Category Archives: Insurance

After, Inc. publishes a ‘Risk Management 101’ guide that gives Warranty Leaders a first-hand look at this complex discipline

NORWALK, Conn. /ScoopCloud/ -- After, Inc. a pioneer in the Warranty Services industry, has provided innovative warranty marketing, analytics, and program management solutions to top-tier manufacturing clients since 2005. In delivering program management solutions, After, Inc. found that few manufacturers understand Risk Management - yet it can be one of the most impactful aspects of Warranty Programs. So, After, Inc. prepared this guide to share the basics of the discipline, as there is nothing like it available in the industry today.

After, Inc.'s EVP, Paul Swenson, a highly respected veteran in the Warranty Services industry, helped develop this guide. "A lot of manufacturers and retailers 'don't know what they don't know' about available warranty risk structures and the true costs of risk transfer," said Swenson.

"Frequently, risk oversight is outsourced to companies that use old-school actuarial methods which don't forecast claims or reserves accurately - nor provide the business intelligence needed to optimize and expand the warranty programs. This leads to untapped opportunities that they may never discover or, often worse, unwarranted rate increases that have negative impacts on their programs and the ability to deliver a great customer experience. This guide is designed to give Warranty leaders and their teams a much-needed introduction to the basic concepts of Risk Management - and the impact that inaccurate claims forecasts can have on their profitability."

This "Risk Management 101" guide covers:

* Section 1 - the key components and definitions in Risk Management.

* Section 2 - types of risk structures and the pros/cons of each.

* Section 3 - how to accurately estimate losses and how errors can impact program profits.

* Section 4 - a case study on how After helped Polaris - a long-time client - develop a risk roadmap that led from a completely outsourced risk management structure to creating its own warranty company.

About After, Inc.

After, Inc. ( http://www.afterinc.com/ ) is a pioneer in the warranty business - providing product registration, marketing, analytics, and program administration to warranty organizations across a wide range of industries. Founded in 2005, After has over 15 years of experience delivering innovative warranty offerings to manufacturing clients. After, Inc. partners with some of the world's top brands to help transform their warranty businesses, driving customer satisfaction post-purchase, higher product reliability, deeper brand equity and additional revenue/profit opportunities. Headquartered in Norwalk, Connecticut, and with offices in New York City, After, Inc. is part of the EPIC Insurance Group, an innovative retail property and casualty and employee benefits insurance brokerage and consulting firm with 3,600 employees across the United States.

MEDIA CONTACT
Danielle Grusso
203-254-5302
dgrusso@afterinc.com

After, Inc. a pioneer in the Warranty Services industry, has provided innovative warranty marketing, analytics, and program management solutions to top-tier manufacturing clients since 2005. In delivering program management solutions, After, Inc. found that few manufacturers understand Risk Management.

Related link: http://afterinc.com/

EPIC Adds Sam Wagener as Principal – Further Strengthens P&C and Captive Capabilities in West Region

SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. /ScoopCloud/ -- EPIC Insurance Brokers and Consultants, a retail property and casualty insurance brokerage and employee benefits consultant, announced today that Sam Wagener has joined the firm.

Wagener will focus on providing risk management and insurance solutions, including captive insurance programs, to organizations with whom he will partner. He will leverage relationships across EPIC in the areas of Property & Casualty, Employee Benefits and Executive Benefits.

Wagener brings more than 20 years of industry experience to his role, and has held positions on the brokerage and carrier sides of the insurance industry throughout his career. He joins EPIC from Artex Risk Solutions, Inc. where he was Senior Vice President - Group Captives, focusing on managing relationships, operations and related services of five member-owned captives.

"We are excited to continue the growth of our Property & Casualty operations in the West Region with the addition of Sam's experience and expertise," commented EPIC West Region President, KJ Wagner.

"Sam brings insight and a unique perspective on managing risk to the firm. We look forward to leveraging his knowledge across the entire organization to the benefit of our clients," said Brian Quinn, Managing Principal. Wagener will report to Quinn, who is based in San Ramon, California.

Wagener earned a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics from the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland. While in the Navy, he served as a Division Officer on the USS Elliot, based in San Diego, CA, and as an Instructor in the Surface Warfare Officer School in Newport, Rhode Island.

Sam Wagener
sam.wagener@epicbrokers.com
Cell 630.453.1644

About EPIC Insurance Brokers & Consultants

EPIC Insurance Brokers & Consultants, a retail insurance brokerage, has more than 2,600 team members operating from more than 80 offices across the U.S., providing Property and Casualty, Employee Benefits, Specialty Programs, and Private Client solutions to clients. EPIC ranks among the top 15 retail insurance brokers in the U.S.

Learn more at: https://epicbrokers.com/

EPIC Insurance Brokers and Consultants, a retail property and casualty insurance brokerage and employee benefits consultant, announced today that Sam Wagener has joined the firm.

Related link: https://www.epicbrokers.com/

Paragon Insurance Names Christian Phillips as President of Contingency Practice

AVON, Conn. /ScoopCloud/ -- Paragon Insurance Holdings LLC, a national multiline specialty managing general agent (MGA), has named Christian Phillips as President of its newly created Paragon Contingency Practices.

Phillips joins Paragon following many years at London-based specialty insurer, Beazley. With experience spanning three decades, he is a tremendous asset to Paragon clients, particularly given the global upheaval in the marketplace in 2020.

Phillips will play a pivotal role in this dynamic market environment, as event cancellations related to COVID-19 have severely impacted established contingency business underwriters. "As we continue through the balance of 2021, we expect to see the contingency market rebound," noted Paragon CEO and Co-founder, Ron Ganiats. "We are excited to welcome Christian to the Paragon team to help our clients navigate these improving market conditions."

The Paragon platform will enable Phillips to bring capacity and coverage solutions to a contingency insurance market that has experienced a large amount of contraction over the past 12 months. These solutions will help venues recover in the wake of losses incurred from the closure, rescheduling and cancellation of local, national and international sporting, entertainment and industry events.

About Paragon

Paragon, a broadly diversified MGA launched in 2014, provides unique opportunities and solutions to retail agents, insurance carriers, reinsurers and vendor partners. The firm writes all commercial lines of insurance across more than 20 insurance programs.

Visit https://www.paragoninsgroup.com/ for additional information.

MEDIA CONTACT:
Betsy Van Alstyne
Betsy.vanalstyne@epicgroup.com

*PHOTO link for media: https://www.Send2Press.com/300dpi/21-0426s2p-Christian-Phillips-300dpi.jpg

Paragon Insurance Holdings LLC, a national multiline specialty managing general agent (MGA), has named Christian Phillips as President of its newly created Paragon Contingency Practices.

Related link: https://www.paragoninsgroup.com/

EPIC Select Teams Up with Morgan Stanley for Sports and Entertainment Insurance

NEW YORK, N.Y. /ScoopCloud/ -- EPIC Insurance Brokers & Consultants announced today that it has been named by Morgan Stanley to offer risk management services to their sports and entertainment clients through their Global Sports & Entertainment Directors via the EPIC Select model. EPIC Select is a new bespoke service model focused on asset management and risk mitigation for successful individuals and businesses in the Sports & Entertainment industry.

"We are excited to team up with Morgan Stanley," said Dave Howard, President of EPIC Select. "Our unique model is comprised of private client advisors, subject matter experts and claims advocates who are ideally suited to serve high net worth and ultra high net worth clients, and the unique risk management needs of athletes and entertainers."

"EPIC Select is the game changer," said Jay Williams, former Duke and NBA athlete, current ESPN host/commentator and EPIC Select partner-investor. "EPIC Select not only provides the transparency needed throughout the process for new or seasoned athletes and entertainers, but more importantly, it provides resources and knowledge I wished I had as a player in the NBA and throughout the course of my life."

Sandra Richards, Managing Director, Head of Global Sports & Entertainment for Morgan Stanley Wealth Management said, "By aligning with EPIC Select to provide our clients with proper education and risk management guidance for their assets, we are positioning our Global Sports & Entertainment Directors to provide an enhanced, well-rounded suite of services to fulfill their clients' needs."

"The opportunities ahead with EPIC Select and our clients are important and much needed. We know that these solutions will help protect their unique risk landscape," said Joe Toledano, Managing Director, Head of Morgan Stanley Wealth Management Insured Solutions.

Through this new arrangement, EPIC Select will consult and advise Morgan Stanley's sports and entertainment clients in assessing their risk exposures and providing solutions to help them protect and design risk management strategies to help preserve their wealth and assets. EPIC Select will leverage their deep relationships with insurance carriers who cater to high net worth and ultra high net worth clients and their global capabilities of dedicated specialists and in-house resources.

Services will include:
* Signature Reviews of clients' risk profiles and current insurance to ensure they are properly protected with a program tailored to their unique circumstances
* Alert and advise clients of situations (e.g., wildfire/wind/flood) in which extra precautions and mitigations should be taken to help protect their assets
* Regular interaction, communication and support from a dedicated team of service professionals
* National Claims Advocacy team that will make the filing and processing of insurance claims simple and care-free for the client

Along with access to a broad range of personal and commercial insurance lines, such as:
* Personal Lines: Home, Auto, Umbrella/Excess Liability, Cybersecurity, Inland Marine, Fine Art, Jewelry & Collections, Aviation, Yacht/Super Yacht, Equine, Farm & Ranch
* Commercial Lines: Property, General and Professional Liability, Umbrella/Excess Liability, Cybersecurity, Event Cancellation/Contingency, Reputational Risk, Employer's Personal Liability and Entertainer Non-Appearance

About EPIC Insurance Brokers & Consultants

EPIC Insurance Brokers & Consultants is a retail property & casualty, employee benefits consulting and specialty practice organization with more than 2,600 team members operating across the U.S., with strong regional presence.

EPIC has created a values-based, client-focused culture that attracts and retains top talent, fosters employee satisfaction and loyalty, and sustains a high level of customer service excellence. EPIC team members have consistently recognized their company as a "Best Place to Work" in multiple regions and as a "Best Place to Work in the Insurance Industry" nationally.

EPIC ranks among the top 15 retail insurance brokers in the U.S. Backed and sponsored by Harvest Partners, Oak Hill Capital Partners and The Carlyle Group, the company continues to expand organically and through strategic acquisitions across the country. For additional information, please visit: https://www.epicbrokers.com/

About EPIC Select

EPIC Select is an insurance advisory and consulting firm that works with trusted advisors of successful people to offer personalized service, asset protection and specialized risk management guidance to their clients and extended families.

MEDIA CONTACT:

Betsy Van Alstyne | Betsy.vanalstyne@epicbrokers.com

MULTIMEDIA:

*PHOTO link for media: https://www.Send2Press.com/300dpi/21-0420s2p-epic-Dave-Howard-300dpi.jpg

*Photo caption: Dave Howard, President of EPIC Select.

EPIC Insurance Brokers & Consultants announced today that it has been named by Morgan Stanley to offer risk management services to their sports and entertainment clients through their Global Sports & Entertainment Directors via the EPIC Select model. EPIC Select is a new bespoke service model focused on asset management and risk mitigation for successful individuals and businesses in the Sports & Entertainment industry.

Related link: https://www.epicbrokers.com/

Tapcheck Wins ‘Best Employee Benefits Solution’ in 2021 FinTech Breakthrough Awards Program

LOS ANGELES, Calif. /ScoopCloud/ -- Tapcheck, a simple and easy-to-integrate financial wellness benefit that allows employers to give employees the ability to access their earned wages before payday, today announced that it has been selected as winner of the "Best Employee Benefits Solution" award in the fifth annual FinTech Breakthrough Awards program conducted by FinTech Breakthrough, an independent market intelligence organization that recognizes the top companies, technologies and products in the global FinTech market today.

Tapcheck delivers breakthrough payment and benefits solutions for both employers and employees, putting both of their interests on equal footing. For employers, Tapcheck is a convenient, cost-free way to offer workers same-day pay. Tapcheck assumes the financial risk and employers can, in turn, offer a desirable financial wellness benefit to employees that increases retention and productivity. Tapcheck is also easy to integrate into existing payroll systems without having to create new ones, alleviating a major adoption hurdle.

For employees, the clean and simple interface of the Tapcheck app, allows them to quickly and securely access a percentage of wages they have earned for a flat, low-cost fee. This provides the financial flexibility to cover a bill due mid-pay cycle, or another emergency expense without having to apply for high-interest payday loans, or risk incurring overdraft or late fees.

"Tapcheck's marriage of the human side of HR and the transformative power of fintech is making it easier for employees to get the money they've earned when they need it," said James Johnson, Managing Director, FinTech Breakthrough. "Providing meaningful benefits to employees and giving them financial flexibility when they need it most has never been more important. We extend our since congratulations to everyone at Tapcheck on their success and for their well-deserved 'Best Employee Benefits Solution' award in our fifth annual FinTech Breakthrough Awards program."

The FinTech Breakthrough Awards is the premier awards program founded to recognize the FinTech innovators, leaders and visionaries from around the world in a range of categories, including Digital Banking, Personal Finance, Lending, Payments, Investments, RegTech, InsurTech and many more. The 2021 FinTech Breakthrough Award program attracted more than 3,850 nominations from across the globe.

"Thanks to Tapcheck, employers in sectors hard-hit by the pandemic have helped their workers pay bills, cover unexpected costs, and more when financial uncertainty is at an all-time high." said Kayling Gaver, Co-Founder of Tapcheck. "It's a great resource and safety net that provides financial peace of mind, helping organizations keep the best interests of employees at heart. We are honored that this is being recognized by FinTech Breakthrough and we are looking forward to continued success and momentum in 2021 and beyond."

Tapcheck has established a strong foothold in the earned wage access category. In 2020, the company grew by 863%, signing clients including Burger King, Dunkin', T-Mobile, Home Instead Senior Care, and Comfort Keepers in addition to a diverse range of businesses including hospitals, manufacturers, grocers, retailers, and professional services.

