Max India Reports Strong Financials for First Quarter FY2018

August 12, 2017, 3:46 am

≫ Next: Montana’s Health Co-op remains standing as others falter

≪ Previous: United States: CMS Again Extends HHA/Ambulance Enrollment Moratoria in Selected States to "Prevent and Combat Fraud, Waste, and Abuse" - Reed Smith

$

0

0

*Business Wire India*

· Max Healthcare Network Gross Revenues: Rs. 702 Cr., grew 10%
· Max Bupa Gross Written Premium: Rs. 159 Cr., grew 30%
· 102 out of 190 units already sold in Antara Senior Living’s Dehradun community 

*Max India Ltd. (Max India)*, Max Group’s listed company operating in the Health and Allied Services sector, today announced its financial results for the first quarter of financial year 2017-18 (Q1 FY2018).
 
Max India’s flagship operating company* Max Healthcare (MHC)*, reported Gross Revenues of Rs. 702 Cr. in Q1 FY2018 for its network of owned and managed hospitals, growing 10% over the previous year. MHC’s key tertiary and quaternary care specialities continued to be significant contributors to revenue growth with Oncology, in particular, reporting strong 24% growth during the quarter.
 
*Max Bupa,* one of India’s leading standalone private health insurers, reported Gross Written Premium (GWP) of Rs. 159 Cr. in Q1, growing a healthy 30% over the previous year. This quarter also marked the on-boarding of South Indian Bank as a new bancassurance partner for Max Bupa, making this the sixth such partnership for Max Bupa. Operations under this alliance will commence in the second quarter of FY2018.
 
*Antara** Senior Living,* the third operating company under Max India, is pioneering the concept of ‘Age in Place’ for the elderly by developing Senior Living communities in India. With its first community in Dehradun having become operational, the company has now sold over 50% of its units (102 out of 190) in the community. Since inception, Antara has generated collections of Rs. 208 Cr.
 
Commenting on Max India’s performance, *Mr. Rahul Khosla, Chairman, Max India *said, “Max India’s key businesses continued to perform well this quarter and are well positioned to deliver strong growth through the year. It is a testimony to Max Healthcare’s focus on customer-centric processes that our patient experience scores have improved 11 percentage points over last year, driven by initiatives that cover medical and administrative touch points for patients and their families. We have also gained traction in the newly launched Centre for Liver and Biliary Sciences at Max Saket, completing 100 liver transplants in a short 5-month period. Max Bupa’s new partnership with Bank of Baroda has already started bearing results, driving strong overall growth especially in the bancassurance channel. Finally, with the successful launch of Antara’s first community in Dehradun, our focus will now be on accelerating sales and improving collections.”
 
*Mr. Mohit Talwar*, *Managing Director, Max India*, added, “MHC’s growth is being driven not only by our key specialities such as Oncology, which grew 24% this quarter, but also by expansion into upcountry centres such as Lucknow, Moradabad, Meerut, Srinagar, as well as into key international markets. In addition, cost optimisation efforts at MHC have delivered savings of over Rs. 15 crore in material and personnel costs over the past quarter. Max Bupa continues to outpace the private health insurance sector with strong GWP growth and is on track to achieving break-even by 2019. With multiple key marketing efforts lined up, Antara is expected to ramp up its sales velocity significantly in the coming months.”
 
In January 2016, the Max Group concluded an important corporate restructuring wherein the erstwhile Max India was demerged into three separate entities, Max Financial Services, Max India and Max Ventures & Industries. With the listing of the Max India stock in July 2016, all three holding companies of the Max Group are now listed.

*About Max Group*
 
The Max Group is a leading Indian multi-business conglomerate with a commanding presence in the Life Insurance, Health & Allied businesses and packaging sectors. In FY 2017, the Group recorded consolidated revenues of Rs 16,798 Cr. It has a total customer base of 9 million, nearly 240 offices spread across India and people strength of 22,500 as on 31^st March 2017. The Group’s investor base includes marquee global financial institutions such as Goldman Sachs, KKR, IFC, Ward Ferry, Temasek, Vanguard, Wasatch, Fidelity and New York Life.
 
The Max Group comprises three holding companies, namely Max Financial Services, Max India and Max Ventures & Industries.
 
*About Max India Limited*
 
Max India, the holding company of Max Bupa Health Insurance and Antara Senior Living and equal joint venture partner in Max Healthcare, is focused on health and allied businesses. Max Healthcare and Max Bupa Health Insurance are joint ventures with global leaders, Life Healthcare (South Africa) and Bupa Finance Plc. (UK), respectively. These businesses have well-entrenched positions in their respective categories, and are recognized for their outstanding service standards. The Company owns and actively manages a 49.70% per cent stake in Max Healthcare, a 51% stake in Max Bupa Health Insurance and a 100% stake in Antara Senior Living.
 
Max India is listed on both the Bombay Stock Exchange as well as the National Stock Exchange.
 
*For further information, please visit:*
*Max Group:* www.maxgroup.in
*Max India:* www.maxindia.com
*Facebook: *https://www.facebook.com/themaxgroup
*Twitter: *https://twitter.com/maxgroup Reported by Business Wire India 13 hours ago.

---

Montana’s Health Co-op remains standing as others falter

August 12, 2017, 8:06 am

≫ Next: Montana's Health Co-op remains standing as others falter

≪ Previous: Max India Reports Strong Financials for First Quarter FY2018

$

0

0

HELENA, Mont. (AP) — The Montana Health Co-op resumes accepting new enrollees on Sunday after withdrawing from the state’s health insurance exchange last year amid worries about its financial health. Chief Executive Officer Jerry Dworak asserts that the co-op is in position to absorb all 64, 000 Montanans who buy policies from the state’s health […] Reported by Seattle Times 8 hours ago.

Montana's Health Co-op remains standing as others falter

August 12, 2017, 8:44 am

≫ Next: United States: CMS Again Extends HHA/Ambulance Enrollment Moratoria in Selected States to "Prevent and Combat Fraud, Waste, and Abuse" - Reed Smith

≪ Previous: Montana’s Health Co-op remains standing as others falter

$

0

0

The insurer took the nine-month hiatus from enrolling new members in the exchange created by President Barack Obama's Affordable Care Act to boost its financial reserves and keep it from the same fate that has befallen failed co-ops across the country. [...] within two years, half of the programs quietly folded — undermined by political attacks, financial miscalculations and the volatility of the health insurance marketplace. [...] Rosendale, who recently announced a bid for the U.S. Senate, said the millions of dollars in federal loans that co-ops have used as seed money could be better used, and he doubts that the Montana co-op will be able to repay the $85 million in loans it has gotten under the Obama health care law. During the heady debates over the Obama administration's health care law in 2010, a so-called public option was supposed to spur competition in the health insurance marketplace. An analysis by the U.S. Government Accountability Office in spring 2016 found co-ops have delivered on their promise of offering lower premiums, with the average premiums for co-op health plans substantially lower than other insurers. With few insurance carriers willing to do business in rural states, where the average cost of medical care is higher, the co-op was meant to give Montanans more options. Reported by SeattlePI.com 8 hours ago.

