Advanced Markets

American General

Small Business Seminar Toolkit
Small Business Prospecting Toolkit - access everything you need to hold a Small Business seminar and attract prospective clients.

Reminder: Notice and Consent Requirements for Employer-Owned Life Insurance Remain in Effect
This bulletin is to remind you that the new requirements for employer-owned life insurance passed by the Pension Protection Act are now in effect.

AXA

Life Insurance as an Asset to Stabilize Wealth Transfer
In this market environment, clients are looking for ways to stabilize their portfolios and wealth transfer. Show them how Using Life Insurance as an Asset to Stabilize Wealth Transfer can help them. And, show them how adding AXA Equitable's Return of Premium Rider can potentially boost the IRR on the death benefit.

Using Life Insurance to Supplement Income in an Uncertain Tax Environment
Click here to read more.

ING

Understanding Business Succession Chapter 14: Succession Planning in Family Businesses
When it comes to succession planning, family businesses can present some challenges that are different from those in non-family businesses. This chapter discusses some of the issues in family business succession planning - information which may help you work more effectively with family business owners and their other advisors. Access electronically on ING for Professionals or the Business Planning Microsite using #160746.

John Hancock

Washington Update with Marc Cadin, August 9th, JH Advanced Markets Radio

Marc Cadin, SVP of Legislative Affairs at AALU, joined Randy Zipse, JD, CPA and Senior Counsel, The Advanced Markets Group, to give us an update on what's happening in Washington. Click here to listen.

Lincoln Benefit

Wealth Replacement - Family Plus Philanthropy
Many look to estate planning to minimize their estate tax exposure but it can also allow customers to realize their philanthropic goals without requiring them to disinherit their children or grandchildren. Think this strategy might work for your customers? Take a look at our estate planning customer flyers.

Mutual of Omaha

August Advanced Markets Teleconference Recording is Available
Listen to this teleconference and learn how you can help your clients with estate settlement costs with the proper planning.  Postcard

Principal

Lifetime Gift-Tax Exemption
Many clients consider using the increased lifetime gift-tax exemption to make large, taxable gifts. This Advisor Update discusses the benefits and considerations of making such gifts, and one of the most common misunderstandings associated with lifetime gifts. Lifetime Gift-Tax Exemption (Word doc); Email (oft)

Retaining Key Employees and Helping Them Finance a Buy Out
In many privately held companies the pool of potential successors is small. Plus, there is a likelihood the owner will need to finance all or part of the buyout. Some owners of these businesses would like to have a key employee buy their business, providing a smooth transition when they are ready to leave. To accomplish this goal, the owner needs to both assure retention of the key employee and help the employee with the financing of the future buy out. Retaining Key Employees and Helping Them Finance a Buyout (Word doc); Email (oft)

Executive Bonus with Plan Security
Executive bonus arrangements using a restrictive agreement and an executive repayment obligation can provide an executive benefit that has tax advantages, handcuffs the executive and is easy to administer. Executive Bonus with Plan Security (Word doc); Email (oft)

Disability Insurance

Mutual of Omaha

Business Owner Upgrade Option Now Available for DI Choice at Work
With the addition of the business owner upgrade option, you'll have all the tools you need to get the business owner's buy-in. Learn More

Why Choose Mutual of Omaha for DI?
This Why Choose Mutual Flyer can give your clients peace of mind with the knowledge that Mutual of Omaha is a strong, stable, secure organization. It’s also a fantastic leave behind piece for your clients.

DI Choice at Work is a Fit for Computer Service Companies
DI Choice at Work offers flexible, affordable solutions for business owners and employees in the underserved middle market. Find out how we can fit the needs of a computer services company. Sales Solution

National Underwriter

The Importance of Educating Professionals About Disability Insurance 

As insurance producers, we see firsthand what happens to families and businesses when they are – and aren’t – properly insured. To us, the importance of proper disability insurance coverage seems obvious. People have so much to lose if they become sick or injured and cannot work. Why, then, is it so difficult to convey this point to others? And why do so many people fail to protect their income? Read more

Special Market: Selling DI to Military Doctors
As many of you may know, it can be challenging to provide a disability estate plan for a military doctor. There are only a handful of insurers who serve this client base, which means that the DI market has few solutions for our country’s active duty men and women. Read more

Licensing & Contracting Compliance

American General

Non-PLMA Processing Reminder
Our Licensing and Commissions Department continues to take steps to ensure all agents are appropriately licensed and appointed in Non-PLMA states for new business applications submitted in Non-PLMA states. Learn more from bulletin.

