INDUSTRY NEWS

Agency Revolution Announces HomeServices Insurance as Newest Enterprise Marketing Automation Customer

Agency Revolution, an FMG Suite Company, serving independent insurance agents, announced that HomeServices Insurance, a wholly-owned subsidiary of HomeServices of America, a Berkshire Hathaway affiliate, has signed an enterprise agreement for Fuse, the company’s marketing automation platform. Under this agreement, HomeServices Insurance will use Fuse to power digital customer communications across its 26 locations. HomeServices Insurance will integrate Fuse with its Agency Management System, Applied Epic, through a seamless bulk data extract (BDE) integration. The integration allows the marketing team to use clients and policy data for targeted client and prospect communications. https://www.agencyrevolution.com.

IICF Event Raises Money for Community Grants Program

The Insurance Industry Charitable Foundation (IICF) Western Division will host the virtual Horizon Award Gala, March 18. This is a chance to both celebrate the insurance industry’s legacy of collaboration and philanthropic commitment, while also raising funds for the IICF Community Grants Program, benefiting nonprofits with a focus on children at risk, education and human services. More info at IICF.org.

AIG Partners with Beacon to Certify Annuity Information Through Annuity Switchboard

Beacon Annuity Solutions, a provider of cloud-based annuity software and compliance solutions, announced AIG has joined their list of Annuity Switchboard partners. Annuity Switchboard, a Beacon Annuity Solutions service, is a fully automated data delivery platform that connects insurance carriers to its ecosystem of distributors and software providers.

A.M. Best Weighs In on Telehealth

A new A.M. Best special report “Tele-health Claim Surge from Pandemic Transforms Healthcare Delivery” found that just one-quarter of respondents said they would prefer a virtual appointment over an in-person healthcare visit once the pandemic ends. That said, Best contends telehealth is positive for the health industry. Telehealth has increased access to and usage of mental health visits, made healthcare access more effective for low-income people and easier for those with chronic conditions. It also re-duced the risk of exposure to COVID-19 for the elderly. Payment parity between virtual and in-person visits expanded provider willingness to offer services virtually, enhanced access to enrollees and filled the earnings gap for provid-ers affected by reduced in-person visits. But Best also says there are caveats. For example, healthcare providers must use different skills to connect with patients. And then there’s that thing about people really wanting to be in the doctor’s office with a live person.