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IN THIS WEEKS NEWS: October 29, 2014

 
webinarsUPCOMING WEBINARS
 
  • Accordia Life:
    • Retirement Path Roadmap Overview
      Get an overview of the Retirement Path Roadmap selling system. This simple system can help you calculate your client’s retirement income based on their goals and objectives. It can also identify gaps based on analysis of their current retirement assets. Dial-in Number: 1-855-282-6330 Audio Pin: 299 983 138

  • Genworth:
    • Index UL 101 LIVE webinar series
      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!

      • October 30th – 2:00 PM ET – The Mechanics of Index Universal Life Insurance: A Closer Look Inside an Index UL Policy
      • November 6th – 2:00 PM ET – Retirement Income Strategies: Starting the Conversation and Addressing Objections to Help Close the Sale
  • Minnesota Life:
    • 15-minute sales strategy teleconference every Wednesday at 10:00 AM CT
      Dial-in Number: 1-800-910-2399 Passcode: 224032

      • October 29th – Mortality Credits: Underwriting innovations for improved rate classes
    • Business Benchmark Valuations
  • North American:
    • A Place to Call Home
      Looking for a carrier that can offer a broad portfolio to meet your diverse list of client needs, competitive compensation for you, and the support and training to help you succeed? Then North American is the place to call home for your business. Attend this webinar to learn more.

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salesSALES ARTICLES
 
yearendIMPORTANT YEAR-END DATES
 
  • John Hancock:
    • Year-End deadlines
      As year-end approaches, key submission deadlines for cases you are targeting for completion in 2014 are noted in this flyer.
  • Prudential:
    • Year-End Dates & Reminders
      As you prepare for year-end, use these helpful tips and reminders to make submitting Life cases easier.
  • Voya Financial:
    • Year-End deadlines
      Be sure to send in requirements to have your new business placed and commissions paid in advance of these deadlines.

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carrierCARRIER & INDUSTRY
 
  • Legal & General America:
  • MetLife:
    • Restructuring of MetLife Companies
      Important notice regarding sales of MetLife life, annuity, and individual disability products on the weekend of November 14-17, 2014.
  • Voya Financial:
    • Voya Financial offers $500 Mutual Fund investment to every baby born on October 20, 2014NEW!
      Voya’s “Born to Save” campaign celebrates National Save for Retirement Week by giving the next generation a head start on retirement readiness. Read the press release. Learn more about the ongoing promotion and important enrollment details.