Reminder: Premium Payments and Prohibited Transactions
Please be reminded that the Company prohibits certain practices regarding premium payments and policy ownership. Read for details

Prudential

IA, NV and CT laws update lists of unfair and deceptive trade practices
Iowa Regulation 191-15.11 was amended to expand those practices by an insurer that is deemed to be unfair discrimination. Nevada Assembly Bill 352 updates its deceptive trade practices currently listed under Sec. 598.092 of the Nevada Statutory Code. Connecticut Senate Bill 314 amends the practices deemed to be unfair and deceptive under the state insurance code. Prudential's contracted producers and distributors have an obligation to comply with all applicable laws and regulations. These contractual and legal obligations include, among other things, the responsibility to refrain from the unfair trade practices identified in these updated laws, as follows: Iowa Regulation 191-15.11 was amended to include the following unfair trade practices with respect to children under the age of 19:

Nevada Assembly Bill 352 provides that a person engages in a "deceptive trade practice" when he or she knowingly takes advantage of another person's inability to reasonably protect his/her rights or interests in a consumer transaction due to: (i) illiteracy; (ii) a mental or physical infirmity; or (iii) a similar condition which manifests as an incapability to understand the terms of an agreement.

Connecticut Senate Bill 314 was amended to deem the following as an unfair trade practice: "Refusing to insure, refusing to continue to insure or limiting the amount, extent or kind of coverage available to an individual or charging an individual a different rate for the same coverage because of physical disability, mental or nervous condition...or mental retardation, except where the refusal, limitation or rate differential is based on sound actuarial principles or is related to actual or reasonably anticipated experience."

You should familiarize yourself with the requirements of these new laws. Iowa | Nevada | Connecticut

Notice to Kentucky Licensed Insurance Producers
Kentucky recently revised statute 381.280 regarding forfeiture of property rights for those convicted of certain felonies. Prudential's contracted producers and distributors have an obligation to comply with all applicable laws and regulations. These contractual and legal obligations include, among other things, the responsibility to inform clients of the statute described below. Kentucky law enforces forfeiture of property rights, such as beneficiary rights under a life insurance policy, of those persons convicted of taking the life of another person or victimizing a decedent by committing certain felonies (KRS 209.990) related to the financial exploitation, abuse, and neglect of adults. If forfeiture does occur and there are no remaining heirs, the forfeited monies shall be paid to the state for deposit into the elder and vulnerable adult victims’ trust fund. The above revised statute is effective January 1, 2012. This amended law includes a provision that currently requires all insurance professionals to make reasonable efforts to advise their clients prior to executing a life insurance contract of the details of this law’s provision.

Marketing/Industry Updates

NFP

Product Update
08/15:  

09/15:  

09/19:  

• Lincoln Benefit Life – TrueTerm (increasing min DB to $200K for issue ages 18-45 for all term periods; issue ages of 46+ will remain at $50K)

09/30:  

Allianz

Help Your Clients’ Policies Keep Pace With Inflation

The new Allianz Life Pro+^SM Fixed Index Universal Life Insurance Policy provides death benefit protection and a way for your clients to help keep pace with inflation. Learn more.

Thursday, August 25 at 2pm CT: Allianz Life Pro+ Can Help Fund a Piece of College
Tuition and fees at public universities have surged almost 130% over the last 20 years – while middle-class incomes have stagnated. And with back-to-school time right around the corner, American families are looking for ways to keep up with education expenses.¹ Fixed index universal life (FIUL) insurance can help. Read more

The Cash Value in Life Insurance Can Help Pay For College
Our exclusive new marketing kit shows you how. As the cost of college continues to rise, your clients are likely looking for more options to help cover the cost of an education. They may be surprised to discover how life insurance can help. Learn more

Increase Your Placement Rate
Click here

American General

AIG Reports Second Quarter 2011 Results
Read the letter to distributors from Mary Jane Fortin, American General's President and CEO, and see the official AIG press release.

Volatility in the Markets: Message from AGLC President & CEO Mary Jane Fortin
Many of us are riveted to recent news reports of volatility in the markets as well as Standard & Poor's downgrade of the U.S. government's credit rating. While these events are indeed unsettling, I am buoyed by the knowledge and conviction that American General is well positioned to continue our commitment to be your trusted partner, providing financial solutions that protect your clients from life’s uncertainties. Read more

AG Choice Index GUL, Supplementing Retirement Saving

Using universal life insurance for tax-deferred cash value growth can provide an additional income stream during retirement. Read more

UL Line-Up Comparison
Discover how our lineup of UL policies covers the spectrum of options your clients need.