United States: CMS Again Extends HHA/Ambulance Enrollment Moratoria in Selected States to "Prevent and Combat Fraud, Waste, and Abuse" - Reed Smith

August 12, 2017, 1:51 am

≫ Next: Qatar- Al Koot launches health insurance platform

≪ Previous: Montana's Health Co-op remains standing as others falter

$

0

0

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has once again extended for six months its "temporary" moratoria on the Medicare, Medicaid, and Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) enrollment of new nonemergency ground ambulance suppliers and home health agencies (HHAs) in selected states, effective July 29, 2017. Reported by Mondaq 2 days ago.

Qatar- Al Koot launches health insurance platform

August 13, 2017, 12:31 am

≫ Next: Montana's Health Co-op remains standing as others falter

≪ Previous: United States: CMS Again Extends HHA/Ambulance Enrollment Moratoria in Selected States to "Prevent and Combat Fraud, Waste, and Abuse" - Reed Smith

$

0

0

(MENAFN - The Peninsula) The Peninsula Al Koot Insurance and Reinsurance Company launched its integrated health insurance operations management platform after the company ended u... Reported by MENAFN.com 16 hours ago.

Montana's Health Co-op remains standing as others falter

August 13, 2017, 5:32 am

≫ Next: Gov't has settled half of NHIS debt - Akufo-Addo discloses

≪ Previous: Qatar- Al Koot launches health insurance platform

$

0

0

HELENA, Mont. (AP) " Montana's health care co-op, one of America's few remaining alternatives to traditional health insurance, will resume accepting new enrollees Sunday after it voluntarily pulled itself from the state's insurance... Reported by New Zealand Herald 11 hours ago.

Gov't has settled half of NHIS debt - Akufo-Addo discloses

August 13, 2017, 6:05 am

≫ Next: Anthem drops out of state Marketplace

≪ Previous: Montana's Health Co-op remains standing as others falter

$

0

0

Government says it has settled over half of the debt of the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) with the assurance of paying the other half within 12 months. Reported by Myjoyonline 11 hours ago.

Anthem drops out of state Marketplace

August 14, 2017, 4:40 am

≫ Next: Montana's Health Co-op remains standing as others falter

≪ Previous: Gov't has settled half of NHIS debt - Akufo-Addo discloses

$

0

0

Anthem will not participate in the state Marketplace in 2018, company officials said late Friday afternoon.

The move, combined with other insurers dropping out of the health insurance exchange set up under the Affordable Care Act, could leave some Virginia counties without insurance coverage, but... Reported by dailypress.com 13 hours ago.

---

Montana's Health Co-op remains standing as others falter

August 12, 2017, 8:44 am

≫ Next: Employer-sponsored health insurance likely to stay awhile

≪ Previous: Anthem drops out of state Marketplace

$

0

0

The insurer took the nine-month hiatus from enrolling new members in the exchange created by President Barack Obama's Affordable Care Act to boost its financial reserves and keep it from the same fate that has befallen failed co-ops across the country. [...] within two years, half of the programs quietly folded — undermined by political attacks, financial miscalculations and the volatility of the health insurance marketplace. [...] Rosendale, who recently announced a bid for the U.S. Senate, said the millions of dollars in federal loans that co-ops have used as seed money could be better used, and he doubts that the Montana co-op will be able to repay the $85 million in loans it has gotten under the Obama health care law. During the heady debates over the Obama administration's health care law in 2010, a so-called public option was supposed to spur competition in the health insurance marketplace. An analysis by the U.S. Government Accountability Office in spring 2016 found co-ops have delivered on their promise of offering lower premiums, with the average premiums for co-op health plans substantially lower than other insurers. With few insurance carriers willing to do business in rural states, where the average cost of medical care is higher, the co-op was meant to give Montanans more options. Reported by SeattlePI.com 2 days ago.

Employer-sponsored health insurance likely to stay awhile

August 13, 2017, 7:08 pm

≫ Next: American Citizen Held By Immigration Enforcement For Over 3 Years Without Lawyer

≪ Previous: Montana's Health Co-op remains standing as others falter

$

0

0

While politicians poke and prod at Obamacare, it's all but certain that workers can continue to get their health insurance through employers. Reported by Christian Science Monitor 22 hours ago.

American Citizen Held By Immigration Enforcement For Over 3 Years Without Lawyer

August 14, 2017, 12:19 am

≫ Next: Frontrunning: August 14

≪ Previous: Employer-sponsored health insurance likely to stay awhile

$

0

0

Submitted by Sovereign Man

*This Week's Intelligence*

*American Citizen Held by Immigration Enforcement for Over 3 Years Without Lawyer *

“I am an American citizen,” Davino Watson pleaded with ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) agents, judges, and jailers. But to no avail; he was held in detention for over 3 years as a deportable illegal immigrant.

What did his court appointed lawyer have to say ? Nothing, because he was never assigned one. After all, illegal immigrants are not afforded the same rights of the accused and due process guaranteed to American citizens. The only problem: Davino Watson was in fact an American citizen.

Eventually, Watson was released and managed to get a meager court settlement of $82,500. But he would never see the money*. Two weeks ago, an appeals court ruled that Watson is not entitled to the compensation. Turns out the statute of limitations expired--while he was still in ICE custody!*

What this means:

What kind of monster working for the U.S. government appealed the decision to compensate this man $82,500 for the nightmare he was put through? Clearly, if the U.S. government falsely imprisons someone, all they need to do is keep them falsely imprisoned until the clock runs out on the two-year statute of limitations. The rights of the accused should apply to anyone on U.S. soil. And there should be no statute of limitations for “petition[ing] the government for a redress of grievances,” as the First Amendment guarantees.

Anyone detained on U.S. soil should be provided a lawyer. This would have prevented Davino from ever being wrongfully imprisoned by immigration officers. Due process should be applied anyway, because it is the right thing to do. But beyond that, as this nightmarish case shows, authorities can be wrong. Why should an agent be able to unilaterally make the call that someone is an illegal immigrant?

The man was basically assumed guilty of being an illegal immigrant without the state having to prove anything.

Let’s hope this goes on to the Supreme Court, so that no other American citizens have to endure such abuse.

* * *

*IRS Cashes in on Bitcoin Boom *

What happened:

Have you made money on Bitcoin? Did you give the IRS their cut? Here is another reason to hold Bitcoin long term, instead of treating it as a speculation. If you sold your Bitcoin high, and made some cash, the IRS considers that capital gains. And they most likely know who you are.

