| Sponsor wants to revise tax credit bill
HELENA (LEE)The sponsor of a bill offering a tax credit to Montanans who buy their own individual health insurance said Monday he'd like to amend it so the credit applies only to low- and middle-income families.In its present form, House Bill 801 offers the state income-tax credit to any Montana resident who buys health insurance for themselves and their family. The credit is 20 percent of the annual cost of the insurance.Rep. Gary Maclaren, R-Victor, said Monday he'd like to have his bill amended back to an earlier form, which made the tax credit available only to those whose income is equal to or less than 150 percent of the federal poverty level.For a family of four, that's just less than $31,000 a year. For a family of two, it's about $20,500.The earlier version of Maclaren's bill also set the tax credit at 50 percent of the insurance cost.Maclaren presented his bill Monday to the Senate Taxation Committee, its first hearing in the Senate.
Lincoln Employer Markets Announces Strategic Hires
Lincoln National Corporation (NYSE:LNC) recently named six new members of its Lincoln Employer Markets Group Insurance team in its Omaha and Atlanta offices. Philadelphia, PA (PRWEB) March 16, 2007 -- Lincoln National Corporation (NYSE:LNC) recently named six new members of its Lincoln Employer Markets Group Insurance team in its Omaha and Atlanta offices. Lincoln Employer Markets offers a broad breadth of products focused on Retirement, Group Insurance and Executive Benefits and was strategically created to provide employers with integrated solutions for all non-healthcare-related benefits. Timothy Bird, Assistant Vice President of Risk Services
Timothy Bird has been named Assistant Vice President of Risk Services for Lincoln Employer Markets Group Insurance business segment.
As legislative session wanes, plenty still left to do
ATLANTA - The tulips that set the Capitol grounds ablaze in color earlier this year are losing their petals, announcing that the 2007 session of the Georgia General Assembly should be well into its homestretch. And yet there is still plenty of heavy lifting to do. The House and Senate still have to approve two budgets: the amended one for 2007 that House and Senate Republicans have been fighting over and a "big budget" for 2008 that they're likely to fight over soon. All the substantial legislation is waiting to move, and some think the two sides are holding up the action to get leverage on the budget. There are seven legislative days left, and it's a guessing game right now how long it will take lawmakers to use them, or what will be accomplished once they're done.
HIPAA Allows Police Access to Alleged Crime Victims in Hospitals
The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act allows hospitals to provide police with access to patients who are victims of alleged crimes, U.S. District Judge Tucker Melancon ruled on Friday, the AP/Dayton Daily News reports (AP/Dayton Daily News, 4/3). The HIPAA Federal Privacy Rule, implemented in 2003, allows health care providers to share patient medical records for the purposes of treatment and other "health care operations." Providers do not have to obtain written consent before they disclose medical records but are required to inform patients of their rights and make a "good-faith effort" to obtain written acknowledgment from patients that they have received the information. Providers must obtain consent from patients before they can disclose medical records in "nonroutine" cases (Kaiser Daily Health Policy Report, 10/23/06).
WellPoint, Inc. at Lehman Brothers 10th Annual Global Healthcare ...
JOSHUA RASKIN, ANALYST, LEHMAN BROTHERS: Great pleasure today-- the first time that I've been able to introduce the pending new CEO of Angela Braly. I don't know how to better give her title out. And, of course, always happy to present Dave Colby, the CFO of WellPoint. We're 25 minutes on the clock, so I'm going to turn it over to Angela and Dave. Again, the breakout's going to be right here, so we'll be able to do Q&A right after the presentation. ANGELA BRALY, INCOMING CEO, WELLPOINT, INC.: Thank you, Josh. Thank you to Lehman Brothers for this opportunity. I'm glad to be here as the incoming CEO for WellPoint. So, good morning, and thank you for being here to hear about the WellPoint story. Before I begin, I have to give my least favorite part of the presentation, which is to caution you about my comments today that will include some forward-looking statements.
