ProdMod: Securian’s SecureCare III to Become Available in AZ, CT, & IN

FROM SECURIAN FINANCIAL…

SecureCare III, a long-term care and nonparticipating whole life insurance policy, is coming to Arizona, Connecticut and Indiana on Monday, June 27.

It has all the things you love about its predecessor — a cash indemnity benefit for LTC with no fine print or restrictions about how it can be used — plus more flexibility.

Now clients can choose the protection that matters most to them by maximizing protection on their premium dollars with full return of premium, or maximizing leverage on their premium dollars with LTC Boost.1

Key Dates

  • June 13, 2022: Illustration software will be updated to include SecureCare III in AZ, CT and IN.
  • June 24, 2022: Applications for SecureCare Universal Life in AZ, CT and IN must be signed, in good order and received by Securian Financial’s home office or submitted via eApp by 3 p.m. CST.
  • June 25, 2022: SecureCare III will be available in AZ, CT and IN on eApp. Collect all required eSignatures for SecureCare Universal Life and submit your eApp to Securian Financial before 3 p.m. CST June 24 to avoid impact.
  • June 27, 2022: SecureCare III will be available in AZ, CT and IN. To accommodate SecureCare III’s product changes, we will offer a new application.

Transition Rules

  • All licensing and LTC certification training must be in good order before the sale of any LTC products.

Click to review LTC licensing and training requirements in each state.

  • Applications for SecureCare Universal Life in AZ, CT and IN must be signed, in good order and received by Securian Financial’s home office or submitted via eApp by 3 p.m. CST June 24.
    • If a new application is needed due to a licensing issue or because the application is not in good order, the client will no longer be able to apply for SecureCare Universal Life and will need to apply for SecureCare III.
  • If a client has already submitted an application for SecureCare Universal Life and started the underwriting process, but wants to switch to SecureCare III, the new application is required.
    • This must be sent to us, along with a cover letter explaining the desired change. Any completed underwriting requirements will be applied to the new application.
  • SecureCare Universal Life policies that have already been issued, paid and in-force cannot be exchanged for SecureCare III, unless the policy is in its free-look period.

1The death proceeds, return of premium amount and long-term care benefit amount depend, in part, on the return of premium option selected on the policy application. This option cannot be changed after the policy is issued. For more information regarding return of premium options, please review the contract.

Find out more about these changes from Securian Financial…

AdminUpdate: Legal & General to Sunset Traditional Paper LIAs

FROM LEGAL & GENERAL…

Effective August 1, Legal & General America will be replacing our traditional paper application (ICC08-LIA and state variations) with a new Life Insurance Application (LIA) (ICC17-LIA and state variations for CA, DE, FL, ND, SD). As of August 1, traditional paper forms will no longer be accepted. All applications must be submitted with either the new LIA or the digital application through our Horizon platform.

This new LIA combines the ease of using a fillable PDF form with all the benefits of digital processing and accelerated underwriting.

Click to view digital migration FAQs.

New LIA Process

  1. Fully complete the Part 1, Part 2 of the new LIA and the Agent Report. There are no additional forms needed. You would send the application to your General Agency as usual.
  2. The GA will review the application and send to LGA.
  3. Once the application is received, LGA will process the application in the digital platform.
  4. An email will be sent to your client containing a link to access their application. The client will log in using their last name, date of birth and zip code. LGA will also email the client a one-time security code to log in.
  5. The client will be asked to review their application for accuracy and provide any additional information needed.
  6. Once the review is completed, the client will sign and submit the application electronically.
  7. The application will be reviewed to determine if any requirements are needed
  8. Once the policy is approved, policy delivery will take place online through the Offer, Pay, Issue process.
  9. Notices will be sent directly to your client via email and SMS based on your GA preferences.

Click to read more on the new application and submission process.

NOTE: New York is not a part of this transition. New York can continue to use paper applications or drop tickets for non-replacement cases.

Find out more about these changes from Legal & General…

Now Available! The Updated Operations Intel Suite on AIN Essentials

The AIN Member Services Team has completed a “top to bottom” review and update of the Operations Intel Resources curated on AIN Essentials, including the onboarding of Sagicor to all applicable resources. These documents will guide you through many of the questions you face each and every day about carrier capabilities, policy and procedure. Read on for the details!

Operations Intel: Commissions

  • Commission Calendar – Producers love knowing when their commission check is coming. Use this resource to let them know when the cash will hit their bank.
  • Chargeback Policies: This spreadsheet reflects the chargeback durations of each major carrier (including some “Non-Core” Carriers) along with a quick reference section on upline chargeback responsibility.
  • Comission On Flat Extras – A summary of current Core Carrier policy regarding the payment of commissions on flat extra premiums.
  • Rolling Target Details – Self-explanatory, this spreadsheet reflects all major carriers (including some “Non-Core” Carriers) which allow rolling targets and the duration of the rolling period for each.
  • Target Premium Locator – Identifies the “hidden” locations of target premiums on product illustrations from each Core Carrier.