Aviva

A Promising Way for Young Clients to Control Their Destiny
With a degree in finance, 30 year-old Jason Green understands that successful people have the ability to control debt and use credit wisely. He understands the necessity of having control of his financial future. Read more

Aviva Announces Financial Results for the First Six Months of 2011
This week Aviva plc announced financial results for the first six months of 2011. Overall, our parent company had strong results, with operating profit up 5% to $2.17 billion. Read more | Financial Update | Financial Stability Brochure | Aviva Interim Results

Using Indexed Universal Life Insurance to Build Future Cash Value
An indexed universal life policy with Aviva provides your client with the potential for higher interest credits than traditional UL policies, particularly in low interest rate environments. Read more

AXA

Market Volatility
Standard & Poor’s recent one-notch downgrade of the U.S. credit rating has added to the market uncertainty of the last several weeks. Overnight, Asian and European markets sold off, and U.S. markets opened lower and then sold off significantly. We believe that there is a good chance that we will experience some further volatility in the days and weeks ahead. But, in our view, much of what we are experiencing is a step in the long-term economic recovery process following the global financial crisis. Read more| Click here for current AXA Equitable ratings.

Confidence Amid Turbulence
Provides perspective on the turbulence in today's economy from Mark Pearson, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, AXA Equitable Life Insurance Company, and offers practical suggestions for clients and prospects, underscoring the value of trusted, professional advice in times of challenging markets.

AEGIS Power from AXA Equitable

The newly enhanced version of the AEGIS delivers powerful improvements to make the illustration sales process easier than ever!  Read more

A Letter from the Desk of John Carlson, AXA Equitable
Click here to view this message regarding inappropriate sales practices in the industry

Overfunding a Variable Universal Life Insurance (VUL) Policy Provides a Means of Potentially Increasing Supplemental Income
This can enhance clients' ability to help meet some of their financial objectives. An additional benefit of this cash value is that it can provide further preservation of the death benefit - especially in a down market.

Earnings
AXA teams have achieved an excellent performance in the first half of 2011 with resumed earnings growth. See the earnings here.

Get the Most Out of Incentive Life Optimizer II VUL Life Insurance with the Paid Up Death Benefit Guarantee
Click here for the case study.

Genworth

Replay Available: Ideas to Help You Sell
This call features product information to keep you up to date on our latest launch plans including.  Click here to get more information and listen to the replay.

ING

New Life Inforce Policy Download
With our new Life Inforce Policy Download system you can download data for your inforce block of business in one of two commonly used formats - XML and Excel.  Take a look at our bulletin for complete details on how you can better manage your inforce life business. And don't forget about our...

Trimming the Sails After the Unprecedented U.S. Credit Downgrade
This piece is approved for public use.

S.O.L.A.R. Simplified: Simplified Issue that is!!
While guaranteed issue may be the right answer when everyone in a particular employee group participates, what happens when an employer wants to offer a S.O.L.A.R. Insurance Arrangement as a voluntary, employee funded option? The answer is simple - Simplified Issue. This new flyer, which explains the benefits as well as the requirements for Simplified Issue cases, is available on ING for Professionals and the S.O.L.A.R. microsite using #160381.

S.O.L.A.R. Simplified: Simplified Issue That Is! producer flyer(#160381)
Simplified Issue S.O.L.A.R. producer email (#160484)
S.O.L.A.R. Insurance Arrangement GI/SI Underwriting Guide (#158817)

John Hancock

President Obama Signs New Law Tying Borrowing Authority to Federal Deficit Reduction
On August 2, 2011, President Obama signed the “Budget Control Act of 2011.” The bill had been approved by the House by a vote of 269-161 and it had passed in the Senate by 74-26.  Read more

Best in Show! Protection UL and Protection SUL Microsite
Click here to visit the Protection UL and Protection SUL microsite and find out what makes these products industry leaders. Download this promotional flyer for more information.

Lincoln Benefit

Kiawah Island 2012
There’s still time for your producers to qualify! Learn more

Lincoln Financial

Thursday, August 25 at 1:30pm ET: Lincoln LifeReserve IUL Get the Facts
According to LIMRA, indexed universal life sales were up 47 percent in 2010.¹ That’s a good reason to get the facts on the NEW Lincoln LifeReserve^® Indexed UL (2011). If you have clients looking for cash value growth potential with limited downside risk, this webcast is for you. Read more

July Market Observations
The Lincoln Funds Management July commentary is now available for use. In this piece, the Lincoln Funds Management group provides a recap of the markets, providing an overview of index returns in the context of the larger economic trends and events of the month. Read more

Information on Lincoln Financial

With all of the recent developments in the economy and our industry, we’ve put together some pieces and we’re providing some links relating to Lincoln that might be useful to you:  

Lincoln Financial Key Facts

Lincoln Financial’s Financial Strength Overview

Ignite Your Sales with the NEW Lincoln LifeReserve IUL
Click here for product and promotional materials

What Can Lincoln LifeReserve Indexed UL Do for Your Clients?

