Coronavirus Resources

3D Advisors is continually monitoring the Coronavirus (COVID-19) situation. With many states now issuing Stay at Home orders, running your business can get complicated.
We have put together some resources to help you get through these challenging times.

As technology is ever changing, our website is up to date and fully equipped with online tools and resources that are second to none to help expedite the application process from start to finish. There is no need for your client to leave the comfort of your own home. Offering, Online application platforms, access to accelerated underwriting, and exam free programs. Rest assured, our sales reps are ready to help you find the perfect product and process that suits your client’s needs during this time. Now is the time to take advantage of the technology that 3D Advisors has to offer!

We are updating this page as quick as we can, so please check back regularly.

Exam Vendor Information

For Exams and EKGs

Restrictions:

CA Counties – Alameda, Contra Costa, Marin, Monterey, Napa, San Francisco, San Benito, Santa Clara, Santa Cruz, San Luis Obispo, San Mateo, and Sonoma

Notes:

User can logon to website to get most current information Most branch offices are remote now and primarily for scheduling only Areas with strong shut down orders may see delays in scheduling

Operational Bulletin

COVID-19: EMSI Updates

Carrier News, Product Info and More for July 6, 2020

3D Responds to EMSI’s Business Suspension

On Friday, July 3rd, 3D Advisors was notified that EMSI a vendor we use for Attending Physician Statement (APS) retrieval, paramedical exams, and tele-application services for our Transaction Center, has become a casualty of the unprecedented economic times due to COVID-19 and has ceased operations effective July 3, 2020.

Since receiving this unexpected notification, our leadership team has been developing contingency plans to address solutions for pending business, as well as new business, including expedited discussions with alternative vendors to explore all options.

Additionally, we are adjusting staff resources and processes at 3D to mitigate any impacts as we strive to keep all business flowing efficiently.

We know EMSI’s abrupt closing may come as a surprise to many in the industry, and we are confident we will have alternative solutions in place quickly to ensure continuity of service for our financial professionals and your clients.

We are committed to servicing your business and will provide regular status updates about this situation. Please continue to submit business as usual and raise any questions to your 3D relationship manager.


Update as of April 2, 2020:

With more than 40,000 confirmed cases, New York City has unfortunately become a COVID-19 hot spot. EMSI is therefore temporarily suspending all mobile and in-office services in the five NYC boroughs of The Bronx, Brooklyn, Manhattan, Queens and Staten Island beginning April 2, 2020 to protect our employees and the people we serve. Medical record retrieval, underwriting and inspection services continue. This suspension is a preventive measure reflecting the spread of COVID-19 in the New York City area. It does not apply elsewhere in New York State and will be re-evaluated as conditions improve.


ExamOne Response to Cornoravirus Disease 2018 (COVID-19)

Update as of April 17, 2020:

 
COVID-19 Service Provider Update
April 17, 2020
As the COVID-19 situation continues to evolve, we are committed to keeping you informed. You will find the most recent updates highlighted below.
Update to applicant screening questions

We continue to evaluate our process and practices around COVID-19. We are updating the applicant screening questions during the paramedical scheduling appointment and confirmation processes for life insurance exams as outlined below. These changes will be implemented next week.

·     Have you been diagnosed with COVID-19?

·     In the last 14 days have you exhibited symptoms of COVID-19, including fever, respiratory distress, or the loss of your sense of smell or test; alternatively, have you  had close (within 6 feet) prolonged (10 minutes or more) contact with someone who has?

·     In the last 14 days have you traveled in violation of any federal, state or local guidance or orders, or had close contact with an individual who has?

·     Our medical professionals are required to wear full personal protective equipment including face shields and we recommend you also wear a face mask if possible. During the medical exam our phlebotomist will be in close proximity to you to complete the specimen collection. Are you comfortable scheduling your appointment at this time?*

If an applicant answers yes to any of the first three questions, or states they do not feel comfortable proceeding with the exam, he or she will be directed to delay scheduling the appointment for 14 days from diagnosis, contact or date of travel, and advised to contact their insurance company.

Additional state closings

We continue to update our website with the most up-to-date state closings. Please note, stay at home restrictions may have impacted our examiner network and mobile appointment availability in certain areas. Please continue to contact your local branch office for coverage inquires.

ExamOne COVID-19 resources:

·     How ExamOne is responding to COVID-19

·     Office closings and service updates

·     Applicant resources and FAQs

·     Examiner safety processes

Thank you for your continued partnership. If you have any questions regarding the above solutions, please reach out to your Strategic Account Executive or local sales representative.

Update as of April 3, 2020:

 
COVID-19 Service Provider Update
April 3, 2020
As the COVID-19 situation continues to evolve, we are committed to keeping you and your applicants informed. You will find the most recent updates highlighted below.
Updated ExamOne safety processes, exam options, and scheduling options

Like Quest, ExamOne is committed to protecting the health and safety of all our employees and the communities we serve. This includes our examiners and life insurance applicants. ExamOne will not allow examiners to enter the home or otherwise interact with an individual suspected of or confirmed to have COVID-19. Nor will we allow examiners to collect specimens from or otherwise examine an individual suspected of or confirmed to have COVID-19. This document provides details on:

·     Safety measures we are taking to ensure the health and safety of our employees and applicants,

·     Applicant exam options, including how we are practicing social distancing at our exam centers, and

·     Expanded scheduling options for applicants to allow for more appointment availability.

 
Download full details here and feel free to share with others in your organization.
 
New state orders and service updates

As we receive new statewide orders, we continue to make updates on our website. Please refer to this page for exam status and service updates.

MVR update

Several states have indicated their offices were temporarily closed, are currently closed or will be closed to some extent, but are still processing requests. We do not anticipate any delays or disruption to service and you are still able to access driving records. The full list of states can be found here.

ExamOne COVID-19 resources:

·     How ExamOne is responding to COVID-19

·     Office closings and service updates

·     Applicant resources and FAQs

Thank you for your continued partnership. If you have any questions, please reach out to your Strategic Account Executive or local sales representative.

Underwriting During COVID -19

American General Underwriting Bulletin April 8, 2020

These additional temporary guidelines are now implemented on both formal and informal cases until the COVID-19 situation has diminished:

  • For individuals aged 70+, all cases will be postponed.
  • For individuals aged 60-69, all rated cases inclusive of all medical flat extras will be postponed.
  • For individuals aged 50-59, all cases assessed greater than Table B inclusive of all medical flat extras will be postponed
  • For individuals aged <50, all cases assessed greater than Table D and/or all medical flat extras will be postponed.
  • Additionally, there are several conditions that, in general, make a person more susceptible to COVID-19 and its more severe health impacts, including but not limited to coronary artery disease, metabolic disorders, respiratory impairments and underlying malignancies. Individuals with these co-morbid conditions will also be postponed regardless of current risk assessment of their non-COVID impairments. Processing of all currently pending business affected by the above COVID-19 guidelines will be suspended until further notice and a note will be placed on the file. Further, all approved and conditionally issued business will be reviewed and closed subject to our current case closeout rules.

Underwriting changes as of April 8, 2020

  • Effective April 8, 2020, for any pending or newly submitted formal applications, we’re offering additional solutions to underwrite without exams.
  • Exam Substitution For Applicants With Recently Completed Physicals An applicant’s recent routine physical will be accepted in lieu of a paramed exam if it has sufficient data and if the trending rate class based on other evidence does not exceed table 3, does not require a medical flat extra and there is no evidence of material non-disclosure. We have several methods available to collect this data, but expect to utilize Human API in most cases. Human API is a tool that allows your clients to securely share their medical records and health data with Legal & General America.

Equitable as of April 1, 2020:

Addressing Market Volatility Concerns

Managing the Impact of Market Volatility

In response to the challenges that COVID-19 and social distancing have presented to the life insurance application process, here are some important changes and tips to help keep your applications moving forward.

New applications

    • Use your BGA eApp platform for all new Equitable applications1.
    • Use our carrier eApp platform for all new applications1; eApp functionality is available via www.equitable.com.
    • Use DocuSign for signatures2.

Signature on forms other than applications

    • Use DocuSign for signatures2.
    • We will accept pictures of signed forms. (preferably in .pdf or .tiff format)
    • When multiple parties are required to sign the same form, we will accept separate pages signed by each party. (e.g. Policy Delivery Receipt) We will not require all signatures to be on the same page.
    • When forms have multiple pages (e.g. Illustrations3), we will accept just the signature page. We will not require all pages to be returned to us.

Voided checks

    • When bank draft is elected, but banking information is missing on a signed Systematic Form, we will accept the missing information by email to your Relationship Case Manager and/or a phone call to your Relationship Case Manager. We will not require the actual voided check.

Case documents

    • The best way to ensure your documents are attached to the case is to upload them within the Equitable Distributor website portal.

Policies

    • Important change: Paper policies are normally mailed to the Brokerage General Agencies office address. We are redirecting the mailing of policies to go directly to the client with a .pdf of the policy and delivery forms emailed to the Brokerage General Agency. If you do not want this redirection, please email your Relationship Case Manager with instructions to continue to mail policies to the Brokerage General Agency.

Thank you for your business, and we will continue to look for innovative ways to support you and your clients during these challenging times.

Update as of April 15, 2020:

We have been monitoring the environment related to the COVID-19 pandemic and the impact on our business. As a result, we are making some additional adjustments to our underwriting guidelines and products. Effective immediately we are implementing the following temporary changes to our underwriting guidelines and individual IUL products.

Note: These changes apply to all formal applications not already underwriter approved (or conditionally approved subject to nonmedical requirements) or policies currently out for delivery.

New temporary underwriting guideline changes specific to COVID-19:

  • Postponing acceptance of all new applications at age 70 and over.
  • Postponing applications for individuals up to age 69 with a rating class higher than Table 4.
  • Individuals with chronic underlying conditions at higher risk to COVID-19, including but not limited to, (obesity, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, lung disorders, cancer, and disorders requiring immunosupressive therapy) will be underwritten more prudently during this time.

The following product change is also effective immediately:

  • Annual premium limit has been lowered to $5 million per year on all Individual IUL products.

Click HERE to review our recent New Business & Underwriting communication announcing changes related to COVID-19.

For more information related to the Covid-19 emergency visit: www.globalatlanticlife.com/covid19

We are continuously monitoring the situation and will keep you informed of any additional changes. If you have questions, please reach out to your Global Atlantic underwriter or Regional Vice President.

Global Atlantic as of March 27, 2020:

At Global Atlantic, we understand the need to provide flexibility in how we process and underwrite new life applications for our distribution partners in order to help you better serve your customers during this uncertain time. All our teams, including operations and customer service, are fully operational and working remotely.

Effective immediately we will be implementing the following New Business and Underwriting guidelines, until further notice.

Updated New Business Guidelines

These New Business accommodations are temporary and may be withdrawn by the company at any time. Non-resident solicitation (cross border) rules and time-of-application requirements will continue to be strictly enforced.

Completing an Application and Submission

    • We will accept electronic signatures on new business paperwork signed via DocuSign or other approved vendors. Signatures will still be required for 1035 exchanges and replacement forms due to exchanging carrier requirements.
    • In addition to electronic submissions, we will accept applications by fax and email. You may fax or email them to: 1-800-262-6976 or [email protected]
    • We will also accept photographs of completed applications. Unclear pictures will be considered Not In Good Order (NIGO) and will require resubmission to finalize new business issuance.
    • If you are unable to meet with a client in-person to obtain their signed application, the application must be accompanied by a copy or photo of the applicant’s government-issued photo identification (e.g., driver’s license, state ID card, passport, etc.). If using Firelight, use the document upload feature to add this additional requirement.
    • If you are unable to meet with a client in-person, you must note this on the application Agent Report and describe in detail how you explained the product to the applicant. We encourage you to submit a cover letter containing this information.

Policy Delivery Requirements

    • There is no change to our 60-day delivery period. As usual, we will send you the issued policies for delivery to your clients and timely return of the policy delivery receipts. Effective immediately, for all cases we will require a Good Health Statement at policy delivery attesting that there has been no change to the applicant’s health. If you are unable to complete delivery due to the COVID-19 pandemic, please contact us to determine if the policies can be mailed directly to the policy owner.

Underwriting Requirements

    • Global Atlantic Underwriting has several programs available to utilize a “no exam, lab-free” opportunity
        • Accelerated Underwriting “Fast Lane Program” ages 18-60, up to $1 million
        • External Term Exchange Program, age 18-65, up to $1 million
        • Additional Insurance Program ages 18-65, up to $1 million
    • We are currently working to expand and enhance our Fast Lane Program using new underwriting tools – stay tuned!

