NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO U.S. NEWSWIRE SERVICES or DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES

(in USD, except as otherwise noted)

· Sagicor shares will be acquired at a price of US $1.75 per share through a combination of cash and shares of the resulting entity with an aggregate value of approximately US$536 million
· Alignvest Acquisition II Corporation is a special purpose acquisition corporation that listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange in May 2017 and raised, or received subscriptions for, an aggregate of C$565 million. Alignvest has no current operations and this proposed business combination with Sagicor is intended to be its sole and only qualifying acquisition
· Mr. Dodridge Miller, President and CEO since 2002, and his long-tenured executive team with extensive insurance and local-market expertise will continue to lead the organization. Sagicor’s current management team is rolling 100% of their equity interest into the transaction
· The appointed board is expected to consist of existing Sagicor board directors and include several Alignvest-appointed directors that bring deep global insurance and financial services experiences. Upon closing, Mr. Timothy Hodgson, Managing Partner of Alignvest Management Corporation, will become the Chairman of the Board 
· Cash will be used to support the cash option to shareholders and to fund growth
· Shareholder approval is expected in Q1 2019 and completion of this transaction is expected in late Q1 or Q2 2019, subject to certain conditions and regulatory approvals
· Sagicor and Alignvest will acquire Scotiabank’s life insurance operations in Jamaica and in Trinidad & Tobago and will also enter into a 20-year exclusive agreement where Scotiabank will provide insurance solutions to Scotiabank’s clients in Jamaica and Trinidad & Tobago.  Sagicor expects that this transaction will increase annual net income by approximately US$30 million, upon closing. Closing is expected in 2020, subject to regulatory approval and certain conditions being met

WILDEY, Barbados, Nov. 27, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Sagicor Financial Corporation Limited (“Sagicor”), which is listed on the Barbados, Trinidad & Tobago and London Stock Exchanges, announced today that it has entered into a definitive arrangement agreement (“Arrangement Agreement”) with Alignvest Acquisition II Corporation (“Alignvest”, TSX:AQY.A, AQY.WT) pursuant to which Alignvest will acquire all the shares of Sagicor by way of a scheme of arrangement under the laws of Bermuda, where Sagicor is incorporated, at a price of US$1.75 per share (such resulting entity, “New Sagicor”) with an aggregate value of approximately US $536 million. The completion of this arrangement is dependent upon certain conditions and other regulatory approvals, as well as shareholder approval by the shareholders of Alignvest and Sagicor. If conditions are met, the transaction is expected to close during the first quarter or early in the second quarter of 2019.

Sagicor believes that the transaction will unlock significant value for its shareholders in several ways:

· A potential listing on the TSX provides access to a liquid exchange market and the opportunity to access sophisticated institutional and large-scale investors, leading to better price discovery
· Cash not used to purchase Sagicor shares will be used to help accelerate organic growth and pursue industry consolidation
· Alignvest is delivering significant value to Sagicor with its corporate development acumen and its recruitment of highly experienced directors to the board

“This transaction is transformational for Sagicor and fully supports our strategic agenda. We have come to work very closely with our partners at Alignvest and believe our combined expertise will continue to accelerate Sagicor’s growth strategy with improved access to capital. Our strategic vision remains consistent, and our actions continue to lead us on a path towards being a leading provider of world class insurance and financial services to meet the changing needs of our customers,” said Dodridge Miller, President and CEO of Sagicor Financial Corporation.

“We are extremely excited to be forming this partnership between Sagicor and Alignvest,” said Timothy Hodgson, Managing Partner of Alignvest Management Corporation. “Over the last 15 months, we have worked closely with Sagicor’s management team to better understand and embrace their business. We believe in their long-term shareholder value creating vision for the Company, and in their ability to be good stewards of our shareholders’ capital. Supplemented with the expertise and resources that Alignvest will bring to bear, Sagicor will have the capital and capabilities to accelerate the execution of their growth plans through the pursuit of near-term organic and inorganic growth initiatives. Sagicor and Alignvest look forward to working together to create and unlock shareholder value.”

With over 175 years of history, Sagicor is a market leading provider of insurance products and related financial services in the Caribbean region, primarily Barbados, Jamaica and Trinidad and Tobago and the Eastern Caribbean.  We also provide life insurance and annuity products in the United States, as well as banking services in certain Caribbean countries. Our wide range of products and services include individual and group life and health insurance, annuities and pension administration services, property and casualty insurance, asset management, commercial and retail banking, investment management and other financial services. Over the years, we have grown our net income from approximately US$2 million in 1990 to US$62 million for the 12 months ended December 31, 2017.   Sagicor’s common shares are currently publicly listed on the Barbados Stock Exchange, the Trinidad and Tobago Stock Exchange and the London Stock Exchange.  We expect to delist the shares on the other exchanges as part of this transaction, upon listing on the Toronto Stock Exchange.

Alignvest’s parent company, Alignvest Management Corporation (“AMC”), is a leading Canadian alternative investment management firm that seeks to deliver superior risk-adjusted returns for its clients.  AMC’s partners have a strong combination of investment and operational expertise, having created and managed numerous operating businesses and having built and led large highly profitable businesses within global financial and consulting firms.  Upon closing, Andre Mousseau, current Chief Operating Officer of Alignvest, will join Sagicor as Group Chief Financial Officer.

*Summary of Transaction*

Alignvest and Sagicor have entered into an Arrangement Agreement pursuant to which, among other things, Alignvest has agreed to acquire all the shares of Sagicor by way of a scheme of arrangement under Bermuda law involving the transfer of all of the shares of Sagicor to Alignvest in exchange for:

· in the case of Sagicor shareholders who were also Sagicor shareholders as at December 6^th, 2018 (the “Election Record Date”):

· the option of either US$1.75 per Sagicor share (the “Cash Consideration”) or Alignvest common shares in an amount based on an exchange ratio which the parties have agreed has a value of US$1.75 per Sagicor share (the “Share Consideration”); or
· a combination of the Cash Consideration and the Share Consideration; or

· for all other holders, the Share Consideration. 

Any Cash Consideration is only available in respect of up to 10,000 Sagicor shares held by each Sagicor shareholder as at the Election Record Date which continue to be held as at the time of closing of the transactions contemplated in the Arrangement Agreement (the “Closing”).  All other consideration paid to Sagicor shareholders at the Closing will be Share Consideration.

An explanatory statement will be sent to Sagicor shareholders shortly.  Shareholders will be notified of the date for a meeting of shareholders to be convened at the direction of the Supreme Court of Bermuda.

Further details are set out in the Arrangement Agreement, as well as an investor presentation, which will be available on Sagicor’s website and under Alignvest’s profile on SEDAR.  Alignvest will also file with the Canadian securities regulatory authorities in each of the provinces and territories of Canada (other than Quebec), a non-offering prospectus containing disclosure regarding Sagicor and the arrangement. In connection with the transaction, Alignvest will continue from Ontario, Canada to Bermuda and will be registered under the Companies Act 1981 of Bermuda.  The head office will remain in Barbados and no changes are expected to the operating companies.

The transaction is subject to Sagicor shareholder approval, Alignvest shareholder approval and the satisfaction of certain conditions, including the sanction of the scheme of arrangement by the Supreme Court of Bermuda and other regulatory approvals.

The Boards of Directors of each of Alignvest and Sagicor have approved the transaction and determined that it is fair to their respective shareholders and in the companies’ respective best interests. Closing is expected to occur during the first quarter or early in the second quarter of 2019.  Upon closing of the transaction, it is expected that Alignvest will change its name to “Sagicor Financial Company Ltd.” and become a Bermuda company. The new entity will be a reporting issuer in all provinces and territories of Canada other than Quebec, as well as in certain Caribbean jurisdictions.

Additional details of the transaction are available in Alignvest’s press release dated November 27, 2018, which may be found on their website at www.alignvest.com.

*Proposed Board of Directors*

Upon closing, the appointed board is expected to consist of existing Sagicor board directors and include several Alignvest-appointed directors.  Sagicor’s Board of Directors is expected to include:

· Dodridge D. Miller – President and Group CEO of Sagicor since 2002
· Tim Hodgson – Chairman – Managing Partner of Alignvest Management Corporation, former CEO of Goldman Sachs Canada, and Special Advisor to Governor Mark Carney at the Bank of Canada
· Sir Hilary Beckles – Vice Chancellor of the University of the West Indies
· Alister Campbell – Former CEO of the Guarantee and Zurich Insurance Canada
· Peter Clarke – Chairman of Guardian Media Ltd. Former Chairman at Trinidad & Tobago Stock Exchange
· Monish Dutt – Former Chief Credit Officer for Global Financial Institutions & Private Equity Funds at IFC
· Stephen Facey – Chairman and CEO of PanJam Investment Limited
· Mahmood Khimji – Co-founder and President of Highgate Hotels, L.P.
· Stephen McNamara – Senior Partner of McNamara & Company, Attorney-at-Law of St. Lucia
· Rik Parkhill – Former CEO of CIBC First Caribbean
· Reza Satchu – Co-Founder and Managing Partner of Alignvest Management Corporation

*Summary of Strategic Acquisition*

Sagicor regularly engages in discussions with respect to possible acquisitions and investments in new assets and businesses, related financings and refinancings.  Concurrent with the announcement of this transaction, Sagicor has also announced that Sagicor and Alignvest have entered into an agreement whereby Sagicor’s insurance subsidiaries will acquire ScotiaLife Jamaica and ScotiaLife Trinidad & Tobago and New Sagicor will enter into a 20-year strategic agreement with Scotiabank in those regions.  Primary products in the ScotiaLife portfolio include creditor insurance and non-creditor insurance policies such as whole life, universal life and annuity products. Through the agreement, Scotiabank customers will be able to access New Sagicor’s full suite of insurance products, including life, health, savings, auto and home insurance, underwritten by Sagicor.

