New Life Agency, Inc. today announced that it has added Pacific Fertility Center-Los Angeles to its Assisted Reproduction Insurance Program® (ARI) preferred provider network. Together, with Pacific Fertility Center-Los Angeles and The Diamond Institute IVF Center-New York, ARI continues to offer some of the best financial solutions in the country for the ever-rising costs of in vitro fertilization (IVF) treatments, procedures and fertility medications to patients suffering from infertility.
ARI provides negotiated contract rates with board-certified obstetrics, gynecology, reproductive endocrinology and infertility physicians to insure patients' fertility treatments, complications and provide full maternity insurance. ARI combines insurance coverage with a fertility medication discount plan that can save Pacific Fertility Center's patients more than 50 percent on the cost of standard services, totaling thousands of dollars over the average treatment term. In addition, the program offers hundreds of dollars in discounts on fertility medications through Walgreens Specialty Pharmacy. The innovative program goes beyond the traditional IVF shared risk program offered by some IVF centers by aggregating the cost of consultations, testing, complication insurance, IVF treatments, surgical treatments and medications to offer additional savings.
Pacific Fertility Center-Los Angeles was founded more than 10 years ago by the team that pioneered the nation's first private in vitro fertilization center. Since that time, Pacific Fertility Center's physicians have introduced a number of innovations in the treatment of infertility, and have been at the forefront in defining standards of care and accountability. The sole owner, medical director and world renowned reproductive endocrinologist, Vick Sahakian, MD, along with his colleagues, pioneered one of the most revolutionary financial programs in modern medicine where the doctor was willing to assume risk. Today, by joining The ARI Program, the insurer, the physician and the fertility medication is sharing the risk in treating women with infertility. Dr. Sahakian has performed over 6,000 IVF procedures and is responsible for the birth of more than 4,000 babies worldwide.
The ARI Program offers multiple plan choices, according to the IVF physician utilized within the preferred provider network for individual fertility needs allowing the patient to move through their process to pregnancy fully aware of the total out of pocket cost. If pregnancy is not achieved, the program offers refunds and credits during the 18-month enrollment term.
New Life leveraged its industry-leading insurance offerings as a Lloyd's of London Broker along with its own licensed, third-party administration company, New World Administrators, Inc. to forge the unique preferred provider contracted network solely with infertility doctors and facilities/centers.
Trish Taylor, president of New Life Agency, announced, "Our growing success with Assisted Reproduction Insurance Programs like ARI is a testament to healthcare reform today. People who have no infertility insurance or limited coverage now have options. Patients facing infertility issues need insurance when this risk occurs. New Life Agency is committed to help control infertility costs and fill the gap traditional insurances don't provide. We are honored to have such an innovative leader and doctor as Vick Sahakian join our network. Our commitment to work together will help patients lower their risk and stress so they may concentrate on what matters most, creating their family."
Vick, Sahakian, MD, owner and medical director of The Pacific Fertility Center-LA said today, "The ARI program continues my efforts to forever change the way we practice medicine in the field of reproductive sciences."
Enyde Polesuk, vice president of product development, fertility services, for Walgreens Specialty Pharmacy added, "Our goal is to offer personalized fertility pharmacy services along with the best possible support for these very specialized pharmacy needs. We're pleased to be a part of this first-of-its-kind cost solution and look forward to making our services more accessible than ever for hopeful parents-to-be."
Showing posts with label Public Insurance. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Public Insurance. Show all posts
Thursday, January 27, 2011
Anesthesia Business Consultants along with ePREOP Announces Point of Care Self-Pay and Coinsurance Resolution Upgrade to ePREOP at ASA Conference on Practice Management
Anesthesia Business Consultants, LLC (ABC) is excited to announce a new upgrade to ePREOP which will be premiered at the American Society of Anesthesiologists Conference on Practice Management in Houston held from January 28th through the 29th. ePREOP offers a revolutionary software that promises to improve outcomes and save healthcare dollars, and now allows for the capturing of patient payment information, such as credit card information, resulting in faster payment processing with fewer errors.
The American Society of Anesthesiologists Conference on Practice Management is the premiere anesthesiology practice management program of the year, making this the ideal venue to demonstrate ePREOP Integrated Preoperative Services’ new patient payment capturing upgrade. The exhibits will open on Friday, January 28th at 11:45 a.m. Together in booth number #302, ABC and ePREOP will be demonstrating this significant software upgrade to the anesthesia community. Attendees are invited to see live product demonstrations and talk with the creators. The exhibit hall will close Saturday, January 29th at 8:00 pm, so attendees are encouraged not to delay.
ePREOP was designed specifically to bridge the gap between the physician office and operating room. The web-based software gathers information from an existing electronic record or directly from the patient using ePREOP’s intake form. This intake form is available online via home computer, clinic-based kiosk, or iPad. This allows for a seamless transfer of patient data between parties and eliminates duplicate patient interviews. ePREOP automatically analyzes that information (evaluating hundreds of thousands of data points), considers surgical risk, and generates evidence-based preoperative clinical guidelines. These guidelines improve outcomes and decrease costs.
ePREOP’s products increase reimbursement for a subscribing institution through a variety of services including the most recent advancement—capturing patient payment information, including both insurance and credit card information. This allows for prompt payment collection, regardless of whether the deductible has been met, coinsurance has been collected, or it is a self-pay case. These payment capture services can be utilized by both the contracting facility and anesthesia groups.
“Our relationship with ePREOP allows us to serve our clients better. By utilizing this electronic record, practitioners can save time and money. And the ability to capture payment information—both insurance and credit card—will significantly reduce billing time and errors,” says Tony Mira, President and CEO of ABC. “We are relentlessly searching to discover these opportunities for our clients, and we are excited to announce this ePREOP software upgrade.”
ABC, established in 1979, is one of the largest billing and practice management companies dedicated to the complex and intricate specialty of anesthesia and pain management. Its accomplished in-house technology staff has created and maintains the ABC proprietary practice management software, F1RSTAnesthesiaTM, including F1RSTAnesthesiaRecord an electronic pen that creates electronic medical records utilizing existing forms, and the mobile web app F1RSTAccess which allows clients to view reports on the go. The other technologies ABC provides their clients include iMDsoft®, MetaVision’s leading AIMS; and ePREOP’s web-based preoperative evaluation form. ABC employs industry leaders, operates under proven efficient processes, and utilizes technology advances to easily adapt to the ever-changing regulatory environment.
The American Society of Anesthesiologists Conference on Practice Management is the premiere anesthesiology practice management program of the year, making this the ideal venue to demonstrate ePREOP Integrated Preoperative Services’ new patient payment capturing upgrade. The exhibits will open on Friday, January 28th at 11:45 a.m. Together in booth number #302, ABC and ePREOP will be demonstrating this significant software upgrade to the anesthesia community. Attendees are invited to see live product demonstrations and talk with the creators. The exhibit hall will close Saturday, January 29th at 8:00 pm, so attendees are encouraged not to delay.
ePREOP was designed specifically to bridge the gap between the physician office and operating room. The web-based software gathers information from an existing electronic record or directly from the patient using ePREOP’s intake form. This intake form is available online via home computer, clinic-based kiosk, or iPad. This allows for a seamless transfer of patient data between parties and eliminates duplicate patient interviews. ePREOP automatically analyzes that information (evaluating hundreds of thousands of data points), considers surgical risk, and generates evidence-based preoperative clinical guidelines. These guidelines improve outcomes and decrease costs.
ePREOP’s products increase reimbursement for a subscribing institution through a variety of services including the most recent advancement—capturing patient payment information, including both insurance and credit card information. This allows for prompt payment collection, regardless of whether the deductible has been met, coinsurance has been collected, or it is a self-pay case. These payment capture services can be utilized by both the contracting facility and anesthesia groups.
“Our relationship with ePREOP allows us to serve our clients better. By utilizing this electronic record, practitioners can save time and money. And the ability to capture payment information—both insurance and credit card—will significantly reduce billing time and errors,” says Tony Mira, President and CEO of ABC. “We are relentlessly searching to discover these opportunities for our clients, and we are excited to announce this ePREOP software upgrade.”
ABC, established in 1979, is one of the largest billing and practice management companies dedicated to the complex and intricate specialty of anesthesia and pain management. Its accomplished in-house technology staff has created and maintains the ABC proprietary practice management software, F1RSTAnesthesiaTM, including F1RSTAnesthesiaRecord an electronic pen that creates electronic medical records utilizing existing forms, and the mobile web app F1RSTAccess which allows clients to view reports on the go. The other technologies ABC provides their clients include iMDsoft®, MetaVision’s leading AIMS; and ePREOP’s web-based preoperative evaluation form. ABC employs industry leaders, operates under proven efficient processes, and utilizes technology advances to easily adapt to the ever-changing regulatory environment.
Assured Guaranty Ltd. to Host Conference Call on Proposed S&P Ratings Criteria for Financial Guarantors on February 1, 2011
Assured Guaranty Ltd. (NYSE:AGO - News) (“the Company”) announced that it will host a conference call and webcast on the topic of Standard & Poor’s Ratings Services’ proposal to change its criteria for rating financial guaranty insurance companies. The conference call will begin at 11:00 a.m. Eastern Time (12:00 p.m. Atlantic Time) on Tuesday, February 1, 2011. Slides to be used on the call will be available prior to the call in the Investor Information section of the Company's website located at http://www.assuredguaranty.com.
The conference call will be available via live and archived webcast in the Investor Information section of the Company’s website at http://www.assuredguaranty.com or by dialing 866-730-5766 (in the U.S.) or 857-350-1590 (International), passcode 15065198. A replay of the call will be available through March 1, 2011. To listen to the replay, dial: 888-286-8010 (in the U.S.) or 617-801-6888 (International), passcode 47220665.
Assured Guaranty Ltd. is a publicly-traded Bermuda-based holding company. Its operating subsidiaries provide credit enhancement products to the U.S. and international public finance, infrastructure and structured finance markets. More information on the Assured Guaranty family of companies can be found at www.assuredguaranty.com.
The conference call will be available via live and archived webcast in the Investor Information section of the Company’s website at http://www.assuredguaranty.com or by dialing 866-730-5766 (in the U.S.) or 857-350-1590 (International), passcode 15065198. A replay of the call will be available through March 1, 2011. To listen to the replay, dial: 888-286-8010 (in the U.S.) or 617-801-6888 (International), passcode 47220665.
Assured Guaranty Ltd. is a publicly-traded Bermuda-based holding company. Its operating subsidiaries provide credit enhancement products to the U.S. and international public finance, infrastructure and structured finance markets. More information on the Assured Guaranty family of companies can be found at www.assuredguaranty.com.