Temporary Underwriting Guideline Changes specific to COVID-19:

    • For applicants age 18-60, up to $2 million face amount, if the applicant lives in a location where a paramed exam and labs cannot be completed, please contact your Global Atlantic underwriter to discuss other potential methods for providing the required underwriting information – for example, through submission of a physical examination and labs completed by a personal physician within the prior 12 months.
    • Underwriting offers for any permanent resident or U.S. citizen who has traveled outside of the U.S. within the past 30 days or has future plans to travel outside the U.S. will be postponed.
    • Individuals who have been exposed to COVID-19 or tested positive for COVID-19 will be postponed for 30 days and will be reconsidered subject to satisfactory evidence showing they have fully recovered. Individuals who have recovered after hospitalization for treatment for COVID-19 will be postponed for 6 months after treatment and reconsidered subject to satisfactory evidence showing they have fully recovered.

Global Atlantic Annuity as of March 31, 2020:

Given COVID-19’s social distancing recommendations, it may be necessary to conduct business using virtual face-to-face video conferences with clients. It is acceptable to use SnapApp or Firelight to complete your client’s annuity application virtually in a fast, easy, and secure process.
Benefits of using SnapApp
Electronic Signature – Clients sign either at the point of sale or via email
Intelligent Data Entry – Highlights required fields based on answers
Reduced NIGOs – Error indicators ensure forms are fully completed
State-Specific Forms – Automatically generate the applicable forms for state of issue
Requirements
We will accept electronic signatures with audit documentation (certificate of completion) on all new business documents. We recommend that you confirm the surrendering carrier will allow electronic signatures for transfers and exchanges.
You must provide the client an exact copy of any sales materials (e.g., sales collateral, product illustrations, etc.) that are discussed.
As needed, you and your clients may email clear pictures of completed new business documents along with a picture of your client’s government‐issued identification (e.g. driver’s license, state ID card, passport, etc.). Unclear pictures will be deemed Not In Good Order (NIGO) and will be rejected.
If you hold a video call with a prospect and at any time during the sales process, that prospect is not in their state of residence, it may be considered a nonresident sale. In that case, Global Atlantic’s cross border sales rules apply where applicable.
All applicable Global Atlantic policies and state requirements apply when conducting virtual business, just as in any sales scenario (e.g., training, licensing, information security, suitability, signature and delivery, etc.). Please reference the Fixed Annuity Guide to Suitability.
We’re here for you
Rest assured, you can continue to reach our Sales, Business Relationship Management, and Operations teams during normal business hours. We are committed to our customer’s experience.

We are following CDC guidelines and encouraging employees to follow our remote work procedures. These procedures have been well‐established over the years to ensure you continue to receive the same level of support in any environment.

Please contact Global Atlantic Sales or Business Relationship Management with any questions or if there’s anything more we can do to assist with your business needs during this unprecedented time.

Global Atlantic sales desk: (855) 44-SALES (447-2537), option 1.

John Hancock Underwriting and COVID-19 as of April 8, 2020

1. John Hancock’s Human API portal now available to all distribution partners
In order to expedite the underwriting process for cases where medical records cannot be accessed through traditional channels, your clients can now provide John Hancock Insurance direct access to their health records through our Human API patient portal. You can begin offering this new capability on Monday, April 13, 2020. Please see additional details here.

2. Updates on older-age underwriting (80+)
During this unique time, John Hancock will not be making final underwriting offers on cases where the applicant is 80+. We are happy to continue to receive and review submissions for these clients with the goal of moving on them quickly when circumstances change. For any pending submissions in this age group with a formal application and a final underwriting offer, you can expect a call from your John Hancock underwriter shortly to discuss next steps.

Lincoln Temporary Underwriting Guidelines 4-13-20

Lincoln’s Internal Retention will be reduced to the following limits:

  • $5 million maximum limit for term and permanent products
  • Available up to age 65 only
  • Preferred Plus, Preferred and Standard rate classes only

Temporary Table Reduction Program Guidelines:

  • Ages up to 65: No changes to current TRP guidelines
  • Ages 66-70: Limited offers with consideration up to Table 2 only. All other classes will be postponed
  • Ages 71 and up: No changes to current TRP guidelines; TRP not available

All cases meeting the following criteria will be postponed:

  • Ages 65 and under, rated Table 5 and higher
  • Ages 66-79, rated Table 3 and higher
  • Ages 80-85, all classes

Mutual of Omaha Underwriting Updates

Wednesday, April 15, 2020, we are implementing the following temporary changes to our life insurance underwriting guidelines. These changes apply to all fully-underwritten life insurance cases that are not already approved or issued. This includes any newly submitted and pending in-house cases, whether formal or informal.

  • Postponements Due to International Travel
    All fully-underwritten life insurance cases where the proposed insured has plans to travel internationally between now and the end of the year will be postponed. These postponed cases may be considered after all international travel is complete, the proposed insured has been back in the United States for a minimum of 30 days, and no further international travel is planned this year.We will continue to monitor this situation and make adjustments as warranted.
  • Postponements Based on Insured’s Issue Age
    We will be postponing all fully-underwritten life insurance cases in the following categories:
    • If the individual is age 70 and above
    • If the individual is age 60-69 and is rated greater than a Table 2. We will also be temporarily suspending the FIT Underwriting Credit Program for all insureds age 60-69.

As COVID-19 cases increase within the United States and around the world, Mutual of Omaha is issuing the following underwriting guidance on new and pending applications for life and health products, effective immediately (Note: Health products include Accidental Death, Long-Term Care, Disability Income, Critical Illness, Cancer, and Heart Attack & Stroke. This does NOT apply to Med Supp applications.):

  • If the proposed insured or any member of his or her household has traveled or resided outside of the United States within the past 30 days, the application will be postponed until 30 days following their return.
  • If the proposed insured or any member of his or her household has come into close contact with anyone known to the insured to have tested positive for COVID-19, the application will be postponed until 30 days following their exposure.
  • In addition, anyone testing positive for the COVID-19 virus or those who have been hospitalized or quarantined for the virus will have their application postponed for a minimum of 90 days.

Nationwide Underwriting Changes

Given the challenges of collecting information for underwriting, submitting applications via our Nationwide Intelligent Underwriting process is the best choice. Our Intelligent Underwriting process is being expanded to allow increased acceleration rates for qualifying clients, including those qualifying for the Standard rate class. Additionally, we will consider alternative sources of medical information when an exam is necessary for both traditional business and for our Intelligent Underwriting process. Here’s what’s changing:

  1. Health records and results — If acceleration is not possible and alternative sources of data are insufficient, we will consider client-provided personal health records and exam results that have been completed within the past 24 months.
  2. Medical requirement substitutions — Until further notice, the following acceleration guidelines are acceptable underwriting solutions:
    • Face amounts
      Age 18 to 50: $100,000 to $2 million
      Age 51 to 60: Up to and including $1 million
      – Now allowing Standard or better risk classifications
      – If exams are needed, we will consider a completed physical, including labs, with all results normal within the prior 24 months
      – We can confirm the exam and lab results through digital health data
    • Face amounts
      Age 18 to 50: Over $2 million
      Age 51 to 60: Over $1 million
      – Case meets regular accelerated underwriting guidelines for eligibility
      – Applicant has had a complete physical, including labs, with all results normal within the prior 24 months
      – We can confirm the exam and lab results through digital health data
      – Standard or better risk classifications only
  3. Digital health data and attending physician statements (APS) — We are rapidly implementing solutions that will provide alternate sources of underwriting data in lieu of labs, exams and medical records.

    Cases that don’t meet these conditions will be considered on an individual case basis. Our underwriters are proactively reviewing new cases to identify options that may be available to continue underwriting without exam requirements and notify you of available options.

  4. Important note about new customers — Our Life Underwriting team is closely monitoring new customers who apply for life insurance, especially those who may have traveled where the risk of COVID-19 is highest. We may delay those applications for 30 days or request additional testing of those applicants.
  5. Important note for existing customers — We want to ensure that customers don’t suffer additional hardship as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. If you are aware of customers who require assistance with the payment of their insurance premium due to COVID-19, please contact us.

Temporary Adjustments to Life Insurance Underwriting

Applicant ages 18-40

  • For face amounts up to and including $1,000,000 – no change to Accelerated Underwriting program
  • For face amounts from $1,000,001 to $2,500,000, and meets the following requirements: Case meets regular Accelerated Underwriting guidelines for eligibility
  • Applicant has had a complete physical, including labs, with all results normal within the prior 24 months
  • We can confirm the exam and lab results through digital health data How we’re handling the grace period for your clients

Applicant ages 41-60

  • Face amounts up to and including $1,000,000 – no change to Accelerated Underwriting program
  • Face amounts from $1,000,001 to $2,000,000, and meets the following requirements:
    • Case meets regular Accelerated Underwriting guidelines for eligibility
    • Applicant has had a complete physical, including labs, with all results normal within the prior 24 months
    • We can confirm the exam and lab results through digital health data

Temporary Life Insurance Underwriting Guidelines

Age and rating limitations:

      • We will postpone coverage on individuals who are age 80 and above.
      • Ages 70-79: Applicants must qualify for Standard rating or better and have no significant underlying medical condition or treatment that makes them more susceptible to COVID-19 death. *
      • Ages 60-69: Applicants must qualify for Table 4 rating or better and have no significant underlying medical condition or treatment that makes them more susceptible to COVID-19 death. *
      • Ages 0-59: Protective will consider applicants with all medical impairments through Table 4. Applicants rated over Table 4 will be considered on a case-by-case basis if the individual has no significant underlying medical condition or treatment that makes him or her more susceptible to COVID-19 death. *

* The medical conditions and treatments referred to above include, but are not limited to:

        • Heart disease
        • Significant cancer in the last 10 years
        • Diabetes
        • Pulmonary disease (COPD, Asthma, etc.)
        • Autoimmune or Immunosuppressive Disease
        • Any medication that causes immunosuppression (Biologic, Prednisone/Steroid, Methotrexate, etc.)

These temporary changes apply to all new or pending cases with no final underwriting offer or outstanding underwriting requirements. They do not apply to issued or approved cases that are awaiting policy issue requirements, including a Statement of Health.

As a reminder, we have a COVID-19 Resource Center (https://www.myprotective.com/COVID-19/) that you can visit for the most up-to-date information from Protective.

The Path to Efficiency- Electronic Applications

Using TeleLife with EZ-App

PLUS Eligibility Checklist

ePolicy Delivery Getting Started Guide

COVID-19 Update – Underwriting Procedures

Important Individual Life Portfolio Updates

New Business and Application Transition

      • Term Essential and Elite 30:
            • Applications will not be accepted for Term Essential 30 or Term Elite 30 with an application signed date on or after 4/27.
            • Formal applications will need to be signed on 4/26 or earlier to be considered. o Applications signed on 4/26 or earlier must be received in the home office by 5/4.
            • Unplaced changes of previously underwritten policies or applications still in underwriting may not be changed to Term Essential/Elite 30 on or after 4/27.
      • For UL product premium restrictions:
            • To have an application submitted without the premium restriction, it must have an illustration produced on 4/12 or earlier, AND the application must be signed 4/26 or earlier, AND the application must have a home office receipt on or before 5/4.
            • Informal inquiries are subject to the limitations, unless replaced by a formal application submitted and following the dates above.
            • For policies not subject to the above limitations and issued other than as applied, required revised illustrations will be supplied through the home office
      • Applications Without Ownership Arrangements:
            • Formal applications without ownership arrangements (Preliminary applications, trial application and where a Trust is TBD) must be replaced by a final formal application by the end of the transition period

Securian Financial Underwriting Update

WriteFit Underwriting available exclusively through eApp

When you submit life insurance business using our eApp, you and your clients can take advantage of the WriteFit Underwriting™ program.

Which means some of your clients may not need to undergo labs. Plus, they can get a faster decision and benefit from an overall improved experience compared to paper applications.

Clients may be eligible for WriteFit Underwriting if they are:

    • Applying for a face amount up to $3 million1
    • Submitting an application through eApp
    • Using the tele-interview process2

WriteFit1

      • The maximum face amount for WriteFit applicants ages 18 through 50 is being increased from $2 million to $3 million. Applicants ages 51 through 60 continue to be eligible for up to $1 million of coverage via the WriteFit platform. Eligibility for WriteFit is determined by answers to the tele-interview.

