Insurance

• Chinese insurer to record $2.3B loss on Fortis
  AP (October 06, 2008)
  BEIJING (AP) - China's Ping An Insurance Co. said Monday it will record a $2.3 billion loss on its stake in troubled European bank Fortis NV, in the biggest blow yet to a Chinese institution from the global credit crisis.
   
  
• Fidelity National Financial, Inc. Announces 3rd Quarter 2008 Earnings Release and Conference Call
  PRNewswire (October 06, 2008)
  JACKSONVILLE, Fla., Oct. 6 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Fidelity National Financial, Inc. , a leading provider of title insurance, specialty insurance, claims management services and information services, will release 3rd quarter 2008 earnings after the close of regular market trading on Wednesday, October 22, 2008. A conference call will follow at 9:00 a.m. Eastern Time on Thursday, October 23,
   
  
• Radio Address by President Bush to the Nation
  PRNewswire (October 04, 2008)
  WASHINGTON, Oct. 4 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The following is a transcript of the Radio Address by President Bush to the Nation:
   
  
• Reinsurance Forum Features General Counsels, Rating Agencies & Regulators
  PRNewswire (October 03, 2008)
  BOSTON, Oct. 2 /PRNewswire/ -- A 30-member panel comprising general counsels from major reinsurance companies, regulatory agencies, law firms, ratings organizations, financial firms and the media will gather at the Ritz-Carlton Boston Commons next week, Oct. 6-7, to discuss a variety of issues facing the complex and global reinsurance industry.
   
  
• Vice Presidential Candidates Missed Opportunity for Critical Dialogue on Affordability of Health Care
  PRNewswire (October 03, 2008)
  
   
  
• Penn Treaty Trades as PTYA on OTC
  PRNewswire (October 03, 2008)
  ALLENTOWN, Pa., Oct. 3 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Penn Treaty American Corporation today announced that its shares of common stock are available for trade on the over-the-counter electronic market ("Pink Sheets") under the symbol PTYA. Quotes, news and information are accessible through many brokerage systems and websites, including but not limited to pinksheets.com and bloomberg.co
   
  
• Mental Health America Hails Approval of Federal Parity Legislation
  PRNewswire (October 03, 2008)
  
   
  
• Emory Health Policy Expert Weighs in on Candidates' Health Care Plans
  PRNewswire (October 02, 2008)
  ATLANTA, Oct. 2 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The presidential candidates' health care plans share some important elements, but Sen. John McCain's proposed health care plan is likely to result in higher overall health care spending than Sen. Barack Obama's, says Kenneth E. Thorpe, PhD, Emory University health policy researcher.
   
  
• Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. Announces Third Quarter 2008 Earnings Release and Conference Call Dates
  PRNewswire (October 02, 2008)
  ITASCA, Ill., Oct. 2 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. will release its third quarter 2008 earnings after the market closes on Tuesday, October 28, 2008. A printer-friendly format will be available on the company's web site shortly thereafter.
   
  
• Actimize, a NICE Systems Company, Delivers Proven ATM and Debit Fraud Prevention Capabilities to MasterCard
  PRNewswire (October 02, 2008)
  NEW YORK, October 2 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Actimize, a leading provider of transactional risk management software for the financial services industry and a NICE Systems company, today announced that MasterCard is using the Actimize technology to augment its ATM and Debit fraud detection capabilities for issuers.
   
  
• Aon eSolutions Launches iVOSc Carrier Edition, a Version of iVOS for Insurance Companies
  PRNewswire (October 01, 2008)
  SAN RAMON, Calif., Oct. 1 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Aon eSolutions, the client technology arm of Aon Corporation and a leading provider of global risk and insurance solutions, today announced the launch of the iVOSc Carrier Edition, a version of iVOS specifically designed for property & casualty insurance companies. iVOS is Aon eSolutions' browser-based insurance system that incorporates
   
  
• CSC Unveils End-to-End Java Technology-based Solution for Property and Casualty Insurers
  PRNewswire (September 30, 2008)
  FALLS CHURCH, Va., Sept. 30 /PRNewswire/ -- CSC today introduced a Java Platform Enterprise Edition (Java EE) compatible solution for policy administration that provides platform and database flexibility. The company is offering the new software, POINT IN J, to property and casualty (P&C) insurers that want an integrated, open systems platform to improve efficiency and help speed new prod
   
  
• Guardian Continues Support of Women in Business Through Renewed Partnership With NAWBO & Annual Entrepreneurship Competition
  PRNewswire (September 30, 2008)
  Announces Call for Nominations for More than $30,000 in Prizes for Teen Entrepreneurs
   
  
• Monarch Bank Announces $100 Million of Excess FDIC Insurance Protection Through New CDARS(R) Program
  PRNewswire (September 30, 2008)
  CHESAPEAKE, Va., Sept. 30 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Monarch Bank, a subsidiary of Monarch Financial Holdings, Inc. , today announces a new service that will provide greater access to FDIC insurance. Certificate of Deposit Account Registry Services, (CDARS), allows individuals and businesses the security of FDIC insurance of up to $50 million on CD investments, with just one banking relationshi
   