Appeals court to expedite Virginia healthcare challenges
An appeals court on Wednesday agreed to expedite consideration of challenges in Virginia to the new landmark healthcare bill's requirement that Americans buy insurance coverage, setting arguments for May.
U.S. District Judge Henry Hudson last month backed the argument by Virginia's attorney general that Congress exceeded its authority by requiring Americans to start buying health insurance in 2014 or face a fine, a key provision strongly backed by President Barack Obama.
Both sides appealed to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit, based in Richmond, and requested that the case be expedited. The court set oral arguments to be held between May 10-13.
Obama administration officials have vigorously defended the individual coverage mandate as passing constitutional muster. A multi-state lawsuit against the insurance mandate is also pending in Florida and a ruling is expected soon. (nN20115665)
Virginia's lawyers have argued that the federal government could not regulate someone for not buying a good or service under the U.S. Constitution's Commerce Clause and could not penalize them for failing to buy health insurance.
The state's Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli appealed as well, arguing that the judge should have thrown out the entire law. He is also considering whether to bypass the Fourth Circuit court and go straight to the U.S. Supreme Court.
The appeals court also agreed to hear during the same period in May another appeal involving the healthcare law.
A different federal judge in Virginia in November ruled the individual mandate and a requirement some employers buy coverage for employees was legal under the Commerce Clause in a lawsuit filed by Liberty University, a college founded by the conservative evangelical leader Jerry Falwell.
U.S. District Judge Henry Hudson last month backed the argument by Virginia's attorney general that Congress exceeded its authority by requiring Americans to start buying health insurance in 2014 or face a fine, a key provision strongly backed by President Barack Obama.
Both sides appealed to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit, based in Richmond, and requested that the case be expedited. The court set oral arguments to be held between May 10-13.
Obama administration officials have vigorously defended the individual coverage mandate as passing constitutional muster. A multi-state lawsuit against the insurance mandate is also pending in Florida and a ruling is expected soon. (nN20115665)
Virginia's lawyers have argued that the federal government could not regulate someone for not buying a good or service under the U.S. Constitution's Commerce Clause and could not penalize them for failing to buy health insurance.
The state's Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli appealed as well, arguing that the judge should have thrown out the entire law. He is also considering whether to bypass the Fourth Circuit court and go straight to the U.S. Supreme Court.
The appeals court also agreed to hear during the same period in May another appeal involving the healthcare law.
A different federal judge in Virginia in November ruled the individual mandate and a requirement some employers buy coverage for employees was legal under the Commerce Clause in a lawsuit filed by Liberty University, a college founded by the conservative evangelical leader Jerry Falwell.
Wednesday, December 22, 2010
Allianz Launches Your Cover Insurance On Moneysupermarket.com
Allianz Insurance's new online-only car insurance offering, Your Cover insurance, is now available on leading comparison website, Moneysupermarket.com.
Your Cover insurance, which is already available from www.yourcoverinsurance.co.uk, has been developed following research with over 4,000 consumers. The product provides customers with the flexibility to build their own bespoke policy and choose the level of cover to suit their individual lifestyle and needs.
Customers can purchase a basic level of comprehensive cover and then add up to 14 optional insurance covers such as Breakdown, Foreign Travel and Roofbox and Trailer Cover.
Policyholders can also select the level of excess that is right for them and, unlike many motor insurance providers, Your Cover does not charge administrative fees for any changes made to policies.
Andy James, head of direct customer marketing for Allianz Retail, says: "Your Cover insurance gives consumers exactly what they have been asking for - the flexibility to build a tailor made policy with a level of cover to suit individual needs - this flexibility ultimately allows customers to have more control over their premium costs.
"Moneysupermarket.com is the UK's leading finance price comparison website and is an excellent platform for Allianz Your Cover insurance. Allianz always strives to meet consumer demand and appreciates that comparison sites present a popular way to buy insurance products."
Your Cover insurance, which is already available from www.yourcoverinsurance.co.uk, has been developed following research with over 4,000 consumers. The product provides customers with the flexibility to build their own bespoke policy and choose the level of cover to suit their individual lifestyle and needs.
Customers can purchase a basic level of comprehensive cover and then add up to 14 optional insurance covers such as Breakdown, Foreign Travel and Roofbox and Trailer Cover.
Policyholders can also select the level of excess that is right for them and, unlike many motor insurance providers, Your Cover does not charge administrative fees for any changes made to policies.
Andy James, head of direct customer marketing for Allianz Retail, says: "Your Cover insurance gives consumers exactly what they have been asking for - the flexibility to build a tailor made policy with a level of cover to suit individual needs - this flexibility ultimately allows customers to have more control over their premium costs.
"Moneysupermarket.com is the UK's leading finance price comparison website and is an excellent platform for Allianz Your Cover insurance. Allianz always strives to meet consumer demand and appreciates that comparison sites present a popular way to buy insurance products."
REPEAT-BMO Donates $10,000 to Help Flood Victims
BMO Financial Group announced today it is donating $10,000 to the Canadian Red Cross to support those affected by flooding in New Brunswick and Nova Scotia.
"The recent storms have caused flooding and power outages, isolating some communities like St. Stephen," said Christine M. Cooper, Vice President, New Brunswick & PEI District, BMO Bank of Montreal. "We hope this donation will help alleviate some of the difficulties faced by affected residents."
This donation follows BMO's announcement that its Flood Relief Program, introduced on November 10, is still available for its customers who have suffered damage or loss of income because of the flooding.
The BMO Bank of Montreal Flood Relief Program includes:
-- Personal loan payments deferrals - various options.
-- Personal mortgages - deferral of the principal and interest payments for
a period of two months.
-- Special accommodations for commercial clients affected by the flooding
are being developed on a case-by-case basis.
"We've always stood behind our customers, through good times and challenging times, and we are ready to assist qualifying BMO personal and business customers by deferring payments on their loans, mortgages or lines of credit," said Steve Murphy, Senior Vice President, Atlantic Canada.
BMO Bank of Montreal customers are invited to visit their local branch and to speak to a financial services manager about their particular financial needs resulting from the floods.
"The recent storms have caused flooding and power outages, isolating some communities like St. Stephen," said Christine M. Cooper, Vice President, New Brunswick & PEI District, BMO Bank of Montreal. "We hope this donation will help alleviate some of the difficulties faced by affected residents."
This donation follows BMO's announcement that its Flood Relief Program, introduced on November 10, is still available for its customers who have suffered damage or loss of income because of the flooding.
The BMO Bank of Montreal Flood Relief Program includes:
-- Personal loan payments deferrals - various options.
-- Personal mortgages - deferral of the principal and interest payments for
a period of two months.
-- Special accommodations for commercial clients affected by the flooding
are being developed on a case-by-case basis.
"We've always stood behind our customers, through good times and challenging times, and we are ready to assist qualifying BMO personal and business customers by deferring payments on their loans, mortgages or lines of credit," said Steve Murphy, Senior Vice President, Atlantic Canada.
BMO Bank of Montreal customers are invited to visit their local branch and to speak to a financial services manager about their particular financial needs resulting from the floods.
Bradesco Aims for 20 Million New Customers in the Coming Years
The following was released today by Bradesco Seguros (NYSE:BBD - News)
Strategy
Bradesco Seguros, the largest insurance group in Latin America with approximately 36 million policyholders and annual revenue around US$ 14 billion, hopes to add 20 million new clients, leveraged primarily on the strength of microinsurance, an insurance program tailored to the low-income population with coverage for specific risks and at amounts that are suitable for this segment. The estimate was made by the executive director of the Group, Eugenio Velasques. His forecast was based on a survey by the Getulio Vargas Foundation (FGV) that estimates the potential public for these products to be 100 million Brazilians who are currently outside the insurance market. The regulation of the microinsurance market is still under consideration by the Brazilian Congress and it is expected that legislation allowing these products to be offered will be approved early in 2011. According to the Bradesco executive, a project designed exclusively to meet both the terms of the regulations and that also is flexible will be critical for success in the Brazilian microinsurance market.
Grupo Bradesco Seguros, according to Velasques, first offered products with the concept and the philosophy of microinsurance, such as Primeira Protecao Bradesco (Bradesco First Protection), in January of this year in the Rocinha (Rio de Janeiro state) and Heliopolis (Sao Paulo state) slums ("favelas"). The company expects to close 2010 having underwritten more than 560,000 policies, with monthly premiums of R$ 3.50 that will pay an accidental death benefit of R$ 20,000 to the beneficiaries of the policyholder. Another example of product is Bradesco Bilhete Residencial – "Estou Seguro!" Project (Bradesco Home Insurance – "I'm Safe!" Project), that was launched in September 2010 in the Morro Dona Marta slum ("favela") (Rio de Janeiro state). With yearly premiums of R $ 9.90, it offers insurance for residential fire, explosion or lightning, with coverage up to R$ 10,000. Velasques also said Bradesco had decided not to wait for implementation of a regulatory framework for microinsurance to be formalized before testing the market. He noted that after more than 80 surveys in recent years and the Organization's existing track record of meeting the needs of low-income segments, the company already had the necessary elements to conduct a pilot test in this important segment.
Bradesco Seguros, which is the only insurance company to have at least one insured person in every city in Brazil, relies on the strength and the presence of Banco Bradesco and a network of insurance brokers in 5,564 municipalities in Brazil, offering access to a large portion of the Brazilian population that today has neither life insurance nor any other kind of insurance protection.
Bradesco Seguros will introduce new products in 2011
After the passage of the bill regulating this new insurance policy model, Grupo Bradesco Seguros expects to offer 8 new microinsurance product options with monthly premiums ranging from R$ 3 to R$ 15. The insurance programs basically combine two or three different kinds of coverage/protection: one for home and life insurance; another for personal accident with financial protection/unemployment; and a third for financial protection with funeral assistance.
The insurance company, in addition to new products, is developing a series of projects that include changes in operating processes, improvements in IT and the establishment of alternative distribution channels to reach these 20 million new clients.
Special Event Support
The experience that Grupo Bradesco Seguros has gained in the growing market in Brazil will be presented during the 7th World Microinsurance Conference in November 2011. This important and essential insurance industry event is being sponsored by the Munich Re Foundation with the support of the Microinsurance Network and CNSEG (National Confederation of General and Life Insurance, Supplementary Health and Pension Plans and Capitalization Companies).