Traditional Life Underwriting (includes underwritten policy changes)

      • Insurance ages 71 and older: new applications will not be accepted. Currently pending applicants rated standard or better will be issued. Currently pending applicants who are rated worse than standard will be postponed until at least June 15, 2020.
      • Insurance ages 61 through 70: offers for new and pending applicants who are rated Table B or worse will be postponed until at least June 15, 2020.
      • Insurance ages 51 through 60: offers for new and pending applicants who are rated Table C or worse will be postponed until at least June 15, 2020.
      • Insurance ages 50 and younger: offers for new and pending applicants who are rated Table G or worse will be postponed until at least June 15, 2020.
      • Money will not be accepted with new applications until at least June 15, 2020, and temporary insurance agreements will not be available during this time.

SecureCare Universal Life (UL) Underwriting

      • Insurance ages 71 and older: new applications will not be accepted. Currently pending applicants with mortality assessed at standard or better will continue to be underwritten. Currently pending applicants with mortality assessed worse than standard will be postponed until at least June 15, 2020.
      • Insurance ages 70 and younger: mortality evaluation will need to be standard or better for a SecureCare UL policy to be issued. Applicants who would be table rated for mortality purposes will be postponed until at least June 15, 2020.
      • Money will not be accepted with new applications until at least June 15, 2020; and temporary insurance agreements will not be available during this time.

Updated Underwriting Guidelines

  • Starting on 4/8/2020, these new guidelines will be in effect until further notice for Trendsetter® Super, Trendsetter® LB, Transamerica Financial Foundation IUL®, and Transamerica Lifetime℠ current medical guidelines for clients through 75 years old
  • Traditional paramed exams and labs will still be accepted at the current medical guidelines for clients under 75 years old — the following chart outlines options in lieu of the traditional paramed requirements
  • Due to the circumstances around COVID-19, Transamerica will not be accepting applications on clients over the age of 75 for all life insurance products and unable to offer LTC Riders or Chronic or Critical Living Benefit riders on individuals ages 56-75 on all products and face amounts
  • Requests to reduce face amounts to nonmed levels to waive medical requirements will be honored; contact your Underwriter to request this

Carrier Announcements

Allianz as of April, 2020:

Update as of April 8, 2020:

Exams and Physician Records Difficult to Obtain?

In an effort to help more of our customers obtain the life insurance coverage their families need, American National is temporarily expanding its acceleration criteria in order to approve about 50% more cases without the usual medical exam and APS requirements. These changes are not applicable in New York.
In order to expedite these additional cases:

    • Ages 50 and below
    • Face amounts $100,000 to $1,000,000
    • Paper and Electronic applications
    • Many will have automatic table ratings applied
    • If medical exam or APS can be obtained at a later date, we will re-underwrite to see if better class is warranted.

Effective April 1st:

    • All new business (excluding New York)
    • Including all cases that were submitted in February and March that are still pending an exam or APS
      (excluding New York).

American National as of March 25, 2020:

COVID-19 Faqs

Updates as of April 2, 2020:

Xpress & Xpress Plus

Exams and Physician Records Difficult to Obtain?

In an effort to help more of our customers obtain the life insurance coverage their families need, American National is temporarily expanding its acceleration criteria in order to approve about 50% more cases without the usual medical exam and APS requirements. These changes are not applicable in New York.

In order to expedite these additional cases:

      • Ages 50 and below
      • Face amounts $100,000 to $1,000,000
      • Paper and Electronic applications
      • Many will have automatic table ratings applied
      • If medical exam or APS can be obtained at a later date, we will re-underwrite to see if better class is warranted.

This is effective beginning April 1st to the following:

      • All new business (excluding New York)
      • Current pending underwriting approval business starting with March submitted cases (excluding New York)
As a reminder, the regular rules of our Xpress and Xpress Plus accelerated underwriting programs still apply and have the potential to issue cases up to $1,000,000 at preferred plus rates without any medical underwriting.
 
Xpress

Unique to Xpress (formerly Underwriting Express)

      • Paper & Electronic Apps
      • Issue Ages: 0 – 65
      • Face Amounts: Up to $249,999
      • Underwriting Classes: Standard & Substandard
Xpress Plus 

Unique to Xpress Plus

      • Electronic Apps Only
      • Issue Ages: 18 – 60
      • Face Amounts: $250,000 – $1,000,000 (ages 18 – 50) or $250,000 – $500,000 (ages 51 – 60)
      • Underwriting Classes: Preferred Plus, Preferred, Standard Plus, and Standard2
Program Similarities
      • Available for all individual life insurance products
      • No Automatic Exam Required: Need for an exam is determined based on answers to the application, MIB, RX, and Risk Classifier.1
COVID-19 LATEST UPDATES

Update as of April 17, 2020:

Effective immediately, a COVID-19 Questionnaire is a
requirement of application for all individual life insurance
coverage until further notice. A sample copy of the
COVID-19 Questionnaire as approved in the Interstate
Insurance Compact is attached here (forms may vary by
state).
This COVID-19 Questionnaire is available and is associated
with each Assurity life insurance application in the iPipeline
forms repository, but is not included as part of the application,
so requires separate download.
This questionnaire is not currently incorporated in our eapplication
flow with iPipeline or our accelerated underwriting
process.
Any applications submitted to Assurity electronically through
iPipeline will trigger a separate email communication from
Assurity to the proposed insured(s) at the email address
provided in the application advising them of the need to
complete the questionnaire and instructions to do so with
signature and return back to Assurity via DocuSign.
If the application includes an Other/Additional proposed
insured, please include the email address for Other/Additional
proposed insured in agent comments with application
submission.
ALIC email.htm[4/17/2020 7:58:41 AM]
Please advise your clients to look for this email from Assurity
and complete promptly to avoid processing delays as all
underwriting decisions require its completion.
Proposed insureds not willing to adopt the e-sign process for
completion of the questionnaire can, at their request, be
mailed a paper form for completion and return.
Applications being completed entirely in paper format should
be submitted along with the COVID-19 Questionnaire
completed for all proposed insureds to avoid processing
delays.
Please call customer connections at 800-276-7619 ext. 4264,
if you have any questions.

ASSURITY’S COVID-19 RESPONSE

We hope you and your family are healthy and holding up well through the uncertainty surrounding the coronavirus (COVID-19). While COVID-19 is causing disruption in our communities, we’re committed to making sure you have the protection and support you need.

The information found here provides guidance relative to the COVID-19 situation as it currently exists. Updates will be made as conditions warrant.

Assurity has a team of subject matter experts monitoring and responding to the coronavirus situation as it develops. Assurity remains committed to providing superior service to our customers and is committed to preventing any interruption in our business processes.

Assurity has the vast majority of our associates now working from home, with social distancing practiced for our associates needed on site. All associate business-related travel is prohibited, in favor of technology-enabled meetings. We appreciate your understanding and patience as our associates acclimate to completely remote work.

 
We know many of our policyowners face challenges due to COVID-19. Assurity is working to revise practices to the extent possible to help policyowners keep policies from cancelling for nonpayment of premium.

Currently, Assurity has extended the normal premium grace period for all policies by an additional 30 days. As more state guidance and mandates are issued, those will be implemented. We want to work with policyowners where possible to keep coverage in place, so please reach out to us regarding your specific circumstance at 800-869-0355.

Underwriting decisions for individual life, disability income or critical illness insurance will be postponed for any applicant diagnosed with COVID-19 prior to or during the underwriting process, until recovery from the virus is documented by a clinical physician, preferably including a negative test. Any documented residual effects of the virus will be considered in the ultimate underwriting decision. COVID-19 diagnosis and treatment is subject to disclosure on the application for insurance.

Underwriting decisions for individual life, disability income or critical illness insurance will be postponed for 30 days for any applicant’s known exposure to COVID-19, but undiagnosed.

Applicants for life, disability income, or critical illness insurance who have traveled to COVID-19 related Warning Level 3 or Alert Level 2 countries outside of the United States in the past 30 days, or plan to travel to those areas in the next 6 months, will be subject to postponement of the underwriting decision until 30 consecutive days have passed since the applicant’s return to the United States.
All age and amount guidelines for examinations and labs continue to be applicable. If required paramedical examinations or lab testing is not currently available in the region, or the applicant is uncomfortable completing due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the underwriting process will proceed as follows:
        • The underwriter will notify the agent of the maximum amount of coverage available for the applicant without examination or labs, if any.
        • If the applicant wants to proceed with the reduced coverage amount, underwriting and issuance will continue accordingly.
        • If the applicant wants to increase coverage in the future when paramedical examination services and lab testing are available, the agent will need to contact Assurity for scheduling, underwriting and reissue.
Assurity does not currently offer e-delivery of policies. But, there are options for policy mailing destinations in light of agent/agency concerns that offices may close or agent delivery of policies may be undesirable or impossible.

Agencies and agents that currently have policies mailed to them for personal delivery to the policyowner may request a change to have all policies mailed directly to policyowners. On policies with delivery requirements, agents should follow up with clients to ensure completion and return to Assurity. We will provide a postage-paid return envelope for those policies mailed directly to policyowners with delivery requirements. Assurity is temporarily waiving any agent signature normally required on delivery documents when the policy is mailed to the policyowner directly. The time period for return of delivery requirements is being extended from 45 to 60 days.

It is also possible for an agency or agent to request policy mailings directly to policyowners on a one-off policy by policy basis, leaving all others mailed to the agency or agent. Please contact Underwriting at [email protected] for these policy requests.

Remember the status of all new business applications can be accessed on AssureLINK, including information on any delivery requirements. Policy information on all inforce policies is also available to associated agents on AssureLINK. And, although the actual policy is not available for viewing online, once activated, as long as the policyowner knows their policy number, either by receiving their printed policy in the mail or as communicated to them by their agent, policyowners may view a summary of their coverage by creating an account at MyAssurity.com.

Should you have agencies and/or agents that wish to make changes to their policy delivery destinations, please just have them contact Amanda Crume directly at [email protected] or 800-276-7619, ext. 4615.

Assurity sells many types of life and supplemental health insurance. Coverage and benefit determinations are always based on the specific policy provisions and require submission of a claim, at which point the specifics of the policy are reviewed. Assurity encourages policyowners questioning whether COVID-19 related benefits are available to either access claim forms by visiting Assurity.com or MyAssurity.com, or call us at 800-869-0355 for assistance.

Generally speaking, the following is applicable to COVID-19 related coverage for the following types of insurance:

Disability Income Insurance

A COVID-19 diagnosis is treated as any other sickness. If the definition of disability and the elimination period are satisfied, and all other policy provisions are met, COVID-19 related claims would generally be eligible for benefits. Simply being quarantined due to COVID-19 circumstances or exposure, without diagnosis and sickness, does not meet the definition of disability.

Critical Illness Insurance

COVID-19 is not a covered condition under our Critical Illness products.

Life Insurance

A death claim following a COVID-19 diagnosis would likely be payable assuming all other provisions of the policy are met.

Accidental Death or Accidental Death & Dismemberment

A COVID-19 diagnosis or death resulting from COVID-19 is not a covered condition under our Accidental Death or Accidental Death & Dismemberment coverages.

Update as of April 15, 2020:

It’s here. Legal & General America’s new digital application will make doing business with us easier, faster, and better, whether you submit business through Partner Dashboard, iPipeline or other drop-ticket platforms.

We’re excited to offer a new way of doing business for our partners and customers. Thank you to all who attended our webinar this week to learn about our new digital application process and the many benefits for you and, most importantly, your clients.

  • Gives clients the flexibility to complete the entire application on-line in under 20 minutes or over the phone
  • A streamlined digital application process supported by faster and better automated underwriting
  • Reflexive questions in the application reduce the need for exams and labs
  • Your business processed faster from start to finish

Producers can start utilizing all the benefits of our new application through Partner Dashboard right now and through iPipeline on April 23rd, with others to follow. The new application is available for Banner Life business only at this time.

 

Additional Resources Now Available
Missed the webinar? No problem. We’ve added all the materials incuding videos, the webinar presentation, a program overview flyer and more to the Advisor section of our website. Check it out.

Thank you again for your partnership as we roll out this new way of doing business.

 
DIGITAL APPLICATION RESOURCES

Underwriting changes as of April 8, 2020

***Important*** Underwriting changes as of April, 1 2020

COVID-19 Banner Resource Page

Banner as of March 24, 2020:

We Make it easy to do business

Equitable as of April 1, 2020:

Addressing Market Volatility Concerns

Managing the Impact of Market Volatility

In response to the challenges that COVID-19 and social distancing have presented to the life insurance application process, here are some important changes and tips to help keep your applications moving forward.

