Washington wildfires could be $1bn+ insured loss

Gallagher Re said it could become the costliest insured wildfire event in Washington’s history ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌

Web version |  Update preferences |  Forward Washington wildfires could be $1bn+ insured loss Spokane, Washington wildfires could become a billion-dollar insured loss event AM Best and reinsurance broker Gallagher Re have suggested that the areas in and around Spokane, Washington will suffer considerable insured losses from the ongoing wildfires, with Gallagher Re indicating that it has the potential to be a billion-dollar insured loss event, and could become the costliest insured wildfire event in Washington’s history. Data from AM Best shows several major catastrophe bond sponsors with meaningful exposure in Washington, including State Farm, Allstate, USAA, and Travelers. Consequently, depending on the severity of total insured losses and impacts to any cat bond sponsors, these wildfire events could drive some erosion of retention layers underneath any aggregate catastrophe bonds that are exposed to these events. Read the full story. Other articles: Zurich secures $1bn data centre quota share, breaks out US peak peril reinsurance tower.   Artemis London 2026: Agenda outline, topics and timings for the conference.   GAM Swiss Re Cat Bond Fund surpasses $2bn in AUM, while fee income rises. Please share this with colleagues and friends if you think they would like to receive it. If you've been forwarded this but want to subscribe, visit Artemis.   You may be receiving this because you recently attended an industry event we partnered with, giving us permission to email you. If you don't want to receive our weekly ILS, catastrophe bond and reinsurance capital newsletter please Unsubscribe  or Edit your subscription here . © Steve Evans Ltd. - Artemis.bm

The Daily 3: Seniors missing $58B annually in unclaimed benefits—food, housing, healthcare programs you qualify for but aren't claiming

Catch up in minutes with your daily briefing on the Social Security, Medicare & Retirement news that affects you most.  ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌

August 06, 2026   |   Read online Thursday briefing: Seniors missing $58B annually in unclaimed benefits; 41% expect SS as main income but dangerously underprepared; Medicare Part A 7-year depletion; and more Catch up in minutes with your daily briefing on the Social Security, Medicare & Retirement news that affects you most. What to Know for Thursday, August 6th, 2026: 1: 41% of workers 55+ expect Social Security as main retirement income — experts warn dangerously high; only ~10% could comfortably rely on SS alone (Image Credit: Getty Images) Nearly half of older workers (55+) expect Social Security to be their primary retirement income vs. only 12% of workers under 35 — expectations shift dramatically approaching retirement: NFP 2026 Retirement Trend Report shows gradual evolution: 22% ages 35-54 vs. 41% ages 55+ expect SS as main income — EBRI survey shows similar trend across age groups — experts call numbers "way too high"; National Council on Aging director Jessica Johnston warns: "It's more than likely to not be sufficient." Social Security replaces only 40% of pre-retirement earnings on average — financial planners urge multiple income sources: Progressive benefit structure means lower-income workers get 90% replacement on earnings up to $1,286/month; 32% on $1,286-$7,749; 15% above that — homeowners with paid-off mortgages can potentially lean more on SS — EBRI director Craig Copeland: maybe 10% of workers could comfortably rely on SS alone, "and those people would not be living a good retirement." Survey data shows 82% of retirees report having enough money to live comfortably; 83% of 60+ say living comfortably/doing okay despite 62% naming SS as major income source: Median retiree household savings only $126K; about half have no retirement savings yet most seem financially stable — lower-income Americans most dependent on SS but face challenges: 9M older adults live on <$20K annually making difficult choices between rent, medications — relying entirely on SS risky without paid-off housing, low expenses. ➜ Read the full article from USA Today here. 2: Seniors missing $58B annually in unclaimed benefits — NCOA's "You Gave, Now Save" guide identifies food, housing, healthcare programs (Image Credit: Getty Images) Millions of eligible older adults leaving $58B in benefits on table yearly by not knowing programs exist or how to apply: NCOA partnered with USAging to create "You Gave, Now Save" benefits guide covering healthcare/prescriptions (Medicare Part D Extra Help, Medicare Savings Programs, Medicaid), food assistance (SNAP), housing/utilities (LIHEAP, weatherization), income/tax support, transportation, and veteran benefits — guide provides snapshot of available programs, eligibility requirements, and application instructions. Free resources help seniors identify/enroll in benefits: BenefitsCheckUp online tool enters ZIP code to find state/local programs; Eldercare Locator (1-800-677-1116) provides personalized gateway to benefits information with live chat staff weekdays 9am-8pm ET — State Health Insurance Assistance Programs (SHIPs) offer free Medicare counseling at 1-877-839-2675 — Benefits Enrollment Centers nationwide provide one-on-one enrollment assistance. Local senior centers, community organizations offer benefits screenings and application assistance — older adults can contact Area Agencies on Aging for personalized help: Many communities embed benefits counselors in health centers, community centers — application assistance removes barrier to claiming eligibility — personalized screening helps identify multiple overlapping programs seniors qualify for simultaneously. ➜ Read the full article from National Council on Aging here. 3: Medicare serves 70M people, 14% of federal budget — Part A trust fund facing 7-year depletion amid rising out-of-pocket costs (Image Credit: Getty Images) Medicare enrollment growing with aging population: 70M beneficiaries (20% U.S. population) in 2026 — Part A Trust Fund projected to deplete in 7 years without revenue/cost changes: Higher Part A spending driven by enrollment growth plus increased spending per beneficiary — Medicare spending comprised 14% federal budget 2025, 21% national health spending 2024 — aging of older-old (80+) population increasing demand for higher-cost services. Out-of-pocket costs rising significantly: Medicare premiums/deductibles now consume 18% of average Social Security benefit in 2026, up from 14% in 2000 — Medicare Advantage enrollment doubled 25%-54% (2010-2025) with payments averaging 114% of traditional Medicare costs: Growth in MA enrollment partly reflects favorable selection (healthier enrollees) and higher coding intensity — higher payments to MA plans have contributed to overall Medicare spending growth — per-person spending growth in Medicare (3.1% annually 2010-2025) historically lower than private insurance (4.3%), but projected 6.0% growth 2025-2034 vs. 4.9% private. Spending patterns shifting: Medicare now spends more on physician/outpatient services (Part B) than hospital services (Part A) or retail drugs (Part D) — gap expected to widen: Traditional Medicare pays roughly half private insurance rates for hospital services — Medicare faces sustained spending pressures from rising enrollment, per-person costs, physician service growth, and MA expansion requiring policy deliberation on provider payments, benefits, revenues. ➜ Read the full article from KFF here.   Free Medicare Help with Chapter 90% of American seniors are on the wrong Medicare plan. Thankfully, Chapter is here to help! They can help you switch to the right plan and save $$$. Chapter saves the average senior $1,100 per year! Plus, it is 100% risk-free! Give them a call to find out how much you could save: 539-205-2147. askchapter.org/insider Here’s What You Missed on YouTube: Check out our new YouTube videos for Thursday, August 6th. Seniors Have Heard This Before — So Why Is This $2,400 Social Security Push Different? Seniors Have Heard This Before — So Why Is This $2,400 Social Security Push Different? Visit our YouTube Channel This newsletter is for information only. Always confirm your options directly with Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid, or a qualified advisor before making big decisions about your benefits. *View our Advertising Disclosure   Update your email preferences or unsubscribe here © 2026 Benefits Insider 228 Park Ave S, #29976, New York, New York 10003, United States

