Insurance Newswire

China Life Insurance Market Report, 2007 Is Out Now

DUBLIN, Ireland-(Business Wire)-April 21, 2008 - Research and Markets , has announced the addition of "China Life Insurance Market Report, 2007" to their offering. In China, up to 2005, 47 foreign insurance organizations from 15 countries and regions had established 121 operation organizations...

Fitch Downgrades Primerica Life Insurance Company's IFS to 'AA-'; Outlook Negative

NEW YORK-(Business Wire)-April 18, 2008 - Fitch Ratings has downgraded the insurer financial strength (IFS) rating of Primerica Life Insurance Company (PLIC) to 'AA-' from 'AA', reflecting the downgrade of PLIC's ultimate parent, Citigroup Inc (Citigroup) this morning. The Rating Outlook is...

AmWINS Group, Inc. Names James Drinkwater President of its Brokerage Division

CHARLOTTE, N.C.-(Business Wire)-April 18, 2008 - AmWINS Group, Inc., one of the nation's largest and most diversified wholesale insurance brokers, today announced that James Drinkwater has been named President of its AmWINS Brokerage division effective immediately. In this role, Drinkwater will be...

Progressive Announces Annual Meeting Results

MAYFIELD VILLAGE, Ohio-(Business Wire)-April 18, 2008 - At the Annual Meeting of Shareholders of The Progressive Corporation today, Progressive's shareholders: -0- *T — re-elected the following four directors, each to serve a three-year term: — Charles A. Davis — Bernadine P...

Allstate to Discuss First Quarter 2008 Earnings with Investors

NORTHBROOK, Ill.-(Business Wire)-April 18, 2008 - The Investor Relations department of The Allstate Corporation (NYSE: ALL) will conduct a conference call on Thursday, April 24 2008 at 9:00 a.m. Eastern Daylight Time (EDT) to discuss first quarter 2008 earnings. The company will issue a press...

A.M. Best Affirms Ratings of Eastern Alliance Insurance Group and Assigns Positive Outlook to P/C Operations

OLDWICK, N.J.-(Business Wire)-April 18, 2008 - A.M. Best Co. has affirmed the financial strength rating (FSR) of A- (Excellent) and issuer credit ratings (ICR) of "a-"of Eastern Alliance Insurance Group (EAIG) and its members. Concurrently, A.M. Best has affirmed the ICR of "bbb-" of the holding...

BestWeek: A.M. Best Report Finds P/C Insurers Post First Drop in Net Premiums Since 1943

OLDWICK, N.J.-(Business Wire)-April 18, 2008 - In 2007, the U.S. property/casualty industry experienced its first decline in net premiums written since the World War II era, according to a new A.M. Best special report, "U.S. Property/Casualty — 2007 Financial Review." Driven by across the...

Research and Markets: New Report Detailing Motor, Property, Liability, and Other Non-life Insurance Policies in the US

DUBLIN, Ireland-(Business Wire)-April 18, 2008 - Research and Markets - Socio-Economic Data for US - Snapshots Sources for Further Research For more information visit http://www.researchandmarkets.com/reports/c89241.

The Hanover Ready to Serve Policyholders Impacted by Southern Illinois Earthquake

HOWELL, Mich., April 18 PRNewswire — The Hanover Insurance Group, Inc., a leading writer of auto, home and business insurance throughout the Midwest, today announced it is prepared to respond to claims resulting from this morning's earthquake in Southern Illinois. With a magnitude of...

Shaw Elected to S.C. BlueCross BlueShield Board

COLUMBIA, S.C., April 18 PRNewswire — BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina today announced that Greenville businesswoman Minor Mickel Shaw was elected to its board of directors. A native of Elberton, Ga., Shaw now lives in Greenville, S.C., where she serves as president of Micco...

Markel American Insurance Company Announces SAFE Program to Promote Safety at Boating Poker Runs

WAUKESHA, Wis., April 18 PRNewswire — Markel American Insurance Company, the market leading insurer for high performance boats, today announced its continuing commitment to the high performance boating market with the introduction of the Safe And Friendly Environment (SAFE) program. The...

PA Insurance Department Releases Quarterly Enforcement Action Results

Department Begins 2008 with 28 Actions and 11 Market Conduct Examinations HARRISBURG, Pa., April 18 PRNewswire-USNewswire — Acting Insurance Commissioner Joel Ario today announced the results of the department's first-quarter enforcement actions against entities and individuals who...

New Madrid Seismic Zone Alive and Shaking; Despite Some Claims to the Contrary, Take Steps to Prepare

TAMPA, Fla., April 18 PRNewswire-USNewswire — A 5.2-magnitude earthquake that struck a northern portion of the New Madrid Seismic Zone today put cracks in a purported theory that the fault zone is "cold and dying," according to the Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS). While...

WellPoint Appoints Kevin R. Hayden as President of State Sponsored Business

INDIANAPOLIS, April 18 PRNewswire-FirstCall — WellPoint, Inc. (NYSE: WLP) today announced the appointment of Kevin R. Hayden as president of its State Sponsored Business division, effective April 21, 2008. In his new role, Hayden will be responsible for leading WellPoint's Medicaid...

Aon Announces First Quarter 2008 Earnings Release and Conference Call

CHICAGO, April 18 PRNewswire-FirstCall — Aon Corporation (NYSE: AOC) will report its first quarter results after the market closes on Thursday, May 1, 2008. The earnings release will be available on Aon's web site at http://www.aon.com. Gregory C. Case, president and CEO, will host a...

Midwest Earthquake Important Reminder to Take Precautions Now

BLOOMINGTON, Ill., April 18 PRNewswire — Today's predawn earthquake centered in southern Illinois is a clear reminder that the Midwest faces the same risks as other earthquake prone areas of the country. Taking precautions and reviewing your insurance coverage can help reduce the...

Manulife Financial extends small shareholder sales program

TORONTO, April 18 PRNewswire-FirstCall - Manulife Financial has extended its voluntary small shareholder sales program (the "Program") through which shareholders owning fewer than 100 shares (an "odd lot") of Manulife Financial Corporation common stock may elect to sell all of their shares...

CRM Holdings, Ltd. Releases Statement Regarding Workers' Compensation Board and State Attorney General Inquiries

HAMILTON, Bermuda, April 18 PRNewswire-FirstCall — CRM Holdings, Ltd. ("the Company") (Nasdaq: CRMH), a leading provider of a full range of products and services for the workers' compensation insurance industry, today released the following statement: For more than eight years, the...

Webcast Alert: IPC HOLDINGS, LTD. Announces First Quarter 2008 Earnings Webcast

PEMBROKE, Bermuda, April 18 PRNewswire-FirstCall — IPC HOLDINGS, LTD (NASDAQ: IPCR) announces the following Webcast: What: IPC HOLDINGS, LTD: First Quarter 2008 Conference Call When: Friday, April 25, 2008 at 08:30 AM Eastern Where: http://www.videonewswire.com/event.asp?id=46856 How...

Swett & Crawford Names Steve Sadler as Chief Operating Officer and Executive Vice President, Sales

ATLANTA, April 17 PRNewswire — Neal Abernathy, Chief Executive Officer and President of Swett & Crawford, announced today that Michael S. "Steve" Sadler has joined Swett & Crawford as Chief Operating Officer and Executive Vice President of Sales for the nation's oldest wholesale...

Consumer Watchdog Praises CA HMO Regulator's Promise to Reinstate Health Coverage for Wrongfully Cancelled Patients; Cautions That All Health Costs During Gap Must be Covered

SANTA MONICA, Calif., April 17 PRNewswire-USNewswire — Consumer Watchdog today praised a California state regulator's efforts to begin reinstating the insurance coverage of patients left uninsured, uninsurable and often hundreds of thousands of dollars in medical debt when their...

Aon Declares Quarterly Dividend

CHICAGO, April 17 PRNewswire-FirstCall — Aon Corporation (NYSE: AOC) today declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.15 per common share. The cash dividend is payable on May 14, 2008 to common stockholders of record at the close of business on May 1, 2008. About Aon Aon Corporation...

WIPP Annual Survey Finds U.S. Economy and Rising Health Care Costs as Top Issues Affecting Women-Owned Businesses

WASHINGTON, April 17 PRNewswire-USNewswire — The U.S. economy is the number one issue affecting women business owners according to the "What Business Women Want" sixth annual survey conducted by Women Impacting Public Policy (WIPP), the nation's largest bipartisan women's business...

Fidelity National Information Services, Inc. Increases Share Repurchase Authorization and Declares Quarterly Dividend

JACKSONVILLE, Fla., April 17 PRNewswire-FirstCall — Fidelity National Information Services, Inc. (NYSE: FIS) today announced that its Board of Directors has authorized the repurchase of up to $250 million of FIS common stock. Repurchases under the program may be made through...

