Insurance Newswire
Wells Fargo Statement on Definitive Agreement With Wachovia
SAN FRANCISCO-(Business Wire)-October 5, 2008 - Wells Fargo & Company (NYSE:WFC) issued the following statement today on its definitive agreement with Wachovia Corporation (NYSE:WB): "Wells Fargo and Wachovia have a firm, binding merger agreement. That agreement represents a transaction that, in...
Peter K. Strojnik, Attorney for Insured Victim, Discovers That Adjuster Rob Rich Was Summarily Suspended in 1999 for Fraudulently Endorsing Insurance Checks and That His Certification by the NAPIA Has Been Revoked
PHOENIX-(Business Wire)-October 4, 2008 - On September 29, 2008, Peter and Tanya Strojnik filed a lawsuit against Rob Rich of Rob Rich and Associates, a self proclaimed Senior Professional Public Adjuster. Mike Mehl of Royal Restoration was also listed as Defendant in the lawsuit. The Strojnik...
OptumHealth Commends Congress on Passing Bill That May Help Millions of People with Mental Health Needs
GOLDEN VALLEY, Minn.-(Business Wire)-October 4, 2008 - OptumHealth Inc., the health and wellness company of UnitedHealth Group (NYSE:UNH), today commended Congress for passing legislation that not only will provide greater access to those needing mental health care, but reduce medical costs as well...
Fitch Revises Merchants' Outlook to Negative; Affirms IFS Ratings
CHICAGO-(Business Wire)-October 3, 2008 - Fitch Ratings has revised the Rating Outlook to Negative from Stable and affirmed the 'A-' Insurer Financial Strength (IFS) ratings for Merchants Mutual Insurance Company (Merchants) and its subsidiaries as follows: Merchants Mutual Insurance Company...
SBA's Deadline for Physical Damage Disaster Loan Applications Is November 3
ATLANTA-(Business Wire)-October 3, 2008 - The U.S. Small Business Administration reminds homeowners, renters, businesses and non-profit organizations of all sizes of the deadline to submit disaster loan applications for damage caused by severe storm and flooding that occurred on August 26 - 27...
Insurance Marketing Podcast Explores What's Driving Consumers Shopping for Coverage
OLDWICK, N.J.-(Business Wire)-October 3, 2008 - The latest edition of the Insurance Marketing Podcast features an interview with Jeremy Bowler of J.D. Power and Associates on how customers' attitudes toward insurance-coverage shopping are changing, along with the sources of information they rely...
Texas Experts Form Gordius Consulting: A Litigation Consulting, Forensic Accounting, Business Valuation, and Disaster Recovery Assistance Firm in Houston, Texas
KINGWOOD, Texas-(Business Wire)-October 3, 2008 - Two prominent Houston-area litigation support experts have opened a niche litigation, forensic accounting, business valuation, and crisis management consulting firm, Gordius Consulting LLC. Credentials are available for review at...
Congress, Stakeholders Make History Achieving Mental Health Parity
HARTFORD, Conn. & WASHINGTON-(Business Wire)-October 3, 2008 - Aetna (NYSE: AET) applauds Members of the House and Senate for reaching a landmark agreement on mental health parity that is supported by medical professionals, consumer advocates, hospitals, employers, health plans - including Aetna...
A.M. Best Withdraws Ratings of Two of AEGON N.V.'s U.S. Subsidiaries Due to Legal Entity Mergers
OLDWICK, N.J.-(Business Wire)-October 3, 2008 - A.M. Best Co. has withdrawn the financial strength rating (FSR) of A+ (Superior) and issuer credit ratings (ICR) of "aa" of Transamerica Occidental Life Insurance Company (TOLIC) and Life Investors Insurance Company of America (LIICA) (both of Cedar...
BestWeek: Life, Annuity Companies Face Challenges as Government Intervention Looms, Special Report Says
OLDWICK, N.J.-(Business Wire)-October 3, 2008 - U.S. life and annuity companies face an increasingly complex macroeconomic climate, with negative operating and net income trends and continuing adverse capital market conditions through third quarter 2008, according to a new special report featured in...
A.M. Best Downgrades Ratings of Penn Treaty American Corporation and Its Subsidiaries
OLDWICK, N.J.-(Business Wire)-October 3, 2008 - A.M. Best Co. has downgraded the financial strength rating (FSR) to D (Poor) from B- (Fair) and issuer credit ratings (ICR) to "c" from "bb-"of Penn Treaty American Corporation's (Penn Treaty) (Allentown, PA) (NYSE:PTA) insurance subsidiaries. Penn...
Atlanta Based AssuranceAmerica Corporation Announces Organizational Changes
ATLANTA-(Business Wire)-October 3, 2008 - ASSURANCEAMERICA CORPORATION (OTCBB: ASAM), announced that it has made several organizational changes effective October 3, 2008. Joseph J. Skruck, 44, has been promoted to President and Chief Operating Officer of the Corporation. Mr. Skruck has been...
NRF Welcomes House Passage of Financial Rescue Bill, Says Measure Will Protect Main Street Jobs
WASHINGTON-(Business Wire)-October 3, 2008 - The National Retail Federation welcomed today's House passage of legislation to address the nation's financial crisis, saying the bill would help protect Main Street jobs in addition to stabilizing Wall Street and credit markets. "This legislation will...
Metropolitan Health Networks Announces Share Repurchase Program
WEST PALM BEACH, Fla.-(Business Wire)-October 3, 2008 - Metropolitan Health Networks, Inc. ("Metropolitan") (AMEX:MDF), a provider of high quality, comprehensive healthcare services to patients in Florida, today announced that its board of directors has authorized the repurchase of up to 10...
Ebix Makes a New Substantially Improved Offer to Acquire HealthAxis
ATLANTA-(Business Wire)-October 3, 2008 - Ebix, Inc. (NASDAQ: EBIX), a leading international developer and supplier of software and e-commerce solutions to the insurance industry, today announced it has sent a new offer to acquire HealthAxis, Inc. (NASDAQ: HAXS), to the HealthAxis Board of Directors...
FPIC Insurance Group, Inc. Announces Third Quarter 2008 Earnings Conference Call
JACKSONVILLE, Fla.-(Business Wire)-October 3, 2008 - FPIC Insurance Group, Inc. (the "Company") (Nasdaq:FPIC) announced today that it will report its third quarter 2008 earnings after the market closes on Wednesday, October 29, 2008. The Company will also host a conference call at 11:00 a.m...
Wilmington Funds to Participate in New Money Market Guarantee Program
WILMINGTON, Del.-(Business Wire)-October 3, 2008 - Wilmington Trust announced today that the Board of Trustees of its mutual fund family, the Wilmington Funds, authorized participation in the U.S. Treasury Department's new Temporary Money Market Guarantee Program. The voluntary program, which is...
A.M. Best Revises Year-End 2008 Projections for the U.S. P/C Industry
OLDWICK, N.J.-(Business Wire)-October 3, 2008 - A.M. Best Co. has today reported a revised year-end 2008 forecast for the U.S. property/casualty industry's underwriting results, adjusting the combined ratio estimate for the overall industry in addition to the personal lines segment, commercial lines...
A.M. Best Maintains Under Review Negative Status on American International Group, Inc. Operations Designated For Sale
OLDWICK, N.J.-(Business Wire)-October 3, 2008 - A.M. Best Co. has commented that all financial strength ratings, issuer credit ratings and debt ratings are unchanged and remain under review with negative implications for American International Group, Inc. (AIG) (New York) and its subsidiaries...
Stewart Title(R) Continues to Serve the Houston and Gulf Coast Area in the Wake of Hurricane Ike
HOUSTON-(Business Wire)-October 3, 2008 - Stewart Title Company, a wholly owned subsidiary of Stewart Information Services Corp. (NYSE:STC), continues to serve the Houston and Gulf Coast area, as well as global operations in the wake of Hurricane Ike. During the storm and in its aftermath, Stewart's...
A.M. Best's E-Fusion 2008 Continues Wednesday, October 8
OLDWICK, N.J.-(Business Wire)-October 3, 2008 - E-Fusion 2008 continues Wednesday, October 8, with a Webinar titled, "Technology-Based Underwriting," presented by Barry Rabkin, a senior research analyst of insurance with Financial Insights, and Glen Daraskevich, senior vice president of Karen...
Wisconsin Managed Care Review Report for 2007
DUBLIN, Ireland-(Business Wire)-October 3, 2008 - Research and Markets , 2006 — Enrollment in Colorado Medicare Managed Care Plans, 1994-2007 — Enrollment in Medicare Advantage Plans, 2007 — Estimated HMO Enrollment and Penetration by Region, 2006 — Profits and Losses for...
Research and Markets: Essential Insurance Finance & Investment's Insurance Investment Resource Guide
DUBLIN, Ireland-(Business Wire)-October 3, 2008 - Research and Markets has announced the addition of the "Insurance Finance & Investment's Insurance Investment Resource Guide" report to their offering. For Asset Managers, Industry Service Providers, and the Investment Executives hiring these...
Everest Re Group Provides Preliminary Estimates For Hurricanes Gustav and Ike
HAMILTON, Bermuda-(Business Wire)-October 3, 2008 - Everest Re Group, Ltd. (NYSE: RE) announced today that its preliminary loss estimates, net of reinstatement premiums and taxes, for Hurricanes Gustav and Ike are expected to range between $200 million and $220 million. The Company's current...
