Distribution

Milwaukee - CIGNA HealthCare will begin offering a debit card to holders of its flexible spending accounts (FSA). The card will be provided by MBI Benefits Inc., an affiliate of Metavante Corp."As a leading provider of FSAs, we chose MBI based on its ability to tailor a debit card product with proven technology that best provides our customers with electronic access to FSA funds," says Jake Biscoglio, head of product development, consumer products, CIGNA HealthCare. "This relationship with Metavante Healthcare Payments opens the door to exploring more healthcare payment services options for our consumers."

Simsbury, Conn. - While a last will and testament is one of the most vital legal documents that can help protect a family's assets, almost 58% of adults do not have a will, according to recent research by legal publisher Martindale- Hubbell.To address this need, The Hartford Financial Services Group Inc. is offering EstateGuidance, a new online will preparation service that makes it easy and affordable for Americans to prepare a will. EstateGuidance can be purchased by new customers of The Hartford's group basic and supplemental life policies covering more than 1,000 employees or members.

New York - National Union Fire Insurance Co. of Pittsburgh, Pa. (National Union), a member company of American International Group Inc. (AIG), has released a Web-based system allowing brokers to quote and bind PrivateRisk Protector coverages in just minutes. PrivateRisk Protector is a portfolio of management and professional liability coverages designed for private companies.The system, called AIG ePro, was engineered for brokers to simplify the selection of coverages, generate quotations and electronically issue policies for private companies with up to $100 million in revenue or up to 1,000 employees.

Englewood, Colo. - InsureMe, a consumer-agent link for buying insurance online, announced the creation of a blog to help online marketers succeed in the affiliate marketing industry by sharing tips, tools and news.

Santa Monica, Calif. – National Planning Holdings Inc. has added a library of direct sponsor forms and applications to its Web-based representative workstation system, Electronic Order Entry (EOE). NPH is a broker-dealer holding company and an affiliate of Lansing, Mich.-based Jackson National Life Insurance Co.With thousands of providers and products represented on EOE, the new direct sponsor functionality is the latest step in NPH's effort to provide technology solutions that help representatives improve the efficiency of their practices.

Warren, N.J.- Applications for professional and management liability insurance products from the Chubb Group of Insurance Cos. can now be submitted entirely online with an electronic signature. Previously, Chubb's eApplications required a "wet" signature before a policy could be bound."The launch of our new electronic signature capability is another step in making it even easier to do business with Chubb. We've now eliminated the need to send a signed hard copy of the application through the mail," says Judy Cook, vice president, Chubb & Son, and e-business manager, Chubb Specialty Insurance. "Our policy application process for these products is now completely electronic--an integral component of our expanding e-commerce capabilities. This important advancement will help speed up the application process for our customers, agents and brokers."

Wausau, Wis. - The people and technology that are making Wausau Insurance easier to do business with are main attractions on the newly designed Wausau.com, according to Wausau Insurance."At Wausau, we're proud to be both a high-tech and high-touch company that is improving our 'ease of doing business' with our agents, brokers and customers," says Wausau President and Chief Operating Officer Mark Fiebrink. "Our new look on Wausau.com conveys the essence of our Wausau TotalValue brand promise--that is, our people and technology translate into superior commercial insurance products and service."

Kansas City, Mo. - The top three reasons consumers filed formal complaints against their insurance companies in 2005 were delays, denials and unsatisfactory settlement offers, according to data collected by the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC).Following these claims handling issues, consumers complained most about policy cancellations and premiums/insurance rating issues. That complaint pattern has remained relatively consistent during the past four years. A total of 199,639 complaints were filed by consumers in 2005, a 22.5% decrease from 2004.

Costa Mesa - NADAguides.com, the N.A.D.A. Appraisal Guides vehicle information Web site, and Geico, the Washington, D.C.-based private passenger auto insurer, have formed a partnership, whereby Geico becomes the exclusive provider of automotive insurance for millions of NADAguides.com consumers looking to insure their new or used car, truck, van or SUV online at www.nadaguides.com.In turn, visitors to Geico.com are now able to access NADAguides.com vehicle pricing and specification information. NADAguides.com links are available at Geico.com within the automotive, motorcycle, boats and manufactured housing sections and the marketing partner section of the Geico Web site.

Framingham, Mass. - A recent survey of 802 consumers carrying health insurance, conducted by IDC's Health Industry Insights, reveals one in three respondents (33%) cite medical information being made accessible on the Internet as a primary reason for feeling less comfortable about sharing information with primary care physicians (PCPs).Nearly half of respondents (47%) who are uncomfortable sharing information with PCPs also indicated "wanting control over who accesses their personal health information" as a reason, while 14% do not trust the health plan to adequately protect personal health information.