Strategy
Bradesco Seguros, the largest insurance group in Latin America with approximately 36 million policyholders and annual revenue around US$ 14 billion, hopes to add 20 million new clients, leveraged primarily on the strength of microinsurance, an insurance program tailored to the low-income population with coverage for specific risks and at amounts that are suitable for this segment. The estimate was made by the executive director of the Group, Eugenio Velasques. His forecast was based on a survey by the Getulio Vargas Foundation (FGV) that estimates the potential public for these products to be 100 million Brazilians who are currently outside the insurance market. The regulation of the microinsurance market is still under consideration by the Brazilian Congress and it is expected that legislation allowing these products to be offered will be approved early in 2011. According to the Bradesco executive, a project designed exclusively to meet both the terms of the regulations and that also is flexible will be critical for success in the Brazilian microinsurance market.
Grupo Bradesco Seguros, according to Velasques, first offered products with the concept and the philosophy of microinsurance, such as Primeira Protecao Bradesco (Bradesco First Protection), in January of this year in the Rocinha (Rio de Janeiro state) and Heliopolis (Sao Paulo state) slums ("favelas"). The company expects to close 2010 having underwritten more than 560,000 policies, with monthly premiums of R$ 3.50 that will pay an accidental death benefit of R$ 20,000 to the beneficiaries of the policyholder. Another example of product is Bradesco Bilhete Residencial – "Estou Seguro!" Project (Bradesco Home Insurance – "I'm Safe!" Project), that was launched in September 2010 in the Morro Dona Marta slum ("favela") (Rio de Janeiro state). With yearly premiums of R $ 9.90, it offers insurance for residential fire, explosion or lightning, with coverage up to R$ 10,000. Velasques also said Bradesco had decided not to wait for implementation of a regulatory framework for microinsurance to be formalized before testing the market. He noted that after more than 80 surveys in recent years and the Organization's existing track record of meeting the needs of low-income segments, the company already had the necessary elements to conduct a pilot test in this important segment.
Bradesco Seguros, which is the only insurance company to have at least one insured person in every city in Brazil, relies on the strength and the presence of Banco Bradesco and a network of insurance brokers in 5,564 municipalities in Brazil, offering access to a large portion of the Brazilian population that today has neither life insurance nor any other kind of insurance protection.
Bradesco Seguros will introduce new products in 2011
After the passage of the bill regulating this new insurance policy model, Grupo Bradesco Seguros expects to offer 8 new microinsurance product options with monthly premiums ranging from R$ 3 to R$ 15. The insurance programs basically combine two or three different kinds of coverage/protection: one for home and life insurance; another for personal accident with financial protection/unemployment; and a third for financial protection with funeral assistance.
The insurance company, in addition to new products, is developing a series of projects that include changes in operating processes, improvements in IT and the establishment of alternative distribution channels to reach these 20 million new clients.
Special Event Support
The experience that Grupo Bradesco Seguros has gained in the growing market in Brazil will be presented during the 7th World Microinsurance Conference in November 2011. This important and essential insurance industry event is being sponsored by the Munich Re Foundation with the support of the Microinsurance Network and CNSEG (National Confederation of General and Life Insurance, Supplementary Health and Pension Plans and Capitalization Companies).
Franklin Universal Trust Declares Monthly Dividend
Franklin Universal Trust (NYSE:FT - News), a closed-end investment company managed by Franklin Advisers, Inc., announced today a dividend of $0.038 per share, payable January 14, 2011, to shareholders of record on December 31, 2010 (Ex-Dividend Date: December 29, 2010).
Franklin Advisers, Inc. is a wholly owned subsidiary of Franklin Resources, Inc. (NYSE:BEN - News), a global investment management organization operating as Franklin Templeton Investments. Franklin Templeton Investments provides global and domestic investment management solutions managed by its Franklin, Templeton, Mutual Series, Fiduciary Trust, Darby and Bissett investment teams. The San Mateo, CA-based company has more than 60 years of investment experience and over $642 billion in assets under management as of November 30, 2010. For more information, please call 1-800/DIAL BEN® or visit franklintempleton.com.
Franklin Advisers, Inc. is a wholly owned subsidiary of Franklin Resources, Inc. (NYSE:BEN - News), a global investment management organization operating as Franklin Templeton Investments. Franklin Templeton Investments provides global and domestic investment management solutions managed by its Franklin, Templeton, Mutual Series, Fiduciary Trust, Darby and Bissett investment teams. The San Mateo, CA-based company has more than 60 years of investment experience and over $642 billion in assets under management as of November 30, 2010. For more information, please call 1-800/DIAL BEN® or visit franklintempleton.com.
Franklin Templeton Limited Duration Income Trust Declares Monthly and Special Dividend
Franklin Templeton Limited Duration Income Trust (AMEX:FTF - News), a closed-end investment company managed by Franklin Advisers, Inc., announced today a dividend of $0.163 per share, payable January 14, 2011, to shareholders of record on December 31, 2010 (Ex-Dividend Date: December 29, 2010). The dividend is comprised of a monthly distribution of $0.083 per share and a special income distribution of $0.080 per share. The special distribution allows the Fund to meet its 2010 distribution requirements for federal tax purposes.
Based on the Fund's net asset value (NAV) of $13.87 at the close of the market on December 20, 2010, the Fund's monthly dividend ($0.083 per share) represents an annualized yield at NAV of 7.18%. At the Fund's market price of $12.92 at the close of the NYSE Amex on December 20, 2010, the Fund's monthly dividend represents an annualized market yield of 7.71%.
Franklin Advisers, Inc. is a wholly owned subsidiary of Franklin Resources, Inc. (NYSE:BEN - News), a global investment management organization operating as Franklin Templeton Investments. Franklin Templeton Investments provides global and domestic investment management solutions managed by its Franklin, Templeton, Mutual Series, Fiduciary Trust, Darby and Bissett investment teams. The San Mateo, CA-based company has more than 60 years of investment experience and over $642 billion in assets under management as of November 30, 2010. For more information, please call 1-800/DIAL BEN® or visit franklintempleton.com.
Based on the Fund's net asset value (NAV) of $13.87 at the close of the market on December 20, 2010, the Fund's monthly dividend ($0.083 per share) represents an annualized yield at NAV of 7.18%. At the Fund's market price of $12.92 at the close of the NYSE Amex on December 20, 2010, the Fund's monthly dividend represents an annualized market yield of 7.71%.
Franklin Advisers, Inc. is a wholly owned subsidiary of Franklin Resources, Inc. (NYSE:BEN - News), a global investment management organization operating as Franklin Templeton Investments. Franklin Templeton Investments provides global and domestic investment management solutions managed by its Franklin, Templeton, Mutual Series, Fiduciary Trust, Darby and Bissett investment teams. The San Mateo, CA-based company has more than 60 years of investment experience and over $642 billion in assets under management as of November 30, 2010. For more information, please call 1-800/DIAL BEN® or visit franklintempleton.com.
RenaissanceRe to Participate in the Bank of America Merrill Lynch Reinsurance Renewals Conference Call
RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd. (NYSE:RNR - News) announced today that Kevin J. O'Donnell, Executive Vice President and Global Chief Underwriting Officer, will participate in the Bank of America Merrill Lynch January Reinsurance Renewals Conference Call on Tuesday, January 4, 2011, at 10:00 am ET.
The conference call may be accessed by dialing 888-686-9679 (US callers) or 913-312-1499 (international callers) and entering the passcode 1932141. The replay of the call will be available through January 11, 2010 by dialing 888-203-1112 and entering the passcode 1932141.
RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd. is a global provider of reinsurance and insurance. Its core products currently include property catastrophe reinsurance, written through its principal operating subsidiary Renaissance Reinsurance Ltd. and joint ventures, principally DaVinci Reinsurance Ltd. and Top Layer Reinsurance Ltd.; specialty reinsurance risks written through Renaissance Reinsurance Ltd. and DaVinci Reinsurance Ltd.; and primary insurance and quota share reinsurance, written through the operating subsidiaries of RenRe Insurance Holdings Ltd.
The conference call may be accessed by dialing 888-686-9679 (US callers) or 913-312-1499 (international callers) and entering the passcode 1932141. The replay of the call will be available through January 11, 2010 by dialing 888-203-1112 and entering the passcode 1932141.
RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd. is a global provider of reinsurance and insurance. Its core products currently include property catastrophe reinsurance, written through its principal operating subsidiary Renaissance Reinsurance Ltd. and joint ventures, principally DaVinci Reinsurance Ltd. and Top Layer Reinsurance Ltd.; specialty reinsurance risks written through Renaissance Reinsurance Ltd. and DaVinci Reinsurance Ltd.; and primary insurance and quota share reinsurance, written through the operating subsidiaries of RenRe Insurance Holdings Ltd.
CNO Financial Group, Inc. Announces Completion of Refinancing
CNO Financial Group, Inc. (NYSE:CNO - News) announced today that it has closed its offering of $275.0 million aggregate principal amount of 9.00% senior secured notes due January 2018 and a $375.0 million senior secured credit facility which matures in September 2016. The net proceeds from the notes offering and the new senior secured credit facility, together with available cash, were used to repay the Company's prior senior secured credit facility.
"We are extremely pleased with the success of our comprehensive refinancing plan, which, due to significant demand and favorable pricing, was increased to $650 million from $625 million," CEO Jim Prieur said. "CNO now has a strengthened capital structure with a significant lengthening of the maturity of our debt, giving us increased financial flexibility, including the ability to buy back stock," Prieur said.
The notes were offered and sold to "qualified institutional buyers" as defined in Rule 144A under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act"), and outside the United States in reliance on Regulation S under the Securities Act.
This press release does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy the notes or any other securities. The notes have not been and will not be registered under the Securities Act or any state securities laws and may not be offered or sold in the United States absent registration except pursuant to an applicable exemption from the registration requirements of the Securities Act and applicable state securities laws.
"We are extremely pleased with the success of our comprehensive refinancing plan, which, due to significant demand and favorable pricing, was increased to $650 million from $625 million," CEO Jim Prieur said. "CNO now has a strengthened capital structure with a significant lengthening of the maturity of our debt, giving us increased financial flexibility, including the ability to buy back stock," Prieur said.
The notes were offered and sold to "qualified institutional buyers" as defined in Rule 144A under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act"), and outside the United States in reliance on Regulation S under the Securities Act.
This press release does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy the notes or any other securities. The notes have not been and will not be registered under the Securities Act or any state securities laws and may not be offered or sold in the United States absent registration except pursuant to an applicable exemption from the registration requirements of the Securities Act and applicable state securities laws.
BMO Donates $10,000 to Help Flood Victims
BMO Financial Group announced today it is donating $10,000 to the Canadian Red Cross to support those affected by flooding in New Brunswick and Nova Scotia.