Get death benefit protection with a life insurance policy that helps your clients build cash value for the future. With Lincoln LifeReserve Indexed UL, your clients will have… read more

MetLife

What’s Working Now? - Advice from FAs and Wholesalers: How One Financial Advisor is Finding Success with the New Living in Retirement Guidance Reprint of Edward Jones Weekly Update to FA’s
Segment 5 Financial Advisor Brian Donnelly has been effectively using the three part framework: plan for the expected, prepare for the unexpected and position the portfolio for both with his clients. He approaches the step of planning for the expected by, “determining a client's withdrawal rate at a certain age and solving backwards by assessing sources of income and identifying what's reasonable and what's not." He approaches preparing for the unexpected by “making sure that retirement income is a primary goal.” Then he says to clients, “We’ve developed a great plan, now let's protect it against risk.” Read more

Women's Market Materials Available
Check out metlifeinvestors.com to learn about the women's market and download client materials to support your efforts. Click here to learn more now.

September is Life Insurance Awareness Month!
Life Insurance Awareness Month (LIAM) is a great opportunity to reach out to clients and prospects to ensure they have the right amount and type of insurance to protect their families. Click here for details that can help you.

MetLife Term Conversions
MetLife offers competitive conversion periods, with some policies up to age 70, and no restrictions when converting to Guarantee Advantage UL, MetLife Promise Whole Life, Legacy Advantage SUL or Equity Advantage VUL! When comparing our competitors Term Conversions - MetLife offers unmatched flexibility when it comes to product convertibility. Click here for additional information.

Next Steps Brochure Updated
This trifold lets clients know what happens after they've signed the life application. Click here for additional information.

Life Product Pages Redesigned
Easier to navigate with a cleaner look and feel.  Click here to check it out.

Mutual of Omaha

September is Life Insurance Awareness Month
It's a special opportunity for you and your producers to celebrate and to share what you do - with clients, prospects and your communities in general. Read more

Guaranteed Universal Life and GUL Plus Comparison Flyer
See how these two products compare to one another and help you customize insurance plans for your clients. United of Omaha Flyer, Companion Life Insurance Company Flyer

Sales Illustrated Flyer
Guaranteed Universal Life dial down feature helps you close more cases. View Flyer

Dialing Down Can Help You Close More Cases
In today's competitive landscape, price is becoming even more of a significant factor in many consumers' buying decisions – it's the easiest way for them to compare two or more companies. One way to lower the premium for your client is by dialing down the death benefit guarantee, or changing how long the policy will last. By reducing the guaranteed period from age 120 down closer to your client's actual life expectancy, you lower the required premium on the policy. Read more

Sydney 2012: An Over-the-Top Honor
At Mutual of Omaha, we believe in honoring our top marketing partners. And one way to do that is by hosting incredible trips to places around the globe. Read more

Guaranteed Universal Life is Very Competitive in the Marketplace
See how well we stack up. Read More

Product Spotlight: Competitively Priced Term Life Answers
Show your clients how term insurance can provide affordable protection with the option to convert to permanent life insurance later. Read More

USADATA Launches a New Rewards Program
View Details

Protective Life

Email Security Enhancements
Effective August 15, 2011, Protective Life will activate email encryption on all outgoing emails from our Insurance Administration (Policyholders Service) Department containing personal identifiable information.  Go here to read more about our new email security enhancements.Click here to learn more about our secure message process.

Prudential

Prudential Financial 2Q11 Earnings
On August 3, we announced Prudential Financial’s second quarter 2011 results.  This was a strong quarter for the company and I am pleased to share some of the highlights with you.  Read more

Postings on Public Websites
Please be reminded that all “FOR INTERNAL USE ONLY” or "FOR FINANCIAL PROFESSIONAL USE ONLY" marketing material may not be used with clients or posted onto public websites where a client may access it. Our current selling agreement clearly states your responsibility to follow all communicated policies and procedures including instructions concerning marketing material. Each piece that has not been approved for use with the public is clearly marked as such at the bottom of each page. If you feel you may have posted internal pieces to a public site in error please remove them. You may also direct any questions to your Prudential wholesaler.