Artemis London 2026: Agenda and session topics

Don't forget to get your ticket for our next cat bond and ILS market conference ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌

Web version |  Update preferences |  Forward Artemis London 2026: Agenda and session topics Artemis London 2026 Revealing our agenda, session topics and timings   Today we have announced the outline agenda, session topics and timings for our next catastrophe bond and insurance-linked securities (ILS) market conference. Artemis London 2026 is being held in London UK on September 1st 2026. Tickets are selling fast. Please register today to secure your place at Artemis London 2026. We are excited to reveal the session topics today, our five main panel sessions are going to be: Unlocking capital at Lloyd’s: Evolving use-cases of the London Bridge ILS platform. From hard market to normalisation: Cat bond discipline in practice. Beyond peak risk: The expanding spectrum of diversification in ILS. Hyperscale capacity hype: Defining the ILS role in data centre risk. Future-proofing ILS: Creating opportunities through market cycles. As ever, expect detailed discussions on these topics from industry leaders, with plenty of time for them to get deep into the weeds on subjects, exploring ILS dynamics and opportunities, as well as for audience interaction. More details about each session and the timings for the day can be seen on the conference website. Ticket sales continue to run ahead of last year, so please secure your place to attend soon. Register for Artemis London 2026 today to secure your place. Over 200 people from around the world came to last year's Artemis London 2025 conference, a mix of ILS specialists, re/insurance companies, investors and service providers. Our events bring together a unique senior ILS focused audience and are known for their high-quality discussions and valuable networking opportunities. For 2026 Artemis London returns to the same central City of London venue with space for more to attend, while the focus will remain on insightful catastrophe bond and insurance-linked securities discussions on stage, as well as a full-day of networking that you won't want to miss. Don't miss this opportunity to hear from and network with ILS market participants, institutional investors, regional reinsurance leaders and travelling attendees from the global ILS market in London. Discounted rates and in some cases free passes are available for end-investors to help you attend, so please contact us to enquire. For 2026 we return to our spacious, modern venue centrally located in the City of London. The day will run from 8am for breakfast, with speaking to begin at 9am interspersed with networking breaks and a long lunch. The day will end with a cocktail reception from 5pm to 7pm. Register now to benefit from the best rate and secure your place to attend! We hope to see you there! Sponsorship opportunities are available, so for any enquiries please contact events@artemis.bm. Please share this with colleagues and friends if you think they would like to receive it. If you've been forwarded this but want to subscribe, visit Artemis.   You may be receiving this because you recently attended an industry event we partnered with, giving us permission to email you. If you don't want to receive our weekly ILS, catastrophe bond and reinsurance capital newsletter please Unsubscribe  or Edit your subscription here . © Steve Evans Ltd. - Artemis.bm