"The recent storms have caused flooding and power outages, isolating some communities like St. Stephen," said Christine M. Cooper, Vice President, New Brunswick & PEI District, BMO Bank of Montreal. "We hope this donation will help alleviate some of the difficulties faced by affected residents."
This donation follows BMO's announcement that its Flood Relief Program, introduced on November 10, is still available for its customers who have suffered damage or loss of income because of the flooding.
The BMO Bank of Montreal Flood Relief Program includes:
-- Personal loan payments deferrals - various options.
-- Personal mortgages - deferral of the principal and interest payments for
a period of two months.
-- Special accommodations for commercial clients affected by the flooding
are being developed on a case-by-case basis.
"We've always stood behind our customers, through good times and challenging times, and we are ready to assist qualifying BMO personal and business customers by deferring payments on their loans, mortgages or lines of credit," said Steve Murphy, Senior Vice President, Atlantic Canada.
BMO Bank of Montreal customers are invited to visit their local branch and to speak to a financial services manager about their particular financial needs resulting from the floods.
"The recent storms have caused flooding and power outages, isolating some communities like St. Stephen," said Christine M. Cooper, Vice President, New Brunswick & PEI District, BMO Bank of Montreal. "We hope this donation will help alleviate some of the difficulties faced by affected residents."
This donation follows BMO's announcement that its Flood Relief Program, introduced on November 10, is still available for its customers who have suffered damage or loss of income because of the flooding.
The BMO Bank of Montreal Flood Relief Program includes:
-- Personal loan payments deferrals - various options.
-- Personal mortgages - deferral of the principal and interest payments for
a period of two months.
-- Special accommodations for commercial clients affected by the flooding
are being developed on a case-by-case basis.
"We've always stood behind our customers, through good times and challenging times, and we are ready to assist qualifying BMO personal and business customers by deferring payments on their loans, mortgages or lines of credit," said Steve Murphy, Senior Vice President, Atlantic Canada.
BMO Bank of Montreal customers are invited to visit their local branch and to speak to a financial services manager about their particular financial needs resulting from the floods.
CFTC names "flash crash" expert as chief economist
The U.S. futures regulator said on Tuesday it has promoted Andrei Kirilenko, an economist known for his role in the review of the May 6 "flash crash," as chief economist for the Commodity Futures Trading Commission.
Kirilenko, who has worked on research into how high-frequency and algorithmic trading affects markets, has been highly sought after by commissioners seeking opinions on how to use new authority to rein in computer-driven trading, and how to try to prevent another flash crash.
The CFTC's chief economist is responsible for a team of analysts who provide advice to the CFTC on policy and economic research.
The agency's former chief economist, Jeffrey Harris, faced skepticism from lawmakers after oil prices spiked to record highs in 2008 when he testified that speculators were not behind the surge. Harris left the agency to return to academia in February.
Kirilenko joined the CFTC in 2008 after 12 years at the International Monetary Fund, where he worked on global capital markets issues. He has a PhD in economics from the University of Pennsylvania.
Kirilenko was awarded the CFTC's highest honor -- the Chairman's Award for Excellence -- in 2010.
He was part of the team from the CFTC and Securities and Exchange Commission that investigated the May 6 flash crash, when the Dow Jones industrial average took an unprecedented dive of nearly 700 points in minutes before recovering.
He has defended the agencies' staff report against critics, noting it is "the most exact audit trail" of what happened in markets that day.
Kirilenko was also a co-author of an academic report that concluded high-frequency traders did not trigger the events of May 6, but "exacerbated" volatility.
Kirilenko, who has worked on research into how high-frequency and algorithmic trading affects markets, has been highly sought after by commissioners seeking opinions on how to use new authority to rein in computer-driven trading, and how to try to prevent another flash crash.
The CFTC's chief economist is responsible for a team of analysts who provide advice to the CFTC on policy and economic research.
The agency's former chief economist, Jeffrey Harris, faced skepticism from lawmakers after oil prices spiked to record highs in 2008 when he testified that speculators were not behind the surge. Harris left the agency to return to academia in February.
Kirilenko joined the CFTC in 2008 after 12 years at the International Monetary Fund, where he worked on global capital markets issues. He has a PhD in economics from the University of Pennsylvania.
Kirilenko was awarded the CFTC's highest honor -- the Chairman's Award for Excellence -- in 2010.
He was part of the team from the CFTC and Securities and Exchange Commission that investigated the May 6 flash crash, when the Dow Jones industrial average took an unprecedented dive of nearly 700 points in minutes before recovering.
He has defended the agencies' staff report against critics, noting it is "the most exact audit trail" of what happened in markets that day.
Kirilenko was also a co-author of an academic report that concluded high-frequency traders did not trigger the events of May 6, but "exacerbated" volatility.
AtTask Continues Strong Growth; Expands Executive Team
creators of the first true social work management platform and worldwide leader in on-demand project and portfolio management software, today announced the appointment of Steve Erickson, Partner at SageCreek Partners, to its Board of Directors, Jody Bailey as VP of Engineering, and Bryan D. Nielson as VP of Product Management.
“The addition of these executives is evidence of our commitment to the future development of our work management offerings,” said Scott Johnson, CEO of AtTask. “The expertise and experience that these men bring to our team will be instrumental in making our innovative work management platform the choice for organizations who want to better understand and organize their work.”
Steve Erickson, Board of Directors
As a member of the board of directors Steve Erickson brings to AtTask more than 23 years of experience in public accounting and executive financial positions. Previously, Erickson served as CFO at Altiris and oversaw the process to secure pre-public venture capital, the IPO process, and post IPO secondary offerings. Most recently, Erickson served as Vice President of the Altiris Business Unit within Symantec and was responsible for the successful operational integration of Altiris with Symantec. His role on the board will include helping position AtTask for future market growth.
Jody Bailey, VP of Engineering
With a strong background in SaaS product development and operational management that includes positions as VP of Development and Network Operations for Vovici and Director of Engineering for VeriSign, Bailey will play a key role in aligning the engineering department with the AtTask business unit to develop and inspire software teams to deliver breakthrough products.
Bryan D. Nielson, VP of Product Management
Nielson’s experience includes end-to-end product lifecycle leadership. Most recently Nielson served as Director of Global Product Management for Microsoft’s Dynamics and CRM Product Group. Nielson will play a key role in project management, user experience design and project management methodology.
AtTask work management software organizes both structured, project-based work and unstructured, freeform work. This gives people control over their own tasks, and gives some of the world’s largest and most successful companies instant visibility into the work their teams are performing. For more information about AtTask, please visit www.attask.com.
About AtTask
AtTask (www.attask.com) increases workplace harmony by enfranchising workers and informing executives. The company’s social Work Management software gives people at all levels of the organization tools to help them better understand and organize their work. Going social facilitates deeper worker buy-in, and delivers executives conversational insights into the work environment. Over 1,000 organizations of all sizes, including Apple, Cisco, GE, Google, HBO, Johnson & Johnson, Newsweek, Nike, Toyota and Whirlpool have turned to AtTask to manage work of all levels of complexity. Its on-demand work management solution is available in 7 languages.
“The addition of these executives is evidence of our commitment to the future development of our work management offerings,” said Scott Johnson, CEO of AtTask. “The expertise and experience that these men bring to our team will be instrumental in making our innovative work management platform the choice for organizations who want to better understand and organize their work.”
Steve Erickson, Board of Directors
As a member of the board of directors Steve Erickson brings to AtTask more than 23 years of experience in public accounting and executive financial positions. Previously, Erickson served as CFO at Altiris and oversaw the process to secure pre-public venture capital, the IPO process, and post IPO secondary offerings. Most recently, Erickson served as Vice President of the Altiris Business Unit within Symantec and was responsible for the successful operational integration of Altiris with Symantec. His role on the board will include helping position AtTask for future market growth.
Jody Bailey, VP of Engineering
With a strong background in SaaS product development and operational management that includes positions as VP of Development and Network Operations for Vovici and Director of Engineering for VeriSign, Bailey will play a key role in aligning the engineering department with the AtTask business unit to develop and inspire software teams to deliver breakthrough products.
Bryan D. Nielson, VP of Product Management
Nielson’s experience includes end-to-end product lifecycle leadership. Most recently Nielson served as Director of Global Product Management for Microsoft’s Dynamics and CRM Product Group. Nielson will play a key role in project management, user experience design and project management methodology.
AtTask work management software organizes both structured, project-based work and unstructured, freeform work. This gives people control over their own tasks, and gives some of the world’s largest and most successful companies instant visibility into the work their teams are performing. For more information about AtTask, please visit www.attask.com.
About AtTask
AtTask (www.attask.com) increases workplace harmony by enfranchising workers and informing executives. The company’s social Work Management software gives people at all levels of the organization tools to help them better understand and organize their work. Going social facilitates deeper worker buy-in, and delivers executives conversational insights into the work environment. Over 1,000 organizations of all sizes, including Apple, Cisco, GE, Google, HBO, Johnson & Johnson, Newsweek, Nike, Toyota and Whirlpool have turned to AtTask to manage work of all levels of complexity. Its on-demand work management solution is available in 7 languages.
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Showing posts with label Public Insurance. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Public Insurance. Show all posts
Thursday, January 27, 2011
New Life Agency, Inc. Expands Nation's First In Vitro Fertilization Insurance Program
New Life Agency, Inc. today announced that it has added Pacific Fertility Center-Los Angeles to its Assisted Reproduction Insurance Program® (ARI) preferred provider network. Together, with Pacific Fertility Center-Los Angeles and The Diamond Institute IVF Center-New York, ARI continues to offer some of the best financial solutions in the country for the ever-rising costs of in vitro fertilization (IVF) treatments, procedures and fertility medications to patients suffering from infertility.
ARI provides negotiated contract rates with board-certified obstetrics, gynecology, reproductive endocrinology and infertility physicians to insure patients' fertility treatments, complications and provide full maternity insurance. ARI combines insurance coverage with a fertility medication discount plan that can save Pacific Fertility Center's patients more than 50 percent on the cost of standard services, totaling thousands of dollars over the average treatment term. In addition, the program offers hundreds of dollars in discounts on fertility medications through Walgreens Specialty Pharmacy. The innovative program goes beyond the traditional IVF shared risk program offered by some IVF centers by aggregating the cost of consultations, testing, complication insurance, IVF treatments, surgical treatments and medications to offer additional savings.
