News

December 8, 2023

Securian

Updated Juvenile Guidelines

Securian's juvenile underwriting guidelines have been reviewed and updated. Changes to the guidelines include:

Securian will now consider up to $250,000 of coverage on juveniles without their usual 50 percent restriction of parental coverage
Securian has extended consideration for grandparent gifting scenarios
Expanded underwriter guidance for juvenile build considerations, resulting in fewer attending physician statements (APSs)

John Hancock

Term application deadline extension

John Hancock has extended the deadline to submit applications for their Protection and Vitality Term '20 products to December 29. As such, the following products will be available until December 29:

Protection Term '20
Vitality Term '20
Protection Term '23
Vitality Term '23

Please note: This extension does not apply in New York. Protection and Vitality Term '23 are not approved in California.

December 7, 2023

Lincoln Financial Group

Lincoln VUL Dollar Cost Averaging Fixed Account Rate Program – Extended

Extended through June 30, 2024

Lincoln is pleased to extend the Variable Universal Life Insurance Dollar Cost Averaging Fixed Account Enhanced Interest Rate Program through June 30, 2024. This program includes an enhanced current interest rate to help with short-term returns while the client transfers funds into variable investment options using a 12-month Dollar Cost Averaging (DCA) program.

Premium Payment Changes

Beginning January 2, 2024, Lincoln will transition back to its pre-COVID payment practices, and payments will no longer be accepted over the phone. Please note they will still accept grace payments and pending payments for reinstatement.

In October 2023, Lincoln launched an easier, faster way for policy owners to receive and pay their premium bills online using electronic billing (eBill) and electronic payments (ePay). These enhancements allow Lincoln life insurance —including MoneyGuard® — policy owners to securely manage their payments 24/7 on any device.

Updated Rate Lock Procedures for Fixed Indexed Annuities

Updates to rate lock procedures for cash with application

Rate lock procedures for cash fixed indexed annuity business have been updated to 7 calendar days from when the application is signed, a change from 14 days.

Rates eligible for a rate hold include the contract’s fixed account interest rate and indexed account rates. There is no rate hold on the index value. The applicable index value is determined on the date the contract is issued.

Cash with application: Cash must be received and the contract must be issued within 7 calendar days from the date the application is signed.
Transfer of funds (nonqualified): Funds from noninsurance accounts to nonqualified annuities are treated as cash with application, such as mutual fund shares, CDs, brokerage accounts, or any other financial institution funds selected in section 2B of the ACORD transfer form (ACORD951). Proceeds must be received and the contract must be issued within 7 calendar days from the date the application is signed.

There are no changes to 1035 exchange rate lock procedures. A 60-day rate hold will apply to Lincoln-initiated 1035 exchanges and qualified trustee-to-trustee transfers beginning on the date the application is signed.

Mutual of Omaha

As of December 1, 2023, Mutual of Omaha increased their Minimum Premiums for Index Universal Life Express. This increase will only impact Minimum Premiums for IUL Express. It will not impact the Easy Solve premiums that you use today or the quotes you run in Mobile Quotes.

Nationwide

.50% fixed rate increase in Nationwide IUL 2020 products

Effective January 1, 2024, the fixed interest rate will increase to 3.50% for the following products:

Nationwide IUL Accumulator II 2020
Nationwide IUL Protector II 2020
Nationwide Survivorship IUL 2020

Oceanview Life & Annuity

Business operations have fully resumed to their normal functions.

Principal

As of December 4, 2023, Principal introduced a new level term (10-, 15-, 20-, and 30-Year). In addition to updated rates, it features:

A new nonconvertible policy option that offers a lower-cost alternative to the convertible policy option.
Two optional riders that allow clients to get face amount increases, without additional underwriting – the Business Value Increase Rider and the Salary Increase Rider.

Prudential

Variable Investment Option Fund Merger

The target fund identified below will merge and will no longer be available as an investment option on existing policies. This will be effective as of the close of trading on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) on December 8, 2023 (“the merger date”). On the merger date, the value in the target fund will be automatically reallocated to the PSF PGIM Jennison Blend Portfolio (“the acquiring fund”).

Target Fund: PSF PGIM Jennison Focused Blend Portfolio

Acquiring Fund: PSF PGIM Jennison Blend Portfolio

Details have been mailed to impacted clients.

December 4, 2023

Oceanview Life & Annuity

Update regarding the service disruption caused by the cybersecurity incident at Infosys McCamish Systems ("McCamish"), the third-party administrator of Oceanview Life and Annuity Company.

Oceanview has resumed processing all disbursements, including commissions, surrenders and withdrawals on a daily basis.
Agent & Client portal remain down, and the Infosys Call Center cannot presently provide policy-level information.
Oceanview continues to receive and process new business applications via fax.

November 27, 2023

Equitable

Equitable introduced a guaranteed lifetime protection product with the VUL Incentive Life Protect℠. This product includes:

Extended No-Lapse Guarantee (ENLG) option for lifetime life insurance protection
Long-Term Care Services℠ Rider (LTCSR) for long-term care expenses to provide asset protection
Market Stabilizer Option® II (MSO II) Indexed Options with upside potential, up to a cap, and levels of downside protection for managing market volatility

John Hancock

Premier Benefit IUL is now available in California.

Protective

Protective has lowered prices on their Protective Classic Choice term product.

Securian

Changes to Early Values Agreement on select products.

As of November 1, 2023, Securian made a positive change that will impact some policyholders with products that have the Early Values Agreement (EVA). The EVA charge will be waived starting 11 years after the later of the policy issue date, or the most recent face increase for the following products:

Eclipse Indexed Universal Life (IUL)
Eclipse IUL (NY)
Eclipse Survivor IUL
Eclipse Survivor IUL (NY)
Omega Builder IUL
Balanced Growth Advantage IUL
Balanced Growth Accumulator IUL
Orion IUL

This change will not affect any other currently sold products as most use a different version of the EVA that only charges during the surrender charge period.

November 21, 2023

Oceanview Life & Annuity

Following up on our recent announcement concerning the service disruption caused by the cybersecurity incident at Infosys McCamish Systems ("McCamish"), the third-party administrator of Oceanview Life and Annuity Company, McCamish has now informed Oceanview that it has resolved the issue. Based on the information provided by McCamish, Oceanview will be fully operational in implementing all of its policy and agent protocols on Thursday, November 30, 2023. We apologize for the disruption that was caused by this incident.

November 8, 2023

Oceanview Life & Annuity

On November 2, 2023, Oceanview Life and Annuity Company’s third-party administrator, Infosys McCamish Systems (“McCamish”) became aware of a cybersecurity incident that impacted its ability to serve its clients, including Oceanview. Oceanview has its policy administration (applications, surrenders, and withdrawals) and agent appointments conducted by McCamish. We understand that McCamish promptly took steps to isolate and lock down its systems. Accordingly, Oceanview has been unable to process policies and agent administration since the shutdown of the systems by McCamish.

McCamish's investigation is in the early stages and McCamish does not have answers at this time about the impact on specific customers' data, including with respect to Oceanview’s agents and policyholders. Due to the severity of the incident and the complexity of McCamish’s network, the restoration process is taking longer than originally anticipated. McCamish now believes that they will not be back to normal operations until at least November 14, 2023.

November 2, 2023

American National

New Automatic Premium Drafting for Annuities

American National has announced the integration of automatic premium drafting into their FireLight Annuity E-application system. As you complete the application, the premium will be seamlessly drafted, saving you valuable time and effort.

Corebridge

Improved Term Rates

As of October 30, 2023, Select-a-Term was repriced in all states, excluding New York. Overall, the rates trend lower and decreases can be seen across all key bands.

Equitable

Effective November 13, 2023, Equitable will introduce its new VUL Incentive Life Protect℠, offering options for guaranteed lifetime protection with the Extended No-Lapse Guarantee, Long-Term Care Services℠ Rider and Market Stabilizer Option® II Indexed Options to manage market volatility.

Lincoln Financial Group

Lincoln VULONE (2021) – 11/13/23

Effective November 13th 2023, Lincoln VULONE (2021) – 11/13/23 will replace Lincoln VULONE (2021) – 05/15/23. With this product update, there are no changes to the guarantee premium. Changes are limited to the base account charges and credits. As Lincoln continues to prioritize a disciplined and prudent approach to risk management, the following changes will allow the flexibility to continue to offer competitive level pay guaranteed premiums. With this product update, Lincoln is discontinuing the following product options for new sales of Lincoln VULONE (2021):

• Bonus Rider

• Premium Reduction Option (Guaranteed Minimum Death Benefit (GMDB) Option that provides a Lifetime Guaranteed Death benefit with 50% drop at age 90)

Lincoln SVULONE

Effective November 13, 2023, Bonus Rider and Premium Reduction Option will be discontinued on Lincoln SVULONE.

Lincoln MoneyGuard Market Advantage

Effective November 13, 2023 through June 30, 2024, Lincoln is introducing DCA 10% Fixed Account enhanced interest rate Program for Lincoln MoneyGuard Market Advantage.

Nationwide

Nationwide VUL Protector II launches November 4, 2023.

October 27, 2023

Securian

The eApp is now available for Securian survivorship products: Eclipse Survivor II Indexed Universal Life and Variable Universal Life Survivor.

October 24, 2023

BUI

Click Here for carrier specific COVID-19 underwriting updates.

Click Here for carrier specific accelerated underwriting updates.

October 18, 2023

John Hancock

John Hancock now offers an indemnity Chronic Illness rider. Available on Protection UL, Protection IUL, and Protection VUL

Key features include:

No restrictions — clients can use benefit dollars for anything they choose
No receipts required
No permanency requirement to qualify

Securian

Introducing competitive underwriting for NT-proBNP

N-terminal pro-BNP (NT-proBNP) is a well-studied laboratory Test used as a predictor for the development of heart failure, cardiovascular disease and cardiac-related deaths.

Securian has announced they can now offer competitive underwriting decisions through their new guidelines and simplified crediting program for NT-proBNP laboratory results.

What to expect:

More competitive offers

Expanded eligibility for Standard, Non-Tobacco Plus, Preferred and Preferred-Select classifications
Improved crediting program:
- Standard or better cases may qualify for a one-class improvement
- Sub-standard cases may qualify for up to a two-class improvement

Better turnaround times

Simplified, more competitive guidelines will enable underwriters to deliver quicker decisions
Improved risk approaches will reduce the need for escalated handling or additional discussions between financial professionals, clients and underwriters

Please note: The above does not apply to the SecureCare™ product line.

Symetra

Symetra’s Accelerated Underwriting Program is designed to offer clients a permanent life insurance policy without completing an exam or submitting an APS. To make the program even more attractive, and potentially deliver even faster underwriting offers, they have added an Express path.

How does it work?

Clients ages 18 to 60 with face amounts up to $1 million will automatically travel this path.
No exam can be submitted or pre-ordered.
Just submit Part I and II applications and a HIPAA consent form. Symetra will do the rest.

October 17, 2023

Corebridge

iPipeline iGO users will have access to instant decision

As of October 9, 2023, iPipeline iGO users will have access to Corebridge’s new iPipeline SimpliNow Choice platform that can deliver a real-time offer on Select-a-Term.

Lincoln Financial Group

Lincoln VULONE and Lincoln SVULONE: Table Reduction Program will be discontinued on Lincoln VULONE and Lincoln SVULONE products Effective Nov. 13, 2023

Product Update - Lincoln WealthAccelerate® IUL: As of October 16, 2023, Lincoln made updates to the Lincoln WealthAccelerate® IUL. Lincoln WealthAccelerate® IUL - 10/16/23 will replace Lincoln WealthAccelerate® IUL.

Summary of changes

Fidelity AIM® Dividend – Fixed Bonus participation rate increased to 155% (from 140%)
Removed excess premium loads (current charge only)
Cost of Insurance increase and duration of charge extended to age 121
Target premium decrease of 5% on Level Death Benefit Option (DBO1)
Minimum Premium Requirement Increase

Pacific Life

PL Promise GUL & PL Promise Conversion UL: Reprice and Enhancements Now Available in Washington, D.C.

Securian

SecureCare^™ III, a long-term care (LTC) and nonparticipating whole life insurance policy, will become available in Delaware on October 23, 2023.

October 13, 2023

Mutual of Omaha

Effective October 11, the following enhancements have been made to all client signatures on Mutual of Omaha's electronic application:

Text message signature process is available
There is less scrolling and no required pop-ups
The number of clicks has been reduced throughout the signature process

The products available for this application process include IUL Express, Term Life Express, Living Promise Whole Life, and Children’s Whole Life.

Nationwide

Nationwide® IUL Accumulator II 2020: Effective October 15, 2023, Nationwide will increase the cap rate on every capped indexed interest strategy. The participation rates for their volatility control strategies will increase as well.

Principal

Key Person Coverage:

New, higher multiples for key person coverage. Death benefits of up to 10 times key employees’ total compensation is the standard amount available, but higher amounts can be warranted in some situations. Effective immediately, Principal will consider 15-20 times compensation for well-established businesses and/or unique circumstances.

