800-377-4776
webinarsUPCOMING WEBINARS
 

  • ML Strategic Balanced Index
  • Social Security Savvy
  • Essentials of Fixed Income Annuities

  • Athene Suitability Update
  • Get to know the new Ascent FIA and Income Aspect Rider
  • TargetPay and TargetPay Plus Income Riders: The Modern Approach

  • Index Annuity 101 LIVE webinars
    To attend any of the sessions below, you must pre-register.  A confirmation link to join will be emailed to you.  Pre-register here.

    • June 10th at 2:30 PM CT – A Look Inside Index Annuities – The Mechanics of How They Work
    • June 17th at 2:30 PM CT – Building Guaranteed Lifetime Income with Index Annuity Income Riders
  • Index UL 101 LIVE webinars 
    These short sessions are packed-with-information to give you an introduction to Index UL, tips to starting the conversation and closing the sale, the confidence and know-how to serve your clientele and insightful sales tips to improve your sales volume immediately. Register here!

    • June 11th at 1:00 PM CT – Introduction to Index UL Insurance: A Flexible Solution for Protection, Accumulation and Retirement Solution
    • June 18th at 1:00 PM CT – The Mechanics of Index Universal Life Insurance: A Closer Look Inside an Index UL Policy
    • June 25th at 1:00 PM CT – Retirement Income Strategies: Starting the Conversation and Addressing Objections to Help Close the Sale


  • Attend a Welcome Webinar!
    Minnesota life is hosting monthly webinars to help you kickstart your sales. Attend one of the following sessions:   (Click here for details and instructions.)

    • June 10th at 10:00 AM CT
    • July 15th at 10:00 AM CT
  • Business Owner Life-stage Design (BOLD) Farmers & Ranchers
    Help business owners take BOLD steps to protect their financial future.

  • Operation EQUIP: New Sales Tools Built for YOU!
    Learn about our new Guaranteed Lifetime Withdrawal Benefit (GLWB) calculator tool and our new product training platform – all designed to help equip you for success.

  • Ignite Annuity Confidence – Overlooked Retirement Risks
    Learn how to create the annuity SPARK with prospects through Annuity Confidence.

 

salesSALES ARTICLES
 

 

carrierCARRIER & INDUSTRY
 
 

 

Anthony Anderson is signed on for LIAM!

You may know him from his hit TV show Black-ish and as host of Eating America, but during the month of September, Anthony Anderson will be front and center promoting the power of life insurance as Life Happens’ spokesperson for Life Insurance Awareness Month.

Stay tuned! In the meantime, you can read more about his story here: www.lifehappens.org/anthony.

 

  • Financial strength is important
    Financial strength may sound boring to consumers, but it’s important. Policyholders can rest easy knowing LGA will there when they need them most. Click here to get information and materials about LGA’s financial strength.

  • Financial rating upgraded by Standard and Poor’s
    Standard & Poor’s (S&P) has upgraded the financial strength rating of Mutual of Omaha Insurance Company (Mutual) and its core operating companies, including United of Omaha Life Insurance Company and Companion Life Insurance Company, to AA- (Very Strong) with a stable outlook, the fourth highest of the agency’s 21 insurance ratings.  In upgrading Mutual’s rating, S&P cited the company’s “very strong” business risk profile (BRP) and financial risk profile (FRP). “The upgrade is based on our view that Mutual of Omaha has improved its BRP and FRP over the last several years resulting in stronger credit quality. Specifically, Mutual of Omaha has executed well and sustained its improvements in operating performance and risk-adjusted capitalization through 2014 and we expect these improvements to continue,” S&P said in a press release announcing the upgrade.

  • Ratings reaffirmed
    North Americans ratings have been reaffirmed by A.M. Best and Standard and Poor’s with a stable outlook. They are rated A+ (Superior) by A.M. Best and A+ (Strong) by Standard and Poor’s. View the press release.

  • 1st quarter 2015 financial earnings
    View now.