United America Indemnity, Ltd. Announces First Quarter 2008 Results Earnings Release Conference Call

GEORGE TOWN, Cayman Islands, April 17 PRNewswire-FirstCall — United America Indemnity, Ltd. (NASDAQ: INDM) will hold its quarterly teleconference on April 29, 2008 at 8:30 a.m. Eastern Time to discuss its first quarter 2008 results. The Company will release its earnings after the...

Today's Working Adults Face Long Term Care 'Double Whammy,' Says Denise Gott, Spokesperson for LTC Financial Partners, LLC

KIRKLAND, Wash., April 17 PRNewswire — For health reasons, Americans in the prime of life may be less financially secure than they think, according to Denise Gott, Vice Chairperson of LTC Financial Partners LLC, one of the nation's most experienced long term care insurance agencies...

Capacity Coverage to Host 'What is the State of the Art in Business Insurance' Conference

MAHWAH, N.J., April 17 PRNewswire — Capacity Coverage Company of New Jersey, Inc. will host a half-day business insurance conference titled "What is the State of the Art in Business Insurance" on Friday, May 16, 2008 at the Sheraton Hotel in Mahwah, New Jersey. The conference will...

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota Releases 2007 Financial Results

EAGAN, Minn., April 17 PRNewswire — Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota (Blue Cross) today released its financial results for 2007. The company reported an overall net gain of 0.3 percent ($25.1 million) on full-year revenues of $8.4 billion, with $7.7 billion in medical claims...

Aon Corporation Names Greg Besio as Chief Administrative Officer

CHICAGO, April 17 PRNewswire-FirstCall — Aon Corporation (NYSE: AOC), the leading global risk advisor and insurance broker, today announced that Gregory J. Besio, currently serving as Executive Vice President, Global Strategy, has taken on the additional role of Chief Administrative...

Auditor General Jack Wagner Finds Procurement Violations During Investigation of State Workers' Insurance Fund

HARRISBURG, Pa., April 17 PRNewswire-USNewswire — Auditor General Jack Wagner today called on the Department of Labor and Industry (L&I) to improve its oversight of the State Workers' Insurance Fund (SWIF) after a special investigation completed by his department revealed that...

New York Life Retirement Plan Services Harvests Another Plan with Roseburg

WESTWOOD, Mass., April 17 PRNewswire — New York Life Retirement Plan Services (New York Life), a division of New York Life Investment Management LLC (NYLIM), announced that it has significantly broadened its total retirement outsourcing (TRO) relationship with Roseburg Forest Products...

MassMutual's Center for Behavioral Research(SM) Releases White Paper on Best Practices in Education Campaigns

SPRINGFIELD, Mass., April 17 PRNewswire — MassMutual's Center for Behavioral Research has released a new white paper to share insights and best practices regarding the successful implementation of participant education campaigns. Titled "Best Practices in Employee Campaigns: Helping...

Health Plan Premiums Fall Short of Expenses For Third Year

Reserves help to fill hole; Taxes reach nearly $219 million ST. PAUL, Minn., April 17 PRNewswire-USNewswire — Doctor visits, hospital stays and other medical care costs reached $14.3 billion in 2007, an increase of nearly 7 percent, for Minnesota's eight nonprofit health plan companies...

Rising Medical Solutions Donates Piggybanks to Children's Memorial Hospital

CHICAGO, April 17 PRNewswire — Rising Medical Solutions, Inc. (Rising) recently donated piggybanks to Children's Memorial Hospital for a fundraising event that will take place next month. The Third Annual La Que Buena Radiothon for Children's Memorial Hospital is being hosted by...

Hospital Care in Singapore Now Available to American Patients at Pre-Negotiated, In-Network Rates Far Lower than Comparable Services in the U.S.

SINGAPORE, April 17 PRNewswire — Three hospitals operated by ParkwayHealth have become the first medical institutions in Singapore to join a U.S.-based health care network and will treat American patients at pre-negotiated, in-network rates that are dramatically lower than those...

Valiant Selects SSP's Sirius Solution as Strategic Platform for Growth

DENVER and NEW YORK, April 17 PRNewswire — Upon establishing its management team and securing an "A- (Excellent)" rating from A.M. Best, one of Valiant Insurance Group's first objectives was to establish a firm foundation for the business in terms of Information Technology. At the...

Pacific State Bancorp Reports Earnings for the First Quarter of 2008

STOCKTON, Calif., April 17 PRNewswire-FirstCall — Steven A. Rosso, President and C.E.O. of Pacific State Bancorp (Nasdaq: PSBC), the parent company of Pacific State Bank, today reported 1st quarter 2008 profits and asset growth for the Stockton, California based financial institution...

Home Warranty of America(TM) Makes Home Warranties Affordable for Every Family

BUFFALO GROVE, Ill., April 17 PRNewswire — Today Home Warranty of America, Inc., announced the national availability of a comprehensive home warranty for just $24.95 a month. HWA(TM) senior management stated they wanted to develop a home warranty every homeowner could afford, but one...

Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Celebrates Local Moms-to-Be at Community Baby Shower

EVANSVILLE, Ind., April 17 PRNewswire — For local moms-to-be, April showers takes on a whole new meaning as Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield hosts a community-wide baby shower today at the Community Resource Center (CRC) in Evansville, Indiana. Amid the traditional theme of pink and...

Using Innovation to Gain a Competitive Edge in the Insurance Industry

SACRAMENTO, Calif., April 17 PRNewswire — As the insurance industry continues to be challenged with softening rates and premiums, innovation is the key to long term success. Now that we are at the end of the first quarter, some leaders are recognizing that a strategy without a strong...

PartnerRe Ltd. Establishes Representative Office in Sao Paulo, Brazil

PEMBROKE, Bermuda, April 17 PRNewswire-FirstCall — PartnerRe Ltd. (NYSE: PRE) today announced that it has established a representative office in Sao Paulo, and has applied for a license to become an admitted reinsurer in Brazil. The move follows the opening of the Brazilian...

IFMR Announces Summer Internship Programme for Total Immersion Program in Finance and Development (TIP/FD) 2008

CHENNAI, India, April 17 PRNewswire — Institute for Financial Management and Research (IFMR http://www.ifmr.ac.in), a leading business school based in Chennai, has announced Summer Internship for Total Immersion Program in Finance and Development (TIP/FD) 2008. The best intern here will...

Bayer/Schering-Plough/Shionogi's Avelox Has Advantages Over Levofloxacin in the Treatment of Community-Acquired Pneumonia

WALTHAM, Mass., April 17 PRNewswire — Decision Resources, one of the world's leading research and advisory firms focusing on pharmaceutical and healthcare issues, finds that a therapy's overall clinical efficacy (defined as cure or improvement of symptoms) is the attribute that most...

WellPoint To Acquire Resolution Health

INDIANAPOLIS, and COLUMBIA, Md., April 17 PRNewswire-FirstCall — WellPoint, Inc. (NYSE: WLP), the nation's leading health benefits provider, today announced that it has acquired Resolution Health, Inc., a leading data analytics-driven personal health care guidance company. The...

MGIC Investment Corporation Reports First Quarter 2008 Results

MILWAUKEE, April 17 PRNewswire-FirstCall — MGIC Investment Corporation (NYSE: MTG) today reported a net loss for the quarter ended March 31, 2008 of $34.4 million, compared with net income of $92.4 million for the same quarter a year ago. Diluted loss per share was $0.41 for the quarter...

Compensation Risk Managers, LLC Receives Notice of Administrative Action by New York Workers' Compensation Board

HAMILTON, Bermuda, April 17 PRNewswire-FirstCall — CRM Holdings, Ltd. ("the Company") (Nasdaq: CRMH) today announced that Compensation Risk Managers, LLC ("CRM"), a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company, has received notice from the New York Workers' Compensation Board (the "WCB...

Consumer Watchdog Applauds L.A. City Attorney's Efforts to Reinstate Cancelled Blue Cross Patients; Urges State HMO Regulator to Immediately Reinstate Coverage

SANTA MONICA, Calif., April 16 PRNewswire-USNewswire — Consumer Watchdog today joined L.A. City Attorney Rocky Delgadillo in announcing the city's lawsuit alleging that health insurer Blue Cross engaged in unfair business practices by illegally cancelling the health insurance of...

Consumer Watchdog Applauds L.A. City Attorney's Efforts to Reinstate Cancelled Blue Cross Patients; Urges State HMO Regulator to Do Same

40|86 Strategic Income Fund Declares Dividend

CARMEL, Ind., April 16 PRNewswire-FirstCall — 40|86 Strategic Income Fund (NYSE: CFD) declared a dividend of $0.065 per share, payable May 9, 2008 to holders of record at the close of business on April 30, 2008. 40|86 Strategic Income Fund is a closed-end investment management...

Coalition For A Fair & Competitive Insurance Market Says Senate Should Reject the Blues Attempt to Expand Their Unfair Advantage

LANSING, Mich., April 16 PRNewswire — The Blue Cross and Accident Fund Expansion bills enable the Blues to expand their unfair advantage into a monopoly rather than benefiting consumers by lowering rates, according to the Coalition For A Fair & Competitive Insurance Market. The...