The IRS is now actively seeking those who made money on Bitcoin and did not report the gains to the IRS. They used a “John Doe summons”  to collect all records from the Bitcoin trading website Coinbase.

In the past, the IRS used the same methods to bully Swiss banks into revealing American account holders.

What this means:

How is this type of summons legal? Isn’t the government supposed to abide by the Fourth Amendment, and describe particular things to be searched and seized? This is broad dragnet investigation into personal documents or “papers.” Since the 16th amendment created the income tax, Americans have put up with yearly investigations into their finances that completely trample the Fourth Amendment.

Just because the government says it is legal to tax income, suddenly the right to be secure in your person, houses, papers, and effects goes out the window.

* * 

*Jail Time for Reproduction in Cambodia *

What happened:

Her body her choice? Not according to the Cambodian government. A Cambodian court  has sentenced an Australian woman to prison time. No, she wasn’t running an abortion clinic. She was running a surrogacy clinic, for women who need another woman to carry their baby to term.

Cambodia outlawed surrogacy last year. The government claimed Cambodian women were being taken advantage of by foreigners looking for a surrogate.  But two Cambodian women who were paid $12,000 each for their surrogacy testified that they were not coerced into carrying the babies.

What this means:

In Cambodia, abortion is legal for the first twelve weeks of pregnancy. So it is a woman's choice to get rid of her baby, but not to carry another woman’s baby. In trying to protect women from exploitation, Cambodia has destroyed a unique business. The business provided opportunity for the right women to make good money. It also provided a much needed service for women who cannot carry their babies to term.

But the government didn’t care. They simply outlawed the practice. They didn’t bother asking the women who depend on the income from surrogacy. And now a woman will spend a year and a half in prison because she facilitated a beneficial trade between two consenting adults.

* * *

*Federal Obamacare Money a State’s Right? *

What happened:

Funny how the House voted to repeal Obamacare six times while they knew Obama was there to veto it. There were also about 50 attempts to repeal or defund select pieces of Obamacare. Now that the President would actually sign the repeal, Congress can’t seem to drum up the votes.

In response, Trump could begin dismantling Obamacare by stopping cost sharing reduction payments. These funds go to states to support their health insurance exchanges. Trump has dubbed these payments insurance company bailouts.

But  the courts just made it that much harder to actually dismantle the law.

States will be able to sue the federal government to continue collecting Obamacare funds. The ruling claims cost sharing reduction payments are crucial to the state run insurance exchanges. Because of the court ruling, if Trump cuts the payments, it would open the federal government to lawsuits.

What this means:

Tax dollars have quickly become a right, according to the courts. This shows how once a person--or a state--is on the dole, it isn’t so easy to get them off of it. The original case this ruling was based on actually stemmed from the Obama administration funding state exchanges without Congress approving the funds.  But now, it may be illegal for Trump to remove this illegal funding. Obamacare made the government more powerful. Power is a drug. This is the government on drugs. Reported by Zero Hedge 17 hours ago.

Frontrunning: August 14

August 14, 2017, 5:09 am

≫ Next: A stronger Medicaid emerges from GOP health overhaul debate

≪ Previous: American Citizen Held By Immigration Enforcement For Over 3 Years Without Lawyer

$

0

0

· Korea tensions ease slightly as U.S. officials play down war risks (Reuters)
· Pence Plays Down Trump Threat on Venezuela (WSJ)
· Trump Pressed to Reject White Nationalist Groups (WSJ)
· White House Says Trump Abhors Neo-Nazis (BBG)
· Charlottesville, and the World, Take Stock of Violent Episode (NYT)
· Car Attack Suspect Had Shown Troubling Behavior (NYT)
· U.S. Default? Unlikely, But Bond Traders Are Taking No Chances (BBG)
· Voters sense betrayal in Britain's Brexit heartlands (Reuters)
· What the Google Controversy Misses: The Business Case for Diversity (WSJ)
· Chinese state newspaper says Trump trade probe will 'poison' relations (Reuters)
· Chinese try to buy Fiat Chrysler (Automotive News)
· China steel output hits record in July at 74 million tonnes (Reuters)
· Now Advising China’s State Firms: The Communist Party (WSJ)
· Vladimir's Venezuela - Leveraging loans to Caracas, Moscow snaps up oil assets (Reuters)
· HBO Hackers Leak Episodes From Upcoming Season of 'Curb' (AP)
· Trump Will Get His Tax Cuts, Vast Majority of Economists Say (BBG)
· U.S. tax change proposals anger builders, realtors, charities (Reuters)
· London’s Big Ben to Fall Silent Next Week for Four Years (BBG)
· Tudor and Brevan Howard abandon Mifid (FT)
· Hawking TVs on Tinder Helps Fuel 2000% Rally for Brazil Retailer (BBG)
· Trump Chips Away at Postcrisis Wall Street Rules (WSJ)
· French food group Danone's share rise after bid speculation report (Reuters)
· How a Conservative TV Giant Is Ridding Itself of Regulation (NYT)
· The Investment Bank Tipping Gold to Hit $1,400 (BBG)
· Businesses re-open in Kenyan capital despite opposition strike call over election (Reuters)
·  Suspected Islamist militants kill 18 in attack on Burkina Faso restaurant (Reuters)

*Overnight Media Digest*

WSJ

- Netflix Inc has recruited prolific television producer Shonda Rhimes, the creator of ABC hits such as Scandal and Grey's Anatomy, the clearest sign yet of an arms race for talent between new and old entertainment industry giants. on.wsj.com/2vADJhC

- U.S. President Donald Trump, in the wake of deadly weekend violence at a white-supremacy rally in Virginia, is facing pressure to break decisively with such nationalist groups that largely backed his campaign and presidency. on.wsj.com/2vAmrkD

- Months before Snapchat parent Snap Inc publicly disclosed slowing user growth, rival Facebook Inc already knew, due to information from a data-security app owned by the social-media company. Data from Onavo's app has been crucial to helping Facebook track rivals and scope out new product categories. on.wsj.com/2vAsG89

- Arriving in Asia, the Pentagon's top general says the focus remains on finding a diplomatic solution to the North Korea missile crisis, even as the military works up its own options. on.wsj.com/2vAAiHJ

- Alibaba Group Holding Ltd predicts its revenue will increase almost 50 percent this fiscal year on the backs of China's swelling ranks of middle-class consumers. Its shares listed on the New York Stock Exchange have risen 80 percent since the beginning of the year. on.wsj.com/2vAAruL

- James Fields Jr, the 20-year-old man arrested and charged for driving a Dodge Challenger into a crowd of demonstrators in Charlottesville on Saturday and killing a 32-year-old woman, was remembered as a quiet student by a school principal and a fellow classmate, but a former teacher said he also espoused white-supremacist views. on.wsj.com/2vAjoJp

 

FT

** Technology firm Telit Communications Plc has cut its ties with chief executive, Oozi Cats, after investigations regarding his alleged links to a U.S. fugitive by the name of Uzi Katz. on.ft.com/2vzYV7l

** Jean-Claude Juncker, European Commission president, is set to announce measures in a speech in September which will call for more rigorous screening of foreign takeovers of European companies.

