April 2010

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Guest Editor's Column

Age of The SPIA Single Premium Immediate Annuity
by Bob Affronti • I have been an advocate of SPIA products for many years. The growth of the market has been huge over the past few years. Based on my discussions with annuity agents, I still believe that education is the biggest obstacle to more SPIA sales.

Are Inflation-Protected Annuities Right for Your Clients?
by Kris Kattmann • After last year’s dramatic market decline, many clients turned to fixed annuity solutions that offer protection from market downturns and greater potential for growth than traditional fixed assets.

A Medical Masterpiece: Brushing Up on
PPOs with Our Annual Survey
For this survey, eight PPOs in California diligently answered direct questions about their plans. Our readers, who are savvy health brokers, suggested many of the questions. We hope this information will help the professional agent or broker better serve sophisticated healthcare clients.

Uncoiling COBRA Compliance
by Michael Close • With the introduction of the COBRA subsidy program and its subsequent extensions, COBRA is a hot topic once again.

COBRA News
Read the latest updates on eligibility extension for COBRA benefits through the end of the year and a new Web site that provides guidance on COBRA, state continuation programs, and individual health insurance.

How Changing Workplace Demographics Make a Stronger Case for Vision Benefits
by Vincent Young, M.D. • The demographic groups at the highest risk for eye disease and vision problems are also the fastest growing in the workforce.

Keeping Safe in the Life Settlements Market
by Ellis Largent • The guidelines in this article can save you and your clients headaches during the transaction and will maximize the cash value of the settlement they will receive.

Addressing Life Settlements’ Most Important Questions:
A Prudent Investment or Risky Proposition?
by Curtis M. Cole • If you ask the right questions and do a thorough review, you will find reputable companies that can truly make this a prudent investment instead of a risky proposition.

The Five Biggest Mistakes When Designing A Supplemental Disability Plan
by Christopher R. Kristian • When employers have problems with their voluntary disability plans, most issues can be traced back to when the plan was designed.

Great Recession Sheds Light on the Value of Life and
Disability Insurance in Both Good Times and Bad
by Barry Petruzzi, 2nd • As the Great Recession ends, generations that never experienced the Great Depression now see reasons for cushioning their income from the uncertainties of life including disability, illness, and accidents.

Indexed Universal Life – A Tremendous Product if Sold Correctly
by Michael Pinkans, CFA • Indexed universal life has been one of the most interesting success stories over the past decade.

Long Term Care Insurance In California Falls Behind
by Louis H. Brownstone • California’s citizens are being deprived the right to purchase many of the newest and most popular long-term care insurance policies that are being sold nationwide.