About Tapcheck

Tapcheck is a financial wellness benefit that allows employees to access their earnings before payday. Available at no cost to employers, Tapcheck uses an intuitive mobile app to give workers greater control over their finances, which reduces their stress at home and increases their productivity at work. And thanks to Tapcheck's seamless integration with existing payroll programs, employers who incorporate on-demand earnings into their employee benefits packages find it to be a cost-effective way to distinguish their company from competitors, reduce turnover rates, and provide the financial flexibility that employees want. For more information, visit https://www.tapcheck.com/.

About FinTech Breakthrough

Part of Tech Breakthrough, a leading market intelligence and recognition platform for technology innovation and leadership around the globe, the FinTech Breakthrough Awards program is devoted to honoring excellence in Financial Technologies and Services companies and products. The FinTech Breakthrough Awards provide public recognition for the achievements of FinTech companies and products in categories including Payments, Personal Finance, Wealth Management, Fraud Protection, Banking, Lending, RegTech, InsurTech and more. For more information visit FinTechBreakthrough.com.

Tapcheck, a simple and easy-to-integrate financial wellness benefit that allows employers to give employees the ability to access their earned wages before payday, today announced that it has been selected as winner of the "Best Employee Benefits Solution" award in the fifth annual FinTech Breakthrough Awards program conducted by FinTech Breakthrough.

Related link: https://www.tapcheck.com/

TravelInsurance.com Recognized as One of the Best Travel Insurance Companies of 2021 by Money

NEW YORK, N.Y. /ScoopCloud/ -- TravelInsurance.com has been named by Money as one of the "6 Best Travel Insurance Companies of 2021" and singled out for its fast and easy travel insurance quote comparison system.

Factors used in Money's ranking of travel insurance providers included the availability of a variety of plans with a wide range of coverage and access to customization and upgrades, ease of use in requesting a quote and comparing options, customer service and support, and the company's business reputation.

During their evaluation process, the Money team looked for companies that not only offered policies that covered the needs of the average traveler but provided options for people with other specific coverage needs.

They looked at the method by which consumers entered the information needed to generate quotes and the ease with which they were able to access and compare the results. They also evaluated the purchasing process and gave a higher grade to companies who streamlined this process for consumers.

The rankings took into consideration how responsive the companies are to their customers' needs. From giving their customers the ability to contact their support team through a mobile app to providing them with access to round-the-clock emergency assistance, the companies that scored high on the list showed that they were dedicated to providing excellent customer service. Money acknowledged those that went above and beyond with concierge services such as helping their customers with answers to lost or stolen passport questions, recommending a local translator, or even searching for legal assistance.

Finally, the team at Money evaluated each company's reputation by looking at factors such as feedback from previous customers, how many years they have been in business, and their credit rating as an indicator of financial stability.

The companies named as the "6 Best Travel Insurance Companies of 2021" all rank well in each of these categories, and TravelInsurance.com was rated as the best travel insurance company for comparing quotes. Its comparison engine allows customers to fill out one simple form and receive multiple quotes from top-rated insurers in an easy-to-read format.

This helps consumers see the policies and their costs side-by-side and evaluate the pros and cons of each. Customer can click on any policy benefit to open a window with details about the coverage offered, including any exclusions that may apply, and then buy online at the guaranteed lowest price.

Drew Sharma, Co-Founder of TravelInsurance.com, said, "We are honored to be recognized by Money as the best travel insurance company for comparing quotes. Our mission since inception has been to make it easy to understand, compare and buy travel insurance online, and we will continually invest in our platform in order to exceed customer expectations for years to come."

Co-Founder Stan Sandberg commented, "As the travel world begins to open again, more than ever before, travel insurance has become a must-have add-on to any trip. TravelInsurance.com helps travelers easily find the best plans, including plans that provide coverage for COVID-19."

Comparison shopping with TravelInsurance.com offers consumers the benefits of choice, transparency, and value. The company's comparison engine and online learning center helps consumers to understand what is included in the quotes they receive from top-rated insurance companies. These companies are thoroughly vetted and are removed from the system if their rating falls below 4 out of 5 stars based on customer reviews.

Having a variety of options and being able to make an informed choice between these options provides the company's customers with value that goes beyond the price of the policy, but TravelInsurance.com understands that it's important to save money as well. Customers can save with TravelInsurance.com by seeing at a glance which plans have comparable benefits and coverage limits and choosing the best option that fits their budget. Since insurance prices are regulated by law, potential customers won't find a lower price on another site for any plan offered by TravelInsurance.com.

In addition to being recognized for its quote comparison system, TravelInsurance.com also received high marks from Money for its price guarantee, glossary of insurance terms, and instant coverage confirmation. Money also noted that many of the insurers that TravelInsurance.com works with offer customers coverage for COVID-related trip interruptions or cancellations, emergency care, and medical evacuations.

Customers can learn about the benefits of travel insurance, compare prices, research exclusions, purchase policies, and get instant coverage confirmation on the company's fully responsive, mobile-friendly website at https://www.travelinsurance.com/. One visit is all it will take to see why Money named them as one of the "6 Best Travel Insurance Companies of 2021."

About TravelInsurance.com:

TravelInsurance.com helps simplify the complicated world of travel insurance by providing consumers with the easiest way to compare and buy trip insurance coverage online. A member company of the U.S. Travel Insurance Association, TravelInsurance.com is owned and operated by DigiVentures Holdings LLC, a licensed agency that works with some of the largest travel insurers in the industry. Purchases can be made directly through the website, with policies sent via email within minutes. For more information, visit https://www.travelinsurance.com/.

About Money:

Money has a nearly 50-year legacy of guiding people to financial victories with up-to-date information, education, and tools. Money, a digital destination, helps create richer lives for everyone-in every sense of the word. Signature franchises include a bevy of Best-In categories such as Best Mortgage Lenders, Best Homeowner Insurance, Best Life Insurance, Best Auto Insurance, Best VA Loans, Best High-Yield Savings Accounts, Best Credit Cards, Best Colleges, and Best Places to Live, with an aim to improve your finances and promote your well-being. For more information, visit https://www.money.com/.

TravelInsurance.com has been named by Money as one of the "6 Best Travel Insurance Companies of 2021" and singled out for its fast and easy travel insurance quote comparison system.

Related link: https://www.travelinsurance.com/

Jeremy Lawson Joins EPIC Contingency Risk Practice as Managing Practice

SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. /ScoopCloud/ -- EPIC Insurance Brokers and Consultants announced today that Jeremy "Jez" Lawson has joined the firm as Managing Principal of its expanding Contingency Risk Practice group.

In his new role, Lawson will act as the key executive overseeing the operations and strategic direction of the firm's industry-leading contingency insurance practice. This practice provides risk management and specialty insurance brokerage services to a broad range of live entertainment promoters, venues, festivals, touring artists, agencies and production services companies.

Reporting to Roger Sandau, Contingency Practice leader based in Austin, Texas, Lawson will work closely with the firm's Entertainment & Sports practice. In addition, he will collaborate with its EPIC Select practice, which provides financial protection for successful individuals and their families. Lawson will provide support for this critical coverage need, particularly in today's environment.

Lawson has over 20 years of experience in the global live entertainment and television production fields. He previously spent the past 16 years with Live Nation, most recently as COO North American Touring Division and SVP Touring Risk Management. He was responsible for redesigning and managing North American event cancellation insurance programs across Live Nation's U.S. concert portfolio of stadium, amphitheater, arena and theater shows. In addition, Lawson designed and placed coverage, and adjusted claims for the tours produced by Live Nation Global Touring.

"I am excited to join Roger Sandau and the EPIC team with whom I have worked over many years," commented Lawson. "This is an exciting time to be involved in the event and touring insurance business, given the changing landscape in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. While touring has been put on hold for the past twelve months, it is poised to return stronger than ever."

"We are very excited to have someone of Jez's caliber join our team," said Scott Davis, President, National Specialties. "His expertise will help us expand a strong contingency practice in partnership with the specialty teams within EPIC."

Contact:
Jeremy "Jez" Lawson
jeremy.lawson@epicbrokers.com
310.844.8378 Phone

About EPIC Insurance Brokers & Consultants

EPIC Insurance Brokers & Consultants has more than 2,600 team members operating from more than 80 offices across the U.S., providing Property and Casualty, Employee Benefits, Specialty Programs, and Private Client solutions to EPIC clients. For more information on EPIC, visit: www.epicbrokers.com.

MEDIA CONTACT:
Betsy Van Alstyne
betsy.vanalstyne@epicbrokers.com

EPIC Insurance Brokers and Consultants announced today that Jeremy "Jez" Lawson has joined the firm as Managing Principal of its expanding Contingency Risk Practice group.

Related link: https://www.epicbrokers.com/

Strategic Benefits Advisors launches ‘Lightning Benefits Survey’ series for plan sponsors

ATLANTA, Ga. /ScoopCloud/ -- Independent, full-service employee benefits consulting firm Strategic Benefits Advisors, Inc. (SBA) today announced the launch of a bi-monthly Lightning Benefits Survey series designed to help plan sponsors understand where their peers stand on a variety of timely employee benefits topics. Participation in the series - and access to survey results - is limited to plan sponsors.

According to founding principal Andy Adams, SBA will introduce a new survey topic every other month, with 2021 topics ranging from student loan debt assistance to plan audits to the use of artificial intelligence in HR. Plan sponsors may also nominate topics for consideration.

Plan sponsors' individual responses will remain confidential. However, by sharing the aggregated, anonymized findings of each survey with those who participate, SBA hopes to provide plan sponsors with meaningful insights to better inform business decisions regarding employee benefits.

"Our goal is to give plan sponsors a lot of value for not a lot of time spent," said Adams. "Unlike the 'marathon' surveys that are so prevalent in the employee benefits space, our Lightning Benefits Surveys take three minutes or less - yet they provide actionable intelligence and peer benchmarking on topics that matter to plan sponsors."

The series' first installment, a three-question survey on the prevalence of short-term loan programs for employees, launches today and will remain open through next week. For more information or to request access to the Lightning Benefits Survey series, visit SBA's website.

About Strategic Benefits Advisors

Atlanta-based Strategic Benefits Advisors, Inc. (SBA) is an independent, full-service employee benefits consulting firm focused on creatively and effectively solving complex benefits challenges for clients ranging from 1,000 to over 300,000 employees. Founded in 2002 by veteran consultants Mindy Zatto and Andy Adams, SBA provides practical consulting recommendations and expert implementation of solutions for all types of employee benefits programs, including retirement, health and welfare, financial wellness and employee recognition. With an average of over 20 years in the field, SBA's team of actuaries, consultants and systems specialists is among the most experienced in the industry.

For more information, visit https://www.sba-inc.com/.

Tags: #StrategicBenefitsAdvisors #EmployeeBenefits #BenefitsConsulting #PlanSponsors #LightningBenefitsSurvey

Independent, full-service employee benefits consulting firm Strategic Benefits Advisors, Inc. (SBA) today announced the launch of a bi-monthly Lightning Benefits Survey series designed to help plan sponsors understand where their peers stand on a variety of timely employee benefits topics. Participation in the series - and access to survey results - is limited to plan sponsors.

Related link: http://www.sba-inc.com/

EPIC Announces Leadership Structure Realignment

ATLANTA, Ga. /ScoopCloud/ -- EPIC Insurance Brokers and Consultants CEO Steve Denton announced organizational and restructuring changes, effective immediately, across the company. The moves are designed to position EPIC to thrive for years to come.

Tom O'Neil has been named President of EPIC and will work directly with Denton to grow the business across its entire platform - from Private Client to Large Complex Risk in both Property & Casualty and Employee Benefits. O'Neil previously led the West and Northeast Regions and integrated several large acquisitions that expanded the overall footprint of EPIC.

In conjunction with leadership changes, the company is being restructured into "Super Regions" in order to provide more consistency and overall organizational strength: Northeast, Midwest/Southeast and West.

* Northeast: Len Scioscia will lead as President. Scioscia joined the firm through the Prime Risk Partners acquisition in 2019; he was previously CEO of Cook Maran.

* Midwest and Southeast: Adam Meyerowitz will lead as President. Meyerowitz also joined via the Prime Risk Partners acquisition and was Co-founder and President of the organization.

* West: KJ Wagner will lead as President. Wagner joined in 2018 to build EPIC's presence in the Southwest region and previously held senior leadership positions with Willis Towers Watson.

Additional announcements follow:

* Chief Growth Officer and President of Financial Services: Phil Moyles has been named to these roles, where his responsibilities will include driving innovation and organic growth throughout EPIC. He joined EPIC in 2018 through the acquisition of Vanbridge where he continues as CEO.

* National Risk Management and Specialty Practice: Marc Kunney and Scott Davis will co-lead as Presidents, working closely across the EPIC platform to deliver large account and industry specialty resources to brokers and clients.

* National Employee Benefits Practice: Craig Hasday will continue as President, coordinating Regional Employee Benefits Operations, Shared Services Platform and National Employer Consulting Resources. Scott Schanen will continue as President of National Employer Consulting, focused on consulting for large employers.

* National Placement and Carrier Relationships: Jason Walker has been named Senior Vice President to oversee the placement of key accounts and develop new and existing relationships with EPIC's strategic trading partners.

The following corporate changes have also been recognized and will help shape the future of EPIC as an organization poised for long-term success.

* Sapana Nanuwa joins Galway Insurance Holdings, the parent company of EPIC, as Managing Director, Marketing, Branding & Communications.

* Karman Chan joins Galway as Chief Financial Officer. Frank Mammaro has been named Chief Financial Officer of EPIC, and will report to Chan.

* Kevin Grady has been named Chief Diversity Officer of EPIC, in addition to his role as managing principal with EPIC IMPACT.

* John Gaffney has been named Chief of Staff of EPIC.