Principal Financial Group, Inc. Schedules Earnings Release and Conference Call for Third Quarter 2008 Financial Results
DES MOINES, Iowa-(Business Wire)-October 3, 2008 - Principal Financial Group, Inc. (NYSE: PFG) announced today that it will release third quarter 2008 financial and operating results at 4:00 P.M. (ET) on Monday, November 3, 2008. On Tuesday, November 4, 2008 at 10:00 A.M. (ET), President and Chief...
A.M. Best Affirms Ratings of Ansvar Insurance Limited
OLDWICK, N.J.-(Business Wire)-October 3, 2008 - A.M. Best Co. has affirmed the financial strength rating of A- (Excellent) and the issuer credit rating of "a-" of Ansvar Insurance Limited (Ansvar) (New Zealand). The outlook for both ratings is stable. The ratings reflect Ansvar's strong...
NMI (Non-Manufacturing Index) at 50.2%; September Non-Manufacturing ISM Report On Business(R); Business Activity Index at 52.1%; New Orders Index at 50.8%; Employment Index at 44.2%
TEMPE, Ariz.-(Business Wire)-October 3, 2008 - Economic activity in the non-manufacturing sector grew in September, say the nation's purchasing and supply executives in the latest Non-Manufacturing ISM Report On Business(R). The report was issued today by Anthony Nieves, C.P.M., CFPM, chair of the...
Medica MinnesotaCare Members Receive Incentive to Work Out
MINNETONKA, Minn.-(Business Wire)-October 3, 2008 - Medica today announced it has expanded its Fit Choices by Medica program to Medica MinnesotaCare members age 18 and older. Effective immediately, more than 16,500 Medica MinnesotaCare members are eligible for the program. Medica is the first health...
IVOX Announces Strategic Alliance with ISO to Jointly Develop Innovative Products for Driver Safety
ATLANTA-(Business Wire)-October 3, 2008 - IVOX(R), the expert in predictive driver risk management, today announced a strategic alliance with Insurance Services Offices, Inc. (ISO), a leading source of information about risk, data, analytics and decision-support services. This alliance will help...
The Lab(TM) from HighRoads Named a Top Product of the Year by Human Resource Executive(R)
BOSTON-(Business Wire)-October 3, 2008 - HighRoads, the company providing employers - for the first time - complete control over their health care costs and vendors, today announced that The Lab, the industry's first real-time, unbiased benefit benchmarking tool, has been named as one of Human...
ACE Announces Preliminary Catastrophe Loss Estimates
ZURICH, Switzerland-(Business Wire)-October 3, 2008 - ACE Limited (NYSE:ACE) announced today that estimated net after-tax losses in the third quarter for the ACE Group of Companies from catastrophes, including Hurricanes Gustav and Ike, will amount to approximately $315 million, including...
Humana Veterans Healthcare Services Sponsors Second Emerald Coast Honor Flight
LOUISVILLE, Ky.-(Business Wire)-October 3, 2008 - Humana Veterans Healthcare Services (HVHS), along with Congressman Jeff Miller (R-Fl-01) announced the sponsorship of the second Emerald Coast Honor Flight trip. The mission of this flight is to take World War II Veterans from Northwest Florida to...
AIG to Refocus as Worldwide Property and Casualty Company with Continuing Presence in Foreign Life
NEW YORK-(Business Wire)-October 3, 2008 - American International Group, Inc. (AIG) today indicated its intent to refocus the company on its core property and casualty insurance businesses, generate sufficient liquidity to repay the outstanding balance of its loan from the Federal Reserve Bank of...
Westaff Signs New Forbearance Agreement, Emphasizes Strength of Ongoing Operations
WALNUT CREEK, Calif.-(Business Wire)-October 2, 2008 - Westaff, Inc. (NASDAQ:WSTF), a leading provider of staffing services, announced today that it has reached a new forbearance agreement with U.S. Bank National Association and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association. Westaff CEO and Chairman...
American Safety Insurance Holdings, Ltd. Reports On Impact Of Recent Market Developments (revised)
HAMILTON, Bermuda-(Business Wire)-October 2, 2008 - American Safety Insurance Holdings, Ltd. (NYSE:ASI) today reported that it had $7.7 million of total book value of equity and debt securities in Lehman Brothers, and equity securities in Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae at the time of their failure...
Farmers Insurance Employees Contribute to Hurricane Ike Red Cross Relief Efforts
LOS ANGELES-(Business Wire)-October 2, 2008 - Farmers Insurance Group of Companies(R) has sent $37,500 plus food and clothing to help the American Red Cross relief efforts following the terrible aftermath of Hurricane Ike. "There are still thousands of Texans without power, and so many in need of...
W. R. Berkley Corporation to Announce Third Quarter Earnings on October 28, 2008
GREENWICH, Conn.-(Business Wire)-October 2, 2008 - W. R. Berkley Corporation (NYSE: WRB) will release its third quarter 2008 earnings after the market closes on Tuesday, October 28, 2008. A copy of the earnings release will be available on the company's website at www.wrberkley.com. The company...
Odyssey Re Holdings Corp. Announces Estimated Losses from Hurricanes Ike and Gustav
STAMFORD, Conn.-(Business Wire)-October 2, 2008 - Odyssey Re Holdings Corp. (NYSE: ORH) announced today that the combined after-tax effect of Hurricanes Ike and Gustav on its third quarter results is expected to range from $60 million to $90 million dollars. This estimate is net of reinstatement...
AXIS Capital to Host Teleconference to Discuss Third Quarter 2008 Financial Results
PEMBROKE, Bermuda-(Business Wire)-October 2, 2008 - AXIS Capital Holdings Limited ("AXIS Capital") (NYSE: AXS) today announced that it expects to release financial results for the third quarter ended September 30, 2008, on Monday, October 27, 2008, after the close of the financial markets. John...
HealthSpring, Inc. to Broadcast Third-Quarter Conference Call Live on the Internet
NASHVILLE, Tenn.-(Business Wire)-October 2, 2008 - HealthSpring, Inc. (NYSE:HS) today announced that it will provide an online Web simulcast of its third-quarter 2008 earnings conference call on Friday, October 31, 2008. The Company will release results for the third quarter and nine months ended...
Montpelier Re Holdings Ltd. Reports Initial Loss Estimates from Hurricanes Gustav and Ike
HAMILTON, Bermuda-(Business Wire)-October 2, 2008 - Montpelier Re Holdings Ltd. (NYSE:MRH) ("Montpelier") today announced a preliminary estimate of the combined net financial impact from Hurricanes Gustav and Ike of approximately $130 million, based on a $15 billion estimated total industry loss...
Argo Group Creates Stand-Alone Professional Liability Segment: Argo Pro
SAN ANTONIO-(Business Wire)-October 2, 2008 - Argo Group International Holdings, Ltd., (NasdaqGS: AGII), an international underwriter of specialty insurance and reinsurance products in the property and casualty market, today announced it has consolidated its professional liability insurance...
Statement from the Office of Senator Reid
WASHINGTON-(Business Wire)-October 2, 2008 - Jim Manley, spokesman to Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, made the following statement today in response to Senator Reid's statement on the insurance industry. "Senator Reid is not personally aware of any particular company being on the verge of...
The Phoenix Companies, Inc. Third Quarter 2008 Earnings Conference Call
HARTFORD, Conn.-(Business Wire)-October 2, 2008 - The Phoenix Companies, Inc. (NYSE: PNX) announced today it will hold a conference call with the investment community on Thursday, October 30, 2008, at noon, Eastern time. The call will cover Phoenix's third quarter 2008 financial results, scheduled...
A.M. Best Places Debt Rating of Tailwind Holdings, LLC Under Review
OLDWICK, N.J.-(Business Wire)-October 2, 2008 - A.M. Best Co. has placed the debt rating of "a" on $130 million of Series A floating rate senior secured notes due 2036 (notes) issued by Tailwind Holdings, LLC (Tailwind Holdings), a Delaware limited liability company and a wholly owned subsidiary...
State of Ohio Renews Behavioral Health Contract with OptumHealth
GOLDEN VALLEY, Minn.-(Business Wire)-October 2, 2008 - OptumHealth Inc. today announced it has been awarded a three-year renewal of its behavioral health contract serving 54,000 State of Ohio employees and their families. OptumHealth will provide comprehensive mental health and substance abuse...
MetLife Issues Statement
NEW YORK-(Business Wire)-October 2, 2008 - MetLife, Inc. (NYSE: MET) issued the following statement today: The statement yesterday by Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid does not apply to MetLife. MetLife is financially sound and has high ratings from all of the major insurance ratings agencies...
National Investment Managers Inc. Acquires Pension Technical Services, Inc.
DUBLIN, Ohio-(Business Wire)-October 2, 2008 - National Investment Managers Inc. (OTC BB: NIVM), a nationally-operated and regionally-based retirement plan administration and investment management company, announced today that it has closed on the acquisition of Pension Technical Services, Inc. (dba...
