Abstract: Methods and apparatus for automated insurance claims and eligibility/benefits communication, audit, and research are described. This application relates to methods and apparatus for automated insurance claims and eligibility/benefits communication, audit, and research. These methods include processing an insurance claim, comprising creating a claim for payment of medical services for a patient from a medical provider, submitting the payment claim to an insurance carrier, adjudicating the claim; and submitting the payment to the medical provider, wherein during the process of adjudicating the claim, data is collected about the efficiency of the payment process and it is reported back to the medical provider and used to improve the information used to create the claim. Other embodiments are described.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method, including receiving, with a receiver or a computer, a search request for information regarding an agent or a principal; processing, with the computer or with a second computer, the search request; generating, with the computer or with a second computer, a message in response to the search request, wherein the message contains information identifying at least one agent or at least one principal in response to the search request and contains an advertisement; and transmitting, from a transmitter, the first computer, or the second computer, the message to a communication device used by or associated with a user.

Abstract: A computer system for processing data related to loss control associated with worksites, includes a loss control hardware server, configured to: receive data indicative of worksite conditions from a portable user-accessible device; access from a data storage device stored business logic data relating to worksite condition analysis; and process the data indicative of worksite conditions in accordance with the accessed business logic data to generate workplace analysis data relating to the worksite of the employer. The system further includes an employer communications interface device configured to receive the workplace analysis data from the loss control hardware server and generate an employer communication incorporating the workplace analysis data.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for providing an annuity structure and a system for processing an annuity structure. The annuity structure may include a base portion segment, where the base portion segment is a functional annuity having a first annuity schedule; and a secondary portion segment, where the secondary portion segment is a functional annuity having a second annuity schedule. In the invention, the base portion segment and the secondary portion segment each operate as its own annuity. Also, the base portion segment and the secondary portion segment are each included in a single contract, i.e., under the umbrella of one contract.

Abstract: Rooms, structures and objects can be accurately diagrammed, often without performing a physical on-site inspection. Photograph(s) of a room, structure or object are uploaded to a computer having a processor. A base calibration measure is determined for a room, structure, object, or component thereof, depicted in the photograph(s) using at least one known dimension for item(s) observable in the photograph(s). The base calibration measure is then used to determine dimensions of other areas, items or objects depicted in such photograph(s), and to create at least one scale diagram of the subject matter of the photograph(s). The scale diagram(s) can then be used to calculate appropriate insurance payment amount(s).

Abstract: A computer system includes a data storage device. The data storage module receives, stores, and provides access to historical claim data. A categorical aggregation component comprising program instructions stored in a program memory provides categorized and aggregated historical claim data by identifying claim categories based on the historical claim data, each of the one or more claim categories associated with a respective set of claim characteristics, identifying claims of the historical claim data associated with one of the claim categories, assigning each identified claim to one of a plurality of total severity ranges based on the total severity of the identified claim, and determining an average cost per claim year for claims of each total severity range when executed by a computer processor.

Abstract: A variable resolution grid provides a mechanism for focusing specific concentrations of risk exposure on a geographical grid to determine projected loss caused by a particular catastrophe. The geographic grid provides a stable base map by using latitudes and longitudes to define the grid points and cells. Each cell is assigned a geographic identifier or geocode that identifies the location of the cell and its associated resolution. The resolution of the grid may be varied depending in part, on the resolution of any available of hazard data.

Abstract: A method is disclosed of financing the liabilities of sovereign governmental entities, their political subunits, and like entities (e.g., school boards, etc.), and private business entities through the use of insurance products. In one embodiment, the method may include: receiving a population data set, generating a plurality of mortality data sets, generating a financial target data set, transmitting the financial target data set to a plurality of life insurance vendors, receiving from each of at least two life insurance vendors a rate table, generating a proportional rating for each insurance vendor, generating a final rate table having a per member life insurance premium rate for each mortality data set.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes, among other things, an example method for maintaining an account for a life insurance policy. The method may include determining an amount to apply to the account, the amount based at least in part on i) a plurality of first factors based on data for life insurance policies in a class of policies, wherein the class of policies includes the life insurance policy, and ii) a plurality of second factors based on data for an individual, wherein the individual is a policy holder of the life insurance policy. The method may include increasing at least a portion of the account by the amount.

Abstract: A computer-based method and system to enable a benefit plan sponsor to design a plurality of benefit plans to be offered to a given participant population and for determining the cost of sponsoring the plans for the participant population by predicting utilization for each of the plans based upon historical utilization data for the population, projected plan selections based upon presumed participant objectives, and/or survey or historical data from a sample of the given population or from preexisting statistical samples exhibiting analogous demographic characteristics to the given participant population relating to expected benefit utilization and plan preference criteria.