* Sawsan Nina Mahmud has been named Director of Administration of EPIC.

"These decisions showcase careful succession planning and leadership depth across EPIC," said Denton. "Further, they provide the best structure for innovation and continued growth, and delivery of all of our capabilities to our clients."

About EPIC Insurance Brokers & Consultants

EPIC Insurance Brokers & Consultants has more than 2,600 team members operating from more than 80 offices across the U.S., providing Property and Casualty, Employee Benefits, Specialty Programs, and Private Client solutions to EPIC clients.

For more information on EPIC, visit: https://epicbrokers.com/.

EPIC Insurance Brokers and Consultants CEO Steve Denton announced organizational and restructuring changes, effective immediately, across the company. The moves are designed to position EPIC to thrive for years to come.

Related link: https://www.epicbrokers.com/

EPIC Adds Allen Baker as Senior Risk Consultant

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. /ScoopCloud/ -- EPIC Insurance Brokers and Consultants announced today that Allen Baker has joined its National Energy Construction Team as a Senior Risk Consultant. Baker will be based in Birmingham, Alabama. The addition of Baker positions the Energy Construction team to continue to strategically focus on growing market share in key verticals.

Baker brings 15 years of experience advising clients with complex risk on insurance and risk management concerns. Prior to joining EPIC, Baker was a senior vice president with Valent Group. Focus and dedication to clients has propelled Baker's substantial growth, and established him as a foundational player in the insurance brokerage market.

"We are fortunate to welcome Allen to our growing team. His deep knowledge and expertise will be of immediate benefit to our clients and our organization," said Brian Tanner, Managing Principal, EPIC Birmingham office.

Adam Meyerowitz, President, Midwest & Southeast Regions, commented, "We are pleased to welcome Allen to our Birmingham office. His addition furthers our strategy to accelerate our growth in the Southeast Region by partnering with stellar professionals."

Baker earned a Bachelor of Arts from Valdosta State University. He also holds a Construction Risk Insurance Specialist (CRIS) designation. Baker is actively involved with Ronald McDonald House Charities and is on the Mountain Brook Athletics' Board of Directors.

Allen Baker
allen.baker@epicbrokers.com
205.581.3343

About EPIC Insurance Brokers & Consultants

EPIC Insurance Brokers & Consultants has more than 2,600 team members operating from more than 80 offices across the U.S., providing Property and Casualty, Employee Benefits, Specialty Programs, and Private Client solutions to EPIC clients.

For more information on EPIC, visit: https://www.epicbrokers.com/.

EPIC Insurance Brokers and Consultants announced today that Allen Baker has joined its National Energy Construction Team as a Senior Risk Consultant. Baker will be based in Birmingham, Alabama.

Related link: https://www.epicbrokers.com/

EPIC Insurance Brokers & Consultants Acquires Pharmaceutical Strategies Group

SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. /ScoopCloud/ -- EPIC Holdings, Inc. (EPIC) announced today that it has agreed to acquire Pharmaceutical Strategies Group (PSG). The move incorporates the expertise and resources of the nation's largest independent pharmacy benefit consulting firm into EPIC's Employee Benefits Consulting practice.

As a strategic partner to self-insured employers, health plans and health systems, PSG is an experienced navigator of the complex drug pricing market, and generates more than $4.8 billion in drug cost savings for clients each year.

"The opportunity to continue the next phase of our journey with EPIC is exciting," said Dave Borden, PSG Founder. "For more than 25 years, our dedicated clinicians and consultants have relentlessly advocated for clients, harnessing innovation to deliver the highest standard of pharmacy benefits consulting and technology."

Commenting on the announcement, Scott Schanen, President, EPIC National Employer Consulting, said, "Joining forces with PSG accelerates our ability to establish a new normal amid the dynamic landscape of employee engagement, health and economics. Long regarded as the industry leader in drug cost management, PSG's partnership with EPIC creates value for clients through independent, objective and sustainable solutions and strategies."

Steve Denton, EPIC CEO, added, "The cultural fit between PSG and EPIC has been apparent at every turn. We are collaborating to bring the combined expertise and breadth of service offerings to our clients and look forward to a positive 2021."

Michael Lonergan will continue to serve as PSG President and will lead the charge to develop innovative drug management solutions for U.S. plan sponsors. PSG will operate as "Pharmaceutical Strategies Group - an EPIC company."

About EPIC Brokers & Consultants

EPIC Insurance Brokers & Consultants has more than 2,600 team members operating from more than 80 offices across the U.S., providing Property and Casualty, Employee Benefits, Specialty Programs, and Private Client solutions to EPIC clients. For more information on EPIC, visit: https://epicbrokers.com/.

About Pharmaceutical Strategies Group

PSG is the leading pharmacy intelligence and technology company solving one of healthcare's biggest challenges - rising drug costs. It provides innovative drug management solutions to many of America's largest self-funded employers and health plans, who rely on trusted advisors to improve their financial performance.

EPIC Holdings, Inc. (EPIC) announced today that it has agreed to acquire Pharmaceutical Strategies Group (PSG). The move incorporates the expertise and resources of the nation's largest independent pharmacy benefit consulting firm into EPIC's Employee Benefits Consulting practice.

Related link: https://www.epicbrokers.com/

Policy Inspector Partners with FIMC

STOWE, Vt. /ScoopCloud/ -- Policy Inspector Inc. is pleased to announce we have partnered with FIMC in their new Silver Safeguard benefit program. The Policy Inspector searches for lost insurance policies and annuities for members and their loved ones; including policies on living and deceased policyholders.

By finding lost policies, members avoid losing out on any potential benefits due to them.

FIMC seeks to provide a safety net to individuals and their families who wish to avoid the financial burden of common but unexpected life events. They exist to fill the gaps left by insurance and traditional auto club plans so their members can enjoy complete peace of mind in any circumstances.

As part of a comprehensive package of premium services members of FIMC Silver Safeguard will have access to Policy Inspector services to search for lost and unclaimed policies. Because "No policy should be left unclaimed."

Learn more at: https://www.policyinspector.com/

MEDIA CONTACT
Policy Inspector Inc.
Phil Bongiorno
Phil@policyinspector.com
802-355-6649

Policy Inspector Inc. is pleased to announce we have partnered with FIMC in their new Silver Safeguard benefit program. The Policy Inspector searches for lost insurance policies and annuities for members and their loved ones; including policies on living and deceased policyholders.

Related link: https://www.policyinspector.com/

EPIC Welcomes John Prentis and Larry Bowlus to Executive Risk and Cyber Practice

SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. /ScoopCloud/ -- EPIC Insurance Brokers & Consultants is pleased to welcome John Prentis and Larry Bowlus to its Executive Risk and Cyber practice. Joining from a global broker, Prentis and Bowlus will focus on large public, technology, and financial institution executive liability coverages, including Directors & Officers Liability as well as Errors & Omissions, General Partnership Liability, Employment Practices Liability, Fiduciary, Crime, and Kidnap & Ransom.

The senior team of Prentis and Bowlus brings a combined experience of 50 years in the industry. Prentis most recently co-led Aon's Financial Services Group in San Francisco, providing advisory and placement services for a variety of executive lines. Bowlus served as senior vice president and team leader within the same group, specializing in D&O and management liability insurance programs for public and private companies. Both bring a breadth of experience across industry groups, with deep experience handling executive risks for technology, life science companies and financial institutions, among many others in the public and private sectors.

"We are extremely pleased to welcome John and Larry to EPIC," said Steve Denton, EPIC CEO. "Their experience serving large publicly traded clients and deep expertise in the technology sector fits perfectly with our deep resources currently deployed in the large account risk management sector. In fact, they will work closely with our Policy Response Unit focused on complex shareholder claims and our Analytics practice where we perform risk modeling and benchmarking analysis."

Prentis and Bowlus will lend significant expertise to EPIC's Executive Risk and Cyber practice, which emphasizes a holistic approach to identifying, understanding and managing risks.

"We're fortunate to add two senior risk advisors and brokers in John and Larry to our team of experts," said Kelly Geary, EPIC National Practice Leader, Executive Risk and Cyber. "Our clients will benefit instantly from their perspective and expertise, particularly in today's challenging and dynamic marketplace."

Prentis and Bowlus will work from the firm's San Francisco office.

John Prentis
john.prentis@epicbrokers.com
Cell: 415.238.4575

Larry Bowlus
larry.bowlus@epicbrokers.com
Cell: 415.254.5918

About EPIC Insurance Brokers & Consultants

EPIC Insurance Brokers & Consultants has more than 2,600 team members operating from more than 80 offices across the U.S., providing Property and Casualty, Employee Benefits, Specialty Programs, and Private Client solutions to EPIC clients. For more information on EPIC, visit: https://epicbrokers.com/.

*LOGO link for media: https://www.Send2Press.com/300dpi/19-0808s2p-epic-logo-300dpi.jpg

EPIC Insurance Brokers & Consultants is pleased to welcome John Prentis and Larry Bowlus to its Executive Risk and Cyber practice. Joining from a global broker, Prentis and Bowlus will focus on large public, technology, and financial institution executive liability coverages, including Directors & Officers Liability.

Related link: https://www.epicbrokers.com/

Samuel Howe Tapped as New Alliance Group CMO

ATLANTA, Ga. /ScoopCloud/ -- Alliance Group, a national insurance marketing organization (IMO), announced Monday that Samuel Howe has been tapped to succeed Lee Duncan as its Chief Marketing Officer, effective immediately. Duncan had previously occupied the CMO role before his own promotion to President and CEO back in November.

"It's a huge move for Samuel, and one that has been in the works for a while," said Duncan. "I challenged him two years ago to be ready to replace me when we implemented the first phase of our business succession plan at Alliance Group, and it's clear that he's ready."

Since joining the company in 2012, Howe has played an integral role in building out Alliance Group's digital marketing program, which has become the company's calling card. During his tenure, Alliance's award-winning video marketing platform has expanded to include proprietary online training platforms, social media lead generation campaigns, and drip marketing programs.

"It's truly a privilege to work with the unbelievably talented marketing team we've assembled here at Alliance Group," said Howe. "Lee and Jerry Stratton have always put their faith in us and put the team in a position to succeed. I'm humbled by and grateful for this new opportunity, and we're ready to go to work."

The big announcement comes amid Living Benefits Awareness Month (LBAM), a nationwide awareness campaign that Alliance Group conducts with its agents and partners every January. LBAM seeks to educate consumers about modern life insurance products that allow access to their death benefit while they're still alive if they get seriously sick or injured.

"It's been an amazing ride these past eight and a half years," said Howe, "But, as proud I am of our accomplishments as a team so far and what we've built together, I'm even more excited about what's in front of us. We're on the verge of realizing some long-term goals that we've been aiming at for years. The future at Alliance Group is brighter than ever."

To learn more please visit: https://www.AllianceGroupLife.com/

About Alliance Group:

Founded in 1998, Alliance Group is the nation's leading IMO in Living Benefits life insurance. With more than 4,500 independent agents nationally, Alliance Group is currently protecting over 130,000 American families with more than $28 billion of Living Benefits coverage.

MEDIA CONTACT
Peter Goldfine
(678) 969-9000
pgoldfine@alliancegrouplife.com

*LOGO link for media: https://www.Send2Press.com/300dpi/20-1106s2p-alliance-300dpi.jpg

Alliance Group, a national insurance marketing organization (IMO), announced Monday that Samuel Howe has been tapped to succeed Lee Duncan as its Chief Marketing Officer, effective immediately. Duncan had previously occupied the CMO role before his own promotion to President and CEO back in November.

Related link: https://www.AllianceGroupLife.com/

Agent Review Announces Technology Awareness Series for Insurance Agents – Leonardo247 Leads Launch

BELLEVUE, Wash. /ScoopCloud/ -- Agent Review (https://agentreview.net/) which serves insurance agents and those needing insurance, announces the creation of the Technology Awareness series. These informational alerts can make agents significantly more valuable to their clients, according to Bryan Foos, Agent Review's Operations Manager.

"We started Agent Review to bring to insurance the review model made popular by Yelp and Angie's List," says Foos. "Now, by adding the Technology Awareness series, we're going beyond the value of vetted professional connection to the value of verified technology-based advice."

The enhancement to Agent Review brought by the Technology Awareness series is to "support the introduction of the rapidly maturing operations and opportunities into insurance services in this time of technological change," Foos continues. "Our aim was to position the agent for ever-increasing strength by supporting their education on the latest innovations available to their clients."

Kicking off the awareness series is information about Leonardo247 (https://leonardo247.com), a SaaS-based software for multi-family real estate operations. The platform streamlines communication and helps property management utilize best practices. It makes sure that assets are optimally insured at the best possible premium rate. This can make a significant cost and benefit difference to insured individuals and organizations.

"Insurers look closely at risk-management practices before extending favorable rates," says Daniel Cunningham, Leonard247 CEO. "Our platform helps property managers impact their bottom line, but it is also a tool to address prospective carrier concerns and risk appetites. By polling insurance company risk managers and underwriters, Leonardo247 identifies important issues. Using this feedback, the platform has been refined to build the risk management database."

Agent Review has identified several cutting-edge technology tools, like Leonardo247, that could support an Agent Review agent's client base. The technology series will be free to Agent Review subscribers and will be offered multiple times per year with various enhancement products. Agents can register for an online introduction at https://gkgx2eue.sibpages.com.

Upon finishing the education, they will receive a Technology Awareness badge on their profile.

About Agent Review:

https://agentreview.net

1-833-5-AGENTS

About Leonardo247:

https://leonardo247.com

1-877-995-3662 X 500

*IMAGE link for media: https://www.Send2Press.com/300dpi/21-0107s2p-ARtechbadge-300dpi.jpg

*Caption: Agent Review Technology Awareness Profile Badge.

Agent Review which serves insurance agents and those needing insurance, announces the creation of the Technology Awareness series. These informational alerts can make agents significantly more valuable to their clients, according to Bryan Foos, Agent Review's Operations Manager.