Prudential

October 2023 Index Account Updates

Overall higher hedging costs associated with capped accounts caused decreases, while uncapped accounts had lower hedge costs and were improved (spreads reduced). These changes will be effective for index segments starting October 15, 2023.

A letter will be sent to policy owners when there are changes to index accounts, informing them of the new caps, rates and spreads, and that the future segments will be impacted. The letter also indicates that these changes may result in different values than were shown in their most recent illustration and how they can request a current illustration.

October 2, 2023

BUI

Click Here for carrier specific COVID-19 underwriting updates.

Click Here for carrier specific accelerated underwriting updates.

September 29, 2023

BUI

Click Here for carrier specific COVID-19 underwriting updates.

Click Here for carrier specific accelerated underwriting updates.

John Hancock

Introducing Premier Benefit IUL

A life insurance solution for employeess

Premier Benefit IUL gives you a new opportunity to tap into an employer market focused on attracting and retaining top talent. It offers high-earning employees an easy way to buy voluntary individual permanent life insurance with optional long-term care rider protection — all at no cost to the employer. Every policy includes John Hancock Vitality PLUS.

Key highlights:

Fully digital experience — ensures an efficient process from start to finish
Streamlined underwriting — requires no APS, medical exams, or labs and often results in an instant decision; guaranteed issue available for larger group sizes
Enhanced protection with our Long-Term Care rider — gives employees the option to accelerate their policy's death benefit in the event of a long-term care need
Cost-efficient, permanent death benefit protection with income tax-free growth potential — gives employees a choice of tying policy performance to an S&P®-linked indexed account and/or a Fixed Account
John Hancock Vitality PLUS — rewards employees for the everyday steps they take to live longer, healthier, better lives

State approvals

Premier Benefit IUL is approved in all states except: California, Guam & New York

September 28, 2023

Corebridge

Protection IUL improved positioning Effective September 29, 2023

On September 29, 2023 an average premium reduction of 4% will be taken across the board on Value+ Protector III with continued emphasis towards performing well in all scenarios (max%: 6% and 5%) and across payment structures (level and short pay). Also improved guaranteed premium solve to age 90.

MassMutual

Effective until December 31, MassMutual will pilot Tele-CMI and paramedical exam changes for a better term, whole, and universal life insurance underwriting experience and industry alignment.

Mutual of Omaha

In mid-September, Mutual of Omaha will began mailing out letters to IUL policyholders to notify them that they now have a new crediting strategy option for their policies: The BofA U.S. Agility Index.

Oceanview

Oceanview is no longer accepting annuity applications for the state of North Carolina in 2023. Business in the state of NC will automatically resume on January 1, 2024.

Protective

Protective Indexed Choice℠ UL: As of September 18, 2023, Protective Indexed Choice℠ UL is available in New York. Non-NY version has also been repriced to improve competitiveness in key scenarios.

Protective Classic Choice: Rates have been lowered on the Protective Classic Choice term product.

Prudential

Prudential FlexGuard® Life IVUL is now available in California

September 19, 2023

BUI

Click Here for carrier specific COVID-19 underwriting updates.

Click Here for carrier specific accelerated underwriting updates.

September 14, 2023

Lincoln Financial Group

Pricing Improvement MoneyGuard Fixed Advantage®

Effective September 11, 2023, Lincoln Financial Group implemented pricing improvements on MoneyGuard Fixed Advantage®, which includes reductions up to 15%.

Nationwide

Nationwide CareMatters Together launched in AZ and DC on September 11, 2023.

OneAmerica

New business interest rates for Indexed Annuity Care^® are increasing effective Friday, Sept. 15, 2023.

Securian

Premium Limits Increasing

Securian has increased their premium limits for the first policy year only on new sales for select products. Premium limits for Eclipse NY, Eclipse Protector II Indexed Universal Life (IUL), Eclipse Survivor II IUL and Variable Universal Life (VUL) Survivor products sold with the No Lapse Guarantee Agreement (NLGA) will increase to the greater of 5x target and $5mm (the current limit is $1 million).

September 6, 2023

BUI

Click Here for carrier specific COVID-19 underwriting updates.

Click Here for carrier specific accelerated underwriting updates.

September 1, 2023

Mutual of Omaha

Long Term Care: New Personal Worksheets for New York and North Dakota

Effective August 31, 2023, new Personal Worksheets became available for New York and North Dakota.

Updates include:

Rate Increase History Grid
Two new questions (#2 & # 6)
Rewording of questions and additional answer options

Previous personal worksheets will no longer be accepted after September 30, 2023.

** California is still pending and will be implemented upon approval from the state.

Pacific Life

PL Promise Term Rates Update

Pacific Life Insurance Company is rolling out new pricing for PL Promise Term level premium life insurance—a product designed to offer affordable death benefit protection to consumers with household incomes of $50,000-$250,000 and business owners needing short-term flexible coverage.

Rates have been updated to increase competitiveness across all combinations of terms, risk classes, gender, and issue ages with a focus on lower premiums at $3 million of coverage and above.

Symetra

SwiftTerm Pricing Update

Effective Sept. 1, 2023, Symetra will lower SwiftTerm premiums for coverage amounts of $500,000 to $3 million—especially within ages of 25 to 55 in non-nicotine rate classes.

August 29, 2023

John Hancock

John Hancock has announced the following:

Enriched conversion options:

Protection and Vitality Term now offer conversion to any John Hancock permanent policy for the following periods:

– 6 years for Term 10

– 8 years for Term 15

– 10 years for Term 20

– 12 years for Term 30

The “any product” conversion period is extended even further for Vitality Term. If the insured attains a Gold or Platinum status in each of the three most recent annual processing dates prior to conversion, the “any product” conversion period is extended:

– Through year 10 for Term 10 and Term 15

– Through year 15 for Term 20 and Term 30

Improved Vitality Term experience:

Vitality Term clients will have more control and predictability over their premiums. That’s because they will now pay the Gold premium in year one and then pay premiums based on their participation in the Vitality program. Specifically, starting in year two, they will pay the premium associated with the Vitality Status they earned in the previous year. The premium amount for each status (Platinum, Gold, Silver, Bronze) is set at issue and guaranteed not to change.

Term application deadline extension

John Hancock has extended the deadline to submit applications for their Protection and Vitality Term 20 products to November 17. As such, the following products will be available until November 17:

Protection Term 20: Guaranteed level premium product with a 4 year conversion period* for 10, 15, 20 and 30 year durations
Vitality Term 20: Non-guaranteed, non-level premium product with signed illustration required
Protection Term 23: Guaranteed level premium product with a 6, 8, 10, and 12 year conversion period* for 10, 15, 20 and 30 year durations
Vitality Term 23: Guaranteed, non-level premium product that does not require a signed illustration. Offers enhanced convertibility that can be further extended up to 10 years on 10 and 15 year durations and 15 years* on 20 and 30 year durations with Vitality participation in the three years prior to conversion.

After November 17, only Protection Term 23 and Vitality Term 23 will be available for quoting.

Lincoln Financial Group

Coming Soon - Lincoln MoneyGuard Fixed Advantage® Pricing Improvements

Effective September 11, 2023, Lincoln Financial will be implementing pricing decreases to Lincoln MoneyGuard Fixed Advantage, which will improve competitive positioning. There will be no pricing increases as a result of this update. Following a transition period, Lincoln MoneyGuard Fixed Advantage® – 09/11/23 will replace currently sold Lincoln MoneyGuard Fixed Advantage® - 01/23/23.

Pricing Improvements

• Pricing improvements range from 0 - 15%

• Average pricing decrease is 5%

• Issue ages 55 through 65 will see the most improvement

August 28, 2023

BUI

Click Here for carrier specific COVID-19 underwriting updates.

Click Here for carrier specific accelerated underwriting updates.

August 25, 2023

Symetra

Carrier Match Program

Starting September 1, 2023, Symetra will match formal or informal rate class offers from their group of eligible life insurance carriers.

The program will be available with their Accumulator Ascent and Protector IUL products for issue ages 20-65 and face amounts up to $5 million.

Here is how the program works:

Submit two matching underwriting offers from their group of eligible carriers dated within 90 days of the Symetra application (instant and accelerated underwriting programs are excluded).
All underwriting requirements used to assess the rate must be included in the carrier’s offer.
Any “subject to” additional requirements (such as an APS) will apply, and the final offer is subject to the favorable review of these requirements.
Approval of the carrier match is subject to a fully completed Symetra application and review of routine and/or outstanding requirements such as an MIB, MVR, Rx and Dx.

Cases must be submitted by Dec. 31, 2023, and issued by Jan. 31, 2024.

August 23, 2023

American National

Enhanced Annuity e Application Experience: FireLight® Website Integration

FireLight will soon be integrated into American National's website to use when writing Palladium® MYG and ASIA PLUS products. Their newly enhanced ExpertApp software will remain available for agents to write WealthQuest™, Palladium® SPIA, and Century Plus products.

Banner

** Legal & General (Banner) has made significant changes to their commission structure to stay in compliance with their interpretation of the Producer Licensing Model Act (PLMA). As of August 16, 2023, any agents or agencies that are not licensed in the state at time of application will not receive commission. This specifically impacts agents in Florida, Georgia, Massachusetts, Montana, North Carolina, New Mexico, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Utah, Virginia, Wisconsin, and West Virginia. Previously Banner would reject these applications, but going forward they will proceed with underwriting, but no compensation will be paid and they will not reverse compensation for any reason.

Nationwide

CareMatters II price improvement effective August 21, 2023 As of August 21, 2023, Nationwide® implemented price improvements across all scenarios for the current CareMatters® II product effective in the states of Connecticut (CT), Florida (FL), North Dakota (ND), South Carolina (SC), South Dakota (SD) and the District of Columbia (DC).

CareMatters II price improvements and product minimum decrease There is also a price decrease for all scenarios, which varies by the characteristics of the case.

In addition, to make CareMatters II more accessible to more clients, Nationwide has lowered the current minimum LTC benefit from $2,500 a month to $1,500 a month. South Dakota, Vermont and Wisconsin require higher minimums.

Pacific Life

New Replacement Form & Processes

As of August 18, 2023, Pacific Life now requires the following for all PL Promise life insurance business involving replacements:

Use of the new NAIC Replacement Form (15-46070-01).
The NAIC Replacement Form signed-on date must be on or prior to the life insurance application signed-on date.
The insurer name must be clearly stated on the form.

August 14, 2023

John Hancock

John Hancock has enhanced their Protection Term and Vitality Term products. Updates include:

Enriched conversion options — giving clients more time in which to convert to any of the options offered in their suite of permanent solutions

Removed the signed illustration requirement for Vitality Term

Simplified Vitality Term experience — the premium amount is determined by the achieved Vitality status. The premium for each Vitality status is guaranteed and provided in the Contract, giving your clients added predictability and control.

Fast and easy purchase process — streamlined digital experience makes submitting business with John Hancock simple and convenient

Lincoln Financial Group

Beginning Aug. 14, 2023, Lincoln’s Underwriting team will now offer new opportunities within the foreign national market. The following updates will make it easier to do business with Lincoln and enable coverage for a broader set of your foreign national clients.

Allowing a Limited Power of Attorney to sign Good Health Statement
Expand travel abroad criteria for U.S. Citizens or Green Card holders
Routine inspection reports no longer required

Prudential

VUL Protector: Prudential has new pricing for VUL Protector no-lapse guarantee solves. Most scenarios will improve, however, some designs will see an increase.

BenefitAcces Rider Update (NY): BenefitAccess Rider (BAR) has been enhanced on VUL Protector in New York. It now offers non-permanency, which allows clients to file a chronic illness claim even if they’re expected to recover.

SBLI

SBLI is fundamentally changing their accelerated underwriting program and will be offering immediate decisions on all cases and more competitive rates.

Phase One Changes, Effective August 14, 2023

AcceleRate will provide one seamless application process for all digitally submitted cases and many great enhancements to their digital end-to-end Accelerated Underwriting (AU) process with an immediate decision.

New AU Eligibility Criteria: Ages 18-50; face amounts $1,000,000 or less, all risk classes.

New AcceleRate Program: Accelerated underwriting cases that are approved will have no examination or APS requirements. Traditional underwriting cases will require an examination and potentially an APS. Please note, if an eligible accelerated underwriting case does not qualify, it will automatically pivot to traditional underwriting.

New Application Form: New application form with updated reflexive questions designed to support immediate case decisions.

New Term Rates: New highly competitive term rates offered across the board with a spotlight on 30-year durations.

August 9, 2023

IMPORTANT: Banner

Banner has made significant changes to their commission structure to stay in compliance with their interpretation of the Producer Licensing Model Act (PLMA). Effective 8/16, any agents or agencies that are not licensed in the state at time of application will not receive commission. This specifically impacts agents in Florida, Georgia, Massachusetts, Montana, North Carolina, New Mexico, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Utah, Virginia, Wisconsin, and West Virginia. Previously Banner would reject these applications, but going forward they will proceed with underwriting, but no compensation will be paid and they will not reverse compensation for any reason.