Sagicor expects that this acquisition will contribute run-rate net income of approximately US$30 million following the closing, which is expected to occur in 2020. 

*Advisors*

Sagicor has been advised on legal matters by Paul Hastings LLP and Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP.  Alignvest has been advised by Stikeman Elliott LLP and Dorsey & Whitney LLP. 

Certain Bermudian legal matters were advised by Conyers Dill & Pearman Limited on behalf of Sagicor and Appleby, on Alignvest’s behalf.

J.P. Morgan Securities LLC has acted as the exclusive financial advisor to Sagicor in connection with this transaction.

RBC Capital Markets acted as exclusive financial advisor to Alignvest.

*About Sagicor Financial Corporation Limited*

Sagicor, a 178-year old entity, is the leading financial services provider in the Caribbean, and operates in 22 countries including the USA and Latin America.  With total assets of US $6.8 billion, and US $1.3 billion in total capital as at December 31, 2017, Sagicor offers a wide range of products and services, including life, health, and general insurance, banking, pensions, annuities and real estate.

Additional information about Sagicor can be obtained by visiting www.sagicor.com

*About Alignvest Acquisition II Corporation*

Alignvest Acquisition II Corporation is a special purpose acquisition corporation incorporated under the laws of the Province of Ontario for the purposes of effecting a qualifying acquisition.  The Corporation’s registered office is located at 100 King Street West, 70^th Floor, Suite 7050, Toronto, Ontario M5X 1C7.

*Cautionary Statement*

This press release contains “forward-looking information” within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Forward-looking information may relate to our future outlook and anticipated events or results and may include information regarding our financial position, business strategy, growth strategies, budgets, operations, financial results, taxes, dividend policy, plans and objectives, anticipated financial impacts of the proposed acquisition, and the satisfaction of the closing conditions to and the timing of the completion of the proposed acquisitions. Particularly, information regarding our expectations of future results, performance, achievements, prospects or opportunities or the markets in which we operate is forward-looking information. In some cases, forward-looking information can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as “plans”, “targets”, “expects” or “does not expect”, “an opportunity exists”, “outlook”, “prospects”, “strategy”, “intends”, “believes”, or variations of such words and phrases or state that certain actions, events or results “may”, “could”, “would”, “might”, “will”, “will be taken”, “occur” or “be achieved”. In addition, any statements that refer to expectations, intentions, projections or other characterizations of future events or circumstances contain forward-looking information. Statements containing forward-looking information are not historical facts but instead represent management’s expectations, estimates and projections regarding future events or circumstances. Forward-looking information contained in this press release is based on our opinions, estimates and assumptions in light of our experience and perception of historical trends, current conditions and expected future developments, as well as other factors that we currently believe are appropriate and reasonable in the circumstances. Despite a careful process to prepare and review the forward-looking information, there can be no assurance that the underlying opinions, estimates and assumptions will prove to be correct. Actual results may differ from these expectations, estimates and projections and consequently, you should not rely on these forward-looking statements as predictions of future events.

This news release includes forward-looking information and statements pertaining to, among other things, the transactions, the receipt of necessary approvals for the transactions, the anticipating timing for closings and for mailing of the proxy circulars, holding of the shareholder meetings, and completion of the transactions contemplated in the Arrangement Agreement, certain anticipated strategic, operational and competitive advantages and benefits created by the transaction, and future opportunities for the business.

These forward-looking statements reflect material factors and expectations and assumptions of Alignvest and Sagicor including, without limitation, expectations and assumptions relating to Alignvest and Sagicor being able to receive all required regulatory and shareholder approvals and current estimates and assumptions regarding the transactions and their benefits, which are based on Alignvest’s and Sagicor’s perception of historical trends, current conditions and expectations, as well as other factors believed to be appropriate in the circumstances. Alignvest’s and Sagicor’s estimates, beliefs and assumptions are inherently subject to uncertainties and contingencies regarding future events and as such, are subject to change.

The analyses and statements regarding the announced acquisition of ScotiaLife Trinidad & Tobago (“SLTT”) and Scotia Jamaica Life Insurance Company (“SJLIC”) by Sagicor contained in the press release rely on the following assumptions:

· That the conditions precedents to closing contemplated by the agreement for the SLTT and SJLIC acquisition are satisfied in the timeframe anticipated
· That assumed forward net earnings anticipated from this acquisition are realized (see the Investor Presentation for a detailed explanation of forward earnings assumptions)

Alignvest and Sagicor have also assumed that business and economic conditions affecting the businesses will continue substantially in the ordinary course, including, without limitation, with respect to general industry conditions, foreign exchange rates, interest rates, competition, regulations, reserve requirements, taxes, that there will be no catastrophic events or pandemics that are not adequately covered by reinsurance, and that there will be no material changes in customer or employee relations.

Net income targets and the related assumptions, involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially.  Alignvest and Sagicor approved these targets on November 26, 2018 and, while they believe that there is a reasonable basis for these targets, such targets may not be met.

Numerous risks and uncertainties could cause the actual events and results to differ materially from the estimates, beliefs and assumptions expressed or implied in the forward-looking statements, including, but not limited to: the conditions to the consummation of the transaction may not be satisfied or waived; risks relating to the failure to obtain necessary shareholder, court, and regulatory approvals for the transaction; the filing and/or mailing of documentation relating to the transaction may not be completed on a timely basis; high levels of redemptions by Alignvest shareholders; the anticipated strategic, operational and competitive benefits may not be realized; the transaction may be modified, restructured or terminated; events or series of events may cause business interruptions; and the availability of equity and debt financing and/or refinancing on acceptable terms.

An investment in our securities is subject to a number of risks that should be considered by a prospective purchaser. Prospective purchasers should carefully consider the risk factors set out in the Investor Presentation. All of the forward-looking information contained in this press release is expressly qualified by the foregoing cautionary statements. Investors should read the Investor Presentation which is available on our website and consult their own professional advisors to ascertain and assess the income tax, legal, risk factors and other aspects of their investment.

For further information please contact:

*Sagicor Financial Corporation Limited *
Ingrid Card
Vice President – Group Marketing, Communications & Brand Experience
246-230-5315 or Ingrid_Card@sagicor.com

Samantha Cheung 
Executive Vice President – Investor Relations
416-898-4324 or 1-800-342-0719 or Samantha_Cheung@sagicor.com

*Alignvest Acquisition II Corporation*
Andre Mousseau
Chief Operating Officer, Alignvest Acquisition II Corporation
416-775-1916 or amousseau@alignvest.com Reported by GlobeNewswire 12 hours ago.

HONG KONG, CHINA - Media OutReach - 27 November 2018 - *We Doctor Holdings Limited* ("WeDoctor"), China's leading technology-enabled medical and healthcare solutions platform, joined hands today in Guangzhou with the Guangdong Women and Children's Hospital and Health Institute to launch China's first provincial-levelinternet hospital for women and children -- the Guangdong Province Internet Hospital for Women and Children in an effort to establish a healthcare service base for women and children at the *WeDoctor Greater Bay Area Healthcare Platform* and create a 90-minute healthcare circle for women and children. Concurrently, three service portals of the WeDoctor Greater Bay Area Platform that was announced earlier this month, namely, its website, mobile application, and telephone hotline, went live today to provide the residents in Guangdong, Hong Kong, and Macau with innovative healthcare services that incorporate online and offline capabilities.

This marked the second breakthrough since the WeDoctor Greater Bay Area Healthcare Platform was announced in Hong Kong on 2 November. Now residents in Hong Kong and Macau can access the hospitals, doctors, and health insurance services in the Greater Bay Area through email or mobile number registration at the WeDoctor mobile application. The platform's web portal and dedicated hotline have also been opened. Through these three portals, residents in Guangdong, Hong Kong, and Macau can receive convenient medical services including pre-consultation check-up, appointment booking, online follow-up consultation, health insurance, remote diagnosis, appointment booking for medical checkup, family healthcare, and online payment.

*Mr Huang Han-lin, Director of the Guangdong Women and Children's Hospital and Health Institute*, said, "The healthcare service base for women and children is supported by the internet hospital to provide innovative healthcare services through the integration of the premium medical resources of the Guangdong Women and Children's Hospital and Health Institute and the technological and operational capabilities of the WeDoctor platform. Going forward, we will further encourage the 142 women and children healthcare organisations across the Guangdong province to join the internet hospital, in order to provide comprehensive online and offline healthcare services to women and children."

*Mr Jerry Liao, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer* *of WeDoctor*, said, "The healthcare service base will leverage the Guangdong Women and Children's Hospital and Health Institute's strength in resources to become the healthcare service hub for women and children in the Greater Bay Area and a centre for the collaboration of women and children organisations, while the establishment of the Guangdong Province Internet Hospital for Women and Children will further enhance the service capabilities of the platform. The WeDoctor Greater Bay Area Healthcare Platform was created as an industry collaborative and public service platform under the guidance of the Greater Bay Area initiative to propel the development of the healthcare industry in the region. It aims to drive the cross-regional and cross-organisational flow of premium resources in the region through the collaborations of industry essentials including medical practice, pharmaceuticals, and medical insurance to bring about the high quality development of the Greater Bay Area healthcare industry and create the '90-second online, 90-minute offline' healthcare circle. We are committed to precipitating the elevation of the standard in healthcare services for women and children in the entire Greater Bay Area through the deep integration of technology and premium resources."