Related link: https://agentreview.net/

Denial of Coverage for Gender-Affirming Care Declared Unlawful

SAN DIEGO, Calif. /ScoopCloud/ -- TransFamily Support Services (transfamilysos.org) today announced a milestone victory in the organization's mission to build a world where all genders are accepted and treated equally. After calling on the California Department of Insurance to remove unjust barriers for accessing gender reassignment surgery, the department's General Counsel has just declared that health insurance companies may no longer deny coverage for patient's based solely on their age.

In an Opinion Letter issued on December 30, state-operated health insurers were ordered to ease policy limits on male chest reconstruction surgery for female-to-male patients undergoing gender-affirming care for gender dysphoria.

"The world is gaining an understanding around gender identity and learning the importance of treatment for those seeking it," says TransFamily Support Services Founder, Kathie Moehlig. "Trans youth have the highest rates of attempted suicide, 50 percent more than their adolescent peers. To deny care sole based on age puts trans youth's mental well-being at risk."

Moehlig has dedicated her efforts for nearly a decade to ensure that transgender and gender non-conforming youth throughout the country feel supported at all stages of their transition process.

"The issuance of this letter by the California Department of Insurance is a critical move toward improving the lives of youth suffering with gender dysphoria," adds Dr. Johanna Olson-Kennedy, MD, Medical Director from the Center for Transyouth Health and Development at the Children's Hospital Los Angeles, and medical advisor to TransFamily Support and Services. Both Moehlig and Olson-Kennedy - along with all who support the issuance - acknowledge that the refusal of coverage violates state gender non-discrimination laws and regulations, and other coverage and nondiscrimination standards. "Determination of medical necessity being attached to a chronologic age undermines the complex decision making of youth, their families and their care teams," continues Olson-Kennedy. "The work of TransFamily Support Services and the reiteration of the protected services by California Department of Insurance will reduce barriers to accessing gender-affirming services for transgender youth, and offer this vulnerable group of young people an improved opportunity to live authentically."

A recent Cedars Sinai study found that gender dysphoria manifests in early childhood and can persist for years before patients undergo counseling and treatment - oftentimes resulting in a poor quality of life for transgender people throughout their lifetime. The study found that 73% of transgender women and 78% of transgender men surveyed first experienced gender dysphoria by age 7.

Taking the well-being of youth into account, the California Department of Insurance will now mandate that health insurance companies consider a patient's specific clinical situation, holistically, in determining medical necessity and coverage for the treatment of gender dysphoria.

"There is no magical age for [gender-affirming surgery]," says Moehlig, who reiterates that this essential medical care can be carried out at earlier ages, determined by a case-by-case basis. "The importance of our work lies in the outcome of our youth feeling affirmed, emotionally healthy, and the world seeing them for who they genuinely are."

About TransFamily Support Services

TransFamily Support Services works toward building a world where all genders are accepted and treated equally, and they strive to save lives by shaping a gender-affirming and accepting community at large. They guide transgender, non-binary and gender non-conforming youth - and their families - through the gender transitioning process to foster the most positive experience possible. They provide family coaching, assistance with healthcare and insurance issues, help to navigate the legal system, and support at schools, support groups for parents and youth as well as mentorship programs. TransFamily Support services also conducts training for healthcare facilities and workplaces. All services are provided at no fee to youth and families.

To learn more visit: https://www.transfamilysos.org/

MEDIA CONTACT:
Kathie Moehlig, Executive Director
858-382-9156
kathie@transfamilysos.org

TransFamily Support Services (transfamilysos.org) today announced a milestone victory in the organization's mission to build a world where all genders are accepted and treated equally.

Related link: https://www.transfamilysos.org/

Alliance Group Announces Launch of 4th Annual Living Benefits Awareness Month

ATLANTA, Ga. /ScoopCloud/ -- Alliance Group announced the 2021 class of Living Benefits Ambassadors team as part of their fourth annual Living Benefits Awareness Month campaign. The Ambassadors will head up local grassroots campaigns to spread education and awareness for Living Benefits Awareness Month in January 2021.

The chosen Living Benefits Ambassadors are as follows:

* Kristina Messenger (Five Rings Financial - McKinney, TX)
* Daniel Baster (Univista Insurance - Miami)
* Eric Haave (Five Rings Financial - Denver)
* Gavin Dickson (DTLA Insurance Solutions - Los Angeles)
* Claudia Fehribach (Five Rings Financial - Boca Raton, FL)
* Stephen Derrick (Frost Agency - Phoenix)
* Rudy Garcia (Five Rings Financial - Denver)

Living Benefits Awareness Month, or LBAM, takes place each January and aims to educate consumers on the importance of owning Living Benefits life insurance and the role it plays in protecting families' financial security.

Living Benefits are features built into life insurance policies (term and permanent) that allow the policyholder access to their death benefit while they are still alive if they get sick or injured. Cancer, heart attack, stroke, major organ transplant, blindness, paralysis, and chronic illness are some of the triggering events that would allow for acceleration of the policy's death benefit.

"Getting sick no longer means certain death," said Lee Duncan, President and CMO of Alliance Group, in a recent interview with InsuranceNewsNet. "People are surviving longer, which is great news, but survival requires treatment, and treatment requires money. Having emergency access to your life insurance policy's death benefit while you're still alive is a hugely valuable option to have. More people should know about that option. That's why we created Living Benefits Awareness Month four years ago, and we're so excited about building on that success in 2021."

According to Duncan, consumers can get a better idea of what LBAM is all about by visiting a website created by Alliance Group that is geared towards educating the general public on Living Benefits. The address for the site is http://www.lbawarenessmonth.com.

The company's main website is https://www.alliancegrouplife.com

*IMAGE link for media: https://www.Send2Press.com/300dpi/20-0229s2p-lba-month-300dpi.jpg

Alliance Group announced the 2021 class of Living Benefits Ambassadors team as part of their fourth annual Living Benefits Awareness Month campaign. The Ambassadors will head up local grassroots campaigns to spread education and awareness for Living Benefits Awareness Month in January 2021.

Related link: https://www.AllianceGroupLife.com/

Galway Insurance Holdings Secures Majority Interest from Harvest Partners with New Equity Investments from Oak Hill Capital and The Carlyle Group

SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. /ScoopCloud/ -- Galway Insurance Holdings ("Galway"), the holding company for EPIC Brokers & Consultants ("EPIC") and JenCap Holdings ("JenCap"), which together represent one of the nation's largest insurance distribution firms, announced today that it has signed a definitive agreement with vehicles controlled by Harvest Partners, LP and its affiliates ("Harvest") for a majority interest of Galway.

Galway's existing private equity investors, Oak Hill Capital ("Oak Hill") and The Carlyle Group ("Carlyle"), will reinvest alongside the management team and employee shareholders, who will remain significant shareholders. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

In total, Galway manages over $7 billion of insurance premiums, employs over 3,100 associates and operates over 100 offices serving all 50 states. EPIC and JenCap are ranked as the 14th and 8th largest retail and specialty distribution brokers by Business Insurance magazine, respectively.

John Hahn, co-founder and Chairman of Galway, said, "We are thrilled with the outcome and are excited to welcome Harvest on as partners. To have them alongside Oak Hill and Carlyle presents us with a formidable group of investors highly supportive of our vision to continue to build a differentiated business within insurance distribution. This recapitalization provides us with the ability to be opportunistic in today's market; to grow and expand each of Galway's related specialty strategies around retail brokerage, risk management, wholesale brokerage, program administration and underwriting management."

EPIC CEO, Steve Denton said, "The addition of Harvest Partners and the ongoing commitment of both Oak Hill and Carlyle allows our retail platform to continue our exponential growth in all aspects of our business which now includes comprehensive, nationwide solutions across industry focused practices in employee benefits and property & casualty along with dedicated resources in areas like risk management, small commercial and private clients."

John Jennings, co-founder and CEO of JenCap, said, "This is exactly why we joined the Galway platform; the business dynamics of the holding company are extremely attractive for investors and will allow us to pursue our aggressive growth goals, while building out further specialty expertise and depth across our platform for our twelve thousand retail clients."

Jay Wilkins, COO and Partner of Harvest, said, "John, Steve and John have built an exceptional business with the support of Oak Hill and Carlyle that we look forward to continue aggressively growing" with Steve Carlson, Partner, adding "It is an optimal time to invest in such a strong team to capitalize on favorable dynamics in the insurance distribution space."

Steve Puccinelli, Managing Partner of Oak Hill said, "Since our original 2017 investment in EPIC, John Hahn and his top-tier team have more than tripled the business, significantly expanding that company's unique platform and successfully joining it with JenCap to create Galway in June of this year. We are excited to continue to partner with the Galway management team, as well as Harvest and Carlyle, to build the preeminent growth platform in insurance distribution."

John Redett, Managing Director and Head of Carlyle's Global Financial Services group, said, "We're proud of our long-standing partnership with John Hahn and the rest of the management team. John and the Galway team have done a fantastic job growing the business since we initially invested in 2013 and we believe Galway is positioned to capitalize on a number of strategic initiatives going forward. The addition of Harvest Partners and continued investment from Carlyle, Oak Hill Capital, and management further strengthens our tenured partnership and creates a strong alignment among all stakeholders."

Equity capital for the investment will come from funds managed by Harvest Partners, L.P., Oak Hill Partners Fund V, and Carlyle Global Financial Services Partners II and III.

The transaction is expected to be completed by the end of 2020, subject to customary closing conditions, including regulatory approvals.

Evercore Group LLC, Goldman Sachs & Co LLC and Morgan Stanley & Co LLC served as financial advisors to Galway. Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP served as legal counsel to Oak Hill and Galway. Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz served as legal counsel to Carlyle. Ropes and Gray LLP served as legal counsel to Harvest.

About EPIC Insurance Brokers & Consultants

EPIC Insurance Brokers & Consultants, now has more than 2,600 team members operating from more than 80 offices across the U.S., providing Property and Casualty, Employee Benefits, Specialty Programs, and Private Client solutions to EPIC clients. For more information on EPIC, visit: https://epicbrokers.com/.

About JenCap Holdings

JenCap Holdings is a premier national specialty insurance distribution platform that includes managing general agencies, specialty program administrators, and transactional wholesale brokers. JenCap has assembled a management team with the sector insight and experience to drive organic growth and strategic acquisitions leveraging technology and advanced data analytics. JenCap is headquartered in New York. For more information on JenCap, visit: https://jencapholdings.com/.

About Harvest Partners

Founded in 1981, Harvest Partners is an established New York-based private equity investment firm that focuses on investments in middle-market companies in the business services & consumer, healthcare, industrial services, and manufacturing and distribution sectors. This strategy leverages Harvest Partners' nearly 40 years of experience in financing organic and acquisition-oriented growth companies. For more information, please visit https://www.harvestpartners.com/.

About Oak Hill Capital

Oak Hill Capital is a private equity firm managing funds with approximately $15 billion of initial capital commitments and co-investments since inception. Over the past 34 years, Oak Hill Capital and its predecessors have invested in over 90 private equity transactions across broad segments of the U.S. and global economies. Oak Hill Capital applies an industry-focused, theme-based approach to investing in the following sectors: Media & Communications; Services; Industrials; and Consumer, Retail & Distribution. Oak Hill works actively in partnership with management to implement strategic and operational initiatives to create franchise value. For more information, please visit: https://oakhill.com/.

About The Carlyle Group

The Carlyle Group (NASDAQ: CG) is a global investment firm with deep industry expertise that deploys private capital across four business segments: Corporate Private Equity, Real Assets, Global Credit and Investment Solutions. With $230 billion of assets under management as of September 30, 2020, Carlyle's purpose is to invest wisely and create value on behalf of its investors, portfolio companies and the communities in which we live and invest. The Carlyle Group employs more than 1,800 people in 31 offices across six continents. For more information, please visit https://www.carlyle.com/.

Galway Insurance Holdings ("Galway"), the holding company for EPIC Brokers & Consultants ("EPIC") and JenCap Holdings ("JenCap"), which together represent one of the nation's largest insurance distribution firms, announced today that it has signed a definitive agreement with vehicles controlled by Harvest Partners, LP and its affiliates ("Harvest") for a majority interest of Galway.

Related link: https://www.epicbrokers.com/

Bright Road Recovery Contracts with Magellan to Provide Eating Disorder Treatment for Blue Shield Subscribers

CLAREMONT, Calif. /ScoopCloud/ -- Bright Road Recovery, the Inland Empire's Premier Eating Disorder Treatment Program, announced today that they are now in-network with Magellan Healthcare. This is good news for Blue Shield subscribers in the Inland Empire who are looking for help with anorexia, bulimia, binge eating disorder, or ARFID. Since Magellan is the mental health benefits administrator for most Blue Shield policies, many who have Blue Shield of California, or other Blue Shield policies, will have more access to excellent care, closer to home.

"We are so pleased to be able to provide services for more individuals in our community who are seeking help for their eating disorder," said Bright Road Recovery's Executive Director and Certified Eating Disorder Specialist Supervisor, Tamson Overholtzer, LMFT, CEDS-S. "The challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic have increased the need for support and treatment, and we look forward to being there for those who need us."

The pandemic has affected how everyone receives mental health or medical care; however, Bright Road Recovery was among the first eating disorder treatment programs to transition both their intensive outpatient and partial hospitalization programs to a telehealth format, maintaining almost completely uninterrupted services at the beginning of the shutdown in March.

"It was an amazing sight to see our team swing into action when it became clear that in-person programming wasn't going to be safe and a shutdown was imminent," Overholtzer stated. "We talked about how to make sure not to lose any of the effectiveness of the program, and then everyone pitched in to make sure their part was handled. We made the switch in only five days, and with almost zero glitches."

