A federal judge temporarily blocked a revised set of Trump administration rules allowing employers with religious or moral objections to opt out of providing their workers with health insurance that covers birth control.
Reported by Wall Street Journal 1 hour ago.
Judge Blocks Rules Letting Employers Opt Out of Covering Birth Control
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Judge Blocks Trump Administration Contraception Coverage Rules
Watch VideoA federal judge in Pennsylvania has granted a nationwide injunction against a Trump administration mandate that would let employers deny insurance coverage for contraception based on religious or moral objections.Judge Wendy Beetlestone said in her ruling Monday that while a nationwide injunction may be "overbroad," it's the only option to protect every state from potential harm. She said numerous citizens losing their contraception coverage could lead to an increase in state-funded contraception services and unintended pregnancies.
The injunction comes just a day after a federal judge in California blocked the same mandate from taking effect in 13 Democratic states.
As Newsy's previously reported, those rules, which were issued back in November, relax an Obama-era mandate requiring most employer-offered health insurance plans to include no-cost coverage for birth control.
The Trump administration expanded the types of entities that can claim moral or religious exemptions as a reason to opt out of covering their employees' contraception.
Additional reporting from Newsy affiliate CNN. Reported by Newsy 4 hours ago.
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Ron Paul: Campaign Finance Reform Helps Special Interests – OpEd
One of the new Democratic House majority’s top priorities is so-called campaign finance reform legislation. Contrary to the claims of its supporters, campaign finance reform legislation does not limit the influence of powerful special interests. Instead, it violates the First Amendment and burdens those seeking real change in government.
The First Amendment of the Constitution forbids Congress from interfering in any way with any citizen’s ability to influence government policies. Spending money to support candidates and causes is one way individuals influence government policies. Therefore, laws limiting and regulating donations to campaigns and organizations that work to change government policies violate the First Amendment.
One very troubling aspect of campaign finance reform laws is forcing organizations involved in “electioneering” to hand over the names of their top donors to the federal government. Electioneering is broadly defined to include informing the public of candidates’ positions and records, even if the group in question focuses solely on advancing issues and ideas. Burdening these types of organizations will make it harder for individuals to learn the truth about candidates’ positions.
America has a long and distinguished tradition of anonymous political speech. Both the Federalist and the Anti-Federalist papers where published anonymously. As Justice John Marshall Harlan wrote in NAACP v. Alabama, where the Supreme Court upheld the NAACP’s right to keep its membership list confidential, “Inviolability of privacy in group association may in many circumstances be indispensable to preservation of freedom of association, particularly where a group espouses dissident beliefs.”
Supporters of groups with “dissident beliefs” have good reason to fear new disclosure laws. In 2014, the IRS had to pay 50,000 dollars to the National Organization for Marriage because an IRS employee leaked donors names to the organization’s opponents. Fortunately, the Trump administration has repealed the regulation forcing activist groups to disclose their donors to the IRS. Unfortunately, Congress seems poised to reinstate that rule.
In recent years, we have seen the rise of authoritarian political movements that think harassment and even violence against those with differing views are acceptable tactics. Can anyone doubt that activists in these movements would do all they could to obtain the lists of donors to groups that oppose their agenda? They may be able to obtain the lists either by hacking government databases or by having a sympathetic federal employee “accidentally” leak the names.
As long as businesses can profit by currying favor with politicians and bureaucrats who have the power to reward or punish them via subsidies and regulations, powerful interests will find a way to influence the political process. These special interests seek out and reward politicians who support policies favoring their interests. So foreign policy hawks can count on generous support from the military-industrial complex, supporters of corporatist health care systems like Obamacare can count on generous support from the health insurance-pharma complex, and apologists for the Federal Reserve can count on support from the big banks.
Special interests do not favor free-market capitalism. Instead, they favor a mixed economy where government protects the profits of large business interests. That is why big business is more likely to support a progressive or a “moderate” than a libertarian. Campaign finance and donor disclosure laws will make it harder for grassroots liberty activists to challenge the corporatist status quo. Those wishing to get big money out of politics should work to get politics out of all aspects of the economy.
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This article was published by RonPaul Institute. Reported by Eurasia Review 33 minutes ago.
The First Amendment of the Constitution forbids Congress from interfering in any way with any citizen’s ability to influence government policies. Spending money to support candidates and causes is one way individuals influence government policies. Therefore, laws limiting and regulating donations to campaigns and organizations that work to change government policies violate the First Amendment.
One very troubling aspect of campaign finance reform laws is forcing organizations involved in “electioneering” to hand over the names of their top donors to the federal government. Electioneering is broadly defined to include informing the public of candidates’ positions and records, even if the group in question focuses solely on advancing issues and ideas. Burdening these types of organizations will make it harder for individuals to learn the truth about candidates’ positions.
America has a long and distinguished tradition of anonymous political speech. Both the Federalist and the Anti-Federalist papers where published anonymously. As Justice John Marshall Harlan wrote in NAACP v. Alabama, where the Supreme Court upheld the NAACP’s right to keep its membership list confidential, “Inviolability of privacy in group association may in many circumstances be indispensable to preservation of freedom of association, particularly where a group espouses dissident beliefs.”
Supporters of groups with “dissident beliefs” have good reason to fear new disclosure laws. In 2014, the IRS had to pay 50,000 dollars to the National Organization for Marriage because an IRS employee leaked donors names to the organization’s opponents. Fortunately, the Trump administration has repealed the regulation forcing activist groups to disclose their donors to the IRS. Unfortunately, Congress seems poised to reinstate that rule.
In recent years, we have seen the rise of authoritarian political movements that think harassment and even violence against those with differing views are acceptable tactics. Can anyone doubt that activists in these movements would do all they could to obtain the lists of donors to groups that oppose their agenda? They may be able to obtain the lists either by hacking government databases or by having a sympathetic federal employee “accidentally” leak the names.
As long as businesses can profit by currying favor with politicians and bureaucrats who have the power to reward or punish them via subsidies and regulations, powerful interests will find a way to influence the political process. These special interests seek out and reward politicians who support policies favoring their interests. So foreign policy hawks can count on generous support from the military-industrial complex, supporters of corporatist health care systems like Obamacare can count on generous support from the health insurance-pharma complex, and apologists for the Federal Reserve can count on support from the big banks.
Special interests do not favor free-market capitalism. Instead, they favor a mixed economy where government protects the profits of large business interests. That is why big business is more likely to support a progressive or a “moderate” than a libertarian. Campaign finance and donor disclosure laws will make it harder for grassroots liberty activists to challenge the corporatist status quo. Those wishing to get big money out of politics should work to get politics out of all aspects of the economy.
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This article was published by RonPaul Institute. Reported by Eurasia Review 33 minutes ago.
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Second U.S. judge blocks Trump administration birth control rules
By Nate Raymond (Reuters) - A federal judge in Pennsylvania on Monday blocked the Trump administration from enforcing new rules allowing employers to obtain exemptions from an Obamacare requirement that they provide health insurance that covers women's birth control.
Reported by Firstpost 49 minutes ago.
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PharmaPoint Signs Contract to Open Three Outpatient Pharmacies at St. Joseph’s Health Facilities
A Simultaneous Rollout of XchangePoint at two of the locations will support medication optimization across care transitions
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (PRWEB) January 15, 2019
PharmaPoin t is proud to announce that St. Joseph’s Health will open point of care pharmacies on three campuses in 2019. XchangePoint, PharmaPoint’s integrated workflow management system supporting medication optimization across care transitions, will also roll out at the St. Joseph's outpatient pharmacy locations.
XchangePoint is designed to connect the physician, pharmacy, health insurance companies and other clinical systems utilizing integrated information to ensure better patient outcomes and satisfaction. The integration is key in order to provide effective bedside programs, medication reconciliation, post follow-up and coordinated transition care.
“We are proud to partner with St. Joseph’s Health,” says Mike Plaia, PharmaPoint CEO. “They are recognized as one of New Jersey’s - and the New York metropolitan area’s – most respected healthcare providers. The vision to understand and respond to the needs of their communities, leverage the strengths of their system, provide a transformational healing presence and collaborate with others who share their values, is why this system continues to evolve to best meet patient needs.”
