PENN MUTUAL DEPLOYS SINGLE SIGN-ON ID SYSTEMThe Penn Mutual Life Insurance Co., Philadelphia, has deployed an identity management and access control system that enables home and field associates, as well as thousands of financial professionals, to access company applications via a Web browser using a single user name and password. From Cupertino, Calif.-based Oblix, the software enables end users to manage their own registration process, user credentials and user profile. By automating these processes, Penn Mutual will have high levels of security, while reducing administrative costs, such as fielding help desk calls for forgotten passwords.
CYBERSETTLE HANDLES ITS 100,000TH TRANSACTION
Cybersettle Inc., a White Plains, N.Y., firm that provides Internet-based claim settlement has processed 100,000 claim settlement transactions representing more than $750 million in settlements. The patented system, which processed its first online transaction six years ago, has since been implemented by insurance carriers, municipalities and third-party administrators. Established in 1998, Cybersettle facilitates high-speed claim settlements by matching confidential offers and demands through a secure, double-blind bid process.
TENNESSEE BLUES OFFERS ELECTRONIC PRESCRIPTIONS
Chattanooga-based BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee is implementing a program to provide Tennessee physicians the ability to write prescriptions electronically. The iScribe electronic prescribing tools, developed by Caremark Rx Inc., Nashville, are designed to streamline the prescription process, increase patient safety and reduce health care costs. The program will enable physicians in BlueCross provider networks to use the iScribe tools to securely generate prescriptions from their computer or using a handheld device or PDA. Prescriptions can be printed out in the doctor's office or sent directly-via a secure Internet connection-to the patient's pharmacy.
INDEPENDENCE BLUES UPDATES ITS WEB SITE
The more than 13,000 daily visitors to www.ibx.com will find a new look. The Web site features a new design and a host of enhancements to the ibxpress portal that members use to conduct business with Philadelphia-based Independence Blue Cross. Improvements to the site include: more product and service information; an expanded member portal; personalization; enhanced claims and health expense monitoring; and an improved provider search. Independence Blue Cross is a leading health insurer in Southeastern Pennsylvania. IBC and its affiliates provide coverage to nearly 3.5 million people.
INDIANA FARMERS COMPLETES DOWNLOAD ROLLOUT
Indiana Farmers Mutual Insurance Co., Indianapolis, has converted all download activities to TEAM-UP Download, an Internet-based product from Connective Technologies Inc., Houston. Using TEAM-UP, Indiana Farmers has totally eliminated fees and costs associated with the company's previous download process. Once TEAM-UP Download is installed, carriers can add lines of business and agents at no additional cost. Rebuilding archive files is eliminated, freeing up personnel time.
ALLSTATE.COM GRABS TOP RANK IN GOMEZ RATINGS
Based on high marks in four evaluation categories, www.allstate.com received the No. 1 overall ranking in the Q4 2004 Watchfire GomezPro Scorecard survey of insurance carrier Web sites. With this accomplishment, Northbrook, Ill.-based Allstate Insurance Co. bumped Progressive Casualty Insurance Co., Mayfield Heights, Ohio, out Gomez' top spot. Progressive's site at www.progressive.com held the highest overall ranking for more than three years.