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lifeLIFE INSURANCE
 
  • AIG:
    • Field Underwriting and Visa Holders & Foreign Nationals Guides updated
      Slimmer, pocket-sized format and notice of change in treadmill EKG requirements are just some of the features of the new Field Underwriting Guide. Updates to requirements and an additional country are included in the new Visa Holders and Foreign Nationals Guide.
  • Fidelity Life:
    • ADB maximum face amount change effective November 7th
      The new maximum face amount for an Accidental Death Benefit (ADB) policy is $250,000. All ADB applications for face amounts over $250,000 need to be signed and submitted by November 6th. New Business will not accept nor process any ADB applications for face amounts above $250,000 received thereafter. There will be NO changes to the current rates and NO changes to the current issue ages – 20-59. For more information on Fidelity products and services, click here.
  • MetLife:
    • Lower rates for Guaranteed Level Term
      Expand your client base and strengthen existing relationships by reaching out to customers who were price sensitive in the past and can now afford a term policy. Visit the GLT microsite for more information.
  • Minnesota Life:
    • EPIC
      With fewer estate holders subject to estate taxes, some of your clients may think estate planning is a thing of the past. In reality, the recent changes in estate taxation have provided the opportunity for individuals to start earlier and maximize their estate plans. EPIC (Estate Planning, Individually Centered) is a new approach to estate planning that transcends traditional estate planning from just planning for what happens at death into planning for both life and death. EPIC helps maximize how your clients live today and what they will give tomorrow.
    • Life Stages – protect all that’s worth celebrating
      There are many milestones in life to celebrate. And a change in your client’s life may affect their financial perspective. In fact, 41% of recent shoppers say life events like marriage, children and buying a house motivated them to shop for life insurance. Help your clients “Protect all that’s worth celebrating,” with the new life stages campaign and reach out to clients that have recently celebrate a milestone.
    • Quick eApp – the paper age is over
      Quick eApp will allow you to spend more time serving clients or selling than on paperwork. Save yourself and your client’s valuable time. Use Quick eApp for your next life insurance application.
  • Mutual/United of Omaha:
    • Guaranteed Refund Option (GRO)
      • Business Planning Using the GRO
        Have you looked at the new Guaranteed Refund Option that is now available on all qualifying GUL and GUL Plus policies? This rider can be an extremely valuable selling point when working with business owners. Here’s a sales idea showing how the new rider can work for key person, business succession planning and buy-sell arrangements. And, don’t forget about the GUL pricing improvements. These changes strengthened the competitiveness for nontobacco users – ages 45-75.
      • New microsite for the GRO
        This microsite explains how the rider works and also includes a number of sales ideas. We encourage you to include this microsite in your emails, newsletters and on your agent website. You can also listen to this Advanced Markets Minute podcast to learn more.
    • Building a Customized Family Protection Plan
      Life insurance policies are designed to cover both short- and long-term needs. Agents can use the new Building a Customized Family Protection Plan materials to work with clients to build a plan that works for their current and future needs – and also meets their budget.
  • North American Company:
    • Longevity Planning sales concept
      Longevity planning
      is a strategy that uses permanent life insurance to help your clients prepare for a long and healthy retirement. Along with death benefit protection, access to cash value can provide for new interests, a new home, and more.
  • Prudential:
    • Simplified Non-Face-to-Face Guidelines
      Changes have made to Prudential’s non-face-to-face guidelines. These updates will help simplify the process of conducting sales in a non-face-to-face manner.
    • Low Interest Rate Planning consumer brochures
      Despite slow economic growth and resulting uncertainty, a silver lining for high-net-worth individuals and families means it’s an ideal time to execute certain wealth transfer planning strategies while interest rates are low. Several attractive financial planning concepts are particularly beneficial today; including Family Split Dollar, Gift and Note Sales, and Grantor Retained Annuity Trusts. View the consumer brochures below:
    • Get a NEW Perspective on Life video
      If you often recommend traditional guaranteed UL for permanent life insurance protection, watch this video to discover PruLife Founders Plus UL. It can offer your clients cost-effective, flexible coverage, the potential for cash value accumulation, and an extended no-lapse guarantee.
    • Uncertain when to use certain Prudential products?
      Leverage the new Product Overview for clarity around each product focus, technical specifics, and how each product supports the overall sales process. This overview also includes ‘Rider’ and ‘Concepts’ sections that showcase which products apply.
  • SBLI:
    • Against The Odds: How Unwavering Partnership Yielded Success
      Picture this: A key executive at a privately-held company in pre-IPO status is seeking millions in term life insurance for his company and himself. Five years ago, his attempt to get coverage was declined because the company had considerable debt. With modest profits since, how could this attempt be any different? It was, thanks to SBLI’s enhanced understanding of large and complex financial cases with the addition of new talent, exceptional customer service, and a willingness to take those extra steps to get the job done. Read more about this success story.
  • Transamerica:
    • 3 “A” locations added to foreign national sales
      Transamerica has added three “A” countries to their company-approved list of insurable residency locations: Greece, the Republic of Korea (“South Korea”; “ROK”) and Uruguay. Greece and the ROK require that policy ownership is offshore relative to Greece and South Korea. Proposed Insureds residing in Uruguay are fully eligible for up to $30 million (U.S. and Canadian citizens) and $20 million (non-U.S./Canadian citizens and Foreign Nationals) of automatic capacity between the ages of 18 and 75, for risks not exceeding Table D. Please note that other restrictions may apply. For additional information, please review the Foreign Nationals Underwriting Guidelines and Foreign Nationals Underwriting Risk Classes.
    • TransNavigator IUL now available in Puerto Rico
      This versatile product offers death benefit protection and a choice of domestic and/or global index accounts; featuring annual point-to-point calculation. Also, the “Plus” Index Account options offer a higher cap for a 1% annual Index Account Monthly Charge. It includes the Income Protection Option (IPO) and a Persistency Credit. Please note that TransNavigator uses the new U332 0613T PR application. For more details, please see below.
    • Withdrawal of Freedom IUL II and Freedom Global IUL II in Puerto Rico
      With the release of TransNavigator IUL, Freedom Index Universal Life II and Freedom Global IUL II products are being withdrawn in Puerto Rico. Applications for either product must be signed and received in good order — all fields completed and necessary forms submitted with signatures of all necessary parties — in the Home Office by November 21, 2014.
    • New form required with all permanent and term applications
      To confirm deceased insureds, locate and pay beneficiaries or report unclaimed property to the respective states, a new Beneficiary/Additional Insured Information supplemental form became required for applications on all Transamerica permanent and term life products, effective September 17, 2014. TransNavigator IUL is excluded due to the GRA requirements incorporated into its’ specific product application. As of the effective date, the form had been approved in all jurisdictions except California, Massachusetts, Puerto Rico and Guam. This week, California remains the only jurisdiction that has not approved the form. Download the FAQs for more details.
  • Voya Financial:
    • Term Quote/PA Chapter 83 Life Insurance Disclosure Requirement
      Earlier this year, a disclosure became required for all term polices written in Pennsylvania. To make the process easier, the Voya Presents and Winflex Web sales illustration systems now automatically complete the required disclosure details with term quote requests. Read how in this bulletin.