The Hanover Insurance Group, Inc. to Webcast First Quarter Earnings Conference Call

WORCESTER, Mass., April 16 PRNewswire-FirstCall — The Hanover Insurance Group, Inc. (NYSE: THG) will webcast its first quarter earnings conference call on Tuesday, April 29, at 11:00 a.m. Eastern Time, through The Hanover Web site at http://www.hanover.com. Those who would like to...

Torchmark Corporation Reports First Quarter 2008 Results

MCKINNEY, Texas, April 16 PRNewswire-FirstCall — Torchmark Corporation (NYSE: TMK) reported today that for the quarter ended March 31, 2008, net income was $1.29 per share compared with $1.37 per share for the year-ago quarter. Net operating income for the quarter was $1.43 per...

Aflac Incorporated To Release First Quarter Results on April 23, 2008

COLUMBUS, Ga., April 16 PRNewswire-FirstCall — Aflac Incorporated (NYSE: AFL) announced today that it will release first quarter financial results after the market closes on April 23, 2008. In conjunction with the earnings release, Aflac Incorporated will webcast a conference call...

Earnings Hits Drive 30 Percent Differential in Insurer Price-to-Book Value: Aon Re Study

CHICAGO, April 16 PRNewswire-FirstCall — Aon Re Global, a unit of Aon Corporation (NYSE: AOC), announced the release of its Price-to-Book study, which quantifies a more than 30 percent valuation differential that can exist for companies producing consistent quarterly earnings over those...

Anthem Blue Cross Employee Assistance Program to Help Reduce Employee Absenteeism

WOODLAND HILLS, Calif., April 16 PRNewswire — According to the American Hospital Association, California had the highest workplace absenteeism at 2,761,000 lost work days per year due to hypertension, which is estimated to cost employers $522 million annually. Anthem Blue Cross...

Kingsway Announces Dates for First Quarter Results and Annual General Meeting

TORONTO, April 16 PRNewswire-FirstCall - Kingsway Financial Services Inc. (TSE: KFS, NYSE: KFS) announced today that it will release its first quarter 2008 results and hold its first quarter conference call on May 7, 2008, and will hold its Annual General Meeting on May 8 at 11:00 a.m...

Aon Re Global Names Two Product Specialists to Aon Capital Markets

CHICAGO, April 16 PRNewswire-FirstCall — Aon Re Global, the world's largest provider of insurance brokerage and integrated capital solutions and a unit of Aon Corporation (NYSE: AOC), today announced the appointments of Brett Houghton and Brooks Crankshaw as managing directors of Aon...

Platinum Underwriters Holdings, Ltd. Announces Dividend to be Paid on Series A Mandatory Convertible Preferred Shares

HAMILTON, Bermuda, April 16 PRNewswire-FirstCall — Platinum Underwriters Holdings, Ltd. (NYSE: PTP) announced today that a dividend of $0.4525 per preferred share will be paid on its Series A Mandatory Convertible Preferred Shares on May 15, 2008 to shareholders of record on May 1...

Milliman Study Confirms 2007 Corporate Defined Benefit Pension Gains Were Wiped Out in First Quarter of 2008

NEW YORK, April 16 PRNewswire — The top 100 corporate defined benefit pension plans last year gained some seven percentage points in funded status to bring them to 106 per cent funding by December 31, 2007, according to Milliman's 2008 Pension Funding Study. However, falling interest...

AAA Announces Enhanced Prepaid Card Program With Visa

ORLANDO, Fla., April 16 PRNewswire — AAA has enhanced its prepaid card products using Visa Inc. and MetaBank as key program partners. The new AAA Visa TravelMoney(R) card and Visa Gift card are now available at participating AAA locations across the country. The AAA Visa TravelMoney...

/C O R R E C T I O N -- United Steelworkers (USW)/

In the news release, USW Lawsuit Results in Continental Tire Agreeing to Provide Retiree Health Care, issued 16-Apr-2008 by United Steelworkers (USW) over PR Newswire, we are advised by the company that the final paragraph, first sentence, should read "The USW represents 1.2 million active and...

Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina Implements Aggressive Generic Medication Campaign

NASHVILLE, Tenn., April 16 PRNewswire — HealthLeaders-InterStudy, the leading provider of managed care market intelligence, reports that Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina has begun an aggressive generic medication campaign as of January 2008 in which it waives the copayment...

MEDEX Global Group Hires Industry Veteran Mike Roban as Vice President of Sales

BALTIMORE, April 16 PRNewswire — Mike Roban has been named Vice President of Sales of MEDEX Global Group, announced Bruce R. Kirby, president/CEO of the worldwide emergency assistance and insurance company. A respected veteran with more than 20 years of sales experience in health and...

Mercury General Corporation to Report First Quarter Results on May 5, 2008

LOS ANGELES, April 16 PRNewswire-FirstCall — Mercury General Corporation (NYSE: MCY) reported that on Monday, May 5, 2008, the Company will release results for its first quarter ended March 31, 2008. The Company will host an investor conference call and webcast that same day at 10:00...

Brewin Dolphin, the Largest Independent Private Client Investment Manager in the UK, Selects Zoomix Accelerator to Automate the Processing of Customer and Financial Instrument Data

LONDON, April 16 PRNewswire — Zoomix, a leading provider of advanced enterprise master data management solutions, today announced that Brewin Dolphin Ltd., the UK investment firm managing portfolios worth GBP21.6 billion for over 120,000 clients, selected Zoomix's self-learning data...

Employers Holdings, Inc. Files Definitive Proxy Statement

RENO, Nev., April 15 PRNewswire-FirstCall — Employers Holdings, Inc. ("EMPLOYERS(R)") (NYSE: EIG) today filed a Definitive Proxy Statement (Form DEFR 14A) with the U. S. Securities and Exchange Commission. The filing provides official notification to Employers shareholders of matters to...

Susan Byrne joins GHG Grey Healthcare Group as EVP, Strategy and Business Development, Europe, a Newly-Created Position

NEW YORK, April 15 PRNewswire — Susan Byrne, a healthcare marketing executive with more than 15 years strategic and business-building experience, has joined GHG Grey Healthcare Group in the newly created position, EVP, Strategy and Business Development, Europe. GHG Grey Healthcare Group...

TriServ Alliance, LLC, Pursues TRICARE Contract for South Region

JACKSONVILLE, Fla., April 15 PRNewswire — TriServ Alliance, LLC, is pursuing the opportunity to respond to the U.S. Department of Defense's request for proposal (RFP) for TRICARE's multi-year Managed Care Support (MCS) contract for the TRICARE South Region. If awarded the contract...

Huntington Bancshares Reports:

COLUMBUS, Ohio, April 15 PRNewswire-FirstCall — Huntington Bancshares Incorporated (Nasdaq: HBAN; www.huntington.com ) reported 2008 first quarter net income of $127.1 million, or $0.35 per common share. Earnings in the year-ago first quarter were $95.7 million, or $0.40 per common...

Allied World Assurance Company to Release First Quarter 2008 Financial Results on May 8, 2008

PEMBROKE, Bermuda, April 15 PRNewswire-FirstCall — Allied World Assurance Company Holdings, Ltd (NYSE: AWH) today announced that it will release its financial results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2008, after the close of market on Thursday, May 8, 2008. Scott Carmilani...

Torchmark Corporation Announces First Quarter 2008 Earnings Release and Conference Call

MCKINNEY, Texas, April 15 PRNewswire-FirstCall — Torchmark Corporation (NYSE: TMK) will release First Quarter 2008 earnings after the market closes on Wednesday, April 16, 2008. In conjunction with Torchmark's First Quarter 2008 Earnings Release, you are invited to listen to a...

Nair & Co International Risk Assessment Launched

SUNNYVALE, Calif., April 15 PRNewswire — Today, Nair & Co launched an essential service that provides an evaluation of companies' business risk profile called Nair & Co International Risk Assessment. This report will help business management and owners better assess the...

Highmark Blue Shield Announces Sustainable, Eco-Friendly and Green Strategy

CAMP HILL, Pa., April 15 PRNewswire — As Kermit the Frog says, "It's not easy being green." But Highmark Blue Shield recognizes the impact of our business decisions on the environment and the community, and has created and is in the process of implementing sustainable, eco-friendly...

Reinsurance Market Will Continue to Soften for June and July Renewals: Aon Re Global Analysis

LONDON and CHICAGO, April 15 PRNewswire-FirstCall — Pricing is projected to be favorable for traditional property catastrophe reinsurance programs when insurers seek mid-year renewals, according to an analysis conducted by Aon Re Global, a unit of the Aon Corporation (NYSE: AOC...

