California among first to green light new consumer discounts for life insurance
News: 2015 Press Release
SACRAMENTO, Calif. - California consumers now have more affordable options when it comes to planning for their financial futures. The Department of Insurance recently gave the green light to California's fifth largest life insurer, John Hancock, to offer an innovative new discount on life insurance. Insurance Commissioner Dave Jones was one of the first insurance regulators in the nation to approve this new product, so that Californians now have the option to take advantage of special discounts John Hancock is offering for consumers who take steps to improve their health.
This new life insurance product allows consumers with active and healthy lifestyles the option to lower their premiums by accumulating Vitality Points for health-related activities such as exercising, getting a flu shot and logging their annual visit to the doctor. The points are translated into discounts.
"New and innovative insurance products, like the healthy living life insurance policy, give Californians more options to decide how best to meet their insurance needs," said Commissioner Dave Jones. "When this new life insurance product was filed, we worked to expedite approval so California consumers could benefit from more life insurance options as well as financial incentives for healthy living."
This life insurance product rewards consumers who take care of their health with lower premiums. The data about fitness routines and medical consultation that insurers use to justify discounts is only shared if the consumer decides to do so. Consumers opt in to the program and can discontinue participation at any point. While they may cease to earn points and discounts after discontinuing, no penalties are involved.
"We are very appreciative of the thorough and expedited review and approval by the California Department of Insurance, which made California one of the first states to approve our innovative new product," said Brooks Tingle, Senior Vice President of John Hancock's Insurance Division.
This life insurance product does not penalize or shift costs to consumers who are less active, but instead offers an actuarially sound method to provide discounts for those policyholders who choose to live a healthy lifestyle, and are therefore likely to increase life expectancy. The product has been available in other countries for some time.
Led by Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara, the California Department of Insurance is the consumer protection agency for the nation's largest insurance marketplace and safeguards all of the state’s consumers by fairly regulating the insurance industry. Under the Commissioner’s direction, the Department uses its authority to protect Californians from insurance rates that are excessive, inadequate, or unfairly discriminatory, oversee insurer solvency to pay claims, set standards for agents and broker licensing, perform market conduct reviews of insurance companies, resolve consumer complaints, and investigate and prosecute insurance fraud. Consumers are urged to call 1-800-927-4357 with any questions or contact us at www.insurance.ca.gov via webform or online chat. Non-media inquiries should be directed to the Consumer Hotline at 800-927-4357. Teletypewriter (TTY), please dial 800-482-4833.
