If you contract a disease a few years after buying a health cover, disclosure isn't mandatory. But if you want to increase the sum assured, premiums could go up.
Reported by Rediff.com 5 hours ago.
Buying health insurance? Honesty is the best policy
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Access HealthNet Selects the Datica Platform to Accelerate Interoperability and Security for Medical Reimbursements
Wisconsin-based companies form a working alliance to streamline healthcare data exchange for hospital and medical billing.
MILWAUKEE and MADISON, Wis. (PRWEB) May 10, 2018
Madison-based Datica™ and Milwaukee tech startup Access HealthNet (AHN) today announced a strategic partnership to deliver EMR interoperability and security through AHN’s healthcare bundling platform. The companies will collaborate to ensure compliance requirements are met to the standards of HIPAA and HITRUST CSF Certification and streamline operations for AHN’s customers.
Together the two companies will greatly expand their ability to assist providers and employers in streamlining the medical reimbursement process that has plagued modern healthcare and fueled its skyrocketing costs.
Founded in 2014, AHN has become a leader in direct contracting with its cloud-based bundling platform, offering more than 350,000 episodes of care throughout the country at more than 5,000 facility locations to self-insured employers, unions, and Medi-Share programs.
"Partnering with Datica will propel our platform forward exponentially,” said AHN’s Chairman and CEO, Eric Haberichter. “Our vision of being fully interoperable with all major hospital and medical billing systems will become a reality much more rapidly with this partnership.”
Datica has been serving an array of high-profile medical facilities across the country and has become the Midwest’s premier HITRUST CSF Certified, HIPAA compliant digital health platform. Founded in 2013, Datica now powers the next era of healthcare technology with its interoperable Kubernetes-enabled cloud infrastructure.
"We recognize the health tech surge happening in both Madison and Milwaukee today. That’s only one reason why Datica is delighted to partner with Access HealthNet in providing the compliance and security layers that hospital and medical systems seek,” said Datica CEO and Chief Privacy Officer Travis Good, MD. “With its bundled payments solution, Access HealthNet is providing a much-needed cost transparency for healthcare; seeing these innovations arise from two Wisconsin cities is a boasting point for the state of Wisconsin.”
About Datica
The Datica Platform is designed for those who store, manage and share protected health information (PHI) in the cloud and manages all ongoing compliance and security burdens found within the exacting standards of HIPAA, HITRUST, GDPR, and GxP. Customers can license and deploy cloud-native applications on their own cloud account, or tap Datica’s cloud account to receive compliance, security and electronic health record (EHR) integration expertise to launch and manage applications. Datica’s Kubernetes-enabled platform customers include mid-to-late stage startups to Fortune 100 companies across the healthcare spectrum: solution providers, hospital organizations, pharmaceutical giants and nationwide health insurance payers. For more information, go to Datica.com.
About Access HealthNet
Access HealthNet (AHN) increases access and affordability in healthcare through an e-commerce healthcare marketplace called The Super Option that connects value-based providers offering flat-rates and bundles to self-funded employers. AHN’s proprietary platform has several iterations to serve healthcare’s vast stakeholders, including a direct-to-consumer offering called The Super Option Direct, and a workers’ compensation solution called WC Bundled Payments. To learn more, visit accesshealthnet.com. Reported by PRWeb 22 hours ago.
MILWAUKEE and MADISON, Wis. (PRWEB) May 10, 2018
Madison-based Datica™ and Milwaukee tech startup Access HealthNet (AHN) today announced a strategic partnership to deliver EMR interoperability and security through AHN’s healthcare bundling platform. The companies will collaborate to ensure compliance requirements are met to the standards of HIPAA and HITRUST CSF Certification and streamline operations for AHN’s customers.
Together the two companies will greatly expand their ability to assist providers and employers in streamlining the medical reimbursement process that has plagued modern healthcare and fueled its skyrocketing costs.
Founded in 2014, AHN has become a leader in direct contracting with its cloud-based bundling platform, offering more than 350,000 episodes of care throughout the country at more than 5,000 facility locations to self-insured employers, unions, and Medi-Share programs.
"Partnering with Datica will propel our platform forward exponentially,” said AHN’s Chairman and CEO, Eric Haberichter. “Our vision of being fully interoperable with all major hospital and medical billing systems will become a reality much more rapidly with this partnership.”
Datica has been serving an array of high-profile medical facilities across the country and has become the Midwest’s premier HITRUST CSF Certified, HIPAA compliant digital health platform. Founded in 2013, Datica now powers the next era of healthcare technology with its interoperable Kubernetes-enabled cloud infrastructure.
"We recognize the health tech surge happening in both Madison and Milwaukee today. That’s only one reason why Datica is delighted to partner with Access HealthNet in providing the compliance and security layers that hospital and medical systems seek,” said Datica CEO and Chief Privacy Officer Travis Good, MD. “With its bundled payments solution, Access HealthNet is providing a much-needed cost transparency for healthcare; seeing these innovations arise from two Wisconsin cities is a boasting point for the state of Wisconsin.”
About Datica
The Datica Platform is designed for those who store, manage and share protected health information (PHI) in the cloud and manages all ongoing compliance and security burdens found within the exacting standards of HIPAA, HITRUST, GDPR, and GxP. Customers can license and deploy cloud-native applications on their own cloud account, or tap Datica’s cloud account to receive compliance, security and electronic health record (EHR) integration expertise to launch and manage applications. Datica’s Kubernetes-enabled platform customers include mid-to-late stage startups to Fortune 100 companies across the healthcare spectrum: solution providers, hospital organizations, pharmaceutical giants and nationwide health insurance payers. For more information, go to Datica.com.
About Access HealthNet
Access HealthNet (AHN) increases access and affordability in healthcare through an e-commerce healthcare marketplace called The Super Option that connects value-based providers offering flat-rates and bundles to self-funded employers. AHN’s proprietary platform has several iterations to serve healthcare’s vast stakeholders, including a direct-to-consumer offering called The Super Option Direct, and a workers’ compensation solution called WC Bundled Payments. To learn more, visit accesshealthnet.com. Reported by PRWeb 22 hours ago.
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Saddleback Earns Seal of HIPAA Compliance for Business Telecommunications Services
Compliancy Group Verifies Saddleback’s Ability to Deliver Services to Health Care Organizations While Protecting Patient Data
SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. (PRWEB) May 10, 2018
Saddleback Communications, a provider of voice, data and high-speed Internet services to residential and business customers in the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community, is pleased to announce that it has achieved full compliance with the federally regulated standards of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA).
The HIPAA Seal of Compliance® is a third-party verification that Saddleback is able to deliver telecommunications services to health care organizations in accordance with the regulation’s requirements governing the security, privacy and integrity of sensitive patient health care data.
“Achieving HIPAA Compliancy provides our Saddleback business customers with an important regulatory component of our Hosted PBX and UCaaS solutions,” said Bill Bryant, President of Saddleback Communications. “Saddleback has many customers in the medical and health care industries and having this compliance will better support our valued customers.”
Saddleback has implemented a full compliance program, adhering to the necessary regulatory standards outlined in the HIPAA Privacy Rule, HIPAA Security Rule, HIPAA Breach Notification Rule, HIPAA Omnibus Rule, PCI and HITECH. These standards have been heavily vetted against the letter of the law and meet federal NIST requirements.
Saddleback’s compliance has been verified by the HIPAA subject matter experts and Compliance Coaches at Compliancy Group, the industry-recognized leader in HIPAA compliance.
About Saddleback Communications
Saddleback Communications is a federally regulated Incumbent Local Exchange Carrier that provides residential and business customers with reliable local telephone service, high-speed Internet access, Unified Communications as a Service (UCaaS) and custom business solutions. Founded in 1997 by the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community, Saddleback Communications' mission is to upgrade and enhance the quality of telephone, data and Internet services for the residents and businesses on the Community. Since the company's inception, they have built a rugged, self-healing telecommunications infrastructure that provides world-class solutions for residents and businesses. Learn more at http://www.saddlebackcomm.com. Reported by PRWeb 18 hours ago.
SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. (PRWEB) May 10, 2018
Saddleback Communications, a provider of voice, data and high-speed Internet services to residential and business customers in the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community, is pleased to announce that it has achieved full compliance with the federally regulated standards of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA).
The HIPAA Seal of Compliance® is a third-party verification that Saddleback is able to deliver telecommunications services to health care organizations in accordance with the regulation’s requirements governing the security, privacy and integrity of sensitive patient health care data.
“Achieving HIPAA Compliancy provides our Saddleback business customers with an important regulatory component of our Hosted PBX and UCaaS solutions,” said Bill Bryant, President of Saddleback Communications. “Saddleback has many customers in the medical and health care industries and having this compliance will better support our valued customers.”
Saddleback has implemented a full compliance program, adhering to the necessary regulatory standards outlined in the HIPAA Privacy Rule, HIPAA Security Rule, HIPAA Breach Notification Rule, HIPAA Omnibus Rule, PCI and HITECH. These standards have been heavily vetted against the letter of the law and meet federal NIST requirements.
Saddleback’s compliance has been verified by the HIPAA subject matter experts and Compliance Coaches at Compliancy Group, the industry-recognized leader in HIPAA compliance.
About Saddleback Communications
Saddleback Communications is a federally regulated Incumbent Local Exchange Carrier that provides residential and business customers with reliable local telephone service, high-speed Internet access, Unified Communications as a Service (UCaaS) and custom business solutions. Founded in 1997 by the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community, Saddleback Communications' mission is to upgrade and enhance the quality of telephone, data and Internet services for the residents and businesses on the Community. Since the company's inception, they have built a rugged, self-healing telecommunications infrastructure that provides world-class solutions for residents and businesses. Learn more at http://www.saddlebackcomm.com. Reported by PRWeb 18 hours ago.
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OneCloud Receives SOC 1 Type I and SOC 2 Type I Attestation Report
Independent Audit Verifies OneCloud’s Internal Controls and Processes
NEW YORK (PRWEB) May 10, 2018
KirkpatrickPrice announced today that OneCloud, a SaaS solution provider, has received their SOC 1 Type I and SOC 2 Type I attestation reports. The completion of these engagements provides evidence that OneCloud has a strong commitment to deliver high quality services to its clients by demonstrating they have the necessary internal controls and processes in place.
KirkpatrickPrice, a licensed CPA and PCI QSA firm, performed the audit and appropriate testing of OneCloud’s controls that may affect its clients’ financial statements. SOC 1 Type II is a reporting on the controls at a service organization that was established by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA). This report is in compliance with the SSAE 18 auditing standards and focuses on the controls of a service organization that are relevant to an audit of a user entity’s financial statements. The standard demonstrates that an organization has adequate controls and processes in place. Federal regulations such as Sarbanes-Oxley, Gramm-Leach-Bliley and the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) require corporations to audit the internal controls of their suppliers, including those that provide technology services. The SOC 1 Type II audit report includes OneCloud’s description of controls as well as the detailed testing of its controls over a minimum six-month period.
SOC 2 engagements are based on the AICPA’s Trust Services Criteria. SOC 2 service auditor reports focus on a Service Organization’s non-financial reporting controls as they relate to security, availability, processing integrity, confidentiality, and privacy of a system. KirkpatrickPrice’s service auditor report verifies the suitability of the design and operating effectiveness of OneCloud’s controls to meet the standards for these criteria.
“Building a robust platform requires a focus on security across the organization, and we’re confident that we’ve taken all the necessary steps to ensure our data is protected,” said Quin Eddy, CEO of OneCloud. “We are confident that this audit reflects the results of our strong commitment to keeping our platform secure.”
“Many of OneCloud’s clients rely on them to protect consumer information,” said Joseph Kirkpatrick, President of KirkpatrickPrice. “As a result, OneCloud has implemented best practice controls demanded by their customers to address information security and compliance risks. Our third-party opinion validates these controls and the tests we perform provide assurance regarding the managed solutions provided by OneCloud.”
About OneCloud
OneCloud is an integration and automation platform designed for business users to bring simplicity and control to the enterprise application landscape. OneCloud seamlessly orchestrates complex handshakes across a hybrid mix of on-premise and cloud-based systems. OneCloud provides full support for business intelligence and performance management applications including, but not limited to: Anaplan, Workday, Salesforce, Oracle Hyperion, IBM Cognos, Tableau and relational technologies.. For more information, visit http://www.onecloud.io or connect with OneCloud on LinkedIn.