New Omega Investment Pool Offers Investors High Yields in an Uncertain Economy

SAN DIEGO, April 15 PRNewswire — A new investment pool expects to reach 10-12% returns annually through the acquisition of life insurance policies, also known as life settlements. The Omega Life Settlement Fund LLC is the newest offering from Robert Hamzey, president and founder of BCAJ...

Texas Health Care Association: New Report on Long Term Care Workforce Spotlights Need to Boost Texas Medicaid Rates

Existing Medicaid Funding Levels, 49th Nationally, Ill-Serves Ability to Meet Growing Demand for Care AUSTIN, Texas, April 15 PRNewswire-USNewswire — Commenting on yesterday's release of the Institute of Medicine's (IOM) new report, "Retooling for an Aging America: Building the Health...

Avalere Health Data Finds Four-Tier System Growing Among Medicare Part D Plans

WASHINGTON, April 15 PRNewswire — Avalere Health today reminded consumers to pay close attention to all aspects of their Medicare prescription drug plan, including on which "tier" or group their medications are covered. Avalere data released from its proprietary DataFrame(R) database...

Brian Birmingham Joins AXA Equitable's Corporate Markets Business as Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer

NEW YORK, April 15 PRNewswire-FirstCall — AXA Equitable Life Insurance Co. announced today that it has hired Brian F. Birmingham, CFA, as Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer for Corporate Markets, a business unit of AXA Equitable that provides retirement plan strategies and...

ING International High Dividend Equity Income Fund Declares Monthly Distribution

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz., April 15 PRNewswire-FirstCall — ING International High Dividend Equity Income Fund (NYSE: IID), a closed-end management investment company, today declared its monthly distribution of $0.163 per share. The distribution will be paid on May 15, 2008, to shareholders of...

MassMutual's Stephen Kuhn Named 'In-House Leader in the Law' by Massachusetts Lawyer's Weekly

SPRINGFIELD, Mass., April 15 PRNewswire — Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Company (MassMutual) announced today that Stephen L. Kuhn, senior vice president, secretary and deputy general counsel, has been named to the 2008 In-House Leaders in the Law list published by Massachusetts...

CNinsure Enters Into Strategic Partnership With Minsheng Life Insurance

GUANGZHOU, China, April 15 Xinhua-PRNewswire-FirstCall — CNinsure Inc. CISG, a leading independent insurance agency and brokerage company operating in China, today announced the signing of an agreement for strategic partnership with Minsheng Life Insurance Co., Ltd ("Minsheng Life...

GAB Robins Names Baumgartner as General Counsel

PARSIPPANY, N.J., April 15 PRNewswire — GAB Robins, a leader in providing global risk and claims management services, today named Harry Baumgartner as Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Corporate Secretary. Mr. Baumgartner will provide legal counsel to all of the GAB Robins...

USA Funds Offers College Exit Checklist for Graduating Seniors

INDIANAPOLIS, April 15 PRNewswire — USA Funds(R), the nation's leading education loan guarantor, suggests that college students review a brief checklist before they leave campus to ensure they are financially prepared for the next phase of their lives. As part of its service to higher...

Palmetto GBA Ranked Among Nation's Best for Ethics, Compliance Programs

COLUMBIA, S.C., April 15 PRNewswire-USNewswire — Palmetto GBA, a leading provider of technical and administrative services for the federal government, has been honored by the Ethisphere Institute for its outstanding ethics and compliance initiatives. The institute, a national...

Small Businesses and the Self-Employed Need Stronger Coverage Protections for Pre-Existing Conditions

National Patient Advocate Foundation supports new small business health initiative but urges strengthened pre-existing condition provision WASHINGTON, April 15 PRNewswire-USNewswire — The National Patient Advocate Foundation (NPAF) today endorsed new Senate legislation, Small Business...

CNinsure Announces Large Scale Market Consolidation For A Nationwide Adjusting Service Network

GUANGZHOU, China, April 15 Xinhua-PRNewswire-FirstCall — CNinsure Inc. (Nasdaq: CISG), a leading independent insurance agency and brokerage company operating in China, today announced that it has entered into definitive agreements to acquire Khubon Insurance Loss Surveyors &...

Silverchair Learning Systems Partners With Swett & Crawford

Clients to receive eLearning discount, exclusive course content CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va., April 15 PRNewswire-USNewswire — Silverchair Learning Systems, the leading eLearning provider in senior care, announced its new strategic partnership with Swett & Crawford, the nation's leading...

CIMCON Software Receives 'Strong Positive' Rating, the Highest Rating Possible, in Spreadsheet Control Products 2008 MarketScope Report from Leading Analyst Firm

BEDFORD, Mass., April 15 PRNewswire — CIMCON Software, the pioneering market leader in Spreadsheet Governance, Risk and Compliance (GRC) controls, today announced that it has received a "Strong Positive" rating in Gartner's "MarketScope for Spreadsheet Control Products, 2008...

WellPoint Announces Development of Innovative Drug Safety System Designed to Monitor Drug and Therapy Risks Post-FDA Approval

INDIANAPOLIS, April 15 PRNewswire-FirstCall — HealthCore, Inc., the health outcomes research subsidiary of WellPoint, Inc. (NYSE: WLP), today announced it is developing a Safety Sentinel System(TM) in response to increasing public demand to more effectively and rapidly monitor the...

Enservio to Acquire Comprehensive Inventory Services

BOSTON, April 15 PRNewswire — Enservio, the nation's leading provider of contents services, announced at the PLRB's National Claims Conference in Boston that it has entered into an agreement to acquire Comprehensive Inventory Services (CIS) of Easthampton, MA. Over the past ten years...

AMERISAFE Announces 2008 First Quarter Earnings Release and Conference Call Schedule

DERIDDER, La., April 15 PRNewswire-FirstCall — AMERISAFE, Inc. (Nasdaq: AMSF), a specialty writer of high hazard workers' compensation insurance, announced today that it will release its 2008 first quarter results on Thursday, May 1, 2008 after the market closes. In conjunction with...

ICS Merrill Provides OnePartner Vendor Management Program to Berkley Risk Administrators Company, LLC

JACKSONVILLE, Fla., April 14 PRNewswire — ICS Merrill, the largest single-source provider of investigative services to the insurance industry, is pleased to announce that it will offer its innovative OnePartner vendor management program to Berkley Risk Administrators Company, LLC...

CNA Surety Corporation to Release 1st Quarter Earnings and Host Conference Call on April 25, 2008

CHICAGO, April 14 PRNewswire-FirstCall — CNA Surety Corporation (NYSE: SUR) ("CNA Surety") will release its first quarter earnings on Friday, April 25, 2008. The news release will be available on CNA Surety's website at http://www.cnasurety.com. A conference call for investors and...

Bischof Promoted to Vice President, Enterprise Risk Management at Conseco

CARMEL, Ind., April 14 PRNewswire-FirstCall — Conseco, Inc. (NYSE: CNO) announced that Timothy S. Bischof has been promoted to vice president, enterprise risk management, reporting to Tim Tongson, senior vice president and corporate actuary. Mr. Bischof is responsible for overseeing...

Borcherding Promoted to Vice President, Internal Audit at Conseco

CARMEL, Ind., April 14 PRNewswire-FirstCall — Conseco, Inc. (NYSE: CNO) announced that Tricia L. Borcherding has been promoted to vice president, internal audit, reporting to Neal Schneider, chair of the Audit and Enterprise Risk Committee of the Board of Directors, and to Conseco CEO...

Erie Indemnity to Host First Quarter 2008 Conference Call and Webcast

ERIE, Pa., April 14 PRNewswire-FirstCall — Erie Indemnity Company (Nasdaq: ERIE) will host an audio webcast with the financial community to discuss financial results for the first quarter on Thursday, May 1, 2008, at 10:00 a.m. Eastern Time. Erie Indemnity will issue a press release...

Businesses Looking to Go Green Turn to Conferencing

CHICAGO, April 14 PRNewswire — When online auto insurance company Esurance was founded in 1999, it strived to protect the environment by accounting for every pound of carbon it emits into the air. So it developed an exclusively paperless, electronic customer experience, created a hybrid...

PCMA: Skyrocketing Biotech Prices Challenge Employers, Consumers

WASHINGTON, April 14 PRNewswire-USNewswire — The Pharmaceutical Care Management Association (PCMA) issued the following statement in response to today's article in The New York Times on skyrocketing biotech prices: "Americans currently spend $50 billion on biotech products and will...

Consumer Watchdog Gives HMO Regulator 10 Days to Order Reinstatement of Patients Whose Policies Have Been Illegally Cancelled

SANTA MONICA, Calif., April 14 PRNewswire-USNewswire — Consumer Watchdog petitioned the state Department of Managed Health Care to announce within 10 days its plans regarding hundreds of patients who have been left uninsured, uninsurable, and hundreds of thousands of dollars in...

