Latest news with #Disability
Business Wire
2 days ago
- Business
- Business Wire
Gen Re Releases 2024 U.S. Individual Disability Market Survey Results
STAMFORD, Conn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Gen Re recently released its U.S. Individual Disability Market Survey which captures Non-Cancelable, Guaranteed Renewable, Guaranteed Standard Issue, and Buy-Sell new sales and inforce results. The number of survey participants was 16, dropping from 17 in the prior 2023 survey as one carrier exited the Individual Disability market. Those 16 carriers reported $5.5 billion of inforce premium, an increase of 3.2% over 2023 results. New sales were down 1.7% to $478.9 million, while the number of new policies written increased 3.7% in 2024. Gen Re releases 2024 U.S. Individual Disability Market Survey results: Carriers reported mixed results for Individual Disability insurance sales. Share Additional highlights from this annual benchmark report include: By product line, Non-Cancelable inforce premium grew 3.3% to $4.7 billion, representing 88% of total inforce premium. Guaranteed Renewable inforce premium grew 3.1% to $776.9 million, while Buy-Sell premium fell 4.6% to $44.9 million posting negative growth for the 16th consecutive year. Non-Cancelable and Guaranteed Renewable new sales premium fell 1.0% and 4.6%, respectively. After an increase of 14% in 2023, Buy-Sell new sales premium declined 23.9% in 2024. The total number of policies inforce remained level at 3.1 million, increasing less than 1% (0.2%). New Non-Cancelable and Guaranteed Renewable policies grew 1.2% and 7.9%, respectively, while new Buy-Sell policies declined 26.3% in 2024. The Market Survey is an annual benchmark survey produced by Gen Re, with the full results available only to participating companies. A summary report is available online at About Gen Re Gen Re, a Berkshire Hathaway Company, is one of the leading Life/Health and Property/Casualty reinsurers in the world. Our North American Life/Health reinsurance company, General Re Life Corporation, has superior financial strength ratings among Life and Health reinsurers. Gen Re delivers customized reinsurance programs and risk management solutions for the Life, Medicare Supplement, Critical Illness, and Individual Disability Income markets. Through our research, we also offer valuable information and insights.
The Citizen
5 days ago
- Business
- The Citizen
KwaMhlanga entrepreneurs walk 300km to provincial government for change
A group of five passionate KwaMhlanga-based entrepreneurs embarked on a seven-day walk from eMalahleni to the Mpumalanga Provincial Government Complex in Mbombela to bring attention to the plight of unemployment and lack of opportunities in their area. Raymond Mthimunye (39), Rogger Maela (33), Karabo Modupi (25), Stanley Khoza (45) and Vincent Zimu (33) walked 300km from May 3 to May 9. These men are skilled in woodwork, business management, and marketing and design, and they aimed to the present practical solutions to the provincial government and plead for support. They also showcased one of their of woodwork products, a small coffin covered in Ndebele art designs. They carried this coffin on their journey. Maela said they sought inclusion in provincial development programmes, equipment grants and mentorship programmes, and access to funds such the Mpumalanga Premier's Youth Development Fund (MPYDF). 'Unemployment has crippled our communities. Many young people are qualified, but sitting at home, frustrated and without opportunities. There is a rise in depression and substance abuse due to youth unemployment. Our biggest concern is that most programmes don't reach us in our townships and villages. The government should decentralise opportunities and create manufacturing incubators in places like KwaMhlanga,' said Maela. Maela said the coffin they carried symbolised the death of the dream of the youth and the burial of their potential, unless the government intervenes. He said it also represents rebirth and a call to action. Maela said the walk had its challenges. 'We faced exhaustion, muscle pain and harsh weather, but we kept going through faith and unity, with support from communities along the route,' said Maela. ALSO READ: More than 5 000 snares removed across the Lowveld On arrival at the government complex, they met with the Mpumalanga premier, Mandla Ndlovu, with whom they raised their concerns. 'Meeting the premier was an honour. He listened to us, welcomed our memorandum and acknowledged our efforts. It felt like the beginning of something real. We left with hope and a sense of validation,' said Maela. Ndlovu reiterated the government's commitment to assisting the youth with numerous opportunities, citing the MPYDF. ALSO READ: TS Matsulu determined to go top of Safa Ehlanzeni U20 League log 'I am incredibly impressed with their business idea, but regrettably they did not have to endure the agony of walking for days to engage with their government. We have all these programmes throughout the province, aimed at helping our people. I have linked them with the Disability, Employment and Transition Division and Mpumalanga Economic Growth Agency to formalise and navigate other regulatory requirements for their businesses,' said Ndlovu. While commending them for their resilience, he expressed that the information they received at the provincial government is available at their local municipality. 'I must commend these guys for their outstanding display of good behaviour. They have showed remarkable respect by not destroying any public infrastructure to draw attention to their cause. Their action serves as a positive example to a harmonious and respectful environment for everyone,' Ndlovu said. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