About KirkpatrickPrice, LLC
KirkpatrickPrice is a licensed CPA firm, PCI QSA, and a HITRUST CSF Assessor, registered with the PCAOB, providing assurance services to over 700 clients in more than 48 states, Canada, Asia, and Europe. The firm has over 13 years of experience in information security and compliance assurance by performing assessments, audits, and tests that strengthen information security and internal controls. KirkpatrickPrice most commonly provides advice on SOC 1, SOC 2, PCI DSS, HIPAA, HITRUST CSF, GDPR, ISO 27001, FISMA, and CFPB frameworks. For more information, visit http://www.kirkpatrickprice.com, follow KirkpatrickPrice on Twitter (@KPAudit), or connect with KirkpatrickPrice on LinkedIn. Reported by PRWeb 17 hours ago.
NEW YORK (PRWEB) May 10, 2018
KirkpatrickPrice announced today that OneCloud, a SaaS solution provider, has received their SOC 1 Type I and SOC 2 Type I attestation reports. The completion of these engagements provides evidence that OneCloud has a strong commitment to deliver high quality services to its clients by demonstrating they have the necessary internal controls and processes in place.
KirkpatrickPrice, a licensed CPA and PCI QSA firm, performed the audit and appropriate testing of OneCloud’s controls that may affect its clients’ financial statements. SOC 1 Type II is a reporting on the controls at a service organization that was established by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA). This report is in compliance with the SSAE 18 auditing standards and focuses on the controls of a service organization that are relevant to an audit of a user entity’s financial statements. The standard demonstrates that an organization has adequate controls and processes in place. Federal regulations such as Sarbanes-Oxley, Gramm-Leach-Bliley and the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) require corporations to audit the internal controls of their suppliers, including those that provide technology services. The SOC 1 Type II audit report includes OneCloud’s description of controls as well as the detailed testing of its controls over a minimum six-month period.
SOC 2 engagements are based on the AICPA’s Trust Services Criteria. SOC 2 service auditor reports focus on a Service Organization’s non-financial reporting controls as they relate to security, availability, processing integrity, confidentiality, and privacy of a system. KirkpatrickPrice’s service auditor report verifies the suitability of the design and operating effectiveness of OneCloud’s controls to meet the standards for these criteria.
“Building a robust platform requires a focus on security across the organization, and we’re confident that we’ve taken all the necessary steps to ensure our data is protected,” said Quin Eddy, CEO of OneCloud. “We are confident that this audit reflects the results of our strong commitment to keeping our platform secure.”
“Many of OneCloud’s clients rely on them to protect consumer information,” said Joseph Kirkpatrick, President of KirkpatrickPrice. “As a result, OneCloud has implemented best practice controls demanded by their customers to address information security and compliance risks. Our third-party opinion validates these controls and the tests we perform provide assurance regarding the managed solutions provided by OneCloud.”
About OneCloud
OneCloud is an integration and automation platform designed for business users to bring simplicity and control to the enterprise application landscape. OneCloud seamlessly orchestrates complex handshakes across a hybrid mix of on-premise and cloud-based systems. OneCloud provides full support for business intelligence and performance management applications including, but not limited to: Anaplan, Workday, Salesforce, Oracle Hyperion, IBM Cognos, Tableau and relational technologies.. For more information, visit http://www.onecloud.io or connect with OneCloud on LinkedIn.
About KirkpatrickPrice, LLC
KirkpatrickPrice is a licensed CPA firm, PCI QSA, and a HITRUST CSF Assessor, registered with the PCAOB, providing assurance services to over 700 clients in more than 48 states, Canada, Asia, and Europe. The firm has over 13 years of experience in information security and compliance assurance by performing assessments, audits, and tests that strengthen information security and internal controls. KirkpatrickPrice most commonly provides advice on SOC 1, SOC 2, PCI DSS, HIPAA, HITRUST CSF, GDPR, ISO 27001, FISMA, and CFPB frameworks. For more information, visit http://www.kirkpatrickprice.com, follow KirkpatrickPrice on Twitter (@KPAudit), or connect with KirkpatrickPrice on LinkedIn. Reported by PRWeb 17 hours ago.
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Schumer’s CHIP Spin
Sen. Chuck Schumer said the White House proposes "taking money away from kids who need health care." But congressional budget experts say a plan to rescind unspent funds wouldn't affect federal spending or the number of individuals covered in the Children's Health Insurance Program.The post Schumer’s CHIP Spin appeared first on FactCheck.org. Reported by FactCheck.org 11 hours ago.
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You Don’t (Always) Have A Right To Speak Spanish – OpEd
By Ryan McMaken*
The Associated Press reported last week that the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) is suing the Albertsons grocery store chain in federal court over limits placed on employees as to when they may speak Spanish on the job.
The specifics of the case are less clear-cut than the headlines suggests. The lawsuit alleges that the company adopted a stance in which management “suggested … it’s best if workers refrain from speaking Spanish in front of workers who do not speak the language.”
The EEOC alleges, however, that this admittedly flexible policy was enforced too aggressively and applied only to employees of Hispanic origin.
In other words, the real problem, according to the EEOC, is that a hostile work environment was created for a certain subset of Spanish speakers. It’s not really a case of a blanket prohibition on Spanish.
But, for the sake of argument, let’s say that Albertsons did impose a blanket “no Spanish” policy on employees.
That assumption, after all, seems to already be driving numerous articles in the media. Tucker Carlson, for example, has used the Albertsons suit as an occasion to advocate for a mandated national official language in the United States. Apparently unaware that Switzerland exists (with its four official languages), Carlson maintains that any country without a single official language will be torn asunder by civil strife. (Carlson also ignores the fact that the US has a long history of linguistic diversity, and ten percent of the US population in 1920 reported a “mother tongue” other than English.)
At the other end of the spectrum is Raul Reyes’s article in The Hill which is mostly just a pro-immigration article, but which states: “Speaking whatever language we choose is one of the hallmarks of our democratic, free society…Our country gives people the freedom and right to speak whatever language they choose.”
But do people really have a “right” to choose the language they use?
Well, as Murray Rothbard points out, that depends on the situation. Specifically, it depends on whether the person in question is on his own property or not, and whether or not he acts with the approval of the owner. In Man Economy and State, Rothbard explained how “freedom of speech” cannot be separated from property rights:
Freedom of speech is supposed to mean the right of everyone to say whatever he likes. But the neglected question is: Where? Where does a man have this right? He certainly does not have it on property on which he is trespassing. In short, he has this right only either on his own property or on the property of someone who has agreed, as a gift or in a rental contract, to allow him on the premises. In fact, then, there is no such thing as a separate “right to free speech”; there is only a man’s property right: the right to do as he wills with his own or to make voluntary agreements with other property owners.
This is fairly easy to apply to the specific situation of speaking Spanish (or any language). Obviously, in a Spanish-speaker’s own home, or in his own business, he ought to free to say anything he wishes, and in any language he wishes.
Rothbard continues:
In short, a person does not have a “right to freedom of speech”; what he does have is the right to hire a hall and address the people who enter the premises. He does not have a “right to freedom of the press”; what he does have is the right to write or publish a pamphlet, and to sell that pamphlet to those who are willing to buy it (or to give it away to those who are willing to accept it). Thus, what he has in each of these cases is property rights, including the right of free contract and transfer which form a part of such rights of ownership. There is no extra “right of free speech” or free press beyond the property rights that a person may have in any given case.
The same relationship between property and the rights like “the freedom of speech” applies to the use of foreign languages as well. A person has a right to produce a lecture, publication, or broadcast and distribute it to anyone else who would like to read, hear or watch the media in question.
If we apply this to the situation of employees speaking Spanish at an Albertsons store, the solution is clear: an employee on duty has a right to speak any language the employer agrees to. The same would be true of customers as well, since an owner may also limit what customers do on the premises.
In practice, of course, badgering either employees or customers about what language they use is terrible for business and for employee morale. In most situations, multi-lingual employees are an asset, not a liability. And it’s not a great idea to turn away potential customers who happen to prefer using other languages.
Predictably, the media has attempted to turn the controversy into a battle of ideologies over immigration, religion, culture, and ethnic origin. We’ve seen this sort of thing before.
In 2014, when Hobby Lobby sued in federal court over the right to contract freely with employees on the matter of health insurance, many leftwing activists labeled the conflict as one between an alleged “right” to healthcare and the reactionary forces of “theocracy” and religious dogma. In truth, it was simply a case of an employer wanting freedom over how to compensate workers who freely consented to employment.
Similarly, in 2015 the fight over whether or not shopkeepers can decide for whom they might want to bake a cake, the defenders of private property were once again denounced as religious zealots.
In both cases, the real heart of the matter was simply one of ordinary property rights in which consenting adults ought to be free to enter into agreements — and in which no person can force another person to use his own body or other property in a way he or she doesn’t want to.
Nevertheless, the conflict is being framed as one in which workers from a certain ethnic group are being targeted by bigots. The response from some on the other side has been to attempt to devalue the use of foreign languages altogether and to even frame them, as Carlson is doing, as a threat to American domestic peace.
The Albertsons conflict, however, won’t be fixed by implementing “official languages” or by threatening federal lawsuits at any employer who requests only certain languages be spoken in the break room.
Indeed, there is no reason for any sort of government policy on the matter whatsoever. In the real world, depending on location, ownership, and the customer base, some employers will be quite open to the use of foreign languages. And some will be less so. In those places where consumers often use Spanish, for instance, employees who also speak Spanish will be more valuable than mono-lingual employees. In all cases, of course, owners and employers will have an incentive to accommodate foreign-language-speaking consumers.
But in each case, it must be up to the property owners to determine the best way to do this.
Yes, there will always be some emotionally fragile oddballs who feel “offended” or “threatened” by hearing a foreign language spoken within earshot. And it’s unfortunate that such people revel in being poorly educated and unable to comprehend foreign tongues.
Nevertheless, it must be up to shopkeepers, employers, entrepreneurs, homeowners, landlords, and other private owners who determine what sorts of speech are allowed on their premises — and what languages may be spoken there.
*About the author:*
* *Ryan McMaken* (@ryanmcmaken) is the editor of Mises Wire and The Austrian. Send him your article submissions, but read article guidelines first. Ryan has degrees in economics and political science from the University of Colorado, and was the economist for the Colorado Division of Housing from 2009 to 2014. He is the author of Commie Cowboys: The Bourgeoisie and the Nation-State in the Western Genre.
*Source:*
This article was published by the MISES Institute Reported by Eurasia Review 4 hours ago.
The Associated Press reported last week that the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) is suing the Albertsons grocery store chain in federal court over limits placed on employees as to when they may speak Spanish on the job.
The specifics of the case are less clear-cut than the headlines suggests. The lawsuit alleges that the company adopted a stance in which management “suggested … it’s best if workers refrain from speaking Spanish in front of workers who do not speak the language.”
The EEOC alleges, however, that this admittedly flexible policy was enforced too aggressively and applied only to employees of Hispanic origin.
In other words, the real problem, according to the EEOC, is that a hostile work environment was created for a certain subset of Spanish speakers. It’s not really a case of a blanket prohibition on Spanish.
But, for the sake of argument, let’s say that Albertsons did impose a blanket “no Spanish” policy on employees.
That assumption, after all, seems to already be driving numerous articles in the media. Tucker Carlson, for example, has used the Albertsons suit as an occasion to advocate for a mandated national official language in the United States. Apparently unaware that Switzerland exists (with its four official languages), Carlson maintains that any country without a single official language will be torn asunder by civil strife. (Carlson also ignores the fact that the US has a long history of linguistic diversity, and ten percent of the US population in 1920 reported a “mother tongue” other than English.)
At the other end of the spectrum is Raul Reyes’s article in The Hill which is mostly just a pro-immigration article, but which states: “Speaking whatever language we choose is one of the hallmarks of our democratic, free society…Our country gives people the freedom and right to speak whatever language they choose.”
But do people really have a “right” to choose the language they use?