August 7, 2023

BUI

Click Here for carrier specific COVID-19 underwriting updates.

Click Here for carrier specific accelerated underwriting updates.

August 3, 2023

Lincoln Financial Group

Coming Soon - Lincoln WealthAccelerate® IUL available in Massachusetts

Effective August 14, 2023, Lincoln WealthAccelerate® IUL will be available in the state of Massachusetts.

Coming Soon - New Unified Life Application in Massachusetts.

Starting August 14, 2023, the latest unified life insurance application package will be available for use in Massachusetts (MA). With this new application comes two firsts for MA: Real-Time Offer opportunities for eligible clients, and the ability to sell Lincoln WealthAccelerate® IUL.

Securian

To enhance the competitiveness of their IUL products and reflect current industry trends, Securian Financial is changing the way they manage their IUL portfolio starting this September. IUL Portfolio Management will better align the indexed account parameters and fixed account interest rates they are crediting with the investments that were made to support each block of business. Additionally, this creates latitude for Securian to price products that better reflect the current economic environment- a similar approach used by most other insurance companies in recent years.

Securian will have distinct indexed account parameters and fixed account interest rates by product and create a new sales block for the following products: Eclipse Accumulator IUL, Eclipse Protector II IUL and Eclipse Survivor II IUL for policies with a policy date on or after September 15, 2023. This will result in multiple changes to indexed account parameters across their IUL product suite.

August 2, 2023

Cincinnati Life

Effective August 1, 2023, Termsetter ROP rates have been adjusted for the ROP portfolio, with the majority of rates decreasing. The issue age ranges in the Preferred Smoker and Standard Smoker classes have been reduced by one year in some bands for the 20- and 25-year terms.

July 27, 2023

OneAmerica

As of July 26, 2023, the joint option on OneAmerica Asset Care will include the 4% acceleration option. The addition of a 75-month shared benefit pool expands One America’s ability to provide flexible benefit options for cost-conscious clients, and the lifetime benefit will now be more affordable in many situations. *Please note, the 75-month option currently is not available in California.

July 24, 2023

BUI

Click Here for carrier specific COVID-19 underwriting updates.

Click Here for carrier specific accelerated underwriting updates.

July 20, 2023

BUI

Click Here for carrier specific COVID-19 underwriting updates.

Click Here for carrier specific accelerated underwriting updates.

Mutual of Omaha

Mutual of Omaha will implement the following inforce rate adjustments effective September 1, 2023. *The state of Rhode Island requires a 90-day notification period for all policyholders. Therefore, the effective date for the affected RI policies indicated below will be October 1, 2023.

Impacted Forms Impacted States

LTC04G Arizona & Rhode Island

LTC04I Arizona & Rhode Island

LTC04I7 Arizona & Rhode Island

LTC09M Arizona & Rhode Island

LTC06UI Arizona & Rhode Island

LTC09U Arizona & Rhode Island

Prudential

As of July 10, 2023, Prudential FlexGuard Life IVUL is now available in Louisiana.

Symetra

As of July 19, 2023, Symetra introduced the following SwiftTerm platform enhancements:

Instant policy delivery
Fully embedded lifestyle and health questions:
- Lifestyle and health questions are fully embedded into the user experience. Customers will have a clearer view of where they are in the application process.
- Customers only see one question at a time to create a more seamless mobile and tablet experience.
- Questions are answered with a single click. No more clicking to answer and then clicking again to “save.”
- These changes will help reduce the number of errors reported when customers access the questions.

Simpler application signing process: Customers no longer need to “lock” their application answers before moving on to the signature stage. A new summary screen shows their answers and allows them to quickly jump back to a section if they need to change it before signing. The signature stage is fully embedded in the application process to reduce potential errors.
New reminders to begin the customer interview: You and your customers will receive email reminders to start the customer interview on days 2, 3, 11 and 29. Customers have 30 days from the time a ticket is dropped to fill out their portion and complete the SwiftTerm application process.

July 10, 2023

BUI

Click Here for carrier specific COVID-19 underwriting updates.

Click Here for carrier specific accelerated underwriting updates.

American National

Brookfield Reinsurance, American National’s parent company, has entered into an agreement to acquire American Equity Investment Life Holding Company (AEL). The acquisition is expected to close during the first half of 2024.

Protective

As of July 10, 2023, Protective has lowered its prices on the Protective^®Classic Choice term.

July 7, 2023

United of Omaha

United of Omaha announced the addition of their fourth crediting strategy to their IUL portoflio*: the BofA U.S. Agility Index: One-Year Uncapped account*. Clients now have this option to consider if they are looking for an index that may provide more consistent performance in fluctuating market environments. The BofA U.S. Agility Index is not available in CA, NY and VI.

June 28, 2023

American National

Enhanced Annuity e Application Experience: FireLight® Website Integration

FireLight will soon be integrated into American National's website to use when writing Palladium® MYG and ASIA PLUS products.

Their newly enhanced ExpertApp software will remain available for agents to write WealthQuest™, Palladium® SPIA, and Century Plus products.

Lincoln Financial Group

Indexed Account changes

Lincoln WealthAccumulate® 2 IUL (2020) – 04/17/23

Effective July 15, 2023, Lincoln will increase certain participation rates on Lincoln WealthAccumulate® 2 (2020) IUL - 04/17/23, which may improve future policy performance. The changes apply only to newly created indexed account segments for Lincoln WealthAccumulate® 2 (2020) IUL - 04/17/23.

OneAmerica

Expedited Underwriting Expansion (Long-Term Care)

Effective June 28, 2023, all Asset Care applications with a total amount to underwrite (TATU) of $500k or less will be eligible for expedited underwriting*. Currently, the TATU limit is $250k for cases with lifetime COB and $500k for cases with limited COB. This change brings alignment and simplicity to this process. This change is applicable to all states where OneAmerica conducts business.

*Underwriters may require applicants to move through full underwriting if there are no LabPiqture hits.

Prudential

July 2023 Index Account Updates

Changes will be effective for index segments starting July 15, 2023.

A letter will be sent to policy owners when there are changes to index accounts, informing them of the new spread and that the future segments will be impacted. The letter also indicates that these changes may result in different values than were shown in their most recent illustration and how they can request a current illustration.

June 26, 2023

BUI

Click Here for carrier specific COVID-19 underwriting updates.

Click Here for carrier specific accelerated underwriting updates.

June 22, 2023

Mutual of Omaha

Changes to Long Term Care Underwriting

As of June 20, 2023, Mutual of Omaha integrated medical claims data which streamlined the long term care underwriting process and reduced the potential need for additional requirements.

Some important updates include:

Mutual of Omaha will no longer auto-order medical records. Records will only be ordered at the underwriter’s discretion.

For clients aged 59 or younger, Phone Health Interviews will no longer be automatically ordered. They will be ordered only when necessary and at the underwriter’s discretion.

For clients aged 60-64, after a review of medical claims data, they will order a Phone Health Interview with cognitive screening which will be conducted by phone.

For clients aged 65 and older, after a review of medical claims data, they will order Face to Face Assessments.

Securian

SecureCare III repricing in AZ and IN

SecureCare III launching in DC, ND and SD

The following changes will be effective June 28, 2023:

SecureCare III rates will decrease by 25 percent across all case scenarios in Arizona and Indiana
SecureCare III will launch in Washington DC, North Dakota and South Dakota with its reprice rates

June 20, 2023

BUI

Click Here for carrier specific COVID-19 underwriting updates.

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Symetra

SwiftTerm® Enhancements
Expanded build criteria and fewer labs

SwiftTerm’s build criteria guidelines have expanded, The new criteria is more aligned with other carriers in the instant or accelerated underwriting space—and even better in certain scenarios.
Over 70% of submitted SwiftTerm applications will now go through Symetra’s instant coverage or accelerated underwriting paths (meaning no labs, doctors, needles, or tele-interviews for those who qualify).

June 16, 2023

Nationwide

CareMatters II

Effective June 12, 2023, Nationwide implemented a price improvement across all scenarios for the current CareMatters II product. Note: the reprice is not yet approved in the following states: AZ, CA, CT, DC, DE, FL, IN, ND, NJ, SC, SD

In addition, Nationwide lowered the current minimum LTC benefit from $2,500 a month to $1,500 a month. South Dakota, Vermont and Wisconsin require higher minimums.

June 14, 2023

BUI

Click Here for carrier specific COVID-19 underwriting updates.

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Global Atlantic

Effective July 1, 2023, Global Atlantic will be suspending sales of the index universal life (IUL) products that are issued by Accordia Life Insurance Company. This includes:

Lifetime Builder ELITE IUL
Global Accumulator IUL
Lifetime Foundation ELITE IUL

Protective

Underwriting Criteria & Requirements Improvements:

PLUS — accelerated program throughput

Protective made some adjustments to their Protective Life Underwriting Solution (PLUS) program to help more cases qualify for fluidless underwriting; improving outcomes for more cases at Preferred rates.

Family history

Protective’s Select Preferred underwriting criteria will no longer factor in whether a client’s parent or sibling had an incidence of cancer, heart disease or cardiac condition prior to age 60 — only whether they died prior to age 60. This means more clients with a family history of cancer or heart disease will qualify for Best Class.

Dual manual approach for build

Protective discontinued their internal build chart in favor of using the best result achieved from their two reinsurance manuals (Hannover Re & Swiss Re). Credits can be applied in some cases with other favorable risk factors.

Senior build

Protective implemented minor adjustments to Select Preferred and Preferred build cutoffs for applicants aged 71 and up.

Protective (New York)

Due to recent New York application filing requirements, Protective has made the decision to transition their application submission system to a 100% digital/online process. As of July 1, 2023, Protective will no longer accept physical (paper) applications in the state of New York.

Paper application numbers: PL 400R NY, PL 402 NY, PL 405R NY, and PL 406 NY will all be discontinued.

To help support a smooth transition to a fully digital process, even if dated prior to June 30, paper applications will no longer be accepted in the state of New York after June 30, 2023. Only applications submitted electronically through Protective Velocity will be accepted — NO EXCEPTIONS.

Mutual of Omaha

New Personal Worksheets Now Available for LTC

New personal worksheets are now available for all states except California, New York, and North Dakota. Previous worksheets will no longer be accepted after June 30, 2023

June 5, 2023

BUI

Click Here for carrier specific COVID-19 underwriting updates.

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June 2, 2023

Global Atlantic

Beginning 6/5/23, Global Atlantic will require eApps. Advisors will be required to log in to Global Atlantic's website to access the eApp as it will not be available via BUI's website.

Lincoln Financial Group

Lincoln VUL Dollar Cost Averaging Fixed Account Rate Program - Extended

Extended through December 31, 2023

Lincoln is pleased to extend the Variable Universal Life Insurance Dollar Cost Averaging Fixed Account Enhanced Interest Rate Program through December 31, 2023. This program includes an enhanced current interest rate to help with short-term returns while the client transfers funds into variable investment options using a 12-month Dollar Cost Averaging (DCA) program.

New formal applications signed, dated, and received in good order in Lincoln’s home office up to and including Tuesday, December 31, 2023 are eligible for the DCA Fixed Account Enhanced Interest Rate is available as follows:

Accumulation Products

Will receive an 8% enhanced current interest rate:

Lincoln AssetEdge® VUL

Lifetime Guarantee Products

Will receive a 2% enhanced current interest rate:

Lincoln VULONE

Lincoln SVULONE

These allocations must follow the restrictions put in place for applications received on or after May 15, 2023:

Three tiers of funds are available. Up to 100% may be allocated to either Tier 1 or Tier 2 or a combination of both. If any allocation is made to Tier 3, then at least 25% must be allocated to Tier 1.

Tier 1 – Fixed Income Funds and the Fixed Account

Tier 2 – Blended (Equity/Fixed Income) Funds, Asset Allocation Funds

Tier 3 – Equity Funds

OneAmerica

Due to the vendor’s processing change, OneAmerica will no longer accept credit cards as a method of payment for the first premium payment after June 28, 2023. For a client's first premium payment they will accept:

Personal check
Cashier’s check
Electronic check or eCheck

OneAmerica accepts checks made payable to OneAmerica or to The State Life Insurance Company.

May 30, 2023

BUI

Click Here for carrier specific COVID-19 underwriting updates.

Click Here for carrier specific accelerated underwriting updates.

Cincinnati Life

Effective June 1, 2023, Cincinnati Life will update Termsetter rates (in all states except New York).

Premium decreases will be seen in shorter term durations, Preferred Best Non-Nicotine and Preferred Non-Nicotine rates classes, and at younger ages.

May 22, 2023

BUI

Click Here for carrier specific COVID-19 underwriting updates.

Click Here for carrier specific accelerated underwriting updates.

Corebridge

Select-A-Term Rate Update as of May 22, 2023 - Corebridge has released their latest rate update for the AG/US Life Select-A-Term products (all states except New York).