Pacific Fertility Center-Los Angeles was founded more than 10 years ago by the team that pioneered the nation's first private in vitro fertilization center. Since that time, Pacific Fertility Center's physicians have introduced a number of innovations in the treatment of infertility, and have been at the forefront in defining standards of care and accountability. The sole owner, medical director and world renowned reproductive endocrinologist, Vick Sahakian, MD, along with his colleagues, pioneered one of the most revolutionary financial programs in modern medicine where the doctor was willing to assume risk. Today, by joining The ARI Program, the insurer, the physician and the fertility medication is sharing the risk in treating women with infertility. Dr. Sahakian has performed over 6,000 IVF procedures and is responsible for the birth of more than 4,000 babies worldwide.
The ARI Program offers multiple plan choices, according to the IVF physician utilized within the preferred provider network for individual fertility needs allowing the patient to move through their process to pregnancy fully aware of the total out of pocket cost. If pregnancy is not achieved, the program offers refunds and credits during the 18-month enrollment term.
New Life leveraged its industry-leading insurance offerings as a Lloyd's of London Broker along with its own licensed, third-party administration company, New World Administrators, Inc. to forge the unique preferred provider contracted network solely with infertility doctors and facilities/centers.
Trish Taylor, president of New Life Agency, announced, "Our growing success with Assisted Reproduction Insurance Programs like ARI is a testament to healthcare reform today. People who have no infertility insurance or limited coverage now have options. Patients facing infertility issues need insurance when this risk occurs. New Life Agency is committed to help control infertility costs and fill the gap traditional insurances don't provide. We are honored to have such an innovative leader and doctor as Vick Sahakian join our network. Our commitment to work together will help patients lower their risk and stress so they may concentrate on what matters most, creating their family."
Vick, Sahakian, MD, owner and medical director of The Pacific Fertility Center-LA said today, "The ARI program continues my efforts to forever change the way we practice medicine in the field of reproductive sciences."
Enyde Polesuk, vice president of product development, fertility services, for Walgreens Specialty Pharmacy added, "Our goal is to offer personalized fertility pharmacy services along with the best possible support for these very specialized pharmacy needs. We're pleased to be a part of this first-of-its-kind cost solution and look forward to making our services more accessible than ever for hopeful parents-to-be."
ARI provides negotiated contract rates with board-certified obstetrics, gynecology, reproductive endocrinology and infertility physicians to insure patients' fertility treatments, complications and provide full maternity insurance. ARI combines insurance coverage with a fertility medication discount plan that can save Pacific Fertility Center's patients more than 50 percent on the cost of standard services, totaling thousands of dollars over the average treatment term. In addition, the program offers hundreds of dollars in discounts on fertility medications through Walgreens Specialty Pharmacy. The innovative program goes beyond the traditional IVF shared risk program offered by some IVF centers by aggregating the cost of consultations, testing, complication insurance, IVF treatments, surgical treatments and medications to offer additional savings.
Pacific Fertility Center-Los Angeles was founded more than 10 years ago by the team that pioneered the nation's first private in vitro fertilization center. Since that time, Pacific Fertility Center's physicians have introduced a number of innovations in the treatment of infertility, and have been at the forefront in defining standards of care and accountability. The sole owner, medical director and world renowned reproductive endocrinologist, Vick Sahakian, MD, along with his colleagues, pioneered one of the most revolutionary financial programs in modern medicine where the doctor was willing to assume risk. Today, by joining The ARI Program, the insurer, the physician and the fertility medication is sharing the risk in treating women with infertility. Dr. Sahakian has performed over 6,000 IVF procedures and is responsible for the birth of more than 4,000 babies worldwide.
The ARI Program offers multiple plan choices, according to the IVF physician utilized within the preferred provider network for individual fertility needs allowing the patient to move through their process to pregnancy fully aware of the total out of pocket cost. If pregnancy is not achieved, the program offers refunds and credits during the 18-month enrollment term.
New Life leveraged its industry-leading insurance offerings as a Lloyd's of London Broker along with its own licensed, third-party administration company, New World Administrators, Inc. to forge the unique preferred provider contracted network solely with infertility doctors and facilities/centers.
Trish Taylor, president of New Life Agency, announced, "Our growing success with Assisted Reproduction Insurance Programs like ARI is a testament to healthcare reform today. People who have no infertility insurance or limited coverage now have options. Patients facing infertility issues need insurance when this risk occurs. New Life Agency is committed to help control infertility costs and fill the gap traditional insurances don't provide. We are honored to have such an innovative leader and doctor as Vick Sahakian join our network. Our commitment to work together will help patients lower their risk and stress so they may concentrate on what matters most, creating their family."
Vick, Sahakian, MD, owner and medical director of The Pacific Fertility Center-LA said today, "The ARI program continues my efforts to forever change the way we practice medicine in the field of reproductive sciences."
Enyde Polesuk, vice president of product development, fertility services, for Walgreens Specialty Pharmacy added, "Our goal is to offer personalized fertility pharmacy services along with the best possible support for these very specialized pharmacy needs. We're pleased to be a part of this first-of-its-kind cost solution and look forward to making our services more accessible than ever for hopeful parents-to-be."
Anesthesia Business Consultants along with ePREOP Announces Point of Care Self-Pay and Coinsurance Resolution Upgrade to ePREOP at ASA Conference on Practice Management
Anesthesia Business Consultants, LLC (ABC) is excited to announce a new upgrade to ePREOP which will be premiered at the American Society of Anesthesiologists Conference on Practice Management in Houston held from January 28th through the 29th. ePREOP offers a revolutionary software that promises to improve outcomes and save healthcare dollars, and now allows for the capturing of patient payment information, such as credit card information, resulting in faster payment processing with fewer errors.
The American Society of Anesthesiologists Conference on Practice Management is the premiere anesthesiology practice management program of the year, making this the ideal venue to demonstrate ePREOP Integrated Preoperative Services’ new patient payment capturing upgrade. The exhibits will open on Friday, January 28th at 11:45 a.m. Together in booth number #302, ABC and ePREOP will be demonstrating this significant software upgrade to the anesthesia community. Attendees are invited to see live product demonstrations and talk with the creators. The exhibit hall will close Saturday, January 29th at 8:00 pm, so attendees are encouraged not to delay.
ePREOP was designed specifically to bridge the gap between the physician office and operating room. The web-based software gathers information from an existing electronic record or directly from the patient using ePREOP’s intake form. This intake form is available online via home computer, clinic-based kiosk, or iPad. This allows for a seamless transfer of patient data between parties and eliminates duplicate patient interviews. ePREOP automatically analyzes that information (evaluating hundreds of thousands of data points), considers surgical risk, and generates evidence-based preoperative clinical guidelines. These guidelines improve outcomes and decrease costs.
ePREOP’s products increase reimbursement for a subscribing institution through a variety of services including the most recent advancement—capturing patient payment information, including both insurance and credit card information. This allows for prompt payment collection, regardless of whether the deductible has been met, coinsurance has been collected, or it is a self-pay case. These payment capture services can be utilized by both the contracting facility and anesthesia groups.
“Our relationship with ePREOP allows us to serve our clients better. By utilizing this electronic record, practitioners can save time and money. And the ability to capture payment information—both insurance and credit card—will significantly reduce billing time and errors,” says Tony Mira, President and CEO of ABC. “We are relentlessly searching to discover these opportunities for our clients, and we are excited to announce this ePREOP software upgrade.”
ABC, established in 1979, is one of the largest billing and practice management companies dedicated to the complex and intricate specialty of anesthesia and pain management. Its accomplished in-house technology staff has created and maintains the ABC proprietary practice management software, F1RSTAnesthesiaTM, including F1RSTAnesthesiaRecord an electronic pen that creates electronic medical records utilizing existing forms, and the mobile web app F1RSTAccess which allows clients to view reports on the go. The other technologies ABC provides their clients include iMDsoft®, MetaVision’s leading AIMS; and ePREOP’s web-based preoperative evaluation form. ABC employs industry leaders, operates under proven efficient processes, and utilizes technology advances to easily adapt to the ever-changing regulatory environment.
The American Society of Anesthesiologists Conference on Practice Management is the premiere anesthesiology practice management program of the year, making this the ideal venue to demonstrate ePREOP Integrated Preoperative Services’ new patient payment capturing upgrade. The exhibits will open on Friday, January 28th at 11:45 a.m. Together in booth number #302, ABC and ePREOP will be demonstrating this significant software upgrade to the anesthesia community. Attendees are invited to see live product demonstrations and talk with the creators. The exhibit hall will close Saturday, January 29th at 8:00 pm, so attendees are encouraged not to delay.
ePREOP was designed specifically to bridge the gap between the physician office and operating room. The web-based software gathers information from an existing electronic record or directly from the patient using ePREOP’s intake form. This intake form is available online via home computer, clinic-based kiosk, or iPad. This allows for a seamless transfer of patient data between parties and eliminates duplicate patient interviews. ePREOP automatically analyzes that information (evaluating hundreds of thousands of data points), considers surgical risk, and generates evidence-based preoperative clinical guidelines. These guidelines improve outcomes and decrease costs.
ePREOP’s products increase reimbursement for a subscribing institution through a variety of services including the most recent advancement—capturing patient payment information, including both insurance and credit card information. This allows for prompt payment collection, regardless of whether the deductible has been met, coinsurance has been collected, or it is a self-pay case. These payment capture services can be utilized by both the contracting facility and anesthesia groups.
“Our relationship with ePREOP allows us to serve our clients better. By utilizing this electronic record, practitioners can save time and money. And the ability to capture payment information—both insurance and credit card—will significantly reduce billing time and errors,” says Tony Mira, President and CEO of ABC. “We are relentlessly searching to discover these opportunities for our clients, and we are excited to announce this ePREOP software upgrade.”
ABC, established in 1979, is one of the largest billing and practice management companies dedicated to the complex and intricate specialty of anesthesia and pain management. Its accomplished in-house technology staff has created and maintains the ABC proprietary practice management software, F1RSTAnesthesiaTM, including F1RSTAnesthesiaRecord an electronic pen that creates electronic medical records utilizing existing forms, and the mobile web app F1RSTAccess which allows clients to view reports on the go. The other technologies ABC provides their clients include iMDsoft®, MetaVision’s leading AIMS; and ePREOP’s web-based preoperative evaluation form. ABC employs industry leaders, operates under proven efficient processes, and utilizes technology advances to easily adapt to the ever-changing regulatory environment.
Assured Guaranty Ltd. to Host Conference Call on Proposed S&P Ratings Criteria for Financial Guarantors on February 1, 2011
Assured Guaranty Ltd. (NYSE:AGO - News) (“the Company”) announced that it will host a conference call and webcast on the topic of Standard & Poor’s Ratings Services’ proposal to change its criteria for rating financial guaranty insurance companies. The conference call will begin at 11:00 a.m. Eastern Time (12:00 p.m. Atlantic Time) on Tuesday, February 1, 2011. Slides to be used on the call will be available prior to the call in the Investor Information section of the Company's website located at http://www.assuredguaranty.com.