  
• Economic Downturn Creates Growth Opportunity for Prevention Services Firm, U.S. Preventive Medicine, Inc.
  PRNewswire (September 29, 2008)
  DALLAS, Sept. 29 /PRNewswire/ -- In spite of the global economic downturn, U.S. Preventive Medicine(R), Inc. (http://www.USPreventiveMedicine.com), the leader in disease prevention services, predicts increasing pressure to reduce health care costs will drive annualized 100+% revenue growth for the company in years 2008-2010. The company provides primary, secondary and tertiary prevention servi
   
  
• Ledger ex-lawyer, insurer spar over policy
  AP (September 29, 2008)
  LOS ANGELES (AP) - A former attorney for Heath Ledger is suing over a $10 million life insurance policy he claims has gone unpaid since the actor's death.
   
  
• Vanguard Capital Offers Triple Protection for Customer Accounts
  PRNewswire (September 29, 2008)
  LA JOLLA, Calif., Sept. 29 /PRNewswire/ -- Vanguard Capital offers clients three levels of insurance protection for personal, corporate, and qualified (retirement) accounts.
   
  
• Guardian Adds New Annuity Rider To Benefit Individuals Seeking Guaranteed Long-Term Retirement Payments
  PRNewswire (September 29, 2008)
  NEW YORK, Sept. 29 /PRNewswire/ -- Guardian has added a new guaranteed lifetime withdrawal benefit rider to its variable annuities designed for individuals who want to invest more for retirement and supplement their retirement income. The new rider will be available with variable annuities issued by The Guardian Insurance & Annuity Company (GIAC), a wholly owned subsidiary of The Guardian
   
  
• Philadelphia Insurance Companies Believes in 'Giving Back through Fitness'
  PRNewswire (September 28, 2008)
  BALA CYNWYD, Pa., Sept. 28 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Philadelphia Insurance Companies , Bala Cynwyd, PA, sponsored the 2008 Parkway Run/Walk benefiting The Cancer Center at The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, the nation's premier pediatric oncology program. Despite the rain, more than 1,500 runners & walkers (including 50 PHLY employees and their family members) participated in the ev
   
  
• President Clinton Announces Next Frontier in Microfinance and Insurance
  PRNewswire (September 26, 2008)
  Launches World's First Microinsurance Investment Firm in Session with Tony Blair, Dozens of CEOs, Heads of State
   
  
• Fortis names new chief executive
  AP (September 26, 2008)
  AMSTERDAM, Netherlands (AP) - Fortis NV says it has named a member of its managing board as chief executive, giving the troubled bank and insurance company its third CEO in as many months.
   
  
• National Patient Advocate Foundation Commends U.S. Senate's Unanimous Passage of Michelle's Law
  PRNewswire (September 26, 2008)
  Federal Legislation Will Extend Existing Health Insurance Coverage for Dependent College Students in the Event of a Medically Necessary Leave of Absence
   
  
• Fortis says it will sell assets, as shares fall
  AP (September 26, 2008)
  AMSTERDAM, Netherlands (AP) - Shares in Fortis NV fell 21 percent Friday despite reassurances from the banking and insurance company's executives and financial authorities that it has sufficient resources and plans to raise more money through expanded asset sales.
   
  
• OneBeacon Professional Partners Introduces New Hospital Professional Liability Solution
  PRNewswire (September 25, 2008)
  CANTON, Mass., Sept. 25 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- OneBeacon Professional Partners, a member of OneBeacon Insurance Group , today announced a new professional liability solution for hospitals seeking flexible and creative risk management.
   
  
• T. Rowe Price Introduces Enhanced Online Retirement Income Calculator For Those in Any Stage of Retirement Planning
  PRNewswire (September 25, 2008)
  BALTIMORE, Sept. 25 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- T. Rowe Price has introduced a new retirement planning tool on its web site that enables those planning for, transitioning to, or in retirement to estimate their monthly retirement income with inflation adjustments.
   
  
• Small Business Owners, Celebrities, Community Leaders and the Insurance Industry Join Forces to Raise Awareness About Life Insurance
  PRNewswire (September 25, 2008)
  
   
  
• Federal Employee Program (FEP(R)) Standard Option Promotes Generic Prescriptions For 2009 - No Copay For First Four Mail Orders and Retail Coinsurance is Reduced
  PRNewswire (September 25, 2008)
  Basic Option premium increase is single-digit, while FEP BlueVision(R) premiums are steady for the third year in a row
   
  
• ShoZu Provides Easy Mobile Photo Uploads for Adobe Photoshop.com Members
  PRNewswire (September 25, 2008)
  SAN FRANCISCO, Sept. 25 /PRNewswire/ -- ShoZu Inc. announced today that Adobe(R) Photoshop(R).com members can use its mobile social media service to quickly and easily upload photos from more than 350 different handsets to Photoshop.com accounts. ShoZu's service allows Adobe Photoshop.com users to take advantage of support for additional handsets that include Apple(R) iPhone(TM), Apple(R) iPod
   
  
• Chubb Expects to Release Earnings on October 23 and Hold Conference Call on the Same Day
  PRNewswire (September 25, 2008)
  WARREN, N.J., Sept. 25 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- -- The Chubb Corporation expects to release third quarter 2008 earnings on Thursday, October 23, 2008 after the close of the market. The press release and financial supplement will be available shortly thereafter on Chubb's website at www.chubb.com.
   