Nationwide

Nationwide has announced that on June 12, 2023, they will launch Nationwide CareMatters Together^SM. This product is designed to provide long-term care coverage via a linked-benefit policy to couples or two individuals with an insurable interest in each other. Product will be available in all states except California, District of Columbia, Montana, Arizona and New York.

Nationwide CareMatters Together offers a shared pool of benefit dollars. Policyowners can use some or all of the benefit as best fits their situation. The benefit is cash indemnity. This means that Nationwide places no restrictions on how the benefit is spent.

Product Highlights:

Designed for couples age 30 to 70
Shared pool of long-term care benefits
Guaranteed premium, accrued benefits and LTC benefits
Guaranteed second-to-die death benefit
Cash indemnity long-term care benefit

May 15, 2023

BUI

Click Here for carrier specific COVID-19 underwriting updates.

Click Here for carrier specific accelerated underwriting updates.

Lincoln Financial Group

Effective May 15, 2023, Lincoln AssetEdge® VUL (2022) is available in Virginia.

Effective May 15, 2023, the most recent version of Lincoln LifeElements and Lincoln TermAccel is available in Oregon.

May 11, 2023

Corebridge

MaxAccumulator+ III is now available in California.

Protective

Improved Underwriting Guidelines Effective May 10^th, 2023

Family history

Select Preferred underwriting criteria will no longer factor in whether a client’s parent or sibling had an incidence of cancer, heart disease or cardiac condition prior to age 60 — only whether they died prior to age 60. This means more clients with a family history of cancer or heart disease will qualify for Best Class.

Dual manual approach for build

Discontinued the internal build chart in favor of using the best result achieved from their two reinsurance manuals (Hannover Re & Swiss Re). Credits can be applied in some cases with other favorable risk factors.

Senior build

Minor adjustments to Select Preferred and Preferred build cutoffs for applicants aged 71 and up.

PLUS — accelerated program throughput

Adjustments made to the Protective Life Underwriting Solution (PLUS) program to help more cases qualify for fluidless underwriting; improving outcomes for more cases at Preferred rates.

May 8, 2023

BUI

Click Here for carrier specific COVID-19 underwriting updates.

Click Here for carrier specific accelerated underwriting updates.

Americo

Americo will no longer accept 1035 funds from a life policy to fund an annuity.

Securian

SecureCare III repriced in New Jersey

Effective May 8, 2023, rates for SecureCare^™ III, a long-term care (LTC) and nonparticipating whole life insurance policy, were decreased by 25 percent across all case scenarios in New Jersey.

All pending applications that have an effective date on or after May 8, 2023, will automatically be eligible for and receive the new pricing. This will result in a face amount that is higher than originally illustrated.

SecureCare III’s new rates are now available in all states except AZ, DE, DC, IN, ND, SC and SD.

May 1, 2023

BUI

Click Here for carrier specific COVID-19 underwriting updates.

Click Here for carrier specific accelerated underwriting updates.

Protective

As of May 1, 2023, Protective has lowered term prices on Classic Choice term. *Rate change not applicable in New York.

April 26, 2023

Securian

On May 1, 2023, Securian’s VUL Defender® product will be updated with new and improved pricing in many cells, primarily for 10-pay and lifetime pay policies, along with product improvements that can make it an attractive option for clients looking for lifetime guarantees. Highlights include:

Repriced to be more competitive in short pay and lifetime pay designs.
New non-tobacco plus (NT+) underwriting class
- Standard rates will change slightly as a result of adding this underwriting class.
Changes when including No Lapse Guarantee Agreement (NLGA)
- Waiver of the fund allocation restrictions that previously placed limits on the percentage of net premium allocations, transfers and rebalancing that can be allocated to variable sub-accounts.
  - The fund allocation restrictions have been waived on in force and new sales of VUL Defender. We reserve the right to enforce the limits in the future. A new amendment reflecting this change will be sent to all existing policyholders and included with any new policies sold. Allocation forms have also been updated to reflect this change.
- Monthly or quarterly automatic rebalancing is no longer required when adding NLGA.

April 24, 2023

BUI

Click Here for carrier specific COVID-19 underwriting updates.

Click Here for carrier specific accelerated underwriting updates.

American National

As of 5/1/2023, American National will no longer accept applications for the American National Term Rider on Signature Whole Life policies.

Cincinnati Life

Effective immediately, Cincinnati Life is removing Covid-19 underwriting restrictions with one modification: Proposed insureds age 80 and over can now be considered, however, no table ratings or flat extras are permitted.

Corebridge

The National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) has adopted the Revised Actuarial Guideline 49-A (AG 49-A) which will go into effect for any IUL policy sold on or after May 1, 2023. A a result, there will be some updates to Corebridge’s IUL products.

This update only impacts illustrations, not how the life insurance product operates or performs.
Illustrated performance of Volatility Control Index (VCI) accounts will be reduced to similar levels as current S&P 500 index accounts.
Caps and participation rates are not changing.
There are some interest rate changes in the in-force products to reflect the current market environment.

MassMutual

MassMutual has announced they are lowering the minimum face amount for Whole Life 10-Pay and 12-Pay products to $25,000.

Please note, this change excludes the High Early Cash Value (HECV) product which remains at $100,000.

A new face amount band will become available for face amounts between $25,000 and $99,999. Premiums and dividends for policies in this band will vary from higher bands.

The new minimum face amount will be available for policies with and without the LTCAccess Rider (LTCR), although for policies with LTCR, the minimum face amount will be $97,000 (like other non-HECV products). There are no changes for face amounts above the new low band.

Securian

On May 1, 2023, Securian Financial will offer a new life insurance option. Variable Universal Life (VUL) Survivor, a second-to-die policy, is designed to give your clients life insurance coverage that can grow with them and fit their changing needs.

VUL Survivor also provides:

Cost savings - Maximize premium dollars by purchasing one policy vs. two individual policies
No-lapse guarantee - Add a lifetime of guaranteed coverage at an affordable price — no matter policy performance
Estate planning solution - Use as part of your clients' estate plan for legacy or tax planning, charitable giving or special needs
Cash value growth potential - Over 70 variable sub-account options, fixed indexed accounts and a guaranteed interest account
Competitive max distributions - For supplemental retirement income, estate planning needs or money for an unexpected emergency

Symetra

Symetra is introducing new versions of Symetra Accumulator Ascent IUL and Protector IUL, effective April 28, 2023.

Highlights include:

Stronger competitive positioning
Higher index cap, participation rates and bonuses
New Accelerated Death Benefit for Chronic Care Advantage Rider

April 18, 2023

Securian

Changes to Indexed Life Portfolio

Securian has announced they will increase participation rates on a number of Indexed Universal Life (IUL) products and will reduce the cap on their Blended account.

These changes will take effect for all premium received and new indexed segments created after Friday, April 21, 2023. All premium received on or before April 21 for approved and existing policies will have current rates applied. Illustrations will be updated April 22, 2023.

April 11, 2023

BUI

Click Here for carrier specific COVID-19 underwriting updates.

Click Here for carrier specific accelerated underwriting updates.

John Hancock

Changes to indexed account parameters and maximum illustrated rates

Important details about the transition for AG49-A (May 2023 revisions):

Indexed UL illustrations

John Hancock announced that as of May 1, 2023, they will increase the participation rates on the Barclays indexed accounts for new and inforce Protection IUL (PIUL) and Protection SIUL (PSIUL) customers.

Additionally, on May 1, 2023, the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) will enact enhancements to Actuarial Guideline XLIX (AG49-A). By this date, all illustrations of indexed UL (IUL) products sold by John Hancock and all US insurers must comply with these new regulations. For John Hancock, this will impact the illustrated rates for the following accounts: Barclays Global MA Classic, Barclays Global MA Bonus, and the Base Capped Two Year.

Lincoln Financial Group

Lincoln Variable Universal Life – Lincoln Elite Series of Funds

Updates Effective April 25, 2023, the JP Morgan Insurance Trust Global Allocation Portfolio - Class 1 will be closed and no longer available as an investment option.

Impacted products include currently sold or inforce Lincoln VUL products that offer the Lincoln Elite Series of Funds, including, but not limited to:

Lincoln VULONE (2021)
Lincoln SVULONE (2021)
Lincoln AssetEdge® VUL (2022)

If clients hold any of these funds, the assets need to be transferred to any of the other funds in the variable life policy on or before April 14, 2023. If Lincoln does not receive a transfer request from affected clients by April 14, 2023, any remaining assets in the fund and/or future contribution investment elections or rollovers directed to the JP Morgan Insurance Trust Global Allocation Portfolio - Class 1 will automatically be mapped (or transferred) to the Franklin Income VIP Fund – Class 1. Because this mapping (or transfer) is automatic, inforce policy holders do not need to take any action. Impacted policyholders were notified in writing 30-days prior to the transfer deadline.

Nationwide

Nationwide CareMatters II California

On April 17, 2023, Nationwide is introducing Nationwide CareMatters® II to the state of California. CareMatters II will offer more accessibility, a broader appeal, expanded features and more opportunities for you to help your clients. CareMatters II continues paying cash indemnity long-term care benefits.

Principal

Paper application Part B to be discontinued

Due to the many benefits the online and TeleApp options offer, including quicker turnaround times, fewer amendments, and a better overall customer experience, Principal has made the decision to discontinue use of the paper Part B. Effective June 5, 2023, Principal will no longer accept a paper part B for life or IDI applications.

Prudential

April 2023 Index Updates

Effective for select index segments starting April 15, 2023.

Securian

Securian has introduced New income replacement guidelines

Old guidelines
Age:	Factor times income
< / = 35	30x
36-45	25x
46-55	20x
56-60	15x
61-65	10x
66+	Individual consideration

New guidelines
Age:	Factor times income
< / = 35	35x
36-40	30x
41-50	25x
51-55	20x
56-60	15x
61-65	10x
66-70	5x
>70	Individual consideration

April 6, 2023

Cincinnati Life

Effective immediately, Cincinnati Life is removing Covid-19 underwriting restrictions with one modification: Proposed insureds ages 80 and over can now be considered; however, no table ratings or flat extras are permitted.

April 3, 2023

BUI

Click Here for carrier specific COVID-19 underwriting updates.

Click Here for carrier specific accelerated underwriting updates.

March 31, 2023

Pacific Life

Pacific Life will be repricing their term products effective Monday 4/3/2023. There will be a 60-day transition period where all cases issued through June 1, 2023 will automatically receive the better of old or new rates.

March 30, 2023

Oceanview

Oceanview MYGA rates will drop on 4/6/23 for most guarantee periods. There will be a 60-day rate lock from the application signature date. Oceanview will honor the highest rate in effect between the application signature date and the policy issue date.

March 27, 2023

BUI

Click Here for carrier specific COVID-19 underwriting updates.

Click Here for carrier specific accelerated underwriting updates.

American National

Important New York Required Forms Update

Beginning April 3, 2023, all new business applications for life and annuity will require the Verification of Sales Material (ANY-24-IM) form to be submitted. The Verification of Sales Material is part of the Reg. 60 Packet (ANY-25-IM) but will also be available separately in Expert Forms.

Beginning April 3, 2023:
New York Non-Replacement Applications will require:
• ANY-112
• ANY-24-IM
Replacements will require Reg. 60 Packet which includes:
• ANY-112
• ANY-24-IM
• ANY-110
• ANY-23

Lincoln Financial Group

Lincoln WealthAccumulate® IUL (2020) – 04/17/23

Pricing Update: Effective April 17, 2023, reduced premium loads above threshold to match premium loads below threshold, improving competitiveness on single and short pay designs(current charge only).

Indexed Account Updates

Increased S&P 500® Traditional Account cap from 9.50% to 10.00%
Decreased S&P 500® Traditional Account floor from 0.25% to 0.00%
Participating loans are replaced with two new Indexed Loan Accounts linked to the S&P 500 Index (excluding dividends) or the Fidelity AIM Dividend Index If selected the amount of any loan will be transferred from the Indexed Account(s) and/or Fixed Account and earn interest based on the performance of the Indexed Loan Account to which it is allocated. The loan will be charged a guaranteed rate of 5.0%

Prudential

Founders Plus has a new, clearer name: PruLife® Founders Plus Indexed UL.

PruLife®Founders Plus Indexed UL New Pricing: Effective April 24, 2023, pricing will be improved with a new and generally lower charge structure, especially in shorter pay scenarios, making 1035 exchanges and mirrored loans more attractive. For example, for $1M of death benefit the average decrease is roughly:

Single-Pay Scenarios: 20% lower

10-Pay Scenarios: 11% lower

All Pay Scenarios: 1% lower

Based on $1 at 120 premium solve using the S&P 500 Account at 5.08% (ages 45, 55, 65, 75) and top 4 underwriting classes.

