Latest Articles

Aetna Tests Well-Being Products at Best Buy

[ 2012-01-05]

Aetna is bringing four of its most popular well-being offerings direct to shoppers at Best Buy this New Year. The “My Resources for Living Well” product line includes on-line modules focused on fitness, weight management, smoking cessation and stress management. These products are now sold within the Best Buy “health technology” department in three of its suburban Chicago stores. This new 1,200-square-foot department serves as a pilot for Best Buy and brings together the latest technologies and tools to support fitness, sleep and nutritional goals, plus the latest innovations in beauty technology for skin, face and hair. “Best Buy seemed a natural choice for trying out some of our well-being products with the general public,” says Louise Murphy, who heads Aetna’s behavioral health and employee assistance programs. “These online programs take the things you ‘should do’ and turn them into things you ‘will do.’ If you’re in Best Buy purchasing a pedometer or blood pressure cuff, you might also be interested in a program to help you achieve the health goals associated with that equipment. While these products have been available to many of our Aetna members through our employee assistance and WorkLife programs, consumers can now access these wellness resources.” http://insurancenewsnet.com/article.aspx?id=323383

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BCBSNC, UNC Health Care Open Health Practice

[ 2012-01-04]

Two groups focused on reigning in costs have established a primary care physician practice in North Carolina. Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina (BCBSNC) and UNC Health Care announced Carolina Advanced Health to eligible BCBSNC customers last month. The new medical practice is a collaborative approach designed to enhance efficiency and quality of care by coordinating a patient’s health care under one roof, say the companies. By doing this, the practice will improve health and quality standards and reduce complications among patients – both of which are expected to reduce medical costs. “Through a comprehensive approach toward wellness, prevention and chronic disease management, we are building the foundation for a better health care system in North Carolina,” said BCBSNC President and CEO Brad Wilson. http://www.insurancenetworking.com/news/bcbsnc-health-care-insurance-claims-29666-1.html

Allstate Unveils Claims Guarantee

[ 2012-01-04]

Allstate is putting its money where its mouth is when it comes to claims service. The Northbroook, Ill.-based carrier says its new Claim Satisfaction Guarantee will promise customers that they will be satisfied with their auto claim service or get a credit to their auto policy. Specifically, eligible customers who are dissatisfied in any way with the service on a paid auto claim can receive a credit to their premium if they express their dissatisfaction in writing within 180 days of the incident that triggered the claim. "The Claim Satisfaction Guarantee is more than a new feature for eligible standard auto customers," Allstate senior EVP Agency Operations, and chief marketing officer Mark LaNeve said in a statement. "It's also an assertion by this organization that we have complete confidence in our claims people, our agency owners, and our processes.” The company tested the Guarantee last year in Indiana, Ohio, Michigan and Georgia, where it was added, at no additional cost, to standard auto policies. Going forward, the feature will now be available in 31 states, with additional states planned in 2012. http://www.insurancenetworking.com/vwc/Allstate-auto-insurance-claims-29664-1.html

Best’s Review Recognizes American General Life Companies for Successful Innovation

[ 2012-01-03]

American General Life Companies (American General) has been recognized by Best’s Review magazine’s Innovators Showcase for two life insurance innovations: ExamRight™ and prescription database technology. Details of American General’s work are available in the January 2012 edition of the magazine. Innovators Showcase is a forum for recognizing forward thinking among insurance organizations. A panel of insurance industry experts assessed the relative merits of nearly 70 submissions, resulting in a total of 15 innovations recognized. http://eon.businesswire.com/news/eon/20120103006180/en

Janus Launches Janus Protected Series – Growth For Insurance Channel

[ 2012-01-03]

Janus Capital Group Inc. today announced the launch of Janus Aspen Protected Series – Growth, which aims to balance potential capital appreciation with a measure of downside protection. The portfolio’s capital protection is provided by BNP Paribas, one of the world’s largest banks. Janus Aspen Protected Series – Growth, which was launched on January 3, 2012, is managed by Janus portfolio manager Jonathan Coleman. Coleman also serves as Co-Chief Investment Officer, Equities, of Janus Capital Management. According to Vice President and Managing Director Chris Furman, Janus Aspen Protected Series – Growth is the logical next step in the build-out of Janus’ variable insurance trust series. Janus Aspen Moderate Allocation Portfolio was launched August 31, 2011 as part of a longer-term product development strategy to bring new solutions to market in an effort to address Janus clients’ actuarial risk-management needs. http://www.thestreet.com/story/11362471/1/janus-launches-janus-protected-series-8211-growth-for-insurance-channel.html

MetLife Cracks Top 5 of World's Largest Insurers

[ 2012-01-02]

MetLife moved up the ranking of the world's largest insurers, making it and American International Group the only U.S. insurers in the top five, based on assets, according to a new ranking in BestWeek U.S./Canada. By premiums, UnitedHealth Group was the only U.S. insurer to rank among the top five. Overseas insurers continued to dominate the ranking -- by assets and by premiums written -- with Japan Post Insurance Co. once again coming in at No. 1 by assets and Axa S.A. again topping the net premium written list. MetLife, which clocked in at No. 7 last year, jumped to the fourth-largest insurer, based on assets of $730.9 billion. Meanwhile, AIG slid from No. 3 to No. 5, with assets of $683.4 billion. http://annuitynews.com/Article/MetLife_Cracks_Top_5_of_Worlds_Largest_Insurers/321106

Genworth Launches New Fixed Index Annuity Product Suite

[ 2011-12-12]

Genworth Financial, Inc. announced today the launch of two new index annuities designed to meet the growing needs of America's security-conscious consumers. SecureLiving Index 7 and SecureLiving Index 10 Plus will be issued by Genworth Life and Annuity Insurance Company. As single premium, fixed deferred annuities, SecureLiving Index 7 and SecureLiving Index 10 Plus offer index-based and fixed interest crediting strategies. Consumers can allocate premium across five different crediting strategies based on individual needs and risk tolerances. In addition, contract holders have access to their money through 10% free annual withdrawals beginning in year two, the optional Income Protection rider, a waiver for confinement to a medical care facility and annuitization options. Both products require a minimum single premium of $25,000 or more and you must be 80 or younger to apply (age 85 for SecureLiving Index 7). http://annuitynews.com/Article/Genworth_Launches_New_Fixed_Index_Annuity_Product_Suite/311575

ING Introduces New Indexed Universal Life Insurance Products With Strong Growth Potential And Death Benefit Guarantee

[ 2011-10-04]

ING Life Companies (ING) introduced new no-lapse indexed universal life insurance products, ING Indexed Universal Life – Guaranteed Death Benefit, issued by Security Life of Denver Insurance Company (Denver, CO) and ING Indexed Universal Life – Guaranteed Death Benefit NY, issued by ReliaStar Life Insurance Company of New York. Both offer a guaranteed death benefit with the opportunity to earn an index credit linked, in part, to any increases in the S&P 500 while also providing protection from downside risk through a minimum interest guarantee. With indexed universal life insurance, the guaranteed minimum interest rates feature provides downside protection for poor market performance while the indexed strategy offers an upside crediting potential if markets perform well. http:/ / www.dailymarkets.com/ stock/ 2011/ 10/ 04/ ing-introduces-new-indexed-universal-life-insurance-products-with-strong-growth-potential-and-death-benefit-guarantee/