Operations Intel: Contact Information

  • Core Carrier Case Submission Details – Includes the current email addresses, fax numbers and web sites for QuickQuote, Informal and Formal case submissions, as well as Agent Contracting.

Operations Intel: Contracting

  • Dual Appointment Details – Curious if a carrier allows a producer to be appointed through multiple agencies? Find the answers here!
  • E&O Insurance – Use this quick reference to identify the AIN Core Carriers that offer E&O coverage for contracted producers.
  • Pre-Appointment States – A summary of the pre-appointment states for each AIN Core Carrier

Operations Intel: eResources

  • eResources Summary – An overview of the carrier community’s capabilities across all modern, electronic application and new business processes
  • eApp & eTicket Program Details – A summary of the various proprietary and third-party platform for electronic application and drop ticket submissions
  • eInterview & Phone Interview Details – Contains the details of each carrier’s offering as well as the contact information, operating hours and more
  • ePolicy & eDelivery Details – Everything you need to know to issue and place a policy electronically
  • eSignature & Voice Signature Details – Slightly different than the prior resources, this summarizes carrier position on accepting various types of documents via an electronic or voice signature

Operations Intel: eResources – ABLTC

Operations Intel: General

Operations Intel: New Business

  • 1035 Exchange Policy Issue Details – Curious about your options for issuing policies on cases with 1035 Exchanges? Get started unpacking the nuances with this new resource from the Member Services Team.
  • Acceptable Premium Payment Options – Have a client who wants to pay with a credit card? This resource, summarizing the acceptable forms of premium payment for the AIN Core Carriers, will point you to the right carrier.

Find out more about these changes from AIN…

ProdMod: MassMutual Introduces Two New Whole Life Products

FROM MASSMUTUAL…

We are reaching out to share information with you on two updates to MassMutual’s comprehensive Life insurance product portfolio, MassMutual’s Whole Life 12 Pay and Survivorship Whole Life 12 Pay.

Whole Life 12 PayWhole Life 12 Pay will have a 3% guaranteed interest rate and the same features as MassMutual’s other limited pay products. Benefits include:

  • Guaranteed amount of paid-up life insurance
  • Guaranteed cash value that increases yearly
  • Total death benefit and total cash value that never decline in value.

Survivorship Whole Life 12 Pay

Survivorship Whole Life 12 Pay offers a valuable combination of permanent life insurance protection, cash value accumulation, guarantees and income tax advantages. It allows clients to leverage assets and realize their estate planning goals.

View the Survivorship Whole Life 12 product features comparison here

Key dates

  • June 1, 2022: First day to illustrate the new MassMutual Whole Life 12 Pay in WinFlex Web.
  • July 1, 2022: First day to illustrate the new MassMutual Survivorship Whole Life 12 Pay in WinFlex Web.
  • Aug. 20, 2022: First day to submit applications for MassMutual’s new Whole Life 12 Pay and Survivorship Whole Life 12 Pay.

Transition rules  

Applications for the new Whole Life 12 Pay will not be accepted before August 20, but pending applications can be changed to the new product on or after that date, subject to state availability. View the transition rules for more information.

Please visit the MassMutual Strategic Distributors website for additional product information and marketing materials.

NicheAlert: Sagicor Offers Annuity Strategies for a Rising Rate Environment

FROM SAGICOR…

At Sagicor, strong annuity sales continue even in the face of a rising rate environment that could cause some to hold out for a “better rate” rather than locking something in today. Part of the strategy that keeps these sales moving forward is a short-term laddering approach using our 3, 4 and 5-year MYGA products. This can be particularly appealing for risk averse clients who are nervous about the recent market downturn and increased volatility.

How it Works
Laddering with a MYGA is similar to CD or bond laddering. Since Milestone MYGA offers guaranteed rates for specific time periods, you can ladder or stagger a choice of guaranteed rates for 3-, 4-, 5-, 6-, or 7-years. This gives your clients the potential of locking into higher guaranteed interest crediting when the contract period is up.

The Outcome

  • If the client simply liquidates each annuity at the end of the level period, their $300,000 would grow to $347,304 before any taxes by the end of year 5. More if the client repositions each annuity as the guarantee period comes to an end.
  • Of course, if they roll into a new annuity at the end of the guarantee period, there could be even more growth if future rates are higher than those available today.
  • Don’t want to wait until the end of the guarantee period to reallocate these funds elsewhere? No problem! The Sagicor Milestone MYGA offers 10% penalty free withdrawals starting in year 2.

Why Milestone MYGA?

