Broker World

Study Groups

LIFE, Inc.

Group Classification: Study Group

Mission Statement: A study group designed to provide a forum for the exchange of information, proprietary and public, among insurance professionals representing independent brokerage organizations.

Year Group Established: 1974

Products Offered: Group’s primary emphasis is on information exchange.

Companies Represented: Each member agency represents many insurance companies.

Doing Business In: All states

Meeting Frequency: Two times a year

Looking for New Members: Yes

Member Qualifications: Contact Mark Rosen.

Website: N/A

Risk Appraisal Forum

Group Classification: Study Group

Mission Statement: A national study group composed of a select number of brokerage agency principals who specialize in impaired risk underwriting. The group’s purpose is to promote the active exchange of impaired risk information among risk assessment professionals (RAF members, home office and reinsurance medical directors, and underwriters) in order to: (1) increase the level of technical underwriting expertise among members and professional colleagues through continuing education, (2) inspire greater levels of trust by fostering improved communication, (3) increase awareness of potential areas for medical breakthroughs or medical advances that will most likely result in mortality improvements and longer life expectancy.

Year Group Established: 1976

Products Offered: The group’s primary emphasis is the impaired risk case.

Companies Represented: Each member agency represents many insurance companies.

Doing Business In: All states

Meeting Frequency: Two times a year

Looking for New Members: Yes

Member Qualifications: Membership is considered for any brokerage agency principal or key person with direct and ongoing impaired risk underwriting responsibility and involvement.

Website: www.riskappraisalforum.com

SAGE Group

Group Classification: Study Group

Year Group Established: 2007

Products Offered: Life, Annuities, Disability Income, LTC

Companies Represented: Each member agency represents many insurance companies.

Doing Business In: All states

Meeting Frequency: Two times per yearwith monthly accountability calls

Looking for New Members: Not at this time

Member Qualifications: Contact Laurie Prevette

Website: N/A

SUB Centers, Inc.

Group Classification: Study Group

Mission Statement: To promote high ethical standards and to increase efficiency and cost effectiveness through the standardization of materials and methods. To foster an interchange of ideas that might benefit each member and better serve the life insurance industry through the collective talents of all.

Year Group Established: 1961

Products Offered: All life, annuities, disability insurance, health, long term care, etc.

Companies Represented: Each member agency represents many insurance companies.

Doing Business In: All states

Meeting Frequency: Two to three times a year

Looking for New Members: Yes

Member Qualifications: Must have a number of years in brokerage and must not be an officer in a life insurance company.

Website: www.subcenters.com

TYGERS

Group Classification: Study Group

Mission Statement: To create and maintain a network of young dedicated insurance professionals whose purpose is to share concepts, learn from each other, develop new markets, establish quality relationships and distribution systems, and prosper through the 21st century.

Year Group Established: 1996

Products Offered: The group’s primary purpose is the sharing of ideas.

Companies Represented: Each member agency represents many insurance companies.

Doing Business In: All states

Meeting Frequency: Two times a year

Looking for New Members: Not at this time

Member Qualifications: Contact Jeff Mooers

Website: N/A

Marketing Groups

AimcoR Group LLC

Group Classification: Marketing Group

Mission Statement: AimcoR Group LLC is a national insurance marketing organization that focuses on distributing and servicing insurance and retirement products through a variety of channels and platforms including independent financial advisors, broker/dealers, banks, property & casualty, employee benefit firms, professional advisors (CPAs and JDs) as well as direct-to-consumers marketers. With the highest and growing number of female principals in the industry, and its 2020 Study Group consisting of 20 second- generation leaders who focus on the future of brokerage distribution, AimcoR continues to lead the industry in innovation and forward thinking. Through the recent launch of its Enterprise Insurance Group (EIG) AimcoR is taking a fresh approach in serving the institutional space in a creative, consistent and compliant manner. AimcoR members share marketing expertise, technology infrastructure, best practices, and a vision of steady, sustainable, manageable and ethical growth for many decades to come. AimcoR is the ideal partner for any independent brokerage organization that is interested in converting individual entrepreneurial success into equity ownership in a unique cooperative.

Year Group Established: 2011

Products Offered: Universal life, indexed universal life, term life, whole life, variable life, annuities, long term care, disability income.

Companies Represented: Accordia Life, American General, Genworth, John Hancock, Legal & General America, Lincoln Financial, MetLife, Minnesota Life, Mutual of Omaha, National Life Group/LSW, Nationwide, OneAmerica, Principal, Protective Life, Prudential, Transamerica, Voya Financial.

Doing Business In: All states

Meeting Frequency: Three times a year

Looking for New Members: Selectively

Member Qualifications: Contact John Ziambras at 866-428-0108, x7003 or john.ziambras@aimcorgroup.com

Website: www.aimcorgroup.com; www.aimcoreig.com

AIP Marketing Alliance

Group Classification: Marketing Group

Mission Statement: To provide our members and partners a realistic opportunity to compete with the largest national marketing companies. AIP Marketing Alliance provides its members and partners access to a large product portfolio along with top level marketing commissions, all without having to validate individual carrier contracts. The goal of AIP Marketing Alliance is to allow its members and partners to maintain autonomy, yet still reap the benefits that go along with large production volumes. By sharing our unbranded marketing, training and staff resources, AIP Marketing Alliance enables its members and partners to better compete with the largest life and annuity marketing companies in the recruitment and retention of agents.