  
• National Financial Partners Comments on Third Quarter 2008 Results through August
  PRNewswire (September 24, 2008)
  NEW YORK, Sept. 24 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- National Financial Partners Corp. , a network of independent financial advisors specializing in life insurance and wealth transfer, corporate and executive benefits, and financial planning and investment advisory services, today commented on third quarter 2008 results through August.
   
  
• Platinum Underwriters Holdings, Ltd. To Report Third Quarter 2008 Results on October 21, 2008
  PRNewswire (September 24, 2008)
  HAMILTON, Bermuda, Sept. 24 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Platinum Underwriters Holdings, Ltd. will report financial results for the quarter ended September 30, 2008 after the close of trading on the New York Stock Exchange on Tuesday, October 21, 2008.
   
  
• Health insurance costs grow more gradually in 2008
  AP (September 24, 2008)
  WASHINGTON (AP) - Health insurance premiums rose a modest 5 percent this year for coverage that's getting skimpier, researchers say.
   
  
• HMS to Provide Medical Support Services to Indiana Department of Child Services
  PRNewswire (September 24, 2008)
  NEW YORK, Sept. 24 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- HMS announced today that the State of Indiana Department of Child Services, Child Support Bureau, has chosen to participate in the Arkansas Medical Support Services Consortium (MSSC), which is administered by HMS. HMS will identify commercial insurance healthcare coverage available to child support dependents from their non-custodial and custodial par
   
  
• AIG OKs loan from Fed but still faces FBI probe
  AP (September 24, 2008)
  CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) - American International Group Inc. may have agreed to take the U.S. government up on a two-year, $85 billion loan to help stave off bankruptcy, but now the nation's largest insurer faces an FBI investigation.
   
  
• SEC chief Cox urges regulation of debt insurance
  AP (September 23, 2008)
  WASHINGTON (AP) - Securities and Exchange Commission chief Christopher Cox urged Congress Tuesday to regulate a type of corporate debt insurance that figured prominently in the country's financial crisis.
   
  
• Webcast Alert: IPC Holdings, Ltd. Announces Third Quarter 2008 Earnings Webcast
  PRNewswire (September 23, 2008)
  PEMBROKE, Bermuda, Sept. 23 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- IPC Holdings, Ltd. announces the following webcast:
   
  
• SEIU to Host Screening of Brave New Films' 'Diagnosis: Now!' at Washington HQ, 40+ House Parties Nationwide
  PRNewswire (September 23, 2008)
  
   
  
• Independence Blue Cross Earns Full Re-Accreditation in Health Utilization Management and Case Management from URAC
  PRNewswire (September 23, 2008)
  PHILADELPHIA, Sept. 23 /PRNewswire/ -- Independence Blue Cross (IBC) announced that Independence Health Care Management, a wholly owned IBC subsidiary, has been awarded full accreditation in Health Utilization Management and Case Management from URAC, a Washington, DC-based health care accrediting organization that establishes quality standards for the health care industry.
   
  
• GMAC Insurance Offers Unique Child Seat Replacement Benefit
  PRNewswire (September 23, 2008)
  WINSTON-SALEM, N.C., Sept. 23 /PRNewswire/ -- In honor of Child Passenger Safety Week, Sept. 21 - 27, GMAC Insurance today announced a unique benefit to its customers, now offering child seat replacement in the event of a crash to ensure children are traveling as safely as possible.
   
  
• Genworth Financial Schedules U.S. Mortgage Insurance Investor Call
  PRNewswire (September 22, 2008)
  RICHMOND, Va., Sept. 22 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Genworth Financial, Inc. will hold a conference call on September 25, 2008 at 4:30 p.m. (ET) to provide an update regarding its U.S. Mortgage Insurance business. The material for this call will be posted on the company's website at approximately 4:00 p.m. (ET).
   
  
• Accident Fund Names VG's Food and Pharmacy Policyholder of the Year
  PRNewswire (September 22, 2008)
  EAST LANSING, Mich., Sept. 22 /PRNewswire/ -- VG's Food and Pharmacy has been named Accident Fund Insurance Company of America's Policyholder of the Year for their commitment to keeping workers as safe as possible on the job.
   
  
• Insurance Expert Launches www.savemyltc.com Web Site
  PRNewswire (September 22, 2008)
  ONTARIO, Calif., Sept. 22 /PRNewswire/ -- With potentially devastating premium increases facing senior citizens who hold Long-Term Care policies administered by Conseco, the web site, http://www.savemyltc.com, has been launched to provide direction and help, before the proposed September 30 deadline.
   