*Mr Anthony Wu, Chairman of the WeDoctor Greater Bay Area Healthcare Platform*, said, "As an integral component of the development in the Greater Bay Area, the quality and standard of healthcare services in the region will become one of the key indicators to measure the regional socioeconomic development. The Guangdong Women and Children's Hospital and Health Institute and the Guangdong Province Internet Hospital for Women and Children are bellwethers of the healthcare services for women and children in the Guangdong province and even across China. Building on the foundation of top-quality service and state-of-the-art technology, they are expanding the horizon of the gynecology and paediatrics practice in the Greater Bay Area. Spurred by the advancement in the technology of artificial intelligence, big data, and Internet of Things, the Guangdong Province Internet Hospital for Women and Children will become a major breakthrough in primary care, and help to promote the quality development of the women and children healthcare industry in Guangdong, Hong Kong, and Macau."

The WeDoctor Greater Bay Area Healthcare Platform is the first collaborative healthcare platform that accepts the registration of users in Hong Kong and Macau to make appointments in medical organisations in Mainland China through the platform, and to take medical appointment numbers offline through using a valid Mainland Travel Permit for Hong Kong and Macao Residents (Home Return Permit). In addition, the platform has implemented online payment services, supporting WeChat Pay (China) at the current stage. In December 2018, the platform will also introduce payment systems including PayPal and AlipayHK to allow easy access to healthcare services for residents. 

At present, the WeDoctor Greater Bay Area Healthcare Platform has a network of 79 hospitals and over 10,000 medical practitioners, and has established 32 internet medical clusters, dozens of specialist collaborative alliances, and 500 pharmacies and consultation centres in 21 prefecture-level cities and Hong Kong. WeDoctor is also collaborating with IDS Medical Systems Group, Reproductive Healthcare Group, Guangzhou Pharmaceutical Group, DaShenLin Pharmaceutical Group, YLZ Information Technology, China Telecom Group Guangdong Corporation, and China Unicom Corporation Limited Guangdong Branch to jointly provide innovative healthcare services in the Greater Bay Area.

The Shenzhen base of the WeDoctor Greater Bay Area Healthcare Platform is set to be launched at the Southern Medical University Shenzhen Hospital in December this year. Thereafter, the platform will continue to expand its city bases and specialist bases to form a healthcare services collaborative network covering Guangdong, Hong Kong, and Macau and become the healthcare gatekeeper of the 70-million population in the Greater Bay Area.

*About WeDoctor*

We Doctor Holdings Limited ("WeDoctor") is China's leading technology-enabled healthcare solutions platform, providing seamless online and offline healthcare services as well as integration of general practitioner and specialist doctors. Founded by Jerry Liao and his team in 2010, WeDoctor operates four main business segments, namely, WeDoctor Healthcare, WeDoctor Cloud, WeDoctor Insurance, and WeDoctor Pharma.

 

WeDoctor brings together government, hospitals, doctors, pharmaceutical companies and financial institutions to create an innovative and holistic healthcare provision and funding ecosystem. On the WeDoctor platform, there are over 2,700 hospitals, 260,000 leading doctors, 20,000 pharmacies and 180 million real-name registered users.

 

Since the establishment of China's largest appointment registration platform -- Guahao.com, WeDoctor has continued to transform the healthcare system through technology with the creation of the nation's first Internet hospital - Wuzhen Internet Hospital. It also launched the industry's first domestic smart health terminal, and has made significant progress in the field of smart healthcare with the creation of AI-enabled diagnosis systems for both Western and Chinese medicine.

 

*About the WeDoctor Greater Bay Area Healthcare Platform***

The WeDoctor Greater Bay Area Healthcare Platform is an integrated service platform. It currently has a network of 79 hospitals and over 10,000 medical practitioners, and has established 32 internet medical clusters, dozens of specialist collaborative alliances, and 500 pharmacies and consultation centres in 21 prefecture-level cities and Hong Kong. Functions including internet diagnosis and treatment, medical cluster remote consultation, family health management, and embedded medical base are now online. The embedded medical base is an important service model launched by WeDoctor this year. It combines the WeDoctor platform with the brick and mortar hospitals, utilising the mature healthcare service system of the WeDoctor platform and the comprehensive medical service of brick and mortar hospitals to offer interactive online and offline services. At present, the WeDoctor Greater Bay Area Healthcare Platform provides online services including appointment booking, consultation, referral, and follow-up consultation, as well as offline networks comprising offline clinics, hospitals, and pharmacies that provide services such as medical treatment, consultation, and medication dispensing. Reported by Media OutReach 10 hours ago.

Healthcare Insurance Market – by Provider (Private Providers and Public Providers), by Product (Disease Insurance, Medical Insurance, and Income Protection Insurance), by Provider Network (Preferred Provider Organizations (PPOs), Point Of Service (POS), Health Maintenance Organizations (HMOs), and Exclusive Provider Organizations (EPOs)), by Type (Lifetime Coverage and Term Coverage), and by Demographics (Minors, Adults, and Senior Citizens): Global Industry Perspective, Comprehensive Analysis, and Forecast, 2018–2026

New York, NY, Nov. 27, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Zion Market Research has published a new report titled *“Healthcare Insurance Market 2018–2026”* According to the report, the global demand for healthcare insurance market was valued at approximately USD 1,010.3 billion in 2017 and is expected to generate revenue of around USD 2,030.1 billion by the end of 2026, growing at a CAGR of around 7.9% between 2018 and 2026.

Medical spending makes poor often vulnerable and results in huge amounts of household spending. Health insurance eliminates or reduces out-of-pocket spending on healthcare solutions and ensures financial risk protection. Government plays a prominent role in deciding the healthcare policies of a country, which directly affects the development of the healthcare insurance market. Supportive government policies is invading the prominent growth of healthcare insurance market, whereas, affordable access to quality treatment and essential medicines depends on several factors, such as provision and use of medicines, sound policies on selection and pricing, efficient regulation by the government and ruling authorities, functioning health infrastructure, a qualified health workforce, good governance, and information systems. Most of the low- and middle-income countries struggle to meet these criteria and fail to provide prominent healthcare services to their population.

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However, the GDP growth has accelerated the expansion of the healthcare insurance market. Healthcare insurance companies are growing mainly due to the emergence of the middle class, rising disposable income, and increasing per capita income globally. The healthcare status of the population is directly linked with the economic development of a country. According to the World Bank, the global healthcare expenditure as a percentage of GDP rose from 9.52% in 2010 to 9.9% in 2015.

The global healthcare insurance market is categorized into the provider, product, provider network, type, and demographics. Based on the provider, this market is bifurcated into private providers and public providers. The private provider segment is likely to grow significantly, owing to less waiting time in hospitals and claim money back on non-medicare health services. By product, this market is fragmented into disease insurance, medical insurance, and income protection insurance. By provider network, this market is divided into preferred provider organizations (PPOs), the point of service (POS), health maintenance organizations (HMOs), and exclusive provider organizations (EPOs). The EPOs segment is expected to grow significantly in the global healthcare insurance market. By type, this market is categorized into lifetime coverage and term coverage. The demographic segment is classified into minors, adults, and senior citizens. The adult segment holds the largest share in the health insurance market. Rising disease awareness and health concerns is a vital factor responsible for the augmentation of the global healthcare insurance market globally.

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North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, and the Middle East and Africa are major regional segments of the global healthcare insurance market. The North American region is anticipated to remain the leading region over the forecast time period. The Asia Pacific region is anticipated to grow remarkably due to the thriving healthcare sector and favorable government policies pertaining to healthcare insurance, increasing the prevalence of diseases, and growing awareness about insurances regarding health issues. Developing nations, such as China and India, are the most prominent markets healthcare insurance, owing to the rapid growth potential for market players involved in the expansion and promotion of automated solutions for the healthcare industry.

Some key players in the global healthcare insurance market are Apollo Munich Health Insurance Company Ltd., Aetna Inc., AIA Group Limited, Allianz, Anthem, Inc., ASSICURAZIONI GENERALI S.P.A., Japan Post Holding Co., Ltd., Express Scripts Holding Company, Aviva, AXA, Berkshire Hathaway Inc., China Life Insurance (Group) Company, Cigna, International Medical Group Inc., Kaiser Foundation Health Plan, Inc., Munich Re Group, Prudential Financial, Inc., UnitedHealth Group, and Zurich Insurance Group Ltd.

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This report segments the global healthcare insurance market as follows:

*Global **Healthcare Insurance Market*: *Provider **Segment Analysis*

· Private Providers
· Public Providers

*Global **Healthcare Insurance Market*: *Product **Segment Analysis*

· Disease Insurance
· Medical Insurance
· Income Protection Insurance

*Global **Healthcare Insurance Market*: *Type **Segment Analysis*

· Lifetime Coverage
· Term Coverage

*Global **Healthcare Insurance Market*: *Provider Network** Segment Analysis*

· Preferred Provider Organizations (PPOs)
· Point Of Service (POS)
· Health Maintenance Organizations (HMOs)
· Exclusive Provider Organizations (EPOs)

*Global **Healthcare Insurance Market: Demographics Segment Analysis*

· Minors
· Adults
· Senior Citizens

*Global **Healthcare Insurance Market: Regional Segment Analysis*

· North America

· The U.S.

· Europe

· UK
· France
· Germany

· Asia Pacific

· China
· Japan
· India

· Latin America

· Brazil

· The Middle East and Africa

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*About Us:*

Zion Market Research is an obligated company. We create futuristic, cutting-edge, informative reports ranging from industry reports, company reports to country reports. We provide our clients not only with market statistics unveiled by avowed private publishers and public organizations but also with vogue and newest industry reports along with pre-eminent and niche company profiles. Our database of market research reports comprises a wide variety of reports from cardinal industries. Our database is been updated constantly in order to fulfill our clients with prompt and direct online access to our database. Keeping in mind the client’s needs, we have included expert insights on global industries, products, and market trends in this database. Last but not least, we make it our duty to ensure the success of clients connected to us—after all—if you do well, a little of the light shines on us.