Irish Examiner
21-05-2025
- Health
- Irish Examiner
Former North Cork TB sanitorium for sale for €300k
A sprawling Cork former hospital complex that failed to sell when it first came to market for €350,000 five years ago has had the guide price slashed by €50,000 following a change of agency. Heatherside Hospital, set on more than 20 acres in the Ballyhoura Hills, near Buttevant, was built in 1909 as a sanitorium for tuberculosis (TB) patients at a time when death rates from the disease were spiking in Ireland. It later served as a 180-bed geriatric unit, as well as an overflow facility for the Cork Mental Hospital, before closing permanently in 2010. The complex first came to market at the end of 2020 and generated good interest, but was withdrawn after a short period. More recently, it was the site of protests after reports surfaced that the Government was considering using it to house international protection applicants. However, the move was ruled out last month after it was deemed 'not suitable' by the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration, and Youth. It's back on the market now for €300,000, less than the cost of an average country bungalow, and for that the buyer will get a collection of buildings with a combined floor area of approximately 5,081sq m (54,691sq ft) on a private level site of about 8.32ha (20.55ac). Its potential for development as an outdoor activity centre, hostel, or as a facility for the scouts or girl guides are among the possibilities put forward by selling agents Sherry FitzGerald. 'The property is situated in the Ballyhoura Hills, known for outdoor activities such as mountain biking, hiking, and fishing,' said agent David McCarthy. 'Potential purchasers might include forestry businesses, outdoor activity operators, tourism entrepreneurs, or those looking to establish a spiritual, yoga, or religious retreat,' the agent added. Coillte owns land adjoining the site. However, it has so far not expressed interest. It falls under the stronger rural area zoning in the Cork County Development Plan 2022-2028. The complex, in a secluded cul-de-sac setting about 9km north of Buttevant in the townland of Streamhill West, is 19km north of Mallow and 55km north of Cork City. The buildings include a two-storey hospital dating to 1909 and several ancillary structures, including a church and a house from the 1930s. While some buildings feature in the National Inventory of Buildings of Ireland, they are not listed as protected structures. They've fallen into considerable disrepair since the hospital closed permanently in 2010, and returning them to use would require substantial investment. From a design perspective, the former hospital is an interesting building. It is curved with various projections and numerous rooms opening at ground and first-floor level to terraces and balconies, as befitted a sanatorium, where fresh air and rest were considered the route to recovery for consumptive patients. In fact, the bracing Ballyhoura outdoor setting, reached at the end of a long avenue, was one of the reasons the site was selected for a sanitorium in the first place. It's isolation was another. Built after years of rampant TB, the need for the medical facility was recognised by the wife of the Earl of Aberdeen, the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, after a trip abroad brought home to her how much higher the TB death rate was in Ireland compared to other countries. In 1910, the sanitary authorities of County Cork combined with Cork Corporation to establish Heatherside Sanitorium. Access to the site is through a gated entrance along its southern boundary. The property is just a 10- minute drive from the main N20 Cork-Limerick national road and 7km north of Doneraile and the popular Doneraile Wildlife Park. The complex was deemed surplus to HSE requirements in 2024, and licensed by the HSE to the Department of Integration. The department handed it back after deeming it unsuitable for asylum seeker accommodation. It's back on the market now and agents are seeking expressions of interest 'in the region of €300,000'. The property is for sale by tender and the deadline is noon on Thursday, July 3. DETAILS: Sherry FitzGerald Commercial T: 0214270099; E:
Irish Independent
20-05-2025
- Business
- Irish Independent
Confusion over status of Wicklow hotel paid €5.5m to house Ukrainians
The operators of hotel in west Wicklow have so far received over €5.5 million from the state for accommodating Ukrainians since 2022, and are thought to additionally be housing international protection applicants. The Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth has provided The Avon Hotel in Blessington with a total of €5,529,949 for offering accommodation to Ukrainians and the associated costs from Q3 of 2022, when they first started accommodating them, though to Q4 of 2024.
The Age
15-05-2025
- The Age
Roberta Williams' property raided as part of NDIS fraud probe
Australian Federal Police officers have raided the northern Melbourne home of gangland widow Roberta Williams as part of an investigation into National Disability Insurance Scheme fraud. Thursday's raid was conducted by the AFP's Fraud Fusion Taskforce, which involves the National Disability Insurance Agency and Services Australia. Roberta was the wife of Carl Williams, a drug dealer convicted of four murders and conspiracy to murder a fifth man during Melbourne's gangland wars. Carl was beaten to death by an inmate in Barwon Prison in April 2010. On Thursday, Roberta and Carl's daughter Dhakota hid behind her hoodie as she arrived at the property, before heading inside. A dozen officers spent hours combing the property and vehicles, seizing several items. No charges have been laid and investigations are ongoing.
