Declines got you down?
Underwriting is both an Art and a Science. Here at Financial Brokerage we know that the clients you protect have their own unique histories that often present Underwriting challenges. With so many options available, knowing where to start can be daunting. Let us help you choose the right carrier the first time. Stop Declines before they happen and contact me the next time you’ve “got a guy” that you’re not quite sure where to start with. You might just be surprised at what I’ll find…
Today’s Challenge
Today’s client is one of 5 siblings and the only child born with Achondroplasia. Male, age 51, in good health other than blood pressure controlled with medication. The client has two children of his own, one born with dwarfism and one born of average height. Some of the more common concerns with dwarfism include difficulty breathing during sleep (sleep apnea), pressure on the spinal cord at the base of the skull, progressive severe hunching or swaying of the back with back pain or problems breathing, narrowing of the channel in the lower spine (spinal stenosis) resulting in pressure on the spinal cord and subsequent pain or numbness in the legs, arthritis, etc…
The Resolution
Due to the known risk factors there were unfortunately multiple carriers that were unwilling to even look at this risk and opted to decline without reviewing any portion of the clients medical history. However, as has been proven time and again, shopping this out worked to everyone’s advantage because there were at least 4 carriers that were happy to look at the big picture. Two of our leading carriers indicated that Standard (at best) might be possible. One carrier was a tad more guarded and indicated that this would need to be reviewed by a medical director but they were fairly certain that an offer could be made. I was pleased to see that coverage was at least possible but nothing made me happier than the carrier that indicated Preferred Plus was possible! Of course this tentative offer was subject to an acceptable BMI, no complications from achondroplasia, and the client had to be fully ambulatory without the need for walking aids, but Preferred Plus NT when most other carriers wouldn’t even consider-That’s a big win in my book!