Essential UL New Pricing: Effective April 24, 2023, pricing will be improved with a new and generally lower charge structure, especially in shorter pay scenarios, making asset repositioning and 1035 exchanges more affordable. For example, for $1M of death benefit the average change is roughly:

Single-Pay Scenarios: 10% lower

10-Pay Scenarios: 2% lower

All Pay Scenarios: 4% higher

Based on $1 at 120 premium solve using the Fixed Account at 3.45% (ages 45, 55, 65, and 75) and top 4 underwriting classes.

Premium Deposit Account: Both Founders Plus and Essential UL now offer an updated Premium Deposit Account. Allows clients to make a single payment into an account that pays guaranteed interest and premiums over a 2 – 10-year period.

Benefit Access Rider-New York: You can now sell a non-permanent version of BenefitAccess Rider on Essential UL in New York. Essential UL is Pru’s first product in New York to feature the non-permanency version of BAR, which allows clients to file a chronic illness claim even if they are expected to recover.

Prudential FlexGuard® Life IVUL — Available in Maryland: Effective March 31, 2023, FlexGuard Life indexed variable universal life will be available for sale in Maryland.

March 24, 2023

F&G

F&G is decreasing MYGA rates on Friday, 3/31/23. Applications must be received, in good order, by F&G no later than 3/30/23 to receive current rates. Note: F&G uses the date an application is received in good order, not the signature date, to apply rate lock rules.

FG Guarantee-Platinum MYGA as of 3/31/23
**3-Year-**4.35%
**5-Year-**4.85%
**7-Year-**4.90%

FG Guarantee-Platinum MYGA as of 3/6/23
**3-Year-**4.50%
**5-Year-**5.10%
**7-Year-**5.15%

Securian

SecureCare III rates will decrease in Connecticut

Effective Monday, March 27, 2023, rates for SecureCare™ III will be reduced by 25 percent across all case scenarios in Connecticut. SecureCare III is a long-term care (LTC) and nonparticipating whole life insurance policy.

Transition Rules:

The new SecureCare III rates will be available in Connecticut on March 27, 2023.
All pending applications that have an effective date on or after March 27, 2023 will automatically be eligible for and receive the new pricing. This will result in a face amount that is higher than originally illustrated.
Policies that have already been issued, paid and/or are in-force are not eligible for the new rates.
SecureCare III’s normal backdating rules and age limitations apply. To receive the new pricing, Securian cannot backdate prior to March 27, 2023.

March 20, 2023

BUI

Click Here for carrier specific COVID-19 underwriting updates.

Click Here for carrier specific accelerated underwriting updates.

Lincoln Financial Group

Electronic PHI (ePHI) Effective March 27, 2023

Lincoln has announced the introduction of the ePHI, effective March 27, 2023. This enhancement will offer clients the option to answer underwriting follow-up questions through an online link and questionnaire, versus over the phone. The client can access ePHI anytime day or night – 24/7 – when it’s convenient for them.

Due to privacy regulations, the ePHI must be completed during one session (any information entered will not save if the client exits the form prior to submission)
The ePHI link will be active for 10 days
Availability: Life insurance (Term, IUL, VUL) ticket and Lincoln MoneyGuard® application submissions with eInterview.

March 17, 2023

American National

American National has announced improvements to their Signature Performance Indexed UL product, that will take effect on 04/03/23:

Increased income
New 25 bps Interest Bonus added to all interest crediting strategies
CVAT now available
No-Lapse and Surrender Charge periods extended from 10 to 15 years

Please Note: No change in California. CA producers will continue to use the current product (IUL19) until otherwise communicated.

March 13, 2023

BUI

Click Here for carrier specific COVID-19 underwriting updates.

Click Here for carrier specific accelerated underwriting updates.

Protective

Effective March 13, 2023, Protective Advantage Choice UL, Protective Lifetime Assurance UL, and Protective Classic Choice term were repriced with a slight rate decrease.

March 10, 2023

Mutual of Omaha

As of March 1, 2023, Mutual of Omaha increased the maximum issue ages on IUL Express and Term Life Express Non-ROP (10T), both Simplified Issue products.

Below are some key updates:

IUL Express

Maximum issue ages for both Tobacco and Non-Tobacco ratings will increase to age 75

Currently Non-Tobacco is age 70 and Tobacco is age 65

Maximum face amount for ages 71-75 will remain $150,000

Term Life Express Non-ROP (10T):

Maximum issue age for both Tobacco and Non-Tobacco will increase to age 75

Maximum face amount for ages 71-75 will remain $150,000

March 7, 2023

OneAmerica

Annuity Care II: OneAmerica® is activating a 6-year Continuation of Benefits (COB) feature on Annuity Care II, effective March 11, 2023. With this change, Annuity Care II can provide your clients with long-term care (LTC) benefit values that are up to 4 times* larger than premium paid. In addition, the full monthly benefit is available regardless of the number of days services are rendered in any given month. This is especially important today as many clients desire to receive care in the comfort of their own home.
This change is simple to understand:

Applicants ages 40-69 receive 6-year COB benefit**
Applicants ages 70-80 receive the 3-year COB benefit**

Protective

Current processing time for contracting is 25-30 business days.

March 6, 2023

BUI

Click Here for carrier specific COVID-19 underwriting updates.

Click Here for carrier specific accelerated underwriting updates.

American National

Effective April 3, 2023, the following improvements will be made to the Signature Performance Indexed UL product:

Increased income
New 25 bps Interest Bonus added to all interest crediting strategies
CVAT available
No-Lapse and Surrender Charge periods extended from 10 to 15 years

Effective April 3, 2023, there will be premium increases for the Signature Guarantee UL product:

Average premium increase of 6%
No other changes to features or riders

Corebridge Financial (formerly AIG)

Term Rates: Effective February 21, 2023, Select-a-Term was repriced in all states, including New York. Nationally, the lower rate trend can be seen across all bands.

John Hancock

Protection IUL Product Update: Protection IUL now has improved no-lapse guarantee durations. These improvements, combined with enhancements made to the guarantees last year, result in some of the product’s longest guarantees ever — with no impact to premium or policy values.

The NLG duration will vary based upon issue age, gender and risk class as well as chosen funding level. The no-lapse guarantee duration is stated on the illustration and in the policy contract.

Maximum no-lapse guarantee duration is to age 121.

Additional Updates: Effective March 1, 2023, the following adjustments were made to new and inforce policies:

Crediting rates increased by 10 basis points on new and inforce Protection UL and Protection SUL policies
Fixed account rates increased by 20 basis points on Indexed UL and certain Variable UL products
The participation rate increased by 5% for Indexed UL Barclays Global MA accounts
Crediting rates decreased by 10-20 basis points on certain inforce products
The declared rate was increased by 15 basis points on Performance LTC

Lincoln Financial Group

COMING SOON! Lincoln MoneyGuard Real-Time Approval: Beginning March 13, 2023, Lincoln is excited to provide you and your clients with a Real-Time Approval for eligible Lincoln MoneyGuard cases. For a portion of your business, clients who are in excellent health and are able to be approved by Lincoln's automated underwriting process may be informed of their approval immediately after the interview.

Eligibility:

All States
Age 60 and younger
Both Lincoln MoneyGuard Market Advantage® & Lincoln MoneyGuard Fixed Advantage®

Mutual of Omaha

Mutual of Omaha will implement the following rate adjustments effective May 1, 2023.

Impacted Policy Forms	Impacted States
LTC04G	Utah, Wyoming

Protective

Effective March 15, 2023, Protective's Indexed Choice UL cap rate will increase from 8% to 9%. Point-to-point segments that begin or renew on that date or later will have a 9% cap.

Securian

SecureCare III-Florida: Effective February 13, 2023, rates for SecureCare™ III were reduced by 25 percent across all case scenarios in Florida. SecureCare III is a long-term care (LTC) and nonparticipating whole life insurance policy.

Premium Deposit Account Rate Increase: Effective March 1, 2023, Securian increased its Premium Deposit Account (PDA) interest rates by 0.25%.

Premium Deposit Account February March

All products (excluding Pennsylvania) 4.00% 4.25%

All products (Pennsylvania only) 3.50% 3.75%

Symetra

Effective February 10, 2023, SwiftTerm rates were lowered.

February 27, 2023

BUI

Click Here for carrier specific COVID-19 underwriting updates.

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February 13, 2023

BUI

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BUI February CE Webinar

Featuring Bobby Samuelson

“Gamesmanship of IUL and the Impact of AG49-B”

CE Pending: MO L/H, CFP, MO MCLE

Date/Time: Feb 23, 2023, 10:00 AM Central Time (US and Canada)

Click here for details and registration.

February 9, 2023

Lincoln Financial Group

Lincoln VULONE (2021) – 02/13/23

Effective Feb. 13, 2023, Lincoln has announced a pricing update on Lincoln VULONE
(2021). Lincoln VULONE (2021) – 02/13/23, a variable universal life insurance product,
continues to offer a lifetime guaranteed death benefit with market-driven growth
potential, as well as a second Guaranteed Minimum Death Benefit (GMDB) option that
for a lower premium provides 100% protection to age 90, and 50% GMDB protection
thereafter, regardless of how the market performs.

Lincoln VULONE (2021) – 02/13/23 will replace Lincoln VULONE (2021) – 06/13/22 in all states that are approved at rollout.

Pricing Updates

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:

10% increase to single pay designs

10% increase to 10 pay designs

No change to level pay designs

For states that are approved at rollout there is a 30-day transition period which begins
on Feb. 13, 2023 and ends on March 15, 2023. Applications received on or after March
16, 2023, will receive the new Lincoln VULONE (2021) – 02/13/23 product.

Lincoln SVULONE (2021) – 02/13/23

Effective Feb. 13, 2023, Lincoln has announced pricing updates on Lincoln SVULONE (2021). Lincoln SVULONE (2021) – 02/13/23, a variable universal life insurance product, continues to offer a lifetime guaranteed death benefit with market-driven growth potential, as well as a second Guaranteed Minimum Death Benefit (GMDB) option that for a lower premium provides 100% protection to age 90, and 50% GMDB protection thereafter, regardless of how the market performs.

The Lincoln SVULONE (2021) – 02/13/23 will replace Lincoln SVULONE (2021) – 07/11/22 in all states that are approved at rollout.

Pricing Updates

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:

12% increase to single pay designs

12% increase to 10 pay designs

5% increase to level pay designs

In addition, Premium Load changes: Current = Guaranteed: 10% in years 1-20; 6% in years 21+.

Lincoln WealthPreserve® 2 IUL (2020) – 02/13/23

Effective Feb. 13, 2023, Lincoln has announced an update to the Lincoln WealthPreserve® 2 IUL (2020) life insurance product.

Lincoln WealthPreserve® 2 IUL (2020) – 02/13/23 offers flexibility for growth, access to cash value, and financial protection. Built for clients who want valuable guaranteed protection with flexibility for life’s changing needs.

Pricing Updates

Reduced premium loads above threshold to match premium loads below threshold to improve competitiveness on single/short pays designs (current charge only)
Target premium increase (approximately 5%)

Indexed Account Updates

Increased S&P Traditional Account cap from 9.50% to 10.00%
Increased Fidelity Fixed Bonus from 0.95% to 1.00%
Lowered S&P Traditional Account floor from 0.25% to 0.00%

Lincoln WealthPreserve® 2 Survivorship IUL (2020) – 02/13/23

Effective Feb. 13, 2023, Lincoln is pleased to announce an update to the Lincoln WealthPreserve® 2 Survivorship IUL(2022) life insurance product.

Lincoln WealthPreserve® 2 Survivorship IUL (2022) – 02/13/23 offers long-term protection, built-in guarantees, andlifelong flexibility. Built for couples who want solid, cost-effective protection for two lives under one policy.

Pricing Updates

Reduced premium loads above threshold to match premium loads below threshold to improve competitiveness on single/short pays designs (current charge only)

Indexed Account Updates

Increased S&P Traditional Account cap from 9.50% to 10.00%

Lowered S&P Traditional Account floor from 0.25% to 0.00%

Mutual of Omaha

Inforce Long Term Care Insurance Adjustments

Mutual of Omaha will be implementing the following inforce rate adjustments effective April 1, 2023.*

*The state of Maine requires a 90-day notification period for all policyholders. Therefore, the effective date for the affected ME policies indicated below will be May 1, 2023.

Impacted Forms	Impacted States
LTC04G	Maine*, New Hampshire, New Mexico, Ohio
LTC04I	Maine*, New Mexico, Ohio
LTC04I7	Maine*, New Mexico, Ohio
LTC09M	Maine*, New Mexico, Ohio
LTC06UI	Maine*, New Mexico, Ohio
LTC09U	Maine*, New Mexico, Ohio

Sagicor

Sagicor now allows annuity business to be submitted via eApplication and delivered via eDelivery.

Symetra

Term: Repriced as of January 27, 2023.

Protector IUL: This product has been refreshed with the following:

Stronger death benefit guarantees
Improved pricing
New Putnam Dynamic Low Volatility Excess Return Index^™ Strategies
Higher index cap and participation rates

February 6, 2023

BUI

Click Here for carrier specific COVID-19 underwriting updates.