"We know that doing everything remotely on the computer is challenging and exhausting for everyone. We are proud of the ways we've kept the fidelity of our in-person program, so that there's no drop off in quality for our patients," says Katie Ingram, Program Manager. "We've also managed to keep many of the personal touches that help our patients feel connected to us and to the program. For patients who live nearby, we have daily meal pickups and a chance to receive materials for the day's group sessions--and for those who aren't nearby, we accommodate to make sure their needs are met in a different way."

While the Bright Road Recovery team looks forward to the days of in-person programming in the future, for now, they feel confident that they are providing excellent care of all their patients--including, now, those who have Blue Shield insurance---or other insurers who have partnered with Magellan for their behavioral health needs.

About Bright Road Recovery:

Bright Road Recovery has been the Inland Empire's premier eating disorder treatment program since 2014, providing intensive outpatient program (IOP) and partial hospitalization program (PHP) care. Bright Road Recovery also offers outpatient psychotherapy for individuals and families as well as professional nutritional counseling by registered dietitians.

Bright Road Recovery is accredited by the Joint Commission, and is the first eating disorder treatment center to receive accreditation from MET(T)A Protocol, which recognizes this program as having trauma-centered, mindfulness-based, EMDR-integrated program.

Located in the historic Claremont Village, Bright Road Recovery has easy freeway and Metrolink access. Parking is easy and plentiful in their private lot. For more information, please visit https://brightroadrecovery.com/.

CONTACT US:
Admissions:
Vanessa Lopez
909-624-7070

MEDIA CONTACT
Gigi Woodall
info@BrightRoadRecovery.com
909-624-7070

*LOGO link for media: https://www.Send2Press.com/300dpi/20-1123s2p-brightroad-300dpi.jpg

Bright Road Recovery, the Inland Empire's Premier Eating Disorder Treatment Program, announced today that they are now in-network with Magellan Healthcare. This is good news for Blue Shield subscribers in the Inland Empire who are looking for help with anorexia, bulimia, binge eating disorder, or ARFID.

Related link: https://brightroadrecovery.com/

OutcomeRx, a unit of CareMetx, announces First Independent Reinsurance Product for Rare Disease Specialty, Cell and Gene Therapies

BETHESDA, Md. /ScoopCloud/ -- OutcomeRx (ORx), a division of CareMetx, LLC, announced today a new reinsurance product to provide coverage access to high-cost specialty drugs including therapies in the emerging cell and gene therapy market(1)(2).

The Patient Access to Costly and Curative Therapies (PACCT)(3) carve-out reinsurance product initially provides first-dollar coverage for payers including PBMs, health plans and employers related to three costly therapies: Spinraza®(4) and Zolgensma®(5) for Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) and Luxturna®(6) for Leber Congenital Amaurosis (LCA)-an inherited retinal disorder.

By offering a first-dollar coverage reinsurance product, PACCT provides payers coverage (without deductibles) for these therapies with the goal that payers will in turn lower the cost burden on patients with SMA and LCA. The new reinsurance product will be available with a coverage effective date of January 1, 2021.

OutcomeRx has partnered with Crum & Forster Accident and Health and IronHealth, a division of Ironshore to bring the reinsurance carve-out to leading PBMs, health plans, employer groups and benefit administrators to help change how high-cost therapies, including emerging cell and gene therapies are covered and reimbursed.

"We are excited to create this innovative reinsurance product in partnership with Crum & Forster to help ensure that families and patients needing these life-changing therapies are not hindered by the cost and coverage of treatment," said Mark Hansan, President and CEO of CareMetx, LLC. "We are confident PACCT is the most comprehensive and cost-effective reinsurance product to help protect payers from the sudden financial impact of the high-cost therapies needed to treat these rare genetic conditions."

Gene therapies are among the newest pharmaceutical innovations to treat and potentially cure disease. It is estimated that by 2025, 10 to 20 new gene therapies will be approved each year(7)(8). Today, the drug cost to treat a patient with these gene therapies ranges from $850,000(9) to ~$2.1 million(10), and future cell and gene therapies are estimated to cost $2-3 million(11).

Gary Nidds, Senior Vice President and head of Crum & Forster's Medical Business Unit, said "Our support for this program continues our tradition as an innovator in the accident and health insurance space. We are excited to sit at the cutting edge of coverage solutions for therapies that could, and likely would, otherwise be unattainable for those most in need."

Added Lainie Dorneker, President of IronHealth, a division of Ironshore, "We are excited about this opportunity to provide a much-needed solution to employers and patients and to partner with OutcomeRx and Crum & Forster in the pursuit of achieving positive outcomes and driving patient access."

"We invite all payers to sign up for PACCT as we have developed it as a carve out product available to all payers that purchase reinsurance, regardless of insurer affiliation, to help patients and their families have streamlined access to innovative SMA therapies," said Brooks Wildasin, Associate Vice President of Strategy for OutcomeRx. "The PACCT solution covers multiple therapies in the SMA disease state to ensure that most treatment journey scenarios are addressed, such as a need for both Spinraza and Zolgensma. Coverage will include a per patient per therapy cost limit for the two SMA therapies as well as for Luxturna and be available on a Per Member Per Month (PMPM) basis. We believe all types of payers can benefit from PACCT including health plans of all sizes, reinsurers, commercial group plans, and even state Medicaid plans that require financial risk containment."

Hansan added "Our team at CareMetx has been working for ten years with pharmaceutical and biotechnology manufacturers to help patients access and afford specialty therapies. Our division, OutcomeRx is creating the next generation of affordability solutions including insurance and financial products that are supported by both payers and manufacturers. We are really proud to launch PACCT and we look forward to expanding to other rare diseases that have high cost therapies, such as CAR-Ts and traditional specialty drugs."

For more information on the PACCT reinsurance product please contact Brooks Wildasin at admin@outcomerx.com.

About OutcomeRx

OutcomeRx (ORx) is a division of CareMetx, LLC formed in 2019 to address the patient, manufacturer, and payer challenges in the evolving Cell and Gene Therapy (CGT) market. CareMetx's founding team members have a 35-year commitment to helping patients through advocacy, services and technology. OutcomeRx represents the culmination of these efforts by creating next generation reinsurance and financial products that bridge the divide between drug manufacturers and payers. OutcomeRx, in conjunction with its partners, develops and markets financial, reinsurance, and warranty products that address the efficacy and actuarial risk associated with specialty therapies including Cell and Gene Therapies, while lowering the access and affordability burden on patients and their families.

Learn more at: https://caremetx.com/outcomerx/

About Crum & Forster

Crum & Forster,* rated A (Excellent) by A.M. Best (2019), is a national property and casualty insurance company wholly owned by Fairfax Financial Holdings Limited. Since 2000, Crum & Forster's Accident & Health Division has offered a robust portfolio of specialty insurance and reinsurance products nationwide, including medical stop loss, pet, travel and other voluntary and affinity benefits.

In 2019, following seven years of writing product in the captive insurance space, the division scaled to include international product capabilities through its wholly owned offshore captive facility, Crum & Forster Segregated Portfolio Company (SPC). Situated in the Cayman Islands and registered with the Cayman Islands Monetary Authority, Crum & Forster SPC is a Cayman Islands company that reports through United States Fire Insurance Company. Additional global relationships with other Fairfax entities provide our partners with even broader flexibility in underwriting solutions.

We place a strong focus on product development and creative distribution methods, along with excellent client service and support. The qualities and capabilities of Crum & Forster Accident & Health demonstrate our philosophy of building meaningful, long-term partnerships and our dedication to providing alternative strategies in an ever-changing insurance market.

Learn more at: https://www.cfins.com/

*Crum & Forster is a registered trademark of United States Fire Insurance Company.

About Ironshore Specialty Insurance Company

Ironshore, a Liberty Mutual Company, provides broker-sourced specialty property and casualty insurance coverages for varying risks. Ironshore is prepared to meet clients' complex needs promptly, with a local service and in-depth underwriting experience across a broad spectrum of industries.

Following Ironshore's acquisition by Liberty Mutual in 2017 and integration as a key part of the newly formed Global Risk Solutions, Liberty Mutual enables us to bring even greater scale, expertise, innovation and product offerings to market. As a combined operation with approximately $17.5 billion in gross written premium, brokers have access to a top-tier insurer with greater capacity and product lines for a wide range of risks.

Within the Stop Loss space, our mission is to be a leader through outstanding services, relationship building and innovative products. We understand that relationships are one of the driving forces in our industry today. We are committed to meeting the special needs of our broker partners and, most importantly, our self-funded employers. Through every step of the way, we pay great attention to details and respond promptly to all different aspects of the industry. When you partner with Liberty Mutual, you benefit from the financial strength, security, and capacity of a Fortune 100 carrier.

The information contained herein is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any product or service. Any description set forth herein does not include all policy terms, conditions and exclusions. Bound insurance policies, rather than summaries thereof, govern. Not all insurance coverages or products are available in all states and policy terms may vary based on individual state requirements. Some policies may be placed with a surplus lines insurer. Surplus lines insurers generally do not participate in state guaranty funds and coverage may only be obtained through duly licensed surplus lines brokers

*Notes

(1) Not affiliated with any specific health plan or PBM and available to all financial risk takers.

(2) Availability subject to applicable state insurance department approval

(3) PACCT offered through OutcomeRx Insurance Management Services LLC

(4) Registered Trademark of Biogen MA Inc.

(5) Registered Trademark of Novartis AG

(6) Registered Trademark of Spark Therapeutics, Inc.

(7) Quinn, Casey, et al. "Estimating the clinical pipeline of cell and gene therapies and their potential economic impact on the US healthcare system." Value in Health 22.6 (2019): 621-626. Available at https://www.valueinhealthjournal.com/article/S1098-3015(19)30188-3/fulltext

(8) FoCUS Paying for Cures Toolkit. Expected availability to 2031. https://www.payingforcures.org/toolkit-overview/pipeline/ Accessed April 2020.

(9) Luxturna: FDA documents reveal the value of costly gene therapy. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1359644618305282. Accessed August 2020.

(10) Sinal Muscular Atrophy Therapies: ICER Grounds the Prcie to Value Conversation in Facts. https://www.jmcp.org/doi/pdf/10.18553/jmcp.2019.25.issue-12#page=12. Accessed August 2020.

(11) Hopkins, Jared. https://www.wsj.com/articles/biomarin-explores-pricing-experimental-gene-therapy-at-2-million-to-3-million-11579190318. Accessed August 2020

MULTIMEDIA:

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OutcomeRx (ORx), a division of CareMetx, LLC, announced today a new reinsurance product to provide coverage access to high-cost specialty drugs including therapies in the emerging cell and gene therapy market.

Related link: https://caremetx.com/outcomerx/

Papa Inc. Adds Reliance to Its Growing List of Medicare Advantage Plans to Provide ‘Family on Demand’ to Their HMO Population

MIAMI, Fla. /ScoopCloud/ -- Papa Inc, the leading technology-enabled platform for companionship & assistance for older adults & families, today announced it has been selected by Reliance Medicare Advantage to provide services beginning January 1, 2021 to their Michigan HMO population in order to enhance their quality of life through the eradication of social isolation and loneliness.

Papa has created a new category of care through technology by turning a large supply of talent (students, stay-at-home parents and young professionals) into a new category of provider that Papa calls "Pals."

As a partner, Papa will provide Reliance HMO members a program that bridges the gap between generations and offers seniors a unique at-home experience that can enrich their lives and combat feelings of isolation and loneliness.

Papa "Pals" can provide help with:

* Companionship - Whether it is board games, great conversation, or just enjoying each other's company, Papa provides valuable interactions either virtually or in-person;

* Transportation - Whether it is door to door, or door through door, Papa provides transportation to medical appointments, volunteer or work engagements, the grocery store, or even a visit to the park for a change of scenery;

* Technology Assistance - Papa Pals can assist with technology such as cell phones, computers and tablets to make sure members are staying connected to family and friends;

* Light Chores - Changing seasons can bring opportunity for Papa Pals to assist with light chores around the home such as gardening, snow removal, food preparation

"Loneliness and social isolation have many negative effects on older adults, including issues associated with the lack of transportation, independence and technical savvy," said Founder and CEO Andrew Parker. "National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine (NASEM) explains that more than one-third of adults aged 45 and older feel lonely, and nearly one-fourth of adults aged 65 and older are considered to be socially isolated. Considering the Census Bureau data that there will be 78 million people 65 and older by year 2035 compared to 76.7 million under the age of 18, we have an immediate responsibility to provide solutions that will result in positive long-term effects like lowering medical costs and improving their quality of life for this beloved population."

"Reliance chose Papa for their unique task-driven companionship services and mission to support families throughout the aging journey," said Jacob Nysson, Reliance COO. "We look forward to working with Papa to further evaluate our ageing members' needs and providing services to address those needs."

About Reliance

As Michigan's only doctor owned Medicare Advantage plans, Reliance Medicare Advantage is proud to provide southeastern Michigan residents on Medicare with a different kind of healthcare plan. For more information, visit: https://www.reliancemedicareadvantage.org/.

About Papa Inc

Papa is a platform of curated companions that provide support and assistance to older adults and families nationwide. Papa was founded in 2017 in Miami, FL. For more information, visit: https://www.joinpapa.com/.

* LOGO link for media: https://www.Send2Press.com/300dpi/20-0305s2p-papa-inc-logo-300dpi.jpg

Papa Inc, the leading technology-enabled platform for companionship & assistance for older adults & families, today announced it has been selected by Reliance Medicare Advantage to provide services beginning January 1, 2021 to their Michigan HMO population in order to enhance their quality of life through the eradication of social isolation and loneliness.

Related link: https://www.joinpapa.com/

SimpleNexus Collaboration with Progressive Insurance Brings Home Insurance to Mobile Mortgage App Used by Nearly 3 Million Borrowers

LEHI, Utah /ScoopCloud/ -- SimpleNexus (https://simplenexus.com/), developer of the leading digital mortgage platform for loan officers, borrowers, real estate agents and settlement agents, today announced the availability of home insurance quotes from Progressive® (NYSE: PGR, https://www.progressive.com/) within the SimpleNexus digital mortgage app.