More kids would be eligible for coverage
Gov. Ted Strickland's two-year state budget calls for expanding health coverage to all Ohio children. The Democrat's plan would expand Medicaid eligibility guidelines so that families making up to 300 percent of the federal poverty level — $62,000 a year for a family of four — could enroll their children in the state and federally funded Child Health Insurance Program. .
Supporting Small Business in Texas
OVERLAND PARK, Kan., March 26 /PRNewswire/ -- Small business owners in Texas now have access to world-class insurance protection from one of the world's leading providers -- Swiss Re. Swiss Re's Commercial Insurance today announced the introduction of its workers compensation coverage to the Lone Star state, delivered with the power of its exclusive CyberComp platform. CyberComp is a digitized system that gives agents and employers the most efficient way to underwrite workers compensation coverage and handle claims. Agents can enter data, get quotes and issue policies online, all in a matter of minutes. Swiss Re is appointing agents and installing its technology in the state. "We're proud to have the opportunity to support a vibrant and vast economy by providing smart solutions to the top small businesses in the state," said Jeff Argotsinger, CyberComp leader for Swiss Re's Commercial Insurance.
Health-care system should operate as a free market
Editor's note: A coalition of organizations that includes the Minnesota Medical Association, Mayo Clinic and Blue Cross and Blue Shield presented a legislative proposal in St. Paul earlier this month that would provide universal health care for the state's residents. Today we present two differing views on the proposal. By Tom Forsythe The question was simple. How can we reform health care to help all Minnesotans? The answer divided our group. Some decided we need to mandate that all Minnesotans must buy health insurance. The Minnesota Medical Association's Healthy Minnesota proposal made a splash at the Capitol and in the media. Requiring all Minnesotans to have health insurance will "keep people healthier, give better care and spend our health-care dollars more wisely," they said.
Seniors on a mission, and legislators know it
AUGUSTA - Wearing a bright red T-shirt emblazoned with the words "Divided We Fail," Keith Gove made his way down a State House hallway Monday after getting a pep talk with other seniors on how to get the attention of their legislators. The Hampden retiree had a clear mission in mind.
"We've got to get our health care (laws) better and make sure we keep our pensions," said Gove, who was among nearly 300 people who made the trip from all over the state to lobby on bills relating to Social Security "offsets," consumer protections and other issues.
They were brought by the busload to Augusta by AARP, which claims 220,000 members in Maine and is organizing similar events in other states. Leaders say AARP chose the "Divided We Fail" slogan to emphasize that without a united front by seniors, they stand to lose on issues important to their personal and financial health.
Don’t let Easter DIY or car breakdown ruin your Bank Holiday
Motorists should also take precautions this bank holiday and make sure they have comprehensive car breakdown cover for any road trips they may make. In fact, cover can start from as little as £31 a year.
Richard added: “Bank holidays are always a busy time on Britain's roads resulting in an increase in car breakdowns, but motorists can avoid wasting precious holiday time on the hard shoulder by ensuring they have adequate breakdown insurance. It is important to choose not only the most competitive policy, but one which is comprehensive enough for your needs.
“UK breakdown policies do not automatically provide cover for driving abroad so those planning to cross the channel or venture further afield should check they have the appropriate cover. After all, the last thing you want is to stump up an exorbitant call-out fee or organise your own recovery service while stranded abroad."
Breakdown cover checklist
moneysupermarket.com says drivers should consider asking these key questions when evaluating the level of breakdown cover on offer:
1.
Sun Life Financial Qualifies to Renew IMSA Membership in ...
WELLESLEY, Mass.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--March 27, 2007--The U.S. division of Sun Life Financial (NYSE: SLF, TSX: SLF) recently announced that it has qualified to renew its membership in the Insurance Marketplace Standards Association (IMSA), the premier standards-setting organization for the life insurance marketplace. Insurance companies must complete a thorough and comprehensive review every three years to maintain IMSA membership. The review consists of a self-assessment of systems and programs, followed by an independent assessment by a qualified IMSA assessor to confirm the company meets IMSA's high standards of ethical market conduct. "At Sun Life Financial, we pride ourselves on acting in the best interest of our customers while providing top services true to our code of business conduct," said Bob Salipante, President, Sun Life Financial U.S.
