers a great way to prepare for their family needs and avoid a financial crisis at the time when care is needed” states Lounds. www.naifa.org Return to Headlines - - Print Article / Read Entire Article / E-Mail Article 16. E.L.M. – Executive Liability Managers Insurance Brokers Partners with USLI to Deliver Efficient Web Quoting System to Retail Brokers through New, Enhanced E.L.M. Website El Segundo, Calif. – Executive Liability Managers Insurance Brokers (E.L.M.), professional liability specialists, recently unveiled its new website. Accessible through www.e-o.com or www.e-insurebynet.com, users can now speed through the application and binding process for professional liability risks. E.L.M.’s new site provides the sales tools, resources and relevant news for today’s agent/broker. According to Fisher “We’ve totally redesigned our site to make it easier for today’s busy retailers to access information about the most current and competitively priced professional liability products from the top admitted and non-admitted carriers.” Return to Headlines - - Print Article / Read Entire Article / E-Mail Article 17. Miller Heiman Announces Strategic Alliance with Sales Benchmark Index and Launches Comprehensive Sales Data Products and Analytic Solutions RENO, Nev.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Miller Heiman ( www.millerheiman.com ) today announced a strategic alliance with Sales Benchmark Index ( www.salesbenchmarkindex.com ) to provide a comprehensive suite of sales data products and analytic solutions. This alliance brings together two leaders in the sales performance space, Miller Heiman, the pre-eminent leader in sales strategy and process, with Sales Benchmarking Index, the pre-eminent leader in sales benchmarking. While sales organizations routinely measure progress related to internal production goals, it is not a complete analysis of performance. Measurements are greatly enhanced when external benchmarking against peers is added. For example, in good market conditions, internal statistics may confirm the sales team is achieving 150 percent of quota – a substantial gain – but the perception changes when compared to competitors who are achieving 250 percent of quota. This casts an entirely different light on whether an organization is over- or under-performing. Return to Headlines - - Print Article / Read Entire Article / E-Mail Article 18. The Hartford and AARP Renew Relationship to Make Personal Insurance Available to AARP Members Pioneering Program, Launched in 1984, Extended to 2020; Provides Continued Value and Protection for Millions of Americans Age 50 and Over HARTFORD, Conn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The Hartford Financial Services Group, Inc. (NYSE: HIG), one of the leading providers of investment and insurance products, today announced an extension of its agreement with AARP to offer its nearly 38 million members auto and homeowners insurance products. The agreement to continue through January 1, 2020 as a proud AARP provider marks the third extension of the AARP program since its inception over two decades ago and maintains The Hartford’s place as one of the top five direct writers of personal lines insurance in the United States. Marketed as The AARP Automobile and Homeowners Insurance Program, The Hartford offers auto and homeowners insurance to AARP members as well as insurance for other personal property well-suited for AARP member lifestyles such as coverage for boats, motor homes, off-road recreational vehicles and classic cars. This agreement, with AARP’s subsidiary, AARP Financial, will create even greater benefits through new product, workplace and e-commerce initiatives that better serve the needs of AARP members across the country. www.thehartford.com www.aarpfinancial.com Return to Headlines - - Print Article / Read Entire Article / E-Mail Article 19. American Bank Holdings, Inc. and The Grange Bank Announce Acquisition Agreement SILVER SPRING, Md. & COLUMBUS, Ohio--(BUSINESS WIRE)--American Bank Holdings, Inc. (OTCBB:ABKD.OB) and The Grange Bank announced today that the two companies have entered into an agreement under which American’s subsidiary, American Bank, will acquire The Grange Bank. The Grange Bank is a wholly owned subsidiary of the Grange Mutual Casualty Company. In the transaction, American Bank will acquire approximately $95 million of home equity lines of credit, fixed rate home equity loans, commercial business loans and commercial real estate loans, as well as approximately $196 million of deposits. The Grange Bank will also be selling its personal auto and residential mortgage loan portfolios in other transactions, which are yet to be finalized. www.americanfsb.com www.grangeinsurance.com Return to Headlines - - Print Article / Read Entire Article / E-Mail Article 20. INSURANCE NEWSCAST "Pictures Of The Day" -- Sponsored By:
View INSURANCE NEWSCAST "Sports Pictures Of The Day" View INSURANCE NEWSCAST "Entertainment Pictures Of The Day" Sponsored By:
21. Assurant Employee Benefits Celebrates Children's Dental Health Month by Making New Decay-Fighting Products More Affordable KANSAS CITY, Mo., Feb. 8 /PRNewswire/ -- Assurant Employee Benefits celebrates National Children's Dental Health Month by announcing an agreement with Epic Industries, a leading provider of dental care products, to increase preventive oral health product offerings to all dental plan members. Assurant Employee Benefits will offer discounts on dental products containing xylitol in order to make the product more accessible to its customers and help promote better oral health. Millions of Americans are affected by poor oral health, and many of those are children.(1) According to the Centers for Disease Control, tooth decay is one of the most common infectious diseases known to mankind. Although largely preventable, it is the most common chronic disease of children ages 5 to 17 years.(2) Some of the problems associated with poor oral health in children may include pain, absence from school, and poor appearance of their teeth. www.assurantemployeebenefits.com www.epicdental.com Return to Headlines - - Print Article / Read Entire Article / E-Mail Article 22. BlueCross BlueShield and BlueChoice HealthPlan Pioneer Global Healthcare Alternative COLUMBIA, S.C.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina and BlueChoice® HealthPlan of South Carolina are streamlining access to medical and surgical treatment at U.S.-accredited facilities overseas. Through BlueCross’ Companion Global Healthcare, members will have a single launch point for appointments, information and travel services beginning Feb. 15. Companion Global Healthcare recently affiliated with JCI-accredited Bumrungrad International Hospital in Bangkok, Thailand, as the first hospital in its overseas network, and with World Access for travel services. The Companion Global Healthcare model is the first of its kind in South Carolina and among the first in the United States. BlueCross BlueShield and BlueChoice HealthPlan members will have access to the program by clicking on a link on the Discounts & Value-Added page on www.SouthCarolinaBlues.com or www.BlueChoiceSC.com or by calling 1-877-232-0765. Return to Headlines - - Print Article / Read Entire Article / E-Mail Article 23. Focusing on Finances in 2007? - MetLife Offers Tips for Novices in Saving and Investing BRIDGEWATER, N.J.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--If you’ve just turned the calendar on a new month, and your New Year’s resolution to improve your savings and investing habits is still nothing but a good intention, you’re not alone—but the good news is, it’s not too late to do something. To help you act on your resolve, MetLife is offering a series of free brochures on savings and investing basics. The brochures are available by calling 1-800-MET-LIFE (1-800-638-5433) or by visiting www.metlife.com. According to MetLife research, approximately half of U.S. workers with children under the age of 18 manage their finances by living paycheck-to-paycheck – leaving little room for college savings or planning for retirement. Experts recommend setting aside a three-to-six-month income equivalent to weather the storm in the event of an emergency. “The key to financial security is establishing a savings plan. You need to start small, even if it’s saving just ten or twenty dollars a month,” said Donna DeMaio, President of MetLife Bank, an affiliate of MetLife. “With savings at an all-time low for most Americans, people are putting themselves and their families at risk should something unfortunate happen, such as a health emergency or job loss. The good news is that it’s never too late to start saving, and it’s a lot easier than people think.” Return to Headlines - - Print Article / Read Entire Article / E-Mail Article 24. AssuranceAmerica Corporation Announces Approval To Write Insurance In Pennsylvania, Its 10th State ATLANTA--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Atlanta based AssuranceAmerica Corporation (OTCBB:ASAM) today announced that its