New applications

    • Use your BGA eApp platform for all new Equitable applications1.
    • Use our carrier eApp platform for all new applications1; eApp functionality is available via www.equitable.com.
    • Use DocuSign for signatures2.

Signature on forms other than applications

    • Use DocuSign for signatures2.
    • We will accept pictures of signed forms. (preferably in .pdf or .tiff format)
    • When multiple parties are required to sign the same form, we will accept separate pages signed by each party. (e.g. Policy Delivery Receipt) We will not require all signatures to be on the same page.
    • When forms have multiple pages (e.g. Illustrations3), we will accept just the signature page. We will not require all pages to be returned to us.

Voided checks

    • When bank draft is elected, but banking information is missing on a signed Systematic Form, we will accept the missing information by email to your Relationship Case Manager and/or a phone call to your Relationship Case Manager. We will not require the actual voided check.

Case documents

    • The best way to ensure your documents are attached to the case is to upload them within the Equitable Distributor website portal.

Policies

    • Important change: Paper policies are normally mailed to the Brokerage General Agencies office address. We are redirecting the mailing of policies to go directly to the client with a .pdf of the policy and delivery forms emailed to the Brokerage General Agency. If you do not want this redirection, please email your Relationship Case Manager with instructions to continue to mail policies to the Brokerage General Agency.

Thank you for your business, and we will continue to look for innovative ways to support you and your clients during these challenging times.

Update as of April 15, 2020:

We have been monitoring the environment related to the COVID-19 pandemic and the impact on our business. As a result, we are making some additional adjustments to our underwriting guidelines and products. Effective immediately we are implementing the following temporary changes to our underwriting guidelines and individual IUL products.

Note: These changes apply to all formal applications not already underwriter approved (or conditionally approved subject to nonmedical requirements) or policies currently out for delivery.

New temporary underwriting guideline changes specific to COVID-19:

  • Postponing acceptance of all new applications at age 70 and over.
  • Postponing applications for individuals up to age 69 with a rating class higher than Table 4.
  • Individuals with chronic underlying conditions at higher risk to COVID-19, including but not limited to, (obesity, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, lung disorders, cancer, and disorders requiring immunosupressive therapy) will be underwritten more prudently during this time.

The following product change is also effective immediately:

  • Annual premium limit has been lowered to $5 million per year on all Individual IUL products.

Click HERE to review our recent New Business & Underwriting communication announcing changes related to COVID-19.

For more information related to the Covid-19 emergency visit: www.globalatlanticlife.com/covid19

We are continuously monitoring the situation and will keep you informed of any additional changes. If you have questions, please reach out to your Global Atlantic underwriter or Regional Vice President.

Global Atlantic as of March 27, 2020:

At Global Atlantic, we understand the need to provide flexibility in how we process and underwrite new life applications for our distribution partners in order to help you better serve your customers during this uncertain time. All our teams, including operations and customer service, are fully operational and working remotely.

Effective immediately we will be implementing the following New Business and Underwriting guidelines, until further notice.

Updated New Business Guidelines

These New Business accommodations are temporary and may be withdrawn by the company at any time. Non-resident solicitation (cross border) rules and time-of-application requirements will continue to be strictly enforced.

Completing an Application and Submission

    • We will accept electronic signatures on new business paperwork signed via DocuSign or other approved vendors. Signatures will still be required for 1035 exchanges and replacement forms due to exchanging carrier requirements.
    • In addition to electronic submissions, we will accept applications by fax and email. You may fax or email them to: 1-800-262-6976 or [email protected]
    • We will also accept photographs of completed applications. Unclear pictures will be considered Not In Good Order (NIGO) and will require resubmission to finalize new business issuance.
    • If you are unable to meet with a client in-person to obtain their signed application, the application must be accompanied by a copy or photo of the applicant’s government-issued photo identification (e.g., driver’s license, state ID card, passport, etc.). If using Firelight, use the document upload feature to add this additional requirement.
    • If you are unable to meet with a client in-person, you must note this on the application Agent Report and describe in detail how you explained the product to the applicant. We encourage you to submit a cover letter containing this information.

Policy Delivery Requirements

    • There is no change to our 60-day delivery period. As usual, we will send you the issued policies for delivery to your clients and timely return of the policy delivery receipts. Effective immediately, for all cases we will require a Good Health Statement at policy delivery attesting that there has been no change to the applicant’s health. If you are unable to complete delivery due to the COVID-19 pandemic, please contact us to determine if the policies can be mailed directly to the policy owner.

Underwriting Requirements

    • Global Atlantic Underwriting has several programs available to utilize a “no exam, lab-free” opportunity
        • Accelerated Underwriting “Fast Lane Program” ages 18-60, up to $1 million
        • External Term Exchange Program, age 18-65, up to $1 million
        • Additional Insurance Program ages 18-65, up to $1 million
    • We are currently working to expand and enhance our Fast Lane Program using new underwriting tools – stay tuned!

Temporary Underwriting Guideline Changes specific to COVID-19:

    • For applicants age 18-60, up to $2 million face amount, if the applicant lives in a location where a paramed exam and labs cannot be completed, please contact your Global Atlantic underwriter to discuss other potential methods for providing the required underwriting information – for example, through submission of a physical examination and labs completed by a personal physician within the prior 12 months.
    • Underwriting offers for any permanent resident or U.S. citizen who has traveled outside of the U.S. within the past 30 days or has future plans to travel outside the U.S. will be postponed.
    • Individuals who have been exposed to COVID-19 or tested positive for COVID-19 will be postponed for 30 days and will be reconsidered subject to satisfactory evidence showing they have fully recovered. Individuals who have recovered after hospitalization for treatment for COVID-19 will be postponed for 6 months after treatment and reconsidered subject to satisfactory evidence showing they have fully recovered.

Global Atlantic Annuity as of March 31, 2020:

Given COVID-19’s social distancing recommendations, it may be necessary to conduct business using virtual face-to-face video conferences with clients. It is acceptable to use SnapApp or Firelight to complete your client’s annuity application virtually in a fast, easy, and secure process.
Benefits of using SnapApp
Electronic Signature – Clients sign either at the point of sale or via email
Intelligent Data Entry – Highlights required fields based on answers
Reduced NIGOs – Error indicators ensure forms are fully completed
State-Specific Forms – Automatically generate the applicable forms for state of issue
Requirements
We will accept electronic signatures with audit documentation (certificate of completion) on all new business documents. We recommend that you confirm the surrendering carrier will allow electronic signatures for transfers and exchanges.
You must provide the client an exact copy of any sales materials (e.g., sales collateral, product illustrations, etc.) that are discussed.
As needed, you and your clients may email clear pictures of completed new business documents along with a picture of your client’s government‐issued identification (e.g. driver’s license, state ID card, passport, etc.). Unclear pictures will be deemed Not In Good Order (NIGO) and will be rejected.
If you hold a video call with a prospect and at any time during the sales process, that prospect is not in their state of residence, it may be considered a nonresident sale. In that case, Global Atlantic’s cross border sales rules apply where applicable.
All applicable Global Atlantic policies and state requirements apply when conducting virtual business, just as in any sales scenario (e.g., training, licensing, information security, suitability, signature and delivery, etc.). Please reference the Fixed Annuity Guide to Suitability.
We’re here for you
Rest assured, you can continue to reach our Sales, Business Relationship Management, and Operations teams during normal business hours. We are committed to our customer’s experience.

We are following CDC guidelines and encouraging employees to follow our remote work procedures. These procedures have been well‐established over the years to ensure you continue to receive the same level of support in any environment.

Please contact Global Atlantic Sales or Business Relationship Management with any questions or if there’s anything more we can do to assist with your business needs during this unprecedented time.

Global Atlantic sales desk: (855) 44-SALES (447-2537), option 1.

Automatic Reinsurance Capacity and Retention Limits

Update as of April 13, 2020

Keeping business moving forward

 

We recognize the importance of keeping business moving forward during these challenging times. To support you, we have created an information hub with operational and underwriting changes relevant to COVID-19. You will also find our most recent communications housed there. Please use this site as a resource to make it easier to find the information you need.

STARTING TODAY! JOHN HANCOCK’S HUMAN API PORTAL AVAILABLE TO ALL DISTRIBUTION PARTNERS

In order to expedite the underwriting process for cases where medical records cannot be accessed through traditional channels, your clients can now provide John Hancock Insurance direct access to their health records through our Human API patient portal. Please see additional details here.

John Hancock Vitality

NOW AWARDING POINTS FOR AT-HOME WORKOUTS

As everyone adapts to a new normal, we realize your clients can’t get to the gym for their regular workouts. Which is why we now allow members to temporarily earn Vitality Points for at-home workouts. These points will also count towards Apple Watch payments. We shared this easy how-to guide with members to show them how to document their workouts and earn their points.

Product

COMPETITION CORNER: PROTECTION IUL WITH THE LONG-TERM CARE (LTC) RIDER VS. LINCOLN’S MONEYGUARD

John Hancock’s Protection IUL with the LTC rider is well-positioned to compete against MoneyGuard. Learn more.

Protection UL with John Hancock Vitality PLUS and our Long-Term Care (LTC) rider is a powerful three-in-one solution that can help your life insurance clients protect their wealth and health for a lifetime.

Update as of April 8, 2020:

To our valued distribution partners,

At John Hancock, we continue to evaluate and adjust our underwriting practices to account for the unprecedented circumstances under which we are all working. Today, we have two important updates to share.

        1. John Hancock’s Human API portal now available to all distribution partners
          In order to expedite the underwriting process for cases where medical records cannot be accessed through traditional channels, your clients can now provide John Hancock Insurance direct access to their health records through our Human API patient portal. You can begin offering this new capability on Monday, April 13, 2020. Please see additional details here.
        1. Updates on older-age underwriting (80+)
          During this unique time, John Hancock will not be making final underwriting offers on cases where the applicant is 80+. We are happy to continue to receive and review submissions for these clients with the goal of moving on them quickly when circumstances change. For any pending submissions in this age group with a formal application and a final underwriting offer, you can expect a call from your John Hancock underwriter shortly to discuss next steps.

Please continue to check JHSalesHub.com/Covid-19 for the most current information and recent communications. Thank you for your continued trust in John Hancock. We are here to support you, your business and your clients.

John Hancock as of April 1, 2020:

At John Hancock Insurance we have taken the time to carefully review our underwriting practices to determine how we can evolve them in the current circumstances. While our normal underwriting practices continue, we are pleased to share three important ways we’re making it easier for you and your clients to secure coverage during these challenging times:

        1. Establishing an alternative to paramed and/or exam when not obtainable
          In cases where exams and labs are not possible, we may consider medical records as a substitute.1
                1. For the following ages and amounts we will routinely consider recent and comprehensive medical records as an alternative to a current paramed or exam:
                        1. Face amounts up to $5 million for ages 18-65
                        1. Face amounts up to $3 million for ages 66-70
                1. We may be able to apply this practice to face amounts up to $10 million for ages 18-60 and up to $5 million for ages 66-70, subject to individual case consideration

For these cases, medical records should include a comprehensive visit with a physical and labs within the last 12 months, accompanied by a completed Part II medical supplement form. All other submissions will be subject to routine age and amount requirements. Please contact your John Hancock underwriter with any questions.

        1. Expanding John Hancock ExpressTrack® streamlined underwriting process to include paper applications with no need for a telephone interview
          • Submissions must include the application (“Part I”), the medical supplement (“Part II”) and any other applicable authorizations
          • All application elements must be submitted simultaneously
          • The medical supplement (“Part II”) is not automatically included in the application kit and it should be completed by the agent
          • Please see below for ExpressTrack criteria and other submission methods
        1. Providing our capabilities for EHR access when APS is not available
          We recognize it is difficult to obtain attending physician statements (APS) at this time. John Hancock Insurance has electronic health record (EHR) access capabilities that can be utilized in some cases where an APS is not available. Please contact John Hancock Underwriting for details and availability.

In addition to these enhancements, below you will also find other administrative updates. We hope you find all this information useful as we navigate these unprecedented circumstances together.