Year Group Established: 2000

Products Offered: Life, annuities, long term care, Medicare supplements, DI.

Companies Represented: Allianz, Allianz Preferred, American Amicable, American Equity, American General, American Memorial, American National, Americo, Athene Annuity, AXA Equitable, Columbian Mutual, EquiTrust, Fidelity & Guaranty Life, Fidelity Life, Forethought, Foresters, Great American, Guggenheim, Integrity, John Hancock, Lafayette Life, Legal & General America, Life Insurance Company of the Southwest, Lincoln Financial, MetLife, Mutual of Omaha, Mutual Trust, National Western, Nationwide, North American Company, Principal, Protective Life, Prudential, Reliance Standard, Security Mutual (NY), Symetra, Transamerica, United American, United Home Life, Voya Financial, 5 Star Life.

Doing Business In: All states

Meeting Frequency: Annual

Looking for New Members: Yes

Member Qualifications: Membership is available to wholesalers, recruiters and agencies with down line agents. For information, contact Chris Howe, 248-312-2602 or chrish@aiponline.net.

Website: www.AIPonline.net

The Argyle Group, Inc.

Group Classification: Marketing Group

Mission Statement: Our mission is to enhance our members’ professionalism and profitability by:

• Developing strategic alliances with top quality insurance carriers and by

• Developing relationships with other marketing groups and

• By enhancing our members’ business management skills through education, peer review, and peer accountability.

Year Established: 1995

Products Offered: Annuities, disability income, life insurance, long term care.

Companies Represented: AIG/American General, Lincoln Financial, North American, Principal, Protective Life, Prudential.

Doing Business In: CA, FL, IL, MA, MI, NJ, NY, OH, PA, TN, TX

Meeting Frequency: Once a year

Looking for New Members: Yes

Member Qualifications: Dues

Website: www.argylebrokerage.com

BRAMCO Financial Resources

Group Classification: Marketing Group

Mission Statement: A longstanding and growing national marketing organization dedicated to serving the independent brokerage marketplace through trusted advisors, both independent and those affiliated with financial institutions. BRAMCO’s people, intellectual capital, idea sharing and business development are just a few of its many differentiators. BRAMCO compliments its partner firms, in collaboration with management at the industry’s top insurance carriers, with the goal of delivering the highest level of consumer value.

Year Group Established: 1979

Products Offered: Comprehensive selection of life insurance, annuities, linked benefit, long term care, disability income, and various other financial instruments designed to suit an array of producer and consumer needs.

Companies Represented: Accordia Life, AIG, Athene, AXA, Genworth, John Hancock, Legal & General America, Lincoln Financial, MetLife, Mutual of Omaha, Nationwide, Principal, Protective Life, Prudential, SBLI, Symetra, Transamerica and more.

Doing Business In: All states

Meeting Frequency: Twice per year plus several sales development events.

Looking for New Partners: Yes

Member Qualifications: Firmly-established. Contact John Kuk at 860-539-9435.

Website: www.bramcofinancial.com

Broadtower Insurance Solutions Inc.

Group Classification: Marketing Group

Mission Statement: Broadtower represents a new standard in long term care insurance distribution management. We have a singular focus to build LTCI production and expand sales success for our members. We are a value based organization driven by experienced leadership, an extensive inventory of risk management solutions, innovative business building technologies and leading edge sales training. If you are already a substantial distributor, our collaborative approach will help expand your sales opportunities and increase your profitability. We stand ready to help all our member agencies, regardless of their current production, build their LTCI line of business.

Products Offered: Long term care insurance in all its current and future forms and manifestations, stand-alone LTCI (individual/ group), combo and hyrid LTCI as well as annuity combos.

Doing Business In: All states

Meeting Frequency: Annual

Member Qualifications: Contact Ron Hagelman at 818-444-7751 or rhagelman@broadtowerinsurance.com

Website: www.broadtowerinsurance.com

Broker’s Health Insurance Network, Inc.

Group Classification: Marketing Group

Mission Statement: The Broker’s Health Insurance Network was founded in 1987 with the specific purpose of providing an effective promotion and distribution channel for the health industry’s products and services. The Broker’s Health Insurance Network includes 20 major brokerage agencies and affiliates with countless years of accumulated experience in marketing individual and group health insurance throughout the United States. Advisors, agents and brokers look to Broker’s Health Insurance Network offices to provide case management expertise, market knowledge, product training, information and superior compensation.