insurance carrier has been approved by the Pennsylvania Department of Insurance to write automobile coverages in that state. According to The National Association of Insurance Commissioners, Pennsylvania generates almost $8 billion in automobile insurance premium annually, making it one of the top ten states in the United States. www.aainsco.com Return to Headlines - - Print Article / Read Entire Article / E-Mail Article 25. First Ala. Captive Insurer Licensed Under New Law February 7, 2007 The Alabama Department of Insurance has licensed its first captive insurance company under legislation enacted in 2006 and signed into law by Gov. Bob Riley. Chantilly Risk Management, which is located in Montgomery, is the creation of Automotive Aftermarket Association Southeast. The legislation came at the recommendation of the Hurricane Insurance Issues Task Force, which was formed after Hurricane Ivan in 2004. The original intent was to offer coastal businesses and condominium groups the opportunity to form small insurance companies to insure their risks. The additional benefit of the legislation was to offer a limited-tax, limited-regulation marketplace above self-insurance to a wide range of commercial enterprises. "We are seeing several condominium groups in the research and planning phase of forming captives," said Alabama Insurance Commissioner Walter A. Bell. "We look forward to licensing new captives this year. www.aldoi.com Return to Headlines - - Print Article / Read Entire Article / E-Mail Article 26. Ftwilliam.com announces the release of the 2007 PBGC Premium Forms Milwaukee, WI February 7, 2007 – Software provider ftwilliam.com announced today the release of the 2007 PBGC Premium Forms after having its software certified by PBGC for electronic filing. Effective today, users will be able generate the required xml documents for submission to the PBGC My PAA Website. The 2007 PBGC 1 Premium Forms are included in the company’s 5500 Forms software subscription. Ftwilliam.com offers the employee benefits professional the highest plan documents (retirement, welfare and non-qualified) and government forms at highly competitive prices. The company offers all of the popular prototype and volume submitter plans (including cash balance and target plans). All plan documents are delivered instantly to the desktop in word processing format and 5500/PBGC 1 Forms are delivered instantly in Adobe PDF format. Electronic filing is also available for the PBGC 1 forms. www.ftwilliam.com Return to Headlines - - Print Article / Read Entire Article / E-Mail Article 27. Japan's Financial Services Agency Extends Deadline on Industrywide Claims Review COLUMBUS, Ga., Feb. 8 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Aflac Incorporated announced today that its operation in Japan has received notification from Japan's Financial Services Agency (FSA) that the deadline for a five-year claims review already in progress has been extended. As Aflac Incorporated had previously disclosed, Aflac Japan, along with other life insurance companies, had already initiated a voluntary review of the last five years of paid claims to assess the accuracy with which policyholders' claims have been paid. Aflac had planned on reporting its findings to the FSA on March 31, 2007. The recent notification from the FSA, which now includes a review of cash surrender value payments, changes this voluntary program to one that is mandatory and extends the filing deadline to April 13, 2007. www.aflac.com Return to Headlines - - Print Article / Read Entire Article / E-Mail Article 28. Countrywide Bank Offers Link to IRS Form 8888 on Its Web Site 'Direct Deposit of Refund' Form Allows Filers to Split Refund Among Three Accounts, Enabling Greater Opportunities for Saving CALABASAS, Calif., Feb. 8 /PRNewswire/ -- Countrywide Bank, N.A., a member of the Countrywide Financial Corporation (NYSE: CFC) family of companies, today announced that it will offer a link to Internal Revenue Service Form 8888 on its Web site as part of its ongoing national initiative to encourage consumers to save more of their hard-earned money. A link to Form 8888 is available at countrywidebank.com through April 18, 2007. Effective for the 2006 tax year, Form 8888 allows filers to divide their refund among up to three accounts with direct deposit. Qualifying accounts include those held with a bank, mutual fund, credit union or brokerage firm. An account can be a checking, savings or other account, such as an individual retirement account (IRA), health savings