About PharmaPoint
PharmaPoint is an innovative, technology-enabled pharmacy management and software company. Through the management of outpatient retail pharmacies for hospitals, health systems and physician groups, our commitment to completing the care continuum results in improved patient health and satisfaction, reduced healthcare costs, and provides clients with a source of ancillary income. Additionally, XchangePoint, our proprietary integrated workflow management system supporting medication management across care transitions, is designed for pharmacy and care team members to drive medication optimization for at-risk patients in the acute, post-acute and ambulatory care settings. PharmaPoint has been recognized as one of the most innovative, inspiring and fastest growing private companies for six consecutive years (2013-2018) by Inc. Magazine. Headquartered in Birmingham, Ala., we are currently managing pharmacies across the United States. For more information about our company, please visit http://www.pharmapoint.com.
#### Reported by PRWeb 2 hours ago.
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (PRWEB) January 15, 2019
PharmaPoin t is proud to announce that St. Joseph’s Health will open point of care pharmacies on three campuses in 2019. XchangePoint, PharmaPoint’s integrated workflow management system supporting medication optimization across care transitions, will also roll out at the St. Joseph's outpatient pharmacy locations.
XchangePoint is designed to connect the physician, pharmacy, health insurance companies and other clinical systems utilizing integrated information to ensure better patient outcomes and satisfaction. The integration is key in order to provide effective bedside programs, medication reconciliation, post follow-up and coordinated transition care.
“We are proud to partner with St. Joseph’s Health,” says Mike Plaia, PharmaPoint CEO. “They are recognized as one of New Jersey’s - and the New York metropolitan area’s – most respected healthcare providers. The vision to understand and respond to the needs of their communities, leverage the strengths of their system, provide a transformational healing presence and collaborate with others who share their values, is why this system continues to evolve to best meet patient needs.”
About PharmaPoint
PharmaPoint is an innovative, technology-enabled pharmacy management and software company. Through the management of outpatient retail pharmacies for hospitals, health systems and physician groups, our commitment to completing the care continuum results in improved patient health and satisfaction, reduced healthcare costs, and provides clients with a source of ancillary income. Additionally, XchangePoint, our proprietary integrated workflow management system supporting medication management across care transitions, is designed for pharmacy and care team members to drive medication optimization for at-risk patients in the acute, post-acute and ambulatory care settings. PharmaPoint has been recognized as one of the most innovative, inspiring and fastest growing private companies for six consecutive years (2013-2018) by Inc. Magazine. Headquartered in Birmingham, Ala., we are currently managing pharmacies across the United States. For more information about our company, please visit http://www.pharmapoint.com.
#### Reported by PRWeb 2 hours ago.
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Dr. Richard Schuster Launches Schuster Family Medicine in Indianapolis
Freedom Healthworks Expands Access to Direct Primary Care with New Practice
INDIANAPOLIS (PRWEB) January 15, 2019
With two decades of medical experience, Dr. Richard Schuster, D.O., has announced the opening of his new Direct Primary Care practice, Schuster Family Medicine and Osteopathic Manual Medicine, where he will focus on enhanced access and healthcare options for his patients. The new practice was built and launched in partnership with Freedom Healthworks, which has helped open and grow nearly a dozen DPC practices in the Midwest. Schuster Family Medicine and Osteopathic Manual Medicine, located in Indianapolis, will offer patients convenient, unrushed, accessible care at a flat, monthly fee without involving the red tape related to working with health insurance.
“My practice offers a rare combination of direct primary care medicine and musculoskeletal care in a format that is affordable and accessible to most people,” said Dr. Richard Schuster. “The best part of practicing medicine the way I do is seeing someone improve and grow, and I want to do that by providing quality, affordable health care and osteopathic manual medicine to my patients.”
Most recently, Dr. Schuster practiced within a well-known regional hospital system that had grown too large to provide the personalized service and deep healing common with direct primary care. Dr. Schuster’s passion for medicine and primary care began more than two decades ago, as the result of enduring a handful of personal injuries. During the healing process, he found a love for osteopathic medicine, completing his bachelor's degree at Kenyon College and his DO at the Ohio University College of Osteopathic Medicine.
“Dr. Schuster cares deeply for the welfare of his patients, and believes in healing them by improving their overall functionality instead of merely treating their symptoms,” said Adam Habig, president and co-founder of Freedom Healthworks. “Incorporating the Direct Primary Care element into his practice, Dr. Schuster is choosing an ideal way to enhance the health of his patients, in both the short and long run.”
The launch of Schuster Family Medicine and Osteopathic Manual Medicine was aided by Freedom Healthworks, which empowers physicians to open their dream DPC practice while enabling patients to find a physician that best suits their needs for a clear, monthly price. As a result, under the DPC model, patients reserve their insurance for large, unforeseen expenses like specialty physician visits and hospitalizations. DPC Physicians serve fewer patients in order to deliver personal, unrushed, focused care to each. Visits are on time, last as long as necessary, (usually between 30 minutes to an hour), and care is available whenever needed, in person or , remotely by text, phone, email, and digital apps.
Dr. Schuster’s office is located at 6117 Allisonville Road In Indianapolis, Indiana. More information about his practice can be found at: SchusterFamilyMedicine.com.
More information on Freedom Healthworks can be found at: http://www.FreedomHealthworks.com.
ABOUT FREEDOM HEALTHWORKS
Freedom Healthworks, based in Indianapolis, propels the launch, growth and success of independent, Direct Primary Care (DPC) practices nationwide. By liberating physicians to serve their patients instead of insurance companies, Freedom Healthworks enables consumers frustrated by healthcare’s high cost and poor access to purchase excellent, affordable medical care from private physicians they know and trust. Freedom Healthworks was founded to help DPC physicians provide better access to high quality care while maintaining a healthy work-life balance free from the burnout plaguing the medical community. More information about Freedom Healthworks can be found at http://www.FreedomHealthworks.com. Reported by PRWeb 35 minutes ago.
INDIANAPOLIS (PRWEB) January 15, 2019
With two decades of medical experience, Dr. Richard Schuster, D.O., has announced the opening of his new Direct Primary Care practice, Schuster Family Medicine and Osteopathic Manual Medicine, where he will focus on enhanced access and healthcare options for his patients. The new practice was built and launched in partnership with Freedom Healthworks, which has helped open and grow nearly a dozen DPC practices in the Midwest. Schuster Family Medicine and Osteopathic Manual Medicine, located in Indianapolis, will offer patients convenient, unrushed, accessible care at a flat, monthly fee without involving the red tape related to working with health insurance.
“My practice offers a rare combination of direct primary care medicine and musculoskeletal care in a format that is affordable and accessible to most people,” said Dr. Richard Schuster. “The best part of practicing medicine the way I do is seeing someone improve and grow, and I want to do that by providing quality, affordable health care and osteopathic manual medicine to my patients.”
Most recently, Dr. Schuster practiced within a well-known regional hospital system that had grown too large to provide the personalized service and deep healing common with direct primary care. Dr. Schuster’s passion for medicine and primary care began more than two decades ago, as the result of enduring a handful of personal injuries. During the healing process, he found a love for osteopathic medicine, completing his bachelor's degree at Kenyon College and his DO at the Ohio University College of Osteopathic Medicine.
“Dr. Schuster cares deeply for the welfare of his patients, and believes in healing them by improving their overall functionality instead of merely treating their symptoms,” said Adam Habig, president and co-founder of Freedom Healthworks. “Incorporating the Direct Primary Care element into his practice, Dr. Schuster is choosing an ideal way to enhance the health of his patients, in both the short and long run.”
The launch of Schuster Family Medicine and Osteopathic Manual Medicine was aided by Freedom Healthworks, which empowers physicians to open their dream DPC practice while enabling patients to find a physician that best suits their needs for a clear, monthly price. As a result, under the DPC model, patients reserve their insurance for large, unforeseen expenses like specialty physician visits and hospitalizations. DPC Physicians serve fewer patients in order to deliver personal, unrushed, focused care to each. Visits are on time, last as long as necessary, (usually between 30 minutes to an hour), and care is available whenever needed, in person or , remotely by text, phone, email, and digital apps.
Dr. Schuster’s office is located at 6117 Allisonville Road In Indianapolis, Indiana. More information about his practice can be found at: SchusterFamilyMedicine.com.
More information on Freedom Healthworks can be found at: http://www.FreedomHealthworks.com.