A.M. Best Affirms Ratings of Bancinsurance Corporation and Ohio Indemnity Company; Maintains Negative Outlook
OLDWICK, N.J.-(Business Wire)-October 2, 2008 - A.M. Best Co. has affirmed the financial strength rating (FSR) of A- (Excellent) and issuer credit rating (ICR) of "a-" of Ohio Indemnity Company (Ohio Indemnity) (Columbus, OH). Concurrently, A.M. Best has affirmed the ICR of "bbb-" of Ohio...
Advisen Survey Documents Risk Managers' Continued Confidence in AIG After Government Bailout
NEW YORK-(Business Wire)-October 2, 2008 - Advisen Ltd., the leading provider of content, analytics, and technology to the global commercial insurance industry, today released a special report based on a survey of risk managers following the American International Group (AIG) liquidity crisis...
Unique Look at the Colorado Managed Care Industry
DUBLIN, Ireland-(Business Wire)-October 2, 2008 - Research and Markets , 2006 - Enrollment in Colorado Medicare Managed Care Plans, 1994-2007 - Enrollment in Medicare Advantage Plans, 2007 - Estimated HMO Enrollment and Penetration by Region, 2006 - Profits and Losses for Largest Colorado HMOs...
NASBA Launches National Conference and Expo for CPA Marketplace
SAN ANTONIO-(Business Wire)-October 2, 2008 - The National Association of State Boards of Accountancy, Inc. (NASBA) announced today the launch of the National CPE Expo slated for September 21-23, 2009 at the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center in San Antonio, Texas. "We are very pleased with the...
Allstate and the American Football Coaches Association Announce Twenty-Two College Football Players Named to the 2008 Allstate AFCA Good Works Team(R)
NORTHBROOK, Ill.-(Business Wire)-October 2, 2008 - More than a month into the 2008 college football season, the off-the-field achievements of a select group of dedicated and hard-working players have distinguished them from among the more than 50,000 student-athletes competing in the sport. To honor...
CIGNA Expands Reporting of Its Quality Scores as Part of Efforts to Improve the U.S. Health Care System
BLOOMFIELD, Conn.-(Business Wire)-October 2, 2008 - Today, an independent organization that has for over a decade measured the efforts of U.S. health plans to improve health care quality released its annual report on the "State of Health Care Quality." Data from the National Committee for Quality...
Senior SCIOinspire Executive Unveils Groundbreaking Book on Financial Evaluation of Care Management Programs
HARTFORD, Conn.-(Business Wire)-October 2, 2008 - SCIOinspire, Corp. is pleased to announce the launch of a groundbreaking book on the financial management and evaluation of care management programs, authored by Ian Duncan, FSA, FIA, FCIA, MAAA, president and founder of Solucia Consulting, a...
Ohio Grocery Workers Decry McCain "Health Tax"
COLUMBUS, Ohio-(Business Wire)-October 2, 2008 - Alarmed by the potentially devastating effects of a proposal to establish new taxes on employer-provided health benefits during an economic crisis, members of United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) Local 1059 appeared at the Ohio Statehouse in...
United Insurance Holdings Corp. Announces Completion of Share Conversion, Share Repurchase Program and Exchange Offer
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla.-(Business Wire)-October 2, 2008 - United Insurance Holding Corp. (OTCBB: FMGQ; FMGQW; FMGQU) ("United" or the "Company"), an underwriter of homeowners and selected small business insurance in the State of Florida, announced today that the Company has settled transactions whereby...
Concerns About Economy Hit All-Time High According to the American Express(R) OPEN Small Business Monitor
NEW YORK-(Business Wire)-October 2, 2008 - One third of small business owners report the uncertain economy as the biggest challenge they face growing their businesses, the largest number in the seven-year history of the American Express OPEN(R) Small Business Monitor, a semi-annual survey of...
Great American Kicks off BIG RIG GIVEAWAY Contest at Charity Event
CINCINNATI-(Business Wire)-October 2, 2008 - The Trucking Division of Great American Insurance Group announced the start of its third annual BIG RIG GIVEAWAY sweepstakes during a recent charity event for the Special Olympics. As a participant in the national "World's Largest Truck Convoy" on...
Unique Report Delivers Details of the Minnesota Managed Care Reviews
DUBLIN, Ireland-(Business Wire)-October 2, 2008 - Research and Markets - Introduction - Market Structure: Provider Organizations - Hospitals and Systems - Twin Cities Hospitals - Outstate Hospitals - Market Trends - Utilization and Effectiveness of Care - A Look Ahead *T For more information visit...
XShares Advisors LLC Announces New Expense Caps for HealthShares ETFs
NEW YORK-(Business Wire)-October 2, 2008 - XShares Advisors LLC (XShares), a registered investment adviser developing precisely focused, innovative exchange traded products, today announced that its suite of HealthShares(TM) exchange traded funds (ETFs) have had their expense ratios significantly...
IP Law & Business Magazine Announces IP Law Review Conference
NEW YORK-(Business Wire)-October 2, 2008 - Incisive Media's IP Law & Business magazine today announced plans for its "IP Law Review Conference," to take place October 29-30, 2008 at the Westin Times Square in New York City. Targeted to general counsel, IP counsel, patent counsel, IP...
The Small Business Technology Network Announces New Partnerships at SMB Nation That Enhance Member Benefits
SEATTLE-(Business Wire)-October 2, 2008 - The Small Business Technology Network(TM) (SMBTN) (www.smbtn.org), a consortium of approximately 500 solution providers, systems integrators and consultants that provides products and services to the small-to-medium business market (SMB), today announced...
Medica Launches Health and Wellness Coaching
MINNETONKA, Minn.-(Business Wire)-October 2, 2008 - Medica has launched a health and wellness coaching program that provides its members with the personal support they need to set health improvement goals and achieve them. Any Medica member with applicable benefits may participate in the program...
Life-Exchange Announces Results for Fiscal Year 2008
MIAMI-(Business Wire)-October 2, 2008 - Life-Exchange, Inc., (OTCBB:LFXG), the nation's leading online business-to-business exchange for the life settlement industry, announced today its financial results for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2008 with revenue of $1,294,596 and a net income of $332,128...
Primus Guaranty Comments on Moody's Ratings Actions
HAMILTON, Bermuda-(Business Wire)-October 2, 2008 - Primus Guaranty, Ltd. (NYSE:PRS) commented today on the ratings actions taken by Moody's Investors Service, Inc. ("Moody's") regarding the company and its Primus Financial Products LLC ("Primus Financial") subsidiary. "Unprecedented credit market...
A.M. Best's Insurance Law Podcast Examines Case Involving Missing Policies and Burden of Proof
OLDWICK, N.J.-(Business Wire)-October 2, 2008 - A.M. Best Co. has released the latest installment of the Insurance Law Podcast, a series that examines timely insurance issues from an attorney's point of view. The latest episode features attorney Jeffrey Kaufman from the law firm of Brydon, Hugo...
CIGNA Corporation Announces Third Quarter 2008, Fourth Quarter 2008 and 2009 Earnings Release Dates
PHILADELPHIA-(Business Wire)-October 2, 2008 - CIGNA Corporation (NYSE:CI) will release its third quarter 2008 financial results on Thursday, October 30, 2008 and its fourth quarter 2008 financial results on Thursday, February 5, 2009. In addition, CIGNA expects to release its 2009 financial results...
GHN-Online and Purchase Commander Will Deliver Web-based, EDI-compliant Purchasing Systems for ASCs and Physician Specialty Hospitals
PALM SPRINGS, Calif.-(Business Wire)-October 2, 2008 - GHN-Online, the healthcare industry's leading provider of real-time, revenue-cycle management solutions, and Purchase Commander, pioneering SaaS-based enterprise-level purchasing systems for healthcare facilities, announced today a partnership...
Accenture Completes Implementation of Claims Solution at Affirmative Insurance
NEW YORK-(Business Wire)-October 2, 2008 - Accenture (NYSE: ACN) has completed the implementation of Accenture Claim Components Solution at Affirmative Insurance Services, a distributor and producer of personal non-standard automobile insurance and a subsidiary of Affirmative Insurance Holdings...
National Drive Safely Work Week: Save Lives and Money
SOLON, Ohio-(Business Wire)-October 2, 2008 - National Drive Safely Work Week is October 6 - 10, 2008. Insurance.com, the leading online independent auto insurance agency in the United States, joins the Network for Employers for Traffic Safety (NETS) in urging safe driving practices at or while...
The Main Street America Group Completes Acquisition of Great Lakes Casualty Insurance Company
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. & GRAND RAPIDS, Mich.-(Business Wire)-October 2, 2008 - The Main Street America Group announced today it has completed its acquisition of Great Lakes Casualty Insurance Company, a Michigan-domiciled private passenger auto insurance carrier, from Newco Financial Holdings Inc...
Wrap Up Experts:Contractor Survival Guide Helps Construction Companies and Their Insurance Agents Navigate Wrap-up Bids and Projects
LAKELAND, Fla.-(Business Wire)-October 2, 2008 - After a decade of helping contractors wrestle with wrap-up insurance programs, Duke Mills, president of WorkComp Solutions, a workers' compensation insurance agency based in Central Florida, has published the "Contractor Survival Guide for...