** More than half of employers in UK plan to raise wages by just 1 percent over the next year. A survey of 1,139 employers by the CIPD, the professional body for HR managers, published on Monday discovered that employers plan to expand their workforces during the third quarter of 2017 but do not expect employment growth to put significant upward pressure on wages.

 

NYT

- Ebay Inc founder Pierre Omidyar wants to build a dairy farm on the island of Kauai, joining many other tech billionaires who have established a presence in Hawaii, which is only a five-hour flight from Silicon Valley. nyti.ms/2fDyA4D

- Uber Technologies Inc's board has voted to move forward on proposals by two investment groups to buy shares in the ride-hailing service and is considering a third offer, with any final decision set to affect who gains the upper hand at the company. nyti.ms/2fEaPth

- The Trump administration is giving health insurance companies more time to calculate price increases for 2018 because of uncertainty caused by the president's threat to cut off crucial subsidies paid to insurers on behalf of millions of low-income people. nyti.ms/2fEO08v

- At OpenAI, the artificial intelligence lab founded by Tesla Inc's chief executive, Elon Musk, machines are teaching themselves to behave like humans. But sometimes, this goes wrong. nyti.ms/2fDbrPO

 

Canada

THE GLOBE AND MAIL

Canadian Blood Services is seeking C$855 million ($673 million) over seven years to significantly boost the amount of plasma it collects from unpaid donors to make medications, according to a confidential document that summarizes the full cost of the effort. tgam.ca/2vUk0wd

Ontario's Liberal government is looking at imports from Quebec to provide additional sources of low-cost, clean electricity in order to meet ambitious plans to electrify transportation and space heating in buildings while reducing the grid's reliance on natural-gas generation. tgam.ca/2vUewkI

Frustration and costs are mounting for natural gas producers over frequent outages on TransCanada Corp's Alberta pipeline network that have limited shipments and put heavy pressure on prices for the fuel. tgam.ca/2vUbRHP

As it sells ad airtime for next year's Super Bowl, Bell Media Inc is setting prices on the assumption it will once again be able to swap in the CTV television feed – and Canadian ads – over the U.S. big game broadcast in Canada. tgam.ca/2vTtmIA

NATIONAL POST

A Liberal senator, Percy Downe, is concerned that senior military officers are receiving a disproportionate number of public service jobs available to injured Canadian Forces members and he wants a new accounting of how those positions are being distributed. bit.ly/2vUreQE

 

Britain

The Times

- The number of air passengers arrested for drunken misbehaviour on flights and in airports has risen by 50 percent in the past year, an investigation has found. Two senior peers have pressed UK government to place the aviation industry under the same strict licensing laws as pubs and nightclubs. bit.ly/2vSFdWZ

- One in six care home companies is in danger of insolvency, according to a report from an accountancy firm Moore Stephens. About 420,000 people over the age of 65 are being looked after in Britain's 11,000 residential care homes, including 220,000 of the most vulnerable patients, who are in 4,700 nursing homes. bit.ly/2vSLJgH

The Guardian

- Up to 13,000 landlords in just one London borough have been identified as failing to declare their rental income, prompting estimates that unpaid tax in the capital is costing the public purse nearly 200 million pounds ($260.18 million). bit.ly/2vSVhbe

- British retirees are rushing to settle in European countries such as Spain, Portugal and France before the Brexit deadline, according to financial advisers, believing that such a move will become significantly more difficult in the future. bit.ly/2vSOUEU

The Telegraph

- Companies including NuScale, Rolls-Royce Holdings Plc , and Westinghouse have been summoned by the Government for crunch talks on plans to meet Britain's energy demands with new small reactor technology, amid mounting fears over delays and Whitehall paralysis. They have been asked to present their plans in meetings over the next few weeks. bit.ly/2vSic6K

- Liquidators for BHS have begun legal action against Sir Philip Green's Arcadia retail empire. Papers have been filed in the High Court by lawyers representing SHB Realisations, the holding company for BHS, which is now in the hands of restructuring firm FRP Advisory. bit.ly/2vTfJJk

Sky News

- Rocket Internet SE and Kinnevik AB, two of Europe's leading backers of internet start-ups, will this week announce the sale of Glossybox, a beauty products subscription service to The Hut Group. bit.ly/2vzVkqa

- Brexit position papers to be released this week risk fuelling tension between the British and Irish governments. Ireland's Prime Minister, Leo Varadkar, had urged Theresa May to remain in the customs union to avoid border checks. bit.ly/2vT08t7

The Independent

- British Prime Minister Theresa May is accused of trying to break parliamentary rules in order to ram through controversial law changes after Brexit. The Conservatives are demanding to pack a crucial decision-making committee with their own MPs, despite losing their Commons majority at the election. ind.pn/2vSP27m

- British Prime Minister Theresa May has condemned the violence which erupted in Virginia between white-supremacist groups and counter-protesters, leaving three people dead. In a tweet from the Prime Minister's official Twitter account, May said: "Our thoughts and prayers are with #Charlottesville. The UK stands with the US against racism, hatred and violence." ind.pn/2vSHkKI

  Reported by Zero Hedge 12 hours ago.

A stronger Medicaid emerges from GOP health overhaul debate

August 14, 2017, 6:10 am

≫ Next: Everybody Dies But Not Everyone Lives: A Son Shares A Story About His Mom Diagnosed With Cancer For A GoFundMe Fundraiser

≪ Previous: Frontrunning: August 14

$

0

0

WASHINGTON (AP) " Medicaid, a 1960s Great Society pillar long reviled by conservatives, seems to have emerged even stronger after the Republican failure to pass health overhaul legislation.The federal-state health insurance program... Reported by New Zealand Herald 11 hours ago.

Everybody Dies But Not Everyone Lives: A Son Shares A Story About His Mom Diagnosed With Cancer For A GoFundMe Fundraiser

August 14, 2017, 6:04 am

≫ Next: Some Republicans are pushing a plan that would solve nearly all of Congress' problems in one fell swoop

≪ Previous: A stronger Medicaid emerges from GOP health overhaul debate

$

0

0

To generate awareness about colorectal cancer and help his mother Regina, Anthony May shares part of the story about Regina who was recently diagnosed with the disease.