Barbara Goff Joins The Warranty Group, Inc. as Senior Vice President Global Human Resources

CHICAGO, April 14 PRNewswire-FirstCall — The Warranty Group, Inc., a unit of Onex Corporation (TSX: OCX), today announced that Barbara Goff joined the company as Senior Vice President Global Human Resources. Ms. Goff brings nearly 20 years of experience to The Warranty Group. As...

Alliance for Wellness ROI, Inc. Selects VitalSpring as Exclusive Technology Partner

BMW NA, Henry Ford Health System, Kraft Foods Global Inc., Mastercard Worldwide and Schlumberger Will Leverage the VitalSpring Award-Winning Health Benefits Solution to Drive Industry Standards For Wellness Programs A Complimentary Webcast for HR and Benefits Executives is Scheduled for April...

23 Michigan Lodgings and Restaurants Earn 2008 AAA Four Diamond Award(R)

DEARBORN, Mich., April 14 PRNewswire — The 1913 Room in Grand Rapids has earned AAA's prestigious five-diamond award for hospitality excellence for a sixth consecutive year and is one of only 46 restaurants nationwide to earn the distinction. During a special luncheon ceremony...

Veterinary Pet Insurance Launches National Pet Parent's Day

BREA, Calif., April 14 PRNewswire — Veterinary Pet Insurance (VPI), the nation's oldest and largest provider of pet health insurance, has designated the last Sunday in April — this year, April 27 — as National Pet Parent's Day, slating the nation's first official day...

Infinity Property and Casualty to Announce First Quarter 2008 Results

BIRMINGHAM, Ala., April 14 PRNewswire-FirstCall — Infinity Property and Casualty Corporation (Nasdaq: IPCC) expects to release its first quarter 2008 results on Thursday, April 24, 2008 before the market opens. The earnings release will be available shortly thereafter on Infinity's...

Aon Named Best Broker By Euromoney Magazine Insurance Survey

CHICAGO, April 14 PRNewswire-FirstCall — Aon Corporation (NYSE: AOC), the world's leading risk advisor and insurance broker, has been named the world's best insurance broker by the respondents of Euromoney magazine's first-ever insurance survey. Aon also was named "best broker" in...

Innovation Is a Necessary Step for Growth in the Insurance Industry

SACRAMENTO, Calif., April 14 PRNewswire — The economy is getting more complex and the marketplace continues to soften. Creativity and innovation in the insurance industry is now necessary and key to long-term success. Julie K. Davis was a featured speaker at the Women's Network Group in...

PEMA Reminds Municipalities and Citizens to Clear Debris to Prevent Summer Flooding

Steps Taken Now Will Protect People, Infrastructure in Future HARRISBURG, Pa., April 14 PRNewswire-USNewswire — Warmer weather brings with it the threat of strong storms that could cause flooding across Pennsylvania, one of the most flood-prone states in the nation. The Pennsylvania...

Travel Insurance + Study Abroad Programs = Peace of Mind for Students and Parents Says InsureMyTrip.com

WARWICK, R.I., April 14 PRNewswire — A growing trend by students pursuing their academic studies in foreign countries is having a ripple effect on their parents as well, notes InsureMyTrip.com. The leading online provider of travel insurance reports the number of parents seeking peace...

Security Officers Win First-Ever Union Contract

Thirty Percent Wage & Benefit Hikes and Employer-Paid Health Care For All WASHINGTON, April 14 PRNewswire-USNewswire — D.C. City Council Members and clergy joined with Local 32BJ today to announce agreements with the four top private security contractors in Washington D.C. on...

MaximTrak Hosts Agency Development Event for General Agents

WAYNE, Pa., April 14 PRNewswire — General Agents representing MaximTrak's F&I Network(TM) gathered at the St. David's Country Club in St. David's, PA, to take part in MaximTrak's unique agency development workshop. The two day event provided GA's with an opportunity to experience...

Shenandoah Life Launches New Vision Care Insurance Plan

ROANOKE, Va., April 14 PRNewswire — Shenandoah Life Insurance Company announced today that it has partnered with EyeMed Vision Care to launch StarVision(SM), a new group vision care insurance plan. Vision insurance is a wellness benefit that helps combat the costs of regular eye exams...

CNinsure Awarded Insurance Intermediary of the Year 2007

GUANGZHOU, China, April 14 Xinhua-PRNewswire-FirstCall — CNinsure Inc.(Nasdaq: CISG), a leading independent insurance agency and brokerage company operating in China, today announced that it has won the Insurance Intermediary of the Year over four other final contenders at the China...

The First American Corporation Announces Retirement of Two Directors

SANTA ANA, Calif., April 14 PRNewswire-FirstCall — The First American Corporation (NYSE: FAF), American's largest provider of business information, today announced the retirement of Donald P. Kennedy and Gary J. Beban from its board of directors. Donald P. Kennedy, the grandson of First...

EXL Announces Appointment of Rembert de Villa as Head of Transformation Services

NEW YORK and NEW DELHI, India, April 14 PRNewswire-FirstCall — ExlService Holdings, Inc. (Nasdaq: EXLS), a recognized provider of business solutions, today announced that Rembert de Villa has joined as Head of Transformation Services. EXL's Transformation Services offerings focus on...

TriWest Healthcare Alliance Educates 1 Millionth Beneficiary at TRICARE Benefits Briefing

PHOENIX, April 14 PRNewswire — TriWest Healthcare Alliance briefed its 1 millionth beneficiary Saturday at a TRICARE educational event in Topeka, Kan. Since June 2004, TriWest representatives have traveled throughout the company's 2.3 million square-mile, 21-state West region to conduct...

How To Be a Great Insurance Lawyer

ONTARIO, Calif., April 14 PRNewswire — It is hard enough just getting into law school and keeping pace with core requirements, says Frank N. Darras, the nation's leading disability and long-term care insurance lawyer. Darras worked selling medical equipment while attending law school...

Only 2 per cent of Cyclists are Adequately Insured

LONDON, April 14 PRNewswire — Over 98 per cent of cyclists may be putting themselves at financial risk because they do not have specialist insurance that offers third party cover, according to the Environmental Transport Association. The recent 83 per cent increase in London cycling...

AEGON Appoints Marco Keim to Lead Dutch Unit

THE HAGUE, the Netherlands, April 14 PRNewswire-FirstCall — AEGON N.V. has appointed Marco Keim as Chief Executive Officer of AEGON The Netherlands and member of the Management Board(1), effective June 1, 2008. Since 2002, Mr. Keim, 45, has served as CEO of the Swiss Life activities...

NextAce Adds 27 New Counties in Four States and Washington D.C.

ANAHEIM HILLS, Calif., April 11 PRNewswire — Title automation and business process optimization (BPO) company, NextAce(SM) Corporation . NextAce is a service mark and TitleEDGE a registered trademark of NextAce Corporation in the United States and other countries. All other brand and...

Old Republic International Announces First Quarter 2008 Conference Call

CHICAGO, April 11 PRNewswire-FirstCall — Old Republic International Corporation (NYSE: ORI), today announced that it will hold a conference call on Thursday, April 24, 2008, at 3:00 p.m. Eastern Time to discuss first quarter results. The call can be accessed live on Old Republic's...

CIFG Names David Rockwell Chief Risk Officer; Thierry Dissaux to Head European Operations

HAMILTON, Bermuda, April 11 PRNewswire — CIFG Holding, Ltd., the holding company for CIFG's financial guaranty subsidiaries, today named David Rockwell Chief Risk Officer with overall responsibility for the company's risk management activities and surveillance functions. At the same...

SCAN Health Plan Announces Creation of $205 Million Foundation Dedicated to the Needs of Seniors

LONG BEACH, Calif., April 11 PRNewswire — SCAN Health Plan announced today the launch of a new $205-million charitable foundation that will focus on innovative solutions to the healthcare needs of California's seniors. Called "The SCAN Foundation," the new organization will become, when...

Aflac Incorporated Named to the Forbes Magazine Global 2000 List for Fifth Consecutive Year

COLUMBUS, Ga., April 11 PRNewswire — Aflac ranked 256 on Forbes magazine's list of the World's Biggest Companies, the Global 2000. The Global 2000 companies account for $30 trillion in revenues, $2.4 trillion in profits and $119 trillion in assets. The list also identified Aflac as a...

Triad Continues to Write Business; Negotiations with Investor Group are Progressing

WINSTON-SALEM, N.C., April 11 PRNewswire-FirstCall — Triad Guaranty Inc. (Nasdaq: TGIC) today said that despite rating downgrades it continues to be a qualified mortgage insurer with the GSEs and is continuing to write new mortgage insurance business. Mark K. Tonnesen, President and CEO...

Ohio Valley Banc Corp. Dividend Reinvestment Plan Resumes Acceptance of Dividends and Additional Contributions and Open Market Investments in Shares

GALLIPOLIS, Ohio, April 11 PRNewswire-FirstCall — The Board of Directors of Ohio Valley Banc Corp. (Nasdaq: OVBC) (the "Company") amended the Ohio Valley Banc Corp. Dividend Reinvestment Plan effective April 11, 2008, and announced that the acceptance of dividends and additional...