Expansion of ExpressTrack process

To help you continue to place cases as quickly as possible, we’ve expanded the ExpressTrack process. 2 Here’s what you need to know:

        • NEW! As we mentioned above, the traditional paper application has been added as an ExpressTrack submission option. Please remember, all submissions must include the application (“Part I”), the medical supplement (“Part II”) and any other applicable authorizations, and all elements must be submitted simultaneously. No telephone interview will be conducted. Please note: the medical supplement (“Part II”) is not automatically included in the application kit and it should be completed by the agent.
        • JH Life eTicket, iPipeLine’s Drop Ticket and ApplicInt Multi-Carrier Drop Ticket for term will include a telephone interview with the client to complete medical questions
        • JH Paper Ticket for all single-life products including LTC rider will include a telephone interview with the client to complete medical questions
        • ExpressTrack is not available with iPipeline’s iGO eApp

ExpressTrack eligibility criteria remain the same:

        • Ages 18-60
        • Face amounts up to and including $3 million
        • All term and permanent single-life products, including the Long-Term Care rider
        • Standard or better risk class

All other submissions will be subject to routine age and amount requirements. Please contact your John Hancock underwriter with any questions.

Additional updates

COVID-19 requirements

        • A statement in the “Special Instructions” box in Part I, Section L of the application indicating whether or not each proposed insured or any household member has within the past 30 days traveled or resided outside of the US, has traveled by cruise ship, or has come into close contact with anyone known to the insured to have tested positive for COVID-19. If travel has occurred, the statement should indicate where they traveled and when they returned.3
        • For individuals who have tested positive for COVID-19, underwriting will be postponed for a minimum of 30 days post-recovery until further evaluation can be completed.
        • Any consultations with medical professionals, or completed or pending tests by a proposed insured, that are related to COVID-19 should be disclosed in response to the relevant questions on the application and/or supplemental application forms.
        • An updated good health statement is required at delivery on all policies.

Underwriting reserves the right to request additional information and/or defer any decisions when there is not enough information to render an underwriting assessment.

Policy delivery enhancements

In addition to temporary changes to our underwriting process, we are also updating our policy delivery process to accommodate our many partners who are now working remotely. Details are available here.

New webpage for COVID-19 related information

We know you need easy access to the most current information. In an effort to centralize important updates and spare your inboxes from multiple emails, we created a COVID-19 information hub on JHSalesHub.com where you can find answers to many of your questions as well as a repository of our recent communications.

Electronic Submission Reminder as of  April 20, 2020:

In the past couple of weeks, Mutual of Omaha has made two important changes to help you and your distribution with your application submission process:

  1. Both of our IUL products can now be submitted electronically through iPipeline and the Speed eTicket
  2. We raised our Accelerated Underwriting max from $1mm to $2mm

I also want to remind you of a few other eSolution opportunities for your agents that are selling our life products.  While we have a very deep fully underwritten portfolio of products, we also have a complete portfolio of simplified issue products.  These products may be what your clients are asking for and needing in this COVID-19 environment.  We are very proud to offer your clients our iGO® e-Application solution for almost all our simplified issue products, many of which offer instant decision, with an email signature process, there are still scenarios or products where a paper application is still necessary. One of those products is our highly competitive IUL Express.

That is why I wanted to remind you Mutual of Omaha’s Life Underwriting department will allow you to complete PDF copies of any life application and capture signatures using one of the five methods below.

This is GREAT news for your potential IUL Express clients because you can offer one of the most innovative products on the market that will prove quite challenging to be replaced (should another agent contact your client after the sale has been made). Best part is that IUL Express is a TRULY SIMPLIFIED ISSUE product, meaning no labs and no paramed needed.

To illustrate how simple and easy the process is, we have created two videos that can walk you through either the full sales process and one that just highlights how to apply signatures with DocuSign®. The third link below is a training video to walk through the competitive features of IUL Express.

While you should always follow your Marketing Organization’s preferred application submission process, we wanted to remind you that we will allow Paper Applications & Requirements to be Submitted via Email. Click the link to view the submission guidelines.

As a reminder, below are all the accepted electronic signature methods along with information on how to submit paper applications to us through email, if applicable.

Accepted Electronic Signature Methods for New Business

  • DocuSign®
  • Adobe eSign (formerly EchoSign) – desktop version only, mobile version is not approved
  • OneSpan (formerly Esign Life or Silanis)
  • Alpha Trust
  • Paperless Solutions Group

Update as of April 14, 2020:

Throughout the rapidly evolving pandemic, Mutual of Omaha has been continuously evaluating our underwriting and new business practices to support business continuity, deliver a consistently high level of service, and maintain our financial strength.

As a result, effective Wednesday, April 15, 2020, we are implementing the following temporary changes to our life insurance underwriting guidelines. These changes apply to all fully-underwritten life insurance cases that are not already approved or issued. This includes any newly submitted and pending in-house cases, whether formal or informal.

·         Postponements Due to International Travel
All fully-underwritten life insurance cases where the proposed insured has plans to travel internationally between now and the end of the year will be postponed. These postponed cases may be considered after all international travel is complete, the proposed insured has been back in the United States for a minimum of 30 days, and no further international travel is planned this year.

We will continue to monitor this situation and make adjustments as warranted.

·         Postponements Based on Insured’s Issue Age
We will be postponing all fully-underwritten life insurance cases in the following categories:

o    If the individual is age 70 and above

o    If the individual is age 60-69 and is rated greater than a Table 2. We will also be temporarily suspending the FIT Underwriting Credit Program for all insureds age 60-69.

The temporary changes above are in addition to the guidance on COVID-19 announced on March 24th which postpones underwriting if the proposed insured has traveled or resided outside of the U.S. within the past 30 days, if the proposed insured or any member of his or her household has come into close contact with anyone known to have tested positive for COVID-19, or if the insured has tested positive for COVID-19 or has been hospitalized or quarantined for the virus.

Thank you for your flexibility and understanding as we all continue to adapt to changing conditions. We hope to be able to return to normal as soon as possible.

Update as of April 10, 2020:

State government social distancing responses change daily, and it is increasingly difficult to know which of our distribution partners have the ability to maintain back office support for policy receipt and delivery. We also understand that any back-office support you have available today may be forced to discontinue tomorrow as the situation continues to evolve. Therefore, as an interim solution, we will begin mailing all Disability, Critical Illness and Accidental Death insurance policies direct to our customers effective April 11, 2020.

This change is being implemented with the best interests of our customers and distribution partners in mind to ensure timely policy delivery to our customers in this ever-changing environment. We ask that you work with us to adapt to this new delivery process in the short term as we continue to explore other delivery solutions. However, respecting your business model is important to us. If this change will significantly impact your business, please contact your Sales Director immediately to request an exception to this process. Please know that this may take 3-5 business days.

We have received several requests to email pdfs of the policy output in lieu of having an e-delivery option. Logistically, we are not in a position, at this time, to offer widespread emailing of policies; however, we are exploring this option.

We continue to identify solutions for mailing policies directly to customers on all remaining product lines. Policy delivery updates on our remaining products, as well as pdf delivery options, will be provided as they are available.

Updated DI, CI and AD Policy Output Procedures
Beginning April 11, 2020, all DI, CI and AD insurance policies with or without delivery requirements will be mailed directly to the policyholder. Your agency and producers will not receive a copy.

·         An email will be sent to your office contact at time of policy issue listing any needed delivery requirements. A copy of the delivery requirements will not be attached.

·         All delivery requirements will be included in the policy output package.

·         Case Monitoring will reflect all outstanding and received delivery requirements.

·         Options to send back delivery requirements include:

o    By mail: A return envelope will be included for the customer to return to our home office.

o    By fax: 402-997-1805

o    By email: [email protected] Note: Please reference the FAQ on how to send emails securely.

If you have any questions on these new process improvements not identified in this FAQ, please contact your underwriting and new business teams at 1-800-775-7896.

Breathe Easier Flyer

Accepting Remote Applications

Update as of April 20, 2020:

NEW BUSINESS REQUIREMENTS: CLARIFICATION

As we adapt to the new way of doing business, we are updating our business requirements so that we may continue to offer the best protection for your customer. Faced with the health crisis caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, a copy of the good health attestation, which can be found on the policy delivery receipt, must be returned by the client.  As a reminder, this has always been part of our new business process.

Beginning 4/20, we will now require that policy delivery receipts be returned for all life policies. This requirement will stay in effect through the end of the pandemic.

Update as of April 15, 2020:

WITH CHANGE COMES OPPORTUNITY

IRA CONTRIBUTIONS FOR 2019 EXTENDED TO JULY 15

IRAs play an important role in helping your clients achieve long-term financial goals. With the extension of tax season, this window of opportunity remains open.

On March 18, 2020, in response to the President’s COVID-19 Emergency Declaration, the Department of the Treasury and the Internal Revenue Service issued a Notice extending the normal Federal tax filing deadline from April 15 to July 15. In addition to extending the Federal filing deadline this notice also allows…

    • Tax deductible IRA contributions for 2019
    • Tax deductible contributions to a Health Savings Account (HSA)
    • Employer business contributions to qualified plans
    • Employer set up and implementation of a Simplified Employee Pension Plan (SEP-IRA)

…up to the July 15 deadline.

Update as of April 14, 2020:

NATIONAL LIFE’S UNDERWRITING EXPERTS DISCUSS STREAMLINING PROCESSES AND WHAT’S TO COME

“Conversations:” Real Conversations. Real NLG Employees.

National Life Group’s Underwriting Department has made several innovative strides over the last several years, but there have been massive leaps made in the last few weeks to enable agents to continue to serve customers in the current climate.

In this episode, Bill Whitsell, Senior Vice President and Executive Chief Underwriter, and Kristin Cook, Vice President and Chief Underwriter, open up about how National Life is conducting business and better positioning agents to protect middle America.

Watch the Video Now

Update as of April 6, 2020:

SUPPORTING YOUR BUSINESS IN A CHANGING ENVIRONMENT

The COVID-19 virus is having a dramatic impact on our lives, businesses and overall sense of security. While these are challenging times, providing solutions and being of service to you and your customers is what we do, during good times and periods of difficulty like the one we are all experiencing.

That is why we have launched the Rapid Response Center, to help you navigate the rapidly changing environment. This page is your resource home for timely updates on product information and business processing like remote applications, electronic policy delivery and more.

Make sure that you bookmark us! You’ll want to visit often.

Update as of April 20. 2020:

UPDATE TO NEW BUSINESS REQUIREMENTS

As we adapt to the new way of doing business, we are updating our business requirements so that we may continue to offer the best protection for your customer. Faced with the health crisis caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, a copy of the good health attestation, which can be found on the policy delivery receipt, is needed as part of application processing.

For this reason, beginning 4/20, we will now require that policy delivery receipts be returned for all life policies. This new requirement will stay in effect through the end of the pandemic.  While we recognize this as an additional step for you and the customer, it is an important one that allows us to continue to quickly process new business applications in this remote environment.  This extra step in securing new business helps us to make good on our commitment to serve our customers during these uncertain times.

Update as of April 8, 2020:

Partner Outreach

Nationwide® promises to provide extraordinary care during these uncertain times.

We’re all feeling the effects of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic in one way or another. And we want to assure you that Nationwide® remains fully committed to our members, employees, business partners and communities.

We understand there are going to be circumstances such as vendor closures and staffing issues that prevent us from receiving standard medical requirements. To ensure that protection is still available to as many individuals as possible during this time, we’re temporarily adjusting our underwriting guidelines.

What you need to know
Given the challenges of collecting information for underwriting, submitting applications via our Nationwide Intelligent Underwriting process is the best choice. Our Intelligent Underwriting process is being expanded to allow increased acceleration rates for qualifying clients, including those qualifying for the Standard rate class. Additionally, we will consider alternative sources of medical information when an exam is necessary for both traditional business and for our Intelligent Underwriting process. Here’s what’s changing:

    1. Health records and results — If acceleration is not possible and alternative sources of data are insufficient, we will consider client-provided personal health records and exam results that have been completed within the past 24 months.
    1. Medical requirement substitutions — Until further notice, the following acceleration guidelines are acceptable underwriting solutions:
        • Face amounts
          Age 18 to 50: $100,000 to $2 million
          Age 51 to 60: Up to and including $1 million
          – Now allowing Standard or better risk classifications
          – If exams are needed, we will consider a completed physical, including labs, with all results normal within the prior 24 months
          – We can confirm the exam and lab results through digital health data
        • Face amounts
          Age 18 to 50: Over $2 million
          Age 51 to 60: Over $1 million
          – Case meets regular accelerated underwriting guidelines for eligibility
          – Applicant has had a complete physical, including labs, with all results normal within the prior 24 months
          – We can confirm the exam and lab results through digital health data
          – Standard or better risk classifications only
    1. Digital health data and attending physician statements (APS) — We are rapidly implementing solutions that will provide alternate sources of underwriting data in lieu of labs, exams and medical records.Cases that don’t meet these conditions will be considered on an individual case basis. Our underwriters are proactively reviewing new cases to identify options that may be available to continue underwriting without exam requirements and notify you of available options.
    1. Important note about new customers — Our Life Underwriting team is closely monitoring new customers who apply for life insurance, especially those who may have traveled where the risk of COVID-19 is highest. We may delay those applications for 30 days or request additional testing of those applicants.
    1. Important note for existing customers — We want to ensure that customers don’t suffer additional hardship as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. If you are aware of customers who require assistance with the payment of their insurance premium due to COVID-19, please contact us.