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*Blog: *http://zmrblog.com   Reported by GlobeNewswire 9 hours ago.

MN Community Measurement's annual health care cost report highlights slower growth trends.

MINNEAPOLIS (PRWEB) November 27, 2018

MN Community Measurement (MNCM), an independent nonprofit organization that empowers health care decision makers with meaningful data to drive improvement, has released its annual report on health care cost and utilization. The report highlights health care cost trends and drivers of cost growth throughout the state of Minnesota and includes data that consumers can use to compare costs of different providers.

Main Findings

Key findings of the report reveal that the average total cost of care for patients with private health insurance increased by 2.0 percent in Minnesota to $563 per patient per month. Growth in 2017 was slower than the previous two years, when the total cost of care increased by 6.1 and 5.6 percent in 2015 and 2016, respectively. New this year is inclusion of hospital outpatient settings for radiology costs. Overall, imaging services in a hospital outpatient setting cost 45 percent more than the same service in a clinic or stand-alone radiology center.

Julie Sonier, president of MN Community Measurement, says, “We’re encouraged to see that the cost of health care has slowed in the last year, but we still have a big problem to solve around health care affordability. Making timely and actionable information quickly available is an important part, but only the beginning of how we need to work together to make health care more affordable for everyone.” Compared to other parts of the nation, MNCM provides one of the most robust public transparency efforts related to health care costs that consumers can use to compare providers.

Across medical groups included in the analysis, there continues to be considerable variation in total cost of care, resource use and relative pricing, and prices for specific procedures. Total cost of care ranges from $398 to $1,093 per patient per month on a risk adjusted basis. MNCM’s analysis of prices includes 118 services and procedures that were selected because they are common services and patients may have options to select the location and provider (as opposed to services provided in an emergency).

Impact of Analysis

Minnesota Health Action Group Vice President Deb Krause says, “There’s a lot riding on health care data, and historically that data has been hard to come by and difficult to use. To truly improve health care for the people who write the checks for care across the state – primarily employers and individual consumers – we need reliable, accessible and comparable data.” Krause adds, “Easy access to data can help patients make better decisions about where and when they seek care while influencing how employers construct the health benefit plans they offer to employees.”

Director of Health Care and Transportation Policy at MN Chamber of Commerce Bentley Graves says, “Timely and transparent information about health care costs and pricing is vital to the business community – both to employers and their employees. The data contained in this report provides employers with a powerful tool to constructively engage providers, insurers, brokers, and policymakers about greater accountability, affordability, and accessibility in health care. And the consumer-facing outgrowth of this report, MNHealthScores.org, gives individual employees the ability to actively participate in the management of their health as an informed consumer.”

To see the full report, mncm.org/cost-of-care-2018. In addition, the procedure prices and total cost of care at the medical group level can be viewed on MNCM’s consumer-focused website, MNHealthScores.org.

Data Source

The report includes data from an analysis of health care costs for Minnesotans who have private health insurance. The analysis in this report is based on the claims data for 2017 from the four health plans with the largest commercially-insured patient populations in Minnesota: Blue Cross Blue Shield of Minnesota, HealthPartners, Medica Health Plans, and PreferredOne. The analysis includes the actual costs of 1.5 million patients and total spending of more than $8.6 billion in 2017.

About MN Community Measurement

MN Community Measurement is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering health care decision makers with meaningful data to drive improvement. A trusted source of health care data since 2003, MNCM works with doctors, hospitals, clinics, insurance companies, and state agencies to collect, analyze, and report health care data related to quality, cost, and patient experience. Learn more at mncm.org. Reported by PRWeb 8 hours ago.

Attributes 247% Growth to Delivering Advanced Solutions for the Health Insurance Industry

ALEXANDRIA, Va. (PRWEB) November 27, 2018

Acero Health Technologies today announced it ranked 329th on Deloitte’s Technology Fast 500™, a ranking of the 500 fastest growing technology, media, telecommunications, life sciences and energy tech companies in North America. Acero Health grew 247 percent during this period.

Acero Health’s chief executive officer, Alan Merchant, credits a focus on delivering value, technical innovation and high-touch service for our clients with the company’s 247 percent revenue growth. He said, "We’re honored to be recognized by Deloitte as a leading growth company. We will continue to leverage new technologies; creating solutions that help our health insurer clients efficiently and effectively address new business requirements in their administration of health insurance benefits. We’re also excited about recent, proposed health reimbursement arrangement (HRA) rule changes that expand employer options for offering access to affordable, quality health insurance. Our purpose-built, HRA platform is uniquely positioned to immediately provide the flexibility and innovation employers will need in order to transition to these new HRA models."

“Congratulations to the Deloitte 2018 Technology Fast 500 winners on this impressive achievement,” said Sandra Shirai, vice chairman, Deloitte LLP, and U.S. technology, media and telecommunications leader. “These companies are innovators who have converted their disruptive ideas into products, services and experiences that can captivate new customers and drive remarkable growth.”

“Software, which accounts for nearly two of every three companies on the list, continues to produce some of the most exciting technologies of the 21st century, including innovations in artificial intelligence, predictive analytics and robotics,” said Mohana Dissanayake, partner, Deloitte & Touche LLP, and Industry Leader for technology, media and telecommunications, within Deloitte’s audit and assurance practice. “This year’s ranking demonstrates what is likely a national phenomenon, where many companies from all parts of America are transforming the way we do business by combining breakthrough research and development, entrepreneurship and rapid growth.”

Overall, 2018 Technology Fast 500™ companies achieved revenue growth ranging from 143 percent to 77,260 percent from 2014 to 2017, with median growth of 412 percent.

About Deloitte’s 2018 Technology Fast 500™
Deloitte’s Technology Fast 500 provides a ranking of the fastest growing technology, media, telecommunications, life sciences and energy tech companies—both public and private—in North America. Technology Fast 500 award winners are selected based on percentage fiscal year revenue growth from 2014 to 2017.

In order to be eligible for Technology Fast 500 recognition, companies must own proprietary intellectual property or technology that is sold to customers in products that contribute to a majority of the company's operating revenues. Companies must have base-year operating revenues of at least $50,000 USD, and current-year operating revenues of at least $5 million USD. Additionally, companies must be in business for a minimum of four years and be headquartered within North America.

About Acero Health Technologies
Acero Health Technologies, an innovative information technology company, offers sophisticated, transactional software solutions to health insurance issuers. Acero’s on-premise or cloud-based solutions provide issuers with the means to leverage existing systems in solving for new business and regulatory challenges. The Acero team has significant insurance and technical experience developing advanced, enterprise software solutions for benefits administrators. Acero’s PlanXpand® engine powers several technology solutions including XpandACC™, a real-time solution synchronizing benefit accumulators; XpandCDH™, a powerful tool for issuer-administered, consumer-driven health plans, and XpandHCR™ an application that helps payers calculate and reconcile federal cost-sharing subsidies. Please see http://www.acerohealth.com/products to learn more our offerings.

About Deloitte
Deloitte refers to one or more of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited, a UK private company limited by guarantee (“DTTL”), its network of member firms, and their related entities. DTTL and each of its member firms are legally separate and independent entities. DTTL (also referred to as “Deloitte Global”) does not provide services to clients. In the United States, Deloitte refers to one or more of the US member firms of DTTL, their related entities that operate using the “Deloitte” name in the United States and their respective affiliates. Certain services may not be available to attest clients under the rules and regulations of public accounting. Please see http://www.deloitte.com/about to learn more about our global network of member firms. Reported by PRWeb 8 hours ago.

In a release issued under the same headline earlier today by Sagicor Financial Corporation Limited, please note that in the 7th bullet of the release the phrase should read "Sagicor will provide" rather than "Scotiabank will provide" as previously stated. The complete corrected text follows:

NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO U.S. NEWSWIRE SERVICES or DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES

(in USD, except as otherwise noted)

· Sagicor shares will be acquired at a price of US $1.75 per share through a combination of cash and shares of the resulting entity with an aggregate value of approximately US$536 million
· Alignvest Acquisition II Corporation is a special purpose acquisition corporation that listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange in May 2017 and raised, or received subscriptions for, an aggregate of C$565 million. Alignvest has no current operations and this proposed business combination with Sagicor is intended to be its sole and only qualifying acquisition
· Mr. Dodridge Miller, President and CEO since 2002, and his long-tenured executive team with extensive insurance and local-market expertise will continue to lead the organization. Sagicor’s current management team is rolling 100% of their equity interest into the transaction
· The appointed board is expected to consist of existing Sagicor board directors and include several Alignvest-appointed directors that bring deep global insurance and financial services experiences. Upon closing, Mr. Timothy Hodgson, Managing Partner of Alignvest Management Corporation, will become the Chairman of the Board 
· Cash will be used to support the cash option to shareholders and to fund growth
· Shareholder approval is expected in Q1 2019 and completion of this transaction is expected in late Q1 or Q2 2019, subject to certain conditions and regulatory approvals
· Sagicor and Alignvest will acquire Scotiabank’s life insurance operations in Jamaica and in Trinidad & Tobago and will also enter into a 20-year exclusive agreement where Sagicor will provide insurance solutions to Scotiabank’s clients in Jamaica and Trinidad & Tobago.  Sagicor expects that this transaction will increase annual net income by approximately US$30 million, upon closing. Closing is expected in 2020, subject to regulatory approval and certain conditions being met

WILDEY, Barbados, Nov. 27, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Sagicor Financial Corporation Limited (“Sagicor”), which is listed on the Barbados, Trinidad & Tobago and London Stock Exchanges, announced today that it has entered into a definitive arrangement agreement (“Arrangement Agreement”) with Alignvest Acquisition II Corporation (“Alignvest”, TSX:AQY.A, AQY.WT) pursuant to which Alignvest will acquire all the shares of Sagicor by way of a scheme of arrangement under the laws of Bermuda, where Sagicor is incorporated, at a price of US$1.75 per share (such resulting entity, “New Sagicor”) with an aggregate value of approximately US $536 million. The completion of this arrangement is dependent upon certain conditions and other regulatory approvals, as well as shareholder approval by the shareholders of Alignvest and Sagicor. If conditions are met, the transaction is expected to close during the first quarter or early in the second quarter of 2019.