  • Trade practices for use of lead cards in Maine
    General Agencies and Producers are responsible for the content of lead cards that they send or have sent to Maine consumers; whether they send the lead cards directly, employ a third party to send them or purchase lead-card leads from a third party. Anyone involved in the use of lead cards must be aware of all legal responsibilities and possible unfair practices, which are detailed in ME Bulletin 403.
  • Office closing early on June 12th
    The Cedar Rapids administrative offices will close early on Friday, June 12, 2015 for a company-sponsored employee event. Contract, Licensing and Compensation will close at 11:30 AM CT and all other departments will close at 12:00 PM CT. During the closure, TransACT and My Transamerica are available to obtain information on policies. Regular phone and email coverage will resume Monday, June 15.

 

lifeLIFE INSURANCE
 

  

  • LTC vs CE Rider
    • This white paper prepares your producers to best serve their clients by providing life insurance solutions that also serve clients’ chronic healthcare needs.
    • The quick and easy online training provides helpful information regarding the differences between Accelerated Benefit Riders, Long Term Care Riders and Chronic Illness Riders.
  • Life insurance retirement planning video
    Life insurance not only shares the tax benefits of a Roth-IRA, but also has a long list of advantages, many of which aren’t available in any other financial vehicle that’s offered today.View this video now!  Download the “foldable napkin” idea.

  • Wealth Advantage IUL
    Designed for clients with a conservative market outlook who want to balance growth potential with guaranteed features, Lincoln WealthAdvantage Indexed UL is a flexible solution for a wide range of client needs. It can help your clients plan for the future they want. Strategize with a choice of three design options to help them. Click here to learn more and download materials.
  • LifeElements Level Term (2014)
    Your clients can protect their family or business with this affordable, short-term solution. Lincoln LifeElements Level Term (2014) is competitively priced, convertible and ideal for clients age 45+. View this presentation to see how the rates compare and get sales ideas. Download the Client Overview and Fact Sheet.

  • Premier Accumulator UL (PAUL)
    Clients today want a life insurance product that has the flexibility to adapt to their changing needs…and now you can provide it. MetLife Premier Accumulator Universal Life offers:

    • Access to more cash value faster than traditional life insurance products, which can help provide a level of protection. To meet changing needs, they can access most or all of the money they put into the policy within the first few policy years.
    • Liquidity, which is great for clients who don’t want or can’t have their money tied up for long periods of time.
    • Cash Value that continues to accumulate on a tax-favored basis.
    • An Asset whose performance is not directly affected by market fluctuations.
    • 1% of typical universal life surrender charges that provide your client the liquidity they need to get out of the policy if it no longer fits their financial strategy.
  • Enhanced Rate Plus
    MetLife’s Enhanced Rate Plus allows eligible clients to go through a substantially reduced underwriting timeframe. Those qualified and rated as standard will be upgraded to preferred or elite, resulting in a lower premium. And because the process is faster, you can get paid faster.

  • Looking for an easier way to work with business owners?
    Watch and share the client-approved video below. Start the conversation and learn how Business Owner Life-stage Design (BOLD) can help you assist business owners in taking BOLD steps to protect their financial future.

  • Why should you choose Mutual of Omaha?
    Take a look at the many reasons to choose Mutual/United of Omaha’s full line of life insurance products to meet the needs of your clients. They offer your clients many options to fulfill their life insurance needs.
  • Provide your clients flexible options for retirement
    A guaranteed universal life insurance policy is a great way to help clients provide financial security to their loved ones should the unexpected happen. The Guaranteed Refund Option, available at no additional cost on qualifying GUL and GUL Plus policies, also provides flexible options as the client approaches retirement.

  • Announcing the updated Rapid Builder IUL
    View this video about the updates, which include:

    • New commission options
    • Accelerated Death Benefits for Chronic, Critical, and Terminal Illness
    • New index crediting options
    • Early cash value accumulation
    • Additional living benefit features

  • Founders Plus
    On June 15, 2015, Prudential is making significant improvements to the cost of the no-lapse guarantee; generally impacting all ages, underwriting categories, and payment scenarios…making Founders Plus an even stronger contender as an alternative to GUL.
  • Supplement Your Retirement Income – client strategy
    Do you have clients who are already maximizing their traditional retirement options (401k, IRA, etc…) and looking for other ways to supplement their retirement income? Permanent life insurance with a chronic/terminal illness rider may be an option. Learn more.
  • “This is Where You Come In”
    Prudential’s new ad campaign spotlights the importance of preparing your clients who need death benefit protection for the possibility of chronic illness. Many of your clients (particularly those in the sandwich generation) have already begun to think about the likelihood of a chronic illness as they come to grips with the reality of aging.
  • Strategies to maximize Social Security benefits
    Life insurance is often left out of the retirement planning process. This new white paper –Innovative Strategies to Help Maximize Social Security – highlights strategies to help your clients maximize their Social Security income.  (The white paper is also available in Spanish.)