  
• WellPoint's Dr. Alan Rosenberg to Address Industry's Top Medical Technology Conference
  PRNewswire (September 22, 2008)
  INDIANAPOLIS, Sept. 22 /PRNewswire/ -- WellPoint, Inc., the nation's largest health benefits company, today announced Dr. Alan Rosenberg's participation at AdvaMed 2008, one of the medical technology industry's premier conferences. Dr. Rosenberg, vice president of Medical Policy, Technology Assessment and Credentialing Programs for WellPoint, will participate on a panel discussion that will fo
   
  
• Physicians Health Choice Hires Blue Clover as Agency of Record
  PRNewswire (September 22, 2008)
  SAN ANTONIO, Sept. 22 /PRNewswire/ -- Poised on the brink of phenomenal growth, the administration of Physicians Health Choice (PHC) wanted an aggressive, innovative branding firm that could grow with it while it created an overarching brand campaign for all future PHC marketing efforts.
   
  
• California Executive Elected as One of the Insurance Industry's Most Influential Women
  PRNewswire (September 22, 2008)
  SACRAMENTO, Calif., Sept. 22 /PRNewswire/ -- California executive, Julie K. Davis of Aon Corporation in Silicon Valley, was nominated for 2008 Women's Leadership Award. Insurance Networking News magazine, a SourceMedia publication, has released the results of its Women in Insurance Leadership award. They created this special program to honor female insurance executives who have made a signif
   
  
• Tangiers International Expands Regional Medical Coverage to Baghdad, Iraq
  PRNewswire (September 21, 2008)
  SLIEMA, Malta, Sept. 21 /PRNewswire/ -- Tangiers International Ltd., a global provider of Insurance Support Services, announces the opening of Medical Support Services and facilities in Baghdad, Iraq for contractors covered under the Defense Base Act.
   
  
• Kingsway Financial announces upcoming events
  PRNewswire (September 19, 2008)
  TORONTO, Sept. 19 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ - Kingsway Financial Services Inc. announced today that it will be releasing its third quarter financial results on the morning of November 5, 2008 with a conference call to follow at 8:30 a.m. To access the call, please dial 1-800-733-7571 about five minutes before the start of the call. An audio web cast will also be broadcast live and can be accessed t
   
  
• No rise in monthly Medicare premiums for 2009
  AP (September 19, 2008)
  WASHINGTON (AP) - The monthly premium for the vast majority of the elderly and disabled participating in Medicare will hold steady at $96.40 next year. It's the first time since 2000 that the charge for health coverage is not increasing.
   
  
• Community Valley Bancorp Announces Quarterly Cash Dividend
  PRNewswire (September 19, 2008)
  CHICO, Calif., Sept. 19 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Community Valley Bancorp, the holding company for Butte Community Bank, today announced a quarterly cash dividend of $0.04 per share.
   
  
• AIG Singapore general manager resigns amid turmoil
  AP (September 19, 2008)
  SINGAPORE (AP) - The head of the Singapore unit of troubled insurance giant American International Group Inc. resigned Friday after 14 years with the company.
   
  
• Delta Dental Foundation Invites Applications for Annual Oral Cancer Research or Education Grant
  PRNewswire (September 18, 2008)
  OKEMOS, Mich., Sept. 18 /PRNewswire/ -- The Delta Dental Foundation today announced a call for applications for the 2008 Thomas P. Moore II Memorial Grant, which provides up to $25,000 to a program or project in Indiana, Michigan or Ohio focused on oral cancer education or research.
   
  
• New Studies Find Home Delivery Pharmacy Customers More Likely to Take Their Medicine and Choose Money-Saving Generic Drugs, According to Express Scripts
  PRNewswire (September 18, 2008)
  ST. LOUIS, Sept. 18 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Consumers are more likely to take their medications as directed and choose a money-saving generic drug when using a home delivery pharmacy instead of a retail pharmacy, according to results of two new studies from pharmacy benefit manager Express Scripts .
   
  
• Genworth Comments on Capital Position and Financial Flexibility
  PRNewswire (September 18, 2008)
  RICHMOND, Va., Sept. 18 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- While it is not Genworth's practice to comment on market rumors, Genworth believes that its recent stock price performance does not reflect the fundamental condition of the company.
   
  
• Delta Dental Foundation Invites Applications for Annual Oral Cancer Research or Education Grant
  PRNewswire (September 18, 2008)
  OKEMOS, Mich., Sept. 18 /PRNewswire/ -- The Delta Dental Foundation today announced a call for applications for the 2008 Thomas P. Moore II Memorial Grant, which provides up to $25,000 to a program or project in Ohio, Michigan or Indiana focused on oral cancer education or research.
   
  
• Video: New Brain Imaging Shows the Effects of Withdrawal on Smokers Trying to Quit and How Therapeutic Nicotine Helps
  PRNewswire (September 18, 2008)
  SAN DIEGO, Sept. 18 /PRNewswire/ -- New research highlighted at a symposium during an annual meeting for family physicians shows how nicotine withdrawal creates functional changes in the brains of smokers trying to quit causing cognitive performance deficits (such as ability to concentrate) that may make it more difficult to quit, and could be a driver of smoking relapse.(1) Further, brain ima
   
  
• Medical Mutual of Ohio Ranked Among the Best Companies in Northeast Ohio to Work for in 2008
  PRNewswire (September 18, 2008)
  CLEVELAND, Sept. 17 /PRNewswire/ -- For a fifth year Medical Mutual of Ohio has been selected as one of the NorthCoast 99's best places to work in Northeast Ohio by the Employers Resource Council (ERC).
   