  • Competitive guaranteed rates for 3, 4, 5, 6 or 7 years
  • 10% penalty-free withdrawals beginning contract-year two
  • Issue through age 90
  • Minimum Premium Amount: $15,000 (Qualified and Non-Qualified)
  • No annual contract fees
  • A death benefit — paid out in a lump sum or an available settlement option

How to Get the Word Out

  • Target Market: Conservative investors in the baby boomer generation demographic with dormant savings
  • 56% of Baby Boomers are concerned that current market volatility is going to impact their retirement funds.
  • Sagicor has materials to help advisors market the product to consumers, including:
    • Conversation Starters
    • Customizable Letter
    • Customizable Emails

Click to find additional marketing, education, and training materials.

Find out more about these changes from Sagicor…

ProdMod: Symetra to Offer Ascent IUL on their MultiLife Business Program

FROM SYMETRA…

Protecting the future of a business can be a top priority for many employers. With Symetra’s MultiLife Business Program, you can help your clients protect their business by protecting their key employees through a streamlined underwriting process designed specifically for them. And with the recent introduction of Accumulator Ascent IUL, our MultiLife Business Program just got even stronger!

Ascent replaces the program’s older IUL product version and offers clients a straightforward IUL with the opportunity for even stronger cash value accumulation potential, more competitive policy distributions and lower policy charges. Click to view Accumulator Ascent IUL guidelines.

To be eligible for the MultiLife Business Program, the following requirements apply:

Businesses

  • Minimum group size: 10 eligible employees.
  • Maximum group size: 250 eligible employees (larger groups considered on a case-by-case basis).
  • At least 80% of eligible employees must participate.
  • Premiums must be paid via list bill by the employer at the same frequency (monthly or annually) for all policies in the group.

Employees

  • An employer/employee relationship must exist.
  • Issue ages: 20 to 70 years old (average age of eligible group must be 55 or younger).
  • Executive, owner, management or white-collar roles.
  • Minimum salary: $75,000 annually, including base salary and bonuses (lower salary amounts considered based on geographic location and other factors as appropriate).
  • Actively working for the employer for a minimum of 30 hours per week. • Must not have been hospitalized or absent from work due to illness or accident for more than three days in the last three months.
  • U.S. citizens or permanent residents working in the United States. Foreign nationals (non-U.S. citizens/non-permanent residents) from our “A-list” countries working in the U.S. will be considered but may only comprise of 10% of the total group’s coverage amount. Foreign nationals must have the same benefit program as domestic employees.

Underwriting Guidelines
Our MultiLife Business Program provides coverage for eligible employees on a guaranteedissue (GI) underwriting basis. Maximum coverage amounts are determined by a formula that includes: group size, salary multiple determined by Symetra, and current total salary. To read more on underwriting guidelines and to view guaranteed issue limits, click here.

Case Review & Invitation Process
Before individual employee applications can be accepted, we must first review and approve each business group case for eligibility. Click to read more on our three-step case review process.

Want to know more? Click here to view details on the MultiLife Business Program.

Find out more about these changes from Symetra…

ProdMod: Foresters Increases Non-Guaranteed Interest Rate on SMART UL

FROM FORESTERS FINANCIAL…

On June 19, 2022, the non-guaranteed interest rate on SMART UL business¹ will increase from 4.50% to 4.75%. With this 25bps increase, SMART UL will continue to offer your prospects and clients excellent cash accumulation potential.

Have an app that’s ready for submission? Don’t delay—the new 4.75% non-guaranteed interest rate will apply.

What You Need to Know

  • Illustration software will be updated to reflect the new interest rate by June 19, 2022.
  • For recent certificates issued on or before June 18, 2022, the illustration included in the Certificate Issue Package (CIP) will reflect the current non-guaranteed interest rate of 4.5% however, your clients’ certificates will be credited at the higher non-guaranteed interest rate of 4.75% effective June 19, 2022.
  • For new certificates issued on or after June 19, 2022, the illustration will automatically reflect a non-guaranteed interest rate of 4.75%, regardless of what may have been previously illustrated to the client.

¹ Applies to all SMART UL applications dated on or after September 22, 2018, excluding CA and NY, and in CA and NY, on all SMART UL applications dated on or after May 11, 2019.

Find out more about these changes from Foresters Financial…

ProdMod: New York Life’s PDA Offers an Impressive 10% First-Year Rate

FROM NEW YORK LIFE…

New York Life Advanced Markets Network is offering an Enhanced First-Year Rate for the Premium Deposit Account (PDA) for agreements with an effective date between June 1, 2022 and July 31, 2022. Clients who fund a PDA for 4 years or longer during this time will receive an enhanced first-year rate of 10% and the prevailing rate (currently 4.25%) in subsequent years. Each year, the policy’s annual premium is paid from the Account using the deposit and interest earned. The rate is applied to reduce the premiums paid.