Well, as Murray Rothbard points out, that depends on the situation. Specifically, it depends on whether the person in question is on his own property or not, and whether or not he acts with the approval of the owner. In Man Economy and State, Rothbard explained how “freedom of speech” cannot be separated from property rights:
Freedom of speech is supposed to mean the right of everyone to say whatever he likes. But the neglected question is: Where? Where does a man have this right? He certainly does not have it on property on which he is trespassing. In short, he has this right only either on his own property or on the property of someone who has agreed, as a gift or in a rental contract, to allow him on the premises. In fact, then, there is no such thing as a separate “right to free speech”; there is only a man’s property right: the right to do as he wills with his own or to make voluntary agreements with other property owners.
This is fairly easy to apply to the specific situation of speaking Spanish (or any language). Obviously, in a Spanish-speaker’s own home, or in his own business, he ought to free to say anything he wishes, and in any language he wishes.
Rothbard continues:
In short, a person does not have a “right to freedom of speech”; what he does have is the right to hire a hall and address the people who enter the premises. He does not have a “right to freedom of the press”; what he does have is the right to write or publish a pamphlet, and to sell that pamphlet to those who are willing to buy it (or to give it away to those who are willing to accept it). Thus, what he has in each of these cases is property rights, including the right of free contract and transfer which form a part of such rights of ownership. There is no extra “right of free speech” or free press beyond the property rights that a person may have in any given case.
The same relationship between property and the rights like “the freedom of speech” applies to the use of foreign languages as well. A person has a right to produce a lecture, publication, or broadcast and distribute it to anyone else who would like to read, hear or watch the media in question.
If we apply this to the situation of employees speaking Spanish at an Albertsons store, the solution is clear: an employee on duty has a right to speak any language the employer agrees to. The same would be true of customers as well, since an owner may also limit what customers do on the premises.
In practice, of course, badgering either employees or customers about what language they use is terrible for business and for employee morale. In most situations, multi-lingual employees are an asset, not a liability. And it’s not a great idea to turn away potential customers who happen to prefer using other languages.
Predictably, the media has attempted to turn the controversy into a battle of ideologies over immigration, religion, culture, and ethnic origin. We’ve seen this sort of thing before.
In 2014, when Hobby Lobby sued in federal court over the right to contract freely with employees on the matter of health insurance, many leftwing activists labeled the conflict as one between an alleged “right” to healthcare and the reactionary forces of “theocracy” and religious dogma. In truth, it was simply a case of an employer wanting freedom over how to compensate workers who freely consented to employment.
Similarly, in 2015 the fight over whether or not shopkeepers can decide for whom they might want to bake a cake, the defenders of private property were once again denounced as religious zealots.
In both cases, the real heart of the matter was simply one of ordinary property rights in which consenting adults ought to be free to enter into agreements — and in which no person can force another person to use his own body or other property in a way he or she doesn’t want to.
Nevertheless, the conflict is being framed as one in which workers from a certain ethnic group are being targeted by bigots. The response from some on the other side has been to attempt to devalue the use of foreign languages altogether and to even frame them, as Carlson is doing, as a threat to American domestic peace.
The Albertsons conflict, however, won’t be fixed by implementing “official languages” or by threatening federal lawsuits at any employer who requests only certain languages be spoken in the break room.
Indeed, there is no reason for any sort of government policy on the matter whatsoever. In the real world, depending on location, ownership, and the customer base, some employers will be quite open to the use of foreign languages. And some will be less so. In those places where consumers often use Spanish, for instance, employees who also speak Spanish will be more valuable than mono-lingual employees. In all cases, of course, owners and employers will have an incentive to accommodate foreign-language-speaking consumers.
But in each case, it must be up to the property owners to determine the best way to do this.
Yes, there will always be some emotionally fragile oddballs who feel “offended” or “threatened” by hearing a foreign language spoken within earshot. And it’s unfortunate that such people revel in being poorly educated and unable to comprehend foreign tongues.
Nevertheless, it must be up to shopkeepers, employers, entrepreneurs, homeowners, landlords, and other private owners who determine what sorts of speech are allowed on their premises — and what languages may be spoken there.
*About the author:*
* *Ryan McMaken* (@ryanmcmaken) is the editor of Mises Wire and The Austrian. Send him your article submissions, but read article guidelines first. Ryan has degrees in economics and political science from the University of Colorado, and was the economist for the Colorado Division of Housing from 2009 to 2014. He is the author of Commie Cowboys: The Bourgeoisie and the Nation-State in the Western Genre.
*Source:*
This article was published by the MISES Institute Reported by Eurasia Review 4 hours ago.
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Millions of holidaymakers fail to get the right travel insurance
Instead of buying a travel insurance policy, many of the 2,015 adults surveyed said they thought having a European Health Insurance Card would provide them with enough cover while on holiday.
Reported by MailOnline 1 hour ago.
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Flow Science Earns Recognition as New Mexico Family-Friendly Workplace
Status will give Flow Science an edge in competition to attract highest-quality applicants.
SANTA FE, N.M. (PRWEB) May 11, 2018
Flow Science again this year earned gold distinction for its workplace policies by Family Friendly New Mexico, a statewide project developed to recognize companies that have adopted policies that give New Mexico businesses an edge in recruiting and retaining the best employees.
“Flow Science offers a best-in-class and extremely rich benefits package to its full-time employees, including excellent employer-paid health insurance, a generous employer match on employees’ 401(k) contributions, 3 to 4 weeks of paid vacation, paid parental leave for the birth or adoption of a child, a wellness allowance for stress reducing and health enhancing activities, flexibility in work arrangements, and much more,” said Aimee Abby, Human Resource Manager at Flow Science. “Based on independent survey results, we know that Flow Science’s benefits are in the 90th to 100th percentile in our industry, even among much larger employers. We want the best employees and so seriously compete for them by offering these top-of-the-line benefits.”
The Family Friendly New Mexico project has taken a positive approach to transforming workplace policies in the state by offering training and resources on how businesses can adopt more family-friendly policies; awards and recognition for companies that offer their employees family-friendly benefits; and a resource and clearinghouse of information for businesses and community leaders as they develop policies on issues such as paid family leave and help with childcare.
“As we grow the state’s economy, we have the opportunity to be a national leader in offering New Mexicans workplaces that help companies attract and keep the best workers,” said Giovanna Rossi, head of Family Friendly New Mexico. “Implementing family-friendly policies can be a simple, concrete investment a company can make to ensure it can compete for highly qualified employees. Studies have shown that costs associated with creating family-friendly benefits are more than made up for in improved productivity, employee morale and employee retention.”
Family-friendly policies include a wide range of options that companies can adopt, including providing access to health insurance; paid vacation; making reasonable accommodations for pregnant employees; flexible leave time for parents to attend to their kids’ medical or school needs; paid family leave; and ensuring workplaces have proper breastfeeding space and storage, among many other family-friendly benefits.
The New Mexico Task Force on Work Life Balance has created an online business award called the New Mexico Family Friendly Business Award, to recognize and celebrate New Mexico businesses that have family friendly policies in place, including paid leave, health support, work schedules and economic support. The statewide task force was created by the New Mexico State Legislature in 2010. Any New Mexico business is eligible to apply for the New Mexico Family-Friendly Business award. For a full list of family-friendly policies and to learn more about the New Mexico Family Friendly initiative, please visit http://www.nmfamilyfriendlybusiness.com/. Reported by PRWeb 18 hours ago.
SANTA FE, N.M. (PRWEB) May 11, 2018
Flow Science again this year earned gold distinction for its workplace policies by Family Friendly New Mexico, a statewide project developed to recognize companies that have adopted policies that give New Mexico businesses an edge in recruiting and retaining the best employees.
“Flow Science offers a best-in-class and extremely rich benefits package to its full-time employees, including excellent employer-paid health insurance, a generous employer match on employees’ 401(k) contributions, 3 to 4 weeks of paid vacation, paid parental leave for the birth or adoption of a child, a wellness allowance for stress reducing and health enhancing activities, flexibility in work arrangements, and much more,” said Aimee Abby, Human Resource Manager at Flow Science. “Based on independent survey results, we know that Flow Science’s benefits are in the 90th to 100th percentile in our industry, even among much larger employers. We want the best employees and so seriously compete for them by offering these top-of-the-line benefits.”
The Family Friendly New Mexico project has taken a positive approach to transforming workplace policies in the state by offering training and resources on how businesses can adopt more family-friendly policies; awards and recognition for companies that offer their employees family-friendly benefits; and a resource and clearinghouse of information for businesses and community leaders as they develop policies on issues such as paid family leave and help with childcare.
“As we grow the state’s economy, we have the opportunity to be a national leader in offering New Mexicans workplaces that help companies attract and keep the best workers,” said Giovanna Rossi, head of Family Friendly New Mexico. “Implementing family-friendly policies can be a simple, concrete investment a company can make to ensure it can compete for highly qualified employees. Studies have shown that costs associated with creating family-friendly benefits are more than made up for in improved productivity, employee morale and employee retention.”
Family-friendly policies include a wide range of options that companies can adopt, including providing access to health insurance; paid vacation; making reasonable accommodations for pregnant employees; flexible leave time for parents to attend to their kids’ medical or school needs; paid family leave; and ensuring workplaces have proper breastfeeding space and storage, among many other family-friendly benefits.
The New Mexico Task Force on Work Life Balance has created an online business award called the New Mexico Family Friendly Business Award, to recognize and celebrate New Mexico businesses that have family friendly policies in place, including paid leave, health support, work schedules and economic support. The statewide task force was created by the New Mexico State Legislature in 2010. Any New Mexico business is eligible to apply for the New Mexico Family-Friendly Business award. For a full list of family-friendly policies and to learn more about the New Mexico Family Friendly initiative, please visit http://www.nmfamilyfriendlybusiness.com/. Reported by PRWeb 18 hours ago.
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Democrats decry Trump plan to cut $15B in unused funds
WASHINGTON (AP) — House Democrats are criticizing Republicans for rushing to vote on President Donald Trump’s plan to roll back $15 billion in previously approved spending for children’s health insurance and other programs. Republicans say lawmakers could vote as soon as next week on the plan to “rescind” funding leftover from previous years. The cuts […]
Reported by Seattle Times 12 hours ago.
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Healthcare stocks are rallying after Trump gives a vague plan to lower drug prices (IBB)
**· *Healthcare stocks are climbing after President Donald Trump's much anticipated speech on how to lower drug costs in the US. *
· *Trump called out industry middlemen and foreign countries for "freeloading." *
· *The administration's plan did not include any new restrictions on pharmaceutical companies or health insurance companies. *
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Healthcare companies breathed a sigh of relief after President Donald Trump spoke Friday about lowering drug prices and calling out the middlemen in the pharmaceutical industry. The much anticipated speech contained few specifics about any policy changes that may or may not take place, and sent healthcare stocks higher. The iShares Nasdaq Biotechnology ETF is up more than 2%.
The Trump administration promised more flexibility to improve pricing negotiations, giving free generics to seniors, and mandating that plans pass along rebates to patients and putting a cap on out-of-pocket costs. While Trump expressed interest in negotiating drug prices, the government cannot do that for Medicare and Medicaid. The plan did not include any new restrictions on pharmaceutical companies or health insurance companies.
Some of the blame for high medical costs in the United States fell on foreign countries, and Trump called to end "global freeloading." The administration also floated the idea of having pharmaceutical ads include the prices for medications being advertised. He reiterated that the "middlemen" in the industry must be cut out, but the speech did not include any proposed plans on how to eliminate them.
Here's a look at the scoreboard as of 3:20 p.m. ET:
· CVS Health +3.8%
· UnitedHealth +1.7%
· Express Scripts +3.9%
· Walgreens Boot Alliance +0.8%
*SEE ALSO: US Postal Service gets whacked with a $1.3 billion loss as it struggles to keep up with Amazon*
Join the conversation about this story »
NOW WATCH: What Trump University was really like — according to a former professor Reported by Business Insider 12 hours ago.
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QT Medical Receives U.S. FDA 510(k) Clearance for Home-use 12-lead ECG
QT Medical aims to bridge the gap between patients and healthcare providers using their cloud-based 12-lead ECG system to bring high quality cardiac care to homes.
LOS ANGELES (PRWEB) May 12, 2018
QT Medical, Inc. received US FDA 510(k) clearance for its revolutionary “QT ECG”, a 12-lead ECG system that can be used in the home and operated by the patient themselves to perform a hospital-grade ECG scan of their hearts that is instantaneously sent through the cloud to a physician for evaluation.