  
• Blue Cross Makes Unique Rate Guarantee to Minnesota Businesses
  PRNewswire (September 18, 2008)
  EAGAN, Minn., Sept. 18 /PRNewswire/ -- Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota today announced SureBlue(SM), a new health care plan that takes the uncertainty out of health care expenses for businesses while providing their employees with a full suite of health and wellness support tools.
   
  
• White House defends takeover of AIG
  AP (September 17, 2008)
  WASHINGTON (AP) - The White House on Wednesday defended the extraordinary federal takeover of sinking insurance giant American International Group Inc., framing it as another move to protect the economy and save people from further harm.
   
  
• Government steps in again, bails out AIG with $85B
  AP (September 17, 2008)
  WASHINGTON (AP) - Another day, but not just another bailout. This one's a stunning government takeover.
   
  
• Asian markets mixed after US bails out insurer AIG
  AP (September 17, 2008)
  HONG KONG (AP) - Asian stocks turned in a mixed performance Wednesday, giving up early gains as a U.S. plan to rescue troubled insurer AIG failed to persuade many investors that recent financial turmoil would soon ease.
   
  
• Meadowbrook Insurance Group, Inc. Announces Its Investment Strategy Preserves GAAP Equity in the Recent 'Credit Crisis'
  PRNewswire (September 17, 2008)
  SOUTHFIELD, Mich., Sept. 17 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Meadowbrook Insurance Group, Inc. announced today that, despite the recent crisis in the financial markets, specifically related to Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, and Lehman Brothers, the Company expects an increase in the fair value of its post-merger investment portfolio and corresponding GAAP equity. In line with the Company's conservative i
   
  
• KPMG's Family-Friendly Benefits Praised at Capitol Hill Briefing Highlighting National Work & Family Month
  PRNewswire (September 17, 2008)
  WASHINGTON, Sept. 17 /PRNewswire/ -- KPMG LLP's national director of workplace solutions told a Capitol Hill briefing this week that the firm's culture of adopting family-friendly benefits has helped it attract and retain key talent and contributed to its overall success.
   
  
• S&P: Most AIG Ratings' CreditWatch Status Revised to Developing; Short-Term Ratings Raised
  PRNewswire (September 17, 2008)
  NEW YORK, Sept. 17 /PRNewswire/ -- Standard & Poor's Ratings Services said today that it revised the CreditWatch status of most of its ratings on the AIG group of companies-- including its 'A-' long-term counterparty credit ratings on American International Group Inc. and International Lease Finance Corp. (ILFC) and the 'A+' counterparty credit and financial strength ratings on most of AI
   
  
• Platinum Underwriters Holdings, Ltd. Estimates Preliminary Loss Impact of Hurricane Gustav
  PRNewswire (September 17, 2008)
  HAMILTON, Bermuda, Sept. 17 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Platinum Underwriters Holdings, Ltd. announced today its initial loss estimate from Hurricane Gustav of approximately $15 million, net of reinstatement premiums and tax benefit.
   
  
• Keystone Mercy Receives NCQA Award for Innovative Efforts to Reduce Health Care Disparities
  PRNewswire (September 17, 2008)
  PHILADELPHIA, Sept. 17 /PRNewswire/ -- Keystone Mercy Health Plan, the largest Medicaid managed care plan in Southeastern Pennsylvania, has been awarded the prestigious "Recognizing Innovation in Multicultural Health Care Award" by the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA). The award recognizes the 40-Day Journey, a component of the company's Health Ministry Program, for it
   
  
• Consumer Watchdog Says $85 Billion AIG Bailout Should Stop Today's Vote on Congressional Proposal to Override State Insurance Regulations
  PRNewswire (September 17, 2008)
  H.R. 5840 (Kanjorski) On House Calendar Today Would Allow Treasury Dep't to Preempt Certain State Laws
   
  
• What are health insurance options after job loss?
  AP (September 16, 2008)
  (AP) - Q: I just lost my job. What are the best options for preserving some form of health insurance?
   
  
• New England Financial Appoints Corina Alvarez to Newly Created Position of Agency Multicultural Director
  PRNewswire (September 16, 2008)
  MIAMI, Sept. 16 /PRNewswire/ -- New England Financial, a MetLife company, recently announced the appointment of Corina Alvarez to the newly created position of Agency Multicultural Director. In her role, Ms. Alvarez will be dedicated to the recruitment, retention and marketing of Hispanic financial services representatives, and will continue to strengthen the company's ties to Miami's multicu
   
  
• Cincinnati Financial Corporation Comments on Full-year 2008 Outlook
  PRNewswire (September 16, 2008)
  CINCINNATI, Sept. 16 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Cincinnati Financial Corporation management will participate in the RBC Capital Markets Financial Institutions Conference in Boston on September 16 and 17, 2008, and speak with investors in Chicago and New York the following week. At those meetings, management expects to comment on modest revisions to its outlook for full-year 2008.
   