Q4 2006 HMS HLDGS CORP Earnings Conference Call - Final
OPERATOR: Good morning, my name is Therese, and I will be your conference operator today. At this time I would like to welcome everyone to that HMSY fourth-quarter 2006 investor conference call. All lines have been placed on mute to prevent any background noise. After the speakers' remarks there will be a question-and-answer session. (OPERATOR INSTRUCTIONS). I will now turn the call over to Mr. Bill Lucia, President and Chief Operating Officer of HMS Holdings. You may begin your conference. BILL LUCIA, PRESIDENT, COO, HSMY: Thank you. Good morning, everyone, and thank you for joining our fourth-quarter 2006 investor conference call. I'm Bill Lucia, President and Chief Operating Officer of HMS Holdings. Bob Holster, our Chairman and CEO, is unable to be here due to a death in his family and I'll be hosting the call.
Business Newsmakers
Nancy Munson, executive director of Bristol Elder Services Inc., has announced the promotion of Jennifer Dias-Rezendes of Fall River, and the hiring of Fall River residents Nicole R. Gendreau and Ashley Pacheco and Dione Wesley of New Bedford. Ms. Dias-Rezendes, a 12-year employee, has accepted the new position of director of crisis services. She has managed the Senior Whole Health team and a crisis team at Bristol. Her new responsibilities include managing the crisis unit; providing clinical oversight of unit staff; coordinating, planning and managing the program's operation; and insuring compliance with state and agency requirements. Ms. Gendreau is a recent graduate of Salve Regina College. She is a community resource specialist in the intake department, where she will provide needs assessment, advocacy, coordination of services and provision of ongoing case management to elders.
Flak flies as energy alternatives compete for funding
WASHINGTON — In what one industry representative calls a struggle for supremacy, advocates of various sources of alternative energy are beginning to point out the competition's warts. "Everyone wants to use the energy crisis as leverage to support his solution," said Bob Rose, executive director of the Fuel Cell Council. .
Proposed Springfield school budget would increase taxes
The total budget is $4.7 million, up from $4.5 million. The budget calls for $2.8 million to be raised by taxes. The tax rate would increase from 65.5 cents per $100 of assessed property value to 67.8 cents. The owner of a home assessed at the township average of $319,184 would pay about $2,163 if the proposed budget is approved. That same homeowner paid about $2,090 in school taxes this year. Business Administrator Barbara Harris said rising costs for salaries, insurance and utilities make up the bulk of the increase. There is no spending for new equipment or new programs, she said. .
Canada in brief
MONTREAL (CP) - Wanted ad man Jean Lafleur could dodge the long arm of the law for some time if he decides to hide out in Latin America, rather than face fraud charges stemming from the sponsorship scandal, law enforcement experts say.
Quebec provincial police issued a warrant for Lafleur's arrest this week, after admitting they don't know where to find the man who made millions from the scandal.
Lafleur, who faces 35 counts of fraud totalling $1.6 million, was last seen in 2005 living it up in Costa Rica, where neighbours complained about late-night partying.
He's kept a lower profile since then, paying for an expensive apartment in Old Montreal but never appearing there. His Quebec driver's licence has lapsed and a former neighbour in Costa Rica said he doesn't know where Lafleur has gone.
Small Cap Stock Newsletter Quality Stocks Daily 3/22/07
Today Simtrol, Inc. (SMRL) closed today at $1.15 up 1% at $1.17 with 59,143 shares traded. Again, Simtrol is our "One to Watch." QualityStocks looks forward in meeting with them face-2-face at the ValueRich Show in Miami next week.
Simtrol, Inc. engages in the design and development of Windows-based control software solutions in the United States. Simtrol develops and sells a unique form of device control middleware that ties devices to applications using open standard interfaces. The Company's proven open architecture to give clients more choices, improved functionality, unlimited scalability, easy deployment, and better pricing. Their products are used in a number of vertical markets including healthcare, law enforcement, digital signage, education, corporate, hospitality and residential as well as well as a number of Fortune 1000 corporations, government entities, educational systems and other end users.
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