Year Group Established: 1988

Products Offered: Employee benefits: medical insurance, mini-med, dental, disability, health savings accounts/HDHP, international group, long term care insurance, Medicare supplement/Medigap, retirement medical, executive benefits and worksite. Individual health: critical illness, dental, disability income, health savings accounts/ HDHP, travel medical, international medical, long term care insurance, short term major medical and Tricare/Champus. Senior: Medicare supplements, Part C and Part D plans, specialized training, certification and leads. Complementary products: annuities, life insurance, retirement plans, prepaid legal and more.

Companies Represented: Assurity Life, CVS Silverscript Envision Rx, Fidelity Life, IHC, Legal Shield, Merchants Benefit Administration, Mutual of Omaha, Reliance Standard, Security Life, Settler’s Life, Standard Life & Accident, United of Omaha.

Doing Business In: All states

Meeting Frequency: Twice a year

Looking for New Members: Yes

Member Qualifications: Contact Joe Pittman at 402-397-0280 or  bhini@cam-omaha.com.

Website: www.bhini.com

Capitas Financial, Inc.

Group Classification: Marketing Group

Mission Statement: Our mission is to be the premier wholesale life insurance brokerage organization in the nation, focusing on both national account relationships, as well as advanced markets for independent agents. Capitas specializes in matching client needs with sophisticated, unbiased solutions. Our superior point of sale network and centralized technology delivers the strength of a national organization coupled with unrivaled local service.

Year Group Established: 2001

Products Offered: Annuities, disability income, long term care, life settlements, private placement, a wide range of life insurance, and variable products.

Companies Represented: American General, AXA Equitable, Genworth, John Hancock, Legal & General America, Lincoln Financial, MetLife, Minnesota Life, Mutual of Omaha, Nationwide, National Life, Pacific Life, Principal, Protective Life, Prudential, Voya Financial. Capitas works primarily with the highest rated carriers in the industry and has access to more than 100 additional carriers as needed by the client or requested by the national account.

Doing Business In: All states and Puerto Rico

Meeting Frequency: Two to three times a year.

Looking for New Partners: Yes

Website: www.capitasfinancial.com

Consolidated Marketing Group, Inc.

Group Classification: Marketing Group

Mission Statement: Consolidated Marketing Group, Inc., is a growing and vibrant national organization of life insurance and annuity marketing brokerage operations. CMG has built a foundational base of information and experience through the recruitment of exceptional principals who work together in areas ranging from insuring foreign nationals to unique wealth transfer strategies and proprietary premium finance techniques. Through the use of technology we are building and educating at the principal and agent level to increase opportunities for business expansion organically as well as through acquisition.

Year Group Established: 1988

Products Offered: Impaired risk, fixed, immediate and indexed annuities, disability income, long term care, term life, universal life, indexed life and whole life.

Companies Represented: Accordia Life, American General, American National, Athene Annuity, AXA Equitable, Fidelity & Guaranty Life, Fidelity Life, Genworth, Guggenheim, John Hancock, Lafayette Life, Legal & General America, Life of the Southwest, Lincoln National, Minnesota Life, National Life, Nationwide, North American Company, Prudential, Sagicor, Sentinel Security, Transamerica, Voya Financial.

Doing Business In: All states

Meeting Frequency: Two times a year

Looking for New Members: Yes

Member Qualifications: Contact admin@cmginfo.com.

Website: www.cmgtoday.com

CPS Insurance Services

Group Classification: Marketing Group

Mission Statement: We are the nation’s leading marketer of individual products to the financial services professional. The CPS family of agencies is highly respected for consumer focus, the attention paid to maintenance of long term relationships with high quality insurance companies and successful producers, superior service, and the application and development of useful, leading edge technologies. Our employees are insurance experts who always strive to reach their full potential. They are recognized for their importance, and supported in their plans for personal and professional development. We are recognized as leaders in our industry, and we believe in giving back to our communities. Above all, we value our reputation for integrity, caring, and for being winners. CPS is Companies, Products and Service. You can count on us.

Year Group Established: 1974

Products Offered: Fixed, indexed and variable universal life, term life, whole life, impaired risk, fixed annuities, long term care, linked benefits, critical illness, and disability income.

Companies Represented: Allianz, American General, John Hancock, Legal & General America, Lincoln Financial, MetLife, Minnesota Life, Principal, Protective Life, Symetra, United of Omaha and many others.

Doing Business In: All states

Meeting Frequency: Two times a year

Looking for New Members: Yes

Member Qualifications: Contact group for information.

Website: www.cpsinsurance.com

Diversified Marketing Group, Inc.

Group Classification: Marketing Group

Mission Statement: The mission of the Diversified Marketing Group, Inc. (DMG) is to enhance the ability of its member agencies to do life, long term care, health insurance and annuity business. The representation of all member agencies through one central marketing organization enables each DMG-affiliated agency to achieve power in negotiating and retaining contracts without individual agency production requirements. DMG affiliated agencies are encouraged to cooperate and extend the availability of companies they represent to other member agencies.

Year Group Established: 1986

Products Offered: Life, health, annuities, and long term care insurance.