ABOUT FREEDOM HEALTHWORKS
Freedom Healthworks, based in Indianapolis, propels the launch, growth and success of independent, Direct Primary Care (DPC) practices nationwide. By liberating physicians to serve their patients instead of insurance companies, Freedom Healthworks enables consumers frustrated by healthcare’s high cost and poor access to purchase excellent, affordable medical care from private physicians they know and trust. Freedom Healthworks was founded to help DPC physicians provide better access to high quality care while maintaining a healthy work-life balance free from the burnout plaguing the medical community. More information about Freedom Healthworks can be found at http://www.FreedomHealthworks.com. Reported by PRWeb 35 minutes ago.
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Judge Blocks Rules Letting Employers Opt Out of Covering Birth Control
A federal judge temporarily blocked a revised set of Trump administration rules allowing employers with religious or moral objections to opt out of providing their workers with health insurance that covers birth control.
Reported by Wall Street Journal 4 hours ago.
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Dr. Effie Chow Discovers Alternative Medicine Drinking Water Benefits On Sharon Kleyne Talk Radio
Chow & Kleyne Discover Power of Water® on The Sharon Kleyne Hour Water Life Science®/Nature’s Pharma®, The Power of Water® & Your Health sponsored by Nature’s Tears® EyeMist®. Chow & Kleyne Research Global Healing Alliance & Affordable Insurance for Health.
GRANTS PASS, Ore. (PRWEB) January 15, 2019
Death. That’s what awaits you if you do not drink enough water every day.
That’s the message American Qigong Grand Master Dame Dr. Effie Chow, Ph.D., wanted to get across as she recently returned to talk with Water Life Science® creator Sharon Kleyne on Kleyne’s nationally syndicated weekly radio program, The Sharon Kleyne Hour Water Life Science®/Nature’s Pharma®, The Power of Water® & Your Health sponsored by Nature’s Tears® EyeMist® on VoiceAmerica produced by Rose Hong, founder/director of Global Dragon TV in Washington, D.C.
In her opening remarks, Water Life Science® host Kleyne taught her listeners that “water is vital. Water is life. Water is who you are. Water Life Science® is the subject of this radio show every week.” You are nothing without water! You cannot live without the Power of Water®, the natural mystery of water, the water of water!
As she drove home this critical truth, Water Life Science® advocate Kleyne announced that she was going to begin to involve insurance companies in the ongoing research and discussion, encouraging them to become involved in Water Life Science®, water education and alternative medicine. “If the insurance companies become more involved,” said Water Life Science® practitioner Kleyne, “they will save a lot of money, people will be healthier and live happier lives, and the world’s water crisis will be addressed in a positive way.”
“Water is so important,” Chow agreed. An energy healer, acupuncturist, humanitarian, international speaker, Futurist and Visionary, Chow has spent more than 40 years integrating traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and Qigong with western medicine. Through the Chow Healing System, Chow works with students and patients to improve posture, breath, diet, sleep and emotions. Chow proudly points to the fact that alternative medicine has now been integrated in all medical schools in the U.S. and Canada.
‘Still,” Chow added, “there is far to go in Power of Water® education.” Chow and Kleyne discussed big step in the right direction, Chow’s Global Healing Alliance, through which Chow is also trying to find more affordable health insurance for people who could benefit from alternative medicine. “Too much alternative therapy is not covered by insurance,” said Chow. “People become trapped on a healthcare see-saw. A patient comes to alternative medicine but can only afford a few treatments. They start to feel better, but then must go back to western medicine. Soon, they feel sick again and come back for a little more alternative medicine. This goes on and on.”
Chow described how she has dynamically helped many patients discover improved health by increasing the amount of water they drink on a daily basis. She dramatically told the story of treating one woman and preventing a heart attack because she convinced the woman to drink at least 8 glasses of water a day. A similar regimen saved and improved the life of an older man who had suffered a debilitating stroke.
Water Life Science® researcher Kleyne added that people who care about their health and quality of life should drink 8 to 10 glasses of water every day. She added that people should drink the water one glass entirely at a time rather than sipping. “Sipping does not deliver maximum absorption!” Kleyne warned.
For eager listeners willing to learn and live longer, healthier lives, Chow described alternative medicine in this way. “Qigong is the umbrella, the grandmother. Underneath Qigong one finds the martial arts, such as Tai Chi and other practices. There is also the system of traditional Chinese medicine, meditation, posture and breath exercises.” Chow also recommends touch and three good belly laughs a day for happier minds and healthy bodies.
*
If you would like to listen to the program featuring international healer Dame Dr. Effie Chow, Ph.D. and Water Life Science® educator Sharon Kleyne talking about the global water crisis, the importance of drinking enough pure water for health, Qigong and healing, please follow this link: https://www.voiceamerica.com/episode/112360/global-healing-requires-global-healing-alliance
Date aired: January 7th, 2019
Guest: Dame Dr. Effie Chow, Ph.D., Bay Area Reported by PRWeb 23 hours ago.
GRANTS PASS, Ore. (PRWEB) January 15, 2019
Death. That’s what awaits you if you do not drink enough water every day.
That’s the message American Qigong Grand Master Dame Dr. Effie Chow, Ph.D., wanted to get across as she recently returned to talk with Water Life Science® creator Sharon Kleyne on Kleyne’s nationally syndicated weekly radio program, The Sharon Kleyne Hour Water Life Science®/Nature’s Pharma®, The Power of Water® & Your Health sponsored by Nature’s Tears® EyeMist® on VoiceAmerica produced by Rose Hong, founder/director of Global Dragon TV in Washington, D.C.
In her opening remarks, Water Life Science® host Kleyne taught her listeners that “water is vital. Water is life. Water is who you are. Water Life Science® is the subject of this radio show every week.” You are nothing without water! You cannot live without the Power of Water®, the natural mystery of water, the water of water!
As she drove home this critical truth, Water Life Science® advocate Kleyne announced that she was going to begin to involve insurance companies in the ongoing research and discussion, encouraging them to become involved in Water Life Science®, water education and alternative medicine. “If the insurance companies become more involved,” said Water Life Science® practitioner Kleyne, “they will save a lot of money, people will be healthier and live happier lives, and the world’s water crisis will be addressed in a positive way.”
“Water is so important,” Chow agreed. An energy healer, acupuncturist, humanitarian, international speaker, Futurist and Visionary, Chow has spent more than 40 years integrating traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and Qigong with western medicine. Through the Chow Healing System, Chow works with students and patients to improve posture, breath, diet, sleep and emotions. Chow proudly points to the fact that alternative medicine has now been integrated in all medical schools in the U.S. and Canada.
‘Still,” Chow added, “there is far to go in Power of Water® education.” Chow and Kleyne discussed big step in the right direction, Chow’s Global Healing Alliance, through which Chow is also trying to find more affordable health insurance for people who could benefit from alternative medicine. “Too much alternative therapy is not covered by insurance,” said Chow. “People become trapped on a healthcare see-saw. A patient comes to alternative medicine but can only afford a few treatments. They start to feel better, but then must go back to western medicine. Soon, they feel sick again and come back for a little more alternative medicine. This goes on and on.”
Chow described how she has dynamically helped many patients discover improved health by increasing the amount of water they drink on a daily basis. She dramatically told the story of treating one woman and preventing a heart attack because she convinced the woman to drink at least 8 glasses of water a day. A similar regimen saved and improved the life of an older man who had suffered a debilitating stroke.
Water Life Science® researcher Kleyne added that people who care about their health and quality of life should drink 8 to 10 glasses of water every day. She added that people should drink the water one glass entirely at a time rather than sipping. “Sipping does not deliver maximum absorption!” Kleyne warned.
For eager listeners willing to learn and live longer, healthier lives, Chow described alternative medicine in this way. “Qigong is the umbrella, the grandmother. Underneath Qigong one finds the martial arts, such as Tai Chi and other practices. There is also the system of traditional Chinese medicine, meditation, posture and breath exercises.” Chow also recommends touch and three good belly laughs a day for happier minds and healthy bodies.
*
If you would like to listen to the program featuring international healer Dame Dr. Effie Chow, Ph.D. and Water Life Science® educator Sharon Kleyne talking about the global water crisis, the importance of drinking enough pure water for health, Qigong and healing, please follow this link: https://www.voiceamerica.com/episode/112360/global-healing-requires-global-healing-alliance
Date aired: January 7th, 2019
Guest: Dame Dr. Effie Chow, Ph.D., Bay Area Reported by PRWeb 23 hours ago.