Term Conversions
Term Conversion Q & A
Looking to Process Conversions on Your Own “Terms”

Transamerica

Thursday, August 25 at 10am PT: Planning for Blended Families: Life Insurance as a Solution Webinar
Without proper estate planning, blended families can be affected by specific, and often unintended, consequences. This includes assets being directed to ex-spouses, unequal distribution among family members, and the unintentional disinheritance of children from a prior marriage. Click here for more information.

Foreign Nationals Mean Business: Webinar Recap

Click here to access the recap and marketing materials.

Two Additions to Our TOP List of Eligible Carriers
American National (ANICO) and Americo Life Insurance Companies have been added to our Transamerica Opportunity Program's list of approved carriers. Under TOP, applicants may qualify to add or extend additional life insurance coverage with simplified underwriting and no medical exams. For more information on these programs and a list of approved carriers, click here.

Update: FAQs on Termination Process for Inactive Producers, Agents and Solicitors
Effective this month, Transamerica Insurance & Investment Group is implementing a review process for inactive producers, agents, brokers and solicitors. To better assist you with this updated review process, we've created a list of FAQs. To review these guidelines, which we've attached to the previously issued Bulletin for your convenience, please click here. 

West Coast Life

Check Out the “IRR” on West Coast’s New UL Product!
Click here to view

Catch the Next Big One with OneStep Life

Many of your clients may be getting started in very promising careers, and while they expect to have higher earning potential in the future, they're probably watching their budgets now. Young doctors, lawyers and business owners often face this situation. But even though their budgets may be limited, they would still like to purchase permanent guaranteed life insurance to protect their families. Read more

National Underwriter

Moody's: Life Insurers Looked Great in June, But…
Large U.S. life insurers had a solid first half, but the last few weeks have been worrisome…Read more

Super Committee: Securities Firms, Health Professionals Outgave Insurers
The insurance industry ranks just 10th on a list of top industry contributors to members of the new "super committee" – the congressional panel that is supposed to find $1.5 trillion in federal spending cuts by Thanksgiving…Read more

New York Department Eyes Separate Accounts
Officials at the New York State Insurance Department discuss use of separate accounts and credit default swaps in a recent life company examination report…Read more

Country: Consumers Saving Less
U.S. consumers report that they are feeling gloomier about the economy and having more trouble setting aside money for savings and investments…Read more

MIB: Life Activity Heats Up
U.S. life insurers researched more requests for individual coverage in July than they did in July 2010…Read more

ACLI to NAIC: Some Asset-Backed Securities are Different from Others
The American Council of Life Insurers wants insurance regulators to distinguish between different types of non-mortgage asset-based securities when rating ABS assets…Read more

California Updates Guaranty Fund Notice Requirements
The California Department of Insurance has updated the notice insurers in the state must provide when they deliver life, health and annuity contracts…Read more

New York to Insurers: So, How's Your Mom?
The New York State Insurance Department is asking insurers doing business in the state to give it any annual registration statements the insurers' holding companies file in other states…Read more

IRS Completes Actuarial Table Regs
The Internal Revenue Service has replaced temporary life and annuity actuarial table regulations with final regulations…Read more

U.S. Rating Downgrade: Insurers Emphasize Continued Strength
The large mutual life insurers that lost AAA ratings from Standard & Poor's Ratings Services Monday say the changes have nothing whatsoever to do with their own operations…Read more

NFP Execs: Tax Relief Act a Headache
The Tax Relief, Unemployment Insurance Reauthorization, and Job Creation Act of 2010 may have hurt demand for the kinds of life insurance policies used in estate planning…Read more

MWA: Bank Holding Company Insurance Brokerage Income Rises
U.S. bank holding companies increased insurance brokerage income to about $4 billion in the first quarter, up 20% from the total for the first quarter of 2010…Read more

Analyst: Life Companies Still Strong
The U.S. government may be having financial discipline problems, but big, publicly traded U.S. life insurers look good…Read more

Appeals Court: Group Life RAAs Fall Outside ERISA
A life insurer's fiduciary duty under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act ends once it deposits group life policy benefits into a retained asset account, according to a federal appeals court…Read more

U.S. Rating Downgrade: Analysts Shrug
A rating agency's decision to downgrade U.S. government debt could increase life insurers' investment returns, securities analysts say…Read more

NAIC Details Social Media Recommendations in White Paper
State insurance regulators may ask insurers to adopt policies and controls covering use of social media by associated entities as well as by the insurers' own employees…Read more

New Business/Underwriting

Allianz

Speed Up the Underwriting Process
There has been a lot of excitement generated around the recent launch of the Allianz Life Pro +^SM Fixed Index Universal Life Insurance Policy, which is why the timing is perfect to review the Phone History Interview (PHI) process. Since this is one of the first steps in the underwriting process, the quicker the PHI is completed, the faster an underwriting decision will be made. Below are a few friendly reminders about the PHI process you can share with your clients so they know what to expect. Read more

American General

Revised Life Insurance Applications and Other New Business Forms
See bulletin 11-059 for complete details on state approvals, transition rules and a summary of changes, as well as links to application packets and Brainsharks.