Companies Represented: Accordia Life & Annuity Company, AGLA, Allianz Life, American General, American General of New York, American National, American National Life Insurance NY, Assurity Life, AXA Equitable, Banner, Companion Life, Foresters, Genworth, Genworth Life Insurance Company NY, John Hancock, John Hancock Life Insurance Company NY, Lafayette Life, Legal & General America, Life of the South Insurance Company, LifeSecure, Lincoln Life & Annuity Insurance Company NY, Lincoln National, MassMutual, Medico, MetLife, MetLife NY, Minnesota Life, National Benefit Life, National Life Group, Nationwide, Nationwide Life–NY, New York Life, North American Company, Pacific Beacon Life Reassur, Penn Mutual, Principal,  Principal Life–NY, Principal National Life, Protective Life, Protective Life–NY, Prudential, Prudential Life–NY, ReliaStar Life, ReliaStar Life–NY, Sagicor, SBLI, Securian Life, Symetra, Transamerica Financial Life, Transamerica Life, Transamerica Life–NY, United Home Life, United of Omaha, Voya Financial, William Penn Life of NY.  (While DMG may not be directly licensed with all companies listed, shareholder/member agencies are.)

Doing Business In: All states

Meeting Frequency: Once a year

Looking for New Members: Yes

Member Qualifications: BGAs

Website: www.dmgusa.org

Insurance Designers of  America, LLC

Group Classification: Marketing Group

Mission Statement: IDA’s mission is to foster working relationships between our members, service providers, and carrier partners that are unsurpassed in the insurance industry. In so doing, IDA will recruit new agencies based upon their reputation for the highest level of ethical behavior and professionalism by the carriers they represent and the independent agents they support. IDA is further committed to provide its members with top contracts from the highest quality carriers that offer the most competitive products available in America. IDA will be the best partner to its members and carriers, helping them to prosper and grow through honesty, transparency, market intelligence, collaboration and understanding.

Year Group Established: 1986

Products Offered: Fixed, variable and indexed annuities, traditional whole life, universal life, variable universal life, indexed universal life, term, linked benefit products, final expense, long term care, disability income, health supplements, and group products.

Companies Represented: Accordia Life, American General, Ameritas, Athene, AXA Equitable, Companion Life, Genworth, Gerber, John Hancock, Legal & General America, Life of the Southwest, Lincoln National, MetLife, Minnesota Life, Mutual of Omaha, National Life of Vermont, Nationwide, New York Life, North American Company, Protective Life, Prudential, SBLI, Symetra, Transamerica, United Home Life, United of Omaha, US Life, William Penn.

Doing Business In: All states

Meeting Frequency: Twice a year

Looking for New Members: Yes

Member Qualifications: Fully staffed brokerage general agents producing a minimum of $2 million in target premium per year; must be sponsored by a current member.

Website: www.ida-national.com

LifeMark Partners, Inc.

Group Classification: Marketing Group

Mission Statement: LifeMark Partners exists to leverage partner, carrier and industry resources and expertise to enhance and expand life insurance distribution for the benefit of all stakeholders. As an independent insurance marketing organization, LifeMark is dedicated to the ongoing development and enhancement of BGA partner resources to help you undeniably differentiate your agency from the competition.  Affiliates benefit from some of the most robust service offerings in the market today, including expansive underwriting capabilities, advanced case design support, sales and product benchmarking tools, and turnkey sales and marketing systems.  At its core, LifeMark Partners was founded as a study group more than 40 years ago and is celebrating 20 years as a leading IMO. This foundation provides a unique opportunity to form strategic alliances and share best practices for partners to grow their agencies together through regular training, networking and educational opportunities. With unparalleled partnership, expertise and access to these industry-leading resources, LifeMark Partners provides affiliates the strength of many through the power of one.

Year Group Established: 1995

Products Offered: Life insurance (term, indexed universal, universal, variable), annuities, disability income, long term care insurance.

Companies Represented: Accordia Life, American General, American National, Athene, AXA, Forethought, Genworth, John Hancock, Legal & General America, Lincoln Financial Group, MetLife, Minnesota Life, Mutual of Omaha, Nationwide, OneAmerica, Principal, Protective Life, Prudential, SBLI, Symetra, Transamerica.

Doing Business In: All states

Meeting Frequency: Three times a year

Looking for New Members: Yes

Member Qualifications: Contact Bill Shelow, bshelow@lifemarkpartners.com

Website: www.lifemarkpartners.com

National Association of Insurance Marketers (NAIM)

Group Classification: Marketing Group

Mission Statement: To promote excellence and integrity in the distribution of insurance products and services to the brokerage community. Our association is designed to promote products, educate and serve brokers, and enhance the professionalism of the insurance industry through the networking of regional marketers.

Year Group Established: 1990

Products Offered: Dental, disability income (blue and white collar special risk), group medical, group worksite, individual medical, interest sensitive whole life, international medical, long term care, senior group health, short term medical, student medical, term life, universal life.