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comboCOMBO PRODUCTS
 

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annuitiesANNUITIES
 
  • American National:
    • ASIA PLUS interest rate changes effective November 1st
      Changes include:
      • One Year Strategies:
        • 100% Participation – Cap decreases to 3.50%
        • Performance Method – Specified Rate decreases to 3.00%
        • Declared Rate Method – Decreases to 2.00%
        • Monthly Sum Method – 2.00% Monthly Cap (No Change!)
      • Three and Five Year Strategies:
        • 3 yr, 100% Participation – Cap decreases to 10.00%
        • 3 yr, 50% Participation – Cap remains 27.00%
        • 5 yr, 100% Participation – Cap decreases to 20.00%
        • 5 yr, 75% Participation – Cap decreases to 30.00%
        • 5 yr, 50% Participation – Cap decreases to 40.00%
  • Athene:
    • Revised Suitability Form and required CIP Notice effective November 1st
      Anyone selling Athene products in all states except Florida should be aware of two important changes in the application process. These changes are effective November 1, 2014 and include:
      • Agents must use a revised Annuity Suitability Form that acknowledges receipt of the Customer Identification Program Notice by the customer.
      • All application packages received beginning November 1, 2014 must include the revised suitability form. Applications that include an out-of-date or incomplete form will be returned to the agent.
  • Genworth Financial:
      • Rates decreasing October 29th
        • SecureLiving Index 7
        • SecureLiving Index 10 Plus
        • SecureLiving Index 7 (AK, MN, MO, OR, PA, WA Only)
        • SecureLiving Index 10 Plus (AK, MN, MO, OR, PA, WA Only)
        • SecureLiving Index 7 with CapMax
        • SecureLiving Index 10 Plus with CapMax
        • SecureLiving Index 7 with CapMax (AK, MN, MO, OR, PA, WA Only)
        • SecureLiving Index 10 Plus with CapMax (AK, MN, MO, OR, PA, WA Only)
        • SecureLiving Liberty – National | New York
        • SecureLiving Independence – National | New York
        • SecureLiving Rate Saver
        • SecureLiving SmartRate
          • National (With Return of Premium) | (Without Return of Premium)
          • New York (With Return of Premium) | (Without Return of Premium)
      • Rates decreased October 27th
        • SecureLiving Income Provider – National
  • Mutual/United of Omaha:
    • Fixed annuity interest rate changes effective November 1st
      Be sure to update your Winflex software to obtain the most current rates.
    • Form changes for Florida
      There are new suitability and disclosure forms available in Florida. The change extends protections previously afforded to senior consumers in annuity transactions to consumers of any age. Both forms are below.
  • North American Company:
    • Have you seen the new look of NAC RetireChoice 10?
      See how the NAC RetireChoice 10 paired with the optional IncomePay Rider beats the top selling annuity 89% of the time!
      • NEW Crediting Method and Volatility Control Index
        • Annual Point-to-Point with Index Margin
        • S&P 500 Low Volatility Daily Risk Control 5% Index
      • Accumulation Potential
        • Up to 3.40% Annual Point-to-Point Cap
        • Up to 1.75% Monthly Point-to-Point Cap
      • Additional Benefit Rider (ABR) offers
        • Up to 5% Premium Bonus
        • Return of Premium
      • Optional GMWB Rider3 – IncomePay
        • Three competitive Bonus Credit Options
      • An option to elect the Income Multiplier (x2) feature (available for an additional cost as an option with IncomePay)
    • 10-Year MYGA special Ends November 14th
      The 10-Year MYGA interest rate special is only available for contracts with an issue date (commonly known as the contract effective date) between October 14, 2014 and November 14, 2014. Normal rate hold rules do not apply – no exceptions. Interest rates are subject to change at any time.
      • 3.50%
        Guaranteed 10 Years, Interest Rate for Initial Premium of $200,000 or more
      • 3.25%
        Guaranteed 10 Years, Interest Rate for Initial Premium less than $200,000
  • Voya Financial:
    • Wealth Builder 6 and 8
      With the recent Ten Year Treasury bounce combined with the fluctuations taking place within the VIX, there’s no time like the present to market towards and maximize penetration with a product featuring some of the Strongest Caps and Rates in the industry. With that said, the VOYA Wealth Builder 6 and 8 fit nicely within a number of concepts to satisfy client needs, whether it be out-pacing the watered-down yields earned by stagnant bank money or removing dollars from the roller-coaster equity ride, clients might be experiencing within their 401(k) or IRA accounts. View the materials below to discover Wealth Builder 6 and 8, and the latest rates and features.