Atlanta, GA (PRWEB) August 14, 2017

A musician once said, "Everybody dies but not everyone lives.” Anthony May instantly thought of my Mother Regina who is approaching her 62nd birthday and just over the past few years has she finally begun to live. And the reason why the May family built their GoFundMe page. They need help to save Regina's life otherwise she will die without having fully lived, a Mother, Sister and Grandma.

Colorectal cancer “colon cancer" is the #2 cancer killer among men and women combined in the U.S. Each year nearly 137,000 people are diagnosed with colon cancer in the U.S. and over 50,000 people die from it annually. The disease, however, is largely preventable with regular screening and is treatable with early detection.

After almost a year of misdiagnosis and medical procedures; on Tuesday, August 1st, 2017, time stopped for the May Family as Regina sat in the exam room surrounded by her siblings, children and grandchild. They delivered the heartbreaking diagnosis of stage four colon cancer which has metastasized to her lungs. True to her character, Regina immediately began to console those around her, hugging them one at a time and telling them it would be okay. Her next request was that she be the one to break the news to her mother so that she could be certain her mother would be okay. As the eldest sister of seven, Mother of four, and Grandma of five; Regina has spent her life with little concern for herself but shouldering the worries of those she loves the most.

Just fiive years ago, Regina enrolled in college for the first time and is just a few classes away from her first degree. When asked why she pursed school so late in life she replied, "To show my grandchildren anything is possible, no matter your age.” Regina's life has been filled with more pain and grief than most could ever bare, yet she has never complained or placed blame. On one hand, she has approached the world with fear because of all the pain and trauma she has endured, yet on the other, she has met every challenge with stoic grace and love because that is what she has had to be for all those around her.

There are usually no symptoms of colorectal cancer until it’s too late. Screening saves lives by finding and removing polyps before they can turn into cancer.

Regina has never asked for anything, especially help. The fact that she gave permission to build this page illustrates her will to live. Even with health insurance most of her doctors are out of network. This means that her treatment alone will cost $80,000. The May's are typically a private family and have never asked for anything but humbly need to ask for help to save their mother's life.

GoFundMe Page: https://www.gofundme.com/save-our-queen Reported by PRWeb 11 hours ago.

Some Republicans are pushing a plan that would solve nearly all of Congress' problems in one fell swoop

August 14, 2017, 6:54 am

≫ Next: China Jo-Jo Drugstores Reports Fiscal 2018 First Quarter Results

≪ Previous: Everybody Dies But Not Everyone Lives: A Son Shares A Story About His Mom Diagnosed With Cancer For A GoFundMe Fundraiser

$

0

0

Congress has a lot on its plate.

Before the end of September, the legislature will have to deal with the debt ceiling, a government funding bill to avoid a shutdown, and a slew of agency reauthorizations.

That's a massive amount of work in a month when both chambers are in session for only 12 working days.

One potential solution gaining steam among some Republican members would attempt to tackle all of the issues at once.

Rep. Charlie Dent of Pennsylvania, a co-chair of the moderate Tuesday Group caucus, told Business Insider that he is advocating for a plan that would would increase the debt ceiling, pass a long-term budget, and could address other issues like funding the State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP).

"I've been telling leadership that for budgetary stability and for market stability we should bring together a plan that would fund the government for two years and increase the debt ceiling," Dent said.

Dent said he has brought the idea to GOP leadership. He was initially rebuffed because the Senate was focused on healthcare legislation, but he is now mounting another push.

"I've discussed this idea with the leadership, I've raised it with Democrats," Dent said. "We think this could be something that gets broad, bipartisan support."

Dent said that if a broader agreement was not reached, he would favor a clean increase of the debt ceiling to avoid a possibly devastating default on the US debt.

One GOP aide told Business Insider that an idea similar to Dent's is under consideration. That plan, the aide said, would feature a continuing resolution to fund the government for six months instead a longer-term, two-year budget plan. The aide also said conservative members are unlikely to get on board, and there is active opposition to the idea.

"We're pushing our leadership against that approach. I think that's coming more from the Hill than from the White House," the aide said. "We think that's just not a way to get conservative priorities included."

It's unclear what kind of support a proposal like Dent's would garner more broadly in the House. Conservatives, especially in the House, are unlikely to support such a plan. To pass, it would likely need significant input from Democrats, who could ask for concessions for their priorities.

Spokespeople for both House Speaker Paul Ryan and Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell only said discussion regarding the issues is ongoing.

"House Republicans are discussing with the Senate and the administration, and we will act before the deadline," AshLee Strong, a spokesperson for Ryan, told Business Insider.

*SEE ALSO: Trump's feud with Mitch McConnell 'is breathtaking in its dysfunctionality'*

Join the conversation about this story »

NOW WATCH: Venezuela was Latin America’s richest country and now it is in complete crisis — here’s how it fell apart Reported by Business Insider 10 hours ago.

---

China Jo-Jo Drugstores Reports Fiscal 2018 First Quarter Results

August 14, 2017, 6:24 am

≫ Next: Rep. Dent Promotes All-In-One Plan To Fund Government, Increase Debt

≪ Previous: Some Republicans are pushing a plan that would solve nearly all of Congress' problems in one fell swoop

$

0

0

HANGZHOU, China, Aug. 14, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- China Jo-Jo Drugstores, Inc. (NASDAQ: CJJD, "China Jo-Jo" or "the Company") today announced financial results for its first fiscal quarter ended June 30, 2017.

FY 2018 First Quarter Highlights:

· Revenue increased to $21.7 million from $20.9 million a year ago
· Wholesale revenue increased by $2,357,715 or 74.7% year-over-year
· Gross profit was $4.2 million with gross margin of 19.3% compared to $4.5 million and 21.4% a year ago
· GAAP net loss was $1.4 million or $0.06 per diluted share compared to net income of $131,153 or $0.01 per diluted share a year ago

China Jo-Jo's Chairman and CEO, Mr. Liu Lei commented, "We continued to expand our retail pharmacies footprint as we believe this is the right strategy to benefit from the ongoing medical reform in China diverting drug sales from public hospitals to other retail outlets. We grew our retail drugstores to 71 during the quarter and stabilized our retail drugstores sales through promotional campaigns and direct-to-patient opportunities. We continued to seek alternative referral arrangement with providers of Pharmacy Benefit Management ("PBM") and implement strategies to increase our online pharmacy sales."

Net revenues for the first fiscal quarter were $21.7 million compared to $20.9 million in the same quarter a year ago, an increase of $734,453 or 3.5%. Retail drugstores sales were $13.0 million, an increase of 2.5% compared to the prior year period. The increase in retail drugstore sales was primarily due to promotional campaigns, incremental DTP (Direct-to-Patient) business benefiting from ongoing hospital reforms, and growing demand for healthcare products from local consumers. The pharmacy store count increased to 71 as of June 30, 2017, compared to 61 stores a year ago.