Examine the U.S. Property & Casualty Insurance Carriers Industry with this Essential and Comprehensive Report for 2009
DUBLIN, Ireland-(Business Wire)-October 2, 2008 - Research and Markets 2010 U.S. Metropolitan Areas - Estimated Number of Employees Definitions and Terms *T For more information visit http://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/4598c6/2009_u_s_property
Mondial Assistance's U.S. Call Center "Best in the World"
RICHMOND, Va.-(Business Wire)-October 2, 2008 - Mondial Assistance, a global leader in specialty insurance and emergency assistance services, has been named the winner of The International Customer Management Institute (ICMI) Membership's coveted Global Call Center of the Year Award in the large...
Report: Health Care Quality Improves but Varies Across Different Regions of the Country
WASHINGTON-(Business Wire)-October 2, 2008 - The quality of health care for millions of Americans improved in 2007 but significant variations in performance continue to leave many people receiving substandard care, according to a report released today by the National Committee for Quality...
VisionShare Inc. and Foresight Corp. Unveil Total OnBoarding(TM) System at Lake Placid NPAG Conference
MINNEAPOLIS-(Business Wire)-October 2, 2008 - Minneapolis-based VisionShare(R) Inc. and Foresight Corporation of Columbus, OH introduce Total OnBoarding(TM). The strategic partners unveiled the groundbreaking online self-service system for healthcare payers and Medicare contractors as a way to...
OptumHealth's Behavioral Health Care Advocate Center in Portland Receives Highest Possible NCQA Accreditation Rating
GOLDEN VALLEY, Minn.-(Business Wire)-October 1, 2008 - OptumHealth Inc. announced today that its United Behavioral Health (UBH) Portland, Oregon Care Advocate Center (CAC) has been awarded three-year, Full Managed Behavioral Healthcare Organization (MBHO) accreditation from the National Committee...
RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd. Comments on Recent Hurricanes and Exposure to Certain Counterparties
PEMBROKE, Bermuda-(Business Wire)-October 1, 2008 - RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd. (NYSE: RNR) ("RenaissanceRe" or the "Company") today announced that it currently estimates that Hurricanes Gustav and Ike will have a combined net negative impact on the Company's third quarter results of approximately...
American Safety Insurance Holdings, Ltd. Reports On Impact Of Recent Market Developments
HAMILTON, Bermuda-(Business Wire)-October 1, 2008 - American Safety Insurance Holdings, Ltd. (NYSE:ASI) today reported that it had $7.7 million of total book value at September 30, 2008, of securities in Lehman Brothers, Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae in its investment portfolio. The Company will record...
Insurance Marketing Podcast Explores Communicating During a Financial Crisis
OLDWICK, N.J.-(Business Wire)-October 1, 2008 - The latest edition of the Insurance Marketing Podcast features an interview with communications expert Gary Kimball on communicating during times of difficulty and financial crises. Kimball is head of Kimball Communications and has handled...
Humana Inc. to Release Third Quarter Results on November 3, 2008
LOUISVILLE, Ky.-(Business Wire)-October 1, 2008 - Humana Inc. (NYSE: HUM) will release its financial results for the third quarter 2008 on Monday, November 3, 2008 at 6:00 a.m. eastern time. The company will host a conference call, as well as a virtual slide presentation at 9:00 a.m. eastern time...
HealthPartners Medicare Premiums Increase Three Percent
BLOOMINGTON, Minn.-(Business Wire)-October 1, 2008 - HealthPartners announced today that premiums will increase three percent for HealthPartners Freedom plans which are the most popular. "We are pleased to be able to keep cost increases to a minimum without any cuts in benefits," said Donna...
A.M. Best Places Ratings of Praetorian Specialty Insurance Company Under Review With Negative Implications
OLDWICK, N.J.-(Business Wire)-October 1, 2008 - A.M. Best Co. has placed the financial strength rating of A- (Excellent) and issuer credit rating of "a-" of Praetorian Specialty Insurance Company (Praetorian Specialty) (Wilmington, DE) under review with negative implications. These rating actions...
Dental Care Can Reduce Risk of Preterm Birth by Nearly 50 Percent
HARTFORD, Conn.-(Business Wire)-October 1, 2008 - According to a study conducted by Aetna (NYSE:AET) and Columbia University College of Dental Medicine, women who received dental care before or during their pregnancy had a lower risk of giving birth to a preterm or low birth weight baby than...
U.S. Bank St. Louis Branches to Collect Donations for Breast Cancer Research During Month of October
ST. LOUIS-(Business Wire)-October 1, 2008 - In observance of October as Breast Cancer Awareness Month, 106 U.S. Bank offices, including Schunck's in-store branches, in the St. Louis metro area will be collecting tax-deductible donations payable to the "Friends of Missouri Women's Council...
Flagstone Re Completes Restructuring of Global Operations
HAMILTON, Bermuda-(Business Wire)-October 1, 2008 - Flagstone Reinsurance Holdings Limited (NYSE:FSR) announced today that it has restructured its global reinsurance operations by merging its two wholly owned subsidiaries, Flagstone Reinsurance Limited of Bermuda and Flagstone Reassurance Suisse...
Initiate Systems Announces Winners of 2nd Annual Innovation Awards
SCOTTSDALE, Ariz.-(Business Wire)-October 1, 2008 - Initiate Systems, Inc., a leader in master data management (MDM) solutions, announced today that four of its customers have been honored with Innovation Awards during the company's annual user conference, Initiate Exchange. The four organizations...
Electric Insurance Names Senior Vice President and Chief Underwriting Officer
BEVERLY, Mass.-(Business Wire)-October 1, 2008 - Electric Insurance Company, a national provider of auto, homeowners, condominium and renters insurance, announced that it has promoted Gerard P. McCarthy to Senior Vice President and Chief Underwriting Officer. In this position, McCarthy will be...
Metropolitan Health Networks Well-Positioned to Assist with Humana's Assumption of Failed Health Plan's Membership
WEST PALM BEACH, Fla.-(Business Wire)-October 1, 2008 - Metropolitan Health Networks, Inc. ("Metropolitan") (AMEX:MDF) a provider of high quality, comprehensive healthcare services to patients across Florida, today responded to recent news regarding MD Medicare Choice ("MDMC"). It was reported...
A.M. Best Downgrades Ratings of Surety Company of the Pacific
OLDWICK, N.J.-(Business Wire)-October 1, 2008 - A.M. Best Co. has downgraded the financial strength rating to B+ (Good) from B++ (Good) and issuer credit rating (ICR) to "bbb-" from "bbb+" of Surety Company of the Pacific (SCP) (Encino, CA). The outlook has been revised to negative from stable...
The Principal Financial Group Helps Members Prevent Vision Problems Associated with Diabetes
DES MOINES, Iowa-(Business Wire)-October 1, 2008 - One of the most common complications of diabetes is retinopathy, or progressive damage to the eye's retina. This condition can lead to severe vision loss, or even blindness, if undetected. To help members who are currently diagnosed with diabetes...
The Performance Premium of Kindness
NEW YORK-(Business Wire)-October 1, 2008 - If you feel that your boss is kind, chances are you look forward to going to work every day, you're more likely to put in a little extra effort, and you might even delay that search for a new job. But if you work for a boss who is a bully, all bets are off...
Willis Completes $2.1 Billion Acquisition of Hilb Rogal & Hobbs
NEW YORK-(Business Wire)-October 1, 2008 - Willis Group Holdings Limited (NYSE: WSH), the global insurance broker, said today it has completed its $2.1 billion acquisition of Hilb Rogal & Hobbs Company (HRH), one of the world's largest insurance and risk management intermediaries, in a move that...
Commercial Property Insurer FM Global to Make Broad Changes to Its Senior Management Team
JOHNSTON, R.I.-(Business Wire)-October 1, 2008 - FM Global, one of the world's largest commercial property insurers, has announced numerous changes will be made to its senior management team effective Jan. 1, 2009, as it promotes seasoned management within the company into new roles. Brian J...
Research and Markets: OTC Healthcare in the Netherlands to 2011 Report Profiles the Leading Companies Bayer AG and Pfizer Inc
DUBLIN, Ireland-(Business Wire)-October 1, 2008 - Research and Markets has announced the addition of the "OTC Healthcare in the Netherlands to 2011" report to their offering. This databook is a detailed information resource covering all the key data points on OTC Healthcare in the Netherlands. It...
Stewart Title Guaranty Company Announces Settlement
HOUSTON-(Business Wire)-October 1, 2008 - Stewart Title Guaranty Company, a wholly owned subsidiary of Stewart Information Services Corp. (NYSE:STC), announced today that it has settled a $1,950,000 proceeding brought by the State of Washington's Office of Insurance Commissioner (OIC) with a payment...
U.S. Bank Invests in Cincinnati with "Powerbank" Strategy; Hires More Branch Employees and Extends Hours
CINCINNATI-(Business Wire)-October 1, 2008 - U.S. Bank announced plans today to invest more than $3 million in the Cincinnati market as it rolls out its "Powerbank" strategy. Aimed at improving the customer experience, U.S. Bank's strategy focuses on a number of enhancements, including refurbished...
Farmers Insurance Warns: During Economic Upheaval Don't Just Monitor Your Investments
LOS ANGELES-(Business Wire)-October 1, 2008 - With economic uncertainly and unprecedented economic upheaval in the country's financial markets, Farmers Insurance Group of Companies(R) warns now is the time to be vigilant and monitor your credit along with your investments. "There is unprecedented...