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BUI February CE Webinar

Featuring Bobby Samuelson

“Gamesmanship of IUL and the Impact of AG49-B”

CE Pending: MO L/H, CFP, MO MCLE

Date/Time: Feb 23, 2023, 10:00 AM Central Time (US and Canada)

Click here for details and registration.

January 30, 2023

BUI

Click Here for carrier specific COVID-19 underwriting updates.

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BUI February CE Webinar

Featuring Bobby Samuelson

“Gamesmanship of IUL and the Impact of AG49-B”

CE Pending: MO L/H, CFP, MO MCLE

Date/Time: Feb 23, 2023, 10:00 AM Central Time (US and Canada)

Click here for details and registration.

January 26, 2023

Oceanview

Oceanview has decided to cease sales of all Non-Qualified contracts in Colorado, effective February 1st, 2023.

This new practice will not impact the sale of Colorado tax qualified annuities (ie: IRAs and Roth IRAs).

January 25, 2023

BUI

Click Here for carrier specific COVID-19 underwriting updates.

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BUI February CE Webinar

Featuring Bobby Samuelson

“Gamesmanship of IUL and the Impact of AG49-B”

CE Pending: MO L/H, CFP, MO MCLE

Date/Time: Feb 23, 2023, 10:00 AM Central Time (US and Canada)

Click here for details and registration.

Lincoln Financial Group

Coming Soon – Enhancements to Lincoln MoneyGuard Market Advantage® Inforce Policies

Effective Feb. 13, 2023, Lincoln MoneyGuard Market Advantage® inforce policyholders will receive enhancements to their existing policies.

As previously communicated when it first launched on MoneyGuard products, the Benefit Transfer Rider (BTR) will be added to Lincoln MoneyGuard Market Advantage® inforce policies, pending state approvals.

Additionally, inforce Lincoln MoneyGuard Market Advantage® policies will be able to utilize Flexible Care Cash (FCC) forup to 7 days per week.

These enhancements do not impact existing Lincoln MoneyGuard Market Advantage® policies that were issued with the Benefit Transfer Rider (BTR) and 7 days Flexible Care Cash (FCC) when those features were introduced in Aug. 2022.

Coming Soon to California – Lincoln MoneyGuard Market Advantage®

Effective Feb. 13, 2023, Lincoln MoneyGuard Market Advantage® will be made available in California. The product approved for sale in California is Lincoln MoneyGuard Market Advantage® - 02/13/23 * with updated rates in line with Lincoln MoneyGuard Market Advantage® (2022) **. There will be no changes made to the nationally sold version of Lincoln MoneyGuard Market Advantage® (2022).

Protective

Protective® Classic Choice term prices were reduced as of January 17, 2023.

January 18, 2023

United of Omaha

As of January 1, 2023, Unitedof Omaha increased the fixed crediting rates as follows:

Income Advantage IUL fixed account rate increased 0.50% from 3.00% to 3.50%
Life Protection Advantage IUL fixed account rate increased 0.50% from 2.75% to 3.25%
IUL Express fixed account rate increased 0.50% from 2.75% to 3.25%

These rate changes apply to newly issued policies, as well as to any new premiums received on in force policies. There are no changes to IUL cap or participation rates. All IUL fixed account money started receiving the new rates on January 1, 2023.

Securian

SecureCare III price improvement

Effective January 23, rates for SecureCare™ III will be reduced by 25 percent across all case scenarios in all states except AZ, CA, CT, DE, DC, FL, IN, MT, NJ, ND, NY, SC and SD. SecureCare III is a long-term care (LTC) and nonparticipating whole life insurance policy.

January 17, 2023

BUI

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January 12, 2023

Lincoln Financial Group

Premium Due Notices for Lincoln MoneyGuard Products to be Discontinued

Beginning in the first quarter of 2023, Lincoln Financial will no longer email financial professionals to notify them of
upcoming premium due on Fixed Lincoln MoneyGuard products. There have never been premium due notices sent on Lincoln MoneyGuard Market Advantage®.

This change has been made as privacy and compliance requirements have impacted the level of detail that can be shared on the notices. How clients are billed or notified will not be affected by this change.

January 11, 2023

Lincoln Financial Group

Lincoln MoneyGuard Fixed Advantage® pricing update, effective Jan. 23^rd, 2023

Pricing improvements range from 0-14% with average an average decrease of 6%.
Single pay scenarios will typically receive a larger discount than flex pays.
There will be no price increases due to this update.

Coming Soon – Lincoln Lincoln WealthAccelerate℠ IUL!

Lincoln Financial Group will introduce the Lincoln WealthAccelerate℠ IUL to their life insurance portfolio, effective Jan. 23, 2023, subject to state availability. Lincoln Lincoln WealthAccelerate℠ IUL is an indexed universal life product with an emphasis on the digital and automated experience, from application to policy management, and a focus on meeting consumers expectations in today’s modern world of instant decisions, exceptional experience, and simplicity.

January 9, 2023

BUI

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January 3, 2023

BUI

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Securian

Effective January 1, 2023, Securian increased their Premium Deposit Account (PDA) interest rates by 1% or more.

Premium Deposit Account	December	January
All products (excluding Pennsylvania)
Years 2-7 premium payments	2.75%	4.00%
Years 8-10 premium payments	3.00%	4.00%
All products (Pennsylvania only)
Years 2-7 premium payments	2.25%	3.50%
Years 8-10 premium payments	2.50%	3.50%

United of Omaha

Annuity Maximum Issue Age Changes Effective January 1, 2023
Effective January 1, 2023, United of Omaha lowered two product maximum issue ages.

Ultra-Secure Plus 7-year reduced from 89 to 88 to keep the 7-year guarantee period from running beyond the age of maturity of 95.
Income Access reduced from 85 to 75 to allow to continue offering the product to clients up to age 75 at more competitive payout rates.

December 22, 2022

Prudential

January 2023 Index Updates

Caps will be improving for almost all products. The uncapped accounts for IUL products will also be changing. Changes will be effective for index segments starting January, 15, 2023.

A letter will be sent to policy owners when there are changes to index accounts/strategies, informing them of the new spread and that the future segments will be impacted. The letter also indicates that these changes may result in different values than were shown in their most recent illustration and how they can request a current illustration.

Mutual of Omaha

Mutual of Omaha actively monitors their inforce long-term care business, filing rate adjustments when necessary. Mutual of Omaha will be implementing the following inforce rate adjustments effective March 1, 2023*:

Impacted Policy Forms

Impacted States

LTC04G

District of Columbia, Kansas, Montana

LTC04I7

District of Columbia, Kansas, Montana, Virginia

LTC04I

District of Columbia, Kansas, Montana, Virginia

LTC09M

District of Columbia, Kansas, Montana, Virginia

LTC09U

District of Columbia, Kansas, Montana, Virginia

LTC06UI

District of Columbia, Kansas, Montana, Virginia

LT50, NH50, HCA, NHA and LTA

Ohio

OneAmerica

As of Dec. 15^th, OneAmerica changed new business interest rates for some OneAmerica^® Care Solutions products.

Annuity Care^®and Annuity Care^® II new money rates decreased.
Indexed Annuity Care^®new money rates decreased.

December 19, 2022

BUI

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Prudential

Effective January 9, 2023, Prudential's Term Essential will reduce rates by an average of 9%. Conversion privileges will remain unchanged.

December 12, 2022

BUI

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Lincoln Financial Group

Lincoln MoneyGuard: LTCG Rebranding as illumifin
- Following the announcement of illumifin’s acquisition of LTCG earlier this year, LTCG will rebrand as illumifin effective Jan. 1, 2023. Lincoln partners with LTCG to fulfill client interviews and process long-term care claims for Lincoln MoneyGuard® cases, and Lincoln will continue this partnership with illumifin. We will share more information as it becomes available
Lincoln VUL Dollar Cost Averaging Fixed Account Enhanced Interest Rate Program
- Extension effective Jan. 1, 2023 - Lincoln is pleased to extend the VUL Dollar Cost Averaging Fixed Account Enhanced Interest Rate Program through June 30, 2023. This program includes an enhanced current interest rate to help with short-term returns while the client transfers funds into variable investment options using a 12-month Dollar Cost Averaging (DCA) program. The enhanced program applies to all currently available Lincoln VUL products.

December 9, 2022

Zurich

Zurich has announced the closure of the following products, effective Feb. 1, 2023.

Zurich Wealth Builder IUL
Zurich Select IUL
Zurich Survivor IUL
Zurich Term 10, 15 and 20

December 7, 2022

OneAmerica

OneAmerica Asset Care annuity withholding process update due to IRS guidelines.

Jan. 1, 2023 in all states, IRS guidelines around taxable distributions from retirement plans and annuities will change, requiring a modification to OneAmerica's application process affecting the Asset Care Annuity Funding Whole Life option, as well as Asset-Care II/III (California).

Starting 12/10/2022, this guideline change will necessitate collection of a new “Statement of Understanding – Withholding” form as well as IRS Form W-4P to indicate the policyholder’s future withholding preference prior to issue.

December 5, 2022

BUI

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December 2, 2022

OneAmerica

Second Price Decrease on OneAmerica’s Asset Care Portfolio

OneAmerica has announced a price decrease on their Asset Care product portfolio nationwide, effective December 9, 2022.

December 1, 2022

Nationwide

Nationwide's contracting department is currently experiencing a 4-6 week turnaround time.

November 30, 2022

Mutual of Omaha

Inforce LTCi Rate Adjustments Effective February 1, 2023

Mutual of Omaha will implement inforce rate adjustments effective February 1, 2023*, in Alabama, Alaska, Delaware, Hawaii, Maine, Massachusetts, Nebraska, New Jersey, New Mexico, Nevada, Pennsylvania, Puerto Rico, South Carolina and Virginia.

Prudential

Fund Changes effective December 2, 2022.
- As of December 2, the AST Moderate Multi-Asset Portfolio will merge into the AST Balanced Asset Allocation Portfolio. Mailing of the notification letters began approximately Friday, October 28, 2022.
Fund Changes for 1st Quarter 2023
- January
  - The AST BlackRock Global Strategies Portfolio will be merged into the AST J.P. Morgan Tactical Preservation Portfolio on Friday, January 20, 2023.
- February
  - The AST Wellington Management Hedged Equity Portfolio will be merged into the AST Prudential Growth Allocation Portfolio on Friday, February 24, 2023.
- March
  - The AST JP Morgan International Equity Portfolio will be merged into the AST International Growth Portfolio on Friday, March 10, 2023.
  - The AST International Value Portfolio will be merged into the AST International Growth Portfolio on Friday, March 10, 2023.
  - The PSF International Growth Portfolio will be merged into the AST International Growth Portfolio on Friday, March 10, 2023.

November 29, 2022

BUI

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November 21, 2022

BUI

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November 17, 2022

Oceanview

Oceanview MYGA 6, 7 & 10 will be decreasing rates on November 30th.

Protective

As of Nov. 14, 2022, Protective^® Strategic Objectives II VUL offers extended lapse protection.

Issue Ages: 0-49 Guarantee: 20 years

Issue Ages: 50-64 Guarantee: Guarantee to age 70

Issue Ages: 65-80 Guarantee: 5 years

November 16, 2022

MassMutual

MassMutual has repriced its Universal Life Guard (UL Guard) and Survivorship Universal Life Guard (SUL Guard) insurance products, with premium rates generally improving because of higher interest rates.

UL Guard

In general, no-lapse guarantee premiums for face amounts of $250,000 and above will decrease:

2%-18% for level-pay cases.
3%-35% for single-pay cases.

Younger issue ages (45 and below) and standard risk classes will see the greatest impact.

UL Guard rates will not change for face amounts below $250,000.

SUL Guard

In general, no-lapse guarantee premiums for all face amounts will:

Decrease 0-11% for single-pay cases.
Not change for level-pay cases.

Younger issue ages (55 and below) and standard risk classes will see the greatest impact.

** Nov. 19, 2022: The first day the repriced versions of these products can be issued. **

November 14, 2022

BUI

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Cincinnati Life

Cincinnati Life is now accepting insurance labs that are up to 12 months old. Previously they had limited labs to six months.

Lincoln Financial Group

Pricing Update: Lincoln LifeElements® Level Term (2019)

Effective Nov. 14, 2022, Lincoln is announcing pricing updates to Lincoln LifeElements® Level Term (2019) which will focus on competitive positioning in key cells. Lincoln LifeElements® Level Term life insurance offers both a traditional paper application process and a streamlined Tele-App process for electronic and paper ticket submissions. Goal of the reprice includes being a “top 3 carrier” in the following non-tobacco, core cells for 10, 15, 20-year term durations:

Face amounts of $2.5M and above for nearly all ages 45+
- Face amounts of $500k - $999k are top 5 for ages
There will be a mix of premium increases and decreases

Pricing Update: Lincoln TermAccel® Level Term (2019)

Effective Nov. 14, 2022, Lincoln is announcing pricing updates to Lincoln TermAccel®Level Term (2019) which will maintain competitiveness in key cells. Lincoln TermAccel® life insurance offers an entirely electronic, streamlined interview process with fully automated underwriting and no APS requirement. The reprice includes remaining a “top 5 carrier” in the following non-tobacco, core cells for 10, 15, 20-year term durations:

Face amounts of $500k - $999k for ages 55+
There will be premium increases only

Prudential

Prudential is excited to announce the introduction of a new addition to their
life insurance portfolio and an entirely new category for Prudential.