Revised Life Insurance Applications Now Approved in New York
See bulletin 11-073 for NY transition rules.

Wednesday, August 24 at 8am and 1pm PT: Tips for Doing Business Webinar
Mark your calendar for Wednesday, August 24th and join us for a webinar on EMSI APS retrieval. Click here for details.

How to Prevent Term Conversion Delays
We've prepared a guide for preventing term conversion delays to help you avoid the common errors we see in the process.

Introducing the AG Life Underwriting Impairment Library
This exclusive, new tool helps you easily reference underwriting information so you can correctly quote common complex risks, such as diabetes, asthma, thyroid problems and dozens more. Read all about it!

Reminder: Premium Payments and Prohibited Transactions
Please be reminded that the Company prohibits certain practices regarding premium payments and policy ownership. Read for details

ING

New Forms - Required as of August 1, 2011

Click here for more information

New Identification Verification Process:
Effective August 1, 2011 the following verification details are required to provide information about agents within your hierarchy - this is to help keep the identity of your agents safe and make it easier for you to have your specific questions answered:

John Hancock

Replacement Update in Michigan: Note the Following Change — Effective Immediately — in Michigan
A new form, Notice To Applicants Regarding Replacement of Life Insurance – Michigan, is now required when applying for a life insurance replacement. For your convenience, see below for a complete list of replacement forms now required in Michigan:

All forms can be accessed on JH SalesNet and via the other forms vendors supported by John Hancock. The new form will be available on JH SalesNet on Monday, August 8. For more information about replacements at John Hancock, please read Tips from Your Replacement Team.

Additional Updates Regarding New Life Insurance Applications

See the updated Transition Rules and State Approvals flyer for a complete list of state approvals for the new Permanent and Term applications, JH e-app and supporting forms, and transition rules.

Lincoln Benefit

Stay Competitive with Super Sherlock
Lincoln Benefit Life's medical crediting program, Super Sherlock, is another way we remain competitive in the industry. With improved classifications for a wide range of medical issues and the possibility of improving 4 tables, or 1 class for non-rated customers, Super Sherlock provides the underwriting decisions your customers deserve. Get details |See Super Sherlock at work

Situational Amendment Requirements
Amendment requirements vary depending on whether the policy is issued Not as Applied, has a specific issue date request, is Collect on Delivery (COD) or is Collect on Delivery (COD) that is issued Not as Applied. Read this article to clarify the differences. Read more

Forms Update
Click here to view.

Lincoln Financial

New Trust Certification Form

Life New Business has the Ideas@Work group (formerly the Business Review Committee). This service committee focuses on forms and process review and listens to your ideas. In an effort to be easier to do business with, Lincoln is making a trust certification form available for use in certain circumstances. Form AN07086, Certification of Trustee Powers will be available in the online forms tool beginning August 15, 2011. Read more

WA Reinstatement & Change Application for Life Insurance - Update

The WA Reinstatement & Change Application for Life Insurance has been updated. As of August 13, 2011 form LFF06363-37 will be replaced with LFF06363-37-12-10. There was a change to the state disclosure that affected Juveniles, no other changes were made to the form.

MetLife

New Rapid eUnderwriting Reference Guide Available
The new Rapid eUnderwriting Reference Guide is now available to help support Guaranteed Level Term with Rapid eUnderwriting sales. Click here for details.

Mutual of Omaha

Companion Life Insurance Company Introduces a New Term Conversion Application Packet
The process for converting term to permanent life insurance, in New York, just got easier. Read More

Prudential

e-Payment Functionality Goes Live for Life Policies as of August 22, 2011
We are pleased to announce that e-Pay functionality will go live on Monday, August 22, 2011. Now your clients will have the option of making life insurance premium and loan payments online. All PruOnline registered policyholders will be able to:

Points to Remember

No-form reinstatement payments can be accepted in POL; long-form reinstatements will continue to require submission of a form and check. However, policyholders will be able to obtain a reinstatement quote and the form via POL

Prudential Xpress Worksheets
Effective Monday, August 22, 2011, the Prudential Xpress Worksheet, edition 2011, has been revised. Living Needs Benefit is now available for Massachusetts contracts; therefore, the "N/A in MA" reference following the "Living Needs Benefit (LNB)" selection in Section D, question number 5 has been eliminated. The electronic funds transfer information (account number, routing number, account type, withdrawal date and account owner name) from Section E, question 2 has also been eliminated. Finally, a check box has been added for PruTerm WorkLife 65 to Section D, question 2. The revised form will be available on the Prudential Xpress website, Monday, August 22, 2011.