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ltcLONG TERM CARE
 
  • Genworth Financial:
    • Let’s Talk LTC – a great way to start the LTCI discussion
      November is Long Term Care Awareness Month; which makes it a great time to get your clients talking about long term care. Get started with Genworths’ Let’s Talk Long Term Care Producer Guide. You’ll discover:
      • Why your clients resist talking about long term care, and what can get them started
      • How to use timing to your advantage
      • What clients expect from you
    • Here’s the data clients need to plan for long term care
      Provide the industry’s best data on long term care costs to help clients understand and prepare for the risk of long term care.
      • 2014 Cost of Care Survey
        Accurate, localized, and up-to-date cost data helps you and your clients plan accordingly for potential long term care needs. The Genworth 2014 Cost of Care Survey is the industry’s most comprehensive, covering more than 14,800 long term care providers in 440 regions across the US.
      • Beyond Dollars Report
        Reveals the many ways long term care could impact your clients, from finances, to careers, to lifestyle and state-of-mind. Download the Producer Guide for key facts and tips.
    • In-force rate action implementations:
    • 7-day faster cycle time for LTC Parameds ordered on Genworth Pro
    • E-mail advertising for LTC Awareness Month
      Below are LTC e-mail URLs that you can send to your advisors. If your LTC sales are down, here is a huge opportunity to help jump start them again.
  • John Hancock:
    • Quick Reference Guide for Custom Care III featuring Benefit Builder
      Looking for a quick reference guide to the benefits and features of Custom Care III featuring Benefit Builder? Look no further! Download the facts-at-a-glance support brochure now.
    • LTC Quiz updated
      John Hancock’s LTC Quiz brochure is an interactive tool you can use to assess your clients’ knowledge about some of the common myths and facts surrounding long-term care issues. What your clients learn may surprise them and encourage them to consider purchasing LTC insurance. The brochure is approved in all states. View and download the Compact version and Non-Compact version.
    • Get trained on LTC Captivate
      LTC Captivate is an online system that supports an entirely paperless sales and application process. It enables producers and their clients to conduct business in settings and time frames that better suit their mutual needs. Visit the training module on jhltc.com today.
    • Information regarding the HIPAA Form for Florida
      • The Florida application booklets (LTC-9520FL) – and LTC-8820FL for use in the employer market – have been updated.
      • Updated printed application booklets will be available to order soon.
    • 2015 Minimum Benefits for Partnerships in CT, IN, and NY
      Effective January 1, 2015, all Partnership policies in Connecticut, Indiana and New York meet or exceed the state-mandated minimums. Please note: the state-mandated minimum for New York is $142, and not $147, as previously reported. Click here for complete details.
  • Transamerica:
    • Consumer-approved videoNEW!
      Your agents can view this new 3-minute video with their clients to help them consider their long term care needs.