account (HSA), Coverdell education savings account, or other types of accounts. According to the IRS, refunds are received faster through direct deposit and the process is generally more secure. www.countrywide.com Return to Headlines - - Print Article / Read Entire Article / E-Mail Article 29. Commerce Banc Insurance Services Adds Another Web-Based Customer Convenience CHERRY HILL, N.J., Feb. 7 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Commerce Banc Insurance Services, a wholly owned subsidiary of Commerce Bancorp, Inc. (NYSE: CBH), announced today that a new service is now available to customers via Commerce Bank's web site at http://www.commerceonline.com. Now customers can get instant automobile insurance rate quotes and initiate their purchase of coverage on-line. The new service is being offered through a partnership with Travelers, one of the nation's largest writers of personal insurance. Return to Headlines - - Print Article / Read Entire Article / E-Mail Article 30. NIP Management Co. Announces Non-Standard Program for Conventus; New Facility Affiliated with NAS Insurance Services WOODBRIDGE, N.J.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--NIP Management Co., LLC, the Attorney-in-Fact for Conventus Inter-Insurance Exchange, is pleased to announce the development and sponsorship of a new program in affiliation with NAS Insurance Services for the placement of non-standard coverage through an Excess and Surplus Lines facility (E&S). The purpose of this new program is to provide a transitional market for physicians who currently do not meet Conventus’ demanding underwriting guidelines, but demonstrate the potential for meeting those guidelines within a two to three year period. Conventus is the only 100% physician owned and 100% physician governed company offering medical professional liability insurance coverage for New Jersey physicians. www.nipgroup.com Return to Headlines - - Print Article / Read Entire Article / E-Mail Article 31. MetLife Foundation Awards $300,000 to Alzheimer’s Association To Expand Hispanic Outreach Efforts CHICAGO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Alzheimer’s disease and other related dementias know no boundaries. To better assist the rapidly growing Hispanic/Latino community in the United States, which is at greater risk for Alzheimer’s than the general population, and to provide helpful news about Alzheimer’s, MetLife Foundation has awarded the Alzheimer's Association $300,000. The grant will fund Hispanic education initiatives nationally and the Association’s internet news bureau. Over the past two decades, MetLife Foundation has contributed more than $3.2 million to the Alzheimer’s Association. www.metlife.org Return to Headlines - - Print Article / Read Entire Article / E-Mail Article 32. State Auto Rewards Loss Prevention Deductible reimbursement for OnStar, LoJack, and similar systems - COLUMBUS, Ohio – February 8, 2007 – The State Auto Insurance Companies, a super-regional property and casualty insurance group, has announced enhanced coverage for customers who have installed technology that can help quickly recover stolen vehicles or equipment. State Auto will reimburse the insured’s deductible on personal, farm, and business vehicles, and construction equipment, if they’re stolen but later recovered due to an activated vehicle/equipment recovery system (VRS). www.StateAuto.com Return to Headlines - - Print Article / Read Entire Article / E-Mail Article 33. Employment Background Investigations, Inc. Acquires Comprehensive Information Services Owings Mills, Maryland (February 8, 2007) – Employment Background Investigations, Inc. (EBI) has announced the acquisition of Pittsburgh-based Comprehensive Information Services, Inc. (CIS) to form one of the largest and most inclusive background screening firms in the industry, offering background checks, drug testing and occupational healthcare solutions worldwide. www.napbs.com www.ebiinc.com Return to Headlines - - Print Article / Read Entire Article / E-Mail Article 34. Prime Authorized to Write Surplus Lines in Louisiana and Texas Chicago, Illinois and Salt Lake City, Utah (February 6, 2007), Prime Holdings Insurance Services, Inc. (“Prime Holdings”) announced that its subsidiary, Prime Insurance Company (“Prime”), received approval to write surplus lines business in the states of Louisiana and Texas, as of January 24, 2007 and February 1, 2007 respectively. www.primeis.com Return to Headlines - - Print Article / Read Entire Article / E-Mail Article
|