Claimlinx of Cincinnati Announces a Hundred Million Dollar Savings Plan
CINCINNATI-(Business Wire)-October 1, 2008 - In these tough economic times employers either have to cut expense or cut people. When an employer looks to cut expense the first place that many look is health care benefits; and for good reason. Today businesses are over paying insurance companies...
The Hartford Issues Statement
HARTFORD, Conn.-(Business Wire)-October 1, 2008 - The Hartford Financial Services Group, Inc. (NYSE: HIG), today issued the following statement. It is not the company's policy to generally comment on fluctuations in its share price. We are disappointed with our recent stock performance but recognize...
DataCert Releases ShareDoc Reports
HOUSTON-(Business Wire)-October 1, 2008 - DataCert, Inc., the leading provider of legal operations management solutions, today announced the availability of ShareDoc Reports. An integral part of legal spend management, ShareDoc Reports enhances in-house counsel and outside counsel relationships by...
Financial Guaranty Insurance Company Completes Reinsurance Transaction with MBIA Insurance Corporation
NEW YORK-(Business Wire)-October 1, 2008 - FGIC Corporation, the parent company of Financial Guaranty Insurance Company (FGIC), today announced that FGIC has closed the previously announced reinsurance transaction with MBIA Insurance Corporation (MBIA). Under the reinsurance agreement MBIA has...
MBIA Announces Closing of Reinsurance Transaction with Financial Guaranty Insurance Company
ARMONK, N.Y.-(Business Wire)-October 1, 2008 - MBIA Inc. (NYSE: MBI) today announced the closing of the previously announced reinsurance transaction between its insurance subsidiary, MBIA Insurance Corporation (MBIA) and Financial Guaranty Insurance Company (FGIC). The reinsured portfolio consists...
Prime Health Services and IME Exchange Enter into New Relationship
NASHVILLE, Tenn.-(Business Wire)-October 1, 2008 - Prime Health Services (Prime Health), a National Preferred Provider Organization (PPO), announced today a strategic relationship with IME Exchange, created by Venia Innovations, LLC (Venia), a web-based application that allows our clients to...
A.M. Best Downgrades Ratings of Safeco Corporation
OLDWICK, N.J.-(Business Wire)-October 1, 2008 - Following the recent acquisition of Safeco Corporation (Seattle, WA) by Liberty Mutual Group Inc. (LMGI) (Boston, MA), A.M. Best Co. has removed from under review with negative implications and downgraded the issuer credit rating (ICR) to "bbb" from...
Greg Penn Joins Valen Technologies as Vice President, Engineering
DENVER-(Business Wire)-October 1, 2008 - Valen Technologies, the Software-as-a-Service predictive modeling experts for the property and casualty (P&C) insurance industry, announced today that Greg Penn has joined the company as Vice President, Engineering. Reporting to Valen's CEO Dax Craig, Penn...
KCMH Announces Launch of Independent Insurance Division: Health, Life and Senior Market Policies Offered
FRISCO, Texas-(Business Wire)-October 1, 2008 - KCMH (OTC:KCMH) today announced the launch of its insurance division, KCM Insurance Services (KCMIS), which is expected to generate an estimated quarter million dollars in Q4 2008. KCMIS is an agency that provides comprehensive life, health and...
GASB to Hold User Forum and Public Hearing on Its Request for Response on Suggested Guidelines for Voluntary Performance Reporting
NORWALK, Conn.-(Business Wire)-October 1, 2008 - In line with its commitment to open and rigorous due process, the Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB) will hold a forum exclusively for external financial statement users and a public hearing to obtain information about the issues discussed...
EHNAC Seeks Public Review and Comment of New Criteria for Five Programs
FARMINGTON, Conn.-(Business Wire)-October 1, 2008 - The Electronic Healthcare Network Accreditation Commission (EHNAC), a non-profit standards development organization and accrediting body, announced today that it has posted five new versions of program criteria for general public review and...
Greater Seattle-Area Health Care Providers Launch Free Web Site for Consumers to Easily Compare and Schedule Health Care
SEATTLE-(Business Wire)-October 1, 2008 - A progressive coalition of local health care providers — including Virginia Mason Medical Center, The Everett Clinic, Proliance Surgeons and Qliance Primary Care Specialists — today announced the launch of Carol.com (www.carol.com) for greater...
American Financial Group, Inc. Declares Quarterly Dividend
CINCINNATI-(Business Wire)-October 1, 2008 - American Financial Group, Inc. (NYSE: AFG) (NASDAQ: AFG) announced that it has declared a quarterly dividend of $0.125 per share of American Financial Group Common Stock. The dividend is payable on October 24, 2008, to holders of record on October 15...
Greenlight Re Reports Preliminary Third Quarter 2008 Results
GRAND CAYMAN, Cayman Islands-(Business Wire)-October 1, 2008 - Greenlight Capital Re, Ltd. (NASDAQ: GLRE) today announced its preliminary financial results for the third quarter of fiscal year 2008. The Company expects a net loss per share for the third quarter in the range of $3.30 - $3.45. The...
Coventry Health Care to Release Third Quarter 2008 Financial Results
BETHESDA, Md.-(Business Wire)-October 1, 2008 - Coventry Health Care, Inc. (NYSE: CVH) announced today that it will release third quarter financial results on Tuesday, October 28, 2008. Dale Wolf, Coventry's Chief Executive Officer, will be hosting a conference call at 7:45 a.m. ET on that day. To...
Collins Adds to New York Broker Force to Seize "Growth Opportunities" in Northeast
NEW YORK-(Business Wire)-October 1, 2008 - Gregory Habay, a New York-based reinsurance broker, has joined Collins as senior vice president, Robert Kimmel, executive vice president and co-leader of Collins' broker force, announced today. "We've had great success in the Northeast, yet it's a region...
Allianz Enhances Its Allianz Vision(SM) Variable Annuity
MINNEAPOLIS-(Business Wire)-October 1, 2008 - Allianz Life Insurance Company of North America (Allianz) today announced that it has enhanced its Allianz Vision Variable Annuity. New options include the Lifetime Plus 10 Benefit and a Cumulative Withdrawal Benefit feature. These enhancements are...
New Web Site Makes Individual Health Insurance Easy to Understand and Helps Consumers Make Smart Decisions
GREENWOOD, Ind.-(Business Wire)-October 1, 2008 - Consumers who have been confused or intimidated by the complexity of health insurance now have an easy way to take the first step towards getting the individual medical coverage they need. A new Web site, simplecoverage.org, provides information...
Amica, EQC of New Zealand, FCCI, and NJM Win 2008 Guidewire Innovation Awards
SAN MATEO, Calif.-(Business Wire)-October 1, 2008 - Guidewire Software(R), a leading global provider of solutions to property and casualty (P&C) insurers, today announced the winners of its 2008 Innovation Awards: Amica Mutual Insurance Company; Earthquake Commission of New Zealand, FCCI Insurance...
Discover a World of Savings with Health Savings Accounts (HSAs)
MILWAUKEE-(Business Wire)-October 1, 2008 - Columbus Day reminds us that exploring the unknown can lead to important discoveries. Take health insurance plans for example. Virtually no one knew about Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) until 2004. Today, however, millions of people have explored this...
CIGNA Expands Medicare Offerings for Individuals
BLOOMFIELD, Conn.-(Business Wire)-October 1, 2008 - CIGNA today announced a variety of new programs that will be available to Medicare eligible individuals for 2009. Some of the new offerings include Medicare Part D Prescription Drug plans with no costs for popular generic prescriptions used to...
Progressive Takes Home Two WebAwards
MAYFIELD VILLAGE, Ohio-(Business Wire)-October 1, 2008 - Two car insurance Web sites from Progressive that make it easier for drivers to buy and service their insurance policies or to find a local, independent insurance agent received Standard of Excellence WebAwards from the Web Marketing...
Anderson Receives 2008 Women in Insurance Leadership Award
ANOKA, Minn.-(Business Wire)-October 1, 2008 - Rural Community Insurance Services (a Wells Fargo Company) announces that Judy Anderson, manager of insurance product services, has been named a Women in Insurance Leadership Award winner by Insurance Networking News magazine. The award program is...
Small Business Safety Expert from EMPLOYERS(R) to Identify Dangers Lurking Under Desks
RENO, Nev.-(Business Wire)-October 1, 2008 - Insurance agents who serve small business owners throughout Illinois on October 1 can learn how to help prevent workplace accidents—even in the seemingly safe environs of a small business office. Kathy Javaneau, a loss control expert at Employers...
Insurance Fraud Expert from EMPLOYERS(R) to Explain How Small Businesses Can Protect Against Costly Claims
RENO, Nev.-(Business Wire)-October 1, 2008 - Insurance agents from throughout Illinois on October 1 can hear workplace accident investigation expert Ranney P. Pageler explain how victims of suspected workers' compensation insurance fraud can identify suspicious claims, and appropriately and fairly...
Assured Guaranty Corp. Guarantees $130 Million of Convertible Capital Appreciation Bonds for the North Texas Toll Authority and Announces September U.S. Public Finance New Issue Volume
NEW YORK-(Business Wire)-September 30, 2008 - Assured Guaranty Corp. ("Assured" or the "Company"), the triple-A rated financial guaranty subsidiary of Assured Guaranty Ltd. (NYSE:AGO), announced today that it guaranteed $130 million of convertible capital appreciation bonds for the North Texas...