Peoples Bancorp Inc. Holds Annual Meeting of Shareholders

MARIETTA, Ohio, April 11 PRNewswire-FirstCall — The Annual Meeting of the Shareholders of Peoples Bancorp Inc. ("Peoples") (Nasdaq: PEBO) was held April 10, 2008, in Marietta, Ohio. The meeting was well attended and at the meeting, shareholders re-elected Board members Mark F...

Oklahoma Students Awarded $10,000 to Combat Vehicle Crashes, the No. 1 Killer of Teens

MINNEAPOLIS, April 11 PRNewswire — Ada High School of Ada, Okla., won the "Best of the Best" award for its 2007-08 Project Ignition safe driving campaign at the 19th annual National Service-Learning Conference this week in Minneapolis. State Farm and the National Youth Leadership...

North America Primed for Pet Insurance Market Expansion and Expecting $1.1 Billion by 2012

NEW YORK, April 10 PRNewswire — A new report from Packaged Facts, Pet Insurance in North America, expects North Americans will take an increasingly strong interest in pet insurance during the next five years, placing sales as high as $1.1 billion in 2012. This forecast is consistent...

OneBeacon and Hagerty Alliance Moves Forward - New Business Underwriting as of March 28 -

CANTON, Mass., April 10 PRNewswire-FirstCall - OneBeacon Insurance Group and Hagerty Insurance Agency and Hagerty Classic Marine Insurance Agency, the nation's premier collector car and classic boat agencies, are now collaboratively providing property and casualty insurance solutions to these...

United America Indemnity Appoints Thomas M. McGeehan Interim Chief Financial Officer Effective May 15, 2008

GEORGE TOWN, Cayman Islands, April 10 PRNewswire-FirstCall — United America Indemnity, Ltd. (NASDAQ: INDM) (UAI) today announced the appointment of Thomas M. McGeehan, Vice President and Corporate Controller, as Interim Chief Financial Officer effective May 15, 2008. Kevin L. Tate, the...

First Financial Holdings Inc. Acquires the Somers-Pardue Agency, Inc. of Burlington, NC

CHARLESTON, S.C. and BURLINGTON, N.C., April 10 PRNewswire-FirstCall — First Financial Holdings, Inc. (Nasdaq: FFCH) ("First Financial" or "Company") today announced that its subsidiary, First Southeast Insurance Services, Inc., has acquired the operations of The Somers-Pardue Agency...

Cardinal Health Awards $1 Million to Fund Patient Safety Initiatives

WASHINGTON, April 10 PRNewswire-FirstCall — To support initiatives that enhance patient safety and quality of care, Cardinal Health announced today grants totaling $1 million for new and innovative programs at 34 hospitals, health systems and community health clinics across the country...

Meijer Supercenters to Offer PetFirst Insurance in Pet Aisles

JEFFERSONVILLE, Ind., April 10 PRNewswire — Meijer customers now can add pet health-insurance coverage to their shopping carts. PetFirst Healthcare LLC recently launched a partnership to offer pet insurance through more than 100 Meijer supercenters throughout the Midwest. PetFirst...

State Farm(R) Companies Foundation and ECS Launch Three-Year Campaign to Link Citizenship and Learning in Schools

DENVER, April 10 PRNewswire-USNewswire — Working together, State Farm(R) — through a grant from the State Farm(R) Companies Foundation and the Education Commission of the States (ECS) and its National Center for Learning and Citizenship (NCLC) — plan to help improve the...

PCMA: 'Protect Your Pharmacy Week' Should Focus on Safeguarding Part D Anti-Fraud Tools

New Survey and Ad Highlight Fraud, Waste, and Abuse Problem Merritt: 'Small Pharmacies Can Be Especially Vulnerable' WASHINGTON, April 10 PRNewswire-USNewswire — A new survey of experts responsible for detecting and preventing pharmacy fraud, waste, and abuse in Part D finds that...

Vernon W. Hill Founder of Commerce Bank Becomes Chairman of Petplan USA

PHILADELPHIA, April 10 PRNewswire — Petplan USA, the exclusive US licensee of Petplan UK, the world's largest pet health insurance provider, today announced that Vernon W. Hill II, Founder and Retired Chairman of Commerce Bank, has joined European investors in a major round of funding...

Hooper Holmes Names Roy Bubbs President and CEO, Benjamin Currier Continues as Chairman

BASKING RIDGE, N.J., April 10 PRNewswire-FirstCall — Hooper Holmes (Amex: HH) today announced that Roy H. Bubbs has been appointed President and Chief Executive Officer and that Benjamin A. Currier will continue as Chairman of the Board of Directors. Mr. Bubbs, who has been a member of...

XL Insurance Announces Formation of Global Product Development Team

HAMILTON, Bermuda, April 10 PRNewswire-FirstCall — XL Insurance, the global insurance operations of XL Capital Ltd (NYSE: XL) ("XL"), today announced the formation of a global Product Development team to further address customers' risk management needs. The team will work with XL...

ING Introduces Competitive New Disability Plan for Texas Educators and Education Employees

MINNEAPOLIS, April 10 PRNewswire — ING has introduced a new highly competitive disability plan designed specifically for Texas educators and education system employees, according to an announcement by ING Employee Benefits. The new ING Texas Educators Disability Plan offers a "best in...

More Companies Are Creating Programs to Help Alleviate Worldwide HIV/AIDS Epidemic, The Conference Board Reports

NEW YORK, April 10 PRNewswire — Major companies are creating a wide variety of programs to help employees deal with the global HIV/AIDS epidemic, according to a report released today by The Conference Board, the global business research and membership organization. The report finds that...

Security Capital Assurance Ltd Announces the Appointment of Fred Corrado and Paul E. Hellmers to its Board of Directors; Annual Shareholder Meeting to be Held May 20, 2008

HAMILTON, Bermuda, April 10 PRNewswire-FirstCall — Security Capital Assurance Ltd (NYSE: SCA) ("SCA" or the "Company") announced today that it has appointed Fred Corrado and Paul E. Hellmers to SCA's board of directors. Following these two appointments, SCA's board will have nine...

PMI Releases Spring 2008 Risk Index

WALNUT CREEK, Calif., April 10 PRNewswire-FirstCall — PMI Mortgage Insurance Co., the U.S. subsidiary of The PMI Group, Inc. (NYSE: PMI), today released its Spring 2008 U.S. Market Risk Index(SM), which ranks the nation's 50 largest metropolitan statistical areas (MSAs) according to the...

MIB Life Index Reports North American Life Insurance Activity off 3.2% in February

BRAINTREE, Mass., April 10 PRNewswire — North American application activity for individually underwritten life insurance declined -3.2% in February year-over-year, according to the MIB Life Index(SM). Year-to-date (YTD) U.S. and Canadian application activity was off -1.4% compared to...

Bank of America Launches Innovative Approach to Managing Health Care

CHARLOTTE, N.C., April 10 PRNewswire — Bank of America (NYSE: BAC) believes choosing and managing health care and insurance benefits should be a much easier task for the bank's associates and the company. The bank is taking steps to improve service, reduce paperwork and costs, and give...

Home Warranty of America(TM) Shows Solid Growth in 2007 & First Quarter 2008

BUFFALO GROVE, Ill., April 10 PRNewswire — Home Warranty of America, Inc., experienced solid growth in 2007, and also for the first quarter of 2008, despite the uncertain real estate market. "We were up in revenue across the board," says David Sobel, V.P. of Sales. Sobel attributes...

Phyhealth Selects Network TPA for Third Party Administration of Pilot HMO

MIAMI, April 10 PRNewswire-FirstCall —Physicians Healthcare Management Group, Inc. (Phyhealth) (Pink Sheets: PHYH), a developer of health maintenance organizations (HMOs) in partnership with physicians, today announced that Phyhealth Plan Corporation has retained Network TPA, LLC, an...

Open Letter to Presidential Candidates on State Health Care Reform

Experts available for comment PHILADELPHIA, April 10 PRNewswire-USNewswire — The undersigned organizations from around the state are releasing the attached letter on Thursday, calling on the major Democratic candidates campaigning here now to draw attention to Pennsylvania's efforts...

Making Long-Term Care Cool

ONTARIO, Calif., April 10 PRNewswire — Every day, we read about the sandwich generation, folks taking care of their parents while raising their own kids. We get cold-calls, emails and are bombarded with advertisements talking about boomers hitting retirement age, says Frank N...

Atradius Reports Results for 2007

AMSTERDAM, Netherlands, April 10 PRNewswire — Atradius, a global leader in trade credit insurance and collections, today reported a 56% increase in net profit to euro 164.2 million in 2007 from euro 105.3 million in 2006. The improvement was driven by a 6.7% increase in gross earned...