  
• Congress weighs new regulations amid crisis
  AP (September 16, 2008)
  WASHINGTON (AP) - A Congress criticized for being asleep at the switch while financial problems festered is eyeing tough new regulations for investment banks and a new government role in the mortgage market as Wall Street reels from another round of collapses.
   
  
• Multi-million Dollar Campaign for Kids' Health Program is Launched
  PRNewswire (September 16, 2008)
  WASHINGTON, Sept. 16 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- An issue campaign aimed at strengthening and reauthorizing the State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP) was launched yesterday by America's Agenda: Health Care for Kids, a new, non-partisan organization of labor and business leaders. Health Care for Kids' mission is to assure that every American child gets the high quality health care h
   
  
• Guatemala's Avicola Villalobos Gets Favorable Ruling From Bermuda Court in Reinsurance Company Matter
  PRNewswire (September 16, 2008)
  GUATEMALA CITY, Sept. 16 /PRNewswire/ --
   
  
• Earn Continuing Education Credits with Highline Data Education Services
  PRNewswire (September 15, 2008)
  CAMBRIDGE, Mass., Sept. 15 /PRNewswire/ -- Highline Data Education Services now offers Continuing Education (CE) credits with every program.
   
  
• Sun Life Financial statement on Lehman holdings
  PRNewswire (September 15, 2008)
  TORONTO, Sept. 15 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ - In response to today's announcement by Lehman Brothers Holdings Inc. ("Lehman") of its intent to file a Chapter 11 bankruptcy petition, Sun Life Financial Inc. today announced that it holds $334 million par value of Lehman bond securities and approximately $15 million net value of Lehman derivative instruments. Sun Life Financial holds collate
   
  
• Allstate Expands Choices for Wisconsin Homeowners
  PRNewswire (September 15, 2008)
  BUFFALO GROVE, Ill., Sept. 15 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Personalized coverage for your fishing gear, riding lawn mower, claim free bonuses and Claim RateGuard(SM), it's all part of a dozen expanded choices Allstate Insurance Company is unveiling for Wisconsin homeowners.
   
  
• WellPoint, Inc. Recognized by National Committee for Quality Assurance for Innovative Efforts to Help Reduce Health Care Disparities
  PRNewswire (September 15, 2008)
  INDIANAPOLIS, Sept. 15 /PRNewswire/ -- WellPoint, Inc. has been awarded the prestigious "Recognizing Innovation in Multicultural Health Care Award" by the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA) for efforts to reach across cultural and language barriers and provide African-American and Latino members in its affiliated health plans with services that meet their unique needs.
   
  
• Shenandoah Life is the Only Virginia Headquartered Company to Offer Preneed Insurance
  PRNewswire (September 15, 2008)
  ROANOKE, Va., Sept. 15 /PRNewswire/ -- Approximately two million people die each year in the United States and the National Funeral Directors Association estimates the funeral business to be a $15 billion industry with the average funeral costing around $6,500. Preneed insurance is a simplified life insurance policy that funds a contract with a funeral home which allows a person to plan the de
   
  
• Genworth Financial Launches Partnership Long Term Care Insurance Products in Minnesota
  PRNewswire (September 15, 2008)
  RICHMOND, Va., Sept. 15 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Genworth Financial, Inc. today announced its Long Term Care Insurance business has launched the newest addition to its portfolio of quality long term care planning solutions in Minnesota -- Partnership Qualified Long Term Care Insurance (Partnership plans). These products, designed to augment individuals' financial security options during reti
   
  
• Darwin Enhances (i-bind) (R) Platform for Producers who can now Independently Manage a Multitude of Professional Liability Classes
  PRNewswire (September 15, 2008)
  FARMINGTON, Conn., Sept. 15 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Darwin Professional Underwriters, Inc. announces a significant system upgrade to its state-of-the-art, Internet-based platform known as (i-bind) (R). Approved producers are now able to quote, bind and issue competitive miscellaneous professional liability (MPL) coverage from any computer, 24/7 for over 200 distinct professions. This newe
   
  
• AIG looking at 'options' for businesses, capital
  AP (September 15, 2008)
  CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) - American International Group Inc. said Sunday it is reviewing its operations and discussing possible options with outside parties to improve its business after a week when its stock dropped 45 percent amid concerns about the company's financial underpinnings.
   
  
• NY allows AIG to borrow from subsidiaries
  AP (September 15, 2008)
  CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) - American International Group Inc. will be allowed to use $20 billion of assets held by its subsidiaries to provide cash needed for the troubled insurer to stay in business, New York Gov. David Paterson said Monday.
   
  
• Banks seen offering plan to restore confidence
  AP (September 15, 2008)
  NEW YORK (AP) - As the outlook for Lehman Brothers dimmed Sunday, U.S. and foreign banks were pressed to create a plan aimed at inoculating the global financial system against the investment bank's failure, a top investment banking official said.
   
