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.

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.

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.

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.

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. 1. 1. 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. 1. 1. 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.

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. 1. 1. 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. 1. 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. 1. 1. 1. Face amounts up to $5 million for ages 18-65
                        1. 1. 1. 1. Face amounts up to $3 million for ages 66-70
            1. 1. 1. 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. 1. 1. 1. Expanding John Hancock ExpressTrack^® streamlined underwriting process to include paper applications with no need for a telephone interview

1. 1. 1. 1. • Submissions must include the application (“Part I”), the medical supplement (“Part II”) and any other applicable authorizations

1. 1. 1. 1. • All application elements must be submitted simultaneously

1. 1. 1. 1. • The medical supplement (“Part II”) is not automatically included in the application kit and it should be completed by the agent

1. 1. 1. 1. • Please see below for ExpressTrack criteria and other submission methods

1. 1. 1. 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

• • • • Here’s a list of ExpressTrack-eligible submission methods

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.

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.

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.

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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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.

• • Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: COVID-19

• • Staying focused when headlines react

• • CDC: Coping with a traumatic event

• • Learn about the steps Nationwide has taken to be ready

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

• • • Pandemic-related podcasts. Kara Hoogensen, Senior Vice President—Specialty Benefits, joins Jim Blasingame to talk about avoiding retirement panic with the stock market and how the government is helping small businesses. Listen to retirement podcast | Listen to small business podcast

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

• • • Addressing uncertainty. Provide answers to questions plan sponsors may have during this time. 457(b) plans | Plans governed by IRC Section 409A

• • • Unforeseeable emergencies. Provide resources for plan sponsors who have participants applying for unforeseeable emergency relief. Deferred comp plans | Plans governed by IRC Section 409A

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.

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 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.

• Platinum Advantage — max monthly benefit up to $10,000
• Business Overhead Protector^SM — max monthly benefit up to $25,000
• Business Equity Protector^SM — 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.

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.