PEMCO's Super-Long-Coffee-Order Contest Taps First Winners

SEATTLE, April 9 PRNewswire — PEMCO Insurance today announced the first weekly winners of its "Super-Long Coffee Order" promotion with Tully's Coffee. The promotion encourages Tully's customers to nominate their preferred "super-long" coffee orders and benefits Children's Hospital...

Eastern Insurance Holdings, Inc. Increases Repurchase Authorization of Common Stock

LANCASTER, Pa., April 9 PRNewswire-FirstCall — Eastern Insurance Holdings, Inc. (Nasdaq: EIHI) ("EIHI," the "Company") announced today that its board of directors has increased the repurchase authorization of its issued and outstanding shares of common stock by $10 million. This...

National Press Club Announces a $100,000 Centennial Gift From Aviva USA

WASHINGTON, April 9 PRNewswire-USNewswire — The National Press Club, the world's leading professional organization for journalists, announced today that Aviva USA will significantly increase its corporate sponsorship and resource support of the nationwide distribution and promotion of...

National Insurance Services Selects The Standard for Nebraska School District Sole 403(b) Provider Plan

BROOKFIELD, Wis., April 9 PRNewswire — National Insurance Services (NIS), working in cooperation with the Nebraska Council of School Administrators (NCSA) and the Nebraska Association of School Boards (NASB), is pleased to announce it has selected The Standard to be the provider of...

AAJ: Insurance Companies Taking in More, Handing Back Less

Industry Again Posts Unprecedented Yearly Profits WASHINGTON, April 9 PRNewswire-USNewswire — Today, the Insurance Information Institute announced a near-record $61.9 billion 2007 profit for the industry. Insurance companies have made an unprecedented $169 billion profit since...

United Heartland Group Program Earns Record Dividend

MILWAUKEE, April 9 PRNewswire — United Heartland is pleased to announce that their group underwriting program with the Iowa Association of Community Providers has earned a record dividend of more than $750,000. The results are based on the performance of the group's 48 members, which...

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Oklahoma Launches an Integrated Medical-Dental Health Program

TULSA, Okla., April 9 PRNewswire-USNewswire — Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Oklahoma is announcing the launch of BlueCare Dental Connection(SM), a new integrated medical-dental program. The program is unique in the industry because it compares an individual's medical and dental data...

TCS BaNCS Placed in Leaders Quadrant in Leading Industry Analyst Firm's International Retail Core Banking 2008 Report

NEW YORK, April 9 PRNewswire — TCS Financial Solutions, a strategic business unit of Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), (BSE: TCS.BO, NSE: TCS.NS) dedicated to providing business application solutions to the banking, insurance and capital markets industries, announced today that TCS BaNCS...

Pennsylvania Homecare Association Responds to Misinformation from Nursing Home Advocacy Group

HARRISBURG, Pa., April 9, 2008 PRNewswire — The Executive Director of the Pennsylvania Homecare Association (PHA) said today that a claim by nursing home interests that home health care is draining resources from nursing homes is "factually false and destructive to broad-based efforts...

ICW Group Expands Executive Roles for Kevin Prior and Doug Browne

SAN DIEGO, April 9, 2008 PRNewswire — ICW Group, a leading group of insurers, today announced it has named Kevin Prior President of its Independence Casualty and Surety (ICS) subsidiary. Kevin, whose career at ICW Group spans 18 years, remains President and CEO of ICW Group and...

Beazley Introduces Beazley Armour, a New Comprehensive Side A Directors and Officers Liability Product

LONDON, April 9, 2008 PRNewswire-FirstCall — Beazley Group plc (BEZ.L) announced today the introduction of Beazley Armour, a Side A policy form designed to provide exceptional protection for directors and officers and, on an excess basis, a seamless fit over traditional D&O...

Miami Hospital Market Sees Shift in Ownership of Two Area Facilities

NASHVILLE, Tenn., April 9, 2008 PRNewswire — HealthLeaders-InterStudy, a leading provider of healthcare market intelligence, reports that changes in hospital ownership continue to influence the Miami-area market as for-profit HCA Inc. and Tenet Healthcare Corp. each sell or prepare to...

Jackson Hewitt(R) Alerts Homeowners Who Purchased, Refinanced or Made Renovations in 2007 That New Tax Laws May Have a Positive Impact on Their Bottom-Line This Tax Filing Season

PARSIPPANY, N.J., April 9, 2008 PRNewswire-FirstCall — According to Jackson Hewitt Tax Service(R), homeowners who either purchased of refinanced their homes in 2007 will find two noteworthy provisions available to them when filing their taxes — a new deduction for mortgage...

Nation's Premiere Patient Advocate Organization Commits to UCN inContact(R) for Entire Group

SALT LAKE CITY, April 9, 2008 PRNewswire-FirstCall — UCN, Inc. (Nasdaq: UCNN), innovator of all-in-one, off-premises contact center solutions announced today that a premiere national non-profit patient-advocacy organization, Patient Advocate Foundation (PAF) signed a one-year...

Freddie Mac Requires MGIC to Submit Remediation Plan After Ratings Downgrade

MCLEAN, Va., April 8, 2008 PRNewswire-FirstCall — Mortgage Guaranty Insurance Corporation (MGIC), a Freddie Mac-approved mortgage insurer, has notified Freddie Mac that it was downgraded by Standard & Poor's from AA- to A with a Negative Outlook. Under Freddie Mac policies announced...

MGIC Comments on Standard & Poor's Rating Action

MILWAUKEE, April 8, 2008 PRNewswire-FirstCall — MGIC Investment Corporation (NYSE: MTG) has been notified by Standard and Poor's ("S&P") that it has lowered the insurer financial strength rating of the company's principal subsidiary, Mortgage Guaranty Insurance Corporation ("MGIC...

Shareholder Class Action Filed Against Humana Inc. by The Law Firm of Schiffrin Barroway Topaz & Kessler, LLP

RADNOR, Pa., April 8, 2008 PRNewswire — The following statement was issued today by the law firm of Schiffrin Barroway Topaz & Kessler, LLP: Notice is hereby given that a class action lawsuit was filed in the United States District Court for the Western District of Kentucky at...

Security Capital Assurance Ltd Notified of Non-compliance with NYSE Continued Listing Standard

HAMILTON, Bermuda, April 8, 2008 PRNewswire-FirstCall — Security Capital Assurance Ltd ("SCA" or the "Company") today announced that the Company received notification from the New York Stock Exchange (the "NYSE") advising it that the Company was not in compliance with a NYSE continued...

PartnerRe to Release 2008 First Quarter Results and Host Analyst Conference Call and Webcast

PEMBROKE, Bermuda, April 8, 2008 PRNewswire-FirstCall — PartnerRe Ltd. (NYSE: PRE) today announced dates for its 2008 first quarter results press release and conference call. PartnerRe will release its 2008 first quarter results after the market close on Monday, April 28, 2008...

Precision Therapeutics Adds 8 Million Covered Lives Under Contract

PITTSBURGH, April 8, 2008 PRNewswire — Precision Therapeutics Inc., a leader in personalized medicine, said today it signed contracts with National Preferred Provider Network (NPPN), PlanCare America (PCA), RMSCO, and SEIBA Inc. NPPN, headquartered in Middletown, NY, is one of the...

Specialty Underwriters' Alliance, Inc. Announces New Stock Repurchase Program

CHICAGO, April 8, 2008 PRNewswire-FirstCall — Specialty Underwriters' Alliance, Inc. (Nasdaq: SUAI) today announced that its board of directors has approved a stock repurchase program of up to 275,000 shares. The program authorizes the purchase of the Company's common stock provided...

Anthem Blue Cross Tackles Childhood Obesity in California Through Free BMI Workshops for Pediatric and Family Medicine Health Care Providers

WOODLAND HILLS, Calif., April 8, 2008 PRNewswire — In recognition of national Public Health Week, Anthem Blue Cross, in collaboration with the California Child Health Disability (CCHD) Program, is hosting three Body Mass Index (BMI) training and promotion workshops in Pasadena, San...

Florida Abandons Paralyzed, Ventilator-Dependent 21-Year-Old Who Needs 24-Hour Skilled Nursing Care

POMPANO BEACH, Fla., April 8, 2008 PRNewswire — The State of Florida has suddenly cut off all funding of a ventilator-dependent paraplegic who needs 24-hour skilled nursing care. Phillip Starling suffers from cerebral palsy and is developmentally delayed. He can't move his paralyzed...

H.W. Kaufman Financial Group Expands Globally with Formation of New London Entity

FARMINGTON HILLS, Mich., April 8, 2008 PRNewswire — Alan Jay Kaufman is bucking the business tide in Michigan. While many companies are retrenching their business, Kaufman is going global. Kaufman, chairman, president and CEO of the national specialty insurance wholesaler H.W. Kaufman...

What Can Travel Insurance Do For You?

WARWICK, R.I., April 8, 2008 PRNewswire — The recent declarations of bankruptcy by Aloha, ATA, and Skybus Airlines have compounded the troubles plaguing today's travel industry and have created enormous anxiety among travelers as well. Travel insurance which protects against such things...

