Liberty Mutual Insurance Schedules First Quarter 2013 Earnings Conference Call

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BOSTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--

Liberty Mutual Holding Company Inc., the parent corporation of the Liberty Mutual Insurance group of entities (the Company), is scheduled to review its first quarter 2013 financial results on May 2, 2013. At 11:00 a.m. Eastern Daylight Time that day, David Long, Liberty Mutual Insurance President and CEO, will host a conference call to discuss the Companys financial results.

The earnings release, financial results and other supplemental information will be available on the website http://www.libertymutual.com/investors prior to the call.

To listen to the call and participate in the Q&A, please dial 8008572190, providing the pass code Liberty when prompted. A replay will be available until 5:00 p.m. on May 16, 2013 at 888-567-0419.

For further information, please contact Alison Erbig, Vice President and Director, Investor Relations, at 617-574-6655 or email investor_relations@libertymutual.com.

About Liberty Mutual Insurance

"Helping people live safer, more secure lives" since 1912, Boston-based Liberty Mutual Insurance is a diversified global insurer and the third largest property and casualty insurer in the U.S. based on 2012 direct premiums written as reported by the National Association of Insurance Commissioners.

Liberty Mutual Insurance also ranks 84th on the Fortune 100 list of largest corporations in the U.S. based on 2011 revenue. As of December 31, 2012, Liberty Mutual Insurance had $120.1 billion in consolidated assets, $101.5 billion in consolidated liabilities, and $36.9 billion in annual consolidated revenue.

Liberty Mutual Insurance offers a wide range of insurance products and services, including personal automobile, homeowners, workers compensation, property, commercial automobile, general liability, global specialty, group disability, reinsurance and surety. Liberty Mutual Insurance (www.libertymutualinsurance.com) employs over 50,000 people in more than 900 offices throughout the world.

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Liberty Mutual Insurance Schedules First Quarter 2013 Earnings Conference Call

Island hopping in Davao with Islands Banca Cruises

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Asia, Best Beach, Ecotourism, Nature Trip, Philippines By melo on April 19, 2013 9:48 am

It was my second time to experience Island Hopping with Islands Banca Cruises. My first time was in Cebu where they initially launched the tour packages and my second was last year in Davao during DFAT (Davao Food Appreciation Tour) 2012.

Vanishing Island

What i love about their tour is their customized boat with comfortable seats andlarge sun decks thatare specially designed for having sun bathe and sightseeing.Aside from their expanded sundeck, cushioned seats and attractive exteriors, I also enjoyed their facilities like iPod dock, clean rest rooms, Wi-Fi Internet access and cold beverages inside the boats.

Watersports in Samal

Island hopping in Davao with Islands Banca Cruises is a thrilling way to enjoy the scenic beauty of beaches and marine life of Davao.This special Banca cruise tours are designed in customized packages. The tours can be from a half day hopping to a full day of cruising.

Stopover at Vanishing IslandbyChris Nierva

A full day island hopping is the best choice to explore the cool water journey. The tour company provides warm hospitable crew that are also well trained in all aspects of boat operation. Each Banca is designed to accommodate 20 tourists at a time excluding the boat captain, tour guides and other staffs as well as life guards.

Lunch TimebyChris Nierva

Banca cruises offer recreational equipments such as scuba gear, underwater camera, dive masks, snorkel, fins and kayaks. Besides, a trash can and washrooms are provided at the back side of the boat. Island Banca Cruise offers budget friendly packages which include sunset cruises and lechon or barbeque picnics. They provide corporate tours as well as customized Banca picnics.

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Island hopping in Davao with Islands Banca Cruises

Dozens of earthquakes strike Japanese islands

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TOKYO, April 18 (UPI) -- The Miyakejima Islands were rattled by about 40 noticeable earthquakes, including at least two Thursday, the Japan Meteorological Agency said.

The strongest of earthquakes, which began rumbling Wednesday, registered a magnitude of 6.2 and was in waters near the island in Tokyo's Izu island chain, Yomiuri Shimbun reported.

The earthquakes began Wednesday morning and extended into Thursday.

Although it is assumed the quakes are not related to any volcanic activity, the meteorological agency said it would monitor the situation.