Sagicor believes that the transaction will unlock significant value for its shareholders in several ways:

· A potential listing on the TSX provides access to a liquid exchange market and the opportunity to access sophisticated institutional and large-scale investors, leading to better price discovery
· Cash not used to purchase Sagicor shares will be used to help accelerate organic growth and pursue industry consolidation
· Alignvest is delivering significant value to Sagicor with its corporate development acumen and its recruitment of highly experienced directors to the board

“This transaction is transformational for Sagicor and fully supports our strategic agenda. We have come to work very closely with our partners at Alignvest and believe our combined expertise will continue to accelerate Sagicor’s growth strategy with improved access to capital. Our strategic vision remains consistent, and our actions continue to lead us on a path towards being a leading provider of world class insurance and financial services to meet the changing needs of our customers,” said Dodridge Miller, President and CEO of Sagicor Financial Corporation.

“We are extremely excited to be forming this partnership between Sagicor and Alignvest,” said Timothy Hodgson, Managing Partner of Alignvest Management Corporation. “Over the last 15 months, we have worked closely with Sagicor’s management team to better understand and embrace their business. We believe in their long-term shareholder value creating vision for the Company, and in their ability to be good stewards of our shareholders’ capital. Supplemented with the expertise and resources that Alignvest will bring to bear, Sagicor will have the capital and capabilities to accelerate the execution of their growth plans through the pursuit of near-term organic and inorganic growth initiatives. Sagicor and Alignvest look forward to working together to create and unlock shareholder value.”

With over 175 years of history, Sagicor is a market leading provider of insurance products and related financial services in the Caribbean region, primarily Barbados, Jamaica and Trinidad and Tobago and the Eastern Caribbean.  We also provide life insurance and annuity products in the United States, as well as banking services in certain Caribbean countries. Our wide range of products and services include individual and group life and health insurance, annuities and pension administration services, property and casualty insurance, asset management, commercial and retail banking, investment management and other financial services. Over the years, we have grown our net income from approximately US$2 million in 1990 to US$62 million for the 12 months ended December 31, 2017.   Sagicor’s common shares are currently publicly listed on the Barbados Stock Exchange, the Trinidad and Tobago Stock Exchange and the London Stock Exchange.  We expect to delist the shares on the other exchanges as part of this transaction, upon listing on the Toronto Stock Exchange.

Alignvest’s parent company, Alignvest Management Corporation (“AMC”), is a leading Canadian alternative investment management firm that seeks to deliver superior risk-adjusted returns for its clients.  AMC’s partners have a strong combination of investment and operational expertise, having created and managed numerous operating businesses and having built and led large highly profitable businesses within global financial and consulting firms.  Upon closing, Andre Mousseau, current Chief Operating Officer of Alignvest, will join Sagicor as Group Chief Financial Officer.

*Summary of Transaction*

Alignvest and Sagicor have entered into an Arrangement Agreement pursuant to which, among other things, Alignvest has agreed to acquire all the shares of Sagicor by way of a scheme of arrangement under Bermuda law involving the transfer of all of the shares of Sagicor to Alignvest in exchange for:

· in the case of Sagicor shareholders who were also Sagicor shareholders as at December 6^th, 2018 (the “Election Record Date”):

· the option of either US$1.75 per Sagicor share (the “Cash Consideration”) or Alignvest common shares in an amount based on an exchange ratio which the parties have agreed has a value of US$1.75 per Sagicor share (the “Share Consideration”); or
· a combination of the Cash Consideration and the Share Consideration; or

· for all other holders, the Share Consideration. 

Any Cash Consideration is only available in respect of up to 10,000 Sagicor shares held by each Sagicor shareholder as at the Election Record Date which continue to be held as at the time of closing of the transactions contemplated in the Arrangement Agreement (the “Closing”).  All other consideration paid to Sagicor shareholders at the Closing will be Share Consideration.

An explanatory statement will be sent to Sagicor shareholders shortly.  Shareholders will be notified of the date for a meeting of shareholders to be convened at the direction of the Supreme Court of Bermuda.

Further details are set out in the Arrangement Agreement, as well as an investor presentation, which will be available on Sagicor’s website and under Alignvest’s profile on SEDAR.  Alignvest will also file with the Canadian securities regulatory authorities in each of the provinces and territories of Canada (other than Quebec), a non-offering prospectus containing disclosure regarding Sagicor and the arrangement. In connection with the transaction, Alignvest will continue from Ontario, Canada to Bermuda and will be registered under the Companies Act 1981 of Bermuda.  The head office will remain in Barbados and no changes are expected to the operating companies.

The transaction is subject to Sagicor shareholder approval, Alignvest shareholder approval and the satisfaction of certain conditions, including the sanction of the scheme of arrangement by the Supreme Court of Bermuda and other regulatory approvals.

The Boards of Directors of each of Alignvest and Sagicor have approved the transaction and determined that it is fair to their respective shareholders and in the companies’ respective best interests. Closing is expected to occur during the first quarter or early in the second quarter of 2019.  Upon closing of the transaction, it is expected that Alignvest will change its name to “Sagicor Financial Company Ltd.” and become a Bermuda company. The new entity will be a reporting issuer in all provinces and territories of Canada other than Quebec, as well as in certain Caribbean jurisdictions.

Additional details of the transaction are available in Alignvest’s press release dated November 27, 2018, which may be found on their website at www.alignvest.com.

*Proposed Board of Directors*

Upon closing, the appointed board is expected to consist of existing Sagicor board directors and include several Alignvest-appointed directors.  Sagicor’s Board of Directors is expected to include:

· Dodridge D. Miller – President and Group CEO of Sagicor since 2002
· Tim Hodgson – Chairman – Managing Partner of Alignvest Management Corporation, former CEO of Goldman Sachs Canada, and Special Advisor to Governor Mark Carney at the Bank of Canada
· Sir Hilary Beckles – Vice Chancellor of the University of the West Indies
· Alister Campbell – Former CEO of the Guarantee and Zurich Insurance Canada
· Peter Clarke – Chairman of Guardian Media Ltd. Former Chairman at Trinidad & Tobago Stock Exchange
· Monish Dutt – Former Chief Credit Officer for Global Financial Institutions & Private Equity Funds at IFC
· Stephen Facey – Chairman and CEO of PanJam Investment Limited
· Mahmood Khimji – Co-founder and President of Highgate Hotels, L.P.
· Stephen McNamara – Senior Partner of McNamara & Company, Attorney-at-Law of St. Lucia
· Rik Parkhill – Former CEO of CIBC First Caribbean
· Reza Satchu – Co-Founder and Managing Partner of Alignvest Management Corporation

*Summary of Strategic Acquisition*

Sagicor regularly engages in discussions with respect to possible acquisitions and investments in new assets and businesses, related financings and refinancings.  Concurrent with the announcement of this transaction, Sagicor has also announced that Sagicor and Alignvest have entered into an agreement whereby Sagicor’s insurance subsidiaries will acquire ScotiaLife Jamaica and ScotiaLife Trinidad & Tobago and New Sagicor will enter into a 20-year strategic agreement with Scotiabank in those regions.  Primary products in the ScotiaLife portfolio include creditor insurance and non-creditor insurance policies such as whole life, universal life and annuity products. Through the agreement, Scotiabank customers will be able to access New Sagicor’s full suite of insurance products, including life, health, savings, auto and home insurance, underwritten by Sagicor.

Sagicor expects that this acquisition will contribute run-rate net income of approximately US$30 million following the closing, which is expected to occur in 2020. 

*Advisors*

Sagicor has been advised on legal matters by Paul Hastings LLP and Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP.  Alignvest has been advised by Stikeman Elliott LLP and Dorsey & Whitney LLP. 

Certain Bermudian legal matters were advised by Conyers Dill & Pearman Limited on behalf of Sagicor and Appleby, on Alignvest’s behalf.

J.P. Morgan Securities LLC has acted as the exclusive financial advisor to Sagicor in connection with this transaction.

RBC Capital Markets acted as exclusive financial advisor to Alignvest.

*About Sagicor Financial Corporation Limited*

Sagicor, a 178-year old entity, is the leading financial services provider in the Caribbean, and operates in 22 countries including the USA and Latin America.  With total assets of US $6.8 billion, and US $1.3 billion in total capital as at December 31, 2017, Sagicor offers a wide range of products and services, including life, health, and general insurance, banking, pensions, annuities and real estate.

Additional information about Sagicor can be obtained by visiting www.sagicor.com

*About Alignvest Acquisition II Corporation*

Alignvest Acquisition II Corporation is a special purpose acquisition corporation incorporated under the laws of the Province of Ontario for the purposes of effecting a qualifying acquisition.  The Corporation’s registered office is located at 100 King Street West, 70^th Floor, Suite 7050, Toronto, Ontario M5X 1C7.

