Upcoming Changes to Our Life Portfolio
Our industry has faced many challenges over the past several years – from persistently low interest rates to changing industry regulations. This environment significantly impacts how we are able to price our life insurance products, especially those with no-lapse guarantees, while still maintaining a profitable business model so that we can be there when customers need us most. As a result, effective October 1 we will be making adjustments to our GUL product pricing. At the same time, we will also be enhancing our Guaranteed Refund Option (GRO) Rider maximum refund cap as a way for you to offer additional value for your clients. The GRO Rider enhancement will also be included on our Income AdvantageSM IUL, which was introduced earlier this year.
Below is a summary of the changes that will take effect October 1:
GUL and GUL Plus – Pricing Adjustments:
* Although premiums will increase by an average of 8-10 percent on GUL and approximately 5 percent on GUL Plus single pays, we will still offer a product that provides exceptional value for your clients looking for a fully guaranteed product solution
* Our GUL products continue to offer more flexibility than any other GUL in the marketplace, with features such as our Accelerated Death Benefit Riders and our GRO Rider on qualifying policies – both included at no additional cost. This flexibility is showcased in our new ‘What If’ illustration report, introduced in August
GRO Rider Enhancement – Maximum Refund Cap Increase
* The maximum refund cap for our GRO Rider will be raised from 35 percent to 50 percent of the specified face amount
* This enhancement will affect the following products: GUL, GUL Plus, GUL Survivor, and Income Advantage IUL
In recent months, we have also seen a number of carriers announcing changes to Cost of Insurance (COI) charges on their in-force current assumption policies. I want to reassure you that Mutual of Omaha currently has no plans to raise the COI charges on our existing policies. While these charges can contractually increase, we do not believe that it is in the best interest of our policyholders or agents at this time. If you have any questions regarding this information, please contact your Sales Director or Account Executive. We appreciate your continued support and are looking forward to a strong finish for 2016.