Rising Medical Solutions and WorkCompEDI Establish Relationship to Provide Workers' Compensation eBilling Solutions

CHICAGO, April 8, 2008 PRNewswire — Rising Medical Solutions, Inc. (Rising), a national medical cost containment organization, and WorkCompEDI, an electronic transaction clearinghouse company, recently established a relationship to process electronic billing transactions between...

Claimsnet Announces Agreement With Aetna for Electronic Claims and Remittance Processing

DALLAS, April 8, 2008 PRNewswire-FirstCall — Claimsnet.com (OTC Bulletin Board: CLAI), a leading provider of electronic transaction services to the healthcare industry, announced today that they have signed an agreement with Aetna to provide electronic healthcare transactions...

Daniel Corcoran named President of Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Maine

SOUTH PORTLAND, Maine, April 8, 2008 PRNewswire — Daniel P. Corcoran has been named president of Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Maine. He replaces Erin Hoeflinger, who earlier this year was appointed president of Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Ohio. In his new position...

Researchers Able to Continue their Work to Help Patients Thanks to McDevitt Excellence in Research Awards from Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan Foundation

DETROIT, April 8, 2008 PRNewswire — Five Michigan researchers whose work has helped improve health care for Michigan residents are receiving additional research dollars totaling $50,000 through Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan Foundation's 2008 McDevitt Excellence in Research...

Two Million People Using Kaiser Permanente's Personal Health Record

OAKLAND, Calif., April 8, 2008 PRNewswire — Kaiser Permanente today announced that more than 2 million members are actively using the personal health record My health manager, a number that shows that consumers find Kaiser Permanente's personal health record an effective way to manage...

Pennsylvania Health Plans Employ Various Strategies to Combat Cost of Specialty Drugs

NASHVILLE, Tenn., April 8, 2008 PRNewswire — HealthLeaders-InterStudy, a leading provider of managed care market intelligence, reports that the high cost of specialty drugs is forcing Pennsylvania insurers to get creative in finding ways to control those costs. Specialty drugs &mdash...

WellPoint Named as One of DiversityInc's Top 50 Companies

INDIANAPOLIS, April 8, 2008 PRNewswire-FirstCall — WellPoint, Inc. (NYSE: WLP), the nation's largest health benefits company, announced today that it is included in this year's DiversityInc's list of the Top 50 Companies for Diversity. This is the eighth year that DiversityInc, whose...

Senators Rockefeller, Hatch and Wyden, and Congressmen Stark, Waxman and Camp to Speak at Health Reform Conference July 10-11

WASHINGTON, April 8, 2008 PRNewswire-USNewswire — Atlantic Information Services, Inc. is pleased to announce a unique two-day conference, Health Reform and the 2008 Elections: What's Ahead for Health Care Access, Delivery and Financing, being held on Capitol Hill in Washington on July...

HealthFitness Teams with Pfizer Health Solutions to Implement CMS Senior Risk Reduction Demonstration Project

Three-year demonstration project will test effectiveness of health management programs to lower cost and severity of chronic illness in the Medicare population MINNEAPOLIS, April 8, 2008 PRNewswire-FirstCall — HealthFitness (OTC Bulletin Board: HFIT) announced today it is working with...

SNAP! CRACKLE! POP! Untrained Chiropractors Doing Acupuncture!

SOUTH FALLSBURG, N.Y., April 8, 2008 PRNewswire — Just when you thought it was safe to get acupuncture yet one more group of medical practitioners fights for the right to be shamelessly under qualified. This time it's chiropractors. For licensed acupuncturists it's relatively...

The Initiative for Elder Planning Studies Has Chosen to Include The Estate Vault as Part of Their Membership Offering

LAS VEGAS, April 8, 2008 PRNewswire-FirstCall — The Estate Vault, Inc. (Pink Sheets: TEVI) is pleased to announce that it has entered into an agreement with the Initiative for Elder Planning Studies to provide its more than 2000 members in the US and Canada with The Estate Vault as part...

Video: MADD and Nationwide Commence 2008 Prom Season with THINK.Prom

Teens Encouraged to Pledge to be Safe and Sober During Prom DALLAS, April 8, 2008 PRNewswire-USNewswire — With the 2008 prom season just around the corner, Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) and Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company (Nationwide), ask students to pledge to be alcohol and...

Getting Back Time for Patients

TAMPA, Fla., April 8, 2008 PRNewswire — A Tampa-area company, Empower Technologies, has developed a new generation of medical reporting systems that allows physicians to gain approval from insurance companies more quickly and spend more time with patients as a result. As medical costs...

Phyhealth HMO Applications Accepted by All Required Federal and State Agencies

MIAMI, April 8, 2008 PRNewswire-FirstCall — Physicians Healthcare Management Group, Inc. (Phyhealth) (Pink Sheets: PHYH), a developer of health maintenance organizations (HMOs) in partnership with physicians, today announced that all applications for the launch of its pilot HMO in the...

New York Medicaid Program Establishes Coverage for Trofile(TM)

SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO, Calif., April 8, 2008 PRNewswire-FirstCall — Monogram Biosciences, Inc. (Nasdaq: MGRM) today announced that New York Medicaid has established coverage and reimbursement for Monogram's Trofile Assay, a diagnostic used to determine patient candidacy for Pfizer's new...

How Patients Can Meet the Criteria for Insulin Pump Therapy

PORTLAND, Ore., April 8, 2008 PRNewswire — While many health plan insurers will pay for patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus to have an insulin pump, the criteria for approval is not always clear. "Continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion (CSII) or insulin pump therapy is an ideal...

Enterprise Risk Management Symposium to Focus on Managing Uncertainty, Capitalizing on Risk

CHICAGO, April 7, 2008 PRNewswire — Who: The Casualty Actuarial Society (CAS), the Society of Actuaries (SOA) and the Professional Risk Managers' International Association (PRMIA) What: The sixth annual Enterprise Risk Management (ERM) Symposium, co-sponsored by the CAS, the SOA and...

Disease Management Programs that Focus on Needs of Chronically Ill Patients Can Provide Positive, Cost-Effective Results

SAN FRANCISCO, April 7, 2008 PRNewswire-USNewswire — Comprehensive patient care management techniques that include patient education, provider and care coordination and professional support can sharply reduce utilization, such as hospital days and emergency room visits, and overall...

TruTravel Insurance

ORADELL, N.J., April 7, 2008 PRNewswire — TruTravel Insurance, powered by Meridian Management Group, LLC, a leading developer of travel and specialty health insurance related products and services, is pleased to announce a strategic marketing partnership with InsureMyTrip.com...

Consumer Advocates Call for Refunds, Rate Reductions, for Allstate Policyholders After Company Releases Internal Documents Revealing It Intentionally Underpaid Customers

Documents Show Consumers Need Better Regulation of Insurance Industry; California Rate Cut Shows the Way SANTA MONICA, Calif., April 7, 2008 PRNewswire-USNewswire — Allstate, the nation's second-largest insurance company, has released 150,000 pages of documents that expose a business...

Cover the Uninsured Week in Michigan is April 27 - May 3

DETROIT, April 7, 2008 PRNewswire — Leaders from throughout Michigan including representatives of insurers, health systems, labor, business and the faith community will launch Cover The Uninsured Week in Michigan at a special Health Expo for the Uninsured, Monday, April 28 at Cobo...

Medicare Bidding Program for Dallas, Texas is Rife with Errors, Says American Association for Homecare

Program Will Put Medical Equipment Providers Out of Business and Disrupt Services to as Many as a Half Million Seniors in Dallas Area; Austin, Beaumont, El Paso, Houston, McAllen, and San Antonio Are Next ARLINGTON, Va., April 7, 2008 PRNewswire-USNewswire — A new Medicare bidding...

Physicians: McCain's Health Care Plan More Realistic Than Obama's and Clinton's

FLEMINGTON, N.J., April 7, 2008 PRNewswire-USNewswire — A national study among 603 physicians revealed that based on their knowledge of the proposed health care plans, physicians reported that Senator McCain's plan is more realistic in terms of implementation than Senator Hillary...

Medicare Bidding Program for Charlotte, N.C. is Plagued by Errors, Says American Association for Homecare

Bidding Program Will Put Durable Medical Equipment Providers Out of Business and Disrupt Services to as Many as 174,000 of Seniors in the Charlotte Area ARLINGTON, Va., April 7, 2008 PRNewswire-USNewswire — A new Medicare bidding program for durable medical equipment (DME) scheduled...

AXA Equitable Helps Americans Secure Their Financial Future with More Affordable Lapse Protection Coverage

NEW YORK, April 7, 2008 PRNewswire-FirstCall — In today's uncertain economy, many Americans seek financial guarantees. AXA Equitable Life Insurance Company announced today that it's making it easier for Americans to secure their financial future, by offering more competitive rates in...

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