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disabilityDISABILITY & CRITICAL ILLNESS
 
  • Mutual/United of Omaha:
    • Disability Income Choice Portfolio Premium Savings
      You can apply premium savings to your clients’ DI policies. All the information you need can be found here.
    • New Beginnings payroll deduction
      Payroll deduction for the New Beginnings Cancer, Heart Attack & Stroke products will be effective November 1, 2014.

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medsuppMEDICARE SUPPLEMENTS
 
agentcontestsAGENT CONTESTS
 
  • AIG:
    • Win $1,000 gift card or iPad (ENDS 10/31/2014)
      Now is a great time to explore how accident and health (A&H) products can strengthen clients’ financial resources while creating new income streams for your business. View the contest rules and a 15-minute training session are available on the contest website.
    • AIG Better Ride Contest (8/1/2014 – 1/31/2015)
      Now is your chance to rev it up, get in gear, and gain some traction! Producers will receive points based upon the sale of our permanent products, and additional points for selling AG Asset Protector on Secure Lifetime (AAS Rider & LIS Rider), and the AAS Rider on Elite Index II. For every 5 points a producer earns they will get a raffle ticket towards the drawing of a 2 year lease on a BMW 528i. Get complete details.
  • American National:
    • 2015 Marketing Conference (qualification period 1/1/2014 – 12/31/2014)
      You and your guest will enjoy five days and four nights at The Cove Atlantis, Paradise Island, Bahamas from May 17-21, 2015 if you are one of American National’s top 80 qualifiers. Click here for details.
  • Athene:
    • Top Producers Dublin 2015 (1/1/2014 – 12/31/2014)
      Produce $3.5 Million or more (received during the qualification period of January 1, 2014 – December 31, 2014) with Aviva or Athene products and then get ready to pack your bags for Ireland. Click here for details.
    • Take the Athene Benefit 10 Challenge (10/1/2014 – 12/31/2014)
      Where will Athene Benefit 10 take you? Introducing an incentive with flexibility – the Athene Benefit 10 Challenge – where winners create their own custom travel experience! Learn how to qualify here.
  • Lincoln National:
    • Double Your Credit (7/1/2014 – 12/31/2014)
      Help your clients prepare for the future and earn double PAP credit on all Lincoln MoneyGuard Solutions cases placed in force between July 1 and December 31, 2014. Click here for complete details.
  • Transamerica:
    • Break Away and Travel with Transamerica (4/1/2014 – 12/19/2014)
      • Agents who place $25,000 of premium (minimum 3 TLIC life applications) will earn a 3-day vacation package valued up to $1,400 for yourself and a guest.
      • Agents who place $75,000 of premium (minimum 5 TLIC life applications) will earn a 5-day vacation package valued up to $5,000 for yourself and up to 3 guests.
      • Click here for complete details.
      • Long Term Care production can help you win the above trip!
        Now earning your Break Away is even easier. Long Term Care production is being included towards qualifying! View the Break Away travel site for complete details.
      • Break Away and Hit the Links!
        Transamerica is excited to announce new destination options for Break Away. By popular demand, singles golf outings are now available! That’s right, by qualifying for a three-day Break Away prize package, you could find yourself teeing off under the blue skies of Palm Springs, California or enjoying the sea breeze on Amelia Island, Florida. Sell more, go farther! By qualifying for the second level Break Away prize package you can take your pick from the world famous courses of Pebble Beach, Pinehurst, and six TPC courses including Sawgrass and Scottsdale! All golf packages are for one person. Challenge your friends to qualify for their own trip and meet you on the greens! Start planning your outing today! View the new golf packages here.
    • Leading Distributors Convention in Barcelona (1/1/2014 – 12/31/2015)
      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. View the producer flyer.