  
• Policyholders Should Not Pay for AIG's Bad Investment Decisions, Say Consumer Advocates
  PRNewswire (September 15, 2008)
  
   
  
• Equifax to Change U.S. Retirement Plan and Offer Enhanced 401(k) Plan
  PRNewswire (September 15, 2008)
  ATLANTA, Sept. 15 /PRNewswire/ -- Equifax Inc. today announced that it is redesigning its retirement program for active U.S. employees effective January 1, 2009. The changes will affect approximately 4,000 of the Company's approximately 7,000 employees. Equifax will freeze its qualified defined benefit pension plan for U.S. employees who do not meet certain grandfathering criteria for retir
   
  
• Administrative Expense Trends for Health Plans in 2007
  PRNewswire (September 15, 2008)
  PHILADELPHIA, Sept. 15 /PRNewswire/ -- On September 17, at 2:00 P.M. EDT, we will be hosting a teleconference to discuss some of the results of this year's performance benchmarking studies. Sherlock Company's benchmarking studies focus on health plan administrative expenses. We will discuss trends and implications, and answer questions.
   
  
• Assurant Specialty Property Partners with National ID Recovery to Bring Financial Institutions into Compliance with Red Flag ID Theft Legislation
  PRNewswire (September 15, 2008)
  ATLANTA, Sept. 15 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Assurant Specialty Property and National ID Recovery (NIDR) have launched a Red Flag ID fraud detection, notification and protection program for financial institutions and credit unions. Red Flag ID Fraud Solutions is a collaborative identity theft solution created in response to the need for all financial institutions to comply with the FACTA Ident
   
  
• National Poll Shows U.S. Workers Worried Most About Finding Another Job if Unemployed, and Spiraling Healthcare Costs; Obama Viewed as Being More Employee-Friendly
  PRNewswire (September 12, 2008)
  SAN FRANCISCO, Sept. 12 /PRNewswire/ -- More than half of American workers are worried about finding a new job if they become unemployed, followed closely by concerns over their ability to pay for healthcare insurance, according to the latest "America At Work" national poll conducted by the Employment Law Alliance, the world's largest network of employment attorneys. The ELA poll also sh
   
  
• USHEALTH Group Launches Marketing Program for Two Health Insurance Plans Targeting Latino Residents in Florida
  PRNewswire (September 12, 2008)
  FORT WORTH, Texas, Sept. 12 /PRNewswire/ -- Benjamin M. Cutler, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of USHEALTH Group, Inc. (USHEALTH), a leading national health insurer providing affordable coverage to small business owners and the self-employed, announced today the launch of two health plans culturally adapted for the Hispanic market in Florida. The two plans offer a wide selection of healt
   
  
• Settlement reached in AIG shareholder lawsuit
  AP (September 11, 2008)
  WILMINGTON, Del. (AP) - Attorneys for a Louisiana pension fund have reached a $115 million settlement in a shareholder lawsuit against former executives of insurance giant American International Group Inc.
   
  
• 'How's My Driving? For Teens' Program
  PRNewswire (September 11, 2008)
  LAUREL, Md., Sept. 11 /PRNewswire/ -- Insurance companies have upped their efforts to increase the minimum driving age across the country. Why? In 2006, 3,490 drivers age 15-20 died in car crashes. High school teens, age 15-17, were involved in 974,000 crashes nationwide and 406,427 involved injuries, and the economic impact of those accidents was over $40 billion. Should we raise the age to 1
   
  
• CEO of Aspen Insurance Holdings to Participate In Fox-Pitt Kelton Cochran Caronia Waller 'Bermuda in Boston' Conference
  PRNewswire (September 11, 2008)
  HAMILTON, Bermuda, Sept. 11 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Aspen Insurance Holdings Limited today announced that Chris O'Kane, Chief Executive Officer, is scheduled to present at the Fox-Pitt Kelton Cochran Caronia Waller 'Bermuda in Boston' Conference on Tuesday, September 16, 2008 at 1:45 p.m. (ET).
   
  
• NJHA: Public Deserves Full Disclosure of Horizon Conversion Plan
  PRNewswire (September 11, 2008)
  PRINCETON, N.J., Sept. 11 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The New Jersey Hospital Association today called for greater transparency of Horizon Blue Cross/Blue Shield's application to become a for-profit company.
   
  
• Online Alert: GoldenSource at Sibos 2008
  PRNewswire (September 11, 2008)
  LONDON, September 11 /PRNewswire/ -- What: GoldenSource Corporation, a leading provider of Enterprise Data Management (EDM) solutions will be exhibiting at Sibos 08, the world's premier financial services event, attracting the industry's leading figures and firms. Each year, Sibos highlights the prevailing challenges facing the financial services industry, creating a forum to explore solutions
   
  
• ULLICO Inc. Continues Positive Results, Property & Casualty Unit Leads Core Revenue Growth
  PRNewswire (September 11, 2008)
  WASHINGTON, Sept. 11 /PRNewswire/ -- ULLICO Inc., the labor owned multi-line holding company offering insurance and financial services, today reported pre-tax operating income of $3.7 million for the current quarter ended June 30, 2008, compared to $5.6 million in the prior year's quarter. Net income for the current quarter was $2.4 million, compared to $5.3 million in the prior year's quarter
   
  
• PartnerRe Ltd. Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer Albert Benchimol to Present at the 2008 FPK 'Bermuda in Boston' Conference
  PRNewswire (September 10, 2008)
  PEMBROKE, Bermuda, Sept. 10 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- PartnerRe Ltd. today announced that Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer Albert Benchimol is scheduled to make a presentation at the FPK "Bermuda in Boston" Conference at the Boston Harbor Hotel, Boston, on Tuesday, September 16, 2008 at 8:00 a.m. Eastern Daylight Time.
   
