Practice management

Now’s the time for life insurers to target consumers, as Americans show increased interest in financial protection, according to surveys.

The Professional Insurance Agents of Connecticut, New Hampshire, New Jersey and New York State are offering access to the PIA Technology Hotline, a new member-exclusive resource to help agents navigate the myriad technology options available for their businesses.

Vice President Joe Biden faced a standing-room-only audience yesterday at a meeting of the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC), where he discussed the Administration’s health care proposal and the need to create a level playing field in the insurance industry. Biden was invited to speak at the NAIC Fall meeting in National Harbor, Md., where he told members that the reform health care would not impact health insurers’ competitive set. “I want insurance companies to make money,” he said.

A Blues plan enables members to create PHRs, using Google Health, that automatically populate with claims data, and can link to select EHRs.

Agency chosen from among 2,000 entrants for its online efficacy.

The Hartford and Business Insurance Now teamed to extend their partnership to include the home and auto.

INN recognized 10 of the industry’s most successful female insurance leaders at the second annual Women in Insurance Leadership Forum.

A significant benefit for both sides is the ability to work jointly on product development, distribution channels and customer service.

Feeling pressure to reduce costs, IT managers eye savings in document management.

The goal of the health insurer’s marketing plan is to keep members engaged and informed.

The insurer will hire 50 people to operate a new disability management services office in Scottsdale, Ariz.

Mercury Insurance Group, a multi-line insurance organization, and property/casualty core technology solutions provider Guidewire Software, report that Mercury Insurance Group will implement Guidewire’s Insurance Suite as its new policy administration, billing and claims platform for its homeowners business.

Previously only advising the wealthy, the company thinks its investment advisory platform will help to retain customers whose balances have dwindled during the recession.

Integrating BPM to enterprise systems is paying off for insurers that seek reduced response times and improved customer service.

For the fourth year in a row, INN is proud to recognize female leaders paving the way for others in the insurance industry.

Also receiving recognition this year are four leaders who have successfully driven significant project and/or process improvements within their companies.

A survey from Nationwide Insurance shows eight out of 10 Americans favor a ban on texting while driving.

GE Security, Inc., a business of GE Enterprise Solutions, and Liberty Mutual Agency Markets, a business unit of Liberty Mutual Group, announced national availability of Onboard Advisor.

Allstate Insurance Co. sees a trend of more Web-savvy customers who want options when it comes to interacting with service providers. And the insurer plans to give them just that. Next Gen Self-Service, Allstate’s new launch, expands online tools that enable customers and agents to access information and perform claims tasks over the Internet 24 hours a day.

Nearly 60% of North American insurers plan on maintaining a budget at least consistent with 2008 spending, according to Forrester research.