The Law Firm of Peter Strojnik On Behalf Of Insured Victim Files A Fraud Claim Against Public Adjuster Rob Rich And Mike Mehl Of Royal Restorations
PHOENIX-(Business Wire)-September 30, 2008 - On September 29, 2008, Peter and Tanya Strojnik filed a lawsuit against Rob Rich, a self proclaimed Senior Professional Public Adjuster, and his associate Mike Mehl. Rob Rich conducts his business under the name "Rob Rich & Associates"; Mike Mehl...
Industry Leaders to Discuss Financial Crisis
-(Business Wire)-September 30, 2008 - Business Roundtable: -0- *T WHAT: Leaders of Business Roundtable, an association of 160 CEOs of leading U.S. companies, National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB), the nation's leading small business association and AARP, a nonprofit, nonpartisan...
Phoenix Investment Partners Changes Names of Company, Funds To Initiate 'Virtus' Identity
HARTFORD, Conn.-(Business Wire)-September 30, 2008 - Phoenix Investment Partners, a diversified asset management firm with $33.4 billion under management, will take another step toward its spin-off from The Phoenix Companies, Inc. (NYSE:PNX) by formally changing the name of its mutual fund family...
Humana assumes Medicare membership of MD Medicare Choice Plan in Florida
LOUISVILLE, Ky.-(Business Wire)-September 30, 2008 - Humana Inc. (NYSE: HUM) today announced it is assisting the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) in providing uninterrupted access to health and prescription benefits for approximately 16,000 Medicare members of the MD Medicare...
StanCorp Financial Group, Inc. to Announce Third Quarter 2008 Financial Results on October 22, 2008 and Hold Webcast Conference Call on October 23, 2008
PORTLAND, Ore.-(Business Wire)-September 30, 2008 - StanCorp Financial Group, Inc. ("StanCorp") (NYSE: SFG) announced today it will release third quarter 2008 financial results on October 22, 2008, following the close of market. The press release will be available shortly thereafter on the Company's...
RLI 3rd Quarter Earnings Release Teleconference
PEORIA, Ill.-(Business Wire)-September 30, 2008 - RLI Corp. (NYSE:RLI), a specialty property & casualty company, will hold its quarterly conference call to discuss second quarter results on Wednesday, October 15, 2008, at 11:00 am Eastern Time. This call is being webcast by Thomson/CCBN and...
Eastbridge Announces the Latest Spotlight Report--Enrollment Services and Worksite Specialists
AVON, Conn.-(Business Wire)-September 30, 2008 - Today, many voluntary carriers face an ongoing problem—how to get enrollment services for brokers that do not have their own enrollment capabilities. Some have solved this by developing their own internal enrollment teams. Others look to firms...
A.M. Best Affirms Ratings of Lonpac Insurance Bhd
OLDWICK, N.J.-(Business Wire)-September 30, 2008 - A.M. Best Co. has affirmed the financial strength rating of A- (Excellent) and the issuer credit rating (ICR) of "a-" of Lonpac Insurance Bhd (Lonpac) (Malaysia). The outlook for both ratings is stable. The ratings reflect the company's track record...
A.M. Best Assigns Ratings to Employers Security Insurance Company
OLDWICK, N.J.-(Business Wire)-September 30, 2008 - A.M. Best Co. has assigned a financial strength rating (FSR) of A- (Excellent) and an issuer credit rating (ICR) of "a-" to Employers Security Insurance Company (ESIC) following its and Employers Security Holding Company's (ESHC) (both of...
Arch Capital Group Ltd. to Report 2008 Third Quarter Results on October 23, 2008
HAMILTON, Bermuda-(Business Wire)-September 30, 2008 - Arch Capital Group Ltd. (NASDAQ: ACGL) announced that it expects to release its 2008 third quarter results after the close of regular stock market hours on Thursday, October 23, 2008. The Company will hold a conference call for investors and...
Humana Military Healthcare Services Partners with MinuteClinic to Offer Innovative Services for South Region TRICARE Beneficiaries
LOUISVILLE, Ky.-(Business Wire)-September 30, 2008 - Humana Military Healthcare Services (HMHS), a wholly owned subsidiary of Humana Inc. (NYSE: HUM) and the TRICARE Contractor for the South Region, is pleased to announce an innovative service available to its beneficiaries. The addition of...
C.A.R. and Real Estate Risk Services Endorse Costello & Sons Insurance
LOS ANGELES-(Business Wire)-September 30, 2008 - The CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS (C.A.R.) today announced that Costello & Sons Insurance (CSI) is C.A.R.'s endorsed insurance broker for members' insurance needs. Through its relationship with CSI, Real Estate Risk Services LLC (RERS), a...
Hilltop Holdings Declares Preferred Dividend
DALLAS-(Business Wire)-September 30, 2008 - Hilltop Holdings Inc. (NYSE: HTH) today announced that its Board of Directors declared a cash dividend of $0.515625 on each share of its Series A Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock. The dividend is payable on October 30, 2008, to shareholders of...
TheStreet.com Launches Mobile Application for BlackBerry Smartphone Users
NEW YORK-(Business Wire)-September 30, 2008 - TheStreet.com, Inc. (Nasdaq: TSCM), a leading financial media company, announced today that it will provide BlackBerry(R) smartphone users with automatic and free access to the latest stock market news, investing advice, stock picks and quotes from its...
Significant Cost Savings Point to Health Benefits of Integrated Prescription Drug Coverage
HARTFORD, Conn.-(Business Wire)-September 30, 2008 - An analysis from Aetna (NYSE:AET) showed that Aetna members who had both Aetna medical and pharmacy coverage in 2005 and 2006 had medical cost savings of 2.7 percent, about six dollars per member per month (PMPM) at that time, on a total PMPM...
CHOICE Administrators(R) Launches HSA California
ORANGE, Calif.-(Business Wire)-September 30, 2008 - CHOICE Administrators(R), a division of The Word & Brown Companies, today announced the launch of HSA California - a new program that offers employers with 2-50 employees a way to minimize insurance costs and offer staff excellent medical...
Fresh Start Women's Foundation Named 2008 Arizona Benefits Winner
PHOENIX-(Business Wire)-September 30, 2008 - Fresh Start Women's Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to educating and empowering women facing life changes through divorce, job loss, illness, marriage or motherhood, has received a $100,000 grant as the winner of the second annual...
Quanta Announces Shareholder Approval of Amalgamation with Catalina Holdings
HAMILTON, Bermuda-(Business Wire)-September 30, 2008 - Quanta Capital Holdings Ltd. (NASDAQ: QNTA) announced today that, at a special general meeting of the shareholders of Quanta held today in Hamilton, Bermuda, Quanta shareholders overwhelmingly voted to approve the amalgamation agreement with...
The GHC and Aetna celebrate Health Literacy Month
HARTFORD, Conn.-(Business Wire)-September 30, 2008 - Physicians, care providers and other stakeholders in quality health care delivery from across Connecticut are urged to attend an important conference this fall to learn more about the impact poor health literacy and racial and ethnic disparities...
Record Date Finalized for ACE Limited Quarterly Dividend
ZURICH, Switzerland-(Business Wire)-September 30, 2008 - As previously announced, the Board of Directors of ACE Limited (NYSE:ACE) declared a quarterly dividend of 0.30 Swiss Francs (CHF) per share, payable on October 14, 2008. The required filing with the Swiss Commercial Register has been made...
Best's Review Releases Multimedia Digital Edition Examining Insurance Technology 2008
OLDWICK, N.J.-(Business Wire)-September 30, 2008 - Audio and edited interviews with 17 leading insurance technology providers are now available online in the 2008 edition of Issues & Answers: Insurance Technology 2008, a newly published digital edition from Best's Review magazine. Technology...
Unum Names Bishop Executive Vice President and General Counsel
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn.-(Business Wire)-September 30, 2008 - Unum Group (NYSE:UNM) today announced that Liston Bishop III has been appointed executive vice president and general counsel for the company. Bishop has served as Unum's interim general counsel since February 2008. He joins the company from...
United Insurance Holdings Corp. Announces Completion of Merger with FMG Acquisition Corp.
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla.-(Business Wire)-September 30, 2008 - United Insurance Holding Corp. (OTCBB: FMGQ; FMGQW; FMGQU) ("United" or the "Company"), an underwriter of homeowners and selected small business insurance in the state of Florida, today announced that it has successfully completed its...
MajescoMastek Recognized for Insurance Technology Innovation
EDISON, N.J.-(Business Wire)-September 30, 2008 - MajescoMastek today announced that its customer, Transamerica Reinsurance, has been recognized with a 2008 INNovators Award for a mortality management system it co-developed that can reduce risks and increase profits for life insurers. This is the...
ADA Amendment Means Increased Burdens for Employers
OLD SAYBROOK, Conn.-(Business Wire)-September 30, 2008 - Last Thursday, President George W. Bush signed into law a measure (S. 3406) that significantly amends the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). BLR(R) expects a significant increase in ADA-related claims and lawsuits will result and...
Current Financial Crisis Has Executives Weighing Risk Management Practices over Liquidity and Other Issues, According to Joint CFO Research/Towers Perrin Survey
STAMFORD, Conn.-(Business Wire)-September 30, 2008 - The financial crisis gripping the United States has senior finance executives more likely to be concerned about their firms' risk management practices (72%) than they are about such issues as accessing both long-term debt financing (65%) and...