We’re here for you
Please be assured that we’re making every effort to keep moving business along as normal. We hope you find these answers to commonly asked questions for doing Life business with Nationwide during these challenging times helpful.

We care about you and all your customers, so please feel free to use the following additional resources, even for those who may not be Nationwide members.

We’re also proud to share that the Nationwide Foundation will provide $5 million in national and community response grants to assist nonprofits, including $1 million each to the American Red Cross, United Way and Feeding America. $2 million in donation grants will be distributed to assist communities in responding to COVID-19 where Nationwide companies operate.

Since 1926, Nationwide has navigated these kinds of unexpected events many times, and we are strong, stable and prepared to support you and your customers. Thank you for all you’re doing, and we wish you and your customers good health.

North American:

North American’s Digital Doors are open

Doing business virtually

Update as of April 9, 2020:

Increased Premium Limits for IUL Products

Our strength and stability provided by our prudent investment philosophy and private ownership allows us to continually evaluate opportunity and options to our distribution partners and customers. As a result, effective immediately we will be increasing the annual premium limit in all policy years on the following products.

Increased premium limits will apply to the following products:

• Builder Plus IUL® 2

• Protection Builder IUL

• Smart Builder IUL

Read more 
Policy Change Guidelines
North American wants to ensure that the rules for servicing customer life insurance needs post-issue are clear and easily understood. We understand that a customer’s needs may change and our processing guidelines are designed to place the client’s needs first.
Read more 

Update as of April 22, 2020:

 
Understanding the CARES Act impact

The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act) is in effect and we are formulating plans to administer the changes.

To help support your business, we’ve put together a helpful frequently asked questions (FAQ) flyer that addresses the following:

  • Required minimum distributions (RMDs)
  • Withdrawals
  • Loans
  • Deferred compensation

Get the FAQ now.

North American as of April 6, 2020:

More tools to make your business easier
in these uncertain times

To continue to support your new virtual business, we are implementing a temporary solution for policy delivery. This change will affect policies issued Tuesday, April 7 and forward:

    • NEW – In addition to our normal process of mailing newly issued policies to you, within 5 days after issue, we’ll also send policy pages in a PDF file to the primary writing agent’s email of record in a secure email.
    • NEW – We will accept copies of signed delivery receipts. Your clients can sign, scan or take a picture, and send to you. The receipt can then be submitted to us by email, secure upload, or mail.

Remember to check on your state insurance department’s website for delivery requirements. Find out more about how we keep private information safe with encryption and secure upload here.

One America as of March 26, 2020:

Supporting our partners and customers

We hope you and those closest to you are doing well as the COVID-19 outbreak continues to affect businesses and communities throughout the country and across the world. OneAmerica has long been in the business of helping individuals and businesses plan for the future and protect themselves during uncertain times, and this is no exception. As the outbreak of COVID-19 continues and knowing that this situation will continue to evolve over the coming weeks, we want to make sure you’re aware of the steps we’re taking to protect our associates, customers and assets. Read more about OneAmerica’s response to COVID-19

Value Proposition of Asset Care

Tutorial on Submitting an e-app (requires registration)

Updates as of April 3, 2020:

COVID-19: Lapsed Policies and Grace Period Extensions
At OneAmerica, we believe in being there when our customers need us most. We recognize that due to the far-reaching effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, some life insurance policyowners currently may struggle to pay their premiums on time. To help those who have a real need during this time and to address the various state requests and directives, the following procedures are being implemented:
For policies that have lapsed
If a life insurance policy lapsed AFTER the policyowner’s resident state issued a moratorium on lapses, then:

1.    OneAmerica is automatically extending coverage on these impacted life insurance policies until June 1, 2020.

2.    No action is required by you or the policyowner. It is automatic.

3.    These policies will show as lapsed in the administrative systems, Accounts Services, and OSO. The status of these policies will not be updated in the systems — they will continue to show as lapsed.

4.    The OneAmerica Home Office will mail letters to the individual policyowners impacted, and producers will receive a copy of letters to impacted policyowners.

5.    This will be applied to only those states that have requested a moratorium on a state-by-state basis.

6.    Impacted timeframes are based on the date the policyowner’s resident state requested the moratorium — therefore, start dates will vary.

7.    Policyowners may reinstate policies until June 1, at which time back premiums would be due. Otherwise, the policy will terminate.

For policies that have not yet lapsed

For policies in grace that have not yet lapsed:

1.    From April 1, 2020, through June 1, 2020, American United Life (AUL), State Life and Pioneer Mutual Life (PML) will automatically not lapse life insurance policies.

2.    This will be for all states — not just those that have moratoriums in place.

3.    No action is required by you or the policyowner. It is automatic.

4.    We are working toward an automated solution to reflect this grace period extension and keep the policy inforce within our administrative systems. Until this automated solution is implemented, the process for those already lapsed would be followed. This means that the policy would show as lapsed within our administrative systems.

5.    After the grace period extension, back premiums would be due if the policyowner wishes to keep the coverage. Otherwise, the policy will terminate.

**Please note: This does not include non-forfeiture options (e.g. RPU, APL, ETI, etc).

In both cases, OneAmerica will continue to monitor the situation to determine if any additional extensions may be needed. As always, we will continue to comply with state requirements and ensure that we’re addressing this quickly evolving situation and communicating any changes as needed.
Questions?
Please reach out to the AUL/PML Sales Desk team at 877-999-9883 or the State Life Sales Desk team at 844-833-5520 with any questions. You can also access COVID-19 related OneAmerica resources for both consumers and financial professionals on OneAmerica.com

Update as of April 16, 2020:

COVID-19 UPDATES

Pacific Life is committed to supporting your needs as you service your clients during these uncertain times. To help make staying up-to-date easier, you can find all of our COVID-19 communications in one place.

Access Here

FINANCIALLY SOLID

For more than 152 years of service to our policyholders, Pacific Life has helped hundreds of thousands of individuals and families with their financial needs. We remain committed to creating innovative products and services that provide value and financial security for current and future generations.

See Our Strengths

Underwriting Update 4/7/2020***Important***Update as of April 7, 2020

Update as of April  6, 2020

Pacific Life continues to monitor the COVID-19 pandemic, and through it all, we are committed to supporting your needs as you service your producers and clients during this uncertain time. As a result of information changing so rapidly, we have decided to send COVID-19-related communications directly to producers currently contracted with Pacific Life

Pacific Life as of March 30, 2020:

 
Date: March 30, 2020
To: Broker General Agencies, Life Insurance Producers, Management, Office Administrators, and Technical Staff
Subject: Underwriting and Operation Updates: COVID-19
Category: Administration

UNDERWRITING AND OPERATION UPDATES: COVID-19

Pacific Life continues to monitor the COVID-19 pandemic, and through it all, we are committed to supporting your needs as you service your clients during this extraordinary time. The following guideline changes are temporary and intended to assist your clients in getting the life insurance protection they need without significant delays.

Important Note: This reflects an update to our March 18, 2020 communication.

Temporary Underwriting Requirement Adjustments
There may be situations where we are unable to obtain traditional medical requirements due to either vendor closure or limited staff. In those circumstances, we’re temporarily offering an alternative to underwriting for pending or newly submitted formal applications.

For applicants that meet all the following criteria, Pacific Life will use other available data sources to underwrite in lieu of in-person exams:

        • Applicants must be age 60 or younger.
        • Face amounts up to $1 million.
        • Standard or better risk classifications only. Applicants with a rating below standard will require normal exam requirements.

If we are unable to get adequate data from the data sources, Pacific Life may require traditional underwriting methods. Please contact us for more information, as this will be on a case-by-case basis.

Underwriting Vendor Updates
Current social distancing requirements are changing how we complete underwriting requirements. As the situation quickly shifts, we are closely monitoring announcements from our underwriting vendors as well as local and state governments. To see the most up-to-date operational status of our underwriting requirements vendors, you can access the “COVID-19 Vendor Status Report” available on http://producerbay.pacificlife.com/ in the “Featured News” section or by bookmarking this link: http://www.marketing.pacificlife.com/documents/MasterLinks/COVID-19VendorStatus-external.pdf.

Paramed Exam Process Updates
To promote the safety of your clients as well as the medical examiners, when scheduling appointments to complete paramed exams, our vendors will ask whether—within the last 14 days—the applicant has exhibited signs of fever or respiratory distress, traveled to a travel ban country, or has had close contact with someone who has. If the applicant provides any information that indicates possible exposure, the appointment will be rescheduled 15 or more days out. During the call to access the applicant’s potential exposure, the examiner will also clearly confirm the same information for themselves, so that your clients can be assured the examiner has not been exposed.

Temporary Underwriting Guidelines

        • Applicants Traveling From Travel-Ban Countries—If an applicant has traveled from one of the travel-ban countries as found at the U.S. Department of State (Travel.State.Gov), a 30-day delay period will apply:
                • After the 30-day delay period, if the individual tests negative and is cleared, an application may be submitted or a policy delivered.
                • After the 30-day delay period, if the individual tests positive, a statement must be received stating the virus has been cleared and is required prior to submitting an application or delivering a policy.
        • A Certificate of Health or Good Health Statement is required on delivery for:
                • Applicants age 60 and older if the face amount is $250,000 or higher.
                • All rated policies, regardless of age or face amount.

Ongoing Support and Service
We are supporting our employees by ensuring they are set up to work in a safe and effective work-from-home environment and are pleased to report that our work force is fully operational in a remote capacity. You may experience additional wait time as you call to talk with a representative from Pacific Life, but know we are answering calls and are available to answer your questions.

Grace Period Extensions
To further assist policyholders, Pacific Life is complying with all applicable state disaster relief regulations and bulletins. This includes grace period extensions for impacted policyholders. If your clients are experiencing a hardship and having difficulty paying their premium due to the COVID-19 pandemic, please have them call our customer service representatives to discuss options.

Policy Delivery
For Broad Market: Pacific Life offers the ability to deliver policies electronically using our intuitive and easy-to-use, in-house ePolicy Delivery solution. Throughout the electronic process, all participants are notified of to-do tasks, status, and issues via email. With ePolicy Delivery, customers can:

        • Review policy package, delivery requirements and payment plan
        • Complete the payment plan for initial premium and recurring payments
        • eSign all necessary documents
        • Return delivery requirements
        • Minimize re-issue delays
        • Request delivery extensions electronically.

Claims
We have received several inquiries about how claims related to COVID-19 will be administered. Pacific Life insurance policies do not contain an exclusion for pandemics. All claims received will be processed in accordance with our normal procedures.