*Cautionary Statement*

This press release contains “forward-looking information” within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Forward-looking information may relate to our future outlook and anticipated events or results and may include information regarding our financial position, business strategy, growth strategies, budgets, operations, financial results, taxes, dividend policy, plans and objectives, anticipated financial impacts of the proposed acquisition, and the satisfaction of the closing conditions to and the timing of the completion of the proposed acquisitions. Particularly, information regarding our expectations of future results, performance, achievements, prospects or opportunities or the markets in which we operate is forward-looking information. In some cases, forward-looking information can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as “plans”, “targets”, “expects” or “does not expect”, “an opportunity exists”, “outlook”, “prospects”, “strategy”, “intends”, “believes”, or variations of such words and phrases or state that certain actions, events or results “may”, “could”, “would”, “might”, “will”, “will be taken”, “occur” or “be achieved”. In addition, any statements that refer to expectations, intentions, projections or other characterizations of future events or circumstances contain forward-looking information. Statements containing forward-looking information are not historical facts but instead represent management’s expectations, estimates and projections regarding future events or circumstances. Forward-looking information contained in this press release is based on our opinions, estimates and assumptions in light of our experience and perception of historical trends, current conditions and expected future developments, as well as other factors that we currently believe are appropriate and reasonable in the circumstances. Despite a careful process to prepare and review the forward-looking information, there can be no assurance that the underlying opinions, estimates and assumptions will prove to be correct. Actual results may differ from these expectations, estimates and projections and consequently, you should not rely on these forward-looking statements as predictions of future events.

This news release includes forward-looking information and statements pertaining to, among other things, the transactions, the receipt of necessary approvals for the transactions, the anticipating timing for closings and for mailing of the proxy circulars, holding of the shareholder meetings, and completion of the transactions contemplated in the Arrangement Agreement, certain anticipated strategic, operational and competitive advantages and benefits created by the transaction, and future opportunities for the business.

These forward-looking statements reflect material factors and expectations and assumptions of Alignvest and Sagicor including, without limitation, expectations and assumptions relating to Alignvest and Sagicor being able to receive all required regulatory and shareholder approvals and current estimates and assumptions regarding the transactions and their benefits, which are based on Alignvest’s and Sagicor’s perception of historical trends, current conditions and expectations, as well as other factors believed to be appropriate in the circumstances. Alignvest’s and Sagicor’s estimates, beliefs and assumptions are inherently subject to uncertainties and contingencies regarding future events and as such, are subject to change.

The analyses and statements regarding the announced acquisition of ScotiaLife Trinidad & Tobago (“SLTT”) and Scotia Jamaica Life Insurance Company (“SJLIC”) by Sagicor contained in the press release rely on the following assumptions:

· That the conditions precedents to closing contemplated by the agreement for the SLTT and SJLIC acquisition are satisfied in the timeframe anticipated
· That assumed forward net earnings anticipated from this acquisition are realized (see the Investor Presentation for a detailed explanation of forward earnings assumptions)

Alignvest and Sagicor have also assumed that business and economic conditions affecting the businesses will continue substantially in the ordinary course, including, without limitation, with respect to general industry conditions, foreign exchange rates, interest rates, competition, regulations, reserve requirements, taxes, that there will be no catastrophic events or pandemics that are not adequately covered by reinsurance, and that there will be no material changes in customer or employee relations.

Net income targets and the related assumptions, involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially.  Alignvest and Sagicor approved these targets on November 26, 2018 and, while they believe that there is a reasonable basis for these targets, such targets may not be met.

Numerous risks and uncertainties could cause the actual events and results to differ materially from the estimates, beliefs and assumptions expressed or implied in the forward-looking statements, including, but not limited to: the conditions to the consummation of the transaction may not be satisfied or waived; risks relating to the failure to obtain necessary shareholder, court, and regulatory approvals for the transaction; the filing and/or mailing of documentation relating to the transaction may not be completed on a timely basis; high levels of redemptions by Alignvest shareholders; the anticipated strategic, operational and competitive benefits may not be realized; the transaction may be modified, restructured or terminated; events or series of events may cause business interruptions; and the availability of equity and debt financing and/or refinancing on acceptable terms.

An investment in our securities is subject to a number of risks that should be considered by a prospective purchaser. Prospective purchasers should carefully consider the risk factors set out in the Investor Presentation. All of the forward-looking information contained in this press release is expressly qualified by the foregoing cautionary statements. Investors should read the Investor Presentation which is available on our website and consult their own professional advisors to ascertain and assess the income tax, legal, risk factors and other aspects of their investment.

For further information please contact:

*Sagicor Financial Corporation Limited *
Ingrid Card
Vice President – Group Marketing, Communications & Brand Experience
246-230-5315 or Ingrid_Card@sagicor.com

Samantha Cheung 
Executive Vice President – Investor Relations
416-898-4324 or 1-800-342-0719 or Samantha_Cheung@sagicor.com

*Alignvest Acquisition II Corporation*
Andre Mousseau
Chief Operating Officer, Alignvest Acquisition II Corporation
416-775-1916 or amousseau@alignvest.com Reported by GlobeNewswire 8 hours ago.

Reported by SeekingAlpha 7 hours ago.

The Pritzker Community Health Initiative awards $2 million grant to reduce uninsured rate for children and families across the Chicago region

Chicago, Nov. 27, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- United Way of Metro Chicago, the largest private funder of human services in the Chicago region, today announced its partnership with Chicago Public Schools (CPS), the third largest school district in the United States, in a collaborative effort to address healthcare enrollment through a unique enrollment plan funded by the Pritzker Community Health Initiative, a project of the J.B. and M.K. Pritzker Foundation. Known as the Opening Doors Initiative, this strategic partnership is focused on reducing the rate of unenrolled students by 12% percent through the enrollment and retention of approximately 10,000 students in Medicaid and Marketplace health insurance in two years.  

Reports show that approximately 72,200 students, or 20% of the 361,000 students enrolled across the district, are eligible for health insurance but remain uninsured. Through the Opening Doors Initiative, United Way and CPS are providing additional resources to the areas of greatest need – Networks 1, 2, 3 and 10 – by increasing the number of trained healthcare navigators in CPS schools and community-based organizations. These navigators are focused on helping eligible families enroll in Medicaid, as well as access to SNAP benefits.

"The Opening Doors Initiative reflects a collaborative and continual effort to remove health-related barriers to learning so that students can succeed in their education and professional careers," said CPS Chief Health Officer Dr. Kenneth L. Fox. "By partnering with United Way on this project, we can reach more Chicago families than ever before, and ensure they have access to the health care services they need to maintain good health."

With the support of the Pritzker Community Health Initiative, this two-year program is aimed at significantly decreasing the percentage of students without healthcare in CPS schools and the city of Chicago, thereby increasing the health of the student population and improving school performance.

“One of the greatest challenges with closing the gap between eligible and enrolled children and families has been limited enrollment staff within schools and a lack of accessible enrollment sites across many communities,” said Jose Rico, SVP of Community Impact at United Way of Metro Chicago, “The Opening Doors Initiative is enabling us to widen our reach across neighborhoods and provide increased opportunities for enrollment education and assistance.”

On Saturday, December 1, 2018 United Way of Metro Chicago and CPS are partnering with the Greater Chicago Food Depository to host the Healthy Kids Resource Fair in the Austin neighborhood. Health insurance and SNAP enrollment counseling will be available to families on both an appointment and a walk-in basis, as well as cooking demos, physical fitness programming and fun children's activities. Matt Forte, former Chicago Bear All-Pro running back and founder of the “What’s Your Forte?” Foundation will also be making a special guest appearance.

“For many parents, being healthy means making sure their kids have immunizations and a place to go when they get sick,” said Matt Forte, who’s also a father of three. “But it’s important to remember that good health is much more. It’s having access to quality care for the entire family, and that’s why this initiative is so important.”

To learn more about the Opening Doors Initiative and the Healthy Kids Resource Fair, visit LIVEUNITEDchicago.org/getcovered or call 773-553-KIDS (5437).

 

*About United Way of Metro Chicago*

United Way of Metro Chicago fights for the health, education, financial stability and safety of every person in every neighborhood across the region. We advance the common good on both a regional and neighborhood level by focusing on the building blocks for thriving people and communities: Access to quality health care, a good education, financial stability and ensuring people are safe. United Way’s Neighborhood Network Initiative supports and coordinates investment and programming in 10 city and suburban communities to address community challenges and improve the lives of residents. Join the fight at LIVEUNITEDchicago.org.

*About Chicago Public Schools*

Chicago Public Schools serves 361,000 students in 644 schools. It is the nation’s third-largest school district.

*About the Pritzker Community Health Initiative*

A project of the J.B. and M.K. Pritzker Family Foundation, the Pritzker Community Health Initiative seeks to reduce health disparities for the Chicago area’s residents by being an active partner in addressing the conditions that lead to poor health outcomes. One of the initiative’s priorities is to reduce the number of uninsured children in the City of Chicago by 50% by 2023.

*About Matt Forte And The “What’s Your Forte?” Foundation*

In 2013, Matt Forté established the “What’s Your Forte?” Foundation after learning that 14.7% of Chicago’s high school dropouts were incarcerated, and nearly 42,000 teens did not receive high school diplomas. As a means to help students achieve their dreams of higher education, the Foundation awards college scholarships to participants who have excelled academically, demonstrated strong leadership skills and have maintained a high attendance record. The Foundation was created to empower at-risk high school students striving to achieve their dreams of higher education by providing life-changing resources and valuable mentorship opportunities.

CONTACT: Kiara Goodwin
United Way of Metro Chicago
312-906-2291
kiara.goodwin@uw-mc.org Reported by GlobeNewswire 6 hours ago.

According to a study by the United States Census Bureau, in 2017, 2.3 million more U.S. residents gained health insurance coverage compared to the previous year. Reported by bizjournals 5 days ago.