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Leading Insurtech Company Wellthie Launches National Health Insurance Marketplace for Small Businesses
Small Businesses Can Instantly Quote Health Insurance, Search and Compare Plans, and Access Expert Licensed Brokers
NEW YORK (PRWEB) January 15, 2019
Wellthie, a technology company modernizing insurance distribution, has launched a new, nationwide, online health insurance marketplace for small businesses to instantly and effortlessly search and compare health insurance costs and options. The new health insurance marketplace allows small business owners to view thousands of medical, dental and vision products with various budget ranges across hundreds of carriers throughout the country. At any stage in the searching and shopping process, users can instantly connect with a licensed broker who can expertly guide them through the purchase and enrollment in the plan(s) of their choice.
Wellthie’s marketplace is fast, easy-to-use and transparent. Small business owners are pressed for time and budget, and with Wellthie’s new health insurance marketplace they can find the best plan options at any hour, without delay. By simply entering their zip code and the birthdates of their employees, they will be able to search, compare and understand benefits costs and options in mere minutes instead of waiting on a callback. Given the high-value purchase of employee benefits, Wellthie offers tools, education, and the immediate support of an expert, licensed broker via live chat, email, or phone to help small business owners through the shopping and purchase decision.
“Small businesses want both the ease and convenience of researching and shopping online, while also having the support of expert brokers because they are buying an important and valuable benefit for their employees. The Wellthie experience uniquely offers both,” said Sally Poblete, Founder and CEO of Wellthie.
Wellthie was recently recognized as an Insurtech 100 technology pioneer transforming the global insurance industry. Wellthie leverages their team’s deep domain expertise in insurance and technology to aggregate vast amounts of data and provides a simple and easy experience for users. Wellthie has partnered with innovative carriers and brokers nationally to modernize insurance distribution.
About Wellthie
Wellthie is a venture-backed InsurTech firm helping to modernize the insurance shopping experience, offering the first and only national small group benefits marketplace designed to help carriers maximize product distribution, small businesses find health insurance online and brokers optimize small group sales. Visit https://wellthie.com/smallbusiness/ to learn more. Reported by PRWeb 20 hours ago.
NEW YORK (PRWEB) January 15, 2019
Wellthie, a technology company modernizing insurance distribution, has launched a new, nationwide, online health insurance marketplace for small businesses to instantly and effortlessly search and compare health insurance costs and options. The new health insurance marketplace allows small business owners to view thousands of medical, dental and vision products with various budget ranges across hundreds of carriers throughout the country. At any stage in the searching and shopping process, users can instantly connect with a licensed broker who can expertly guide them through the purchase and enrollment in the plan(s) of their choice.
Wellthie’s marketplace is fast, easy-to-use and transparent. Small business owners are pressed for time and budget, and with Wellthie’s new health insurance marketplace they can find the best plan options at any hour, without delay. By simply entering their zip code and the birthdates of their employees, they will be able to search, compare and understand benefits costs and options in mere minutes instead of waiting on a callback. Given the high-value purchase of employee benefits, Wellthie offers tools, education, and the immediate support of an expert, licensed broker via live chat, email, or phone to help small business owners through the shopping and purchase decision.
“Small businesses want both the ease and convenience of researching and shopping online, while also having the support of expert brokers because they are buying an important and valuable benefit for their employees. The Wellthie experience uniquely offers both,” said Sally Poblete, Founder and CEO of Wellthie.
Wellthie was recently recognized as an Insurtech 100 technology pioneer transforming the global insurance industry. Wellthie leverages their team’s deep domain expertise in insurance and technology to aggregate vast amounts of data and provides a simple and easy experience for users. Wellthie has partnered with innovative carriers and brokers nationally to modernize insurance distribution.
About Wellthie
Wellthie is a venture-backed InsurTech firm helping to modernize the insurance shopping experience, offering the first and only national small group benefits marketplace designed to help carriers maximize product distribution, small businesses find health insurance online and brokers optimize small group sales. Visit https://wellthie.com/smallbusiness/ to learn more. Reported by PRWeb 20 hours ago.
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Here are the real national emergencies
Here is just a starting list of true national emergencies: the opioid epidemic; homelessness; failure to provide adequate health insurance to all Americans; the incarceration rate of African-American males; failure to provide a minimum family wage to all working Americans; 40 percent of Americans not having at least $400 for emergencies; gun violence in our […]
Reported by Seattle Times 11 hours ago.
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Walgreens is forging alliances with tech giants like Microsoft as it prepares for war with Amazon (WBA, MSFT)
· Walgreens, one of the largest pharmacy chains in the US, is up against stiff competition as rivals like CVS Health strike deals and Amazon looms.· As a defensive move, Walgreens has taken a partnership approach, forging alliances rather than doing outright takeovers. On Tuesday, Walgreens reached another such deal with Microsoft. In December, it partnered with Alphabet's life sciences arm Verily.
· We spoke to Walgreens CEO Stefano Pessina about why the changing power of the consumer is driving his approach to partnerships with grocery stores, health plans, and now tech giants.
In the not-so-distant future, on the shelves of Walgreens stores alongside headache pills, lotions and snacks, you might start to see products from tech giants like Microsoft.
On Tuesday, the retail pharmacy chain announced a partnership with Microsoft. It comes just a few weeks after Walgreens made a deal with fellow tech giant Alphabet's life sciences arm Verily and after a few years of striking partnerships with everyone from grocery stores to health plans to beauty subscription boxes.
Microsoft will be Walgreens' cloud partner, meaning Microsoft will be in charge of managing Walgreens' data storage. and Walgreens employees will now use Microsoft 365 for their office software. For consumers, Microsoft and Walgreens plan to test out health offerings, including 12 pilot "digital health corners" in stores.
Walgreens CEO Stefano Pessina told Business Insider on Tuesday that Walgreens ultimately picked Microsoft because it was willing to treat Walgreens as a partner rather than as a customer.
The partnerships are an integral part of Walgreens' strategy to stay competitive as it faces stiff competition for customers. Walgreens is facing off against Amazon, which is getting into the pharmacy business through its acquisition of the online pharmacy PillPack; CVS Health, which is making a big bet on the healthcare aspect of its business through the acquisition of the insurer Aetna; and, of course, retail giant Walmart.
Elsewhere in healthcare, the lines are blurring after health insurer Cigna acquired pharmacy benefit manager Express Scripts.
Pessina's bet: Walgreens will have to be the place where consumers choose to go as they start to gain more power over their healthcare spending.
"At the end, the consumer will be in charge much more than today," Pessina told Business Insider. "They will increase their power and they will be the final decider more than today."
He predicted that the power of insurers and pharmacy-benefit managers will diminish, as consumers increasingly choose where to purchase healthcare for themselves.
*Read more: *The man who predicted that Amazon would buy Whole Foods now expects the tech giant will soon be the world's fastest-growing healthcare company
*The partnership strategy*
About three years ago, Pessina and his team realized that the pharmacy business would start to require the company to perform more functions in healthcare. But instead of buying companies outright, Walgreens decided to take a partnership approach.
"We have always been positive on vertical integration," Pessina said. But integrating fully in the way Cigna-Express Scripts or CVS-Aetna did wasn't a possibility for Walgreens. "We realized that we could not integrate in the space. The conditions were too expensive."
Eventually, Pessina said, the plan was to patern with technology companies as well. So far, Walgreens has partnered with health plans like UnitedHealth Group and Humana, laboratory testing company LabCorp, grocery store Kroger, beauty subscription box service Birchbox, and delivery service FedEx.
With Verily, the plan is to offer a "virtual diabetes program" from Onduo, the joint venture between Verily and Sanofi, to Walgreens employees. It also makes Walgreens a commercialization partner for Verily, meaning that Walgreens would be the store that carries products Verily eventually develops.
Verily has been working to understand the aspects of diabetes management that don't take place inside the hospital, the company's top doctor told Business Insider last week.
"It's about how do you close the loop and get people on the right medications," Verily Chief Medical Officer Jessica Mega said in an interview on the sidelines of the J.P. Morgan Healthcare Conference in San Francisco in January. "Really understanding that piece of the pie is important."
*Subscribe to Dispensed, our weekly newsletter on pharma, biotech, and healthcare.*
Mega said Verily's plan is to partner with companies beyond Walgreens as well.
Pessina said that before signing the partnerships with Microsoft and the Alphabet unit, he made sure he was clear that his intention was to work with both of them.