Online pharmacy sales for the quarter were $3.1 million compared to $5.1 million in the same quarter a year ago, a decrease of $1.9 million or 38.2%. The decrease was primarily the result of a decline in business referred from Yikatong, a popular pharmacy and health insurance benefit card run by a PBM provider in China, and a decline in sales made via various e-commerce platforms during the quarter. The Company is proactively seeking referral arrangements with alternative providers of PBM.

Wholesale revenue increased by $2,357,715 or 74.7%, primarily through the resale of certain products for which the Company's retail stores had prepared large orders to other vendors. Because these retail drugstores achieved large sales quantities for certain brand name merchandise, the Company was able to negotiate lower than market purchase prices for those items. As a result, certain vendors who were unable to obtain a better price will purchase those items, resulting in growth in the Company's wholesale sales volumes.

Gross profit decreased by $304,143 or 6.8% year over year primarily as a result of lower gross profit provided by online sale. Gross margin was 21.4% compared to 19.3% due to lower online profit margins.

Net loss was $1.4 million or $0.06 per diluted share compared to last year's first quarter net income of $131,153 or $0.01 per diluted share.

About China Jo-Jo Drugstores, Inc.

China Jo-Jo Drugstores, Inc., is a leading China-based pharmacy that engages in retail, wholesale and online distribution and sales of pharmaceutical and health care products, including through its online and retail pharmacies. As of June 30, 2017, the Company had 71 retail pharmacies in Zhejiang Province. The Company's wholesale subsidiary supplies its retail stores and distributes drug and healthcare products to other drugstores and drug vendors. For more information, please visit: www.jiuzhou-drugstore.com (Chinese) and www.chinajojodrugstores.com (English).  The Company routinely provides important information on its website.

Forward Looking Statement

Statements in this press release regarding the Company that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements and are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual future events or results to differ materially from such statements. Any such forward-looking statements, including, but not limited to, financial guidance, are made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "believe,""expect,""estimate,""may,""will,""should,""project,""plan,""seek,""intend,""anticipate," the negatives thereof, or comparable terminology. Such statements typically involve risks and uncertainties and may include financial projections or information regarding the progress of new product development. It is routine for the Company's internal projections and expectations to change as the quarter and year progresses, and therefore it should be clearly understood that the internal projections and beliefs upon which the Company bases its expectations may change. Although these expectations may change, the Company is under no obligation to inform you if they do. Actual results could differ materially from the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements as a result of numerous factors, including the risks associated with the effect of changing economic conditions in the People's Republic of China, variations in cash flow, reliance on collaborative retail partners and on new product development, variations in new product development, risks associated with rapid technological change, and the potential of introduced or undetected flaws and defects in products. Readers are referred to the reports and documents filed from time to time by the Company with the Securities and Exchange Commission for a discussion of these and other important risk factors that could cause actual results to differ from those discussed in forward-looking statements. Other than as required under the securities laws, the Company does not assume a duty to update these forward-looking statements.

CHINA JO-JO DRUGSTORES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(UNAUDITED)





June 30,



March 31,


2017



2017



ASSETS








CURRENT ASSETS








Cash


$

14,359,565



$

18,364,424



Restricted cash



10,127,165




9,431,386



Financial assets available for sale



162,303




87,068



Notes receivable



171,156




253,394



Trade accounts receivable



8,794,199




8,561,596



Inventories



10,481,496




9,923,101



Other receivables, net



2,166,616




2,269,193



Advances to suppliers



4,968,236




5,504,141



Other current assets



1,659,801




1,566,155



Total current assets



52,890,537




55,960,458










PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT, net



4,407,849




4,263,157










OTHER ASSETS










Long-term investment



36,293




46,152



Farmland assets



730,843




718,787



Long term deposits



3,115,537




2,294,848



Other noncurrent assets



1,360,796




1,177,005



Intangible assets, net



2,832,043




2,712,611



Total other assets



8,075,512




6,949,403










Total assets


$

65,373,898



$

67,173,018










LIABILITIES AND STOCK HOLDERS' EQUITY










CURRENT LIABILITIES










Accounts payable, trade



18,230,169




19,441,195



Notes payable



13,181,779




12,691,575



Other payables



2,640,499




2,916,283



Other payables - related parties



849,075




927,052



Customer deposits



2,804,020




2,675,030



Taxes payable



511,680




681,939



Accrued liabilities



663,160




679,350



Total current liabilities



38,880,382




40,012,424










Purchase option and warrants liability



445,893




496,217



Total liabilities



39,326,275




40,508,641










COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

















STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY










Common stock; $0.001 par value; 250,000,000 shares authorized; 25,214,678 and 25,214,678 shares issued and outstanding as of June 30, 2017 and March 31, 2017



25,215




25,215



Preferred stock; $0.001 par value; 10,000,000 shares authorized; nil issued and outstanding as of June 30, 2017 and March 31, 2017



-




-



Additional paid-in capital



36,924,729




36,581,248



Statutory reserves



1,309,109




1,309,109



Accumulated deficit



(14,020,561)




(12,601,257)



Accumulated other comprehensive income



1,809,131




1,350,062



Total stockholders' equity



26,047,623




26,664,377










Total liabilities and stockholders' equity


$

65,373,898



$

67,173,018

 

 

CHINA JO-JO DRUGSTORES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES



CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)



(UNAUDITED)




For the three months ended
June 30,


2017



2016



REVENUES, NET


$

21,670,368



$

20,935,915










COST OF GOODS SOLD



17,492,707




16,454,111










GROSS PROFIT



4,177,661




4,481,804










SELLING EXPENSES



3,916,859




2,682,721



GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES



1,725,443




1,918,482



TOTAL OPERATING EXPENSES



5,642,302




4,601,203










LOSS FROM OPERATIONS



(1,464,641)




(119,399)










INTEREST INCOME



44,899




224,422



INTEREST EXPENSE



-




(439)



OTHER (EXPENSE) INCOME, NET



(29,348)




87,199



CHANGE IN FAIR VALUE OF PURCHASE OPTION AND WARRANTS LIABILITY



50,324




(32,196)










(LOSS) INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES



(1,398,766)




159,587










PROVISION FOR INCOME TAXES



20,538




28,434










NET (LOSS) INCOME



(1,419,304)




131,153










FOREIGN CURRENCY TRANSLATION ADJUSTMENTS



459,069




114,869










COMPREHENSIVE (LOSS) INCOME



(960,235)




246,022










WEIGHTED AVERAGE NUMBER OF SHARES:










Basic



25,214,678




18,239,065



Diluted



25,214,678




18,276,565










(LOSS) EARNINGS PER SHARES:










Basic


$

(0.06)



$

0.01



Diluted


$

(0.06)



$

0.01

 

CHINA JO-JO DRUGSTORES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES



CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS



(UNAUDITED)