Abstract: An environment provided by a financial entity in which buyers and sellers may be brought together to initiate and complete a transaction for the purchase of a property for sale or rental. The environment enables sellers to list items together with relevant information that buyers may need to understand the item. Buyers may apply for financing, insurance or other related services to receive approval to purchase properties. A mechanism by which the seller and buyer may communicate enables a negotiation process, scheduling and other processes associated with the sale or rental. After an agreement is reached between the buyer and seller, components associated with the environment, such property and casualty and banking may complete the necessary paperwork, etc. to close the deal.

Abstract: Dynamic insurance rate adjustments are communicated to a vehicle operator in order to allow the vehicle operator to adjust various parameters before an actual change to an insurance rate is communicated to a service provider or trusted third party. The various parameters can be external parameters and/or internal parameters and further can include historical information, current information, and/or predicted information. Communicating the insurance rate adjustments provides for insurance visibility for both the operator and passengers of the vehicle. The insurance rate adjustment is communicated though a device located within a vehicle to enable perception by a vehicle occupant.

Abstract: The system allows a reliable and automatic detection of moving vehicles and advantageously also identification of the moving vehicles. A WPAN node device (advantageously a ZigBee node device) is installed on a vehicle to be detected when the vehicle is moving. Three WPAN node devices (advantageously three ZigBee node devices) are installed on the ground. One of the three WPAN node devices has a wide radio coverage area and acts as an “exciter” of the vehicle WPAN node device. Another one of the three WPAN node devices has a wide radio coverage area and acts as the “parent” of the vehicle WPAN node device. A further one of the three WPAN node devices has a narrow radio coverage area and acts as a “detector” of the vehicle WPAN node device. The three radio coverage areas are sized and located so that a moving vehicle to be detected enters the area of the “exciter” before entering the area of the “parent” and before entering the area of the “detector”.

Abstract: An insurance policy management system for administering and managing insurance policies having deductible coverage through a primary and a secondary insurer. The secondary insurer is provided a portion of a premium payment via the primary insurer to provide deductible coverage to a policyholder. The policyholder will not have to pay a lump sum deductible in the event of a loss when selecting the no deductible option and may have the option of bidding out the deductible coverage in a multi-insurer platform.

Abstract: Systems and methods for the use of mobile applications in patent portfolio management are proposed. In one example embodiment, a method includes providing or enabling a mobile application for a portable electronic device, the mobile application relating to payment of patent annuity fees and allowing presentation of an interactive user interface to a user. The method includes displaying, in the user interface, a cost projection for paying one or more patent annuity fees and allowing a user to select one or more of the displayed patent annuity fees for payment.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes an approach to constructing and implementing risk rating products that provides a number of advantages. Instead of hard-coding attributes of a risk rating scheme, which requires the assistance of a trained programming specialist for any modifications, adjustments, or new products, the present invention provides a set of modular tools that assist non-specialists in on-the-fly generation and implementation of risk rating products. The modularity of this approach facilitates the modification and/or updating of a system component without affecting the operation of other components. Described herein are embodiments of a risk evaluation product builder, which allows users to manipulate visual tools to generate a data-structure comprising an embodiment of a risk rating scheme and insurance quoting product.

Abstract: Computer implemented methods for providing customized pricing information based on limited personal data comprising receiving non-identifying demographic information about a prospective customer; receiving non-identifying location information about the prospective customer; receiving non-identifying information about a property of the prospective customer; automatically identifying a comparable segment of existing customers based on the non-identifying demographic information, the non-identifying location information, and the non-identifying information about the property of the prospective customer; automatically determining representative pricing information based on prices paid by existing customers in the comparable segment of existing customers; and generating displayable content comprising the representative pricing information. The displayable content may further comprise comparable rating and products information.

Abstract: A data structure in a tangible computer-readable medium having two or more prospective customer profile records; two or more comparable segment records; and an association between each of the two or more prospective customer profile records and one of the two or more comparable segment records.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system and method of assisting fundraising entities and their donors, resulting in the realizing of a novel source of donor funds created by adjusting insurance policies carried by the donors. A third party manager identifies eligible donors, assists with managing the donors' personal and commercial insurance policies, assists with the payment of premiums to insurance companies whereby a surplus in donor funds is realized, and assists with transferring funds from that surplus to the fundraising entity. In a preferred embodiment, there is no cost at all to the donor as well as minimal effort to participate. The invention is preferably executed through an online network.