"They are for an open solution," Pessina said. "Because only one will not be able to offer the complete solution to customers, to be really able to take care of their health in a comprehensive way. "
*'Digital health corners' and connecting data *
As part of the Microsoft deal, Walgreens will set up pilot "digital health corners" where it will sell consumer health devices and software for tracking weight and exercise. They'll be staffed by an advisor who can coach customers on the products or help them interpret any confusing data.
The spaces will also serve as a space to manage chronic conditions, such as diabetes, or help make sure a patient understands how to use a particular medication.
The spaces could be similar to CVS Health's upcoming health hubs, which incorporate clinical services and blood work, as well as a "care concierge" to help customers better understand their health insurance or wellness devices.
Ideally, Pessina said, the plan would be to link the data each partner collects and use it to make patients healthier. For example, should a patient with diabetes or high blood pressure consent to have his or her data shared, Walgreens might be able to get insights into the groceries they're buying at its partner Kroger.
"We could give them enormous support because when they eat something that is not particularly healthy for them," Pessina said. That way, Walgreens and its partners could work together to find personalized ways to help a particular patient manage his or her condition.
With the Microsoft partnership in place, Pessina said Walgreens now has the tools to get started on the next challenge: building out the pharmacy of the future.
"Now we are ready, we have the platform on which we can now build this new evolution of our company," Pessina said.
· *Read more:*
· We talked to the top scientist at Alphabet's life-sciences company about the common thread uniting all its seemingly random health projects — and how she plans to spend $1 billion
· Walgreens is doubling down on Amazon's key strength, and it could change the way you get your prescriptions
· CVS Health just revealed a key piece of its plan to change how Americans get healthcare
· We got 6 big predictions about how Amazon could disrupt healthcare from execs in the tech giant's backyard
Join the conversation about this story »
NOW WATCH: Here's how many children you can have in a lifetime Reported by Business Insider 21 hours ago.
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Apple reportedly looking to subsidize Watch with Medicare plans
If nothing else, the addition of ECG/EKG reinforced Apple’s commitment to evolving the Watch into a serious medical device. The company has long looked to bring its best selling wearable to various health insurance platforms, and according to a new report, it’s reaching out to multiple private Medicare plans in hopes of subsidizing the product. […]
Reported by TechCrunch 14 hours ago.
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Morgan Stanley is on the hunt for a 'Healthcare Expedia' it estimates could save $800 billion, and it thinks Amazon, Berkshire, and JPMorgan will be the ones to build it
· *Morgan Stanley said in a research report that it expects a "Healthcare Expedia" to be responsible for wiping out a lot of the waste in the industry, to the tune of an estimated $800 billion. *· *That tool would be something that could help consumers figure out the cost of their healthcare as a way to empower them to choose cheaper options through price tools and online reviews. *
· *Morgan Stanley said it thinks the joint venture among JPMorgan, Berkshire Hathaway and Amazon could be the most equipped to build the "Expedia"-like tool. *
Healthcare's expensive. On a whole, the US now spends $3.5 trillion annually on healthcare, or 18% of the economy. That's twice as much as some other developed nations.
And a lot of it is estimated to be wasteful, about $910 billion, according to a 2012 report in the Journal of the American Medical Association. In a note dated Wednesday, analysts at Morgan Stanley projected that number to balloon to $1.6 trillion by 2025.
One thing that could fix it, the analysts said: an online shopping solution that acts like Expedia for Healthcare. Ideally, that could reduce waste by 50%, or roughly $800 billion of that projected $1.6 trillion. While those tools exist in pieces, they haven't caught on in a big way, or done much yet to control health spending.
"We expect the 'Healthcare Expedia' to empower people to take ownership of their care, choosing cheaper sites for care and preventative medicine," the analysts wrote.
The "Healthcare Expedia" in their eyes looks like a place where consumers can compare prices and read reviews, similar to how Expedia functions for travel shopping. It could also include ways to book and pay for the visit or treatment as well. The analysts said they expect the tool to start in Medicare, especially amid a more tech-friendly aging population.
Morgan Stanley's analysts are betting the joint healthcare venture that JPMorgan, Amazon, and Berkshire Hathaway are forming could be the force that brings the vision to light, with new tech entrants and incumbents including insurance companies also potentially making a dent. The government, the analysts argued, won't be the ones to pull this off.
*Read more: *Waiting for its Uber moment': America's biggest companies are shaking up the healthcare system
The venture, announced in January 2018, is aimed at lowering healthcare costs for the companies' employees, though there haven't been many details about what that looks like. At the time, news of the partnership sent healthcare stocks plummeting, especially health insurers and members of the pharmaceutical supply chain who might be impacted by the three business giants getting into their lines of work.
Combined, Morgan Stanley noted, the three organizations prove health insurance for about 2.4 million people in the US, including workers and their families, spending an estimated $13 billion each year. While we still don't know much about what shape the joint venture will take, Morgan Stanley doesn't expect it to look like a new insurer.
"We do think that they will find a way to innovate and create the next generation of healthcare consumption," the analysts wrote.
Because of Amazon's consumer-focused background, Berkshire Hathaway's diversified employee base, and JPMorgan's experience so far with trying to drive consumers to make better healthcare decisions, the analysts argued, the three are set up to build an Expedia-like tool.
"[JPMorgan CEO] Jamie [Dimon]’s comments from JPM’s February investor day suggest that one of the key areas that the joint venture is working on is data that consumers can use to better inform their decisions on where to go for what procedures, including cost and likely outcomes," the analysts wrote.
Regardless of who builds it, the "Healthcare Expedia" will go up against some big challenges.
*Subscribe to Dispensed, our weekly newsletter on pharma, biotech, and healthcare.*
That includes finding a way to positively change the behaviors of patients so that they can find high-quality healthcare at a lower price. One worry is that if forced to shop and spend more of their own money, patients will skip appointments or stop taking medications because they can't afford them. Research has shown that's already happening in in some health insurance plans that require patients to spend lots of their own money on care.
Another issue is the difficulty of connecting fragmented information about patients, with doctor's offices holding one piece, insurers another, and pharmacies another. The systems often can't talk to each other, making it hard to exchange information about care or costs. Doctors, worried that patients will skimp on quality in favor of cost, are resistant to transparency tools.
And to be sure, building a "Healthcare Expedia" has been attempted by companies in the past. Companies like Castlight, for instance, have price transparency tools for medical procedures, while Zocdoc has reviews for doctors and helps patients book appointments. But none are yet nearly as mainstream as travel-shopping sites like Expedia.
· *Read more:*
· Walgreens is forging alliances with tech giants like Microsoft as it prepares for war with Amazon
· CVS Health just revealed a key piece of its plan to change how Americans get healthcare
· The hospital in Amazon's backyard has a plan to disrupt itself before being disrupted by big tech companies
· We got 6 big predictions about how Amazon could disrupt healthcare from execs in the tech giant's backyard
Join the conversation about this story »
NOW WATCH: Mistletoe is actually a tree-killing parasite — here's how it became a Christmas icon Reported by Business Insider 16 hours ago.
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Governor’s budget plan spotlights divided Kansas government
TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly outlined a proposed budget Thursday that commits Kansas to higher spending on public schools and an expanded Medicaid health insurance program while launching a political fight with top Republican lawmakers over their plans for tax relief. Kelly’s release of her proposed $18.4 billion spending blueprint for the […]
Reported by Seattle Times 14 hours ago.
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Proposed ACA Rules Could Lift Costs for Millions of People
The Trump administration proposed changes that could raise health insurance costs for millions of Americans who get coverage on the job or receive subsidies under the Affordable Care Act.
Reported by Wall Street Journal 5 hours ago.
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American Portfolios Chosen as One of the Best Companies to Work for in New York State for Fourth Year in a Row
For the fourth consecutive year, American Portfolios Financial Services, Inc. has been named one of the Best Companies to Work for in New York State for 2019.
HOLBROOK, N.Y. (PRWEB) January 18, 2019
For the fourth consecutive year, American Portfolios Financial Services, Inc. (AP), a privately-held, independent broker/dealer that services financial advisors across the country, has been named one of the Best Companies to Work for in New York State for 2019 by the New York State Society for Human Resources Management (NYS-SHRM) and the Best Companies Group (BCG). The annual awards are part of a program that identifies, recognizes and honors the best places of employment in New York, whose practices benefit the state’s businesses, economy and workforce.