The Premium Deposit Account (PDA) will offer a first-year rate of 10% for agreements with an effective date between May 1, 2022, and July 31, 2022. Subsequent years will receive the current PDA rate of 4.25%1. To qualify for the enhanced first-year rate, the PDA needs to be funded for at least 4 years or longer. Any PDA funded for less than 4 years will receive the current PDA rate of 4.25%.

Program Rules and Eligibility

  • The enhanced first-year rate is for new PDA agreements on newly issued CWL/CSWL policies (does not apply to inforce agreements)
  • To receive the 10% promotional rate, clients must pay the first year premium upfront and prefund at least 4 years with the PDA.
  • The maximum number of pre-paid years remains the same (14 years)
    • In CA, the maximum allowable number of pre-paid years is 9.
    • In TX, the maximum allowable amount deposited into the PDA is $500,000
  • Early withdrawals are subject to a withdrawal fee in all jurisdictions except Texas. Exceptions apply subject to the terms of the PDA agreement form signed at the time the PDA is funded.

Changes to NYLIS and obtaining PDA estimates

  • In NYLIS, the PDA estimator and the PDA option in the riders’ section will be temporarily disabled.
  • Agents may request an estimate similar to the above example showing premiums paid, interest earned, and beginning of year and end of year balances for specific deposit amounts and durations.
  • The PDA agreement is generated after the policy is issued. Values may vary from the estimate depending on the date funds are received, the date of the agreement, and rating.

1The current PDA rate is 4.25%. Rates are set monthly and are subject to change. Interest earned on the PDA is taxable.

ProdMod: Protective Lowers Classic Choice Term Prices

FROM PROTECTIVE…

Well, we did it again. We’re excited to announce we’ve lowered our Protective Classic Choice term prices once again. And with longer term periods, more flexibility and faster technology, we’re also making short-term business easier and more innovative.

Here’s why you should be excited about this:

  • Our lower prices put us in the Top 3 86% of the time in monthly pay scenarios! (standings current as of June 6, 2022)
  • 35- and 40-year term periods make us one of only three carriers in the market to have level term coverage for up to 40 years.

Transition Rules

  • For paper business: applications must be signed and received on or before June 20, 2022.
  • For ticket business and direct writer: applications must be signed and received on or before July 4, 2022.
  • Any application in Underwriting on June 6, 2022, may choose the version of the product (old or new) but will retain the rates they are initially quoted unless otherwise requested up until the case has been approved.
  • New York does not have a rate change; however, the plan codes are changing so they will follow the above rules.

Find out more about these changes from Protective…

ProdMod: Lincoln Announces Pricing Updates to Lincoln VULOne Product

FROM LINCOLN FINANCIAL…

Effective June 13, 2022, Lincoln is announcing pricing updates on Lincoln VULOne (2021) which will improve competitive positioning of level pays, while remaining competitive in single pay designs.

Pricing Changes

Pricing adjustments apply to both GMDB options (Lifetime guaranteed and GMDB drop at age 90) and will vary by age and funding pattern. On average adjustments are as follows:

  • 17% decrease to Level pay designs
  • 1% decrease to 10 pay designs
  • 5% increase to single pay designs

Transition Guidelines

For states that are approved at rollout there is a 30-day transition period which begins on June 13, 2022, and ends on July 13, 2022. During the transition period:

  • For the old product, formal applications must be signed, dated and received in-good-order in Lincoln’s home office by the end of the transition period to qualify.
  • For cases with the owner listed as “Trust to be Established”, formal applications received in the Home Office by the end of the transition period and have been signed by the insured will still qualify as awaiting a trust to be set up is part of the normal course of business. The only paperwork that Lincoln will not require at submission is the executed Certification of Trustee Powers with the trustee/owner’s signature. It must be received prior to issue.
  • For formal applications that expire prior to Issue or have been closed out, a new Part I must be submitted, and the case will be subject to the rates available at that time.
  • For LincXpress Tele-App Cases, a complete ticket and required solicitation forms must be received in Lincoln’s home office by the end of the transition period to qualify.
  • For pending business or policies already issued, Lincoln will accept a written request and a revised illustration to change to the Lincoln VULOne (2021) – 06/13/22.
  • For policies already placed, normal internal replacement guidelines apply. Rewrites will not be allowed.

Click to view the Variable Universal Life state availability.

Illustrations

Illustrations for Lincoln VULOne (2021) – 06/13/22 will be run on Lincoln DesignIt Illustration System (v57.0B). If you have an active internet connection, the software will automatically update to include the new rates on June 13, 2022. If you need to download the Lincoln DesignIt Illustration System, it will be available on the Lincoln producer websites or from Field office Technicians.

Find out more about these changes from Lincoln Financial…