FlexGuard Life indexed variable universal life (IVUL) — available
November 14, 2022 —is an innovative, highly customizable life insurance
product designed to meet the unique needs of individual clients. The first
of its kind for Prudential in the new IVUL category, it offers more upside
potential than traditional IUL products and more downside protection than
traditional VUL options, with NEW buffered index strategies.

November 7, 2022

BUI

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American National

As of 12/01/2022, American National will no longer offer term life insurance!
ANICO will continue to process all Signature Term Life Insurance apps received prior to 12/01/2022.

Additional Details

11/30/2022: Last day to apply for a Signature Term Life application
2/28/2023: Last day to put a Signature Term Life policy inforce
This discontinuation will not affect any renewal commissions on any existing term policies.
This discontinuation will not affect any conversion privileges on existing term policies.
This discontinuation will not affect the reinstatement privileges on existing term policies.

Pacific Life

PL Promise Term Reprice - Now Top 3 in 92% of No-Nicotine Cells

Effective November 7, 2022, Pacific Life Insurance Company is adjusting rates to be more competitive for PL Promise Term1 level premium term life insurance—a product specifically designed to serve the death benefit protection needs of the broad market consumer (household incomes of $50k to $250K).

This reprice places PL Promise Term in the Top 3 for 92% of cells across all terms, ages, no-nicotine rate classes, and face amounts. A 60-day transition period is provided.

October 31, 2022

BUI

Click Here for carrier specific COVID-19 underwriting updates.

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Prudential

Prudential is excited to announce the introduction of a new addition to their
life insurance portfolio and an entirely new category for Prudential.

FlexGuard Life indexed variable universal life (IVUL) — available on
November 14, 2022 —is an innovative, highly customizable life insurance
product designed to meet the unique needs of individual clients. The first
of its kind for Prudential in the new IVUL category, it offers more upside
potential than traditional IUL products and more downside protection than
traditional VUL options, with NEW buffered index strategies.

Symetra

Starting November 1st, 2022, Symetra will be introducing their newest version of Protector IUL.

Includes:

Improved pricing
New Putnam Dynamic Low Volatility Excess Return Index Strategies
Higher index cap and participation rates
A simpler IUL story

October 24, 2022

BUI

Click Here for carrier specific COVID-19 underwriting updates.

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October 26, 2022

Bestow

Effective December 30, 2022, Bestow will no longer directly sell North American Company for Life and Health Insurance® products through independent distribution—BGAs and Direct Marketers.

Important transition details:
Bestow will continue to administer all in-force policies. Policy documents are always accessible to policyholders via their customer portal and customer service support is available at 833-300-0603 x1.

Agent contracting will cease October 25, 2022. Bestow is working with SuranceBay to shut down the option to start the contracting process within SureLC. If you have questions about contracting, please contact agents@bestow.com.
Agent Links (unique URLs) will continue to be accessible until December 30, 2022 at 1 pm CT. After that time, the quote portion of the page will be disabled and direct clients to contact their agent for assistance.
The Agent Reporting Portal will continue to be available to those who have setup access. You can contact the Bestow team at agents@bestow.com if you or someone on your staff needs help with accessing the portal.
The Book of Business Reports will continue to be emailed to those with active business through the end of the year. After that time, all information contained within Book of Business reports will be available in your Agent Reporting Portal.
Monthly Commissions on business that has been put in-force by December 30, 2022 will continue to be paid in the manner which was agreed to in your contract. If you have any questions, please contact commissions@bestow.com.
Formal 60-day termination notices will be emailed to contacts listed on partner contracts in your agency hierarchy within the next week.

LIBRA

LIBRA Insurance Partners and Insurance Designers of America Announce Merger

LIBRA Insurance Partners and Insurance Designers of America, LLC (IDA) announce the merger of the two organizations, creating the largest independently owned life insurance marketing organization (IMO) in the United States. The combined company will operate under the LIBRA Insurance Partners (LIBRA) brand.

Bill Shelow, CEO and president of LIBRA Insurance Partners, and J. Craig Collins, president and executive director of Insurance Designers of America, along with the respective Board of Directors and more than 110 combined affiliated partner agencies, have approved entering a merger agreement. The merger will take effect on January 1, 2023, upon completing the transition process.

October 25, 2022

Lincoln Financial Group

Lincoln MoneyGuard:

Until December 30, 2022, all standard Lincoln MoneyGuard cases can receive the Couples Discount underwriting class regardless of marital status.

To qualify for the enhanced underwriting Couples Discount, all eligible cases must be placed in
force, or 1035 exchange initiated, by Dec. 30, 2022.

October 24, 2022

BUI

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October 20, 2022

Protective

Protective Life is taking approximately 15-20 business days to complete contracting.

October 18, 2022

BUI

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AIG

AIG Life & Retirement is now Corebridge Financial

It's business as usual for AIG clients and partners, and there is nothing you need to do at this time.

AIG's issuing life insurance companies will remain the same—American General Life Insurance Company and The United States Life Insurance Company in the City of New York. Please know that you may see—at least for a time— both the Corebridge and AIG brands on materials and websites.

John Hancock

John Hancock now offers two new riders on Protection SUL and Protection SIUL, including:

New Cash Value Enhancement: offering higher cash surrender value in early years
Much-improved Policy Split Option: a cost-effective way to split a policy without underwriting*

Mutual of Omaha

Mutual of Omaha will be implementing the following inforce rate adjustments effective December 1, 2022. *

*The state of Virginia requires a 75-day notification period for all policyholders. Therefore, the effective date for the affected VA policies indicated below will be January 1, 2023.

Impacted Forms	Impacted States
LTC04G	Alabama, Tennessee
LTC04I	Alabama, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, and South Carolina
LTC04I7	Alabama, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, and South Carolina
LTC09M	Alabama, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, and South Carolina
LTC06UI	Alabama, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, and South Carolina
LTC09U	Alabama, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, and South Carolina
LT50, NH50, HCA, NHA, LTA	Montana and Virginia
HCAQ, NCAQ, LTAQ	Montana
LT50, LT53	Massachusetts

Policyholder Notification Process

Policyholders will receive a letter notifying them at least 60* days prior to the premium rate increase effective date as outlined above.

Along with the premium rate increase notification letters, most policyholders will receive an adjustment offer if there are options available. The offer will provide the policyholder with a benefit reduction alternative to help reduce the impact of the premium increase.

Nationwide

Nationwide® is pleased to announce the following price and product improvements effective November 7, 2022:

Price improvements to Nationwide CareMatters II:

Beginning November 7, 2022, Nationwide® is implementing a second price improvement of 2022 across all scenarios for the current CareMatters II product.

These changes do not apply to Nationwide YourLife CareMatters in New York and California.

The price improvement is an average pricing decrease of 5% for all scenarios. There will be a price decrease for all scenarios; however, the percent decrease varies by the characteristics of the case

Maximum issue age increase for YourLife CareMatters (CA and NY):

Beginning November 7, 2022, the maximum issue age for YourLife CareMatters will increase in California and New York. These changes do not apply to Nationwide CareMatters II.

In California, applications for individuals older than the previous maximum issue age must be submitted on paper. E-applications will not be accepted.

Price improvements on No-Lapse Guarantee Universal Life II:

Beginning November 7, 2022, Nationwide is implementing a price improvement across all scenarios for the current No-Lapse Guaranteed UL II product. These changes do not apply to No-Lapse Guarantee UL II in New York.

The price improvement is a price decrease for all no-lapse guarantee solve scenarios. The typical price decrease will range from 5% to 15%; however, the percent decrease varies by the characteristics of the case.

OneAmerica

Immediate Change to Medical Requirements for Full Underwriting:

Due to a laboratory Test kit being discontinued, ExamOne now requires a blood specimen to complete the panel of tests full underwriting requires. Effective immediately, blood specimens will be required on those adults ages 35 and up for face amounts $0-99,999, on products issued and underwritten by State Life. This change will not impact Underwriting’s processing time and only applies to full underwriting. This does not affect Expedited Underwriting.

Please make sure any clients in the underwriting process are aware of this change and are prepared to undergo the collection of vitals, labs, and any other medical requirements during their exam appointment.

Principal

Relaxing some COVID-19 restrictions

Effective immediately, Principal is easing up on one prior restriction, while leaving others in place.

What’s changing:
- New guidelines for ages 66-80: Maximum Table 4 rating or maximum Flat Extra of $10/million. Table + Flat Extra is allowed if Flat Extra is for non-medical reason.
What isn’t changing:
- Guidelines for ages 65 or less: Maximum Table 6 rating for term products, maximum Table 10 for permanent products. Medical Flat Extras are allowed on top of table ratings.
- Guidelines for ages 80+: No offer.

October 12, 2022

BUI

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October 11, 2022

Nationwide

To help close out the year strong, Nationwide will be increasing target premiums on their IUL and VUL Accumulator by 10%.

October 5, 2022

BUI

Click Here for carrier specific COVID-19 underwriting updates.

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Allianz

Allianz Life Pro+ Advantage rate changes: As of October 4, 2022 cap and participation rate changes will apply to Allianz Life Pro+^® Advantage Fixed Index Universal Life Insurance Policy. The new maximum illustrated rate has increased to 6.71%.

Note the following new business rules:

Applications placed inforce with an effective date of Monday, October 3, 2022 or earlier will receive the current/old rates.
Applications placed inforce with an effective date of Tuesday, October 4, 2022 or later will receive the new rates.

Principal
Effective Oct. 3, 2022, Principal announced lower premium rates for Principal® 10-, 15-, 20-, and 30-Year Term.

Key things to know about the reprice

Level term rates are lower at many ages and risk classes. (Principal® GI Term and Principal® One-Year Term rates are unchanged.)
New rates are approved in all states except South Carolina.

September 27, 2022

Principal

New Application: Principal will be launching their new life insurance application (Part A, B, and C) and supplemental forms, as well as Part B for individual disability insurance. The new application will be available for use effective October 1. The new design encompasses many changes to make it more flexible for use with varying types of cases and to align with industry norms.

What you need to know about the life insurance application.

Transition to new application: You should start using the new application beginning October 1. For any pending eApp cases that haven’t been sent for signatures by October 1, you’ll be prompted to complete additional questions before submitting the application. .
Accessing applications: You’ll get applications the same way you do today. All online application solutions will be updated on October 1.
Applicable products: All currently sold individual life insurance products will use the new application.
Approved states: The new application should be used when writing an application in any state, except CA, FL, MT, ND, NY, SD, and WY.

September 26, 2022

BUI

Click Here for carrier specific COVID-19 underwriting updates.

Click Here for carrier specific accelerated underwriting updates.

September 20, 2022

Prudential

Improved No-Lapse Guarantee Pricing for SVUL Protector:

Starting October 17, SVUL Protector® no-lapse guarantee pricing will be improving (except in NY).

September 19, 2022

BUI

Click Here for carrier specific COVID-19 underwriting updates.

Click Here for carrier specific accelerated underwriting updates.

Symetra

SwiftTerm Enhancements as of Sept. 8, 2022:

Lower pricing
For coverage amounts $500,000 and above, SwiftTerm is once again a leader for low premium across the board, especially in their sweet spot ages of 25 to 55 years old in non-nicotine rate classes.

Policy size increase to $3 million
Increased maximum policy size from 2 million to 3 million to accommodate more of your customers’ growing coverage needs.

Coverage in as little as 18 minutes
Qualified clients can now get term coverage even faster than before, in as little as 18 minutes. This is not just an instant decision, but an actual policy on the spot.
New pricing transition rules

All new and pending applications will automatically receive the lowest rates available.
Policies issued prior to Sept. 8 will keep the older rates.

September 15, 2022

Sagicor

Milestone MYGA eDelivery: Beginning September 17, 2022, Sagicor will offer eDelivery for your Milestone MYGA eApplications. This includes the ability for you and your client to save a PDF copy of the Milestone MYGA contract. eDelivery is available for eApplications signed and submitted via Firelight on September 17, 2022 and later.* eDelivery is not available on paper applications.

Symetra

SwiftTerm: We are aware of intermittent issues with errors received on the Agent Validation screen when trying to submit a drop ticket for Swift Term through the IGO portal. Symetra is working with iPipeline for resolution.

In the meantime, here are things you can try:

Clear cookies and cache
Close out all open browsers

If the problem persists, please contact BUI. We apologize for the inconvenience.

September 13, 2022

BUI

Click Here for carrier specific COVID-19 underwriting updates.

Click Here for carrier specific accelerated underwriting updates.

