Philadelphia — CIGNA Corp. is expanding into the small-group healthcare market with the announcement of its intention to pay $1.5 billion in cash for Great-West Healthcare, a deal that is expected to close during the first half of 2008, subject to regulatory approval. The Philadelphia-based carrier, whose CIGNA HealthCare business is based in Bloomfield, Conn., said it plans to fund the deal through cash and debt, and that it will also inject approximately $400 million of capital into its subsidiaries to support the acquired business.

Los Angeles – Using the 2006 fatal crash data released by the U. S. Department of Transportation just weeks ago, Farmers Group Inc. has completed a study to determine the most influential factors in drivers’ mortality rate in multi-vehicle accidents.

Washington — Insurance industry associations are obliging to a request for comments by the U.S. Treasury Department as it conducts a review of the regulatory structure associated with financial institutions. Several associations used the opportunity to reiterate their opposition to the creation of the optional federal charter (OFC) for the insurance industry. Senators Tim Johnson, D-N.D. and John Sununu, R-N.H., introduced the National Insurance Act of 2007 into the upper house in May.

Needham, Mass. — The insurance industry has relied upon the independent agency system as a main distribution channel for decades. However, new business concerns are threatening its success and even its existence, according to recent research from Needham, Mass.-based TowerGroup Inc.

Needham, Mass — While the insurance industry has not typically been known for leading in technological innovation, new TowerGroup Inc. research finds that rapid advancements in technology are poised to reshape the insurance landscape over the next five to 10 years.

London – As recently as a decade ago, most carriers did not consider the potential ramifications of emerging nanotechnologies. Now, even Lloyd’s of London is acknowledging the risks and opportunities that nanotechnology presents. The London-based firm, in collaboration the London-based Lighthill Risk Network, not-for-profit science organization, is hosting a half-day seminar in the Old Library on December 10 to discuss the topic.

Oakland, Calif. — Kaiser Permanente has received the "Recognizing Innovation in Multicultural Health Care Award" from the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA) for its efforts to provide health plan members across the country with culturally and linguistically appropriate health care services.

Worcester, Mass. — The Premier Insurance Company of Massachusetts, an independent personal auto insurance subsidiary of The Travelers Companies Inc., will change its brand name to Travelers of Massachusetts.

Montreal, Quebec — Silanis Technology Inc., St. Laurent, Quebec, has joined the IBM ECM ValueNet Business Partner Program. The partnership was initiated to enable customers of both companies to combine ApproveIt, an electronic signature solution, with IBM's Enterprise Content Management solutions, to accelerate operations, improve service and reduce costs by keeping business processes electronic, Silanis says.

New York — New York Life Insurance Co. announced that Gary Wendlandt has been elected a director of New York Life with the title of vice chairman of the board. He was formerly senior executive VP – Finance and Investments, and chief investment officer. Wendlandt’s election brings the current number of New York Life board members to 13.

New York — Integro Insurance Brokers, a global insurance brokerage, announced the appointments of three national specialty practice leaders, effective immediately: Nicholas Conca (Private Equity), Anne Anderson (Real Estate) and William Goett (Financial Institutions).

New York — New York Life Insurance Co. announced that Patricia L. Barbari has been elected a senior VP in the Individual Policy Services (IPS) department reporting to Executive VP and Chief Administrative Officer Frank Boccio.

Washington – An extension to the Terrorism Risk Insurance Act (TRIA) has passed the U.S. Senate. The measure was approved on Friday by unanimous consent. The original TRIA was passed in wake of 9/11 and is set to expire on December 31.

Mayfield Village, Ohio - In early September, The Progressive Group of Insurance Cos., based in Mayfield Village, Ohio, announced a reorganization designed to increase the company's ability to execute on key strategies, lower its non-claims expense ratio and foster growth through more competitive pricing, improved customer retention and an increased focus on brand development. The reorganization included combining its agency and direct businesses into a single personal lines organization.

Mayfield, Ohio - With an overarching goal to create a safer driving experience for its customers, The Progressive Group of Insurance Cos. is offering a virtual driving experience to existing and potential customers across America. The carrier is teaming with Metro City Group, a Laguna Niguel, Calif., owner of a 68-foot multimedia-equipped tractor-trailer, to provide drivers with the chance to test their skills in practical behind-the-wheel driving situations in a safe, virtual environment. With their eyes on the road and their hands securely placed at the “nine” and “three” positions on the steering wheel, people who experience the Progressive Driving Skills Simulator will increase their knowledge of the rules of the road and be better equipped to handle any driving situation. The driving course curriculum includes real-life situations--such as driving in high traffic, congested areas, through foggy or rainy weather or simply passing and yielding to other drivers--and the virtual technology system measures drivers' responses, reaction times, crash reduction techniques and general driving knowledge. "The interactive experience of the Progressive Driving Skills Simulator gives people the chance to 'test drive' their skills in all types of driving situations, which we hope will prepare them for driving on the real--not virtual--road," said Progressive product manager Mike Storbeck from the company's headquarters in Mayfield, Ohio. "Our objective has always been to redefine drivers education and provide a practical training program that gives people a chance to test, and practice, their skills in a safe, simulated environment," said Tim Albright, president of Metro City Group, owner of The Simulator. "We are looking forward to working with Progressive, and are sure that, together, we can make our roads safer and more enjoyable for everyone." Over the next several months, the Progressive Driving Skills Simulator will travel to many local events in the Western United States, including Motor Trend Auto Shows, state fairs and other automotive industry-related events. More information is available at www.progressive.com or www.streetsimulator.com. Source: Progressive Group of Insurance Cos.

Washington – The Homeowners' Defense Act of 2007, introduced into the upper chamber by Senators Hillary Clinton, D-N.Y., and Bill Nelson, D-Fla., aims to address availability and affordability of natural disaster insurance.

Washington – A Bill to revamp the National Flood Insurance Program has left the Senate Banking Committee and is set for the floor. To the delight of many, the Senate version does not add coverage to wind losses to the program.

Kansas City, Mo. – The National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) has responded to a letter from a coalition of consumer groups that questioned the impartiality of the recently adopted revisions to the NAIC Viatical Settlements Model Act with a letter of their own.

Bismarck, N.D. – A coalition of consumer representatives have asked the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) to revisit the recently adopted changes to the viatical settlement model law. In a letter, the group raised the specter of conflict of interest, and urged NAIC to strengthen its policy regarding it.

Washington – Legislation introduced in the House aimed at revamping the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) is garnering praise. H.R. 3959, sponsored by Rep. Scott Garrett (R-N.J.) and Financial Services Committee Chairman Barney Frank (D-Mass.), proposes to gradually phase out some of the subsidies in the program.