Transamerica

Update: Enhanced Matching Requirements
This past June, we announced the first phase of an enhanced way of receiving and matching requirements from paramedical, medical and laboratory companies. Effective August 18, Transamerica will implement the second phase of improvements on the Abbreviated Blood Chemistry (ABC) and Home Office Specimen (HOS) requirements. For more information, click here. The initial underwriting requirements chart now includes our new IUL products. To review, click here. Please note that the Abbreviated Blood Chemistry (ABC) is referred to as Blood Chemistry Profile (BCP) in the underwriting chart.

Update: FAQs on Termination Process for Inactive Producers, Agents and Solicitors
Effective this month, Transamerica Insurance & Investment Group is implementing a review process for inactive producers, agents, brokers and solicitors. To better assist you with this updated review process, we've created a list of FAQs. To review these guidelines, which we've attached to the previously issued Bulletin for your convenience, please click here. 

Freedom Index Universal Life II^SM and Freedom Global IUL II^SM (AMB 3877)
To review the new commission rate schedule for Freedom Index Universal Life II^SM and Freedom Global IUL II^SM and a copy of the Request for Agent Number Assignment form, click here.

Stay Tuned: ACORD Commission Data Coming Soon!
Shortly, you'll be able to receive information for your Agency Management System to help you with commission accounting functions! Watch for details in future issues of TransWeekly.

Reminder: Change in Policy Print Cycle
As we mentioned last month, the New Business department has added an extra quality review step in the policy printing cycle to reduce both the cycle time and the number of reissues. In addition, effective immediately, the policy print and assembly has moved to our production facility in Frazer, Pennsylvania. Please contact the Agency Support Center at (800) 295-3990 for all inquiries regarding TIIG policy printing. To review the previous memo on reduced cycle time, click here.

Updated Operations and Quick Response Contact Lists
Please note that we have updated the Operations Management and Quick Response Contact Lists in the "Useful Links" section below. Contact lists are updated frequently, and the date of the update always follows the name of each list. Be sure to use the most current contact lists to reach the people you need.

Weekly Form Updates
There are no new form updates this week. Get the most current forms via Transamerica Forms on TransACT^® (www.tatransact.com ) under the Tools tab and eOrdering section for GAs and under the Sales Tools tab and Library section for producers.

Useful Links

Life Products Contact List  (Jul 21, 2011)

Ops Management Contact List  (Aug 10, 2011)

Quick Response Contact List  (Aug 10, 2011)

Sales & Marketing Directory   (June 15, 2011)

Strategic Marketing Contact List  (June 15, 2011)

Underwriting New Business Contact List  (June 22, 2011)

Product

American General

New Pricing on American Elite Whole Life^®!
Premium rates reducedas much as 20% and attractive new underwriting for our non-participating whole life product.

AG Secure Lifetime GUL^SM Approved in Maryland
Beginning July 25, 2011, AG Secure Lifetime GUL has been approved in the state of Maryland and will replace ContinUL. Read the bulletin for the transition rules.

AG Choice Index GUL^SM Approved in 5 New States Including California!
Beginning August 8, 2011, AG Choice Index GUL has been approved in the states of CA, MA, MO, NJ, VA and will replace ContinUL Extend Plus. Read the bulletin for the transition rules.

Lincoln Benefit

WA Suitability for Juvenile Life Insurance
Effective August 19, 2011, sales of juvenile life insurance in Washington state will require an updated Suitability for Juvenile Life Insurance form. This form is now required regardless of the amount of insurance. The only exception is that it is not required for the Child Protection Rider. Learn more

Lincoln Financial

Introducing – Lincoln LifeReserve® Indexed UL (2011)

Effective August 15, 2011, Lincoln introduces the newest indexed universal life insurance product, Lincoln LifeReserve® Indexed UL (2011). This new product represents an update of the current version with a focus on improving accumulation, distributions and compensation, while packaged in a simplified story that capitalizes on the strengths and consistency of Lincoln. Read more