For the three months ended
June 30,


2017



2016



CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:








Net income


$

(1,419,304)



$

131,153



Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:










Bad debt direct write-off and provision



212,199




70,736



Depreciation and amortization



289,058




246,499



Stock based compensation



343,480




590,651



Change in fair value of purchase option derivative liability



(50,324)




32,196



Accounts receivable, trade



(537,768)




(1,360,690)



Notes receivable



85,434




(40,252)



Inventories and biological assets



(387,176)




(251,067)



Other receivables



365,954




(202,805)



Advances to suppliers



450,107




(605,769)



Other current assets



(66,556)




(414,770)



Long term deposit



(772,661)




-



Other noncurrent assets



(162,049)




(358,242)



Accounts payable, trade



(1,518,372)




(679,734)



Other payables and accrued liabilities



(346,903)




(47,600)



Customer deposits



83,096




164,352



Taxes payable



(179,483)




(40,087)



Net cash provided by operating activities



(3,611,268)




(2,765,429)










CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:










Purchase of financial assets available for sale



(72,875)




-



Acquisition of equipment



(17,340)




(9,372)



Increase in construction-in-progress



(336,882)




-



Increase intangible assets



(80,162)




-



Additions to leasehold improvements



-




(26,532)



Net cash used in investing activities



(507,259)




(35,904)










CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:










Change in restricted cash



(531,031)




6,951,672



Proceeds from notes payable



8,684,688




7,768,165



Repayment of notes payable



(8,410,741)




(13,368,248)



Changes in other payables-related parties



(87,449)




36,662



Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities



(344,533)




1,388,251










EFFECT OF EXCHANGE RATE ON CASH



458,201




(200,700)










INCREASE IN CASH



(4,004,859)




(1,613,782)










CASH, beginning of year



18,364,424




6,671,873










CASH, end of year


$

14,359,565



$

5,058,091










SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION:










Cash paid for interest


$

-



$

412



Cash paid for income taxes


$

26,853



$

17,973

 

Use of non-GAAP financial measures

To supplement China Jo-Jo's consolidated financial results presented in accordance with GAAP, China Jo-Jo uses the following measures defined as non-GAAP financial measures by the SEC: net income (loss) excluding share-based compensation expenses and change in fair value of derivative liabilities, and diluted net income (loss) per share excluding share-based compensation expenses and change in the fair value of derivatives liabilities. The presentation of these non-GAAP financial measures is not intended to be considered in isolation or as a substitute for the financial information prepared and presented in accordance with GAAP.

China Jo-Jo believes that these non-GAAP financial measures provide meaningful supplemental information regarding its performance and liquidity by excluding share-based compensation expenses and change in fair value of derivative liabilities that may not be indicative of its operating performance from a cash perspective. China Jo-Jo believes that both management and investors benefit from referring to these non-GAAP financial measures in assessing its performance and when planning and forecasting future periods. These non-GAAP financial measures also facilitate management's internal comparisons to China Jo-Jo's historical performance and liquidity. China Jo-Jo computes its non-GAAP financial measures using the same consistent method from quarter to quarter. China Jo-Jo believes these non-GAAP financial measures are useful to investors in allowing for greater transparency with respect to supplemental information used by management in its financial and operational decision-making. A limitation of using these non-GAAP measures is that they exclude share-based compensation and change in fair value of derivative liabilities charge that has been and will continue to be for the foreseeable future a significant recurring expense in our business. Management compensates for these limitations by providing specific information regarding the GAAP amounts excluded from each non-GAAP measure. The table under the heading Reconciliation to non-GAAP Financial Measures in the beginning of the release has more details on the reconciliations between GAAP financial measures that are most directly comparable to non-GAAP financial measures.

Reconciliation to non-GAAP Financial Measures

Three Months Ended

June 30, 2017

2016

Net income

$(1,419,304)

$131,153

Non-GAAP adjustments:




Share based compensation expense

343,480

590,651

Change in fair value of derivative liabilities

(50,324)

32,196

Adjusted net income (loss)

(1,126,148)

754,000

Adjusted net income per share - diluted

(0.04)

0.04

Investor Relations Contact:

Steve Liu
86-18367166379
steve.liu@jojodrugstores.com

View original content:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/china-jo-jo-drugstores-reports-fiscal-2018-first-quarter-results-300503684.html Reported by PR Newswire Asia 11 hours ago.

Rep. Dent Promotes All-In-One Plan To Fund Government, Increase Debt

August 14, 2017, 11:31 am

≫ Next: Colorado group pushes back against proposed health insurance premium increases

≪ Previous: China Jo-Jo Drugstores Reports Fiscal 2018 First Quarter Results

$

0

0

A Pennsylvania Republican is promoting an all-in-one plan that under his stewardship would deal with the debt ceiling, fund the government to avoid a shutdown and pass a two-year budget, Business Insider is reporting. With both houses of Congress in session for a total of 12 working days in September when a slew of measures need passage to keep the government running, the plan is gaining momentum, the report said. According to the plan – put forth by Rep. Charlie Dent, co-chair of the moderate Tuesday Group caucus – the all-in-one plan would increase the debt ceiling and pass a long-term budget as well as address other issues like funding the State Children's Health Insurance Program, the... Reported by WorldNews 6 hours ago.

Colorado group pushes back against proposed health insurance premium increases

August 14, 2017, 1:32 pm

≫ Next: ClearHealth Quality Institute Seeks Volunteers for New Appeals Standards Committee

≪ Previous: Rep. Dent Promotes All-In-One Plan To Fund Government, Increase Debt

$

0

0

The Colorado Consumer Health Initiative is urging the state Division of Insurance to control rising health insurance premiums, saying that proposed rate spikes for 2018 are not justified. Reported by Denver Post 4 hours ago.

ClearHealth Quality Institute Seeks Volunteers for New Appeals Standards Committee

August 15, 2017, 1:18 am

≫ Next: Healthy Paws Foundation Joins Forces with the Human Animal Bond Research Institute

≪ Previous: Colorado group pushes back against proposed health insurance premium increases

$

0

0

Accrediting Body Seeks to Remedy Long-Standing Problems in Health Insurance Appeals System

Annapolis, MD (PRWEB) August 15, 2017

ClearHealth Quality InstituteTM (CHQI), which is developing an Appeals Accreditation Program to reform the health insurance appeals system, seeks volunteers to join its newly formed Appeals Standards Committee. The expert panel will be comprised of a diverse group of stakeholders, including health insurance industry leaders, employers, health care providers, and consumer advocates, and will be charged with developing robust but workable standards for health plan internal and external appeals.

“CHQI will develop an accreditation program that will help streamline the health insurance appeals system through the development of national standards,” says Garry Carneal, CHQI’s founder. “A primary public policy goal is to transform the current fragmented appeals system into one that is standardized, transparent, and affords more due process for patients when insurance coverage is denied.” Carneal has brought to market over 20 health care accreditation programs with four different accreditation organizations.