A.M. Best's E-Fusion 2008 Begins Wednesday, October 1; E-Fusion Award Finalists Announced
OLDWICK, N.J.-(Business Wire)-September 30, 2008 - E-Fusion 2008 kicks off Wednesday, October 1, with a Webinar titled, "Redefining the Economic Value of IT," presented by Matt Josefowicz, director of insurance for Novarica, and Jeff Goldberg, an analyst for Celent. The presentation will focus on...
A.M. Best Downgrades Ratings of Lehman Re Limited
OLDWICK, N.J., U.S.A.-(Business Wire)-September 30, 2008 - A.M. Best Co. has downgraded the financial strength rating to F (In Liquidation) from B (Fair) and issuer credit rating to "rs" from "bb" of Lehman Re Limited (Lehman Re) (Hamilton, Bermuda). The ratings now reflect that Lehman Re petitioned...
The NIA Group, LLC Welcomes Peggy McGrane As Human Resources Director
PARAMUS, N.J.-(Business Wire)-September 30, 2008 - Peggy McGrane has joined The NIA Group, LLC as the firm's Human Resources Director. In her new role, Peggy is charged with accelerating the insurance broker's professional recruitment, development and retention efforts as NIA looks to expand its...
HRH Announces Preliminary Merger Consideration Election Results
RICHMOND, Va.-(Business Wire)-September 30, 2008 - Hilb Rogal & Hobbs Company (NYSE:HRH), one of the world's largest insurance and risk management intermediaries, today announced the preliminary results of elections made by HRH shareholders regarding their preferences as to the form of merger...
ACE Publishes 2007 Global Loss Triangles
ZURICH, Switzerland-(Business Wire)-September 30, 2008 - ACE Limited (NYSE:ACE) announced today that it has published its 2007 Global Loss Triangles. A copy of these documents is available on the company's website, located at www.acelimited.com in the Investor Information section under Financial...
MCOL Launches Free HealthExecMobile for the Healthcare Management 'Pro on the Go'
MODESTO, Calif.-(Business Wire)-September 30, 2008 - MCOL, the premiere business-to-business publisher of health management and managed care resources, announces the launch of HealthExecMobile, a free service to help keep the busy healthcare management professional "on the go" up-to-date with brief...
iPipeline Leverages On-Demand Software Adoption in the Insurance Industry to Rank in the Philadelphia 100 and Inc. 5000
EXTON, Pa.-(Business Wire)-September 30, 2008 - iPipeline(TM), a leader in on-demand software that supports marketing, selling, and processing solutions for the nation's top insurance carriers, distributors and producers, has been selected for a second consecutive year as one of the region's fastest...
athenahealth to Present at the Third Annual JMP Securities Healthcare Focus Conference
WATERTOWN, Mass.-(Business Wire)-September 30, 2008 - athenahealth, Inc. (NASDAQ: ATHN), a leading provider of internet-based business services for physician practices, announced today that it will participate in the third annual JMP Securities Healthcare Focus Conference in New York, New York. Carl...
AmeriHealth Mercy Chief Medical Officer Named Leader in Disease Management
PHILADELPHIA-(Business Wire)-September 30, 2008 - Jay Feldstein, D.O., Corporate Chief Medical Officer for the AmeriHealth Mercy Family of Companies, was named one of the nation's Leaders in Disease Management by Managed Healthcare Executive. Dr. Feldstein leads AmeriHealth Mercy's PerforMED...
Health Net, Inc. Third Quarter 2008 Earnings Conference Call
LOS ANGELES-(Business Wire)-September 30, 2008 - Health Net, Inc. (NYSE:HNT) will hold its quarterly conference call to discuss third quarter 2008 results on Tuesday, Nov. 4, 2008, at approximately 11:30 a.m. Eastern Time (8:30 a.m. Pacific Time). Earnings will be announced before the market opens...
Best's Review: Explains How Insurers Go to Bat for Major League Baseball
OLDWICK, N.J.-(Business Wire)-September 30, 2008 - Learn how insurers keep Major League Baseball's owners, teams and star players "safe" in the October issue of Best's Review, the award-winning monthly publication of A.M. Best Co. In the cover story, "Covering the Bases," Senior Editor Robert...
Duck Creek Technologies and Auto-Owners Insurance Company Celebrate Five-Years of Successful Business
BOLIVAR, Mo.-(Business Wire)-September 30, 2008 - Duck Creek Technologies, a leading provider of software and service solutions for the insurance industry, today announced that the Auto-Owners Insurance Company and Duck Creek Technologies celebrated the fifth anniversary of their business...
XL Capital to Host Global Risk Forum with Gen. Colin Powell, Sen. George Mitchell, Other Prominent Public Figures
HAMILTON, Bermuda-(Business Wire)-September 30, 2008 - XL Capital: — Event to examine financial, security, climate, and social risks, with recent market turbulence being heavily featured — Reporters and editors invited; potential for interviews with some panelists and attendees Who: XL...
Service Simplified: How Planned Performance Tracking Addresses Real Life Insurance Service Challenges
ALISO VIEJO, Calif.-(Business Wire)-September 30, 2008 - Providing timely and on-going customer service without draining resources presents one of the biggest challenges many financial professionals face today. Successful financial professionals want to spend time in front of their clients, not...
Avizent's Captive Solutions Improve Returns in Soft Insurance Market
COLUMBUS, Ohio-(Business Wire)-September 30, 2008 - Small to mid-sized companies are reducing loss costs, lowering risks, and improving premium savings with a unique risk-sharing group captives model developed by Avizent, a national risk management provider. For example, Miller United's Restaurant...
Premier East Coast Imaging Practice Licenses Zotec Partners' Electronic Billing Center Suite and RIS
INDIANAPOLIS-(Business Wire)-September 30, 2008 - Zotec Partners, an industry leader in medical billing, practice management and Radiology Information Systems (RIS) software, announces today that Atlantic Medical Imaging (AMI) has licensed the company's Electronic Billing Center (EBC) suite, which...
WebCE(R)'s Medicare Advantage Course Available for Student Training
DALLAS-(Business Wire)-September 30, 2008 - WebCE is proud to announce the availability of Medicare Advantage and Part D, a comprehensive training course which has just been updated to incorporate the provisions of the "Medicare Improvements for Patients and Providers Act of 2008." This course...
Transamerica Reinsurance Recognized for Technology Innovation
CHARLOTTE, N.C.-(Business Wire)-September 30, 2008 - Transamerica Reinsurance, a division of Transamerica Life Insurance Company and a leading supplier of life reinsurance in the United States, was recently honored by Insurance Networking News magazine as a Runner Up in its 2008 INNovators Award...
Wells Fargo Adds McCaffery as Sales Executive in Redwood City Insurance Operations
REDWOOD CITY, Calif.-(Business Wire)-September 30, 2008 - ABD Insurance and Financial Services (a Wells Fargo Company) has added Janine McCaffery as sales executive in its Redwood City-based construction and real estate insurance brokerage practice. McCaffery will focus on the needs of property...
A.M. Best Special Report: Capitalisation Under Pressure As Asset Values Decline
OLDWICK, N.J.-(Business Wire)-September 30, 2008 - The life insurance industry in the United Kingdom is facing a tough year in 2008. While the industry has been largely free of subprime exposures, the decline in equity markets combined with the write-downs on bonds means that many companies face the...
Endurance Worldwide Insurance Welcomes Joseph O'Donnell
PEMBROKE, Bermuda-(Business Wire)-September 29, 2008 - Endurance Specialty Holdings Ltd. (NYSE:ENH), a Bermuda-based specialty provider of property and casualty insurance and reinsurance, today announced that Joseph C. O'Donnell will be joining the firm as Executive Vice President, Professional...
A.M. Best Affirms Ratings of Flagstone Reinsurance Holdings Limited and Its Operating Subsidiary
OLDWICK, N.J.-(Business Wire)-September 29, 2008 - A.M. Best Co. has affirmed the financial strength rating (FSR) of A- (Excellent) and issuer credit rating (ICR) of "a-" of Flagstone Reassurance Suisse SA (Flagstone Reassurance) (Martigny, Switzerland). A.M. Best also has affirmed the ICR of "bbb...
e2Value Releases Pronto Instant Insurance Valuator
STAMFORD, Conn.-(Business Wire)-September 29, 2008 - e2Value, Inc. announces the release of Pronto(TM), a new online replacement cost valuator that delivers instant insurance values. Users only need to enter the property address in order for Pronto to deliver a replacement cost that is based on...
MetLife to Hold Conference Call for Third Quarter 2008 Results
NEW YORK-(Business Wire)-September 29, 2008 - MetLife, Inc. (NYSE: MET) will hold its third quarter 2008 earnings conference call and audio Webcast on Thursday, October 30, 2008, from 8:00 to 9:00 a.m. (ET). These events will follow MetLife's issuance of its third quarter earnings press release on...
AXIS Authorized as Branch Insurer in Canada
PEMBROKE, Bermuda-(Business Wire)-September 29, 2008 - AXIS Capital Holdings Limited ("AXIS Capital") (NYSE: AXS) today announced that AXIS Reinsurance Company, one of its U.S. operating subsidiaries, has been authorized by the Office of the Superintendent of Financial Institutions Canada ("OSFI...
