Insurers show support for federal government’s reforms to drug pricing regulations

Insurance Business Magazine | August 12, 2019

Insurers are backing the federal government’s changes to drug pricing regulation, welcoming the government’s efforts to make medicines more affordable and accessible. The federal government recently announced the final amendments to the Patented Medicines Regulations, which aims to give the Patented Medicine Prices Review Board (PMPRB) the right tools to ensure that medicine prices in Canada are properly priced. Broadly speaking, the amendments do the following to help control drug prices: Change the “basket” of countries Canada is compared to when setting drug prices. This means Canada’s drug prices will be judged against countries that actually resemble Canada’s population, economy and approach to healthcare.

Spotlight

Are you aware of the impact that voluntary employee benefits can have on your workforce? If not, you're missing out on a powerful tool that can help you attract and retain top talent. In this video, we explore the world of voluntary employee benefits and how they can benefit your organization.

Discover the hidden benefits of voluntary employee benefits that will help you take your organization to the next level. In this video, we'll explore the various benefits of voluntary employee benefits and how they can impact your workforce.

We'll cover things you need to know about voluntary employee benefits, including some of the types of benefits available, the impact they can have on your employees' lives, and the benefits they can bring to your organization as a whole.

Spotlight

Are you aware of the impact that voluntary employee benefits can have on your workforce? If not, you're missing out on a powerful tool that can help you attract and retain top talent. In this video, we explore the world of voluntary employee benefits and how they can benefit your organization.

Discover the hidden benefits of voluntary employee benefits that will help you take your organization to the next level. In this video, we'll explore the various benefits of voluntary employee benefits and how they can impact your workforce.

We'll cover things you need to know about voluntary employee benefits, including some of the types of benefits available, the impact they can have on your employees' lives, and the benefits they can bring to your organization as a whole.

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WORKERS COMPENSATION, LIFE INSURANCE

New Colonial Life Cloud Platform Simplifies Benefits for Busy HR Leaders

PRnewswire | May 02, 2023

Leading voluntary benefits provider Colonial Life has launched Gathr, a cloud platform to transform the way small businesses deliver benefits and address common human resources needs. Gathr enhances and elevates benefits enrollment, administration, and HR experience so employers and their brokers can save time and focus on what matters most. Gathr combines Colonial Life's proprietary and market proven technology to help workers sign up for medical, voluntary and group benefits, in a secure digital experience. "Gathr provides an intuitive benefits and HR experience for small and medium-sized businesses," says Tim Arnold, president and chief executive officer of Colonial Life. "Leveraging Gathr eliminates the need to coordinate with each carrier, which saves time and simplifies open enrollment for companies, their employees and our broker partners." Gathr provides these flexible, digital solutions: Benefits Enrollment: Centralized portal for open enrollment; custom enrollment communications and easy-to-understand educational materials Benefits Counseling: Delivers 1-to-1 benefits; available in person, virtually, over the phone, or with a hybrid approach Digital Documents & Workflows: Digitally sign, complete, and track all benefits and HR documents Compliance: Centralized recordkeeping helps businesses maintain compliance with the most recent ACA, ERISA, COBRA, HSA, and FSA regulations Premium Add-on Features –Time tracking, paid time off, performance management, and custom workflows can be added to help businesses manage their HR needs as they scale up About Colonial Life Colonial Life & Accident Insurance Company, a subsidiary of Unum Group, provides financial protection benefits to America's workers and their families when the unexpected happens. The company offers workplace benefits, including disability, life, accident, dental, cancer, critical illness and hospital confinement indemnity insurance. Colonial Life's benefit services, education and innovative enrollment technology supports over 87,000 businesses and 4 million workers. In 2022, Colonial Life paid more than $700 million in benefits to policyholders.

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CORE INSURANCE, LIFE INSURANCE

Estrella Insurance Acquired by Personal Insurance Leader Confie

PRnewswire | May 18, 2023

Estrella Insurance, a leading property and casualty insurance agency and national franchisor, has been acquired by Confie, the largest personal lines insurance distribution company in the U.S. Confie leadership says the move will "greatly expand" the company's presence in Florida, and will fall under Confie's Freeway Insurance division. Estrella's more than 190 offices and employees across the U.S. will continue to operate under its current brand, and Confie will retain all current employees with the acquisition. According to Confie CEO Cesar Soriano, "Estrella has built a strong franchising model well-known among Hispanic consumers and business owners alike. Franchising allows us to broaden our customer reach, and accelerate our growth into new markets. Americans are entrepreneurial by nature and we proudly will offer them the choice between three trustworthy brands." "Our franchise partners are family, and their success is our success. It was important to find the right partner that would support both our brand, customers, and growth plan," said Nicolas Estrella Jr., Estrella's CEO. "Confie is a highly respected organization with years of industry knowledge and forward momentum. It was a perfect fit for Estrella." Estrella Insurance operates in Florida, California, Arizona, Texas, and Colorado. For over 40 years, the agency has provided affordable insurance solutions and exceptional service to their customers. Their product portfolio includes auto, home, commercial, business, life, and health. Confie, which has more than 750+ retail locations in 23 states, introduced franchising opportunities to entrepreneurs in 2022. Their leadership adds the Estrella acquisition is part of Confie's larger growth and development expansion plans. "Estrella has aggressive growth plans that will only be strengthened through our affiliation with Confie," says Nicolas Estrella, Jr., CEO of Estrella. "We are thrilled to be part of the Confie organization and see great potential ahead." About Estrella Insurance Miami-based Estrella Insurance is a property and casualty insurance franchisor and a trusted leader among consumers and insurance companies by providing simple, cost-effective insurance solutions across its auto, home, commercial, business, life, and health insurance portfolios. With more than 190 offices across the U.S., it is consistently ranked as a top franchise opportunity with a proven business model that allows owners to focus directly on customer support and community engagement. For more information on franchise ownership, visit www.estrellafranchise.com. About Confie Established in 2008, Confie is the nation's leading personal lines insurance distribution company. Today, Confie meets customers wherever they are – with more than 750+ retail locations in 23 states, the Bluefire general agency, and a telephone and online shared service center servicing all 50 states. With flexible insurance options, outstanding value, and convenient service, Confie's aspiration is to be the most trusted source of insurance solutions so our customers can have peace of mind. Confie is a portfolio company of Alliant. For more information about Confie, visit www.confie.com.

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CLAIMS, LIFE INSURANCE

Constellation Partners with SS&C to Bolster Mortgage Operations

Constellation Insurance | March 10, 2023

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