“CHQI, recognizing the huge gaps in this area, will work to bring an industry-wide solution to all parties,” adds Michael D. Reisman, CHQI’s President. “Internal and external appeals regulations are incomplete and ambiguous, and have failed to keep up with the realities of contemporary health care. Our goal is to draft standards to serve as a clear roadmap for the entire appeals process.” Reisman is a former mental health counselor and civil health care prosecutor in the New York State Attorney General’s Office.

The Appeals Standards Committee, which is expected to convene its first meeting by September, will develop new standards during the remaining months of 2017. The standards will undergo multiple levels of rigorous vetting, including a public comment period, beta testing with health plans, and evaluation by CHQI’s Advisory Board of Directors.

The new Appeals Standards Committee will be chaired by Julie O’Brien, BSN, RN, MBA, President and CEO, Alicare Medical Management, and Immediate Past President of the National Association of Independent Review Organizations. Meiram Bendat, J.D., Ph.D., President, Psych-Appeal, Inc., will serve as the Vice-Chair.

“CHQI’s program is urgently needed, as evidenced by the fact that the overwhelming majority of Americans do not know where to file a health plan appeal – even though one in four health insurance claims is denied,” notes Bendat. “A reformed health plan appeals system would ensure that consumers know their rights, while promoting efficiency in health plan administration.”

O’Brien adds, “By bringing together a diverse group of stakeholders including industry, consumer, provider and other representatives, CHQI’s Appeal Standards Committee can identify key target areas to improve how health plans handle insurance appeals.” She notes further, “the time is right to update the appeals process in a way that everyone benefits.”

Several recent trend reports and issue briefs highlight numerous concerns with the current insurance appeals system. Two of these reports, published by CHQI’s regulatory research division, RegQuest, highlighted public policy opportunities to improve both the utilization management internal appeal and external appeal systems. To download previous issue briefs, click here.

The Appeals Accreditation Program is the third initiative launched this year by CHQI, whose mission is to create best-in-class accreditation programs for health plans, providers, medical management organizations and other health-related companies. Earlier this year, CHQI announced the launch of cutting-edge telemedicine and mental health parity accreditation programs. Leveraging its leaders’ decades of experience in health care, compliance, and accreditation, CHQI aims to promote value and accountability in the health care system.

To obtain more information about the CHQI Appeals Standards Committee, including serving as a volunteer member, or other CHQI accreditation programs, please contact Julie Irons, Manager of Accreditation, at (410) 696-7634 or via email at info(at)chqi.com.

About ClearHealth Quality Institute™ (CHQI) (http://www.CHQI.com)
The mission of ClearHealth Quality Institute (CHQI) is to promote quality-based practices for health plans, providers and other stakeholders across the United States and its territories. CHQI’s accreditation and certification programs help assess, track and report on trends to enhance key insurance and provider outcomes. CHQI also offers regulatory compliance solutions, hosts educational programs, publishes issue briefs, and underwrites research to raise awareness of patient safety issues and promote best practices. The organization is governed by an independent board and committee system, which is open to a wide range of volunteers to ensure transparency and accountability. CHQI provides resources to serve patients, providers, payers, government agencies, and other stakeholder groups. To learn more about CHQI, please contact us at (410) 696-7634 or info(at)CHQI.com. Reported by PRWeb 16 hours ago.

Healthy Paws Foundation Joins Forces with the Human Animal Bond Research Institute

August 15, 2017, 3:09 am

≫ Next: Best’s Special Report: Stop-Loss Insurance Market Continues to Grow

≪ Previous: ClearHealth Quality Institute Seeks Volunteers for New Appeals Standards Committee

$

0

0

The Foundation Arm of Leading Pet Insurance Provider Will Help Advance Research and Education on the Healing Power of Pets

Seattle, WA (PRWEB) August 15, 2017

Healthy Paws Foundation, the charitable arm funded in part by Healthy Paws Pet Insurance — the #1 customer-rated provider of insurance for dogs and cats— and the Human Animal Bond Research Institute (HABRI) have joined forces; Healthy Paws Foundation has made a contribution to support the HABRI’s research on the mental and physical health benefits of owning a pet.

Healthy Paws will sit alongside other leaders in the pet care community on the HABRI Steering Committee. This commitment focuses on creating awareness of “the pet effect,” including health benefits for people and improved health and welfare for pets.

Scientific evidence shows that companion animals can help prevent cardiovascular disease, reduce depression, and provide support for conditions ranging from Alzheimer’s to autism spectrum disorder to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). HABRI reports that pet ownership saves $11.7 billion in U.S. healthcare costs.

The human-animal bond is also good for pets. A recently-published survey by HABRI found that when pet parents are educated on the scientific research on the health benefits of pets, 89 percent said they would be more likely to take better care of their pets.

“We believe in the work HABRI is doing. Their research tells us that companion animals have a positive health impact; so while pets are an important part of the family, they’re also significant to our wellbeing,” said Rob Jackson, Chief Pet Protector at Healthy Paws. “It’s a mutually beneficial relationship, too – the knowledge that a human-animal bond increases their own health and wellness motivates pet parents to take better care of their pets. This means providing the best pet medical care is of utmost importance.”

“Healthy Paws is a leader in the growing pet insurance business because they recognize the powerful human-animal bond that makes pets part of our families,” said Steven Feldman, HABRI Executive Director. “Research shows that when we take better care of our furry family members, they take great care of us! HABRI is excited to partner with Healthy Paws to advance this research.”

By prioritizing their pet’s health, pet parents also help themselves to live healthier lives. Steps to help keep your pet healthy include a nutritious diet, plenty of exercise (and love!), proper dental care and general wellness checkups annually and pet health insurance in case your pet gets sick or injured.

About Healthy Paws Pet Insurance®
Healthy Paws is one of the leading pet insurance program providers in the U.S. for dogs and cats and ranked #1 by customers on leading review websites. Its insurance policies are provided by Chubb whose U.S. carriers are rated A++ by A.M. Best. The Healthy Paws Foundation, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, provides cash grants to pet adoption organizations specifically for life-saving vaccines, spay/neuter surgeries and advanced medical treatments of homeless pets in their care. Learn more about their mission to save more homeless pets and how you can help. For more information about Healthy Paws Pet Insurance, visit http://www.healthypawspetinsurance.com.

About HABRI®
The Human Animal Bond Research Institute (HABRI) is a not-for-profit organization that maintains the world’s largest online library of human-animal bond research and information; funds innovative research projects to scientifically document the health benefits of companion animals; and informs the public about human-animal bond research and the beneficial role of companion animals in society. For more information, please visit habri.org. Reported by PRWeb 15 hours ago.