“We are so proud to be once again included in this elite group of New York’s top employers,” says Vice President of Human Resources Lisa DiBella, who firmly believes the company’s core values directly contributed to earning this recognition for a fourth time. “At American Portfolios, we continuously strive to create a nurturing and welcoming work environment, realizing that when you treat your people well, they are better equipped to do their jobs and are more motivated to go the extra mile.”
In 2016, AP was formally recognized by the NYS-SHRM and the BCG in the category of small/medium-sized employers with 15 to 249 United States employees, in which the firm ranked No. 1. The independent broker/dealer once again ranked within the top 10 in 2017 and 2018. In addition, AP was named one of the Top Long Island Workplaces for 2018 by Newsday. These accomplishments directly correlate to the firm’s noteworthy achievement of having been dubbed Broker/Dealer of the Year four times in a row (2015, 2016, 2017 and 2018) by Investment Advisor magazine.
AP’s 100-plus employees work collaboratively to service the business needs of 830 independent investment professionals, and their affiliated assistants and support staff located in 383 branch offices throughout the United States. Employees are part of a corporate culture that embraces the tenets of the company’s strategic roadmap for sustainable growth, which is built on six equally important, interconnected strategic company perspectives—People, Innovation, Process, Customer, Financial and Community—and the foundation from which all planning and executions are derived.
AP continually strives to ensure that its employees are afforded a positive and supportive work environment. Employees receive a robust benefits package, inclusive of health insurance, free life insurance, unprecedented 401(k) matching, stock options, bonus incentives, and performance and service awards. The firm is highly invested in the educational betterment of its employees, offering tuition reimbursement, free license testing, and unlimited training seminars and courses. The company also provides Six Sigma training and robust customer service guidance, which helps staff members to firmly establish the “Voice of the Customer,” resulting in the ability to consistently exceed client needs and expectations. Additionally, the company recognizes the importance of work-life balance by offering employees a flexible work schedule, shortened working hours on Fridays throughout the year, a casual dress code, appreciation events, massage sessions, health and wellness lunch and learns, and private coaching sessions with a registered dietician. AP employees also receive full pay for up to 12 weeks of leave while out on FMLA in order to maintain financial stability. The firm has also enacted an employee mentorship program that is designed to nurture AP’s emerging business leaders.
As an integral part of its strategic focus, engrained in its corporate culture is a keen awareness to the community by taking part in socially responsible programs, such as its ongoing association with non-profit organizations like World T.E.A.M. (WT), which organizes athletic events for disabled and able-bodied citizens to achieve a common goal. Employees actively volunteer, coach and compete in WT events, including the annual Face of America bike ride, Coastal Team Challenge and Adventure Team Challenge. The firm also has a long-standing relationship with Virtual Enterprises International, Inc. (VEI), an experiential learning program that fosters the nation’s future business leaders, by hosting and judging business plan competitions, as well as facilitating summer interns at the corporate offices and practices of its investment professionals through its Internship Fellows Program.
The firm’s human resources and corporate communications representatives look forward to attending the NYS-SHRM and BCG annual awards ceremony, which will be held April 24 in Albany, N.Y., to learn of the company’s official ranking for 2019.
About American Portfolios
Headquartered in Holbrook, N.Y., American Portfolios Financial Services, Inc. (APFS) is a full-service, independent broker/dealer and member firm of FINRA and SIPC, offering a complete range of financial services, including personal financial and retirement planning, securities trading, mutual funds, access to investment research, long-term care planning, insurance products and tax-free investing. Fee-based asset management is offered through its sister subsidiary, American Portfolios Advisors, Inc., (APA), an SEC Registered Investment Advisor. Both entities, along with technology entity American Portfolios Advisory Solutions, LLC, collectively reside under the legal entity American Portfolios Holdings, Inc. (APH). Full-service securities brokerage is available through a clearing firm relationship with Pershing, LLC, a BNY Mellon firm, the securities of which are held on a fully disclosed basis. The company currently serves 830 independent investment professionals located in 383 branch locations throughout the nation. It was named Broker-Dealer of the Year* (Division III) by Investment Advisor magazine in 2015, 2016, 2017 and 2018, as well as one of the top 10 Best Companies to Work for in the state of New York for 2016, 2017 and 2018 by the New York State Society for Human Resources Management (NYS-SHRM) and the Best Companies Group (BCG).
*Based on a poll of registered representatives conducted by Investment Advisor magazine. Broker/dealers rated highest by their representatives are awarded “Broker/Dealer (B/D) of the Year.”
About NYS-SHRM and the BCG
The NYS-SHRM operates as an affiliate of the nation’s SHRM, which is the world’s largest association devoted to serving the needs of and advancing the interests of the human resources profession. The BCG is an independent firm that manages the Best Places to Work programs on state, regional and national levels worldwide. The process of selection consists of two parts: a questionnaire completed by the employer, which details company policies, practices, benefits and demographics; and an employee engagement and satisfaction survey, which allows employees to rate their employer on a variety of practices, culture and overall fulfilment. The BCG conducts, analyzes and evaluates the surveys to reveal the 70 best companies to work for in the state of New York for the following year. Reported by PRWeb 19 hours ago.
HOLBROOK, N.Y. (PRWEB) January 18, 2019
For the fourth consecutive year, American Portfolios Financial Services, Inc. (AP), a privately-held, independent broker/dealer that services financial advisors across the country, has been named one of the Best Companies to Work for in New York State for 2019 by the New York State Society for Human Resources Management (NYS-SHRM) and the Best Companies Group (BCG). The annual awards are part of a program that identifies, recognizes and honors the best places of employment in New York, whose practices benefit the state’s businesses, economy and workforce.
“We are so proud to be once again included in this elite group of New York’s top employers,” says Vice President of Human Resources Lisa DiBella, who firmly believes the company’s core values directly contributed to earning this recognition for a fourth time. “At American Portfolios, we continuously strive to create a nurturing and welcoming work environment, realizing that when you treat your people well, they are better equipped to do their jobs and are more motivated to go the extra mile.”
In 2016, AP was formally recognized by the NYS-SHRM and the BCG in the category of small/medium-sized employers with 15 to 249 United States employees, in which the firm ranked No. 1. The independent broker/dealer once again ranked within the top 10 in 2017 and 2018. In addition, AP was named one of the Top Long Island Workplaces for 2018 by Newsday. These accomplishments directly correlate to the firm’s noteworthy achievement of having been dubbed Broker/Dealer of the Year four times in a row (2015, 2016, 2017 and 2018) by Investment Advisor magazine.
AP’s 100-plus employees work collaboratively to service the business needs of 830 independent investment professionals, and their affiliated assistants and support staff located in 383 branch offices throughout the United States. Employees are part of a corporate culture that embraces the tenets of the company’s strategic roadmap for sustainable growth, which is built on six equally important, interconnected strategic company perspectives—People, Innovation, Process, Customer, Financial and Community—and the foundation from which all planning and executions are derived.
AP continually strives to ensure that its employees are afforded a positive and supportive work environment. Employees receive a robust benefits package, inclusive of health insurance, free life insurance, unprecedented 401(k) matching, stock options, bonus incentives, and performance and service awards. The firm is highly invested in the educational betterment of its employees, offering tuition reimbursement, free license testing, and unlimited training seminars and courses. The company also provides Six Sigma training and robust customer service guidance, which helps staff members to firmly establish the “Voice of the Customer,” resulting in the ability to consistently exceed client needs and expectations. Additionally, the company recognizes the importance of work-life balance by offering employees a flexible work schedule, shortened working hours on Fridays throughout the year, a casual dress code, appreciation events, massage sessions, health and wellness lunch and learns, and private coaching sessions with a registered dietician. AP employees also receive full pay for up to 12 weeks of leave while out on FMLA in order to maintain financial stability. The firm has also enacted an employee mentorship program that is designed to nurture AP’s emerging business leaders.
As an integral part of its strategic focus, engrained in its corporate culture is a keen awareness to the community by taking part in socially responsible programs, such as its ongoing association with non-profit organizations like World T.E.A.M. (WT), which organizes athletic events for disabled and able-bodied citizens to achieve a common goal. Employees actively volunteer, coach and compete in WT events, including the annual Face of America bike ride, Coastal Team Challenge and Adventure Team Challenge. The firm also has a long-standing relationship with Virtual Enterprises International, Inc. (VEI), an experiential learning program that fosters the nation’s future business leaders, by hosting and judging business plan competitions, as well as facilitating summer interns at the corporate offices and practices of its investment professionals through its Internship Fellows Program.