  • Premier pricing
    Premier pricing has been improved for larger individual GUL cases. The result can be that Symetra beats the second best priced product by as much 10%, without any reduction to the target.  Keep in mind, the pricing sweet spot is ages 50 to 80. Learn more.
  • Increased auto-bind limits
    View Symetra’s retention and automatic reinsurance flyer.

  • Temporary process for submitting IUL informal business
    Transamerica is transitioning its new business operating platform to make it more efficient and easier to use. Until then, they’ve created a temporary workaround for processing TransNavigator IUL.
  • Increased Monthly Deduction Rates on some in-force UL policies
    Click here for details and to view the notice and sample of the policy-owner letter that will be mailed.

 

comboCOMBO PRODUCTS
 

  • MoneyGuard
    Long-term care funding can be a complicated subject. With MoneyGuard solutions, it doesn’t have to be. Lincoln has the tools to make the conversation easier and the answers clearer; changing the way you talk to your clients about long-term care planning. Share this video tohelp prepare clients for the Personal History Interview. Use this video to show clients how to file a claim. Lincoln MoneyGuard solutions provide benefits – even if your client never needs care. Your clients receive:

    • Leverage for their long-term care dollars
    • Tax-advantaged LTC benefits
    • An income tax-free death benefit
    • A choice of premium payment options
    • Premiums that never increase

 

annuitiesANNUITIES
 

  • Have You Heard About the ML Strategic Balanced Index?
    If not, then find out more! Available in two index interest crediting methods within the Power Series of Index Annuities and currently exclusive to AIG, the new index offers the potential for stable and attractive crediting through varying market and interest rate environments.
  • Certain fixed annuities discontinued – reminder
    A number of fixed annuity products were discontinued on June 1, 2015. Learn more about the fixed annuity product line.
  • The American Pathway SolutionsMYG
    If your clients are looking for long-term protection with a guaranteed interest rate period of five, six or seven years in New York and from five to 10 years in most other states, let them know about the American Pathway SolutionsMYG. It’s designed for long-term savers who are interested in opportunities for tax-deferred growth, protection from market fluctuations and guaranteed income for life.
  • QLAC
    • New QLAC sales tools
      Looking to learn more about the benefits of a QLAC? Take advantage of these new sales tools. They include: a QLAC White Paper, an FAQ featuring top client concerns and a flier on how to potentially reduce RMDs with a QLAC.
    • QLAC approved in all States except New York
      The option to convert the American Pathway Deferred Income Annuity contract to a QLAC has been approved in all states except New York.
  • Last Annuity Date notifications now required
    State insurance departments now require insurance companies that issue annuities to notify clients when they are approaching their Last Annuity Date (LAD) or Maturity Date. This information can be found in the annuity policy and typically ranges from ages 90-100 depending on the policy and/or state in which it is sold. The LAD or Maturity Date does not refer to the end of the guaranteed rate period. Learn more.

  • Palladium SPIA
    • Access funds after three years!
    • Eases worry over lack of access
    • Partial withdrawal or full surrender available
    • Guaranteed income your clients can’t outlive
    • Highly competitive payouts
    • Compare our payouts to anyone!
    • Cash Refund, Period Certain (5-30 years), Life Only and more

  • Legal updates
    View this update, which includes:

    • Veterans Administration Benefit Programs – all states
    • New Laws Written for Business Written in Maine, Utah and Florida

  • Financial rating upgraded by Standard and Poor’s
    Standard & Poor’s (S&P) has upgraded the financial strength rating of Mutual of Omaha Insurance Company (Mutual) and its core operating companies, including United of Omaha Life Insurance Company and  Companion Life Insurance Company, to AA- (Very Strong) with a stable outlook, the fourth highest of the agency’s 21 insurance ratings.  In upgrading Mutual’s rating, S&P cited the company’s “very strong” business risk profile (BRP) and financial risk profile (FRP). “The upgrade is based on our view that Mutual of Omaha has improved its BRP and FRP over the last several years resulting in stronger credit quality. Specifically, Mutual of Omaha has executed well and sustained its improvements in operating performance and risk-adjusted capitalization through 2014 and we expect these improvements to continue,” S&P said in a press release announcing the upgrade.
  • Provide retirement security for your clients
    The new Deferred Income Protector is a great option to give your clients security in retirement.