QT Medical’s technology empowers the patients to take an active role in managing their heart disease. Heart disease is responsible for 1 out of every 4 deaths in the U.S. and is the number 1 killer world-wide. No longer do patients with heart disease have to make long trips to their cardiologists, hospitals, or emergency rooms to get diagnostic, hospital-grade ECG scans. They can now perform these tests from the comfort of their homes or anywhere with an internet connection, allowing peace of mind, saving time, reducing stress, and improving outcomes.
Using QT Medical’s technology allows physicians to provide better and timely care to their patients. The QT ECG opens a window for doctors to have the full cardiac diagnostic information they need at their fingertips to make an informed medical decision for their patients. Compared to the time it takes for a patient to call for an ambulance or rush to the emergency room, the QT ECG delivers crucial ECG data to doctors, wherever they may be, allowing immediate diagnosis and saving precious time in determining proper management during a potential cardiac event.
QT Medical’s ECG is a health insurance company’s dream come true when aiming to reduce costs for patients recovering from acute cardiac care. Patients who are discharged from a hospital following any cardiac surgery may not know whether they should return to the emergency room if they experience chest discomfort. The QT ECG connects patients with their cardiologists in near real-time. When patients have symptoms, they can quickly and easily send their ECG to the cloud for diagnosis, potentially avoiding costly, time-consuming, and unnecessary visits to the emergency room. Importantly, when the home ECG shows significant changes, the cardiologist can make the diagnosis immediately and expedite the process to ensure the patient receives timely and immediate treatment.
For more information, connect with us:
QT Medical, Inc
1001 W Carson St, Ste U
Torrance, CA 90502
424 – 558 – 3500
marketing(at)qtmedical.com
http://www.qtmedical.com
https://twitter.com/qtmedicalinc
https://www.facebook.com/qtmedical/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/qt-medical-inc-/ Reported by PRWeb 11 hours ago.
LOS ANGELES (PRWEB) May 12, 2018
QT Medical, Inc. received US FDA 510(k) clearance for its revolutionary “QT ECG”, a 12-lead ECG system that can be used in the home and operated by the patient themselves to perform a hospital-grade ECG scan of their hearts that is instantaneously sent through the cloud to a physician for evaluation.
QT Medical’s technology empowers the patients to take an active role in managing their heart disease. Heart disease is responsible for 1 out of every 4 deaths in the U.S. and is the number 1 killer world-wide. No longer do patients with heart disease have to make long trips to their cardiologists, hospitals, or emergency rooms to get diagnostic, hospital-grade ECG scans. They can now perform these tests from the comfort of their homes or anywhere with an internet connection, allowing peace of mind, saving time, reducing stress, and improving outcomes.
Using QT Medical’s technology allows physicians to provide better and timely care to their patients. The QT ECG opens a window for doctors to have the full cardiac diagnostic information they need at their fingertips to make an informed medical decision for their patients. Compared to the time it takes for a patient to call for an ambulance or rush to the emergency room, the QT ECG delivers crucial ECG data to doctors, wherever they may be, allowing immediate diagnosis and saving precious time in determining proper management during a potential cardiac event.
QT Medical’s ECG is a health insurance company’s dream come true when aiming to reduce costs for patients recovering from acute cardiac care. Patients who are discharged from a hospital following any cardiac surgery may not know whether they should return to the emergency room if they experience chest discomfort. The QT ECG connects patients with their cardiologists in near real-time. When patients have symptoms, they can quickly and easily send their ECG to the cloud for diagnosis, potentially avoiding costly, time-consuming, and unnecessary visits to the emergency room. Importantly, when the home ECG shows significant changes, the cardiologist can make the diagnosis immediately and expedite the process to ensure the patient receives timely and immediate treatment.
For more information, connect with us:
QT Medical, Inc
1001 W Carson St, Ste U
Torrance, CA 90502
424 – 558 – 3500
marketing(at)qtmedical.com
http://www.qtmedical.com
https://twitter.com/qtmedicalinc
https://www.facebook.com/qtmedical/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/qt-medical-inc-/ Reported by PRWeb 11 hours ago.
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Apon Wellbeing Ltd. wins MetLife Foundation Financial Innovation Competition powered by Verb, secures $50,000 Grant
DHAKA, Bangladesh, May 13, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- MetLife Foundation and Verb today announced Apon Wellbeing Ltd. as winner of the MetLife Foundation Inclusion Plus competition in Bangladesh. The competition was open to entrepreneurs, nonprofits and other social impact organizations focused on addressing the financial health needs of low- to moderate-income people. Standing out among more than 50 entries, Apon Wellbeing Ltd. won the grand prize and received a grant of $50,000 USD.
*Apon Wellbeing *strives for better health and wellbeing of ready-made garment (RMG) workers by increasing workers real income, providing access to health insurance and creating awareness and access to financial services. The innovative model centers around Apon's factory and community based discounted shops where workers can access quality health, hygiene and nutrition products at a lower price as well as health and life insurance schemes at no additional cost. The platform also offers awareness on these issues.
MetLife Foundation is proud to support this first-of-its-kind innovation competition that supports organizations at the forefront of financial inclusion in Bangladesh. More than 60 MetLife volunteers acted as mentors and judges, providing advice, support and partnership that will help the ventures develop and grow.
"This was a great learning experience for me. We had awesome mentors from MetLife Bangladesh office who walked us through different stages of this competition. Even the grand finale judges, who are industry leaders in their own sectors ranging from finance, innovation, development and IT, have given us a lot of feedback to help us rethink of our project design and how to make them sustainable and effective," said Mr. Saif, Rashi, founder of Apon Wellbeing.
ShopUp, in second place, won $25,000. Green Delta Insurance Company Ltd., in third place, took home $12,000 and Shakti Foundation and Sajida Foundation were each awarded $5,000 as runners-up.
As the chief guest, K M Abdus Salam, director general at NGO Affairs Bureau of Bangladesh said, "Financial inclusion is important as we are advancing towards a digital Bangladesh. We all know about the MetLife company as a leading life insurer, but little did we know about its CSR activities done through its Foundation. I am pleased to see that MetLife Foundation has been contributing immensely by funding and collaborating with development partners in different countries to ensure financial well-being of its people. I also congratulate initiatives like Inclusion Plus that I believe, will have positive impact in the economic empowerment of this country through this innovative venture ideas."
"It is very encouraging to see how corporate foundations and multinational businesses can partner with social entrepreneurs to fuel innovation and impact. MetLife Foundation and MetLife Bangladesh have come together to demonstrate how competitions can be a powerful engine to help address some of the world's biggest economic problems," said Verb Co-Founder and CEO, Suzi Sosa. "We congratulate the winners who have developed a powerful new way to include more people in planning for their financial futures."
The Inclusion Plus Bangladesh competition is part of a broader program that was developed in partnership between MetLife Foundation and Verb and is running across ten countries over a three-year period. Competitions have already concluded in Ireland, China, India, Mexico, Egypt and Lebanon. These competitions help advance financial inclusion for the estimated two billion people globally who do not currently have access to formal financial services. To learn more about the competitions, visit inclusionplus.com.
*About MetLife
*MetLife, Inc., through its subsidiaries and affiliates ("MetLife"), is one of the world's leading financial services companies, providing insurance, annuities, employee benefits and asset management to help its individual and institutional customers navigate their changing world. Founded in 1868, MetLife has operations in more than 40 countries and holds leading market positions in the United States, Japan, Latin America, Asia, Europe and the Middle East. For more information, visit www.metlife.com.
*About MetLife Foundation
*MetLife Foundation was created in 1976 to continue MetLife's long tradition of corporate contributions and community involvement. Since its founding through the end of 2017, MetLife Foundation has provided more than $783 million in grants and $70 million in program-related investments to organizations addressing issues that have a positive impact in their communities. In 2013, the Foundation committed $200 million to financial inclusion, and our work to date has reached more than 3.5 million low-income individuals in 42 countries. To learn more about MetLife Foundation, visit metlife.org.
*About Verb, Inc.
*Verb is a social enterprise that produces global social entrepreneurship competitions and delivers employee engagement in partnership with companies, foundations and governments. Verb competitions mobilize thousands of teams from around the world to solve the planet's most pressing social and environmental problems. Founded in 2013 by Austin entrepreneurs Suzi Sosa and Tom Meredith, Verb leverages its online platform, innovation expertise, and entrepreneur network to produce a social innovation engagement experience unlike any other. For more information, visit www.verb.net/. Reported by PR Newswire Asia 5 hours ago.
*Apon Wellbeing *strives for better health and wellbeing of ready-made garment (RMG) workers by increasing workers real income, providing access to health insurance and creating awareness and access to financial services. The innovative model centers around Apon's factory and community based discounted shops where workers can access quality health, hygiene and nutrition products at a lower price as well as health and life insurance schemes at no additional cost. The platform also offers awareness on these issues.
MetLife Foundation is proud to support this first-of-its-kind innovation competition that supports organizations at the forefront of financial inclusion in Bangladesh. More than 60 MetLife volunteers acted as mentors and judges, providing advice, support and partnership that will help the ventures develop and grow.
"This was a great learning experience for me. We had awesome mentors from MetLife Bangladesh office who walked us through different stages of this competition. Even the grand finale judges, who are industry leaders in their own sectors ranging from finance, innovation, development and IT, have given us a lot of feedback to help us rethink of our project design and how to make them sustainable and effective," said Mr. Saif, Rashi, founder of Apon Wellbeing.
ShopUp, in second place, won $25,000. Green Delta Insurance Company Ltd., in third place, took home $12,000 and Shakti Foundation and Sajida Foundation were each awarded $5,000 as runners-up.
As the chief guest, K M Abdus Salam, director general at NGO Affairs Bureau of Bangladesh said, "Financial inclusion is important as we are advancing towards a digital Bangladesh. We all know about the MetLife company as a leading life insurer, but little did we know about its CSR activities done through its Foundation. I am pleased to see that MetLife Foundation has been contributing immensely by funding and collaborating with development partners in different countries to ensure financial well-being of its people. I also congratulate initiatives like Inclusion Plus that I believe, will have positive impact in the economic empowerment of this country through this innovative venture ideas."
"It is very encouraging to see how corporate foundations and multinational businesses can partner with social entrepreneurs to fuel innovation and impact. MetLife Foundation and MetLife Bangladesh have come together to demonstrate how competitions can be a powerful engine to help address some of the world's biggest economic problems," said Verb Co-Founder and CEO, Suzi Sosa. "We congratulate the winners who have developed a powerful new way to include more people in planning for their financial futures."
The Inclusion Plus Bangladesh competition is part of a broader program that was developed in partnership between MetLife Foundation and Verb and is running across ten countries over a three-year period. Competitions have already concluded in Ireland, China, India, Mexico, Egypt and Lebanon. These competitions help advance financial inclusion for the estimated two billion people globally who do not currently have access to formal financial services. To learn more about the competitions, visit inclusionplus.com.
*About MetLife
*MetLife, Inc., through its subsidiaries and affiliates ("MetLife"), is one of the world's leading financial services companies, providing insurance, annuities, employee benefits and asset management to help its individual and institutional customers navigate their changing world. Founded in 1868, MetLife has operations in more than 40 countries and holds leading market positions in the United States, Japan, Latin America, Asia, Europe and the Middle East. For more information, visit www.metlife.com.
*About MetLife Foundation
*MetLife Foundation was created in 1976 to continue MetLife's long tradition of corporate contributions and community involvement. Since its founding through the end of 2017, MetLife Foundation has provided more than $783 million in grants and $70 million in program-related investments to organizations addressing issues that have a positive impact in their communities. In 2013, the Foundation committed $200 million to financial inclusion, and our work to date has reached more than 3.5 million low-income individuals in 42 countries. To learn more about MetLife Foundation, visit metlife.org.
*About Verb, Inc.
*Verb is a social enterprise that produces global social entrepreneurship competitions and delivers employee engagement in partnership with companies, foundations and governments. Verb competitions mobilize thousands of teams from around the world to solve the planet's most pressing social and environmental problems. Founded in 2013 by Austin entrepreneurs Suzi Sosa and Tom Meredith, Verb leverages its online platform, innovation expertise, and entrepreneur network to produce a social innovation engagement experience unlike any other. For more information, visit www.verb.net/. Reported by PR Newswire Asia 5 hours ago.