The firm’s human resources and corporate communications representatives look forward to attending the NYS-SHRM and BCG annual awards ceremony, which will be held April 24 in Albany, N.Y., to learn of the company’s official ranking for 2019.
About American Portfolios
Headquartered in Holbrook, N.Y., American Portfolios Financial Services, Inc. (APFS) is a full-service, independent broker/dealer and member firm of FINRA and SIPC, offering a complete range of financial services, including personal financial and retirement planning, securities trading, mutual funds, access to investment research, long-term care planning, insurance products and tax-free investing. Fee-based asset management is offered through its sister subsidiary, American Portfolios Advisors, Inc., (APA), an SEC Registered Investment Advisor. Both entities, along with technology entity American Portfolios Advisory Solutions, LLC, collectively reside under the legal entity American Portfolios Holdings, Inc. (APH). Full-service securities brokerage is available through a clearing firm relationship with Pershing, LLC, a BNY Mellon firm, the securities of which are held on a fully disclosed basis. The company currently serves 830 independent investment professionals located in 383 branch locations throughout the nation. It was named Broker-Dealer of the Year* (Division III) by Investment Advisor magazine in 2015, 2016, 2017 and 2018, as well as one of the top 10 Best Companies to Work for in the state of New York for 2016, 2017 and 2018 by the New York State Society for Human Resources Management (NYS-SHRM) and the Best Companies Group (BCG).
*Based on a poll of registered representatives conducted by Investment Advisor magazine. Broker/dealers rated highest by their representatives are awarded “Broker/Dealer (B/D) of the Year.”
About NYS-SHRM and the BCG
The NYS-SHRM operates as an affiliate of the nation’s SHRM, which is the world’s largest association devoted to serving the needs of and advancing the interests of the human resources profession. The BCG is an independent firm that manages the Best Places to Work programs on state, regional and national levels worldwide. The process of selection consists of two parts: a questionnaire completed by the employer, which details company policies, practices, benefits and demographics; and an employee engagement and satisfaction survey, which allows employees to rate their employer on a variety of practices, culture and overall fulfilment. The BCG conducts, analyzes and evaluates the surveys to reveal the 70 best companies to work for in the state of New York for the following year. Reported by PRWeb 19 hours ago.
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Pinnacle Financial Services Sees Record Growth with Connect4Medicare.com
Pinnacle Financial Services, a well-known leader in sales of insurance and financial products serving the senior market, announced today record sales numbers with their state of the art electronic Medicare enrollment system Connect4Medicare.com.
WARMINSTER, Pa. (PRWEB) January 18, 2019
Connect4Medicare allows independent insurance agents to quote, compare and enroll an individual into a Medicare Advantage, Medicare Supplement and Prescription Drug plan in one easy to use system. This system will also give Pinnacle agents a unique URL they can add to their website or other client marketing for additional selling opportunities.
“Pinnacle Financial Services has a record of being on the cutting edge of technology,” says Angela Palo EVP of Sales at Pinnacle. “By giving our agent distribution partners access to the best and most up to date technology, at no cost to them, we allow them to be more efficient and assist more seniors with their health insurance needs.”
Independent insurance agents can use Connect4Medicare.com in growing their business and using less paper allowing for better turnaround times and less errors.
“A commitment to training, back office support and access to the most up to date tools and technology is what will continue to separate Pinnacle from other competitors,” said Pinnacle CEO Kevin Shields. “In an ever changing environment standing still is moving backwards. We are dedicated to moving forward to give our agent partners a leg up against the competition."
Pinnacle Financial Services based in Warminster, PA is a National brokerage doing business in all 50 states. An innovative agency and market leader in the Senior Market, Pinnacle continues to grow its brand through service to their agent distribution and longstanding business relationships with their carrier partners. More information is available at http://www.PFSinsurance.com. Reported by PRWeb 18 hours ago.
WARMINSTER, Pa. (PRWEB) January 18, 2019
Connect4Medicare allows independent insurance agents to quote, compare and enroll an individual into a Medicare Advantage, Medicare Supplement and Prescription Drug plan in one easy to use system. This system will also give Pinnacle agents a unique URL they can add to their website or other client marketing for additional selling opportunities.
“Pinnacle Financial Services has a record of being on the cutting edge of technology,” says Angela Palo EVP of Sales at Pinnacle. “By giving our agent distribution partners access to the best and most up to date technology, at no cost to them, we allow them to be more efficient and assist more seniors with their health insurance needs.”
Independent insurance agents can use Connect4Medicare.com in growing their business and using less paper allowing for better turnaround times and less errors.
“A commitment to training, back office support and access to the most up to date tools and technology is what will continue to separate Pinnacle from other competitors,” said Pinnacle CEO Kevin Shields. “In an ever changing environment standing still is moving backwards. We are dedicated to moving forward to give our agent partners a leg up against the competition."
Pinnacle Financial Services based in Warminster, PA is a National brokerage doing business in all 50 states. An innovative agency and market leader in the Senior Market, Pinnacle continues to grow its brand through service to their agent distribution and longstanding business relationships with their carrier partners. More information is available at http://www.PFSinsurance.com. Reported by PRWeb 18 hours ago.
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Beat The January 31 Deadline To Process 1095 Recipient Copy Using ez1095 2017 ACA Software
Ez1095 2018 Affordable Care Act software accommodates the upcoming January 31 deadline for sending recipient copies. Test drive the 30 day no cost or obligation trial at halfpricesoft.com.
LOS ANGELES (PRWEB) January 19, 2019
The 2019 deadlines for the ACA forms by the IRS are accommodated with the latest 2018 ez1095 Affordable Care Act software from Halfpricesoft.com. The Affordable Care Act (ACA), or health care law, contains benefits and responsibilities for employers. If employers have 50 or more full-time employees or equivalents, an annual return in reporting on whether and what health insurance you offered employees must be filed.
Regardless of size, all employers that provide self-insured health coverage to employees must file an annual return, reporting certain information for each employee covered.
Please note the following updated deadlines to avoid penalty fees:· 1095 individual copies: January 31, 2019
· Due date for furnishing to individuals the 2018 Form 1095-B, Health Coverage, is January 31.
· 1095 and 1094 IRS copies: February 28, 2019 for paper filers; April 1, 2019 for electronic filers
-The due date for filing with the Service the 2018 Form 1094-B, Transmittal of Health
Coverage Information Returns, and the 2018 Form 1095-B, Health Coverage, remains
unchanged. The due date is February 28, 2019; if filing electronically, the due date is April 1, 2019.
“ez1095 2018 ACA software accommodates recipient copy deadline released by the IRS for the 2018 information reporting requirements.” said Dr. Ge, Founder of Halfpricesoft.com.
Priced from just $195 per installation(295.00 to efile), ez1095 supports multiple company accounts on the same computer at no extra charge.
Customers that need to file Form 1095C, 1094C, 1095B and 1094B can download and try out this ACA software from alfpricsoft.com before purchasing with no obligation by visiting https://www.halfpricesoft.com/aca-1095/aca-1095-software.asp.
The main features include but are not limited to :
· Print ACA Form 1095-C, 1094-C, 1095-B and 1094-B on white paper for recipients and IRS with inkjet or laser printer.
· PDF print 1095-C and 1095-B recipient copies
· Efile version available at additional cost.
· Support unlimited companies.
· Support unlimited number of recipients.
· Print unlimited number of 1095 and 1094 forms.
· Fast data import feature
· Print Form 1095 C: Employer-Provided Health Insurance Offer and Coverage Insurance
· Print Form 1094 C: Transmittal of Employer-Provided Health Insurance Offer and Coverage Information Returns
· Print Form 1095-B: Health Coverage
· Print Form 1094-B: Transmittal of Health Coverage Information Return
ez1095 software is compatible Windows 10, 8.1, 8, and 7. Designed with simplicity in mind, ez1095 software is easy to use and flexible. ez1095 software’s graphical interface leads customers step-by-step through setting up company, adding employees, add forms and print forms. Customers can also click form level help links to get more details regarding the software.
To learn more about ez1095 ACA software, customers can visit https://www.halfpricesoft.com/aca-1095/aca-1095-software.asp
About halfpricesoft.com
Halfpricesoft.com is a leading provider of small business software, including online and desktop payroll software, online employee attendance tracking software, accounting software, in-house business and personal check printing software, W2, software, 1099 software, Accounting software, 1095 form software and ezACH direct deposit software. Software from halfpricesoft.com is trusted by thousands of customers and will help small business owners simplify payroll processing and streamline business management. Reported by PRWeb 2 hours ago.