Abstract: A computer-based method for determining a value of an index-offset deposit product, having a principal amount, a term, a specified guaranteed amount, and an index credit comprising the step of setting trial values for fixed-income-linked crediting parameters for the product implying an expected fixed-income-linked credit component at the end of the term. The method further comprises the steps of determining a cost for an option paying an index-linked credit component such that a composite index credit together with the principal is at least equal to a specified guaranteed amount.

Abstract: Pursuant to some embodiments, systems, methods and devices are provided for insurance processing including installing a medical monitoring application associated with a user of a mobile device, the medical monitoring application including configuration data associated with at least a first medical monitoring rule, displaying, under control of the medical monitoring application, a series of instructions to cause the mobile device to be configured to communicate with at least a first biometric sensor, collecting, based on the at least first medical monitoring rule, a set of biometric data from the at least first biometric sensor, and transmitting the set of biometric data from the mobile device to a remote processing system for processing a request for insurance.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for optimizing insurance policies are disclosed.

Abstract: Pursuant to some embodiments, systems, methods, apparatus and computer program code for creating and administering virtual affinity groups are provided. Pursuant to some embodiments, a computer implemented processing method is provided which includes receiving, at an insurance processing platform, information identifying at least a first characteristic of a virtual affinity group, receiving, at the insurance processing platform, information identifying at least a first feature of the virtual affinity group and at least a first insurance related benefit to be offered to the virtual affinity group, automatically identifying at least a first individual matching the at least first characteristic, and communicating to the at least first individual information allowing the at least first individual to participate in the virtual affinity group.

Abstract: According to some embodiments, an indication of a pay period frequency may be received from an insured along with an indication of an initial pay period begin date. A series of pay period begin date and pay period end date fields may then be automatically populated based on the pay period frequency and initial pay period begin date. Wage values associated with a plurality of the pay period begin date and pay period end date fields may be received from the insured, and an electronic wage statement file may be generated based on the received wage values.

Abstract: Pursuant to some embodiments, systems, methods, apparatus and computer program code for proactive underwriting are provided. Pursuant to some embodiments, a computer implemented processing method is provided which includes identifying, by an insurance processing platform, an action by an entity that matches at least a first trigger rule. A proactive underwriting template is selected based on the at least first trigger rule, where the proactive underwriting template defines a number of data items required to complete the proactive underwriting template. The insurance processing platform is operated to automatically collect data associated with the plurality of required data items, and to perform a proactive underwriting analysis using the collected data. An underwriting determination is then rendered based on the proactive underwriting analysis.

Abstract: Pursuant to some embodiments, systems, methods, apparatus and computer program code for responding to insurance related events are provided. Pursuant to some embodiments, event data associated with an insurance related event are received, and cause the analysis of the event data, the identification of an insured entity and an affected insurance policy, the establishment of a support network for response to the insurance related event, and the communication of information associated with the support network to an insured entity. In some embodiments, the support network is a social network that includes the insured as well as one or more service providers selected based on the affected insurance policy, the insured, and the insurance related event.

Abstract: Presented herein are methods and systems for managing an entity's risks of patent coverage. More specifically, the present invention is directed to methods and system for insuring an entity against damage awards in patent litigation. The presented methods and systems allow a manufacturer to minimize their exposure to damage awards in patent litigation by conducting pre-emptive analyses and properly allocating funds for royalty payments and/or damage awards. An insurance captive is also established as a risk management tool to insure the manufacturer against excessive damage awards.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes novel systems and methods for a customer to receive information and/or purchase a product or service while interacting with multiple vendors through a single contact/agency. The customer is able to communicate with the agency through a variety of communication modes. The agency adapts the customer's input as necessary to meet the requirements of the vendors and the agency returns information to the customer so that the customer can conveniently interact with the multiple vendors. The systems and methods allow for the customer to stop and restart the process at various points using any of the communication modes. The agency has the ability to present the customer with prospecting, sales, service, upgrades, cross-sells, and other pre- and post-purchase services at the single point-of-contact agency.

Abstract: A system and method for managing an insurance company's relationships with service providers is disclosed. Data about a service provider's performance is obtained for a variety of metrics. Performance rating models and business rules may be used to evaluate the data and to rate the performance of service providers. The resultant ratings can be used as a basis for recommending service providers to customers. Feedback may be provided to the service providers so as to inform them of their competitive position relative to other service providers.

