National Underwriter Life & Health Magazine January 19, 2009
Cover Story
The Landscape For Producers Has Been Changed
On its face, the Security and Exchange Commission's decision on Rule 151A--to regulate index annuities as securities beginning in January 2011--would, if left in place, seem to mean business-as-usual ...
Focus
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For Fixed Index Annuity Carriers The Timing Couldn't Be Worse
The adoption of Securities and Exchange Commission Rule 151A has raised complex questions for index annuity carriers. Answering such questions will result in significant ramifications to this marketplace.
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IMO Distribution In A Post-Rule 151A World
Fixed indexed annuities since their inception have been distributed to agents overwhelmingly by independent marketing organizations (IMOs).
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151A Sets Stage For Federal Regulation Of Other Insurance Products
When the Securities and Exchange Commission adopted Rule 151A on December 17, 2008, the landscape of insurance regulation undeniably changed significantly.
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How Will The Rule Impact RIAs?
Unless amended or delayed, Rule 151A from the Securities and Exchange Commission will cause fixed index annuities to be treated as securities effective January 12, 2011.
Features
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Variable Annuity Sales Slide 10%
New sales of variable annuities fell 10% in the 3rd quarter, to $37 billion from $41.1 billion in the second quarter of 2008.
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3Q Variable Life Sales Off 24.5% From Last Year
Variable life insurance sales with single premiums included at 10% for the 38 companies reporting in the VALUE survey for the 3rd quarter of 2008 were $541 million, a 13.8% decrease from 2nd quarter 2008 sales...
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Value-Based Plan Design: Putting A Price On Health Care Quality
As benefits advisors help employers struggle with the burgeoning costs of health care, cost-sharing initiatives seem to be everywhere.
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Insurance Basics Will Drive Products In The Future
In 2008, consumers and investors alike experienced unprecedented volatility and loss of confidence in most sectors of the American financial system...
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Many Investors In Holding Pattern,Settlement Managers Say
Although the current economy is making life settlements more attractive to many seniors who have lost asset value in the equity markets, it has also made it harder to find investors who want their policies, executives in the industry report.
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Economy Threatens Boomers' Oral Health
Dental insurers are hoping advisors will help them keep the recession from knocking the teeth out of boomer clients' mouths.
Opinion
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Promises Betrayed
It was distressing to see Penn Treaty units put into rehabilitation earlier this month by the Pennsylvania Insurance Department. It was a sad state of affairs for this pioneer in long term care insurance.
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Hold The Champagne
Confirmation by the incoming Obama administration last week that it will support maintaining the estate tax going forward at the same level it is scheduled to be for this year, is good news for the life insurance industry.
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Internet Regulation: Distasteful But Inevitable
In the alternate reality known as the world of insurance, the word "regulation" is enough to give most executives the heebie-jeebies.
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Forgive And Remember
The harshness of recent political discourse should make it clear that a bit more civility needs to be injected into our political and legislative processes.
