Bulletins

Americo – Annuity Rate Change

New Annuity Rates Effective July 29, 2016
The deadline to lock in current rates is July 28, 2016. Applications and money must be received in the Home Office by July 28, 2016, 5:00 PM, Central, in order to lock in current rates. 1035 exchange and transfer money on applications received by end of day on July 28, 2016, must be received in the Home Office no later than September 12, 2016, 5:00 PM, Central, to receive the current rate. Rates in RED indicate a decrease from the previous rate and rates in GREEN indicate an increase.
For more information and to view new rates, click the link below.
Long Term Care and Disability Insurance

How to Choose a Long Term Care Carrier

Presented by Michelle Daharsh When it comes to selecting an LTCi carrier today, you certainly have lots of choices. Most carriers offer a basic foundation of benefits that look fairly similar from company to company, so how do you make a choice and recommendation to your prospect? Here are three characteristics to consider when making that choice: 1. Contemporary, Innovative Products Look at carriers that offer competitive features that set them apart from the competition. Features like cash benefits, streamlined underwriting, calendar day elimination period, and waiver of elimination period for home care claims are just a few of the many and important options available. 2. Competitive Pricing Do your research and find the products that are competitively priced. Age, health and whether the prospect has a spouse or partner all become critical information in your selection for a recommendation to your prospect. Providing your prospect with the best products for the best value is critically important. Each carrier has their own “sweet spot”. Some examples of “sweet spots” can be competitive pricing at certain ages, partner allowances, multiple inflation options, and underwriting risk. 3. Financial Strength and Stability In the past it wasn’t much of a factor what the ratings of a carrier were. We have fewer carriers now in the market and the rate instability has shown that carrier strength is very important. Working and placing your prospects’ business with a financially strong carrier becomes even more important. Carriers with a history of remaining competitive, stable and secure even in tough economic times will most likely prove that they are able to meet the needs of your prospect in the future. Also, look for carriers that maintain high ratings from industry rating organizations. So whether it is the competitive pricing of a product or the financial strength of a carrier, Financial Brokerage is equipped to provide you with the resources and knowledge you need in making the best decision with your prospect and their long term care insurance coverage.
Bulletins

National Western – Financial Ratings and New Florida Approval

Living Benefit Term – Now Available in Florida! We are pleased to announce that NWL’s Living Benefit Term product is now approved in the Sunshine State. Check FormSource for the updated product kit. When Ratings Matter, NWL’s Strong Financial Standing is Reaffirmed! The ability to maintain strong ratings is increasingly important as our industry continues to evolve, especially with the expected imminent shift in the DOL fiduciary standard. We are pleased to share that A.M. Best has affirmed the financial strength rating of A (Excellent) and the ICR of “a” of National Western Life Insurance Company (NWLIC) (Denver, CO). The outlook for each of these ratings is stable. Despite challenges in the economy, NWL has once again earned a top rating as well as retained our secure financials. “The rating affirmations reflect NWLIC’s favorable operating performance, which has supported growth in statutory capital, consolidated stockholders’ equity and risk-adjusted capitalization,” stated a recent AM Best press release. Click here to read the press release in its entirety.