Home insurance is a requirement for nearly all single-family home purchase and refinance loans. If a borrower fails to provide proof of home insurance in time for the loan closing, the loan cannot be finalized and funded. Such delays are costly to lenders and inconvenient for all parties. SimpleNexus' collaboration with Progressive makes it easy for borrowers to secure a home insurance policy in the same app they use to complete other loan-related tasks. Borrowers can also use Progressive's HomeQuote Explorer(tm) to compare quotes from multiple carriers.

"With SimpleNexus, any mortgage lender can give its customers a cohesive experience from home search to home closing - and now that includes home insurance," said SimpleNexus Founder and CEO Matt Hansen. "We're delighted to collaborate with a household name like Progressive to make it easy for borrowers to close their loans on time and obtain much-needed peace of mind."

"Working with SimpleNexus, we're excited to offer more choices to millions of U.S. borrowers as they become homeowners or are refinancing their existing loans," said Progressive Business Leader of Direct Property Quoting Tammy Loucks. "A home is likely a person's most valuable asset, and this integration makes it easy to obtain a home insurance policy."

About SimpleNexus, LLC:

SimpleNexus is the digital mortgage platform that enables lenders to originate and process loans from anywhere. The company's best-in-class, easy-to-use app connects loan officers to their borrowers, real estate agents and settlement service providers to easily communicate and exchange data in a single location throughout the entire loan life cycle. Loan officers can manage their loan pipelines, order credit, run pricing, send pre-approvals and sign disclosures - all on the go.

Twitter: @SimpleNexus @Progressive #digitalmortgage #homeinsurance

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SimpleNexus, developer of the leading digital mortgage platform for loan officers, borrowers, real estate agents and settlement agents, today announced the availability of home insurance quotes from Progressive® (NYSE: PGR) within the SimpleNexus digital mortgage app.

Related link: https://simplenexus.com/

Lee Duncan Succeeds John Craft, Becomes Second CEO of Alliance Group

LAWRENCEVILLE, Ga. /ScoopCloud/ -- Alliance Group, a national insurance marketing organization (IMO), announced Monday that it has appointed Lee Duncan as the new President and Chief Executive Officer of the company. Duncan previously occupied the role of Chief Marketing Officer.

"Lee has worn a lot of hats for us, and if we're being honest, he's probably been playing the role of CEO for several years now," said Alliance Group Chairman Jerry Stratton. "This thing has been in the long-term game plan for several years now, and it's really personally fulfilling to watch Lee assume a role he's been preparing for, literally, since the day he came on board 17 years ago."

Since joining the company in 2003, Lee has played an integral role in the growth and development of Alliance Group, from a $8m production total in 2003 to a record $45m in 2019, which marked the eighth consecutive year of setting a new production record.

"We've come a long way, but we've got even loftier goals," said Duncan. "I'm so proud ofour team and what we've built together at Alliance Group, and this just represents the next chapter and the next challenge. I'm excited to get to work and continue the tradition of excellence that John Craft and Jerry Stratton have stamped into the DNA of this company."

Along with announcing the promotion of Duncan, Alliance Group also announced that company founder and long-time CEO John Craft will be retiring. Craft founded Alliance Group in 1998 and says he is looking forward to spending more time with family and pursuing his hobbies.

"John will always be a partner, a mentor, and a friend - his role in building this company from the ground up is what has made it possible for us to be where we are today," said Duncan. "I'm humbled and honored to take that torch from him and lead this company into what is a very bright and promising future".

To learn more please visit: https://www.AllianceGroupLife.com/

About Alliance Group:

Founded in 1998, Alliance Group is the nation's leading IMO in Living Benefits life insurance. With more than 4,500 independent agents nationally, Alliance Group is currently protecting over 130,000 American families with more than $28 billion of Living Benefits coverage.

MEDIA CONTACT:
Peter Goldfine
pgoldfine@anallianceforlife.com
888.969.9233

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Twitter: #togetherwerebetter #alliancegroup #livingbenefits

Alliance Group, a national insurance marketing organization (IMO), announced Monday that it has appointed Lee Duncan as the new President and Chief Executive Officer of the company. Duncan previously occupied the role of Chief Marketing Officer.

Related link: https://www.AllianceGroupLife.com/

After, Inc. awarded ‘Disruptor of the Year 2020’ by the Internet Marketing Association for its QuickReg™ Smart Registration Platform

NORWALK, Conn. /ScoopCloud/ -- The Internet Marketing Association held its annual IMPACT Conference on October 2, 2020, where After, Inc., a global leader in warranty and after-market services for some of the largest manufacturers in the world, received the "Disruptor of the Year 2020" Award for its QuickReg™ Smart Registration Platform.

The IMA's conference, "IMPACT20 - The Year of Reinvention," brought together a record 117,000 professionals who explored best practices for identifying new markets, businesses, and innovations with thought leaders and senior executives from Apple, Google, Oculus VR, Amazon, Microsoft, Realtor.com, as well as the country's premier venture capitalists, educational institutions, and non-profits.

"We couldn't be more thrilled to be recognized by the IMA as Disruptor of the Year," said Nate Baldwin, CEO of After, Inc. "We designed QuickReg - a best-in-class, intelligent, cloud-based product registration tool - to help our manufacturing clients drive higher registration rates, customer satisfaction, loyalty and lifetime value throughout the product lifecycle. Just by scanning a QR code, taking a picture of - or texting - the model number, consumers can initiate an automated, personalized registration process that takes less than 60 seconds to complete."

Sean Conrad, CEO of the Internet Marketing Association, shared why it chose After, Inc. for its coveted 'Disruptor of the Year 2020' Award: "After, Inc.'s innovative QuickReg technology will be a game-changer for brands, and represents a unique and differentiated approach to curating the customer experience after the sale. It's the type of innovation that is synonymous with the IMPACT awards, and we congratulate the After, Inc. team on this well-deserved honor."

About Internet Marketing Association (IMA) & IMPACT Awards

The Internet Marketing Association (www.imanetwork.org) is one of the fastest growing Internet marketing groups in the world. Since its inception in 2001, IMA has accrued one of the largest databases of professional members in various fields including sales, marketing, business ownership, programming and creative development.

The Internet Marketing Association's annual IMPACT Awards (www.imanetwork.com/impact20/awards/) exemplify best-in-class creativity, expertise and results achieved by the top practitioners of Internet marketing across every business segment.

About After, Inc.

After, Inc. - https://www.afterinc.com/ - is a global leader in the Warranty Services industry, providing predictive analytics, data-driven marketing strategies, reporting and program administration to some of the world's top brands. After helps manufacturers transform their warranty businesses, driving customer satisfaction post-purchase, higher product reliability, deeper brand equity and additional revenue / profit opportunities. Headquartered in Norwalk, Conn. and with offices in New York City, After, Inc. is part of EPIC Portfolio Group, a unique and innovative retail property and casualty and employee benefits insurance brokerage and consulting firm with 1,300 employees across the United States.

*IMAGE link for media: https://www.Send2Press.com/300dpi/20-1030s2p-disruptor-logo-300dpi.jpg

The Internet Marketing Association held its annual IMPACT Conference on October 2, 2020, where After, Inc., a global leader in warranty and after-market services for some of the largest manufacturers in the world, received the "Disruptor of the Year 2020" Award for its QuickReg™ Smart Registration Platform.

Related link: http://afterinc.com/

Texas Firm Launches New Product to Help Support Collegiate Sports This Fall

AMARILLO, Texas /ScoopCloud/ -- In response to the national discussion surrounding collegiate sports, Texas-based Fairly Group and sister-company OccuNet have unveiled an insurance product which covers medical expenses for collegiate student-athletes who contract COVID, bringing a relevant solution to the intense national discussion regarding collegiate sports.

The news, first reported today on ESPN.com, is a game-changer for collegiate student athletes and the colleges and universities where they are enrolled.

"COVID-19 has taken a toll on every aspect of our lives, including our ability to play and enjoy sports," says Fairly Group CEO Alex Fairly. "We wanted to support collegiate athletes who desire to get back on the field, as well as their parents and the courageous collegiate athletic departments attempting to move forward with fall sports."

Inspired by the viral #wewanttoplay campaign created by Ohio State Quarterback Justin Fields, the policy is a solution directed at the need for NCAA schools to be able to provide financial protection for student athletes and their parents. By providing $250,000 in medical coverage for COVID illnesses, the policy helps colleges and universities shoulder the potential financial burden of serious COVID cases for student athletes in a cost-effective manner.

"When the NCAA mandated member schools be responsible for medical expenses related to COVID, we immediately began working on a solution." says Caleb Fairly, OccuNet's president. "We hope this brings a level of confidence for students and parents who send their talented young men and women off to play college sports."

The wheels were put into motion for developing this product when the Big Ten and Pac-12 initially postponed their fall 2020 football seasons. If a student athlete ends up hospitalized due to COVID-19, the financial implications to the university could be substantial and currently, all products which collegiate athletic departments purchase to cover student athletes exclude coverage for communicable disease.

Colleges and universities interested in learning about coverage details can do so at https://www.occunet.com/ .

As seen on ESPN: https://www.espn.com/college-football/story/_/id/30170060/insurance-broker-offers-covid-19-health-coverage-college-football

About Fairly Group:

Fairly Group - https://www.fairlygroup.com/ - is a risk consulting/brokerage firm advising clients throughout the United States and in over 100 countries in multiple business segments including corporate risk, human capital and benefits, and a broad array of risk consulting specialties. OccuNet (www.occunet.com) is a cost containment technology firm, which delivers industry-leading solutions which reduce the rising cost of healthcare.

MULTIMEDIA:

*VIDEO (Vimeo): https://vimeo.com/471179997

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In response to the national discussion surrounding collegiate sports, Texas-based Fairly Group and sister-company OccuNet have unveiled an insurance product which covers medical expenses for collegiate student-athletes who contract COVID, bringing a relevant solution to the intense national discussion regarding collegiate sports.

Related link: https://www.fairlygroup.com/

After, Inc. announces its Platinum Sponsorship of the 11th Annual Extended Warranty and Service Contract Innovations Conference on October 13-15, 2020

NORWALK, Conn. /ScoopCloud/ -- After, Inc., a leader Warranty Analytics Solutions since 2005, announced today that it will be the Platinum Sponsor for the 11th Annual Extended Warranty and Service Contract Innovations Conference, to be held virtually due to COVID-19. The company will host multiple sessions over the two-day event including: "Alternative Revenue Streams in a Pandemic", "Emerging Product Registration Technologies", and "Sales and Marketing Strategies Designed for Today and Post-Pandemic - Capitalizing on Emerging Trends."

"After, Inc. has over 15 years of experience delivering innovative warranty offerings to some of the world's largest manufacturers," says Dan Hulkower, SVP of Business Development for After, Inc. "We couldn't be more thrilled to be the Platinum Sponsor of Warranty Innovations this year. COVID-19 has brought new challenges and opportunities for manufacturers, especially as it relates to connecting with customers and building alternative revenue streams. Paul Swenson, After's EVP of Business Development, and I look forward to sharing our experiences around these topics and gaining new insights from the incredible list of industry heavyweights that will be speaking at and attending the conference."

About After, Inc.

After, Inc. (www.afterinc.com) is a pioneer in the warranty business - providing product registration, marketing, analytics, and program administration to warranty organizations across a wide range of industries. Founded in 2005, After has over 15 years of experience delivering innovative warranty offerings to manufacturing clients.

After, Inc. partners with some of the world's top brands to help transform their warranty businesses, driving customer satisfaction post-purchase, higher product reliability, deeper brand equity and additional revenue/profit opportunities. Headquartered in Norwalk, Connecticut, and with offices in New York City, After, Inc. is part of the EPIC Insurance Group, an innovative retail property and casualty and employee benefits insurance brokerage and consulting firm with 2,800 employees across the United States.

Learn more at: https://www.afterinc.com/

MEDIA CONTACT:
Justine Tassitano
After, Inc.
(203) 515-8480
info@afterinc.com

After, Inc., a leader Warranty Analytics Solutions since 2005, announced today that it will be the Platinum Sponsor for the 11th Annual Extended Warranty and Service Contract Innovations Conference, to be held virtually due to COVID-19. The company will host multiple sessions over the two-day event .

Related link: http://afterinc.com/

The Medicare Resource Center Now Open in Santa Barbara

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. /ScoopCloud/ -- The Medicare Resource Center - created by AMA Insurance Agency, an unbiased insurance agency that works with major insurance companies to offer Medicare supplement and Medicare Advantage plans - has opened its Santa Barbara location at 121 South Hope Ave., Unit A101, in La Cumbre Plaza. The store's insurance agents are dedicated to educating Medicare-eligible individuals on all of their options at no cost.

Choosing a Medicare plan is one of the most important decisions any American 65 and older needs to make. It is also one of the most confusing. Unfortunately, in this time of Covid-19 it is also harder to find answers due to closures of Social Security offices, Senior Centers, and Libraries. But not anymore.

Due to the complexities surrounding Medicare enrollment, The Medicare Resource Center provides impartial advice while highlighting different benefits and premiums from a variety of insurance companies. Licensed agents offer in-store appointments, as well as over-the-phone and safely done home appointments to aid eligible residents in finding the best insurance plan for their needs.

"It's a much-needed resource, particularly for those just turning 65 who have lots of questions and are being inundated with aggressive marketing campaigns from health plans that all look and sound alike," said American Marketing Administrators President Neil Booth. "This unique Resource Center will help consumers discern the different types of Medicare insurance available to them (Medigap, Advantage, Prescription) and explore Medicare plans that best meet their specific needs, preferences and budget."

