Important Notice to our North Carolina LTC Distribution Partners and Producers regarding the Discontinuance of Individual LTC Insurance Sales
As detailed in our November 10, 2016 Newslink, after a recent analysis of the macro-economic trends facing the long-term care (LTC) insurance industry, we have made the difficult decision to discontinue sales of our individual LTC insurance policies in all states.
PLEASE NOTE: In North Carolina, we are discontinuing sales of the policy series ICC14-LTC-15 and ICC14-LTC-15U.
As many of you well know, the distribution landscape for LTC insurance has shrunk significantly since the peak of the industry in 2002. Today, there are far fewer outlets through which individual LTC insurance is sold, impacting the growth potential of the product. In addition, consumer demand for individual LTC insurance has fallen and remains stagnant. These trends, combined with the significant capital requirements of the LTC insurance business, are the primary reasons for this decision, which was not taken lightly.
Please refer to the following schedule of important dates relating to the wind-down of current cases.
IMPORTANT DATES:
- December 2nd, 2016 — was the last day to submit ‘in good order’ applications. (11:59 ET for applications submitted electronically and/or must be received by December 2nd if mailed).
- December 16th, 2016 — last day to complete paramedical exams.
- February 10th, 2017 — all policies must be issued and paid for.
Please note that the decision to discontinue new sales does not impact our inforce LTC insurance business. We will continue to honor our commitments and provide high quality service and support to our existing LTC insurance policyholders and their families for many years to come.
As a reminder, John Hancock’s LTC insurance policies are guaranteed renewable. This means that as long as premiums are paid on time and benefits have not been exhausted, coverage cannot be cancelled. However premiums for coverage can be raised on a class basis subject to appropriate regulatory approval. We do not anticipate the cessation of these policy forms to result in rate increases.
We continue to believe in the importance and value of providing LTC protection for Americans, so as we look ahead, we will focus on offering LTC coverage as an accelerated benefit rider on our wide range of life insurance products, which has become an increasingly popular option for customers in recent years.
We appreciate your longstanding support and partnership in providing our individual LTC insurance to Americans over the years, and thank you for your business.
Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any questions.
Required Information for North Carolina Distribution Partners
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