The number of children who lack health insurance is growing in Florida despite an improving economy, worrying advocates who fear it may be the start of a troubling trend that the state cannot beat back. Reported by cbs4.com 5 days ago.

Washington D.C., Nov 30, 2018 / 08:45 am (CNA).- The U.S. Court of Appeals for the 11th circuit issued an order Thursday vacating a 2014 District Court decision against the Eternal Word Television Network in its lawsuit against the so-called contraceptive mandate issued by the Depart of Health and Human Services. The order follows a settlement between the network and the Department of Justice, reached Oct. 5.

Under the terms of the settlement, EWTN will not be required to provide contraception, sterilization, or abortifacients through its employee health care plan.

“This moment has been a long time coming,” said EWTN Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Michael P. Warsaw.

“Almost seven years and two presidential administrations later, the government and the courts have now realized what EWTN has been saying all along, that the HHS mandate was an unconstitutional attempt to coerce us into violating our strongly held beliefs. This is the right outcome for EWTN and for all those who value religious liberty in America.”

The network originally filed suit in February 2012 in response to the mandate, which was introduced by the Obama administration following the passage of the Affordable Care Act.

Under the provisions of the act, employer-provided health insurance plans are required to cover certain “preventative services.” These were defined by guidance issued by the Department of Health and Human Services to include all contraception methods approved by the Food and Drug Administration, including abortifacient birth control pills, IUDs, and sterilization procedures.

The specifics of the contraception mandate were not included in the original bill, but were announced in January 2012 by then-HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius.

EWTN’s initial suit was dismissed in March 2013 by the U.S. District Court in Birmingham, Alabama, following an initial effort by the Obama administration to amend the regulations.

When the administration’s revisions failed to address EWTN’s moral objections, a second suit was filed by the network in October 2013. In June 2014, the U.S. District Court of Mobile, Alabama ruled against the network, though an injunction was granted while the decision was appealed to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 11th Circuit.

In February 2016, a panel of judges voted  2-1 against EWTN, but suspended that decision pending the outcome of the case Zubik v. Burwell, which also concerned the HHS mandate and was then pending before the U.S. Supreme Court.

Following the Supreme Court’s decision in Zubik, the Court of Appeals vacated its own negative order against EWTN on May 31, 2016.  The court’s order asked for further briefing on the matter while the parties worked toward a settlement.

Attorneys for EWTN and the Department of Justice negotiated terms of a settlement under which the government agreed not to enforce the contraceptive mandate against the network, and that EWTN would ask the 11th Circuit Court of Appeals to vacate the District Court’s decision. The 11th Circuit granted that request on Nov. 29.

“I am confident this agreement will protect EWTN from such regulations, both now and in the future,” Warsaw told CNA.

EWTN Global Catholic Network, in its 38th year, is the largest religious media network in the world. EWTN’s 11 TV channels are broadcast in multiple languages 24 hours a day, seven days a week to over 300 million television households in more than 145 countries and territories. EWTN platforms also include radio services transmitted through SIRIUS/XM, iHeart Radio, and over 500 domestic and international AM & FM radio affiliates; a worldwide shortwave radio service; the largest Catholic website in the U.S.; electronic and print news services, including Catholic News Agency, “The National Catholic Register” newspaper, and several global news wire services; as well as EWTN Publishing, its book publishing division.

In a statement released by the network, Warsaw also praised the Becket Fund for Religious Liberty, saying “I am grateful to our team of attorneys from Becket who have represented us from the beginning. They have been a tremendous partner in this fight for religious liberty.”

Becket Senior Counsel Lori Windham stated “EWTN has fought long and hard to ensure that its basic freedoms would be protected, and this victory ensures that EWTN can continue to serve as a voice for religious liberty for many years to come.”

On Nov. 7, the Trump administration released two updated rules concerning conscience protections for organizations and individuals in relation to the HHS contraception mandate.

Under the new rules, organizations and individuals objecting to the controversial mandate’s provisions on either religious or moral grounds will be exempt. Reported by CNA 4 days ago.

A team at NYU Langone Health successfully transplanted their second face, and gave one man his life back. Twenty-six-year-old Cameron Underwood suffered a self-inflicted gunshot, resulting in massive damage to his face. Fortunately, after about 18 months, Underwood was matched with a donor for a face transplant, and today he is more positive than ever that his life can go back to how it was.  Read more...

More about Mashable Video, Face Transplant, Health Insurance, Nyu, and Medical Coverage Reported by Mashable 4 days ago.

Outside of a costly COBRA policy, individuals who have lost their job-based health insurance have comprehensive and affordable options to choose from.

BEDFORD PARK, Ill. (PRWEB) November 30, 2018

What is COBRA Continuation Health Coverage? COBRA, or the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act, has been an important safeguard for working individuals and families for decades, becoming law in 1986. Prior to this, any employee covered under an employer plan risked a gap in coverage upon termination of employment.

The good news for consumers is that the days of being locked in to costly COBRA continuation health coverage is a thing of the past. There are several affordable options when looking to replace job-based health insurance.

“If an individual loses their job and their job-based health insurance coverage, an individual has three options to consider when looking to replace their health insurance plan”, Bob Dial, Chief Compliance Officer, Preferred Health Insurance Solutions (PHIS) began.

A licensed insurance agent can present an individual with all of the options available to them. In addition, they can help guide an individual through the process of selecting the best plan that meets their needs. A licensed and certified agent can review each of the options available to an individual who recently lost their job-based health insurance.

Option 1: COBRA Continuation Coverage
Individuals have the option to keep their job-based plan through COBRA continuation coverage. COBRA is a federal law that may let individuals pay to keep their employee health insurance for a limited time, usually 18 months, after employment ends. With COBRA continuation coverage, individuals will not be able to get any federal assistance to lower premiums and out-of-pocket costs that people may get using the Marketplace. Individuals will need to pay the full monthly premium, including any part of the premium their employer had contributed. With COBRA being the only way to continue coverage of pre-existing conditions, most terminated employees who had an ongoing medical condition elected to take COBRA.

Option 2: Marketplace Plan
With the Open Enrollment Period (OEP) underway on the Federal Marketplace until December 15, 2018, consumers who have lost their job-based health insurance have the opportunity to enter the Marketplace and secure a comprehensive health insurance plan. With the assistance of a licensed health insurance agent, often times the cost of a comprehensive Marketplace plan, after taking into account any subsidies the individual may qualify for, may be much lower than the cost of a COBRA plan.

There are a number of factors, government rules and provisions to take into account before purchasing health insurance. OEP provides consumers the ability to shop for new plans and enroll for coverage. This is the only time consumers can purchase an ACA qualified, guaranteed issue, Major Medical Health Plan without a qualifying event.

“Under the Affordable Care Act (ACA) an individual may purchase a qualifying health insurance plan during OEP, which is currently underway, or during a qualifying life event such as losing their job. There are affordable options available for healthy individuals that may not need a comprehensive major medial plan that includes all of the essential health benefits,” explained Dial.

Option 3: Short Term Major Medical
Additional Supplemental Coverages
A Short Term Major Medical plan may be a great fit for healthy individuals who are looking for more cost effective health insurance. Adding a telemedicine, a dental plus vision and hearing plan, an accident plan, and/or critical illness plan to a Short Term Major Medical plan will help cover the out-of-pocket expenses from an unexpected illness or injury, while saving the consumer up to 75% of the cost of an ACA plan. Although a Short Term Major Medical plan may not be a good fit for everyone, particularly an individual with chronic health issues, it may be just the right plan for healthy individuals looking to save on the high costs and high deductibles associated with an ACA plan. A Short Term Major Medical plan is an affordable way for consumers to secure comprehensive health insurance and save money. Depending on the state the individual may reside in, Short Term Major Medical plans may be available anywhere from one-month duration up to 364 days.

Dial explained, “With OEP underway, now is the time for consumers to take advantage of recent rulings from the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) which provide increased plan flexibility and the potential for decreased premium costs,” Dial stated.

“The new CMS rulings open up an avenue for healthy individuals with no pre-existing conditions to get creative when tailoring their 2019 health insurance plan. In addition, an individual who lost their job-based health insurance are not locked into a COBRA plan. The PHIS health insurance professional are trained to address all of the health insurance options that are available to them,” concluded Dial.

The insurance professionals at PHIS are prepared to assist consumers with all their enrollment needs. The dedicated PHIS Call Center consists of a team of multi-lingual, health insurance professionals, that are trained to walk a client through the entire process of selecting a health insurance plan and enrolling them for their coverage, as well as responding to any questions they may have regarding their new health insurance policy. The PHIS Call Center is available to assist consumers enrolling for their 2019 health plan. Consumers can call the PHIS Call Center at 800-342-0631 or access the company’s website at http://www.PHISonline.com

About Preferred Health Insurance Solutions:
Headquartered in Bedford Park, Illinois, Preferred Health Insurance Solutions (PHIS) is a national enrollment firm specializing in the Health Insurance Marketplace as well as a variety of other ancillary health insurance products, including Dental Plus Vision and Hearing, Critical Illness, Short Term Medical, Disability Income, and others. PHIS, formerly known as ACA Marketplace Enrollment Solutions (ACAEnroll.com) provides enrollments services throughout the country, through national and regional insurance carriers. Effective November 1, 2018, the health insurance Marketplace opened for enrollment. The PHIS Call Center is available to assist consumers enrolling for their 2019 health plan. Consumers can call the PHIS Call Center at 800-342-0631 or access the company’s website at http://www.PHISonline.com. Reported by PRWeb 4 days ago.

Reported by DallasNews 3 days ago.