The new Medicare Resource Center is particularly timely as the current pandemic has created a new collection of Medicare-eligible individuals seeking coverage-seniors who chose to continue working past age 65 and now find themselves suddenly unemployed due to layoffs or business closures.

"These newly uninsured seniors comprise one of the tragic but seldom talked about consequences of the coronavirus," said Booth. "These seniors had coverage under their employer's health insurance but now need to quickly enter the individual insurance market and shop for a Medicare plan. The Medicare Resource Center can help them through the process so they don't lose precious time, becoming Medicare eligible with appropriate coverage."

During the one-on-one appointments, agents explain Original Medicare, then discuss how Medicare insurance plans like Medicare Advantage, Medicare Supplements, and Medicare Prescription Drug Plans work. Agents also provide a full review of prescription drug plans to ensure that residents are not overpaying for their prescription drug coverage.

The Medicare Resource Center works with most national and regional providers of Medicare products.

To learn more about Medicare eligibility, residents are also invited to attend one of many free 45-minute-long information webinars. Call 888-600-1432 for more information, or to make an appointment to talk with an Agent.

More information: https://www.medicarebyama.com/

About American Marketing Administrators Inc. Insurance Agency:

American Marketing Administrators Inc. Insurance Agency is headquartered in Calabasas, California. AMA and its hundreds of independent agents throughout CA are focused on helping Seniors understand Medicare and its many complexities.

Media Contact:
Neil Booth
818-455-2649
neil@coveredama.com

The Medicare Resource Center - created by AMA Insurance Agency, an unbiased insurance agency that works with major insurance companies to offer Medicare supplement and Medicare Advantage plans - has opened its Santa Barbara location at 121 South Hope Ave., Unit A101, in La Cumbre Plaza.

Related link: https://www.medicarebyama.com/

FIDUCIARY INSURANCE SERVICES LLC to provide Integrative wealth management and insurance advice to sponsoring financial institutions

NEW YORK, N.Y. /ScoopCloud/ -- Fiduciary Insurance Services, LLC (FIS) announces its launch today as a provider of strategic consulting, insurance advice, and investment advice, on an hourly or retainer basis, to financial institutions seeking to participate in a growing trend for insurance distributed via fiduciaries.

"Insurance has always been provided through the sale of a product," says Michelle Richter, FIS founder. "But product selling does not mesh well with the fiduciary advice community, which comprises a growing proportion of the financial professional population."

According to Richter, "Few new insurance ideas make it to market, for two reasons. First, it's expensive to launch and wholesale a new category of product. Second, there's a mistaken notion that the sale of risk protections should be completed by insurance agents only in isolation from broader planning and wealth management decisions."

"Programs, as distinct from products," Richter added, "can be deployed as service mark-able, tech-enabled frameworks. They can systematically and responsibly weave together, or provide metrics that allow the adviser to combine, existing insurance and investment products in ways that improve on existing silo-ed product sale frameworks."

FIS is currently exploring five (5) program constructs spanning several arenas:
* Institutional annuity/managed accounts
* Structured annuity/long term care combos
* Retail life insurance in investment advice
* Other institutional risk-pooling arenas
* FIS seeks to provide advocacy, business plan creation, and program design services to insurers, recordkeepers, and other financial institutions for use with their advisers and clients

In strategic consulting and business operating roles, Richter has demonstrated expertise in the integration of wealth management, life insurance, annuities, and asset management concepts, for retail and institutional businesses.

Richter has a proven track record launching new businesses and re-engineering existing operations at a Fortune 100 life insurer. She managed a $27 million operating budget and team of 70 experts in product management, marketing, operations, compliance, wholesaling/distribution, and training, prior to her foray into motherhood in 2010. Richter is also a named inventor on a patented method for insurance investment product decision modeling, and is an advisor member of the Institutional Retirement Income Council.

Richter has earned a bachelor's degree in Economics from Wesleyan University, and an MBA in Management and Finance from Columbia University's Graduate School of Business. Richter is an investment adviser, and she holds an insurance consulting license in New York.

For more information about services offered by FIS, please contact Michelle Richter at (347) 871-0823. Email: MRichterFIS@gmail.com, or visit https://fiduciaryinsuranceservices.com/.

Follow FIS on LinkedIn

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*Caption: Michelle Richter, Principal, Fiduciary Insurance Services, LLC.

Fiduciary Insurance Services, LLC (FIS) announces its launch today as a provider of strategic consulting, insurance advice, and investment advice, on an hourly or retainer basis, to financial institutions seeking to participate in a growing trend for insurance distributed via fiduciaries.

Related link: https://fiduciaryinsuranceservices.com/

PayneWest Insurance, a Top 100 National Insurance Brokerage, selects TrustLayer Compliance and Certificate Management Software to leverage next generation technology in their leading Compliance Service Practice

SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. /ScoopCloud/ -- PayneWest Insurance, a leading insurance brokerage in the Pacific Northwest, today announced partnering with TrustLayer, Inc., the next generation solution for compliance tracking. PayneWest will leverage TrustLayer to expand value added services within their many Specialty Practices - specifically their Insurance Compliance Service offering to its Construction customers. PayneWest is the leading brokerage in the region to roll out this suite of additional consulting services at scale.

Legacy certificate tracking software systems are often cumbersome and expensive. Industry pioneer TrustLayer provides an innovative risk management system that enables immediate vendor coverage verification. Using a unique robotic process automation (RPA) and AI to automate this manual process allows companies to automatically verify the insurance and licenses of their partners. With TrustLayer, PayneWest is able to elevate and expand its risk consulting services to many more of its customers.

"Small and medium businesses often cannot justify a full-time Risk Manager. TrustLayer gives our brokerage an ability to offer additional risk consulting services to our clients. Most importantly, it helps us better protect our clients from insurance claims caused by their vendors," said Isabel Barichievich, Specialty Practice Project Manager.

Barichievich added, "TrustLayer provides a collaborative risk management platform that allows us to help review and track certificates of insurance (COIs) to make sure our clients' vendors have the correct insurance coverage."

"With the current state of the economy, many vendors are not carrying the right commercial insurance coverage," said John Fohr, Chief Executive Officer of TrustLayer. "By using TrustLayer, PayneWest will be able to automate the traditionally manual process of tracking insurance coverage for their customers, enabling the agency to reduce inefficiency, increase revenue and retain its customer base."

About TrustLayer

TrustLayer is a collaborative risk management application that helps reduce friction between businesses. The company allows their business partners' users to automate the verification of insurance, licenses, and compliance documents (i.e., vendors, subcontractors, suppliers, borrowers, tenants, ridesharing and franchisees). TrustLayer's solution is recognized by the industry and is a member of BrokerTech Ventures (BTV) accelerator, BrushCreek Tech Insurance accelerator, winner of the 2019 R3 CordaCon Insurtech Challenge, and received top honors at The Institutes 2020 annual convention.

Learn more at: https://www.trustlayer.io/

PayneWest Insurance, a leading insurance brokerage in the Pacific Northwest, today announced partnering with TrustLayer, Inc., the next generation solution for compliance tracking. PayneWest will leverage TrustLayer to expand value added services within their many Specialty Practices.

Related link: https://www.trustlayer.io/

Mortgage Insurance Ordering Made Seamless as OpenClose® Integrates Its LenderAssist™ LOS with Radian

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. /ScoopCloud/ -- OpenClose(R), an industry-leading digital mortgage fintech provider, announced it completed an interface with Radian Guaranty Inc., the mortgage insurance (MI) subsidiary of Radian Group Inc. (NYSE: RDN). The integration leverages OpenClose's omni-channel loan origination system (LOS) and RESTful API suite, allowing Radian customers to order MI without exiting the LenderAssist(TM) LOS.

LenderAssist LOS users can now quickly, easily, and cost effectively obtain rate quotes and process delegated as well as non-delegated MI certifications. Data returned from Radian automatically populates into the applicable LOS fields, eliminating error prone manual data entry.

"We are constantly communicating with our customers and identifying opportunities to eliminate manual processes and the associated data integrity risk they present," said Vince Furey, CRO at OpenClose. "This integration automates the ordering and processing of mortgage insurance and provides our mutual customers speed, efficiency and accuracy, from any online environment - anywhere, at any time."

Radian offers lenders competitive pricing, unique programs, digital solutions and focused service that help close loans faster, generate more business and better manage their portfolios. The company's MI products help borrowers become homeowners sooner by qualifying for loans with smaller downpayments while mitigating investor risk.

"At Radian, we are committed to making it easier and simpler for our customers to do business with us," said Brien McMahon, chief franchise officer and co-head of real estate, Radian. "Partnering with OpenClose will allow for streamlined, direct and real-time access to private MI for lenders and borrowers, and we're proud to deliver that."

OpenClose offers an award-winning, 100 percent browser-based, end-to-end, workflow-driven fintech platform that effectively consolidates the consumer digital POS, LOS, PPE and Business Intelligence functions. Easily accessible from any computer or mobile device - all via a single-source provider.

About OpenClose:

Founded in 1999 and headquartered in West Palm Beach, Florida, OpenClose(R) is a leading enterprise-class, omni-channel loan origination system (LOS), POS digital mortgage and fintech provider that cost effectively delivers its digital platform on a software-as-a-service (SaaS) basis. The company provides a variety of innovative, 100 percent web-based solutions for lenders, banks, credit unions, and conduit aggregators. OpenClose's core solution, LenderAssist(TM), is comprehensive loan origination software that is completely engineered by OpenClose using the same code base from the ground up.

The company offers a RESTful API suite that standardizes system-to-system integrations, making them easier to develop, quicker to implement and more cost effective. OpenClose provides lending organizations with full control of their data and creates a truly seamless workflow for complete automation and compliance adherence. For more information, visit https://www.openclose.com/ / or call (561) 655-6418.

About Radian

Radian is ensuring the American dream of homeownership responsibly and sustainably through products and services that include industry-leading mortgage insurance and a comprehensive suite of mortgage, risk, title, valuation, asset management and other real estate services. We are powered by technology, informed by data and driven to deliver new and better ways to transact and manage risk. Visit https://www.radian.com/ to learn more about how Radian is shaping the future of mortgage and real estate services.

Media Contacts:

For OpenClose:
Joe Bowerbank
Profundity Communications, Inc.
949-378-9685
jbowerbank@profunditymarketing.com

For Radian:
Rashi Iyer
215-231-1167
rashi.iyer@radian.com

OpenClose Social Media: @OpenClose_LOS #OpenClose #LoanOriginationSoftware

Radian Social Media: @radian_us #QuoteQualityQuoteRadian #OneRadianInfiniteSolutions

OpenClose(R), an industry-leading digital mortgage fintech provider, announced it completed an interface with Radian Guaranty Inc., the mortgage insurance (MI) subsidiary of Radian Group Inc. (NYSE: RDN). The integration leverages OpenClose's omni-channel loan origination system (LOS) and RESTful API suite, allowing Radian customers to order MI without exiting the LenderAssist(TM) LOS.

Related link: https://www.openclose.com/

LTC NEWS Acquisition Anticipates Growth and Expansion

CHICAGO, Ill. /ScoopCloud/ -- Matt McCann, a nationally-known veteran of the long-term care (LTC) insurance industry, announces the formation of LTC NEWS, LLC after acquiring the online asset - ltcnews.com.

Previously owned by publisher Chip Ramsey, the acquisition includes all the websites and social media platforms operated by LTC NEWS and its corresponding editorial content.

Formed in July 2015, LTC NEWS is an online resource for long-term care planning, health and retirement issues to help consumers plan for and better understand the financial impacts of aging.

LTC NEWS, LLC plans to expand its editorial content and resources and to offer a full range of unique digital advertising and marketing opportunities to reach adults aged 40 and up. It will also provide creative resources to design advertising to help businesses effectively reach their target audience.

It will also offer sponsored-content opportunities to allow a company, health care provider, or insurance or financial professional to engage readers and drive traffic to their website while delivering on their marketing objectives.

"LTC NEWS will continue to offer news and informational resources to help American families plan for a successful future retirement," Matt McCann, who will work as interim president and CEO, says. "I look forward to working with the current staff and to adding new staff to help us grow in the years ahead."

Prior to acquiring LTC NEWS, McCann consulted for LTC NEWS, so he's intimately familiar with its operation and assets. The company will also design websites and social media platforms for home health agencies, adult day care centers, assisted living facilities, memory care facilities, nursing homes and other businesses related to providing long-term health care services.

LTC NEWS will provide similar services for insurance and financial professionals looking for quality websites and social media platforms to help them engage their clients.

"Many insurance and financial professionals want affordable state-of-the-art websites and social media platforms," McCann explains. "LTC NEWS will provide these resources so these professionals can have a compelling Internet and social media presence."

LTC NEWS will continue to publish articles at no charge from expert guest columnists and these authors will gain outstanding exposure, website backlinks and traffic to their websites. Specific guidelines will limit the amount of advertising content in those articles.

Sponsored-content articles will allow a targeted message to promote a product or service and drive traffic to a website while providing useful information on a specific topic.

"We're striving to provide an exceptional user experience and brand that users remember and trust. Answering consumers' questions accurately, clearly and quickly is essential to LTC NEWS," Daniel Pope, who will lead the website development and creative team, says. "We'll also analyze consumer behavior at scale in large datasets to help determine which topics, resources and advertisements are most relevant to consumers."

Pope says the goal is to present the website visitor with relevant opportunities to learn something new. The overall website experience will enhance user activity and increase the time spent on the website.

"The time invested between the user and the LTC NEWS brand will foster a culture of trust which benefits both consumers and advertisers. Our advertising partners can take advantage of targeting specific topics or resources within their niche that our consumers actively seek," Pope says.

The company is currently seeking an entrepreneurial sales manager to lead its nationwide sales effort. This individual should have a solid knowledge of Internet advertising and an understanding of the long-term health care industry.