  • Retirement Income TRIFECTA
    Whether your clients are looking for guarantees, stacking potential or flexibility, North American offers competitive income solutions. Learn more.
  • Rate report
    Use this quick reference tool to see our hot rates, and help find the right fixed index annuity solution for your clients. Get specific product rates and state availability (login required).
  • Video Library – NEW!
    The new video library (login required) provides client education, product and sales concepts and DIY tutorials.
  • Pillar product no longer available – IMPORTANT
    Effective June 4, 2015, North American’s Pillar Index product is no longer available for sale.

  • Commission increase
    Voya announces a 50 basis point increase in commission on our top-selling fixed index annuities.  Effective Monday June 8, 2015, any applications received on this date or later for the below products will receive the new commission rate:

    • Voya Secure Index Seven Annuity
    • Voya Wealth Builder Eight Annuity

 

ltcLONG TERM CARE
 

  • Inforce rate action notifications for late June
    In late June, we will begin policyholder notifications on the next round of John Hancock and Fortis policies impacted by the 2010 and 2013 Inforce rate actions, which will have an effective date beginning with anniversaries on or after September 1, 2015. Click here for complete details, including information about specific rate increase implementation handling in Missouri.

    • The 2013 rate action notifications will include John Hancock LTCI individual policies originally issued in Alabama, Idaho, Iowa, Mississippi, Missouri, North Carolina, Texas and Utah. Also, we will continue the implementation in Connecticut and begin notifications for additional products in that state. Fortis LTCI individual policies originally issued in Connecticut and Missouri are also impacted.
    • The 2010 rate action will include John Hancock LTCI individual policies originally issued in Arizona and Iowa.
  • JH LTC Desktop Illustrator ERROR – Employer Sponsored Groups not available in CA
    The desktop version of JH LTC Illustrator is allowing users to select Employer Sponsored Groups, which is incorrect. This is a reminder that Employer Groups for the Sponsored Group Discount Program are not available on Custom Care III in California because the product only has gender distinct rates (unisex rates are used in the employer sponsored group market). Please note that the web version of JH LTC Illustrator, as well as LTC Captivate, are not impacted and the functionality in these systems for the Sponsored Group discount is correct. The functionality of the JH LTC Illustrator desktop version will be corrected in August.
  • Performance LTC
    • Performance LTC A Closer Look: Sales Illustration
      The second flier in the “A Closer Look” series is now available. It covers all aspects of the new sales illustration including the signature requirement and the custom illustration options. View the new A Closer Look: Sales Illustration now.
    • Performance LTC Seller’s Guide
      The Performance LTC Seller’s Guide is now available. The guide highlights the many advantages that Performance LTC has to offer your clients.
    • Performance LTC trade advertising campaign
      John Hancock is promoting Performance LTC over the coming months with both print and digital advertising . Print ads will be running in such popular trade publications as Broker World, Financial Advisor, and National Underwriter this month, as well as in July, August, October, and November. Our digital ads will appear in Insurance Newsnet and Life Health Pro later this year. Click here for a sample of the print advertisement.
  • Updated needs-based materials and quiz brochure – now available in compact states
    John Hancock’s needs-based prospecting and marketing materials focus on target markets. The Needs Overview Brochure and presentation describe the issues surrounding long term care as well as the importance of LTC insurance. The target market brochures – Women’s,Boomer’s and Gay and Lesbian – are designed to prospect for long term care in these specific markets. Also, the popular LTC Quiz Brochure – an interactive tool you can use to assess your clients’ knowledge about long-term care issues – has been updated.
  • LTC Post Issue eDocuments
    John Hancock Long-Term Care is excited to announce the expansion of eDocuments – their popular eDelivery service – to include electronic access to key post issue policy documents. With this expansion, they have discontinued producer mailings of the post issue documents that are now available through the eDocuments service. Refer to the Frequently Asked Questions flyer to learn more.