The Oi nuclear power plant, Japan's only online nuclear reactor, is near the island, but its operator, Kansai Electric, said the earthquake didn't damage the facility.

Miyake village government officials said most damage, including landslides, was on the western half of the island.

Village officials and construction workers began clearing an earthquake-triggered landslide that inundated a road Thursday.

"We didn't expect this," a village official said. "We won't be able to open this road."

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Dozens of earthquakes strike Japanese islands

Health Care Decisions: Talk About Them Now With Your Family and Your Clients – Video

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Health Care Decisions: Talk About Them Now With Your Family and Your Clients
Most Americans have not exercised their right to make decisions about their health care in the event that they cannot speak for themselves. Elder law attorne...

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Health Care Decisions: Talk About Them Now With Your Family and Your Clients - Video

Joppel Website Helps Universal Health Care Medicare Members Find New Health Insurance Coverage in Wake of Recent …

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ORANGE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--

The recent filing for bankruptcy by Universal Health Care has left 37,500 Florida seniors scrambling to find new health insurance before their window to make a choice closes on May 31. In response, the nations premier online resource designed to help seniors select the right health insurance coverage has established a special hotline to help with this urgent need.

Medicare beneficiaries enrolled in Universals Medicare Advantage plans are understandably concerned about their coverage and urgently in need of a new Medicare plan, said Kyal Moody, senior vice president of Joppel. While Universal can no longer provide the Medicare coverage for their enrollees, there are Medicare Advantage plans in their service areas that will be able to provide beneficiaries with the coverage and peace of mind they deserve. Joppel is here to make sure that happens.

The Joppel 3.0 website (http://www.joppel.com) helps consumers and brokers easily evaluate, compare and enroll in private insurance plans participating in Medicare. Through Joppel, seniors and others eligible for Medicare can view all of their options side by side and go through a simple needs assessment that narrows down hundreds of plans through criteria specific to them such as what medications are covered, cost of co-payment and plan premiums. Each year more than 70,000 people visit joppel.com to research Medicare insurance plan options.

Complementing Joppels online technologies is a live, telephonic customer sales and support team that helps seniors walk through the entire process. Current Universal Health Care members are encouraged to call Joppel toll free at 877-274-9316 (TTY 711) to find a new plan that will best meet their needs and preferences.

It is imperative that Universal Health Care members as well as all of Floridas 3.5 million Medicare recipients find coverage that will continue to meet their healthcare and budgetary needs, said Moody. Our specially trained call center team can assist Medicare beneficiaries in finding and enrolling in a plan that is right for them. It is truly a one-stop shop designed for ease and simplicity.

The Joppel website is based on years of study as to how people on Medicare, their families and caregivers navigate through a website and access information most important to their particular healthcare needs. In December it was named one of the healthcare industrys best overall Internet sites by the eHealthcare Leadership Awards.

Joppel is a division of HealthCompare, an online resource expressly designed to help consumers and brokers easily shop and select the right coverage from hundreds of commercial and Medicare health plans available nationwide. It is part of The Word & Brown Companies, the nations recognized leader in developing and offering innovative technology, health benefit plan models, and sophisticated employee benefits services. In addition to HealthCompare and Joppel, The Word & Brown Companies include CHOICE Administrators, the nations only private health insurance exchange; CONEXIS, the nations oldest and most trusted employee benefits administrator, providing COBRA, FSA, HRA, commuter benefits administration and direct bill services; and Quotit Corporation, the leading Internet application service provider for the health insurance and employee benefits industry. http://www.wordandbrowncompanies.com.

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Health care benefit to apply to many in Clark County

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An estimated 40,840 Clark County residents will be eligible for help paying for insurance coverage under the 2010 Affordable Care Act and most of them don't know it, according to a health-reform advocacy group.

Families USA released a report this week that estimates that nearly 598,000 Washingtonians will be eligible for the new premium tax credits in 2014. The vast majority 88 percent of those eligible for the credits will be in working families, according to the report.

The health care act not only extends Medicaid coverage for the low-income uninsured, it also provides subsidies to those with incomes as high as 400 percent of the federal pov

erty level. That's $46,000 for an individual and $94,200 for a family of four.