Abstract: A method and system for providing, administering, and coordinating a Dual-Purpose Profit Sharing plan (DPPSP). The method comprising the steps of: establishing the DPPSP as a qualified fund in accordance with Internal Revenue Service provisions; providing retirement benefits accident, and health benefits within the DPPSP; determining an allocation of employee contributions and employer contributions to the DPPSP between the retirement benefits, accident benefits and health benefits based on a predetermined formula; establishing that i) the employer contributions and ii) the accident and health benefits are excluded from taxation as income, based on federal income tax exclusion rules and offering the DPPSP.

Abstract: Systems and methods for distributing and mitigating financial risk among a number of entities are provided. Among several implementations of methods implemented by a computer, one embodiment of a computer-implemented method includes establishing an insurance plan for one or more client groups, each client group comprising one or more members. The method also includes creating at least three layers of financial responsibility within the insurance plan. Each layer of financial responsibility defines an entity responsible for payment of insurance claims within the respective layer. In some implementations, the insurance plan may include an agreement that at least a minimum percentage of the members of each client group participate in one or more wellness programs.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for providing an adjustment to a value estimate for a property that is considered distressed. In one embodiment, a method includes receiving the estimate of value for the property; determining, based on a model, the adjustment to the estimate of value, such that the model accounts for a characteristic of the property and a characteristic of the loan; and providing the adjustment.

Abstract: A method and system for performing a cash value adjustment to a life insurance policy issued by an insurer and owned by a policy owner, the method performed by a computer processing system. The method may include (1) inputting parameters of a life insurance policy, the parameters including controlling parameters, and the controlling parameters including: (i) a constraint dictated parameter of the life insurance policy; and (ii) a driven parameter of the life insurance policy. The method may further include analyzing the relationship between the constraint dictated parameter and the driven parameter; and performing a re-underwriting of the life insurance policy using the parameters of the life insurance policy and a set of re-underwriting criteria. The method may further include generating re-underwritten policy data to constitute a re-underwritten policy. The method may include providing an annuity.

Abstract: A system and method of generating insurance risk samples and for comparing hypothetical and real insurance premiums of different insurance companies is disclosed. In some embodiments, one or more rating factors are defined and have a plurality of possible values at least partially defining an insurance risk. Values for the one or more rating factors are selected according to a predetermined distribution. The selected values are then used to generate sample risks, calculate sample premiums for the risks, and/or compare sample premiums for different types of insurance policies.

Abstract: A system and method for automating and standardizing an appeals process, facilitating both business-to-business (i.e., insurance companies to providers) and business-to-consumer (i.e., insurance companies to patients) relationships, and educating users on the healthcare industry and patient rights. The system and method provides automated and standardized electronic communication for any business with a regulated or contractual appeals or grievance process. In one application, the system and method provide electronic communication between patients, providers, and insurance plans; convenient access to an “anytime” appeals process; and an efficient follow-up and appeals status tracking. There are standardized forms for the appeal, and the provider appeal format is compatible with current billing forms.

Abstract: Geo-referenced and/or time-referenced electronic drawings may be generated based on electronic vehicle information to facilitate documentation of a vehicle-related event. A symbols library, a collection of geo-referenced images, and any data acquired from one or more vehicles may be stored in memory for use in connection with generation of such drawings, and a drawing tool graphical user interface (GUI) may be provided for electronically processing vehicle data and geo-referenced images. Processed geo-referenced images may be saved as event-specific images, which may be integrated into, for example, an electronic vehicle accident report for accurately depicting a vehicle accident.

Abstract: A computerized method of allowing insurance customers to purchase travel medical insurance or other foreign medical insurance, based on user age, sex, and various user designed risk scenarios, and receive information on the payout amounts that various insurance plans will deliver based upon these factors. In one embodiment, a method for allowing customers who are unfamiliar with the medical cost structure of a foreign country to be informed both as to the costs of medical treatment in that country, and the benefits that a variety of foreign coverage medical insurance plans will provide under these user risk scenarios. These plans may then be evaluated according to different user selected parameters. The method can be implemented using computerized servers and client devices communicating using standard internet protocols over the internet.

Abstract: According to some embodiments, an insurance business process may have a series of business process actions. Moreover, point of service customer interaction data associated with the insurance business process may be received along with external third-party information associated with a context of the insurance business process. Based on the external third-party data, the point of service customer interaction data may be systematically analyzed to identify a trend. The trend may be analytically mapped to a first business process action in the insurance business process. An indication of a recommended change to the first business process action may then be output based at least in part on the identified trend.

Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein are directed to data acquisition apparatuses configured to acquire insurance-related data from an insurance policyholder for insurance purposes and transmit the insurance-related data directly or indirectly to an insurer of insurance for the insurance policyholder, and related systems and methods.