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Workers Aren't Willing to Pay More for Healthcare, Data Shows
We all want better health insurance. But whether we're ready to pay for it is a different story.
Reported by Motley Fool 22 hours ago.
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Top Reasons to Participate in Pet Sitters International’s Take Your Dog To Work Day®
Embrace Pet Insurance shares top reasons why employers should be convinced to participate in Pet Sitters International’s Take Your Dog to Work Day on Friday, June 22, 2018.
CLEVELAND (PRWEB) May 14, 2018
Embrace Pet Insurance is pleased to announce their sponsorship of Pet Sitters International’s Take Your Dog To Work Day. Friday, June 22, marks PSI’s 20th annual Take Your Dog To Work Day (TYDTWDay®) event which encourages businesses to open their doors to employees’ dogs to celebrate the great companions dogs make and promote adoptions from local shelters, rescue groups and humane societies.
“When the team at Embrace learned that Pet Sitters International created Take Your Dog To Work Day to encourage pets at work and promote animal adoption, we knew we had to be involved,” said Dawn Pyne, Brand Manager at Embrace. “We are fortunate to bring our dogs to work every day and we truly believe having pets at work boosts energy and attitude in the office.”
Top reasons to allow pets in the workplace:· Increases staff morale
· Brings coworkers together
· Reduces stress
· Encourages exercise
· Improves productivity
· Take Your Dog To Work Day supports pet adoption
To encourage more employers to participate in Take Your Dog To Work Day, Embrace Pet Insurance is giving away three prize packs to participating workplaces. Each box includes graphic tees, pet bandanas, tennis balls, pet treats, and Pooch Selfie smartphone attachments. Embrace is accepting entries from May 14 through June 12, 2018 at EmbracePetInsurance.com/waterbowl/article/TYDTWD-giveaway-2018.
Pet Sitters International developed a helpful free toolkit for Take Your Dog To Work Day available at takeyourdog.com, that includes instructions for planning an event and a sample “dogs at work” policy, as well as various other event materials.
###
About Embrace Pet Insurance
Embrace Pet Insurance is a top-rated pet health insurance provider for dogs and cats in the United States. Embrace offers one simple yet comprehensive accident and illness insurance plan that is underwritten by American Modern Insurance Group, Inc. In addition to insurance, Embrace offers Wellness Rewards, an optional preventative care product that is unique to the industry. Wellness Rewards reimburses for routine veterinary visits, grooming, vaccinations, training, and much more with no itemized limitations. Embrace is a proud member of the North American Pet Health Insurance Association (NAPHIA) and continues to innovate and improve the pet insurance experience for pet parents across the country. For more information about Embrace Pet Insurance, visit http://www.embracepetinsurance.com or call (800) 511-9172.
About Pet Sitters International:
Founded by Patti J. Moran in 1994, Pet Sitters International (PSI) is the world’s largest educational association for professional pet sitters and represents more than 6,000 member pet-sitting businesses in the United States, Canada and more than 20 other countries. PSI created TYDTWDay in 1999 as a way to give back to the pet community from which its members earn their living. To learn more about TYDTWDay, visit http://www.takeyourdog.com. To learn more about PSI or to find a local professional pet sitter, visit http://www.petsit.com. Reported by PRWeb 59 minutes ago.
CLEVELAND (PRWEB) May 14, 2018
Embrace Pet Insurance is pleased to announce their sponsorship of Pet Sitters International’s Take Your Dog To Work Day. Friday, June 22, marks PSI’s 20th annual Take Your Dog To Work Day (TYDTWDay®) event which encourages businesses to open their doors to employees’ dogs to celebrate the great companions dogs make and promote adoptions from local shelters, rescue groups and humane societies.
“When the team at Embrace learned that Pet Sitters International created Take Your Dog To Work Day to encourage pets at work and promote animal adoption, we knew we had to be involved,” said Dawn Pyne, Brand Manager at Embrace. “We are fortunate to bring our dogs to work every day and we truly believe having pets at work boosts energy and attitude in the office.”
Top reasons to allow pets in the workplace:· Increases staff morale
· Brings coworkers together
· Reduces stress
· Encourages exercise
· Improves productivity
· Take Your Dog To Work Day supports pet adoption
To encourage more employers to participate in Take Your Dog To Work Day, Embrace Pet Insurance is giving away three prize packs to participating workplaces. Each box includes graphic tees, pet bandanas, tennis balls, pet treats, and Pooch Selfie smartphone attachments. Embrace is accepting entries from May 14 through June 12, 2018 at EmbracePetInsurance.com/waterbowl/article/TYDTWD-giveaway-2018.
Pet Sitters International developed a helpful free toolkit for Take Your Dog To Work Day available at takeyourdog.com, that includes instructions for planning an event and a sample “dogs at work” policy, as well as various other event materials.
###
About Embrace Pet Insurance
Embrace Pet Insurance is a top-rated pet health insurance provider for dogs and cats in the United States. Embrace offers one simple yet comprehensive accident and illness insurance plan that is underwritten by American Modern Insurance Group, Inc. In addition to insurance, Embrace offers Wellness Rewards, an optional preventative care product that is unique to the industry. Wellness Rewards reimburses for routine veterinary visits, grooming, vaccinations, training, and much more with no itemized limitations. Embrace is a proud member of the North American Pet Health Insurance Association (NAPHIA) and continues to innovate and improve the pet insurance experience for pet parents across the country. For more information about Embrace Pet Insurance, visit http://www.embracepetinsurance.com or call (800) 511-9172.
About Pet Sitters International:
Founded by Patti J. Moran in 1994, Pet Sitters International (PSI) is the world’s largest educational association for professional pet sitters and represents more than 6,000 member pet-sitting businesses in the United States, Canada and more than 20 other countries. PSI created TYDTWDay in 1999 as a way to give back to the pet community from which its members earn their living. To learn more about TYDTWDay, visit http://www.takeyourdog.com. To learn more about PSI or to find a local professional pet sitter, visit http://www.petsit.com. Reported by PRWeb 59 minutes ago.
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P2 Capital reports 7.5% stake in Health Insurance Innovations
Reported by SeekingAlpha 20 hours ago.
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DIGITAL HEALTH BRIEFING: Amazon is building a health team for Alexa — HLTH conference roundup — Job-search app for healthcare adds full-time positions
Welcome to Digital Health Briefing, the newsletter providing the latest news, data, and insight on how digital technology is disrupting the healthcare ecosystem, produced by Business Insider Intelligence.*Sign up and receive Digital Health Briefing free to your inbox.*
Have feedback? We'd like to hear from you. Write me at: lbeaver@businessinsider.com
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*AMAZON’S ALEXA DIVISON ADDS HEALTHCARE TEAM: *Amazon is building a health and wellness team within its voice-assistant Alexa division, according to CNBC. The team will focus on new features geared toward diabetes management, and care for mothers and seniors.
*The move isn’t surprising — Amazon has taken several steps over the past year to expand the health capabilities of its voice assistant: *
· Amazon partnered with pharmaceutical giant Merck last year to launch the Alexa Diabetes Challenge, in which challengers developed Alexa skills (i.e. voice apps) that make it easier for Alexa users to manage their diabetes symptoms.
· The company posted a job listing for an expert on the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) earlier this year, likely to explore Alexa's potential role in the healthcare market.
· Earlier this year, Amazon was reportedly developing Alexa features that target seniors. The growing US senior population means there’s a large market for in-home elderly care, including chronic illness management and medication-adherence services.
*As Amazon ramps up its healthcare efforts, it makes sense for the company to use Alexa to spearhead its consumer health angle. *Here’s why:
· *The platform has a ready-made community of voice developers to build health skills for Alexa.* These developers could help build up a robust ecosystem of health-related skills, making Alexa a valuable health tool for consumers.
· *The platform has broad reach within US homes. *Eleven percent of US consumers use Alexa in their home, according to NPR.
· *Consumers are already comfortable turning to Alexa for health-related voice queries.* The KidsMD skill, which allows parents to ask for guidance on common illnesses, has logged more than 100,000 interactions with Amazon’s voice assistant, according to Harvard Business Review.
*Nevertheless, there are several regulatory obstacles Amazon must navigate before it can roll out Alexa as a health and wellness tool. *Alexa still isn’t HIPAA compliant, and the team will have to contend with complex data privacy regulations before a new build comes to market. But this might not be a long-term problem. Missy Krasner, one of the team's key members, played an instrumental role in acquiring HIPAA compliance at Box, her previous employer, CNBC notes. Further, the voice assistant will need to adhere to the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act, which prohibits online services from gathering data on children under 13 without parental consent. While the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) loosened its position on voice assistants collecting audio files from children earlier this year, the FTC’s stance on more regulated personal health data is unclear.
*HLTH 2018 ROUNDUP:* The first-ever HLTH conference — a stage for healthcare organizations and tech companies to introduce their plans to disrupt health, drive up patient engagement, and lower costs — capped off in Las Vegas last week. The main theme of the conference was health data interoperability, with several companies unveiling their solutions during the week.
*Here are the three biggest interoperability announcements from the conference:*
· *Fitbit spoke on its deepening efforts within healthcare, hinged on making wearable data more accessible to clinicians and health systems. *This includes its involvement with the government’s All of US population health initiative, and a slew of new smartwatch apps and watch faces to enhance the ability for consumers to monitor their health and share it with physicians.
· *Change Healthcare is **teaming** up with Adobe and Microsoft to enable health systems to better engage with patients.* The joint solution will use Change Healthcare’s Intelligent Healthcare Network, Adobe’s Experience Cloud, and Microsoft’s Azure offering to improve customers’ healthcare experience.
· *Redox, a US health IT startup, **announced** its branded Fast Healthcare Interoperability Resource (FHIR) API. *The company aims to use the electronic health record (EHR) standard to help health systems pull and share data between facilities. The FHIR standard is also used by Apple’s Health app to allow US consumers to store and share their health data with partnered physicians.
*HEALTHCARE HIRING WEBSITE ADDS FULL-TIME DOCTORS: *Nomad Health, an employment site for health systems, is expanding its services to include full-time job positions, according to Business Wire. The service aims to reduce the cost of hiring full-time clinicians for hospitals in the US, which have historically leaned heavily on brokers for new hires, according to Barron's. These brokers can charge up to 40% of the new hires' hourly fees, which can quickly add up. Nomad’s flat fee on permanent hires, specialist or otherwise, means providers can save tens of thousands of dollars compared with using percentage-based recruiters. Furthermore, full-time doctors are particularly important for hospitals to hire quickly. When a hospital is short a primary care physician, for example, it not only loses out on revenue from patients, but also on all the resources spent searching for and onboarding a new doctor. The Nomad platform promotes a fast turn-around for organizations looking to fill a position. The offering comes at an optimal time for the US health system. With the US shortage of physicians estimated at 120,000 by 2030, demand for a cheap, streamlined hiring process will grow.
*COST SAVINGS LEAD HEALTH SYSTEM TO EXPAND TELEMEDICINE EFFORTS: *NewYork-Presbyterian (NYP) is expanding the telemedicine-equipped ambulances in its fleet after a trial period yielded cost savings, according to Healthcare IT News. The video-conferencing tech allows a neurologist to remotely monitor stroke victims, and to direct the onboard clinical team to administer the appropriate tests and treatment en route to the hospital. The ability to communicate via video, as opposed to just a phone, helps both medical providers and patients by giving doctors and specialists more information about the patient’s condition before they arrive at the hospital. Paramedics can use this information to identify the best hospital to bring patients to based on their condition and the hospital’s specialty. By connecting specialists to patients more quickly, providers can reduce the time taken to diagnose, treat, and ultimately discharge a patient. Northwestern Medicine in Chicago has also reported positive results from deploying telemedicine in its stroke response units.
Join the conversation about this story » Reported by Business Insider 16 hours ago.