Introducing – Lincoln LifeGuarantee® UL (2011)
Effective August 15, 2011, Lincoln introduces the newest individual product in its universal life insurance portfolio: Lincoln LifeGuarantee® UL (2011). Lincoln LifeGuarantee® UL (2011) is an update to Lincoln LifeGuarantee® UL (2009). The new product provides the same type of affordable, flexible and guaranteed protection on a single life as the prior product with a focus on lifetime guarantees. Read more

Lincoln LifeGuarantee® SUL (2009) – Heavily Funded Options Retiring on September 15, 2011

Effective Thursday, September 15, 2011, Lincoln will limit the sale of “heavily funded” business on Lincoln LifeGuarantee® SUL (2009) in the 8 remaining jurisdictions (CA, GU, HI, NJ, NY, PA, VT, and VI) that have not yet approved Lincoln LifeGuarantee® SUL (2011). This action is necessary because Lincoln is still subject to the same low interest rate environment that forced increased single pay-type premiums on the new version of the product. Read more

Correction – Lincoln Life Leader Issue 12 – August 1, 2011

There was an incorrect date in the pre-launch announcement for Lincoln LifeGuarantee UL (2011) in the Transition Guidelines section. The Guidelines should read as follows… Read more

Lincoln LifeReserve® UL Product Update

Lincoln will be increasing the minimum face amount for Fully Underwritten cases of Lincoln LifeReserve® UL to $100,000, up from the current $25,000 minimum. This action is critical to the ongoing profitability of the product. Read more

Lincoln Reintroduces the VUL Dollar Cost Averaging Fixed Account Enhanced Interest Rate Program

Reprinted from the May 31, 2011 Lincoln Life Leader

Lincoln is pleased to reintroduce the VUL Dollar Cost Averaging Fixed Account Enhanced Interest Rate Program. This program includes a 10% Fixed Account enhanced current interest rate to help with short-term returns while the client transfers funds into variable investment options using a 12- month Dollar Cost Averaging (DCA) program. Read more

MassMutual

MassMutual is Pleased to Introduce Our Two New Participating Insurance Products
Our (new) Whole Life Legacy 100 offers guaranteed cash values that equal the policy face amount at age 100, and supplemental retirement income solves that are 20% to 30% higher. Read more

MetLife

Reprice of Guarantee Advantage Universal Life Product effective August 1
Effective August 1, 2011, Guarantee Advantage Universal Life (GAUL) will be repriced. In general:

Click here to review the transition rules and dates below to determine which rate will apply when submitting new applications.

Equity Advantage VUL GMDB Rider Premiums To Be Reduced
Effective for policies applied for on or after September 26, the Guaranteed Minimum Death Benefit (GMDB) Rider on Equity Advantage Variable Universal Life (VUL) will be repriced and may be reduced by up to 35%. Please click here for additional details.

Important Changes for Clients Converting Term Policies
Clients who currently own term policies issued with the Long-Term Care Guaranteed Purchase Option rider and who wish to retain that rider upon conversion may now convert to Whole Life 2008 with the LTC-GPO rider. Click here for more information.

Mutual of Omaha

New Guaranteed Universal Life and GUL Plus available in Nevada August 12, 2011
See how these new competitively priced products can provide the right solution for your clients' insurance needs. Read More

Prudential

Funds Updates
Effective August 22, your clients will have greater choice when deciding which portfolios to invest in when purchasing certain products. Click here to view more details.

Transamerica

TransACE^® Surrender Flexibility Endorsement Approved in Maryland
Effective immediately, the TransACE^® Surrender Flexibility Endorsement has been approved in Maryland. To review the previously issued Bulletin and the updated Authorization to Sell, click here.

Reminder: Trendsetter^® Super Series Withdrawal
As previously communicated, Transamerica Life Insurance Company has withdrawn from sale the Trendsetter^® Super Series Level Premium Product Portfolio. Applications for any of the Trendsetter Super Series level premium products (10-, 15-, 20-, 25- or 30-year) must be signed, dated and received in good order in our Cedar Rapids administrative office by close of business on September 30, 2011. For details, click here.

Tips for Producers to Keep in Mind When Selling the New IUL Products
Freedom Index Universal Life II^SM and Freedom Global IUL II^SM --Transamerica's two new IUL products-- require different operational processing than you are used to with our traditional Term and Universal life portfolio. For example, agencies and producers must request a different producer ID number because these policies are administered in a different administrative system; also, note that Agent Net Info is the primary Web site to upload forms and documents and check pending and inforce information. For more information on these products, please review the Guide to Doing Business by clicking here. To read the Product Guide, click here.

Of Current Interest
For interest rates on Transamerica products effective August 17, 2011, click here.