Companies Represented: American General, Assurant Solutions, Assurity Life, Capital Benefits Group, General Agents Center, Health Insurance Innovations, IMG, Lincoln Financial, North American Company, Petersen International, Securian Dental, Sentry Life, Seven Corners, United Farmers Life.

Doing Business In: All states

Meeting Frequency: Once a year

Looking for New Members: Yes

Member Qualifications: Evidence of significant brokerage activities and ethical standards that will be reviewed for approval by the NAIM Board of Directors.

Website: www.NAIM.com

National Brokerage Agencies, Inc.

Group Classification: Marketing Group

Mission Statement: The National Brokerage Agencies, Inc. researches, constructs and promotes marketing concepts using diverse products and services through a networking approach focused on insurance and financial services.  A national organization, NBA is comprised of independent general agencies who strive through fellowship and education to enhance and further their professional environment and to maximize productivity through this alliance. One of the NBA strengths is the broad and diverse knowledge within the group, allowing NBA to offer a unique opportunity to help members not only grow, but diversify their client base.

Year Group Established: 1981

Products Offered: Traditional life, fixed and universal life, term life, fixed and indexed annuities, senior life final expense products, worksite products, disability income, asset transfer products, long term care (individual and group), living benefits products, and life settlements.

Companies Represented:  American General, American National, Assurity, Banner, Broadtower LTC, Capital Benefits Group, Gerber Life, Global Underwriters, GroupLink, IHC Solutions, Lincoln Financial, MetLife, Merchants Benefit Administration, Minnesota Life, Mutual of Omaha, Mutual Trust Life, National Life Group, National Western, North American Company, OneAmerica, Petersen International, Protective Life, Reliance Standard Life, SBLI, Securian Dental, Security Mutual, Standard Life, Symetra, Transamerica, Voya Financial, Welcome Funds.

Doing Business In: All states

Meeting Frequency: Two times a year

Looking for New Members: Yes

Member Qualifications: Agencies that derive the majority of their income from life and health insurance brokerage.

Website: www.nbagency.com

NBC National Marketing, Inc.

Group Classification: Marketing Group

Mission Statement: NBC’s objective is to be relevant in the financial services industry by committing to long lasting and productive relationships among members in a synergistic format. The primary vision of NBC is to make membership a personally and financially rewarding experience. With the combined experience of the group numbering in centuries instead of decades and with the infusion of many younger and innovative members, we are able to offer effective experience and innovation on a continual basis to our membership.

Year Group Established: 1989

Products Offered: NBC members offer all varieties of annuities and life insurance, disability income, long term care, critical illness and impaired risk underwriting services.

Companies Represented: Accord, Accordia Life, Allianz, American Amicable, American Equity, American General, American National, Assurity Life, Athene Annuity, AXA Equitable, AXA NY, Banner, Companion NY, Equitrust, Fidelity Life, Genworth, Genworth NY, Gerber Life, Great American Life, Hartford Life, Illinois Mutual, Integrity Life, John Hancock, John Hancock NY, Lafayette Life, Life of the Southwest, Lincoln National Life, Lincoln National Life NY, Loyal American, MetLife Investors, MetLife, Met NY, Minnesota Life, Mutual of Omaha, Nationwide, New York Life, North American Company, Penn Mutual, Phoenix, Phoenix NY, Principal, Protective Life, Protective Life and Annuity NY, Prudential, Reliance Standard, SBLI, Standard Life, State Life, Sun Life, Sun NY, Symetra, Transamerica, Transamerica NY, United of Omaha, USLife Insurance, Voya Financial, Western Reserve, William Penn.

Doing Business In: All states

Meeting Frequency: Two times a year—spring and fall

Looking for New Members: Yes, currently offering new member promotions. Member Qualifications: NBC is seeking agencies that derive the majority of their production from brokerage lines in life, health, annuity, disability income, retirement planning, critical care and long term care insurance. Small and mid-sized agencies in addition to large brokerage agencies welcomed.

Website: www.nbcnm.com

National LTC Network

Group Classification: Marketing/Study Group

Mission Statement: The National LTC Network is a national alliance of leading distributors of long term care insurance and retirement solutions. Network members work with multiple insurers and are dedicated to marketing LTC insurance with knowledge, ethics and excellence. The membership includes many of the largest and most-respected distributors in the nation.

Year Group Established: 1994

Products Offered: Long term care insurance Companies Represented: Genworth, MedAmerica, Mutual of Omaha, Transamerica.

Doing Business In: All states and DC

Meeting Frequency: Three times a year—February, June and October

Looking for New Members: Yes

Member Qualifications: MGAs with a focus on LTC insurance production.

Website: www.nltcn.com

The Plus Group

Group Classification: Marketing Group

Mission Statement: A service organization that supplies training and disability insurance products to insurance agents, financial planners and marketing partners. Service is provided by the pooled resources and talents of the managing general agents who previously operated independently. Twenty-two offices are located across the United States to provide localize

Mutual of Omaha has introduced two new plans to its Medicare supplement insurance portfolio to provide additional coverage options for customers. High Deductible Plan F and Plan N are fully underwritten and offer lower premiums due to their cost-sharing features. 

