National Underwriter Life & Health Magazine October 19, 2009
Cover Story
Industry Groups Fighting Fiduciary Standard
This week will tell whether the insurance industry has been able to persuade the House Financial Services Committee that a proposed "one-size-fits-all" fiduciary standard governing the sale of securities products.
Focus
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Short-Term Premium Financing May Work for Affluent Clients
Selling insurance products can be difficult during good times and extremely challenging in recessionary times.
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Exploring The Many Uses Of Grantor Trusts
This year has brought with it applicable federal rates that are lower than many of us thought possible.
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Making The Case For DI To The Business Owner
At some point in their careers, successful producers take their practices to the next level by seeking clients who have a high net worth and hence, a larger problem to solve.
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Credit Shelter Trusts: It's Time To Consider An Annuity
The investment environment over the last year has been tough on everyone, including credit shelter trusts (also called B Trusts or Bypass Trusts).
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In Recession's Wake, The Affluent Get Back to Basics
High net worth individuals have reduced expectations for their portfolios; and the life insurance and financial service professionals who deliver steady results and make themselves accessible can expect to win their business.
Features
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Health Reform Bill Gets Senate Finance OK But Faces Many More Hurdles
After passing a critical test last week, legislation reforming the U.S. health care delivery system is now dealing with its next hurdle, floor action in both the House and Senate.
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California Enacts Settlement Law
California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger has signed a bill aimed at regulating life settlements and imposing a state ban on stranger-originated life insurance policies.
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The View From Outside The Industry
Suitability aside, industry representatives remain divided as to what a "harmonized" standard should specify.
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The Life Settlement Business After The Storm
The past 12 months have been, to say the least, dramatic. Global financial markets came perilously close to a total meltdown, and in the aftermath the world is mired in a deep recession.
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Close The Case With Cash Flow Analysis
Given today's economic climate, clients are more careful than ever about planning for the future.
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Full Disclosure Indexed Universal Life Report
One of the challenges in evaluating indexed universal life products is determining how the individual pricing components affect policyholder values.
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Dental And Vision Are Being Bundled More
The Great Recession may be increasing pressure on insurers and producers to sell vision plans together with dental plans.
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Are Attending Physician Statement Summaries Poised For Take-Off?
The attending physician's statement (APS) is a core underwriting asset.
Opinion
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Hail Mary Pass
America's Health Insurance Plans threw a Hail Mary pass when it issued an eleventh-hour report that it apparently hoped would throw a giant-sized monkey wrench on legislation aimed at reform.
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The Importance Of Stewardship
The notion that we can remain neutral while others are engaged in practices that reflect poorly upon our business completely ignores the issue of stewardship.