Principal Life online flyer

Consumer video describing the process

Video of the entire process

COVID-19 Resource Page

Update as of April 20, 2020:

CARES Act tools

  • Paycheck Protection Program: The latest on federal stimulus for business cash flow. Please join us at noon CDT Thursday, April 23, as we host Kimberly Weisul, editor-at-large for Inc. Magazine and Inc.com. Submit your questions and learn which federal stimulus is available to you and your business clients under the CARES Act. Lance Schoening, government relations director for Principal®, will moderate the event with panelists Weisul and Mark West, national vice president of business solutions for Principal. Register now to join (Can’t attend? Register to get the replay.)
  • Financial assistance decision tree for your business clients. By answering just a few questions, this interactive tool can help businesses navigate what part of the CARES Act works best for them. View decision tree (Use Chrome, Safari, or Edge)

    Social post: Sifting through the financial-assistance options of the CARES Act may feel overwhelming. The Principal® decision guide can help you navigate. See which programs could work best for your business. https://bit.ly/2VAac5e

  • Paycheck Protection Program and tax credit calculators for business clients. Share these handy calculators with your clients to help them see how much financial relief through the CARES Act they might receive. Note: The Small Business Administration is no longer accepting new applications for the relief based on available appropriations funding. Additional funding is anticipated, and this site will be updated as new information is available. View calculators | Share email

    Social post: To help your business with the CARES Act relief options, use these Principal® calculators to quickly estimate the Paycheck Protection Program loan you might receive and how much may be forgiven—and how that compares to the Employee Retention Credit. https://bit.ly/2VoWxhd

Individual disability insurance

  • Relaxed Benefit Update Rider underwriting requirements. Effective immediately and through June 30, customers will be able to get the Benefit Update Rider if they purchase at least 50% of eligible coverage. Learn more
  • Lab and physical measurements. Effective through May 31, we’re not requiring lab and physical measurements for coverage up to specific amounts. Learn more
  • Online medical record sharing through Human API. See how clients can share records instantly and be underwritten in up to two days. Watch video | Learn more

Individual life insurance

  • Rate class underwriting changes. Review underwriting changes regarding rate classes and other underwriting details. Learn more
  • Financial hardship and premium flexibility for life insurance policies in NY. On March 29, 2020, the Governor of New York issued Executive Order 202.13, which expires on April 28, 2020, unless subject to an extension. We’ll be sending this notice to policyholders in New York advising them of their options under the Executive Order.

Group Benefits

  • Rate stability for select renewals. Employers with less than 500 employees and a policy anniversary date of May 1- Aug. 15 will not have a rate increase. Learn more
  • Financial hardship and premium flexibility in NY. On March 29, 2020, the Governor of New York issued Executive Order 202.13, which expires on April 28, 2020, unless subject to an extension. If a policyholder is unable to make a premium payment due to a demonstrated financial hardship, the insurer will allow premium to be paid over a 12-month period. This will include any notices of cancellation due to nonpayment in effect prior to the date of the Executive Order.

Nonqualified Deferred Comp

  • Addressing uncertainty with nonqualified deferred comp plans. Help answer questions plan sponsors may have regarding 457(b) plans, plans governed by 409A, and unforeseeable emergencies with these plans. Get Q&As

Update as of April 17, 2020:

CARES Act tools

    • Paycheck Protection Program: The latest on federal stimulus for business cash flow. Please join us at noon CDT Thursday, April 23, as we host Kimberly Weisul, editor-at-large for Inc. Magazine and Inc.com. Submit your questions and learn which federal stimulus is available to you and your business clients under the CARES Act. Lance Schoening, government relations director for Principal®, will moderate the event with panelists Weisul and Mark West, national vice president of business solutions for Principal. Register now to join (Can’t attend? Register to get the replay.)
    • Financial assistance decision tree for your business clients. By answering just a few questions, this interactive tool can help businesses navigate what part of the CARES Act works best for them. View decision tree (Use Chrome, Safari, or Edge)Social post: Sifting through the financial-assistance options of the CARES Act may feel overwhelming. The Principal® decision guide can help you navigate. See which programs could work best for your business. https://bit.ly/2VAac5e
    • Paycheck Protection Program and tax credit calculators for business clients. Share these handy calculators with your clients to help them see how much financial relief through the CARES Act they might receive. Note: The Small Business Administration is no longer accepting new applications for the relief based on available appropriations funding. Additional funding is anticipated, and this site will be updated as new information is available. View calculators | Share emailSocial post: To help your business with the CARES Act relief options, use these Principal® calculators to quickly estimate the Paycheck Protection Program loan you might receive and how much may be forgiven—and how that compares to the Employee Retention Credit. https://bit.ly/2VoWxhd

Individual disability insurance

    • Relaxed Benefit Update Rider underwriting requirements. Effective immediately and through June 30, customers will be able to get the Benefit Update Rider if they purchase at least 50% of eligible coverage. Learn more
    • Lab and physical measurements. Effective through May 31, we’re not requiring lab and physical measurements for coverage up to specific amounts. Learn more
    • Online medical record sharing through Human API. See how clients can share records instantly and be underwritten in up to two days. Watch video | Learn more

Individual life insurance

    • Rate class underwriting changes. Review underwriting changes regarding rate classes and other underwriting details. Learn more
    • Financial hardship and premium flexibility for life insurance policies in NY. On March 29, 2020, the Governor of New York issued Executive Order 202.13, which expires on April 28, 2020, unless subject to an extension. We’ll be sending this notice to policyholders in New York advising them of their options under the Executive Order.

Group Benefits

    • Rate stability for select renewals. Employers with less than 500 employees and a policy anniversary date of May 1- Aug. 15 will not have a rate increase. Learn more
    • Financial hardship and premium flexibility in NY. On March 29, 2020, the Governor of New York issued Executive Order 202.13, which expires on April 28, 2020, unless subject to an extension. If a policyholder is unable to make a premium payment due to a demonstrated financial hardship, the insurer will allow premium to be paid over a 12-month period. This will include any notices of cancellation due to nonpayment in effect prior to the date of the Executive Order.

Nonqualified Deferred Comp

    • Addressing uncertainty with nonqualified deferred comp plans. Help answer questions plan sponsors may have regarding 457(b) plans, plans governed by 409A, and unforeseeable emergencies with these plans. Get Q&As

Update as of April 9, 2020:

We know conducting business is challenging during the crisis and that you and your clients have questions. To help us better serve up timely content as it relates to your business, we’re trying a new format that will help us include more of what you need to know.

New COVID-19 advisor site

No matter your line of business, this site will be your go-to for all things COVID-19 impacting you and your clients—like underwriting, new business processes, digital marketing solutions, the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Security (CARES) Act, and more. Bookmark the new site for future reference. If you need to log in to the advisor site and forgot your password, call (800) 554-3395.

      • The CARES Act and what it means for your clients. Get details for business owners and individuals. Coming by next week: New handy calculators to help your clients decide which financial relief options available through the Small Business Administration will work best for them. Check this page often for these and other tools to help businesses sift through the details of the CARES Act.

Individual disability insurance

      • Important Benefit Update Rider information. We’ve temporarily relaxed our underwriting requirements to purchase the Benefit Update Rider on new policies as well as the acceptance requirements for existing policies. Learn more
      • Help clients share medical records through Human API. See how clients can share records instantly and be underwritten in up to two days. Learn more
      • Other important details regarding doing business. Review additional guidance regarding temporary underwriting adjustments, extended grace periods, and digital solutions to help during COVID-19. Learn more

Individual life insurance

      • Underwriting frequently asked questions. Get answers to the popular questions we’re getting. Learn more
      • Submitting new business. To help make it easier for you during this time of working remotely, we’re accepting photographs of all documents/signatures for all states.
      • Other important details regarding doing business. Review additional guidance regarding temporary underwriting adjustments, extended grace periods, and digital solutions to help during COVID-19. Learn more

Group Benefits

      • Rate stability for select renewals. To help during these challenging times, we’re simplifying renewal conversations for small business owners. Learn more
      • Employee Assistance Program (EAP) support. Principal® and Magellan are extending telephonic EAP support to all group benefit customers during COVID-19. Contact Magellan Healthcare 24/7 at (800) 450-1327 for free, confidential consultation services.
      • Financial hardship and premium flexibility for life insurance policies in NY. On March 29, 2020, the Governor of New York issued Executive Order 202.13, which expires on April 28, 2020, unless subject to an extension. If a policyholder is unable to make a premium payment due to a demonstrated financial hardship, the insurer will allow premium to be paid over a 12-month period. This will include any notices of cancellation due to nonpayment in effect prior to the date of the Executive Order.

Nonqualified Deferred Comp

Update as of April 8, 2020:

Help clients share medical records instantly

Getting medical records in the traditional way for life insurance underwriting can often take weeks. We’re excited to share that Principal® is now working with Human API to allow clients to share their medical records electronically when needed. Digital records are available to the underwriter in minutes rather than weeks. This safe and secure method keeps information protected and allows the process to keep moving.

Watch a video from Human API to see the experience your clients will have.

Term life policies to be electronically delivered

 
Review our current service times

Recent news

Electronic delivery of policies makes getting the policy into the hands of the client faster and easier. Most financial institutions we do business with have approved our eDelivery solution. A small number have not (listed below). We’ll continue to work with each firm to gain approval of our eDelivery. In the meantime, starting May 4, all Principal® Term policies you write through any of these firms will be electronically delivered to your office. You’ll then need to print and physically deliver these policies to the client.

        • BBVA Securities Inc
        • Cadaret, Grant & Co Inc
        • Fifth Third Securities Inc
        • HD Vest Investment Securities Inc
        • MMC Securities LLC
        • Oppenheimer & Co Inc
        • RBC Capital Markets LLC
        • Stifel Nicolaus & Company, Incorporated
        • Suntrust Investment Services Inc
        • US BANCORP Investments Inc

Learn more about Principal® Life Online, our digital term solution.

Electronic signatures make doing business from a distance easier

The current working environment favors electronic ways of doing business when face-to-face interactions isn’t an option. Electronic signature (eSignature) is a tool to help you manage your business with your clients during these times of self-distancing and beyond.

Get details on how you can use eSignatures for your Principal life insurance business.

Enhanced online Request Part B is coming soon

We’re working hard on our Request Part B system to make it even better for your clients. The enhanced system will offer benefits such as access without logging in and improved system performance.

Stay tuned for more information.

Protective as of April 15, 2020

Temporary Life Insurance Underwriting Guidelines

Age and rating limitations:

  • We will postpone coverage on individuals who are age 80 and above.
  • Ages 70-79: Applicants must qualify for Standard rating or better and have no significant underlying medical condition or treatment that makes them more susceptible to COVID-19 death. *
  • Ages 60-69: Applicants must qualify for Table 4 rating or better and have no significant underlying medical condition or treatment that makes them more susceptible to COVID-19 death. *
  • Ages 0-59: Protective will consider applicants with all medical impairments through Table 4. Applicants rated over Table 4 will be considered on a case-by-case basis if the individual has no significant underlying medical condition or treatment that makes him or her more susceptible to COVID-19 death. *

* The medical conditions and treatments referred to above include, but are not limited to:

    • Heart disease
    • Significant cancer in the last 10 years
    • Diabetes
    • Pulmonary disease (COPD, Asthma, etc.)
    • Autoimmune or Immunosuppressive Disease
    • Any medication that causes immunosuppression (Biologic, Prednisone/Steroid, Methotrexate, etc.)

These temporary changes apply to all new or pending cases with no final underwriting offer or outstanding underwriting requirements. They do not apply to issued or approved cases that are awaiting policy issue requirements, including a Statement of Health.

As a reminder, we have a COVID-19 Resource Center (https://www.myprotective.com/COVID-19/) that you can visit for the most up-to-date information from Protective.

The Path to Efficiency- Electronic Applications

Using TeleLife with EZ-App

PLUS Eligibility Checklist

ePolicy Delivery Getting Started Guide

Update as of April 14, 2020:

2020 LIFE RESOURCE “EBOOK” GUIDE

Get the new eBook: Doing Business with Prudential – Life Business Resource Guide Spring 2020. Find what you need to help you do business quickly and easily in this changing environment.

View the eBook 

Prudential as of April 3, 2020:

The COVID-19 pandemic has created uncertainty and stress. Rest assured, one thing remains the same—Prudential is here to support you and the clients you serve with tools and resources. In addition to the information in this newsletter, we have just rolled out two websites to communicate how Prudential is responding to the crisis and provide tools and resources for clients and advisors.

Please visit www.prudential.com/covid and https://www.prudential.com/covid-insights for more information.

COVID-19: We are here for you

Resources for working with clients in volatile markets

Making life easy – for you and your clients

Update as of April 14. 2020:

Life insurance grace period extension

Amid current events, Securian Financial’s Individual Life Insurance Division has enacted the following grace period extension for individual life insurance policies:

§  Policies that were set to lapse between March 4, 2020, and June 1, 2020, will have their grace period extended by 60 days, or until the end of the state-mandated leniency period, if later.

§  Policies that lapsed between March 4 and March 31, 2020, are currently being reviewed to extend their grace period.

§  Securian Financial will automatically stop policies from lapsing. A request to your in-force team is not needed from you, as this will be automatically applied.

It is important to note that we are not waiving premium payments. Premium notices will continue to be mailed out, policy charges will still accrue, and we will still accept premium payments. Furthermore, individuals who are otherwise facing financial hardship during the COVID-19 crisis are encouraged to contact Securian Financial to discuss payment options.

We will continue to monitor this program and may adjust it over time to ensure state requests are met.