The conference call will be available via live and archived webcast in the Investor Information section of the Company’s website at http://www.assuredguaranty.com or by dialing 866-730-5766 (in the U.S.) or 857-350-1590 (International), passcode 15065198. A replay of the call will be available through March 1, 2011. To listen to the replay, dial: 888-286-8010 (in the U.S.) or 617-801-6888 (International), passcode 47220665.
Assured Guaranty Ltd. is a publicly-traded Bermuda-based holding company. Its operating subsidiaries provide credit enhancement products to the U.S. and international public finance, infrastructure and structured finance markets. More information on the Assured Guaranty family of companies can be found at www.assuredguaranty.com.
The conference call will be available via live and archived webcast in the Investor Information section of the Company’s website at http://www.assuredguaranty.com or by dialing 866-730-5766 (in the U.S.) or 857-350-1590 (International), passcode 15065198. A replay of the call will be available through March 1, 2011. To listen to the replay, dial: 888-286-8010 (in the U.S.) or 617-801-6888 (International), passcode 47220665.
Assured Guaranty Ltd. is a publicly-traded Bermuda-based holding company. Its operating subsidiaries provide credit enhancement products to the U.S. and international public finance, infrastructure and structured finance markets. More information on the Assured Guaranty family of companies can be found at www.assuredguaranty.com.
Appeals court to expedite Virginia healthcare challenges
An appeals court on Wednesday agreed to expedite consideration of challenges in Virginia to the new landmark healthcare bill's requirement that Americans buy insurance coverage, setting arguments for May.
U.S. District Judge Henry Hudson last month backed the argument by Virginia's attorney general that Congress exceeded its authority by requiring Americans to start buying health insurance in 2014 or face a fine, a key provision strongly backed by President Barack Obama.
Both sides appealed to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit, based in Richmond, and requested that the case be expedited. The court set oral arguments to be held between May 10-13.
Obama administration officials have vigorously defended the individual coverage mandate as passing constitutional muster. A multi-state lawsuit against the insurance mandate is also pending in Florida and a ruling is expected soon. (nN20115665)
Virginia's lawyers have argued that the federal government could not regulate someone for not buying a good or service under the U.S. Constitution's Commerce Clause and could not penalize them for failing to buy health insurance.
The state's Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli appealed as well, arguing that the judge should have thrown out the entire law. He is also considering whether to bypass the Fourth Circuit court and go straight to the U.S. Supreme Court.
The appeals court also agreed to hear during the same period in May another appeal involving the healthcare law.
A different federal judge in Virginia in November ruled the individual mandate and a requirement some employers buy coverage for employees was legal under the Commerce Clause in a lawsuit filed by Liberty University, a college founded by the conservative evangelical leader Jerry Falwell.
U.S. District Judge Henry Hudson last month backed the argument by Virginia's attorney general that Congress exceeded its authority by requiring Americans to start buying health insurance in 2014 or face a fine, a key provision strongly backed by President Barack Obama.
Both sides appealed to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit, based in Richmond, and requested that the case be expedited. The court set oral arguments to be held between May 10-13.
Obama administration officials have vigorously defended the individual coverage mandate as passing constitutional muster. A multi-state lawsuit against the insurance mandate is also pending in Florida and a ruling is expected soon. (nN20115665)
Virginia's lawyers have argued that the federal government could not regulate someone for not buying a good or service under the U.S. Constitution's Commerce Clause and could not penalize them for failing to buy health insurance.
The state's Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli appealed as well, arguing that the judge should have thrown out the entire law. He is also considering whether to bypass the Fourth Circuit court and go straight to the U.S. Supreme Court.
The appeals court also agreed to hear during the same period in May another appeal involving the healthcare law.
A different federal judge in Virginia in November ruled the individual mandate and a requirement some employers buy coverage for employees was legal under the Commerce Clause in a lawsuit filed by Liberty University, a college founded by the conservative evangelical leader Jerry Falwell.
Wednesday, December 22, 2010
Allianz Launches Your Cover Insurance On Moneysupermarket.com
Allianz Insurance's new online-only car insurance offering, Your Cover insurance, is now available on leading comparison website, Moneysupermarket.com.
Your Cover insurance, which is already available from www.yourcoverinsurance.co.uk, has been developed following research with over 4,000 consumers. The product provides customers with the flexibility to build their own bespoke policy and choose the level of cover to suit their individual lifestyle and needs.
Customers can purchase a basic level of comprehensive cover and then add up to 14 optional insurance covers such as Breakdown, Foreign Travel and Roofbox and Trailer Cover.
Policyholders can also select the level of excess that is right for them and, unlike many motor insurance providers, Your Cover does not charge administrative fees for any changes made to policies.
Andy James, head of direct customer marketing for Allianz Retail, says: "Your Cover insurance gives consumers exactly what they have been asking for - the flexibility to build a tailor made policy with a level of cover to suit individual needs - this flexibility ultimately allows customers to have more control over their premium costs.
"Moneysupermarket.com is the UK's leading finance price comparison website and is an excellent platform for Allianz Your Cover insurance. Allianz always strives to meet consumer demand and appreciates that comparison sites present a popular way to buy insurance products."
Your Cover insurance, which is already available from www.yourcoverinsurance.co.uk, has been developed following research with over 4,000 consumers. The product provides customers with the flexibility to build their own bespoke policy and choose the level of cover to suit their individual lifestyle and needs.
Customers can purchase a basic level of comprehensive cover and then add up to 14 optional insurance covers such as Breakdown, Foreign Travel and Roofbox and Trailer Cover.
Policyholders can also select the level of excess that is right for them and, unlike many motor insurance providers, Your Cover does not charge administrative fees for any changes made to policies.
Andy James, head of direct customer marketing for Allianz Retail, says: "Your Cover insurance gives consumers exactly what they have been asking for - the flexibility to build a tailor made policy with a level of cover to suit individual needs - this flexibility ultimately allows customers to have more control over their premium costs.
"Moneysupermarket.com is the UK's leading finance price comparison website and is an excellent platform for Allianz Your Cover insurance. Allianz always strives to meet consumer demand and appreciates that comparison sites present a popular way to buy insurance products."
REPEAT-BMO Donates $10,000 to Help Flood Victims
BMO Financial Group announced today it is donating $10,000 to the Canadian Red Cross to support those affected by flooding in New Brunswick and Nova Scotia.
"The recent storms have caused flooding and power outages, isolating some communities like St. Stephen," said Christine M. Cooper, Vice President, New Brunswick & PEI District, BMO Bank of Montreal. "We hope this donation will help alleviate some of the difficulties faced by affected residents."
This donation follows BMO's announcement that its Flood Relief Program, introduced on November 10, is still available for its customers who have suffered damage or loss of income because of the flooding.
The BMO Bank of Montreal Flood Relief Program includes:
-- Personal loan payments deferrals - various options.
-- Personal mortgages - deferral of the principal and interest payments for
a period of two months.
-- Special accommodations for commercial clients affected by the flooding
are being developed on a case-by-case basis.
"We've always stood behind our customers, through good times and challenging times, and we are ready to assist qualifying BMO personal and business customers by deferring payments on their loans, mortgages or lines of credit," said Steve Murphy, Senior Vice President, Atlantic Canada.
BMO Bank of Montreal customers are invited to visit their local branch and to speak to a financial services manager about their particular financial needs resulting from the floods.
"The recent storms have caused flooding and power outages, isolating some communities like St. Stephen," said Christine M. Cooper, Vice President, New Brunswick & PEI District, BMO Bank of Montreal. "We hope this donation will help alleviate some of the difficulties faced by affected residents."
This donation follows BMO's announcement that its Flood Relief Program, introduced on November 10, is still available for its customers who have suffered damage or loss of income because of the flooding.
The BMO Bank of Montreal Flood Relief Program includes:
-- Personal loan payments deferrals - various options.
-- Personal mortgages - deferral of the principal and interest payments for
a period of two months.
-- Special accommodations for commercial clients affected by the flooding
are being developed on a case-by-case basis.
"We've always stood behind our customers, through good times and challenging times, and we are ready to assist qualifying BMO personal and business customers by deferring payments on their loans, mortgages or lines of credit," said Steve Murphy, Senior Vice President, Atlantic Canada.
BMO Bank of Montreal customers are invited to visit their local branch and to speak to a financial services manager about their particular financial needs resulting from the floods.
Bradesco Aims for 20 Million New Customers in the Coming Years
The following was released today by Bradesco Seguros (NYSE:BBD - News)
Strategy
Bradesco Seguros, the largest insurance group in Latin America with approximately 36 million policyholders and annual revenue around US$ 14 billion, hopes to add 20 million new clients, leveraged primarily on the strength of microinsurance, an insurance program tailored to the low-income population with coverage for specific risks and at amounts that are suitable for this segment. The estimate was made by the executive director of the Group, Eugenio Velasques. His forecast was based on a survey by the Getulio Vargas Foundation (FGV) that estimates the potential public for these products to be 100 million Brazilians who are currently outside the insurance market. The regulation of the microinsurance market is still under consideration by the Brazilian Congress and it is expected that legislation allowing these products to be offered will be approved early in 2011. According to the Bradesco executive, a project designed exclusively to meet both the terms of the regulations and that also is flexible will be critical for success in the Brazilian microinsurance market.
Grupo Bradesco Seguros, according to Velasques, first offered products with the concept and the philosophy of microinsurance, such as Primeira Protecao Bradesco (Bradesco First Protection), in January of this year in the Rocinha (Rio de Janeiro state) and Heliopolis (Sao Paulo state) slums ("favelas"). The company expects to close 2010 having underwritten more than 560,000 policies, with monthly premiums of R$ 3.50 that will pay an accidental death benefit of R$ 20,000 to the beneficiaries of the policyholder. Another example of product is Bradesco Bilhete Residencial – "Estou Seguro!" Project (Bradesco Home Insurance – "I'm Safe!" Project), that was launched in September 2010 in the Morro Dona Marta slum ("favela") (Rio de Janeiro state). With yearly premiums of R $ 9.90, it offers insurance for residential fire, explosion or lightning, with coverage up to R$ 10,000. Velasques also said Bradesco had decided not to wait for implementation of a regulatory framework for microinsurance to be formalized before testing the market. He noted that after more than 80 surveys in recent years and the Organization's existing track record of meeting the needs of low-income segments, the company already had the necessary elements to conduct a pilot test in this important segment.