Interested individuals can forward a resume and cover letter to Lori Urbanick at: lori.urbanick@ltcnews.com.

LTC NEWS will be operated independently from McCann's firm, McCann Insurance Services, Inc., and the company will be headquartered in offices located in Countryside, Illinois, and Columbus, Ohio.

For more information, visit: https://www.ltcnews.com/

IMAGE LINKS FOR MEDIA:
[1] https://www.Send2Press.com/300dpi/20-0612s2p-matt-mcann-300dpi.jpg
*Photo caption: Matt McCann of LTC NEWS, LLC.
[2] https://www.Send2Press.com/300dpi/20-0612s2p-ltc-news-logo-300dpi.jpg

MEDIA CONTACT:
Matt McCann
of LTC NEWS, LLC
+1-630-698-0916
matt.mccann@ltcnews.com

Matt McCann, a nationally-known veteran of the long-term care (LTC) insurance industry, announces the formation of LTC NEWS, LLC after acquiring the online asset - ltcnews.com.

Related link: https://www.ltcnews.com/

Paragon Insurance Holdings Acquires Trident Public Risk Solutions from Argo Group

NEW YORK, N.Y. /ScoopCloud/ -- Paragon Insurance Holdings, LLC, headquartered in Avon, Connecticut, a national MGA, announced today that it has closed on the purchase of Trident Public Risk Solutions (TPRS). Acquired from Argo Group (Argo), the transaction positions Paragon as one of the largest providers of commercial insurance coverage for public entities in the U.S. As part of the transaction agreement, Trident's business will continue to benefit from Argo policy and claims services.

"I am excited to work with the Paragon team, growing this great business and delivering tremendous value to our public entity customers," said Timothy Carter, Executive Vice President.

"We are excited to have Trident as part of our portfolio of companies and to be growing our business with Argo Group. Their collective expertise in public entity insurance and risk management will create a great partnership as we continue to grow together," said Ron Ganiats, CEO and co-founder of Paragon.

The business will continue to report to Sue Coates, President of TPRS - Guaranteed Cost Division and John Atherton, President of TPRS - Retained Limits.

ABOUT ARGO GROUP INTERNATIONAL HOLDINGS, LTD.

Argo Group International Holdings, Ltd. (NYSE: ARGO), is an underwriter of specialty insurance and reinsurance products in the property and casualty market. Argo Group offers a full line of products and services designed to meet the unique coverage and claims-handling needs of businesses in two primary segments: U.S. Operations and International Operations. Argo Group's insurance subsidiaries are A.M. Best-rated "A-" (Excellent), and Argo Group's U.S. insurance subsidiaries are Standard and Poor's-rated "A-" (Strong). More information on Argo Group and its subsidiaries is available at https://www.argolimited.com/.

ABOUT PARAGON

Paragon Insurance Holdings, LLC, is headquartered in Avon, Connecticut, and operates as a national MGA. Formed in 2014, the company writes all commercial lines of insurance across more than twenty insurance programs. Paragon's industry-specific and general underwriting facilities offer insureds, retail agents, carriers, reinsurers and service providers unique product, service, capability, and results. Please visit https://www.paragoninsgroup.com/ for additional information.

*LOGO link for media: https://www.Send2Press.com/300dpi/18-0123s2p-paragon-ih-300dpi.jpg

Tickers: NYSE:ARGO / NY: ARGO

Paragon Insurance Holdings, LLC, headquartered in Avon, Connecticut, a national MGA, announced today that it has closed on the purchase of Trident Public Risk Solutions (TPRS). Acquired from Argo Group (Argo), the transaction positions Paragon as one of the largest providers of commercial insurance coverage for public entities in the U.S.

Related link: https://www.paragoninsgroup.com/

Vanbridge Releases Second Comprehensive Review of US Representations and Warranties Insurance Market

NEW YORK, N.Y. /ScoopCloud/ -- Vanbridge, an EPIC company, an insurance intermediary and program management firm, published its second edition of its U.S. Representations and Warranties Insurance (R&W) Market Review today. This edition evaluates and summarizes domestic R&W data for the years 2017, 2018 and 2019.

This report aims to provide, as accurately as possible, the state of the U.S. R&W market using data gathered directly from insurers. The scope of the report focuses on the submission and placement process in the market, analyzing the size of the marketplace, pricing and trends.

"Representations & Warranties insurance has become a staple in M&A transactions and a proliferating business for insurance markets. We continue to conduct our annual reviews of the overall marketplace to benefit carriers, clients and M&A practitioners alike," said Greylen Erlacher Mardy, Principal of Vanbridge.

"We've found that despite the current trends, carriers remain dedicated to offering meaningful coverage that facilitates transactions, while underwriting the insurance in a sustainable manner," continued Erlacher Mardy.

The report includes insight on several areas:
* Submission Volume and Deals Bound
* Primary & Excess Limits, Retentions and Pricing
* Claims and Future Underwriting Considerations
* Market Trends and Perceptions

About the Report

The vast majority of markets that wrote business in 2017, 2018 and 2019 including the largest players in the space, provided their data for the report. Based on estimates, this captured roughly 90% of all transaction data. As part of the data collection process, Vanbridge engaged an independent, non-insurance third party data management firm, Excel Rain Man, to receive and assist in sorting and analyzing each participating carrier's information on a confidential basis.

For a complete copy of Vanbridge's U.S. Representations and Warranties Insurance Market Review, click here (PDF): https://info.vanbridge.com/hubfs/Vanbridge/Vanbridge%20Reps%20and%20Warranties%20Market%20Review%20fnl4.22v2.pdf

About Vanbridge

Vanbridge is an insurance intermediary and program management firm. Vanbridge focuses on alternative asset management, corporate and individual high net worth clients, solving risk related issues utilizing insurance and alternative capital. Vanbridge is owned by EPIC Insurance Brokers & Consultants and is headquartered in New York, N.Y.

Learn more at: https://www.vanbridge.com/.

About EPIC Insurance Brokers & Consultants

EPIC is a unique and innovative retail property and casualty and employee benefits insurance brokerage and consulting firm. EPIC has created a values-based, client-focused culture that attracts and retains top talent, fosters employee satisfaction and loyalty and sustains a high level of customer service excellence.

EPIC team members have consistently recognized their company as a "Best Place to Work" in multiple regions and as a "Best Place to Work in the Insurance Industry" nationally.

EPIC now has more than 2,600 team members operating from 85 offices across the U.S., providing Property and Casualty, Employee Benefits, Specialty Programs and Private Client solutions to EPIC clients.

With run rate revenues greater than $730 million, EPIC ranks among the top 15 retail insurance brokers in the U.S. Backed and sponsored by Oak Hill Capital Partners, the company continues to expand organically and through strategic acquisitions across the country.

For additional information, please visit https://www.epicbrokers.com/.

Vanbridge, an EPIC company, an insurance intermediary and program management firm, published its second edition of its U.S. Representations and Warranties Insurance (R&W) Market Review today. This edition evaluates and summarizes domestic R&W data for the years 2017, 2018 and 2019.

Related link: https://www.epicbrokers.com/

EPIC Insurance Brokers and Consultants Launches Restructuring Services Offering

NEW YORK, N.Y. /ScoopCloud/ -- EPIC Insurance Brokers & Consultants, a retail property and casualty insurance brokerage and employee benefits consultant, announced today that the firm has launched a Restructuring Services operation under its Financial Services division to support the restructuring process for distressed situations with risk mitigation and risk transfer insurance capital solutions.

Led by Executive Vice President, Philip V. Moyles, Jr., head of Financial Services, the group will work with restructuring, legal, accounting and bankruptcy professionals as well as turnaround investors, to improve liquidity, preserve the business enterprise and develop and implement programs that address the issues adversely impacting financial performance.

EPIC's Restructuring Services risk mitigation advisory process begins by cultivating an in-depth understanding of the objectives and business imperatives for each restructuring situation. After a thorough holistic analysis, EPIC develops the strategy and solution set best suited to mitigate and/or transfer risks and protect enterprise value.

"It is a pivotal time in our economy, and we've kept our focus on how we can create value for our clients in this very difficult environment. We realized we can play a valuable role across the entire restructuring lifecycle," said Moyles. "Launching EPIC's Restructuring Services capabilities under the Financial Services division was a strategic decision. Our unique interdisciplinary team has the depth and breadth of experience to comprehensively assess and clearly identify the areas of risk and opportunities to drive business enterprise preservation," continued Moyles.

About EPIC Insurance Brokers & Consultants

EPIC is a unique and innovative retail property and casualty and employee benefits insurance brokerage and consulting firm. EPIC has created a values-based, client-focused culture that attracts and retains top talent, fosters employee satisfaction and loyalty and sustains a high level of customer service excellence.

EPIC team members have consistently recognized their company as a "Best Place to Work" in multiple regions and as a "Best Place to Work in the Insurance Industry" nationally.

EPIC now has more than 2,600 team members operating from 85 offices across the U.S., providing Property and Casualty, Employee Benefits, Specialty Programs and Private Client solutions to EPIC clients.

With run rate revenues greater than $730 million, EPIC ranks among the top 15 retail insurance brokers in the U.S. Backed and sponsored by Oak Hill Capital Partners, the company continues to expand organically and through strategic acquisitions across the country.

For additional information, please visit https://www.epicbrokers.com/.

EPIC Insurance Brokers & Consultants, a retail property and casualty insurance brokerage and employee benefits consultant, announced today that the firm has launched a Restructuring Services operation under its Financial Services division to support the restructuring process for distressed situations with risk mitigation and risk transfer insurance capital solutions.

Related link: https://www.epicbrokers.com/

SBA Publishes Guidance on Which CARES Act Provisions Require Immediate Action by Health and Retirement Plan Sponsors

ATLANTA, Ga. /ScoopCloud/ -- Independent, full-service employee benefits consulting firm Strategic Benefits Advisors (SBA) issued a statement today summarizing provisions of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act that require action on the part of health and retirement plan sponsors.

"The CARES Act calls upon plan sponsors to act swiftly in adopting measures that will ease the financial burden of COVID-19 on individuals," said SBA Founding Principal Mindy Zatto. "Plan sponsors should coordinate with their healthcare providers immediately so they may begin complying with the law's mandatory provisions. While most retirement plan provisions are optional, they are nonetheless time-sensitive and call for coordination with the plan sponsor's recordkeeper and actuary. Any necessary plan amendments won't be required until the end of the 2022 plan year."

Required Health Plan Provisions

Health plan sponsors must comply with the following provisions expanding access to healthcare for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients:
* Coverage of COVID-19 Testing
Plans must cover the cost of approved COVID-19 tests and their administration. Test providers should be reimbursed at a previously negotiated rate, if applicable. In the absence of a previously negotiated rate, plan sponsors may reimburse providers an amount equal to the publicly listed cash price of the service or negotiate a lesser reimbursement.

* Coverage of COVID-19 Preventive Services
Plans must also cover, without participant cost-sharing, qualified coronavirus preventive services and vaccines recommended by the United States Preventive Services Task Force or Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Required Defined Contribution (DC) Plan Provisions

DC plan participants who are due a required minimum distribution for 2020 may elect to not take the distribution without incurring any penalties.

Optional Defined Contribution (DC) Plan Provisions

DC plan sponsors may choose to extend the following benefits to plan participants who self-certify that (a) they have been diagnosed with COVID-19; (b) their spouse or dependent has been diagnosed with COVID-19; or (c) they have experienced certain other adverse financial consequences of COVID-19 as specified by the Secretary of the Treasury:

* Coronavirus-Related Distribution
Plans may allow a maximum $100,000 "coronavirus-related distribution" that must be taken by December 31, 2020. Early withdrawal penalties do not apply, and distributions are not eligible for rollover. However, a recipient of a coronavirus-related distribution has the right to pay the distribution back within three years, in which case it will be treated as a rollover contribution. The taxable amount of a coronavirus-related distribution can be spread pro-rata over three tax years.

* Increased Loan Limits
Qualified plans may increase loan limits from $50,000 to $100,000 and from 50% of the vested balance to 100% of the vested balance for loans made between March 27 and September 23, 2020.

* Delayed Loan Repayment
Plans may delay due dates for one year for individuals with outstanding loans whose repayment would normally be due between March 27 and December 31, 2020, allowing an extension beyond the normal five-year cap.

Optional Defined Benefit (DB) Plan Provisions

* Option to Defer Single-Employer Plan Funding
Plan sponsors may delay payment of any minimum required contributions that would ordinarily have been due during calendar year 2020 to January 1, 2021. The amount of each delayed contribution must be increased to reflect the interest accrued between the original due date and the actual payment date.

* Benefit Restriction Relief
For purposes of applying benefit restrictions under Code Section 436, plan sponsors may elect to use the prior plan year's adjusted funding target attainment percentage as the adjusted funding target attainment percentage for plans years that include calendar year 2020. This may allow some plans to avoid triggering certain benefit restrictions in 2020 that would have otherwise applied.

The full text of the CARES Act can be found here. To speak with Strategic Benefits Advisors' experienced team of benefits consultants about the potential impact of this law on your plans, call 770-551-8989.

About Strategic Benefits Advisors

Strategic Benefits Advisors, Inc. (SBA) is an independent, full-service employee benefits consulting firm focused on creatively and effectively solving complex benefits issues for clients ranging from 500 to over 300,000 employees. Founded in 2002 by veteran consultants Mindy Zatto and Andy Adams, SBA provides practical consulting recommendations and expert implementation of solutions for all types of employee benefits programs, including retirement, health and welfare, financial wellness and employee recognition. With an average of over 25 years in the field, SBA's team of actuaries, consultants and systems specialists is among the most experienced in the industry. For more information, visit https://www.sba-inc.com/.

Independent, full-service employee benefits consulting firm Strategic Benefits Advisors (SBA) issued a statement today summarizing provisions of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act that require action on the part of health and retirement plan sponsors.

Related link: http://www.sba-inc.com/