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Allianz SE: Allianz 1Q results signal good start into 2018, on track to meet targets
DGAP-News: Allianz SE / Key word(s): Quarter Results
15.05.2018 / 06:59
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
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· 1Q 2018 internal revenues grow 4.9 percent
· 1Q 2018 operating profit down 6.0 percent or 176 million euros to 2.8 billion euros, including 142-million-euro negative currency translation effect
· 1Q 2018 operating profit at 25 percent of full-year target-range midpoint
· 1Q 2018 net income attributable to shareholders up 6.8 percent to 1.9 billion euros due to lower tax charge and lower restructuring charges
· Solvency II ratio at strong 225 percent at the end of 1Q 2018 versus 229 percent at end-2017
· 1Q 2018 results put Allianz Group on track to meet its 2018 performance targets
*Management Summary: Strong top and bottom lines, operating result eases largely due to currency shifts*
Allianz Group had a good start into 2018, posting a 6.8 percent rise in net income attributable to shareholders. *Internal revenue growth*, which adjusts for currency and consolidation effects, was 4.9 percent with positive contributions from all business segments. *Total revenues* increased 0.7 percent to 36.5 (first quarter of 2017: 36.2) billion euros. *Operating profit* decreased 6.0 percent or 176 million euros to 2.8 (2.9) billion euros. The main drivers for the decrease were 142 million euros currency translations and 148 million euros benefit in the prior year related to our corporate pension administration. Operating performance for the quarter is precisely at 25 percent of the Group's full-year operating profit target, signaling that results are well on track.
*Net income attributable to shareholders* rose to 1.9 (1.8) billion euros, a 6.8 percent increase versus the first quarter of 2017, driven by a higher non-operating investment result, a decrease in restructuring charges and a lower effective tax rate.
*Basic Earnings per Share (EPS)* rose to 4.46 (4.00) euros. Annualized *Return on Equity (RoE)* was 13.8 percent (full year 2017: 11.8 percent). The *Solvency II* *capitalization ratio *remained a strong 225 percent at the end of the quarter compared to 229 percent recorded at the end of 2017.
On April 27, 2018, Allianz Group successfully completed the acquisition of Euler Hermes minorities and delisted Euler Hermes' shares from Euronext Paris. This operation marked an important step in Allianz Group's strategy to deploy capital in strategic businesses that deliver solid operating performance, and to strengthen positions in core markets and in Property and Casualty insurance in particular.
Separately, the Group completed its second share buy-back program, which was launched in early 2018, with a volume of 2.0 billion euros and 10.4 million shares in early May.
"Allianz enjoyed a good start into 2018. We had increases in both the top and the bottom lines, even if market volatility was visible at an operating level in the first quarter. This good performance puts Allianz on track to meet its 2018 yearly targets," said Oliver Bäte, Chief Executive Officer of Allianz SE.
*Property and Casualty insurance: Robust improvements in underlying business *
· *Gross premiums written* increased by 1.1 percent to 17.9 (17.7) billion euros in the first quarter of 2018. Adjusted for foreign exchange and consolidation effects*, internal growth* totaled 4.9 percent, with price and volume effects contributing 1.2 percent and 3.7 percent, respectively. Internal growth came across many countries and lines of business, including AGCS, Germany and Allianz Partners.
· *Operating profit* increased 1.2 percent to 1.3 billion euros compared to the first quarter of 2017, as a higher underwriting result was mostly offset by lower investment income. Claims from natural catastrophes rose, primarily due to European storm Friederike, which caused some 220 million euros in claims. The Group's underwriting result improved nonetheless due to a general improvement in the underlying loss ratio, lower claims from large losses, plus better run-off- and expense ratios.
· The *combined ratio* improved by 0.8 percentage points to 94.8 percent.
"Premium income rose and the combined ratio improved in the quarter, underscoring the health of our Property and Casualty business. Our underwriting result strengthened due to disciplined efforts to improve technical excellence and productivity. We remain on track to meet our target of 94 percent in the combined ratio," said Giulio Terzariol, Chief Financial Officer of Allianz SE.
*Life and Health insurance: **U.S. dollar weakness dents strong underlying result*
· PVNBP, the present value of new business premiums, rose 1.7 percent in the quarter to 15.0 (14.7) billion euros, mainly due to rising sales of capital-efficient Life products in Germany and of unit-linked products in Taiwan.
· *O**perating profit* decreased 7.4 percent to 1.1 (1.2) billion euros reflecting volatile market conditions and foreign currency translation effects in the United States. This was partly offset by higher investment margins in Germany and Spain and increased income from unit-linked business in Italy and Taiwan.
· The *new business margin (NBM)* strengthened to 3.3 (3.1) percent, driven by favorable markets and management decisions to adapt the product mix to the low interest rate environment. This helped lift the *value* *of new business (VNB)* by 7.9 percent to 489 million euros in the quarter.
"The Allianz Group continued to improve its Life business in the quarter and the segment delivered a strong set of results. The value of new business rose 8 percent. Operating profit was also strong at 1.1 billion euros in the quarter, and we remain successfully on track with our efforts to steer new business toward preferred products," said Giulio Terzariol.
*Asset Management: Third-party net inflows of 20.9 billion euros*
· The Asset Management business segment saw strong third-party net inflows of 20.9 billion euros stemming largely from PIMCO's 19.2 billion euro contribution. Overall *third-party assets under management (AuM)* eased 1.3 percent to 1,429 billion euros compared to December 31, 2017, mainly due to negative foreign currency translation effects.
· *Operating profit* increased by 4.1 percent to 595 (572) million euros, due to higher AuM-driven revenues. Adjusted for foreign exchange effects, operating profit increased a remarkable 16.3 percent.
· The *cost-income ratio (CIR)* improved by 1.4 percentage points to 61.9 percent.
"Customers continued to favor Allianz, placing some 21 billion euros of new net third-party investments with PIMCO and Allianz Global Investors in the quarter," said Giulio Terzariol. "This comes on top of the 150 billion euros in net inflows seen in 2017. It is a sign of customer confidence and reflects on the strength of the franchise."
*Allianz Group - key figures 1st quarter 2018*
*1Q 2018* *1Q 2017*
*Total revenues * *EUR bn* *36.5* *36.2*
- Property-Casualty EUR bn 17.9 17.7
- Life/Health EUR bn 17.1 16.9
- Asset Management EUR bn 1.6 1.6
- Corporate and Other EUR bn 0.1 0.1
- Consolidation EUR bn -0.1 -0.1
*Operating profit / loss* *EUR mn* *2,756* *2,932*
- Property-Casualty EUR mn 1,274 1,259
- Life/Health EUR mn 1,069 1,155
- Asset Management EUR mn 595 572
- Corporate and Other EUR mn -182 -41
- Consolidation EUR mn 1 -12
*Net income* *EUR mn* *2,030* *1,920*
- attributable to non-controlling interests EUR mn 91 104
- attributable to shareholders EUR mn 1,939 1,816
*Basic earnings per share* *EUR* *4.46* *4.00*
*Diluted earnings per share* *EUR* *4.40* *3.99*
*Additional KPIs*
- Group Return on equity^1.2 % 13.8% 11.8%
- Property-Casualty Combined ratio % 94.8% 95.6%
- Life/Health New business margin % 3.3% 3.1%
- Life/Health Value of new business EUR mn 489 453
- Asset Management Cost-income ratio % 61.9% 63.3%
*03/31/2018* *12/31/2017*
*Shareholders' equity*^1 *EUR bn* *63.3* *65.6*
*Solvency II capitalization ratio*^3 *%* *225%* *229%*
*Third-party assets under management* *EUR bn* *1,429* *1,448*
*Please note:* The figures are presented in millions of Euros, unless otherwise stated. Due to rounding, numbers presented may not add up precisely to the totals provided and percentages may not precisely reflect the absolute figures.
^1 Excluding non-controlling interests.
^2 Excluding unrealized gains/losses on bonds, net of shadow accounting. RoE for 1Q 2018 is annualized. For 1Q 2017, the return on equity for the full year 2017 is shown. Annualized figures are not a forecast for full year numbers.
^3 Risk capital figures are group diversified at 99.5% confidence level. Allianz Life US included based on third country equivalence with 150% of RBC CAL (Risk Based Capital Company Action Level) since September 30, 2015.
Munich, May 15, 2018
These assessments are, as always, subject to the disclaimer provided below.
*Cautionary note regarding forward-looking statements*
The statements contained herein may include prospects, statements of future expectations and other forward-looking statements that are based on management's current views and assumptions and involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties. Actual results, performance or events may differ materially from those expressed or implied in such forward-looking statements.
Such deviations may arise due to, without limitation, (i) changes of the general economic conditions and competitive situation, particularly in the Allianz Group's core business and core markets, (ii) performance of financial markets (particularly market volatility, liquidity and credit events), (iii) frequency and severity of insured loss events, including from natural catastrophes, and the development of loss expenses, (iv) mortality and morbidity levels and trends, (v) persistency levels, (vi) particularly in the banking business, the extent of credit defaults, (vii) interest rate levels, (viii) currency exchange rates including the EUR/USD exchange rate, (ix) changes in laws and regulations, including tax regulations, (x) the impact of acquisitions, including related integration issues, and reorganization measures, and (xi) general competitive factors, in each case on a local, regional, national and/or global basis. Many of these factors may be more likely to occur, or more pronounced, as a result of terrorist activities and their consequences.
*No duty to update*
The company assumes no obligation to update any information or forward-looking statement contained herein, save for any information required to be disclosed by law.
*Other*
The quarterly figures regarding the net assets, financial position and results of operations have been prepared in conformity with International Financial Reporting Standards. This Quarterly Earnings Release is not an Interim Financial Report within the meaning of International Accounting Standard (IAS) 34.
This is a translation of the German Quarterly Earnings Release of the Allianz Group. In case of any divergences, the German original is binding.
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15.05.2018 Dissemination of a Corporate News, transmitted by DGAP - a service of EQS Group AG.
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
The DGAP Distribution Services include Regulatory Announcements, Financial/Corporate News and Press Releases.
Archive at www.dgap.de --------------------
Language: English
Company: Allianz SE
Königinstr. 28
80802 München
Germany
Phone: +49 (0)89 38 00 - 41 24
Fax: +49 (0)89 38 00 - 38 99
E-mail: investor.relations@allianz.com
Internet: www.allianz.com
ISIN: DE0008404005
WKN: 840400
Indices: DAX-30, EURO STOXX 50
Listed: Regulated Market in Berlin, Dusseldorf, Frankfurt (Prime Standard), Hamburg, Hanover, Munich, Stuttgart; Regulated Unofficial Market in Tradegate Exchange
End of News DGAP News Service Reported by EQS Group 4 hours ago.
15.05.2018 / 06:59
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
--------------------
· 1Q 2018 internal revenues grow 4.9 percent
· 1Q 2018 operating profit down 6.0 percent or 176 million euros to 2.8 billion euros, including 142-million-euro negative currency translation effect
· 1Q 2018 operating profit at 25 percent of full-year target-range midpoint
· 1Q 2018 net income attributable to shareholders up 6.8 percent to 1.9 billion euros due to lower tax charge and lower restructuring charges
· Solvency II ratio at strong 225 percent at the end of 1Q 2018 versus 229 percent at end-2017
· 1Q 2018 results put Allianz Group on track to meet its 2018 performance targets
*Management Summary: Strong top and bottom lines, operating result eases largely due to currency shifts*
Allianz Group had a good start into 2018, posting a 6.8 percent rise in net income attributable to shareholders. *Internal revenue growth*, which adjusts for currency and consolidation effects, was 4.9 percent with positive contributions from all business segments. *Total revenues* increased 0.7 percent to 36.5 (first quarter of 2017: 36.2) billion euros. *Operating profit* decreased 6.0 percent or 176 million euros to 2.8 (2.9) billion euros. The main drivers for the decrease were 142 million euros currency translations and 148 million euros benefit in the prior year related to our corporate pension administration. Operating performance for the quarter is precisely at 25 percent of the Group's full-year operating profit target, signaling that results are well on track.
*Net income attributable to shareholders* rose to 1.9 (1.8) billion euros, a 6.8 percent increase versus the first quarter of 2017, driven by a higher non-operating investment result, a decrease in restructuring charges and a lower effective tax rate.
*Basic Earnings per Share (EPS)* rose to 4.46 (4.00) euros. Annualized *Return on Equity (RoE)* was 13.8 percent (full year 2017: 11.8 percent). The *Solvency II* *capitalization ratio *remained a strong 225 percent at the end of the quarter compared to 229 percent recorded at the end of 2017.