  • New ways to recruit LTCi agents
    Here are new ways to reach prospective agents and entice them to begin selling Mutual of Omaha’s LTCi. Four new recruiting pieces are now available for you to customize:

  • MutualCare Solutions – how to use the cash benefit
    Products in the MutualCare Solutions portfolio include a built-in cash benefit that can be helpful to policy-owners and their families. When selected in lieu of traditional reimbursement benefits, the cash can be used for any long-term care related expense. There’s no elimination period to satisfy, no bills to collect and submit, and no worrying about whether an expense will be covered.  Learn more about the different uses for the cash benefit.
  • LTC: The Cost of Waiting
    Help your clients understand that long-term care insurance is something they should consider buying. This self-mailer highlights the need for LTCi, the reason to buy now and the real cost of waiting – all important considerations for your clients.
  • Financial rating upgraded by Standard and Poor’s
    Standard & Poor’s (S&P) has upgraded the financial strength rating of Mutual of Omaha Insurance Company (Mutual) and its core operating companies, including United of Omaha Life Insurance Company and Companion Life Insurance Company, to AA- (Very Strong) with a stable outlook, the fourth highest of the agency’s 21 insurance ratings.  In upgrading Mutual’s rating, S&P cited the company’s “very strong” business risk profile (BRP) and financial risk profile (FRP). “The upgrade is based on our view that Mutual of Omaha has improved its BRP and FRP over the last several years resulting in stronger credit quality. Specifically, Mutual of Omaha has executed well and sustained its improvements in operating performance and risk-adjusted capitalization through 2014 and we expect these improvements to continue,” S&P said in a press release announcing the upgrade.

 

CICRITICAL ILLNESS
 

  • New Beginnings – Cancer, Heart Attack and Stroke Product
    Today, most people are surviving cancer, heart attack and stroke. According to the American Cancer Society the five-year survival rate for all types of cancer is 68 percent. The American Heart Association reports that survival rates for heart attack and stroke have improved significantly. During a 10-year period from 1999 to 2009, deaths attributed to cardiovascular disease fell by nearly 33 percent and deaths from stroke fell by nearly 37 percent. If something happens to a client or a member of their family, their health insurance will help pay doctor and hospital bills, but when faced with a serious health condition like cancer, heart attack or stroke, there are many other financial issues to consider. These policies provide cash – from $10,000 to $50,000 – to use any way you choose. Learn more.

 

DIDISABILITY
 

  • Disability Income Choice at Work
    Help your business clients show they value their employees and care about their future with DI Choice at Work.

 

medsuppMEDICARE SUPPLEMENTS
 

  • Smartphone Quote APP available in additional states
    Experience the convenience of providing your client a Med sup quote when they want it. Learn more.
  • Rate adjustments
    View upcoming rate adjustments for 2010 Modernized new and in-force in IL and OK; Modernized in-force only in IN; Plan N in IA and IL; and 1990 Standardized in OR.
  • 12% Household Discount with Easy Eligibility
    Start quoting the discounted rate today.  Most of your applicants will qualify for it. Residents get the household discount rate when they either reside with a spouse or civil union/domestic partner, or have resided with an adult for at least one year and that person is age 60 or older. See the rates for:

 

agentcontestsBROKER/AGENT INCENTIVES
 

  • 10% Bonus Commission on Value+ IUL  (June 1 – December 31, 2015)  NEW!
    Earn an extra 10% BONUS COMMISSION on Value+ IUL policies paid between June 1, 2015 and December 31, 2015.

    •  NO thresholds to meet
    •  NO tiered payouts
    •  NO maximums
    •  No restrictions on how the extra commission is used- for example, you may wish to share all or part of the bonus with your producers, creating an incentive program of your own.


  • 2016 Marketing Conference in Hawaii  (January 1 – December 31, 2015)
    The top 80 qualifiers and their guest will be invited to enjoy six days and five nights at Four Seasons Resort Hualalai in beautiful Kona, Hawaii.  Click here for complete details.