Update as of April 10, 2020:

Securian Financial has been actively monitoring the rapidly changing current events and evaluating our underwriting and new business processes. We have been focused on delivering high levels of service, helping customers with their insurance needs and maintaining the company’s financial strength.Working closely with our reinsurance partners, we have decided to make temporary changes as we navigate the challenges presented by the pandemic. Effective at the end of business today (4/10/2020), our underwriting and new business participation guidelines will be updated as follows:

WriteFit1

      • The maximum face amount for WriteFit applicants ages 18 through 50 is being increased from $2 million to $3 million. Applicants ages 51 through 60 continue to be eligible for up to $1 million of coverage via the WriteFit platform. Eligibility for WriteFit is determined by answers to the tele-interview.

Traditional Life Underwriting (includes underwritten policy changes)

      • Insurance ages 71 and older: new applications will not be accepted. Currently pending applicants rated standard or better will be issued. Currently pending applicants who are rated worse than standard will be postponed until at least June 15, 2020.
      • Insurance ages 61 through 70: offers for new and pending applicants who are rated Table B or worse will be postponed until at least June 15, 2020.
      • Insurance ages 51 through 60: offers for new and pending applicants who are rated Table C or worse will be postponed until at least June 15, 2020.
      • Insurance ages 50 and younger: offers for new and pending applicants who are rated Table G or worse will be postponed until at least June 15, 2020.
      • Money may not be submitted with new applications, and temporary insurance agreements will not be available until at least June 15, 2020.

SecureCare Universal Life (UL) Underwriting

      • Insurance ages 71 and older: new applications will not be accepted. Currently pending applicants with mortality assessed at standard or better will continue to be underwritten. Currently pending applicants with mortality assessed worse than standard will be postponed until at least June 15, 2020.
      • Insurance ages 70 and younger: mortality evaluation will need to be standard or better for a SecureCare UL policy to be issued. Applicants who would be table rated for mortality purposes will be postponed until at least June 15, 2020.
      • Money may not be submitted with new applications, and temporary insurance agreements will not be available until at least June 15, 2020.

Premium Limitation for Eclipse Protector II Indexed Universal Life (IUL)

      • The maximum amount of premium for Eclipse Protector II IUL policies is being reduced to the greater of 5 times target premium or $250,000 in any year. This maximum is inclusive of both out-of-pocket premiums and 1035 proceeds.
      • Please note that pending and new applications received on or before April 17, 2020, will be permitted to process and pay at our current guidelines until May 29, 2020.

Internal Exchanges

      • Non-underwritten internal exchanges for individuals age 81 and older are not available. If you need assistance with an existing contract, please contact the inforce case design team at [email protected] or 651-665-3746.

As a mutual holding company, we take a long-term approach that positions us strongly regardless of what happens in the economy. We do not take making these changes lightly and have done so after much consideration of the potential business hurdles. We expect to re-visit these changes and others as we continue to learn more about the pandemic.

During unprecedented times like these, we are grateful for strong relationships. Thank you for your business as we navigate these uncertain times.

Update as of April6, 2020:

Update to SBLI’s Response to COVID-19

Important Note: This reflects an update to our March 26, 2020 communication.

SBLI continues to closely monitor the COVID-19 pandemic on a daily basis, and we will provide you with underwriting and operational updates as things change.

Underwriting Operations Update

There continues to be no disruption to our business processing operations in Underwriting and New Business. We have taken action to ensure that we continue to underwrite and process new applications, claims, and other payments on schedule and as quickly as possible.

In regards to our Underwriting updates, please note the following guidelines. Effective April 6, 2020:

  • Any proposed insured who has recently returned from any country listed on the CDC website will be postponed for 30 days immediately following their return and must show no signs of COVID-19 or positive test results. Any proposed insured with future travel to any of these countries will be postponed for 30 days after they return and must show no signs, symptoms, or positive COVID-19 test results.
  • A statement of health will be required on all cases going forward on policy delivery and must be signed and returned.
  • Until further notice, we are temporarily suspending taking cash with an application to bind coverage under the Conditional Receipt and for the State of Kansas only, the Temporary Insurance Agreement.
  • We still have no plans at this time to make any changes to our Accelerated Underwriting program parameters.

Customer Service/Payment Processing

  • SBLI is continuing all billing and premium payment processing as quickly as possible.  This includes ACH and Lockbox processing.
  • SBLI is also providing leniency for all overdue premium payments, extending the lapse date by 60 days from the paid-to date.  This applies to all 50 states.

Vendor Information

  • Tele-meds: The tele-med interview service from our vendors is continuing as usual and remains up to date.
  • Medical records: We are continuing to receive medical records daily from our medical retrieval vendors, but we are monitoring any facility closures. If we are unable to obtain records, we will review submitted applications on a case-by-case basis.
  • Laboratory Processing: Our laboratory processing is up to date and business is continuing as usual.
  • Exams: Our paramedical examiners are continuing to operate and have safety protocols in place.  They are managing and assigning cases, updating status records, and answering phones and responding to questions.  Their overall operations continue to be challenged with exam completion in certain localized markets and have had to suspend services in certain areas, such as Vermont.

E-policy Delivery System

We are continuing to evaluate our policy printing and mailing service; and in the interim, we strongly encourage the use of our e-policy delivery system. This enables the policy owner to accept, sign, and pay for the policy online, as well as fulfill any state delivery requirements without any human contact. If you’d like your agency to be set up or if you need any additional information or training on our e-policy delivery system and process, please contact our Brokerage Sales Desk at 1-888-224-7254 (option 1) or email [email protected] for assistance with this.

 

COVID-19 ACCOMMODATIONS FOR ANNUITIES

Dear Business Partners,

As The Standard continues navigating the challenges of COVID-19, we are making some changes to our processes to make it easier for you to do business with us. Starting now through June 1, 2020, we are implementing these accommodations:

    • Paperwork — The Standard will accept photocopies of:
        • New annuity business applications and all supplemental forms
        • 1035 Exchange requests and IRA transfers (with the assumption other carriers will accept copies)
        • Withdrawal and distribution requests
        • Death claim processing forms
        • Policy administration forms such as address change and beneficiary change requests
    • Signature — If you cannot get a client signature in person, we will accept a:
        • Photograph of the completed form with the client’s signature
        • Photocopy or photograph of the client’s state-issued ID included with the unsigned required forms
    • Paperwork submission — To expedite the processing of all work, submit paperwork to:
    • Notary waiver — We are temporarily waiving the requirement for the POA affidavit to be notarized.
        • Signature for the Agent/Attorney in Fact on the affidavit is still required and subject to the signature accommodations mentioned previously. All state-required execution formalities on the POA document itself will still be enforced.
    • Contract PDFs — Effective Monday, March 23, we will email PDF copies of new business contracts to both the client and the agent if we have confirmed email addresses. We will also mail a hardcopy contract. Our goal is to make it as easy as possible for you to communicate with your clients and deliver their new contract in whatever way makes the most sense for each individual situation.
        • To ensure we have an accurate email address for your client, please include it in a cover letter with the application.

Our team is here to support you and we will continue to monitor and adjust our processes as appropriate. Our employees work from multiple locations across the U.S. and we have ample work-from-home capacity and time zone coverage. Despite external factors, our focus has not changed — we continue to provide the best possible experience for our customers.

If you have questions, please contact the Sales team at 800.378.4578 or our Customer Service team at 800.247.6888.

Thank you for your partnership and your business.

Chris Beaulieu
VP Individual Annuities & Investments
The Standard

The Standard (Disabilities) as of March 31, 2020:

Speed Up the Sale: Go Online
Your clients are already dealing with stress over the COVID-19 pandemic. Simplify and speed up the application by using these processes that don’t require in-person meetings. 
Go Online 
 
COVID-19 Update: No Labs or Exams for More Applicants
We’ve made underwriting changes to help you sell The Standard’s income protection insurance during this challenging time. Starting immediately until May 31, 2020, labs or exams are not required for applicants of all ages for:
  • Platinum Advantage — max monthly benefit up to $10,000
  • Business Overhead ProtectorSM — max monthly benefit up to $25,000
  • Business Equity ProtectorSM — max benefit up to $1,000,000

Our existing maximum issue and participation limits and income documentation requirements apply.
If you have customers affected by COVID-19, share our IDI FAQ with them. If their questions aren’t answered in the FAQ, contact your General Agent for help. The Standard and your General Agent are committed to helping customers affected by COVID-19 get — and keep — their much-needed income protection coverage.

Update as of April 15, 2020:

TEMPORARY CHANGES TO OUR UNDERWRITING GUIDELINES
April 15, 2020

As the COVID-19 situation continues to progress, we are constantly assessing our guidelines and procedures to ensure that they are evolving with these unprecedented events. Additionally, we continuously monitor updates from the U.S. Department of State and CDC, as well as other local, state and federal agencies.

Today, we are announcing temporary changes to our underwriting guidelines as they relate to older ages, smokers and clients with additional comorbidities. These changes are an update to our March 24, 2020 communication and will be effective Wednesday, April 15, 2020, until further notice. Changes are detailed below.

    • Ages 80 and above: Postpone 45 days
    • Ages 70-79 (all risks over Standard Non-Nicotine): Postpone 45 days
    • Ages 66-69 (all risks over Table 2 Non-Nicotine): Postpone 45 days
    • Ages 60-65 (all risks over Table 4 Non-Nicotine): Postpone 45 days

These guidelines will apply to new formal and informal cases, as well as any cases that are currently with Symetra where an underwriting decision has not been made.

We will continue to require a good health statement on all cases.

Smokers must be Preferred or better, otherwise they will be postponed. We will decline any cases over age 60 where the proposed insured vapes or uses vaping products.

Cases ages 60 and older with the following comorbidities will be automatically postponed for 45 days: coronary artery disease, diabetes, pulmonary issues, obesity/weight builds and immunosuppression disorders.

Please note that for any cases that are postponed, Symetra will re-underwrite the risk and review any new additional evidence after the postponement period.

We want to assure you that we are open for business and our team is here to assist you and your clients with any and all of your product, coverage and service needs.

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact your regional vice president or the Symetra Life Sales Desk at 1-877-737-3611.

Updated Underwriting Guidelines

***Forward Together*** Includes the Updated Underwriting Guidelines, New procedure on mailing policies, and changes to grace periods.

Update as of April 18, 2020:

To view this email as a web page, click here.
MAJOR IMPROVEMENTS TO HELP YOUR BUSINESS
Unprecedented times call for agile solutions. As COVID-19 concerns continue to grow, we want you to know we’re working hard for your business and your clients. We’re making several updates, including streamlined underwriting, reduced nonmedical guidelines, and changes to traditional paramed requirements up to $2,000,000.
Click the link below to see how we’re responding to COVID-19 and the key changes we’re making to help keep your business competitive and running strong. This page will be regularly updated, so we recommend bookmarking it to stay up to date.
Thank you again for your dedication and resilience during these times. Together, we’ll weather this storm.
VIEW MORE

Update as of April 14, 2020:

MAJOR IMPROVEMENTS TO HELP YOUR BUSINESS
We recently sent you an email outlining some changes we made as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Since these changes will affect your clients and how you run your business, we want to highlight a few things as a friendly reminder.
UNDERWRITING AND NON-MEDICAL GUIDELINES
Starting on April 8, 2020, we gave you more options if your clients could not complete paramed exam requirements. This includes non-medical options up to $1,000,000 and additional choices to satisfy medical requirements up to $2,000,000.
SEE DETAILS
NEW POLICIES MAILED DIRECTLY TO CLIENTS
With many “shelter in place” orders in effect and remote working becoming the norm, we’re transitioning to mailing new policies directly to clients to help with social distancing and make it easier for you to conduct business.
LEARN MORE
LAPSE/GRACE PERIOD EXTENSION
COVID-19 is dramatically affecting many clients, both personally and financially for some. With that in mind, we’ve revisited our policy grace and lapse situations by extending payment due dates — similar to how we respond to natural disasters.
VIEW CHANGES
We will be continually updating the Transamerica COVID-19 landing page as new details become available. Please bookmark this page and check back for updates. Thank you again for all you do. Together, we’ll weather this storm.

Tips

Putting policies in-force. Remember that most of our carriers will accept the initial premium to be paid via bank draft. Clients do not need to mail in a paper check.

8 Knockout Approaches to Virtual Networking

Watch – Working Virtually With Clients for the NON-Tech Savvy Advisor (from LifeHappens.org)

Keep Calm and Carry On (With Your Practice)

Life Insurance Does Cover Pandemics: NAIC