LOS ANGELES (PRWEB) January 19, 2019
The 2019 deadlines for the ACA forms by the IRS are accommodated with the latest 2018 ez1095 Affordable Care Act software from Halfpricesoft.com. The Affordable Care Act (ACA), or health care law, contains benefits and responsibilities for employers. If employers have 50 or more full-time employees or equivalents, an annual return in reporting on whether and what health insurance you offered employees must be filed.
Regardless of size, all employers that provide self-insured health coverage to employees must file an annual return, reporting certain information for each employee covered.
Please note the following updated deadlines to avoid penalty fees:· 1095 individual copies: January 31, 2019
· Due date for furnishing to individuals the 2018 Form 1095-B, Health Coverage, is January 31.
· 1095 and 1094 IRS copies: February 28, 2019 for paper filers; April 1, 2019 for electronic filers
-The due date for filing with the Service the 2018 Form 1094-B, Transmittal of Health
Coverage Information Returns, and the 2018 Form 1095-B, Health Coverage, remains
unchanged. The due date is February 28, 2019; if filing electronically, the due date is April 1, 2019.
“ez1095 2018 ACA software accommodates recipient copy deadline released by the IRS for the 2018 information reporting requirements.” said Dr. Ge, Founder of Halfpricesoft.com.
Priced from just $195 per installation(295.00 to efile), ez1095 supports multiple company accounts on the same computer at no extra charge.
Customers that need to file Form 1095C, 1094C, 1095B and 1094B can download and try out this ACA software from alfpricsoft.com before purchasing with no obligation by visiting https://www.halfpricesoft.com/aca-1095/aca-1095-software.asp.
The main features include but are not limited to :
· Print ACA Form 1095-C, 1094-C, 1095-B and 1094-B on white paper for recipients and IRS with inkjet or laser printer.
· PDF print 1095-C and 1095-B recipient copies
· Efile version available at additional cost.
· Support unlimited companies.
· Support unlimited number of recipients.
· Print unlimited number of 1095 and 1094 forms.
· Fast data import feature
· Print Form 1095 C: Employer-Provided Health Insurance Offer and Coverage Insurance
· Print Form 1094 C: Transmittal of Employer-Provided Health Insurance Offer and Coverage Information Returns
· Print Form 1095-B: Health Coverage
· Print Form 1094-B: Transmittal of Health Coverage Information Return
ez1095 software is compatible Windows 10, 8.1, 8, and 7. Designed with simplicity in mind, ez1095 software is easy to use and flexible. ez1095 software’s graphical interface leads customers step-by-step through setting up company, adding employees, add forms and print forms. Customers can also click form level help links to get more details regarding the software.
To learn more about ez1095 ACA software, customers can visit https://www.halfpricesoft.com/aca-1095/aca-1095-software.asp
About halfpricesoft.com
Halfpricesoft.com is a leading provider of small business software, including online and desktop payroll software, online employee attendance tracking software, accounting software, in-house business and personal check printing software, W2, software, 1099 software, Accounting software, 1095 form software and ezACH direct deposit software. Software from halfpricesoft.com is trusted by thousands of customers and will help small business owners simplify payroll processing and streamline business management. Reported by PRWeb 2 hours ago.
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GIC plans listening sessions, but few changes proposed
A year after proposed health insurance changes for state employees and retirees prompted "concern, confusion and havoc," the Group Insurance Commission previewed a 2020 plan design that steers clear of major changes.
Reported by bizjournals 22 hours ago.
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Dr. Laurie Nakahira Joins Santa Clara Family Health Plan as Chief Medical Officer
Santa Clara Family Health Plan (SCFHP) announces the appointment of Laurie Nakahira, D.O., as Chief Medical Officer.
SAN JOSE, Calif. (PRWEB) January 19, 2019
With more than 20 years in clinical practice and management, Dr. Nakahira is responsible for ensuring the availability, quality and delivery of health care services to SCFHP members via medical oversight of operations and activities of Utilization Management, Case Management, Quality Improvement, Pharmacy, Long-Term Services and Supports and Behavioral Health. In addition, she oversees the development and implementation of medical policies in support of organizational objectives, compliance, and operational excellence.
Before joining SCFHP, Dr. Nakahira served as Medical Director and Chief Medical Officer for Davis Street Community Center, a Federally Qualified Health Clinic in San Leandro, CA. She led clinical operations, including quality improvement, clinical audits, and the integration of medical, dental and behavioral health departments.
Prior to her work at Davis Street Community Center, Dr. Nakahira was Medical Director and Interim Chief Medical Officer at Alameda Alliance for Health, where she built a three-year interim strategic plan and developed the case management and disease management department.
“I look forward to collaborating with the outstanding team of professionals at Santa Clara Family Health Plan and its wide network of providers and community partners to bring high quality care to the most vulnerable members of our community,” says Dr. Nakahira. “I am committed to ensuring that our members receive the best level of care available.”
Dr. Nakahira earned her undergraduate degree from California State University Long Beach and attended medical school at Western University of Health Sciences in Pomona, California. She completed her residency at University of Southern California Medical Center Departments of Internal Medicine and Pediatrics at Los Angeles County. Dr. Nakahira is Board Certified in Internal Medicine and Pediatrics.
About Santa Clara Family Health Plan
SCFHP is a local, public, not-for-profit health plan that provides high-quality health coverage to residents of Santa Clara County. Through a dedicated partnership with an expansive network of doctors and other professionals, SCFHP acts as a bridge between the health care system and those who do not have access to or cannot afford health care. SCFHP is the local plan for Medi-Cal, Cal MediConnect and Healthy Kids HMO in Santa Clara County. SCFHP began offering coverage in 1997 and is now proud to provide services to over 251,000 residents of Santa Clara County. Through devotion to outstanding service and care for the community, SCFHP is committed to providing quality, affordable health insurance to the underserved in Santa Clara County’s diverse population. For more information, visit http://www.scfhp.com. Reported by PRWeb 22 hours ago.
SAN JOSE, Calif. (PRWEB) January 19, 2019
With more than 20 years in clinical practice and management, Dr. Nakahira is responsible for ensuring the availability, quality and delivery of health care services to SCFHP members via medical oversight of operations and activities of Utilization Management, Case Management, Quality Improvement, Pharmacy, Long-Term Services and Supports and Behavioral Health. In addition, she oversees the development and implementation of medical policies in support of organizational objectives, compliance, and operational excellence.
Before joining SCFHP, Dr. Nakahira served as Medical Director and Chief Medical Officer for Davis Street Community Center, a Federally Qualified Health Clinic in San Leandro, CA. She led clinical operations, including quality improvement, clinical audits, and the integration of medical, dental and behavioral health departments.
Prior to her work at Davis Street Community Center, Dr. Nakahira was Medical Director and Interim Chief Medical Officer at Alameda Alliance for Health, where she built a three-year interim strategic plan and developed the case management and disease management department.
“I look forward to collaborating with the outstanding team of professionals at Santa Clara Family Health Plan and its wide network of providers and community partners to bring high quality care to the most vulnerable members of our community,” says Dr. Nakahira. “I am committed to ensuring that our members receive the best level of care available.”
Dr. Nakahira earned her undergraduate degree from California State University Long Beach and attended medical school at Western University of Health Sciences in Pomona, California. She completed her residency at University of Southern California Medical Center Departments of Internal Medicine and Pediatrics at Los Angeles County. Dr. Nakahira is Board Certified in Internal Medicine and Pediatrics.
About Santa Clara Family Health Plan
SCFHP is a local, public, not-for-profit health plan that provides high-quality health coverage to residents of Santa Clara County. Through a dedicated partnership with an expansive network of doctors and other professionals, SCFHP acts as a bridge between the health care system and those who do not have access to or cannot afford health care. SCFHP is the local plan for Medi-Cal, Cal MediConnect and Healthy Kids HMO in Santa Clara County. SCFHP began offering coverage in 1997 and is now proud to provide services to over 251,000 residents of Santa Clara County. Through devotion to outstanding service and care for the community, SCFHP is committed to providing quality, affordable health insurance to the underserved in Santa Clara County’s diverse population. For more information, visit http://www.scfhp.com. Reported by PRWeb 22 hours ago.
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