Abstract: Exemplary methods and systems for advancing construction project performance and completion are provided, including creating a contract between a first party and a second party, determining a need for at least one performance guarantee, and determining an amount of at least one letter of credit. The exemplary methods further include incorporating the at least one letter of credit into the at least one performance guarantee and incorporating the at least one performance guarantee into at least one of the contract and a surety bond. Upon a default by at least one of the first party and the second party, the exemplary method includes implementing at least one of the at least one performance guarantee and the at least one letter of credit to cure the default. The exemplary system includes a computer storage device and a processing device.

Abstract: Consumer-driven healthcare payments are made to providers of healthcare services. A healthcare payment system receives, from a mobile device associated with a consumer of healthcare services, an identification of a selected provider of the healthcare services. The system identifies a price list for one or more healthcare services offered by the provider and transmits the identified price list to the mobile device. The system receives a payment request from the mobile device. The payment request identifies at least one service selected from the price list and one or more funding sources. The system transfers electronic payment for the selected service from the one or more funding sources to an account associated with the selected provider. The one or more funding sources may include a bank account, a health savings account (HSA), a health insurance plan, a credit card, a debit card, and/or an electronic payment service.

Abstract: A system and method for generating an insurance policy to protect a crop against weather-related perils is provided. A customized insurance policy is generated based on crop type data and location data. The customized insurance policy is generated utilizing a weather-impact model for the type of crop and the geographic area.

Abstract: Technologies related to out-of-pocket insurance are described. In some examples, out-of-pocket insurance covers the out-of-pocket costs associated with making an insurance claim with a primary insurance provider. This out-of-pocket insurance coverage may cover any payment that an insurance policy holder must pay out-of-pocket in a valid insurance plan for valid insurance claims.

Abstract: A computer system includes a web server component and a rules engine component in communication with the web server component. The rules engine component receives input rating information that is relevant to insurance coverage rating decisions. The rules engine component applies rating rules to the input rating information to generate premium quotations for a proposed insurance policy. The web server component downloads a quotation display page to a client computer, including an option to generate a customized proposal based on the premium quotations for said proposed insurance policy.

Abstract: Insurance policy management includes: interpreting an insurance product model to facilitate collecting supplemental policy-specific data, the insurance product model defining structures of a plurality of derived insurance policies; obtaining the supplemental policy-specific data; and performing an insurance-related action based at least in part on the supplemental policy-specific data.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and computer program products are provided for an interactive financial customer experience that allows collaboratively selecting financial products for a customer. The customer experience assesses the customer's life events and subsequently uses the life events and the proximate date of occurrence of the life events to determine financial product recommendations and offers for the customer. Additionally, the customer experience may assess the customer's life interests and/or financial portfolio to further determine financial product recommendations and offers. The financial product recommendations, along with other financial product options, may be presented to the customer and financial institution associate in a user-friendly platform that further accentuates the collaborative nature of the financial product selection process.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided that receive client data for a plurality of clients and financial product data at a processor. The processor prepares a client communication for some of the clients. The client communication incorporates a portion of the client data and a portion of the financial product data. The financial product data for each client is based on the client data. Moreover, the financial product data constitutes the financial product offered in the client communication. decision criteria pertaining to selection from among the financial products, The method also includes storing the client information, the financial products information, the ancillary information, and the decision criteria. This method further includes using the client information, the financial products information, the ancillary information, and the decision criteria to select a subset of the financial products.

Abstract: A first information handling system (“IHS”) receives identification information of a first user of a second IHS. The first IHS initiates a network session in response to authenticating the identification information of the first user. Within the network session, the first IHS receives identification information of a second user of the second IHS. The first IHS authenticates the identification information of the second user.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for processing transactions between a customer and a business. An exemplary system includes a server used by the business and being accessible by the customer, and a customer account associated with the customer housed on the server. The customer account includes automated instructions that allow the customer to advise the business of an upcoming payment for an upcoming event, to request a payment from the business from a previous event, or to pair a payment with one or more upcoming events.

Abstract: Embodiments of systems and methods for enabling communication between vendors and individuals qualified to offer financial products, insurance products, warranty products, and/or other products and services related to vehicles and vehicle sales are provided. In one embodiment, a salesperson at a remote location interacts with the vendor's customer using data, video, and/or audio transmissions over a network. In one embodiment, the remote salesperson may possess relevant expertise or training, which the salesperson uses to process the transaction. In one embodiment, the remote salesperson completes the transaction using a system that manages the transaction and communication.