Westaff Announces Definitive Agreement for the Sale of Australia and New Zealand Subsidiaries, Focus on Growth of U.S. Operations
WALNUT CREEK, Calif.-(Business Wire)-September 29, 2008 - Westaff, Inc. (NASDAQ:WSTF) a leading provider of staffing services, announced today that it has entered into a definitive agreement to sell its Australia and New Zealand subsidiaries to Humanis Blue Pty Ltd, an Australian company and...
Unum Group to Release Third Quarter 2008 Results and Host Conference Call
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn.-(Business Wire)-September 29, 2008 - Unum Group (NYSE: UNM) will release its third quarter results on Thursday, Oct. 30, at approximately 4 p.m. Eastern. The earnings news release and the financial supplement will be available in the Investors section of the company's website at...
Argo Group Acquires Professional Liability Underwriter Insight Insurance
HAMILTON, Bermuda-(Business Wire)-September 29, 2008 - Argo Group International Holdings, Ltd., (NasdaqGS: AGII), an international underwriter of specialty insurance and reinsurance products in the property and casualty market, today announced it has acquired privately held Insight Insurance...
A.M. Best Publishes New Aggregates & Averages, the Insurance Sourcebook for Totals, Statistics and Rankings
OLDWICK, N.J.-(Business Wire)-September 29, 2008 - A.M. Best Co.'s 2008 Property/Casualty edition of Best's Aggregates & Averages-U.S. & Canada has been released. Best's Aggregates & Averages is available in both print and online formats. The online version, which now includes one year...
ACE Limited to Hold Its Third Quarter Earnings Conference Call on Wednesday, October 29, 2008
ZURICH, Switzerland-(Business Wire)-September 29, 2008 - ACE Limited (NYSE:ACE) will hold its third quarter earnings conference call on Wednesday, October 29, 2008, beginning at 8:30 a.m. Eastern Time. ACE expects to issue its third quarter earnings release and financial supplement after the...
A.M. Best Revises Outlook to Negative for CEM Insurance Company
OLDWICK, N.J.-(Business Wire)-September 29, 2008 - A.M. Best Co. has revised the outlook to negative from stable and affirmed the financial strength rating (FSR) of B+ (Good) and issuer credit rating of "bbb-" of CEM Insurance Company (CEM) (Deer Park, IL). The revised outlook reflects that CEM's...
OraSure Applauds Congress for Passing Legislation to Enable Routine HIV Testing Throughout the U.S. Veterans Health Care System
BETHLEHEM, Pa.-(Business Wire)-September 29, 2008 - OraSure Technologies, Inc. (NASDAQ:OSUR), the market leader in oral fluid diagnostics, today issued a statement applauding the U.S. Congress for passage of The Veterans Mental Health and Other Care Improvements Act of 2008 (S. 2162). The bill...
Westport Strategies Joins Clark Consulting
DALLAS-(Business Wire)-September 29, 2008 - CLARK CONSULTING, an industry leader specializing in the risk management, design & implementation, informal financing, and long-term administration of non-qualified deferred compensation plans, is pleased to announce that it has integrated Westport...
Aetna to Announce Third-Quarter 2008 Results
HARTFORD, Conn.-(Business Wire)-September 29, 2008 - Aetna (NYSE: AET) confirmed today that its third-quarter 2008 results will be made public on Wednesday, Oct. 29, at 6 a.m. ET. Following the earnings release, Aetna will host a live teleconference, which will begin at 8:30 a.m. ET on that day. The...
PCMA: New CBO Analysis Confirms Independent Pharmacy 'Collective Bargaining' Legislation Increases Costs for Consumers and Payors
WASHINGTON-(Business Wire)-September 29, 2008 - The Pharmaceutical Care Management Association (PCMA) issued the following statement in response to a new analysis released by the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) that estimates the costs associated with sweeping antitrust exemptions for...
HRH Shareholders Approve Merger with Willis
RICHMOND, Va.-(Business Wire)-September 29, 2008 - Hilb Rogal & Hobbs Company (NYSE:HRH), one of the world's largest insurance and risk management intermediaries, announced that at a special shareholders meeting held today, its shareholders overwhelmingly approved the merger with Willis Group...
Fitch Revises Outlook for U.S. Life Insurance Sector to Negative
CHICAGO-(Business Wire)-September 29, 2008 - Fitch Ratings has revised its outlook for the U.S. life insurance sector to negative from stable, reflecting the significant deterioration in the credit and equity markets, and the expected impact of realized and unrealized investment losses on life...
Imperial Finance & Trading Receives 2008 Best of Boca Raton Award
WASHINGTON-(Business Wire)-September 29, 2008 - Imperial Finance & Trading has been selected for the 2008 Best of Boca Raton Award in the Financing category by the U.S. Local Business Association (USLBA). The USLBA "Best of Local Business" Award Program recognizes outstanding local businesses...
Extensis Releases Article "Consumer-Directed Health Plans: A new trend in controlling Small Business health care cost"
WOODBRIDGE, N.J.-(Business Wire)-September 29, 2008 - Extensis Group LLC., New Jersey's largest Professional Employer Organization (PEO), has released an article on the growing trend of businesses using Consumer-Directed Health Plans to control their rising healthcare costs. Nationally, healthcare...
Fiduciary360 to Provide On-Going Fiduciary Training to Council on Foundations Members
PITTSBURGH-(Business Wire)-September 29, 2008 - Fiduciary360 (fi360), an organization promoting a culture of fiduciary responsibility and improving the decision-making process of investment fiduciaries, will provide on-going training to members of the Council on Foundations, as part of the Council's...
MediConnect Offers to Donate Copies of Medical Records Lost During Hurricane Ike, Hurricane Gustav, and Tropical Storm Fay
SALT LAKE CITY-(Business Wire)-September 29, 2008 - MediConnect Global, Inc. today announced it will provide invaluable digital backup copies of archived medical records free of charge back to any patient or organization that has lost paper-based medical records as a result of Hurricane Ike...
SHPS Presents Strategies for Third Party Administrators to Expand and Enhance Their Services to Employers at SIIA's 28th Annual National Educational Conference & Expo
LOUISVILLE, Ky. & PHOENIX-(Business Wire)-September 29, 2008 - With third party administrators (TPAs) nationwide seeking to expand their service offerings beyond insurance claims and transaction processing to a strategic advisory role, SHPS (www.carewisehealth.com) will present "Helping...
FMG Acquisition Corp. Announces Shareholder Approval for Merger with United Insurance Holdings L.C.
FARMINGTON, Conn. & ST. PETERSBURG, Fla.-(Business Wire)-September 29, 2008 - FMG Acquisition Corp. (OTCBB: FMGQ; FMGQW; FMGQU) ("FMG" or the "Company") today announced that its stockholders have approved the merger with United Insurance Holdings L.C. ("United"), an underwriter of homeowners and...
American Association of Homes and Services for the Aging Joins the National Healthcare Career Network as Founding Partner
WASHINGTON-(Business Wire)-September 29, 2008 - In light of the critical shortage of healthcare workers, the American Association of Homes and Services for the Aging has joined the National Healthcare Career Network, which links the job boards of more than 85 other healthcare associations. The...
Revolutionary "Safe" Derivative Opens New Profit Opportunities With Immunity Against Excess Market Volatility
CHICAGO-(Business Wire)-September 29, 2008 - Actuarials Holdings LLC (AH), parent company of Everest OTC Trade Facility and the AE Clearinghouse, today unveiled a revolutionary "safe" derivative called the Clipper. Tested by institutional investors in hundreds of thousands of trades during a...
A.M. Best Affirms and Withdraws Ratings of Allianz Suisse Versicherungs-Gesellschaft and Allianz Suisse Lebensversicherungs-Gesellschaft
OLDWICK, N.J.-(Business Wire)-September 29, 2008 - A.M. Best Co. has affirmed the financial strength rating (FSR) of A (Excellent) and the issuer credit rating (ICR) of "a" of Allianz Suisse Versicherungs-Gesellschaft (ASV) (Switzerland) and Allianz Suisse Lebensversicherungs-Gesellschaft (ASL...
Companies and Markets: China Healthcare Sector Analysis Market Report Available Now
LONDON-(Business Wire)-September 29, 2008 - Companies and Markets announces the addition of "China Healthcare Sector Analysis" market research report to its portfolio. China Healthcare Sector Analysis covers research on China's expanding healthcare market. The report provides a detailed account of...
GEICO Credit Union Successfully Implements US Biometrics' AccessQ - Biometric Access Control System
NAPERVILLE, Ill.-(Business Wire)-September 29, 2008 - GEICO Federal Credit Union, headquartered in Chevy Chase, Maryland, recently purchased and implemented US Biometrics' AccessQ system for controlling physical access to various entrances with fingerprint biometrics. US Biometrics worked with GEICO...
Texas Mutual Pays $2.3M Dividend to CompGroup AGC
AUSTIN, Texas-(Business Wire)-September 29, 2008 - Texas Mutual Insurance Company announced a $2,260,775 dividend to the CompGroup AGC workers' compensation purchasing group today. The dividend was based largely on the group's favorable loss ratio. CompGroup AGC members have shared in more than...
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