Policyholders enrolled in High Deductible Plan F pay their Medicare-covered costs – including deductibles, coinsurance and copayments – up to the policy’s deductible amount of $2,180 in 2016. 

Plan N requires up to a $20 copayment for some office visits and up to a $50 copayment for emergency room visits. 

“Customers deserve a wide range of options when it comes to selecting their Medicare supplement coverage,” said Amber Rinehart, vice president and actuary. “We hope our High Deductible Plan F and Plan N can help Medicare beneficiaries who prefer the lower premiums associated with these cost-sharing policies.”  

Both of Mutual’s new plans provide immediate coverage and allow the customer to choose his or her health care providers and facilities. 

Mutual of Omaha is celebrating its 50th year of providing Medicare supplement coverage. For more information about the company’s Medicare supplement plans, visit mutualofomaha.com/medicare-supplement-insurance/basics.php. 

Founded in 1909, Mutual of Omaha is a full-service, multi-line organization providing insurance, banking and financial products for individuals, businesses and groups throughout the United States. For more information about Mutual of Omaha, visit www.mutualofomaha.com.

Petersen International Underwriters is pleased to announce the U.S. launch of their newly enhanced short term medical plan.  This popular medical insurance platform has now been adorned with a preferred provider network from First Health, removing the bothersome, inefficient requirement of claims reimbursements.  Client out-of-pocket expenses will be limited only to standard policy deductibles.

According to Robert Russo of Petersen’s medical insurance division, “With this exciting new enhancement, no longer will an insured person need to worry about paying up-front for medical services nor having to submit claims for reimbursement of expenses incurred.  The addition of a well-known and reliable PPO network to our short term medical product will be a key marketing advancement for the agents and brokers who prescribe this type of coverage to those needing a short-term healthcare solution.”

Of further interest, Petersen International is providing the First Health PPO network at no additional cost to applicants of the short term medical plan.

Petersen International Underwriters specializes in unique medical, life and disability insurance programs for individuals, small businesses and large corporations.  They can be reached at (800) 345-8816 or at piu@piu.org.

Diversified Brokerage Services, Inc. (DBS), announced the addition of Lori-Anne Walker to the DBS team in the role of Chief Underwriter.

With 27 years of brokerage business experience, Walker brings a wealth of underwriting and leadership expertise to DBS. After starting out in disability underwriting, she quickly expanded her knowledge of the industry and carved out her niche in working with high net worth cases, specializing in the older age market and capacity cases. Walker’s leadership roles and consulting experience with professional athletes and foreign travel give her added perspective on a variety of special circumstances along with valuable insight on how to position all types of unique situations. 

Walker thoroughly understands medical and financial underwriting and has strong carrier relationships, making it easy for her to communicate successfully and position cases effectively and efficiently, reducing turnaround time and increasing placement ratios.

 “We feel very fortunate to have found someone of Lori’s caliber to fulfill this role. I’m confident that Lori will play a key role in providing and implementing high quality solutions for our agents and their clients,” explained Chip Van Dusen, president of DBS. “I am very pleased to welcome Lori to our organization.”

Walker has been an active member of the Association of Home Office Underwriters for over 20 years and is certified in medical transcription. She has taken courses in medical terminology and EKG, and has passed several of the LOMA exams.

Walker will lead the in-house underwriting team, coordinating the advanced underwriting and concierge services offered to DBS’s valued agents and partners.

Walker may be reached via telephone at 800-869-1328 x218. Email: loriw@dbs-lifemark.com.

Allianz Life Insurance Company of North America (Allianz Life®), a leading provider of fixed index annuities (FIAs), recently announced the launch of the PIMCO Tactical Balanced Index as an allocation option on Allianz 360SM Annuity and Allianz 222® Annuity. This new index dynamically allocates daily between the S&P 500® Index, a bond component comprised of the PIMCO Synthetic Bond Index with a duration overlay, and cash. The PIMCO Tactical Balanced Index leverages the expertise of PIMCO to manage volatility.

One of several indexes available on select Allianz FIAs, the PIMCO Tactical Balanced Index is being offered exclusively to Allianz Life through 2020. The PIMCO Tactical Balanced Index allocation option is available with annual point-to-point crediting method with either a cap or a spread.

“Allianz Life offers unique index allocations within our FIAs and we are fortunate to partner with PIMCO giving customers another strategic option for their assets,” said Allianz Life Vice President of Product Innovation Matt Gray. “The PIMCO Tactical Balanced Index may help combat market volatility by dynamically allocating between the equity component, the bond component, and cash to stabilize index performance over time. Additionally, the duration adjustment is an innovative feature that could potentially help customers benefit from steadily rising interest rates.”

The PIMCO Tactical Balanced Index provides potential benefits to customers by offering a balanced approach during periods of volatility, the ability to potentially benefit from interest rate trends, and attractive long-term return potential.