Bradesco Seguros, which is the only insurance company to have at least one insured person in every city in Brazil, relies on the strength and the presence of Banco Bradesco and a network of insurance brokers in 5,564 municipalities in Brazil, offering access to a large portion of the Brazilian population that today has neither life insurance nor any other kind of insurance protection.
Bradesco Seguros will introduce new products in 2011
After the passage of the bill regulating this new insurance policy model, Grupo Bradesco Seguros expects to offer 8 new microinsurance product options with monthly premiums ranging from R$ 3 to R$ 15. The insurance programs basically combine two or three different kinds of coverage/protection: one for home and life insurance; another for personal accident with financial protection/unemployment; and a third for financial protection with funeral assistance.
The insurance company, in addition to new products, is developing a series of projects that include changes in operating processes, improvements in IT and the establishment of alternative distribution channels to reach these 20 million new clients.
Special Event Support
The experience that Grupo Bradesco Seguros has gained in the growing market in Brazil will be presented during the 7th World Microinsurance Conference in November 2011. This important and essential insurance industry event is being sponsored by the Munich Re Foundation with the support of the Microinsurance Network and CNSEG (National Confederation of General and Life Insurance, Supplementary Health and Pension Plans and Capitalization Companies).
Strategy
Bradesco Seguros, the largest insurance group in Latin America with approximately 36 million policyholders and annual revenue around US$ 14 billion, hopes to add 20 million new clients, leveraged primarily on the strength of microinsurance, an insurance program tailored to the low-income population with coverage for specific risks and at amounts that are suitable for this segment. The estimate was made by the executive director of the Group, Eugenio Velasques. His forecast was based on a survey by the Getulio Vargas Foundation (FGV) that estimates the potential public for these products to be 100 million Brazilians who are currently outside the insurance market. The regulation of the microinsurance market is still under consideration by the Brazilian Congress and it is expected that legislation allowing these products to be offered will be approved early in 2011. According to the Bradesco executive, a project designed exclusively to meet both the terms of the regulations and that also is flexible will be critical for success in the Brazilian microinsurance market.
Grupo Bradesco Seguros, according to Velasques, first offered products with the concept and the philosophy of microinsurance, such as Primeira Protecao Bradesco (Bradesco First Protection), in January of this year in the Rocinha (Rio de Janeiro state) and Heliopolis (Sao Paulo state) slums ("favelas"). The company expects to close 2010 having underwritten more than 560,000 policies, with monthly premiums of R$ 3.50 that will pay an accidental death benefit of R$ 20,000 to the beneficiaries of the policyholder. Another example of product is Bradesco Bilhete Residencial – "Estou Seguro!" Project (Bradesco Home Insurance – "I'm Safe!" Project), that was launched in September 2010 in the Morro Dona Marta slum ("favela") (Rio de Janeiro state). With yearly premiums of R $ 9.90, it offers insurance for residential fire, explosion or lightning, with coverage up to R$ 10,000. Velasques also said Bradesco had decided not to wait for implementation of a regulatory framework for microinsurance to be formalized before testing the market. He noted that after more than 80 surveys in recent years and the Organization's existing track record of meeting the needs of low-income segments, the company already had the necessary elements to conduct a pilot test in this important segment.
Bradesco Seguros, which is the only insurance company to have at least one insured person in every city in Brazil, relies on the strength and the presence of Banco Bradesco and a network of insurance brokers in 5,564 municipalities in Brazil, offering access to a large portion of the Brazilian population that today has neither life insurance nor any other kind of insurance protection.
Bradesco Seguros will introduce new products in 2011
After the passage of the bill regulating this new insurance policy model, Grupo Bradesco Seguros expects to offer 8 new microinsurance product options with monthly premiums ranging from R$ 3 to R$ 15. The insurance programs basically combine two or three different kinds of coverage/protection: one for home and life insurance; another for personal accident with financial protection/unemployment; and a third for financial protection with funeral assistance.
The insurance company, in addition to new products, is developing a series of projects that include changes in operating processes, improvements in IT and the establishment of alternative distribution channels to reach these 20 million new clients.
Special Event Support
The experience that Grupo Bradesco Seguros has gained in the growing market in Brazil will be presented during the 7th World Microinsurance Conference in November 2011. This important and essential insurance industry event is being sponsored by the Munich Re Foundation with the support of the Microinsurance Network and CNSEG (National Confederation of General and Life Insurance, Supplementary Health and Pension Plans and Capitalization Companies).
Franklin Universal Trust Declares Monthly Dividend
Franklin Universal Trust (NYSE:FT - News), a closed-end investment company managed by Franklin Advisers, Inc., announced today a dividend of $0.038 per share, payable January 14, 2011, to shareholders of record on December 31, 2010 (Ex-Dividend Date: December 29, 2010).
Franklin Advisers, Inc. is a wholly owned subsidiary of Franklin Resources, Inc. (NYSE:BEN - News), a global investment management organization operating as Franklin Templeton Investments. Franklin Templeton Investments provides global and domestic investment management solutions managed by its Franklin, Templeton, Mutual Series, Fiduciary Trust, Darby and Bissett investment teams. The San Mateo, CA-based company has more than 60 years of investment experience and over $642 billion in assets under management as of November 30, 2010. For more information, please call 1-800/DIAL BEN® or visit franklintempleton.com.
Franklin Advisers, Inc. is a wholly owned subsidiary of Franklin Resources, Inc. (NYSE:BEN - News), a global investment management organization operating as Franklin Templeton Investments. Franklin Templeton Investments provides global and domestic investment management solutions managed by its Franklin, Templeton, Mutual Series, Fiduciary Trust, Darby and Bissett investment teams. The San Mateo, CA-based company has more than 60 years of investment experience and over $642 billion in assets under management as of November 30, 2010. For more information, please call 1-800/DIAL BEN® or visit franklintempleton.com.
Franklin Templeton Limited Duration Income Trust Declares Monthly and Special Dividend
Franklin Templeton Limited Duration Income Trust (AMEX:FTF - News), a closed-end investment company managed by Franklin Advisers, Inc., announced today a dividend of $0.163 per share, payable January 14, 2011, to shareholders of record on December 31, 2010 (Ex-Dividend Date: December 29, 2010). The dividend is comprised of a monthly distribution of $0.083 per share and a special income distribution of $0.080 per share. The special distribution allows the Fund to meet its 2010 distribution requirements for federal tax purposes.
Based on the Fund's net asset value (NAV) of $13.87 at the close of the market on December 20, 2010, the Fund's monthly dividend ($0.083 per share) represents an annualized yield at NAV of 7.18%. At the Fund's market price of $12.92 at the close of the NYSE Amex on December 20, 2010, the Fund's monthly dividend represents an annualized market yield of 7.71%.
Franklin Advisers, Inc. is a wholly owned subsidiary of Franklin Resources, Inc. (NYSE:BEN - News), a global investment management organization operating as Franklin Templeton Investments. Franklin Templeton Investments provides global and domestic investment management solutions managed by its Franklin, Templeton, Mutual Series, Fiduciary Trust, Darby and Bissett investment teams. The San Mateo, CA-based company has more than 60 years of investment experience and over $642 billion in assets under management as of November 30, 2010. For more information, please call 1-800/DIAL BEN® or visit franklintempleton.com.
Based on the Fund's net asset value (NAV) of $13.87 at the close of the market on December 20, 2010, the Fund's monthly dividend ($0.083 per share) represents an annualized yield at NAV of 7.18%. At the Fund's market price of $12.92 at the close of the NYSE Amex on December 20, 2010, the Fund's monthly dividend represents an annualized market yield of 7.71%.
Franklin Advisers, Inc. is a wholly owned subsidiary of Franklin Resources, Inc. (NYSE:BEN - News), a global investment management organization operating as Franklin Templeton Investments. Franklin Templeton Investments provides global and domestic investment management solutions managed by its Franklin, Templeton, Mutual Series, Fiduciary Trust, Darby and Bissett investment teams. The San Mateo, CA-based company has more than 60 years of investment experience and over $642 billion in assets under management as of November 30, 2010. For more information, please call 1-800/DIAL BEN® or visit franklintempleton.com.
RenaissanceRe to Participate in the Bank of America Merrill Lynch Reinsurance Renewals Conference Call
RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd. (NYSE:RNR - News) announced today that Kevin J. O'Donnell, Executive Vice President and Global Chief Underwriting Officer, will participate in the Bank of America Merrill Lynch January Reinsurance Renewals Conference Call on Tuesday, January 4, 2011, at 10:00 am ET.
The conference call may be accessed by dialing 888-686-9679 (US callers) or 913-312-1499 (international callers) and entering the passcode 1932141. The replay of the call will be available through January 11, 2010 by dialing 888-203-1112 and entering the passcode 1932141.
RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd. is a global provider of reinsurance and insurance. Its core products currently include property catastrophe reinsurance, written through its principal operating subsidiary Renaissance Reinsurance Ltd. and joint ventures, principally DaVinci Reinsurance Ltd. and Top Layer Reinsurance Ltd.; specialty reinsurance risks written through Renaissance Reinsurance Ltd. and DaVinci Reinsurance Ltd.; and primary insurance and quota share reinsurance, written through the operating subsidiaries of RenRe Insurance Holdings Ltd.
The conference call may be accessed by dialing 888-686-9679 (US callers) or 913-312-1499 (international callers) and entering the passcode 1932141. The replay of the call will be available through January 11, 2010 by dialing 888-203-1112 and entering the passcode 1932141.
RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd. is a global provider of reinsurance and insurance. Its core products currently include property catastrophe reinsurance, written through its principal operating subsidiary Renaissance Reinsurance Ltd. and joint ventures, principally DaVinci Reinsurance Ltd. and Top Layer Reinsurance Ltd.; specialty reinsurance risks written through Renaissance Reinsurance Ltd. and DaVinci Reinsurance Ltd.; and primary insurance and quota share reinsurance, written through the operating subsidiaries of RenRe Insurance Holdings Ltd.
CNO Financial Group, Inc. Announces Completion of Refinancing
CNO Financial Group, Inc. (NYSE:CNO - News) announced today that it has closed its offering of $275.0 million aggregate principal amount of 9.00% senior secured notes due January 2018 and a $375.0 million senior secured credit facility which matures in September 2016. The net proceeds from the notes offering and the new senior secured credit facility, together with available cash, were used to repay the Company's prior senior secured credit facility.