 

  • 2016 LFN Convention in The Bahamas!  (January 1 – December 31, 2015)
    Indulge in the beauty and splendor of the brand-new, ultra-extravagant Grand Hyatt at Baha Mar in the Bahamas. LFN qualifiers will enjoy the sun-drenched sand and surf, as well as one of the islands most beautiful and challenging 18-hole golf courses.  Watch the video.  Get qualification details here.
  • 2016 LFN Summit in Prague, CZ  (January 1 – December 31, 2015)
    Set your sights on the crown jewel of Eastern Europe as we head to Prague, Czech Republic. The exquisite Four Seasons Prague will host our qualifiers in a luxurious setting overlooking the famed Charles Bridge. Watch the video.  Get qualification details here.

  • LTCI Marketing Credits Program  (November 1, 2014 – December 31, 2015) 
    Mutual of Omaha’s LTCI Marketing Credits Program gives you the opportunity to score marketing credits that can be used to help build your LTCi business.  Start earning credits on your fifth LTCi app placed after November 1, 2014.

    • Earn 1% of ANBP
    • 1 credit = $1
    • Credits must be redeemed by March 31, 2016
  • Mutual Sales Leaders in Rome!  (January 1 – December 31, 2015)
    Experience all that is Rome when you qualify for Mutual Sales Leaders in 2015!  Your Mutual of Omaha Medicare Supplement and Simplified Issue Life sales can take you to the Eternal City where you’ll enjoy centuries of iconic achievements in Roman art and architecture. It’s the trip of a lifetime!  Click here for complete details.

  • Elite Producer Club – annuity incentive  (January 1 – December 31, 2015)
    Earn up to 1% extra commission on all North American Fixed Index Annuities in 2015!  Click here for complete details.

  • 2016 Protective Life Sales Convention  (July 1, 2014 – January 1, 2016)
    Make sure you’re taking advantage of the full qualification period for the Protective Life Sales Convention. Write your business today so by next May, you’ll be able to savor your success!Qualification Period: combined business from July 1, 2014 – January 1, 2016.Qualification Rules: top 40 BGAs with a minimum of $1,000,000 net paid annualized life premium (NPAP). NPAP is defined in the Independent Agents Agreement each BGA holds with Protective Life.Minimum life count of 15 paid applications.No credit for Annuity or BOLI premium.Convention point credit will be given on excess premium at 6%Protective Life reserves the right to determine conference attendees based not only on NPAP, but additional factors that may include persistency and placement ratio.

  • Summer Splash Bonus Program  (June 15 – October 16, 2015)
    This program gives you the opportunity to earn even more compensation on new PruLife Founders Plus UL business.  Click here for complete details.

     

  

  

  • Leading Distributors Convention in Barcelona  (January 1, 2014 – December 31, 2015)
    This is your opportunity to experience one of the world’s top destinations in an entirely unique way-the Transamerica way! Sun-filled days, exciting nightlife, and the breathtaking beauty of Barcelona await, when you qualify for the 2016 convention – held May 11-15, 2016.  Click here for details. 
  • Breakaway Travel 2015!  (February 1 – December 18, 2015) 
    Break Away returns for 2015 with more destinations and new opportunities to qualify! Click here for the producer rules & regulations.
  • The Insurables!  A Learn and Earn Promotion  (June 1, 2015 – March 31, 2016)
    The Insurables is a rewards-based program designed to engage and motivate producers to grow sales. Through a series of videos, producers are given the opportunity to learn more about key clients — The Insurables — as well as a chance to earn prizes and a 10 percent commission enhancement. Click here to start learning and earning. Please note: New York, Guam, Puerto Rico and non-U.S. business is excluded from the program. Get complete details!

  • Application Bonus Compensation  (May 1 – July 31, 2015)
    Earning an extra $100 is as easy as ABC.  Any agent submitting a new application for a Voya Fixed Index Annuity between May 1 and July 31, 2015 will receive $100 bonus.
    Detailed information is as follows:

    • Receive an additional $100 bonus for each fixed index annuity application submitted between May 1, 2015 and July 31, 2015.
    • There is no limit to the number of applications submitted within this promotion period and to be eligible, there can be no recent fixed index annuity business with Voya from July 31, 2014 to April 30, 2015.
    • Contracts that are free-looked will result in the forfeiture of the bonus incentive.