September 7, 2022

Banner

Life Step Universal Life (UL) Insurance: Effective October 1, 2022, Banner will no longer offer the Life Step UL product for new business, but it will remain available solely for term conversion. This will affect both Banner and William Penn business. The decision to close the Life Step UL product has no impact to any of Banner’s existing term product offerings.

Business transition rules:

Applications for the Life Step UL product must be signed and received by Banner by September 30, 2022. Any applications received after this date will not be accepted.
The Life Step UL product will no longer be available on their platform or other vendor platforms for application submission after September 30, 2022.

There will be no impact to conversion applications for the Life Step UL product. These will process “as usual”.

September 6, 2022

BUI

Click Here for carrier specific COVID-19 underwriting updates.

Click Here for carrier specific accelerated underwriting updates.

AIG

Return of Premium: Now available on AIG's Protection IUL.

Better Term Rates: Select-a-Term has been repriced with over 96% of cells having lower monthly premiums. Please note that New York rates remain the same.

Lower Monthly Modal Factor: decreased down to 0.0845.

August 29, 2022

BUI

Click Here for carrier specific COVID-19 underwriting updates.

Click Here for carrier specific accelerated underwriting updates.

John Hancock

John Hancock has announced they will increase the crediting rate on their Protection UL and Protection SUL policies — both new and existing — for the second time this year. Effective September 1, their crediting rate on Protection UL and Protection SUL policies will increase by 20 basis points — resulting in a 50-basis-point increase within a six-month period:

John Hancock USA: 4.65% to 4.85%
John Hancock NY: 4.40% to 4.60%

August 26, 2022

MassMutual

Whole Life: Effective 8/27/2022 - Survivorship WL 12pay will be available for new business.

MassMutual introduced a Fluidless Eligible Underwriting Program: Effective Aug. 25, MassMutual introduced a Fluidless Eligible Underwriting Program to allow some applicants to qualify for certain life insurance coverage without a medical exam. This program is available in all states for all submission types.

August 25, 2022

Lincoln Financial Group

Lincoln MoneyGuard® Pricing Improvements

Effective Sept. 12, 2022, Lincoln Financial Group will be implementing pricing decreases to Lincoln MoneyGuard Fixed Advantage® and Lincoln MoneyGuard® II, which will improve competitive positioning, and provide additional benefit design opportunities. There will be no pricing increases as a result of this update.

After a transition period, currently sold MoneyGuard products will be replaced by the following:

MoneyGuard Fixed Advantage® – 09/12/22 will replace currently sold MoneyGuard Fixed Advantage ® in all states.
MoneyGuard® II (2020) – 09/12/22 will replace currently sold MoneyGuard® II (2020) – 01/10/22 in the state of California.

Lincoln MoneyGuard Fixed Advantage® Pricing Improvements

Pricing improvements range from 0 - 21%, with an average discount of 8%.
- Issue Ages 60 and above improved the most:
  - Average discount for Issue Ages 60 and above equals 10%
  - Average discount for Issue Ages less than 60 equals 3%

Lincoln MoneyGuard Fixed Advantage® Product Updates

The 6-year 5% inflation benefit design option has been added to the product.

Lincoln MoneyGuard® II Pricing Improvements

Pricing improvements range from 0-18%, with an average discount of 6%.

Lincoln MoneyGuard® II Product Updates

The 6-year 5% inflation benefit design option has been added to the product.

Nationwide

Nationwide has three updated underwriting programs.

Nationwide Term + Perm
Term + Perm program has been expanded up to $5M up to age 50, and term policies issued through an acceleration program can now be included for eligibility.

Nationwide Executive Advantage
A streamlined underwriting program that can now be used for up to a $20M face amount, the Nationwide Executive advantage is a great option for your executive clients.

Competitor Match Program
This program has been updated to match up to a face amount of $5M and has added new carriers to the qualifying list.

Symetra

Symetra will be increasing index cap and participation rates on Symetra Accumulator Ascent IUL. These increases will be effective with the Sept. 14, 2022, index sweep date and will apply to all new business, including new premium, transfers (including DCA) and reallocations of matured segments.

Accumulator Ascent IUL’s max illustrated rates are also increasing from 6.00% to 6.24% for all index strategy options. Below are key dates on our rate changes.

Important dates

Aug. 26, 2022: Symetra Life Illustrator and all other illustration systems will be updated to reflect the new index cap, participation and max illustration rates.

Sept. 14, 2022: Segments created on this date or later will receive the new rates.

Transamerica

Cap Rates: In response to the current interest rate environment and market volatility, Transamerica will be lowering the cap rates on our IUL products effective September 24, including Transamerica Financial Foundation IUL®(FFIUL). That said, we stand competitive against our peers and are committed to remaining a top player in the IUL category.

August 24, 2022

BUI

Click Here for carrier specific COVID-19 underwriting updates.

Click Here for carrier specific accelerated underwriting updates.

North American

North American is decreasing rates on their MYGA 5 & MYGA 7 for applications signed or submitted through e-App on or after Aug. 25.

Pacific Life

Effective August 22, 2022, Pacific Life Insurance Company adjusted rates for PL Promise Term1 level premium term life insurance—a product specifically designed to serve the death benefit protection needs of the broad market consumer (household incomes of $50k to $250K). This aggressively positioned reprice places PL Promise Term in the Top 3 for 98% of the cells across all terms, ages, no-nicotine rate classes, and face amounts. A 60-day transition period is provided.

August 16, 2022

Lincoln Financial Group

Pricing Update: Lincoln LifeElements® Level Term (2019) – 08/15/22

Effective Aug. 15, 2022, Lincoln announced pricing updates to Lincoln LifeElements® Level Term (2019) which will improve competitive positioning in key cells.

Goal of the reprice includes being a “top 3 carrier” in the following non-tobacco, core cells for 10, 15, 20-year term durations:

Face amounts of $500K and above, annual premiums are currently in the top 3 for most ages 55+

There will be a mix of premium increases and decreases

Along with this pricing update the Policy Fee is being reduced from $90 to $70 on cases of $1M and above

Pricing Update: Lincoln TermAccel® Level Term (2019) – 08/15/22

Effective Aug. 15, 2022, Lincoln announced pricing updates to Lincoln TermAccel®Level Term (2019) which will improve competitive positioning in key cells.

Goal of the reprice includes being a “top 3 carrier” in the following non-tobacco, core cells for 10, 15, 20-year term durations:

Face amounts of $500k - $999k, annual premiums are currently in the top 3 for nearly all ages.

Face amounts of $1M+, annual premiums are currently in the top 3 for nearly all ages 45+.

There will be a mix of premium increases and decreases.

Along with this pricing update the Policy Fee is being reduced from $90 to $70 on cases of $1M and above.

August 15, 2022

BUI

Click Here for carrier specific COVID-19 underwriting updates.

Click Here for carrier specific accelerated underwriting updates.

Lincoln Financial Group

Effective Sep.15, 2022, Lincoln will be making changes to caps, participation rates and spreads on certain indexed accounts, which may reduce future policy performance. The changes apply only to newly created indexed account
segments for a select group of previously sold life insurance products in Lincoln’s Indexed UL product suites. The Illustration software will be updated effective Aug. 15, 2022 reflecting all indexed account changes. There are no
changes to currently sold products.

AssetEdge VUL now available in New Jersey, effective Aug. 15, 2022.

Oceanview

As of August 15th, 2022, Oceanview will be temporarily pausing new sales on their Oceanview MYGA and FIA products in North Carolina as they have reached their annual premium raise in the state.

Prudential

Fund Changes Effective September 9, 2022
As of September 9, one fund merger will be taking place and one fund will be closed to new investments.
• Subject to Proxy approval, the AST Small-Cap Growth Opportunities Portfolio will be merged into the AST Small-Cap Growth Portfolio on Friday, September 9, 2022. The AST Small-Cap Growth Opportunities Portfolio will no longer be available after close of trading on the NYSE, September 9, 2022. Policyowners who are affected by the merger will get a notification letter. Mailing of the notification letters began approximately Wednesday, August 3, 2022.
• The Franklin Templeton Growth VIP Fund, Class 2 will be closed to new investments on September 9, 2022. The last day Prudential will accept new investments in the fund is end of the business day Friday, September 9, 2022. Policyowners who are affected by the fund closure to new investments will get a notification letter. Mailing of the notification letters began approximately Wednesday, August 3, 2022

August 9, 2022

BUI

Click Here for carrier specific COVID-19 underwriting updates.

Click Here for carrier specific accelerated underwriting updates.

Lincoln

Effective Monday, August 15th, Lincoln will be making pricing and product enhancements to their variable MoneyGuard Market Advantage solution. MoneyGuard Market Advantage (2022) will feature pricing improvements of up to 9%, the addition of the Benefit Transfer Rider (BTR) and an increase of Flex Care Cash to 50% of the monthly benefit amount.

Nationwide

Nationwide is increasing cap rates by 0.50% on the capped S&P 500® indexed interest strategies in Nationwide IUL Accumulator II 2020, for both new and in-force business. Many of their older IUL products (even those with guaranteed multipliers) will have higher cap rates too, up to an additional 0.10%.

Participation rates in their New Heights IUL products are going up also with an additional 5% added to the current participation rates on select indexed interest strategies – even some that already have a high participation rate. All the changes go into effect September 15, 2022. This means that starting August 16, 2022, any premiums going into those indexed interest strategies with changes will benefit from the higher rates.

Prudential

VUL Protector has Improved No-lapse Guarantee Pricing
On Monday, August 15, 2022, the revised VUL Protector® will be introduced.
The following rules apply to any request for New Business, Term Conversion, or OPAI (Option to Purchase Additional Insurance) Conversion.

TRANSITION RULES
• August 15, 2022 (Ready to Sell Date): New Rates for the repriced product are in effect. All applications signed and dated on or after August 15, 2022, will receive New Rates.
• August 19, 2022 (Home Office Receipt Date): Last day that an application can be received in the Home Office with Old Rates.
• October 28, 2022 (Placement Date): Last day that a pending case can be placed with old rates. All
delivery requirements must be received in good order by end of business day (4 PM EST).
• October 28, 2022 (1035 Exchange Date): Cases involving 1035 exchange must be initiated/started by October 28, 2022, to retain old rates. If the 1035 initiation/start deadline is met, the policy will not be subject to an additional placement deadline.
REQUESTS FOR OLD RATES DURING THE TRANSITION PERIOD
• Applications with Pending Ownership Arrangements: Updates to applications as part of establishing a trust or finalizing the ownership arrangement can be made after the application deadlines outlined in the transition rules. However, these cases must still meet the application deadlines for the original application and comply with all other deadlines outlined in the transition rules.

August 4, 2022

AIG

Max Accumulator+ III: AIG launched a new version of their flagship accumulation IUL- Max Accumulator+ III. It replaces Max Accumulator+ II with new competitive rates and a New Proprietary index option: Franklin Quality Dividend Index (FQD).

Value+ Protector III: AIG launched a new version of their flagship protection IUL—Value+ Protector III. It replaces Value+ Protector II with a few exciting upgrades. Changes include:

More competitive premium
Improved target premium
New Enhanced Surrender Value Rider (Guaranteed Return of Premium)
Automatically included at no additional cost
Provides two opportunities (at year 20 and 25) for clients to receive enhanced cash surrender value when fully surrendering the policy (provided the policy is funded above certain threshold).
New proprietary index option: Franklin Quality Dividend Index (FQD) Not available in NY.

Banner

As of August 1, 2022, Banner no longer accepts the traditional paper life insurance application (LIA). All applications after August 1st must be submitted with either the new LIA or through drop ticket.

John Hancock

John Hancock has added a new living benefit rider to offer clients more flexibility from their life insurance policy. Their new Accelerated Death Benefit for Chronic Illness rider offers early access to a policy’s death benefit should the insured become chronically ill.

MassMutual

Mass Mutual life insurance products are now available on iGo e-app.

Pacific Life

Pacific Life has combined PL Swift and PL Smooth Sailing programs into one cohesive life insurance experience. Now, when applying for new PL Promise Term.1 life insurance policies, you can enjoy the convenience and clarity of one, friendly underwriting process—Pacific Accelerated Life+ (PAL+).

The new accelerated underwriting process offers up to $3M of coverage without medical exams or attending physician statements (APS) for PL Promise Term.1. Additionally, through the inclusion of a non-invasive modified underwriting offering, clients issue ages 18 to 70 for all risk classes can apply for up to $3M in coverage for PL Promise Term.1.

Prudential

VUL Protector Is Improving No-lapse Guarantee Pricing: Starting August 15, VUL Protector no-lapse guarantee pricing will be improving (except in NY). The new pricing makes VUL Protector a more competitive option for clients looking to balance the security they need with the potential to build cash value.

Securian

Changes to Indexed Life Portfolio: Due to ongoing volatility in the capital markets, Securian has reduced cap rates and participation rates on some of the accounts within their Indexed Universal Life (IUL) product portfolio.

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