On April 27, 2018, Allianz Group successfully completed the acquisition of Euler Hermes minorities and delisted Euler Hermes' shares from Euronext Paris. This operation marked an important step in Allianz Group's strategy to deploy capital in strategic businesses that deliver solid operating performance, and to strengthen positions in core markets and in Property and Casualty insurance in particular.
Separately, the Group completed its second share buy-back program, which was launched in early 2018, with a volume of 2.0 billion euros and 10.4 million shares in early May.
"Allianz enjoyed a good start into 2018. We had increases in both the top and the bottom lines, even if market volatility was visible at an operating level in the first quarter. This good performance puts Allianz on track to meet its 2018 yearly targets," said Oliver Bäte, Chief Executive Officer of Allianz SE.
*Property and Casualty insurance: Robust improvements in underlying business *
· *Gross premiums written* increased by 1.1 percent to 17.9 (17.7) billion euros in the first quarter of 2018. Adjusted for foreign exchange and consolidation effects*, internal growth* totaled 4.9 percent, with price and volume effects contributing 1.2 percent and 3.7 percent, respectively. Internal growth came across many countries and lines of business, including AGCS, Germany and Allianz Partners.
· *Operating profit* increased 1.2 percent to 1.3 billion euros compared to the first quarter of 2017, as a higher underwriting result was mostly offset by lower investment income. Claims from natural catastrophes rose, primarily due to European storm Friederike, which caused some 220 million euros in claims. The Group's underwriting result improved nonetheless due to a general improvement in the underlying loss ratio, lower claims from large losses, plus better run-off- and expense ratios.
· The *combined ratio* improved by 0.8 percentage points to 94.8 percent.
"Premium income rose and the combined ratio improved in the quarter, underscoring the health of our Property and Casualty business. Our underwriting result strengthened due to disciplined efforts to improve technical excellence and productivity. We remain on track to meet our target of 94 percent in the combined ratio," said Giulio Terzariol, Chief Financial Officer of Allianz SE.
*Life and Health insurance: **U.S. dollar weakness dents strong underlying result*
· PVNBP, the present value of new business premiums, rose 1.7 percent in the quarter to 15.0 (14.7) billion euros, mainly due to rising sales of capital-efficient Life products in Germany and of unit-linked products in Taiwan.
· *O**perating profit* decreased 7.4 percent to 1.1 (1.2) billion euros reflecting volatile market conditions and foreign currency translation effects in the United States. This was partly offset by higher investment margins in Germany and Spain and increased income from unit-linked business in Italy and Taiwan.
· The *new business margin (NBM)* strengthened to 3.3 (3.1) percent, driven by favorable markets and management decisions to adapt the product mix to the low interest rate environment. This helped lift the *value* *of new business (VNB)* by 7.9 percent to 489 million euros in the quarter.
"The Allianz Group continued to improve its Life business in the quarter and the segment delivered a strong set of results. The value of new business rose 8 percent. Operating profit was also strong at 1.1 billion euros in the quarter, and we remain successfully on track with our efforts to steer new business toward preferred products," said Giulio Terzariol.
*Asset Management: Third-party net inflows of 20.9 billion euros*
· The Asset Management business segment saw strong third-party net inflows of 20.9 billion euros stemming largely from PIMCO's 19.2 billion euro contribution. Overall *third-party assets under management (AuM)* eased 1.3 percent to 1,429 billion euros compared to December 31, 2017, mainly due to negative foreign currency translation effects.
· *Operating profit* increased by 4.1 percent to 595 (572) million euros, due to higher AuM-driven revenues. Adjusted for foreign exchange effects, operating profit increased a remarkable 16.3 percent.
· The *cost-income ratio (CIR)* improved by 1.4 percentage points to 61.9 percent.
"Customers continued to favor Allianz, placing some 21 billion euros of new net third-party investments with PIMCO and Allianz Global Investors in the quarter," said Giulio Terzariol. "This comes on top of the 150 billion euros in net inflows seen in 2017. It is a sign of customer confidence and reflects on the strength of the franchise."
*Allianz Group - key figures 1st quarter 2018*
*1Q 2018* *1Q 2017*
*Total revenues * *EUR bn* *36.5* *36.2*
- Property-Casualty EUR bn 17.9 17.7
- Life/Health EUR bn 17.1 16.9
- Asset Management EUR bn 1.6 1.6
- Corporate and Other EUR bn 0.1 0.1
- Consolidation EUR bn -0.1 -0.1
*Operating profit / loss* *EUR mn* *2,756* *2,932*
- Property-Casualty EUR mn 1,274 1,259
- Life/Health EUR mn 1,069 1,155
- Asset Management EUR mn 595 572
- Corporate and Other EUR mn -182 -41
- Consolidation EUR mn 1 -12
*Net income* *EUR mn* *2,030* *1,920*
- attributable to non-controlling interests EUR mn 91 104
- attributable to shareholders EUR mn 1,939 1,816
*Basic earnings per share* *EUR* *4.46* *4.00*
*Diluted earnings per share* *EUR* *4.40* *3.99*
*Additional KPIs*
- Group Return on equity^1.2 % 13.8% 11.8%
- Property-Casualty Combined ratio % 94.8% 95.6%
- Life/Health New business margin % 3.3% 3.1%
- Life/Health Value of new business EUR mn 489 453
- Asset Management Cost-income ratio % 61.9% 63.3%
*03/31/2018* *12/31/2017*
*Shareholders' equity*^1 *EUR bn* *63.3* *65.6*
*Solvency II capitalization ratio*^3 *%* *225%* *229%*
*Third-party assets under management* *EUR bn* *1,429* *1,448*
*Please note:* The figures are presented in millions of Euros, unless otherwise stated. Due to rounding, numbers presented may not add up precisely to the totals provided and percentages may not precisely reflect the absolute figures.
^1 Excluding non-controlling interests.
^2 Excluding unrealized gains/losses on bonds, net of shadow accounting. RoE for 1Q 2018 is annualized. For 1Q 2017, the return on equity for the full year 2017 is shown. Annualized figures are not a forecast for full year numbers.
^3 Risk capital figures are group diversified at 99.5% confidence level. Allianz Life US included based on third country equivalence with 150% of RBC CAL (Risk Based Capital Company Action Level) since September 30, 2015.
Munich, May 15, 2018
These assessments are, as always, subject to the disclaimer provided below.
*Cautionary note regarding forward-looking statements*
The statements contained herein may include prospects, statements of future expectations and other forward-looking statements that are based on management's current views and assumptions and involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties. Actual results, performance or events may differ materially from those expressed or implied in such forward-looking statements.
Such deviations may arise due to, without limitation, (i) changes of the general economic conditions and competitive situation, particularly in the Allianz Group's core business and core markets, (ii) performance of financial markets (particularly market volatility, liquidity and credit events), (iii) frequency and severity of insured loss events, including from natural catastrophes, and the development of loss expenses, (iv) mortality and morbidity levels and trends, (v) persistency levels, (vi) particularly in the banking business, the extent of credit defaults, (vii) interest rate levels, (viii) currency exchange rates including the EUR/USD exchange rate, (ix) changes in laws and regulations, including tax regulations, (x) the impact of acquisitions, including related integration issues, and reorganization measures, and (xi) general competitive factors, in each case on a local, regional, national and/or global basis. Many of these factors may be more likely to occur, or more pronounced, as a result of terrorist activities and their consequences.
*No duty to update*
The company assumes no obligation to update any information or forward-looking statement contained herein, save for any information required to be disclosed by law.
*Other*
The quarterly figures regarding the net assets, financial position and results of operations have been prepared in conformity with International Financial Reporting Standards. This Quarterly Earnings Release is not an Interim Financial Report within the meaning of International Accounting Standard (IAS) 34.
This is a translation of the German Quarterly Earnings Release of the Allianz Group. In case of any divergences, the German original is binding.
--------------------
15.05.2018 Dissemination of a Corporate News, transmitted by DGAP - a service of EQS Group AG.
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
The DGAP Distribution Services include Regulatory Announcements, Financial/Corporate News and Press Releases.
Archive at www.dgap.de --------------------
Language: English
Company: Allianz SE
Königinstr. 28
80802 München
Germany
Phone: +49 (0)89 38 00 - 41 24
Fax: +49 (0)89 38 00 - 38 99
E-mail: investor.relations@allianz.com
Internet: www.allianz.com
ISIN: DE0008404005
WKN: 840400
Indices: DAX-30, EURO STOXX 50
Listed: Regulated Market in Berlin, Dusseldorf, Frankfurt (Prime Standard), Hamburg, Hanover, Munich, Stuttgart; Regulated Unofficial Market in Tradegate Exchange
End of News DGAP News Service Reported by EQS Group 4 hours ago.
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Inflation, Investing and You
We often find media coverage fretting inflation’s impact on consumer spending—particularly true after UK inflation jumped over the last couple years. In our view, though, British investors should be more focused on whether their financial plans take it into account. We believe doing so is vital to increasing the likelihood of reaching your goals.The Office for National Statistics (ONS) tracks inflation and releases a few different measurements each month. Among these, the headline Consumer Price Index (CPI) gets the most media attention. Since 1989, when ONS data begin, year-over-year CPI inflation has averaged 2.6 per cent. This reduces the pound’s purchasing power bit by bit.
*Exhibit 1: Historical UK Inflation*Source: Office for National Statistics, as of 1/5/2018. Year-over-year percentage change in the UK Consumer Price Index, January 1989 – March 2018.
We aren’t saying this data is predictive—future inflation could be higher or lower. But in our view, they may be a useful guide to inflation’s potential impact—which may be bigger than you think. Take a simple hypothetical scenario in which you plan to withdraw £50k per annum from your savings in retirement. As Exhibit 2 shows, over a 30-year span—presuming inflation’s historical average held—that sum would lose almost 60 per cent of its purchasing power.
*Exhibit 2: Inflation Cuts Into Real Withdrawal Values*Source: Office for National Statistics and Fisher Investments Research, as of 20/4/2018.
Want to retain the same purchasing power in 30 years as today? You might need to withdraw about £110,000 then based on historical inflation rates—or potentially even more.[i] Whilst it is easy to think of inflation as the average media coverage frequently focuses on, many people’s living expenses don’t increase at that rate. The reason: The CPI basket—a collection of goods and services the ONS uses to calculate inflation—isn’t intended to reflect a true cost-of-living index. In 2018, for example, unless you buy ceramic tiles, pyjamas, a patio furniture set, a new car, a used car and a motorcycle, hire a nanny, go to the hospital and purchase the nearly 700 other items and services in the basket, your personal inflation rate will probably differ to some degree from the average.
This is why we believe it is important to take stock of your likely spending patterns, both now and in the future. For example, some might choose to help with grandkids’ education costs—a generous but potentially expensive move. Since January 1995, prices in this category have risen a whopping 177 per cent.[ii]
Health care costs are another big consideration for many. Although the government (mainly through the NHS) accounted for the majority of UK health care spending in 2016, out of pocket expenditures and voluntary health insurance—which together capture the bulk of private health care spending—totalled £35.2 billion.[iii] Moreover, long-term care—which the NHS typically doesn’t cover—accounted for 30 per cent of private health care spending.[iv] Data suggests this is a fast-growing category. Out-of-pocket expenditure on long-term care rose 6.8 per cent y/y in 2016.[v] Looking back further, a Telegraph analysis of data gathered by LaingBuisson, a health care consultancy, showed residential care costs nearly doubled from 1998 – 2017—with private payers facing the steepest increases.[vi] On the whole, health care costs have risen 42 per cent since January 2005.[vii] If private and public expenditures are rising roughly in tandem, then planning for higher personal health care spending seems sensible to us.
Again, it probably isn’t possible to know for sure what you will spend money on or how fast those prices will rise years from now. But we don’t believe that should stop you from making educated guesses. Getting a sense of probabilities can help set expectations—crucial for planning, in our view. Moreover, we think the dangers of underestimating inflation’s impact on your finances are greater than those of overestimating. Discovering down the road you have a bigger-than-anticipated cushion is far more pleasant than the reverse.