“We are very excited that Allianz Life chose the PIMCO Tactical Balanced Index,” said Josh Davis, Executive Vice President and portfolio manager for PIMCO. “The index uses an innovative asset allocation framework that aims to provide a stable risk profile through constantly evolving equity and interest rate market environments.”

For more information about the full suite of Allianz Life annuities, visit www.allianzlife.com.

Ohio National Financial Services recentlyannounced an unequalled industry record in increased life insurance sales. In addition to a very strong financial report for 2015, the company exceeded 2014 sales or met 2015 sales targets in all of its business categories.

“Ohio National experienced an outstanding year in 2015,” reported Gary T. “Doc” Huffman, chairman, president and chief executive officer, at a recent board of directors meeting. “We grew our foundational line of life insurance for the 26th consecutive year—a record in the industry. Moreover, our sales continue to outpace the industry.”

“The headwinds in today’s marketplace are considerable. Our industry faces changing regulations in addition to volatile equity markets and persistent low interest rates. Despite these challenges, Ohio National has continued to significantly grow our financial strength, our product lines and our distribution capabilities,” Huffman added. “We deliver long-term policyholder value today and for generations to come.”

“Our balance sheet and capital position are excellent,” Huffman noted. “Ohio National’s mutual company heritage allows us to take a long-term strategic view and provides a foundation of strength. Our company was built for times like these. Our distributors and policyholders can rest assured in the decision they’ve made to do business with us.”

The company highlighted the following from its 2015 results:

• For the 26th consecutive year, Ohio National has grown its individual life insurance sales. This is a record that is unmatched in the industry. In total, a record-breaking $156.1 million of new annual premium was reported for individual life insurance, up 3.6 percent from 2014. Noteworthy were the sales of Ohio National’s whole life insurance products which grew by 20 percent compared to 2014, showing consumers’ continued interest in security and guarantees.

• In addition to growth in Ohio National’s core life insurance line, its other business lines met 2015 sales targets or exceeded 2014 sales. Disability income insurance new annual premium grew 19 percent over 2014 to $2.7 million. Variable annuities sales were $2.0 billion, on target with the 2015 sales target. Retirement plans growth was 1 percent ahead of 2014 at $142.3 million. 

• Total GAAP revenue (excluding realized gains and losses) increased 7.1 percent to $1.9 billion.

• Equity capital (excluding mark-to-market) grew to $2.0 billion, an increase of 4.2 percent.

• Core earnings were $190.7 million, 9.0 percent ahead of the corporate goal established for the year. The planned decrease from 2014 represented strategic investments in business and corporate technology assets. 

• For the 92nd consecutive year, Ohio National paid dividends to all participating whole life policies. A total of $68.1 million was paid or credited to participating policyholders.

• The O.N. Equity Sales Co., the company’s retail broker/dealer subsidiary, grew gross broker/dealer concessions to $49.6 million. This represents an 8.3 percent increase from 2014.

• A total of 105 new positions were added by Ohio National during 2015. Since the beginning of the Great Recession in 2008, the Cincinnati-based company has grown its number of associates to more than 1,300, approximately a 50 percent increase.

• New financial representatives were recruited in strong numbers. This includes a record number of new builder general agencies across the United States and more than 1,300 new producing general agents, significantly increasing the company’s distribution network across the country.

2015 Community Stewardship
Ohio National’s 13th and 14th Habitat for Humanity homes were constructed in Cincinnati during 2015. The company’s overall contribution to the local Habitat for Humanity group since 2009 exceeds $1.2 million. Additionally, The Ohio National Foundation donated more than $1.5 million during 2015 to nonprofit organizations in the Greater Cincinnati area.

Tracing its corporate origins to 1909, Ohio National markets a variety of insurance and financial products through more than 50,000 representatives in 49 states (all except New York), the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and through affiliated operations in South America. Additional subsidiaries operate in New York and Connecticut. Products are issued by The Ohio National Life Insurance Company and Ohio National Life Assurance Corporation.

Ohio National has more than 1,300 associates. Visit www.ohionational.com for more information.

U.S. individual life insurance new annualized premium increased 1 percent in the fourth quarter 2015—the sixth consecutive quarter of positive growth, according to LIMRA’s Fourth Quarter 2015 U.S. Retail Individual Life Insurance Sales Survey.

“While growth slowed in the fourth quarter, individual life insurance premium sales increased 6 percent in 2015,” noted Ashley Durham, assistant research director, LIMRA Insurance Research. “Whole life and indexed universal life insurance products continued to drive overall growth throughout the year.”

Total policy count rose 4 percent for the year.  This is the first year of positive policy count growth since 2012.

Universal life (UL) ended the year up 7 percent in 2015.  Indexed UL jumped 15 percent and was the primary driver of overall UL sales growth for the year.  IUL represented 55 percent of UL new premium and 21 percent of all individual life insurance new premium.  Total UL premium represented 38 percent of all life insurance new premium in 2015.