"We are extremely pleased with the success of our comprehensive refinancing plan, which, due to significant demand and favorable pricing, was increased to $650 million from $625 million," CEO Jim Prieur said. "CNO now has a strengthened capital structure with a significant lengthening of the maturity of our debt, giving us increased financial flexibility, including the ability to buy back stock," Prieur said.
The notes were offered and sold to "qualified institutional buyers" as defined in Rule 144A under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act"), and outside the United States in reliance on Regulation S under the Securities Act.
This press release does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy the notes or any other securities. The notes have not been and will not be registered under the Securities Act or any state securities laws and may not be offered or sold in the United States absent registration except pursuant to an applicable exemption from the registration requirements of the Securities Act and applicable state securities laws.
"We are extremely pleased with the success of our comprehensive refinancing plan, which, due to significant demand and favorable pricing, was increased to $650 million from $625 million," CEO Jim Prieur said. "CNO now has a strengthened capital structure with a significant lengthening of the maturity of our debt, giving us increased financial flexibility, including the ability to buy back stock," Prieur said.
The notes were offered and sold to "qualified institutional buyers" as defined in Rule 144A under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act"), and outside the United States in reliance on Regulation S under the Securities Act.
This press release does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy the notes or any other securities. The notes have not been and will not be registered under the Securities Act or any state securities laws and may not be offered or sold in the United States absent registration except pursuant to an applicable exemption from the registration requirements of the Securities Act and applicable state securities laws.
BMO Donates $10,000 to Help Flood Victims
BMO Financial Group announced today it is donating $10,000 to the Canadian Red Cross to support those affected by flooding in New Brunswick and Nova Scotia.
"The recent storms have caused flooding and power outages, isolating some communities like St. Stephen," said Christine M. Cooper, Vice President, New Brunswick & PEI District, BMO Bank of Montreal. "We hope this donation will help alleviate some of the difficulties faced by affected residents."
This donation follows BMO's announcement that its Flood Relief Program, introduced on November 10, is still available for its customers who have suffered damage or loss of income because of the flooding.
The BMO Bank of Montreal Flood Relief Program includes:
-- Personal loan payments deferrals - various options.
-- Personal mortgages - deferral of the principal and interest payments for
a period of two months.
-- Special accommodations for commercial clients affected by the flooding
are being developed on a case-by-case basis.
"We've always stood behind our customers, through good times and challenging times, and we are ready to assist qualifying BMO personal and business customers by deferring payments on their loans, mortgages or lines of credit," said Steve Murphy, Senior Vice President, Atlantic Canada.
BMO Bank of Montreal customers are invited to visit their local branch and to speak to a financial services manager about their particular financial needs resulting from the floods.
"The recent storms have caused flooding and power outages, isolating some communities like St. Stephen," said Christine M. Cooper, Vice President, New Brunswick & PEI District, BMO Bank of Montreal. "We hope this donation will help alleviate some of the difficulties faced by affected residents."
This donation follows BMO's announcement that its Flood Relief Program, introduced on November 10, is still available for its customers who have suffered damage or loss of income because of the flooding.
The BMO Bank of Montreal Flood Relief Program includes:
-- Personal loan payments deferrals - various options.
-- Personal mortgages - deferral of the principal and interest payments for
a period of two months.
-- Special accommodations for commercial clients affected by the flooding
are being developed on a case-by-case basis.
"We've always stood behind our customers, through good times and challenging times, and we are ready to assist qualifying BMO personal and business customers by deferring payments on their loans, mortgages or lines of credit," said Steve Murphy, Senior Vice President, Atlantic Canada.
BMO Bank of Montreal customers are invited to visit their local branch and to speak to a financial services manager about their particular financial needs resulting from the floods.
CFTC names "flash crash" expert as chief economist
The U.S. futures regulator said on Tuesday it has promoted Andrei Kirilenko, an economist known for his role in the review of the May 6 "flash crash," as chief economist for the Commodity Futures Trading Commission.
Kirilenko, who has worked on research into how high-frequency and algorithmic trading affects markets, has been highly sought after by commissioners seeking opinions on how to use new authority to rein in computer-driven trading, and how to try to prevent another flash crash.
The CFTC's chief economist is responsible for a team of analysts who provide advice to the CFTC on policy and economic research.
The agency's former chief economist, Jeffrey Harris, faced skepticism from lawmakers after oil prices spiked to record highs in 2008 when he testified that speculators were not behind the surge. Harris left the agency to return to academia in February.
Kirilenko joined the CFTC in 2008 after 12 years at the International Monetary Fund, where he worked on global capital markets issues. He has a PhD in economics from the University of Pennsylvania.
Kirilenko was awarded the CFTC's highest honor -- the Chairman's Award for Excellence -- in 2010.
He was part of the team from the CFTC and Securities and Exchange Commission that investigated the May 6 flash crash, when the Dow Jones industrial average took an unprecedented dive of nearly 700 points in minutes before recovering.
He has defended the agencies' staff report against critics, noting it is "the most exact audit trail" of what happened in markets that day.
Kirilenko was also a co-author of an academic report that concluded high-frequency traders did not trigger the events of May 6, but "exacerbated" volatility.
Kirilenko, who has worked on research into how high-frequency and algorithmic trading affects markets, has been highly sought after by commissioners seeking opinions on how to use new authority to rein in computer-driven trading, and how to try to prevent another flash crash.
The CFTC's chief economist is responsible for a team of analysts who provide advice to the CFTC on policy and economic research.
The agency's former chief economist, Jeffrey Harris, faced skepticism from lawmakers after oil prices spiked to record highs in 2008 when he testified that speculators were not behind the surge. Harris left the agency to return to academia in February.
Kirilenko joined the CFTC in 2008 after 12 years at the International Monetary Fund, where he worked on global capital markets issues. He has a PhD in economics from the University of Pennsylvania.
Kirilenko was awarded the CFTC's highest honor -- the Chairman's Award for Excellence -- in 2010.
He was part of the team from the CFTC and Securities and Exchange Commission that investigated the May 6 flash crash, when the Dow Jones industrial average took an unprecedented dive of nearly 700 points in minutes before recovering.
He has defended the agencies' staff report against critics, noting it is "the most exact audit trail" of what happened in markets that day.
Kirilenko was also a co-author of an academic report that concluded high-frequency traders did not trigger the events of May 6, but "exacerbated" volatility.
AtTask Continues Strong Growth; Expands Executive Team
creators of the first true social work management platform and worldwide leader in on-demand project and portfolio management software, today announced the appointment of Steve Erickson, Partner at SageCreek Partners, to its Board of Directors, Jody Bailey as VP of Engineering, and Bryan D. Nielson as VP of Product Management.
“The addition of these executives is evidence of our commitment to the future development of our work management offerings,” said Scott Johnson, CEO of AtTask. “The expertise and experience that these men bring to our team will be instrumental in making our innovative work management platform the choice for organizations who want to better understand and organize their work.”
Steve Erickson, Board of Directors
As a member of the board of directors Steve Erickson brings to AtTask more than 23 years of experience in public accounting and executive financial positions. Previously, Erickson served as CFO at Altiris and oversaw the process to secure pre-public venture capital, the IPO process, and post IPO secondary offerings. Most recently, Erickson served as Vice President of the Altiris Business Unit within Symantec and was responsible for the successful operational integration of Altiris with Symantec. His role on the board will include helping position AtTask for future market growth.
Jody Bailey, VP of Engineering
With a strong background in SaaS product development and operational management that includes positions as VP of Development and Network Operations for Vovici and Director of Engineering for VeriSign, Bailey will play a key role in aligning the engineering department with the AtTask business unit to develop and inspire software teams to deliver breakthrough products.
Bryan D. Nielson, VP of Product Management
Nielson’s experience includes end-to-end product lifecycle leadership. Most recently Nielson served as Director of Global Product Management for Microsoft’s Dynamics and CRM Product Group. Nielson will play a key role in project management, user experience design and project management methodology.
AtTask work management software organizes both structured, project-based work and unstructured, freeform work. This gives people control over their own tasks, and gives some of the world’s largest and most successful companies instant visibility into the work their teams are performing. For more information about AtTask, please visit www.attask.com.
About AtTask
AtTask (www.attask.com) increases workplace harmony by enfranchising workers and informing executives. The company’s social Work Management software gives people at all levels of the organization tools to help them better understand and organize their work. Going social facilitates deeper worker buy-in, and delivers executives conversational insights into the work environment. Over 1,000 organizations of all sizes, including Apple, Cisco, GE, Google, HBO, Johnson & Johnson, Newsweek, Nike, Toyota and Whirlpool have turned to AtTask to manage work of all levels of complexity. Its on-demand work management solution is available in 7 languages.
“The addition of these executives is evidence of our commitment to the future development of our work management offerings,” said Scott Johnson, CEO of AtTask. “The expertise and experience that these men bring to our team will be instrumental in making our innovative work management platform the choice for organizations who want to better understand and organize their work.”
Steve Erickson, Board of Directors
As a member of the board of directors Steve Erickson brings to AtTask more than 23 years of experience in public accounting and executive financial positions. Previously, Erickson served as CFO at Altiris and oversaw the process to secure pre-public venture capital, the IPO process, and post IPO secondary offerings. Most recently, Erickson served as Vice President of the Altiris Business Unit within Symantec and was responsible for the successful operational integration of Altiris with Symantec. His role on the board will include helping position AtTask for future market growth.
Jody Bailey, VP of Engineering
With a strong background in SaaS product development and operational management that includes positions as VP of Development and Network Operations for Vovici and Director of Engineering for VeriSign, Bailey will play a key role in aligning the engineering department with the AtTask business unit to develop and inspire software teams to deliver breakthrough products.
Bryan D. Nielson, VP of Product Management
Nielson’s experience includes end-to-end product lifecycle leadership. Most recently Nielson served as Director of Global Product Management for Microsoft’s Dynamics and CRM Product Group. Nielson will play a key role in project management, user experience design and project management methodology.
AtTask work management software organizes both structured, project-based work and unstructured, freeform work. This gives people control over their own tasks, and gives some of the world’s largest and most successful companies instant visibility into the work their teams are performing. For more information about AtTask, please visit www.attask.com.
About AtTask
AtTask (www.attask.com) increases workplace harmony by enfranchising workers and informing executives. The company’s social Work Management software gives people at all levels of the organization tools to help them better understand and organize their work. Going social facilitates deeper worker buy-in, and delivers executives conversational insights into the work environment. Over 1,000 organizations of all sizes, including Apple, Cisco, GE, Google, HBO, Johnson & Johnson, Newsweek, Nike, Toyota and Whirlpool have turned to AtTask to manage work of all levels of complexity. Its on-demand work management solution is available in 7 languages.
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