Understanding inflation’s impact is only half the battle, though. When selecting investments, we believe it is important to consider inflation and remember historically lower-returning asset classes like cash and fixed interest haven’t always provided sufficient returns to offset it, never mind supply the growth you might need to sustain higher cash flows late in life. In our view, concentrating solely in these assets may leave you short of the returns many investors need to supplement your pension. To be sure, they can make sense if you have big near-term spending needs and want to reduce volatility—but this may come at the expense of the long-term growth necessary to fund future cash flow needs. Withdrawing too much too early can also compound issues later in life, leaving you with less savings at a critical juncture. In our view, a helpful guideline is to limit annual withdrawals to roughly 4 per cent of the starting value annually, adjusting the amount for inflation over time.
For those who don’t incorporate inflation into their financial planning, the loss of purchasing power might be unexpected—or potentially force major life changes to make ends meet in old age. Whilst we don’t think there is a one-size-fits-all response to inflation, we believe an awareness of its wealth-sapping effects may help you better evaluate your investment options and select those that don’t leave you short of the returns you need to achieve your long-term cash flow goals.
Investing in equity markets involves the risk of loss and there is no guarantee that all or any capital invested will be repaid. Past performance neither guarantees nor reliably indicates future performance. The value of investments and the income from them will fluctuate with world equity markets and international currency exchange rates.
This document constitutes the general views of Fisher Investments and should not be regarded as personalised investment or tax advice or as a representation of its performance or that of its clients. No assurances are made that Fisher Investments will continue to hold these views, which may change at any time based on new information, analysis or reconsideration. In addition, no assurances are made regarding the accuracy of any forecast made herein. Not all past forecasts have been, nor future forecasts may be, as accurate as any contained herein.
[i] Source: Office for National Statistics and Fisher Investments Research, as of 25/4/2018.
[ii] Ibid.
[iii] Source: Office for National Statistics, as of 25/4/2018.
[iv] Ibid.
[v] Ibid.
[vi] “Why care costs are spiralling at up to twice inflation,” Sam Meadows, The Telegraph, 29/10/2017. https://www.telegraph.co.uk/money/consumer-affairs/care-costs-spiralling-twice-inflation/
[vii] Source: Office for National Statistics, as of 13/4/2018.
Reported by City A.M. 2 hours ago.
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Briovation, Parent Company of Jumpstart Foundry and Health:Further, Launches New Tokenizing Health Initiative and Healthcare Blockchain Company Solaster
Seeing opportunity in healthcare blockchain, Briovation announces Tokenizing Health initiative, including new healthcare blockchain company Solaster, Jumpstart Token fund, Health:Further content track, and BrioView report.
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (PRWEB) May 15, 2018
Today, Briovation, the parent company of Jumpstart Foundry and Health:Further, announced the creation of a new initiative, Tokenizing Health, which aims to analyze, invest in, and invent public, permissionless blockchain companies in healthcare. The announcement includes the public launch of Solaster, Briovation’s first health blockchain invention, co-founded with Stuart Lackey. The Tokenizing Health initiative also includes a content track at Health:Further’s annual festival devoted to exploring innovations in tokenized health blockchains, as well as the announcement of Jumpstart Token, a fund that intends to invest in tokens of health-centric blockchains to complement the existing Jumpstart Foundry and Jumpstart Capital funds.
Briovation’s Tokenizing Health initiative is focused on the burgeoning arena of public, permissionless blockchains with distributed applications and associated cryptocurrencies. Since its creation in 2008, blockchain technologies have begun to proliferate into many established industries. Healthcare has been no exception, with many payers, providers, and innovative technology companies adopting private versions of the technology to create efficiencies in their IT systems. Briovation sees a significant difference between blockchains used in private, corporate environments and public, permissionless blockchains. The latter have the potential to remove the need for centralized third parties in the healthcare system that currently disintermediate the provider and the patient. The Tokenizing Health initiative will track the maturation of these public health-centric blockchains, invest where there is opportunity, and help organize and accelerate the growth of the ecosystem.
At the center of the Tokenizing Health initiative is the Blockchain BrioView, a chart that catalogues and organizes the continuously growing population of companies operating in the space. To date, Briovation has identified over 150 blockchains with foci ranging from genomics to care coordination to health insurance. In its efforts to document the space as thoroughly as possible, Briovation invites all public, permissionless healthcare blockchain companies to schedule a briefing for inclusion in the report. The Blockchain BrioView will be available for free on the Tokenizing Health website.
“The healthcare industry is comfortable talking about blockchain but not as much about Bitcoin, which is where blockchain comes from. The origin of blockchain was to enable peer-to-peer distributed networks, and that’s what we are excited about. We are very early in the building of viable, public blockchain infrastructure, but the pace of innovation is moving incredibly fast and we have already found several blockchains competing for the same opportunities in healthcare,” said Marcus Whitney, President of Briovation. “The BrioView will be a tool for health blockchain innovators and investors to understand this quickly evolving landscape.”
To educate industry leaders and convene the innovators at the forefront of this developing space, the Health:Further Festival, Briovation’s annual health innovation event, will feature a full day of programming on tokenized applications of blockchain in healthcare. The Tokenizing Health Summit will lead a conversation around these emerging public, permissionless blockchains in health and will complement programming at the TN HIMSS Summit of the Southeast on private blockchains to provide a deep and rich picture of how blockchain is affecting the healthcare industry. All Health:Further ticket holders will have access to the Tokenizing Health Summit, along with all of Health:Further’s other content tracks.
In keeping with its history of unique and innovative methods of investment, the Jumpstart family of funds will add a new fund, Jumpstart Token, dedicated to investing in this emerging space. While the past ten years have seen the rise of a number of new venture capital investment models, the core of the business has remained unchanged, with firms exchanging capital for equity in emerging companies. Cryptocurrencies and the rise of initial coin offerings have created new methods of raising capital and, in Jumpstart’s view, represent exciting and disruptive changes in the venture capital industry. The Jumpstart Token fund intends to invest in tokens to take advantage of these shifts to generate returns and help create the next generation of healthcare innovation.
“Smart venture capital investing means looking at the market and understanding its needs in the context of larger economic trends. Tokenized health platforms are emerging at the confluence of the need for innovation in healthcare and new methods for consumers to interact with the healthcare system,” said Vic Gatto, CEO of Briovation.
In addition to efforts to catalogue, promote, and invest in tokenized health applications, Solaster marks the first blockchain to emerge from the initiative. Co-founded and led by CEO Stuart Lackey, Solaster envisions a healthcare system with global interoperability of disparate blockchains across the health ecosystem. Through a smart-contract platform, Solaster empowers developers to easily build decentralized applications leveraging hundreds of health blockchains to fulfill the promise of a viable distributed health ecosystem.
“With the amazing growth we’ve seen in open, permissionless blockchain health applications, we are already seeing fragmentation across the space. If the health industry is not careful, we’ll just re-create the dysfunctional, siloed system we have today,” said Stuart Lackey, CEO of Solaster. “Through decentralized application interoperability, we have an opportunity to create an entirely new health ecosystem the right way, with patients in control of their own health, better aligned incentives, and ultimately, a healthier patient population.”
More information about Tokenizing Health can be found at TokenizingHealth.com. Reported by PRWeb 2 hours ago.
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (PRWEB) May 15, 2018
Today, Briovation, the parent company of Jumpstart Foundry and Health:Further, announced the creation of a new initiative, Tokenizing Health, which aims to analyze, invest in, and invent public, permissionless blockchain companies in healthcare. The announcement includes the public launch of Solaster, Briovation’s first health blockchain invention, co-founded with Stuart Lackey. The Tokenizing Health initiative also includes a content track at Health:Further’s annual festival devoted to exploring innovations in tokenized health blockchains, as well as the announcement of Jumpstart Token, a fund that intends to invest in tokens of health-centric blockchains to complement the existing Jumpstart Foundry and Jumpstart Capital funds.
Briovation’s Tokenizing Health initiative is focused on the burgeoning arena of public, permissionless blockchains with distributed applications and associated cryptocurrencies. Since its creation in 2008, blockchain technologies have begun to proliferate into many established industries. Healthcare has been no exception, with many payers, providers, and innovative technology companies adopting private versions of the technology to create efficiencies in their IT systems. Briovation sees a significant difference between blockchains used in private, corporate environments and public, permissionless blockchains. The latter have the potential to remove the need for centralized third parties in the healthcare system that currently disintermediate the provider and the patient. The Tokenizing Health initiative will track the maturation of these public health-centric blockchains, invest where there is opportunity, and help organize and accelerate the growth of the ecosystem.
At the center of the Tokenizing Health initiative is the Blockchain BrioView, a chart that catalogues and organizes the continuously growing population of companies operating in the space. To date, Briovation has identified over 150 blockchains with foci ranging from genomics to care coordination to health insurance. In its efforts to document the space as thoroughly as possible, Briovation invites all public, permissionless healthcare blockchain companies to schedule a briefing for inclusion in the report. The Blockchain BrioView will be available for free on the Tokenizing Health website.
“The healthcare industry is comfortable talking about blockchain but not as much about Bitcoin, which is where blockchain comes from. The origin of blockchain was to enable peer-to-peer distributed networks, and that’s what we are excited about. We are very early in the building of viable, public blockchain infrastructure, but the pace of innovation is moving incredibly fast and we have already found several blockchains competing for the same opportunities in healthcare,” said Marcus Whitney, President of Briovation. “The BrioView will be a tool for health blockchain innovators and investors to understand this quickly evolving landscape.”
To educate industry leaders and convene the innovators at the forefront of this developing space, the Health:Further Festival, Briovation’s annual health innovation event, will feature a full day of programming on tokenized applications of blockchain in healthcare. The Tokenizing Health Summit will lead a conversation around these emerging public, permissionless blockchains in health and will complement programming at the TN HIMSS Summit of the Southeast on private blockchains to provide a deep and rich picture of how blockchain is affecting the healthcare industry. All Health:Further ticket holders will have access to the Tokenizing Health Summit, along with all of Health:Further’s other content tracks.
In keeping with its history of unique and innovative methods of investment, the Jumpstart family of funds will add a new fund, Jumpstart Token, dedicated to investing in this emerging space. While the past ten years have seen the rise of a number of new venture capital investment models, the core of the business has remained unchanged, with firms exchanging capital for equity in emerging companies. Cryptocurrencies and the rise of initial coin offerings have created new methods of raising capital and, in Jumpstart’s view, represent exciting and disruptive changes in the venture capital industry. The Jumpstart Token fund intends to invest in tokens to take advantage of these shifts to generate returns and help create the next generation of healthcare innovation.
“Smart venture capital investing means looking at the market and understanding its needs in the context of larger economic trends. Tokenized health platforms are emerging at the confluence of the need for innovation in healthcare and new methods for consumers to interact with the healthcare system,” said Vic Gatto, CEO of Briovation.
In addition to efforts to catalogue, promote, and invest in tokenized health applications, Solaster marks the first blockchain to emerge from the initiative. Co-founded and led by CEO Stuart Lackey, Solaster envisions a healthcare system with global interoperability of disparate blockchains across the health ecosystem. Through a smart-contract platform, Solaster empowers developers to easily build decentralized applications leveraging hundreds of health blockchains to fulfill the promise of a viable distributed health ecosystem.
“With the amazing growth we’ve seen in open, permissionless blockchain health applications, we are already seeing fragmentation across the space. If the health industry is not careful, we’ll just re-create the dysfunctional, siloed system we have today,” said Stuart Lackey, CEO of Solaster. “Through decentralized application interoperability, we have an opportunity to create an entirely new health ecosystem the right way, with patients in control of their own health, better aligned incentives, and ultimately, a healthier patient population.”
More information about Tokenizing Health can be found at TokenizingHealth.com. Reported by PRWeb 2 hours ago.
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Some Oregonians may face 16% health insurance hikes in 2019
Oregon health insurers’ rate requests for next year are all over the map, but considerably less than proposals in at least two other states. In the individual market, the average requests range from a 9.6 percent decrease from PacificSource Health Plans to a 16.3 percent increase from Health Net Health Plan of Oregon, according to data from the Oregon Department of Consumer and Business Services. Those requests would translate to $425 a month for a healthy 40-year-old in Portland who buys a PacificSource…
Reported by bizjournals 12 hours ago.
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