"This reaches deeply into the middle class," said Ron Pollack, executive director of Families USA. "The tax credit subsidies are a game-changer: They will make health coverage affordable for huge numbers of uninsured families who would have been priced out of the health coverage and care they need."

But those eligible for the subsidy won't receive it automatically. They have to apply.

"The overwhelming majority of people who are uninsured today who will be eligible for these premium subsidies aren't aware of it," Pollack said in a teleconference. "That's why it's so important that people learn about it."

The Washington State Office of the Insurance Commissioner is already preparing for enrollment, which begins Oct. 1 and ends March 31. In subsequent years, the enrollment window will be shorter.

The state insurance commissioner is reviewing insurance companies' plans to make sure they cover essential services, said Stephanie Marquis, a spokeswoman for the office. In a few weeks, the office will begin reviewing proposed rates for the plans, she said.

Once the plans and rates are approved, then they can be included in the Washington Health Benefits Exchange, which already has a website. Consumers will be able to use Washington Healthplanfinder to apply for coverage as well as subsidies, said exchange spokesman Michael Marchand.

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Health care benefit to apply to many in Clark County

Money Matters: Why you need a health care proxy

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Advice offered by Marc Hebert, president ofThe Harbor Group Inc., a registered investment adviser.

You may someday face a sudden health crisis due to an accident or serious illness that leaves you unable to make your own medical decisions. Fortunately, there is a means to address this potential future concern -- it's called a health care proxy. A health care proxy allows you to legally designate someone -- a proxy -- to make medical decisions for you. Keep in mind that in some states you may even be able to combine a health care proxy and living will into a single document.

Hospitals and nursing homes are required to ask about the existence of any advance directive when you are admitted. In most states, a health care proxy does not take effect until you can no longer make medical decisions for yourself; until then, only you can legally consent to any treatment. In addition, you can always change or cancel the document as long as you are mentally alert. If you decide to make changes to any of these documents, be sure to do so in writing.

Know the Potential Drawbacks

Though it is a legal document, a health care proxy cannot handle every medical situation. Here are some key points to consider before you designate a proxy.

-- Some caregivers could override your document. Most states permit a doctor or health care facility to reject any advance directive for reasons of conscience. In these cases, the doctor or facility must tell you or your health care proxy about this when you are admitted to care and must offer to help transfer you to another party or facility that will comply with your wishes or the health care proxy.

-- The advance directive may not be followed by emergency medical services (EMS). If EMS is summoned to treat you in case of a life-threatening situation, they are usually required to resuscitate and stabilize you until you reach the hospital, regardless of an existing advance directive.

-- Know state laws. Though all states accept health care proxies as legal, each varies considerably in what is required of these documents. Also, if a health care proxy is written to your state's specification but you undergo medical treatment when visiting another state, the rules regulating health care proxies in the state in which treatment takes place will usually prevail.

-- Do not use a health care proxy unless you fully trust the person you have named. If you don't have a health care proxy, many states will appoint a person to make medical decisions on your behalf. Usually, this person is your closest relative, whose values may or may not coincide with your intentions.

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Money Matters: Why you need a health care proxy

Health Care Consumers Realize Significant Cost Savings Through Benefits Value Advisor Program

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CHICAGO, April 18, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Consumers who worked with a specially trained customer service champion to help them navigate the health care system were found to make more informed decisions that resulted in significant cost savings, according to data analyzed by Health Care Service Corporation (HCSC), the nation's largest customer-owned health insurer.

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20130401/AQ85974LOGO)

HCSC, which operates Blue Cross and Blue Shield plans in Illinois, New Mexico, Oklahoma and Texas, developed the Benefits Value Advisor program to help its members improve their quality of care and achieve cost savings in the overall health care system. A Benefits Value Advisor is a health care expert who uses data, cost estimators, provider-finders and other tools to provide consumers with choices that allow them to maximize their health care benefits.

From April 9, 2012 through December 31, 2012, HCSC analyzed the use of BVA for approximately 2,000 members from Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois and Texas. Key findings include:

Recent research indicates that consumers may pay as much as 683% more for the same medical procedures, such as MRI's, CT scans and other medical procedures, in the same town, depending on the facility they choose.[i] The following example further illustrates the potential variation in cost from one facility to another.