Incoming Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez tweeted out on Saturday that she will pay less for healthcare as a Member of Congress than she did as a waitress. Reported by Mediaite 3 days ago.

All of these facts make a big impact on costs of coverage and costs of care. Reported by Motley Fool 2 days ago.

'We want an affordable solution' Reported by Daily Caller 2 days ago.

Integrity Data, a leader in technology and services to simplify Affordable Care Act (ACA) tracking, reporting and compliance, is pleased to announce that Bi-County Services in Bluffton, Indiana is the winner of their 2019 Full ACA Reporting Services Award.

LINCOLN, Ill. (PRWEB) December 03, 2018

Integrity Data, a leader in technology and services to simplify Affordable Care Act (ACA) tracking, reporting and compliance, is pleased to announce that Bi-County Services in Bluffton, Indiana is the winner of their 2019 Full ACA Reporting Services Award. In addition to supporting businesses with ACA compliance, Integrity Data is a leading developer of Microsoft Dynamics GP Payroll and HR solutions and offers a suite of financial wellness programs for employers.

This award is the latest initiative in Integrity Data’s embracing of philanthropy as one if its core values. The company actively supports numerous community programs and provides matching donations and volunteer time off to encourage employees to get involved.

Bi-County Services provides services to individuals with intellectual disabilities in a home and community setting. They also offer day services which include job readiness, sheltered workshop, and educational opportunities. Recognizing that all people have dignity and worth, it is their mission to work with their staff and community members to enable individuals with disabilities to make choices and live, learn and participate meaningfully in their community.

Of the many wonderful nonprofits that applied, Bi-County Services ultimately won the award after an in depth interview and, in the final round, an Integrity Data employee vote. Heather Baumgartner, HR & Payroll Associate at Bi-County Services and an existing Integrity Data customer (using their Leave Management solution), applied for the award based on need and Integrity Data’s reputation. When meeting with Marleen De Winter, Integrity Data’s Marketing Director this past Giving Tuesday, she said: “The products and services Integrity Data provides to organizations like ours, allow us to affordably and efficiently run our internal processes so we can spend the bulk of our time serving others.” Marleen was thrilled to be given a tour of the facilities: an adapted gym, a workplace where they were folding sleeves that are sold in vending machines, classrooms for job readiness and even a relaxation room with soothing music and calming colors. All this with happy people all around loudly saying hi! She was really moved when seeing what they all do for their 200-250 consumers (recipients of their services) and Heather describing her working there as her vocation.

“ACA has been such a challenge for businesses across the U.S. and nonprofits have the added challenge of limited resources and budgets. This is something our team wanted to do to show our deep appreciation for the nonprofit community and pay it forward,” said Patrick Doolin, CEO of Integrity Data. “We have been immersed in ACA since its inception and are honored to share our experience and solutions to help lighten the burden for a nonprofit.”

Bi-County Services will receive:·     Monthly variable hour tracking to determine which employees are eligible for health insurance
·     Year-end reporting for the IRS (Forms 1095-C and 1094-C), including e-filing the 1094-C, for 2019
·     Experienced advisory and support from Integrity Data ACA specialists

To learn more, visit http://www.integrity-data.com or call Integrity Data at 888-786-6162. Reported by PRWeb 1 day ago.

Reported by SeekingAlpha 1 day ago.

Frelii provides a shareholder update on the company’s development of its technology licensing business model.

LEHI, Utah (PRWEB) December 03, 2018

The principals of Frelii began developing a computer learning-based algorithm in 2014. That algorithm, and the resulting AI (artificial intelligence), was developed with the primary goal of analyzing DNA information to generate highly-personalized protocols based on such DNA information. In 2017, the Company created a web-based platform and subscription-based model at http://www.frelii.com that provides users personalized, DNA-based diet and nutrition plans and identification of certain potential health risks. Subscribers who have previously purchased their genetic health information from 23andMe and Ancestry can upload that data to Frelii’s website. The Company’s proprietary technology will then automatically adjust the user’s nutrition and wellness plan according to that genetic data. In fourth quarter 2018 the company is releasing a custom DNA kit that offers full genome analysis at a comparable price to 23&me’s less extensive genotyping kit. The Company’s personalized plans now feature meal plans, virtual personal training, supplement recommendations, downloadable menus, recipes, and shopping lists.

The Company has continued to develop its AI technology, aided in part by the gift of base code and large data sets from other public and private partnerships. Frelii’s predictive capacity of the precision medicine and health and wellness AI has increased from 84% to 98.5%. Imputation Efficiency on incomplete data has increased to 95% efficiency. And our flagship high-efficiency Genetic Sequencing and analysis using our proprietary technology has increased to greater than 99% and 99.999% accuracy on whole genome and exome sequencing, respectively. For example, when the website and membership plan was originally offered to the public, our technology could analyze approximately 400 thousand data points (originally from DNA result generated by third party genotyping) and could generate approximately 384 outcomes, such as diet suggestions or identification of potential health risks. The Company’s improved technology has dramatically increased the date points subject to analysis to over 60 million data points, which can generate over 60 million outcomes. The Company has also created a proprietary computational efficiency algorithm which has improved our A.I. analysis of whole genome DNA data by a factor of 8x. This profoundly more robust technological capability opens the doors to far more specific and accurate DNA analysis and far broader applications.

With that expanded capability in mind, the Company began negotiations with a number of health care providers, insurers, consumer-facing lifestyle companies, professional grade supplement providers and other product providers for such companies to use its technology in their business operations. As a result, the Company’s licensing business model was born, and management expects that business to be the primary driver of revenues during the foreseeable future. While the Company will maintain and expand its consumer web-based platform business line, the Company’s expanded business model now includes the following technology licensing channels/opportunities:· Life and Health Insurance. Management has begun negotiations with a large US-based multi-national financial services and insurance conglomerate for the use of its technology to potentially aid in life and other insurance underwriting using Frelii’s DNA-based health risk capabilities. The Company believes that this application of its technology may provide far more accurate underwriting than simple blood tests and physical exams, the current method of information gathering for life insurance providers.
· Hospital Systems. Management is also in negotiations with the management group of a majority of US-based hospitals. The Company’s technology, and its application to diagnostic, health risk identification and precision medicine could improve health care and lower costs of health providers. Health providers seek to use the Company’s technology to identify risks before symptoms or complaints arise, when such health issues could be addressed more efficiently and potentially more cost-effectively. The Company is also in negotiations with Canada-based health care organizations for the same purpose.
· Consumer Wellness. Frelii Inc. has signed a limited partnership with DOT Inc. a company owned in part by Steve Wozniak. DOT Inc. will be intimately involved in the launch and promotion of Frelii’s personalized health and wellness DNA platform. In the near future, we plan to offer our subscribers the opportunity to enhance their personalized wellness plans by ordering lab diagnostic kits for more comprehensive blood testing and analysis. In addition, we are negotiating with other wellness and lifestyle web-based platform providers, such as corporate wellness companies and large supplement providers to license Frelii’s AI technology to aid in their product offerings.
· Medical Cannabis Use Analysis. Where medical cannabis use is legal, such as in Canada, a newly created application of Company’s AI can be used to help cannabis users determine the best or most appropriate strain or type of cannabis to use based on an individual’s genetic information. The Company believes that this application could change the way that medical cannabis users buy, prepare and use cannabis for medicinal purposes.

The Company believes that these licensing and joint venture opportunities will provide the Company with access to the consumer and user data necessary to unlock the full capabilities of its technology.

“After developing our AI platform, our challenge has been to educate and expose the public to the capabilities of our technology. We have learned that consumers may be slow to adopt the health risk information that we can give them – but their health care providers and insurers see immediate and material uses,” said Ian Jenkins, CEO of Frelii. “To address this challenge, and as a result of our dramatically increased capabilities, we plan to license our technology in revenue share models, and enter into joint ventures with organizations that already have material user information data-bases and that can and will use our AI for the specific purposes for which it was originally created. And, as a result, our robust technology will be applied to applications that we never dreamt of when it was initially developed.”

The Company will provide further updates on joint venture arrangements and material contracts as final documents are prepared and executed.

About Frelii Inc.
Frelii Inc. is the creator of an advanced computer learning-based algorithm that generates accurate and valuable insight about individual genetic health risks, diet, fitness and beauty genetic markers and generates highly-personalized protocols based on that information, and a provider of a web-based platform at http://www.frelii.com that provides users personalized, DNA-based diet and nutrition plans and identifies certain potential health risks.

Follow Frelii online at:

Frelii Facebook Page https://www.facebook.com/livefrelii/
Frelii Twitter Feed @livefrelii
Frelii Instagram Page @livefrelii
Frelii LinkedIn Page linkedin.com/company/frelii/

Safe Harbor Statement
This release contains certain "forward-looking statements" relating to the business of the Company. All statements, other than statements of historical fact included herein are "forward-looking statements" including statements regarding: the continued growth of the e-commerce segment and the ability of the Company to continue its expansion into that segment; the ability of the Company to attract customers and partners and generate revenues; the ability of the Company to successfully execute its business plan; the business strategy, plans, and objectives of the Company; and any other statements of non-historical information. These forward-looking statements are often identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "believes,""expects" or similar expressions and involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties. Although the Company believes that the expectations reflected in these forward-looking statements are reasonable, they do involve assumptions, risks, and uncertainties, and these expectations may prove to be incorrect. Investors should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this news release. The Company's actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements as a result of a variety of factors, including those discussed in the Company's periodic reports that are filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission and available on its website (http://www.sec.gov). All forward-looking statements attributable to the Company or persons acting on its behalf are expressly qualified in their entirety by these factors. Other than as required under the securities laws, the Company does not assume any duty to update these forward-looking statements. Reported by PRWeb 1 day ago.