  
• Aflac Named a Best Place to Launch a Career by BusinessWeek Magazine
  PRNewswire (September 10, 2008)
  COLUMBUS, Ga., Sept. 10 /PRNewswire/ -- Aflac has been named a top 119 company for entry-level workers in BusinessWeek's 2008 Best Places to Launch a Career listing. In a special online report, the magazine noted the insurer's internship program for college students, company benefits and advancement opportunities through leadership development training as favorites among new professionals ent
   
  
• After storms, adjusters blow into disaster areas
  AP (September 10, 2008)
  COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) - Barry Schoch's cell phone comes to life with "When the Saints Go Marching In" - a reminder of the nine months he spent assessing damage from Hurricane Katrina in Louisiana and Mississippi.
   
  
• Berkshire tightens insurance for bank deposits
  AP (September 10, 2008)
  CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) - A Kansas company that is part of Warren Buffett's Berkshire Hathaway Inc. has stopped selling private bank deposit insurance above the amount guaranteed by the federal government, signaling that billionaire investor Buffett may be worried about future bank failures.
   
  
• Online Alert: Goldensource to Discuss Reference Data Qualtiy on Panel and Roundtables at FIMA Asia 2008
  PRNewswire (September 10, 2008)
  NEW YORK, September 10 /PRNewswire/ -- What: GoldenSource Corporation, a leading provider of enterprise data management (EDM) solutions, is participating in roundtable sessions and a panel discussion at FIMA Asia 2008. Hugh Stewart, vice president, EMEA and Asia, will contribute to a panel discussing the link between quality of reference data and its use as a business enabler. Stewart will als
   
  
• Humana to pay $750,000 to resolve Wis. complaints
  AP (September 10, 2008)
  MADISON, Wis. (AP) - Humana Insurance Co. has agreed to pay the state of Wisconsin $750,000 to settle complaints about its marketing and other practices.
   
  
• Insure.com Launches Updated Car Crash Safety Ratings Tool; Enables Car Shoppers to Instantly Identify the Safest Cars of 1990 Through 2009
  PRNewswire (September 09, 2008)
  DARIEN, Ill., Sept. 9 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Insure.com, Inc. today announced that it has launched an upgraded version of its Car Crash Safety Ratings Tool, which is a free, online information tool that conveniently displays car-safety data from both the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
   
  
• Public Policymakers Should Protect People and Property in Hurricane Alley
  PRNewswire (September 09, 2008)
  WASHINGTON, Sept. 9 /PRNewswire/ -- Hurricane Gustav and Tropical Storm Hanna have already made landfall in the U.S., and Ike and Josephine are looming. While global reinsurers stand ready to promptly pay claims for the losses incurred by these natural catastrophes and to provide substantial capacity to meet U.S. insurer needs, public policymakers should make it their immediate priority to pr
   
  
• NYMAGIC, INC. Declares Dividend
  PRNewswire (September 09, 2008)
  NEW YORK, Sept. 9 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- The Board of Directors of NYMAGIC, INC. announced today that it has declared a dividend to shareholders of $0.08 per share, payable on October 7, 2008, to shareholders of record on September 30, 2008.
   
  
• Social Network for Affordable Health Care Supporters Stimulates a New Level of Interactivity and Dialogue
  PRNewswire (September 09, 2008)
  COLUMBUS, Ohio, Sept. 9 /PRNewswire/ -- While politicians dispense their health care ideas at party conventions and local rallies, American citizens are invited to do the same online. The common place to do so is at AffordableHealthInsurance.NET -- a new social network that encourages people to exchange their opinions, ideas and solutions for the troubled U.S. health care industry.
   
  
• September is Life Insurance Awareness Month -- A Good Time to Assess Insurance Needs
  PRNewswire (September 09, 2008)
  DEARBORN, Mich., Sept. 9 /PRNewswire/ -- AAA is taking part in the Life Insurance Awareness Month campaign to increase understanding of the importance of life insurance. This nationwide initiative is conducted during September by the not-for-profit Life and Health Insurance Foundation for Education (LIFE).
   
  
• The Hanover Adds Coverage to Protect Small and Mid-Sized Businesses Against Employee Claims - Because Businesses Don't Have to Have 'Big Pockets' to Get Sued 'Big Time'
  PRNewswire (September 09, 2008)
  WORCESTER, Mass., Sept. 9 /PRNewswire/ -- The Hanover Insurance Group, Inc. , a leading super regional property and casualty company, is now including employment practices liability insurance (EPLI) coverage as an endorsement to every eligible new and renewal Avenues(R) Commercial Package Policy (CPP).