Customer A was in need of a colonoscopy with biopsy and found that in his home town of Duncanville, Texas, there were 46 facilities that offered his procedure. He decided to go to a facility recommended by a friend, and paid $2,438 for his services.[ii]

Customer B was in need of the very same procedure in the same town and rather than call a friend, he consulted with a BVA who used custom tools and found that the price for that procedure could range from $1,055 to $4,389. After speaking with a BVA, he decided to visit a facility near his home, which was significantly less expensive than the one Customer A chose, spending only $1560 on his procedure.[iii]

"HCSC is dedicated to finding ways to better deliver access to quality, affordable care in our communities," said Thomas Meier, vice president, product development. "Through this pilot program we found that members who utilized the company's Benefits Value Advisor achieved significant cost savings and higher quality of care - through more informed decision making."

Benefits Value Advisor's use the following tools to help demystify healthcare for consumers:

"As the healthcare system continues to go through significant changes, we believe it's important for consumers to have a high-touch, personalized option to help them better understand their health care decisions," said Dr. Stephen Ondra, chief medical officer, Health Care Service Corporation. "Today's technology, coupled with personal interaction, provides an effective combination that engages members and helps them to make better health care decisions for themselves and their families."

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Health Care Consumers Realize Significant Cost Savings Through Benefits Value Advisor Program

Jorge Riopedre delivers health care to immigrants

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Jorge Riopedre, an influential networker in the local Hispanic community, has morphed into the role of executive director of a nonprofit health clinic.

In his latest incarnation, he is running Casa de Salud, which translates to House of Health in Spanish. The St. Louis organization provides clinical and mental health care for the uninsured, with a special focus on the Latino community.

Were proud to do what we do here, Riopedre said. Heres the next generation of immigrants who come to the United States with hope of a better life, and heres Casa. ... Its a feel-good job.

In 2010, Riopedre served as the paid executive director of the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce for Metropolitan St. Louis. In 2008 and 2009, he was the chambers volunteer chairman and president. He previously ran two independent video production companies in the St. Louis area.

Casa de Salud opened its doors in 2010. Last year, the clinic delivered more than 10,000 patient services to an estimated 4,000 individuals, Riopedre said.

Patients pay a $25 fee for an office visit.

Casa de Salud mainly serves immigrants and asks no questions about a persons immigration status.

About half of these patients are undocumented workers, Riopedre said. Many do manual labor, including construction and landscaping, or work in service businesses, such as restaurants and hotels.

Casa de Salud also provides counseling services for victims of domestic violence and sexual abuse.

The clinic serves adults only and refers children to the Peoples Health Center. Unlike adults, immigrant children often have insurance through federal programs.

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Jorge Riopedre delivers health care to immigrants

#7 Gray Scott, futurist, philosopher…and then there were sex-bots Techno-Optimist podcast – Video

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#7 Gray Scott, futurist, philosopher...and then there were sex-bots Techno-Optimist podcast
Itunes Link: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/simulet.com-hub/id618504119 Saturday April 13th 2013 Episode 7 of the Techno Optimist Interview with Gray Sc...

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#7 Gray Scott, futurist, philosopher...and then there were sex-bots Techno-Optimist podcast - Video

[Futurist Speaker] JIM CARROLL Thinking Boldly | Collaborative Agency Group – Video

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[Futurist Speaker] JIM CARROLL Thinking Boldly | Collaborative Agency Group
JIM CARROLL Thinking Boldly | Collaborative Agency Group Futurist, trends and innovation expert, Author of The Future Belongs to Those Who are Fast Ready, Set, Done.

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[Futurist Speaker] JIM CARROLL Thinking Boldly | Collaborative Agency Group - Video

Bro. Gregg Wiegel – Genesis 11:1-9 – Message Of Freedom Church – Grafton, WV – 04-14-13 – Video

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Bro. Gregg Wiegel - Genesis 11:1-9 - Message Of Freedom Church - Grafton, WV - 04-14-13
Faith Works And Jesus Never Fails http://www.messageoffreedom.org Twitter: @mofchurch facebook.com/mofchurch prayer@messageoffreedom.org.

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Bro. Gregg Wiegel - Genesis 11:1-9 - Message Of Freedom Church - Grafton, WV - 04-14-13 - Video