Variable universal life (VUL) premium fell 3 percent  in 2015. Market share for VUL remained at 7 percent of total life sales.

Whole life (WL) premium improved 9 percent in 2015. This is the 10th consecutive year of positive growth for whole life. WL represented 34 percent of the total life insurance new premium in 2015.

Term sales growth was up 2 percent for the year.  Term’s market share was 21 percent in 2015.

Argus Dental & Vision, Inc., announced the appointment of Lewis Sollner, CLU, ChHC, as its director of sales for the state of Florida.

Sollner’s focus will be working with brokers, consultants and agents throughout the state of Florida. He will be responsible for the sale of the Argus proprietary group and individual dental and vision insurance plans. Sollner joins Argus with nearly 20 years of experience in the employee benefits industry.

According to Roger Skinner, vice president of business development, “This newly created position will expand Argus’ presence in the Florida broker community.” Skinner added “I am excited to have Lewis join and lead our sales team and the launch and introduction of our new PPO dental and vision plans alongside of our existing Argus portfolio.”

Argus CEO Dr. Nick Kavouklis added, “Lewis adds significant stature to our ability to effectively compete against the large carriers. Many leading brokers and agents prefer, and are seeking, the type of local relationship and boutique service Argus can provide. Lewis is well respected in the benefits industry for the five-star attention he assigns to all his business relationships.”

Argus Dental & Vision, Inc., was founded in 2007 by a Florida dentist and experienced dynamic growth in its health plan partnership division in 2015. Argus operates in Florida as a Prepaid Limited Services Health Organization (PLSHO), Discount Medical Plan Organization (DMPO), and Third Party Administrator (TPA). Argus has obtained its TPA license in other states and is in the process of obtaining their license nationally. Argus is the first dental plan organization in the United States to be accredited for quality care by the Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care (AAAHC). Through collaboration between consumers, dentists and insurance agents, Argus has developed flexible benefit plans to meet the specific needs of individuals, families, large and small employer groups, governmental agencies and associations of all sizes.  For more information visit www.argusdentalvision.com

Dixon Wells Inc. and Rucker Insurance Agency LLC announce they have entered into a definitive agreement to merge Rucker into Dixon Wells.  Dixon Wells is one of the fastest growing life brokerage general agencies in the United States.  Rucker will add additional offices in Columbus, OH, and Philadelphia, PA, to Dixon’s five existing offices.

Dixon Wells President Bill Conwell said, “We are pleased that Rucker Insurance Agency will be part of Dixon Wells.  For over thirty years, Rucker’s seasoned executives have brought knowledge and superior service to professional insurance producers in their geographic markets.  Their expertise and experience, particularly in life insurance underwriting, will be a perfect addition to the Dixon Wells organization.”

David Kopelcheck, president of Rucker Insurance Agency, added, “For many years our principal associates have served the brokerage community in the Central Ohio and Philadelphia markets.  We are excited to announce our strategic decision to join forces with Dixon Wells.  Together, we have the strength to continue the personal attention, strong product portfolio and underwriting, knowledgeable personnel, and quality service that our brokers have always looked to us to provide.”

Dixon Wells is a full-service brokerage general agency with a nationwide footprint.  The agency is a LifeMark Partners member and works with insurance brokers, financial planners, investment advisors, property and casualty agencies, and financial institutions to provide the products, experience, and service they need to protect the needs, goals, and financial dreams of their clients.  In addition to creating a high-touch environment, Dixon Wells also provides the high-tech components needed to do business in the current environment including their industry leading DWEZApp program.

The Professional Insurance Marketing Association (PIMA) elected its Board of Directors at its Annual Meeting. New PIMA officers are: 

President – Mark Kelsey, president, Kelsey National Corp. /HealthInsurance.com; President-Elect – William Suneson, founder/managing partner, Next Generation Insurance; Treasurer – David Armstrong, president, Sass Associates; Secretary – Shannon Warner, EVP, marketing and affinity programs, Pearl Companies;  Immediate Past President (ex-officio) —Michael Mercer, vice president, Transamerica Affinity Services. 

At-Large Officers/Executive Committee members include Ann Dieleman, chief marketing and business development officer, ARAG Legal Insurance, and David Schaeffer, vice president, AmWINS Group Benefits.

Newly-elected Board Directors are:

Al Drowne, vice president and general manager, American Medical Insurance Agency; Kevin Garvin, president, Affinity North America at Arthur J. Gallagher & Co.;  Barbara Baumann, vice president, affinity markets group, Securian Financial Group; Philip Hennig, director, account management, The Hartford; and Jill Fecher, vice president, client services, FARM.

The Professional Insurance Marketing Association (PIMA) connects & empowers leaders in the affinity benefits industry to thrive in a dynamic marketplace.

The PIMA MidYear Meeting and Trade Show will be held July 21-24, 2016 at the Terranea Resort in Rancho Palos Verdes, CA. For more information, visit www.pima-assn.org or call 817-569-7462.