Insurance Center

In order to make known to the public the role played by the insurance industry and life insurance in particular and its affect in the financial lives of people and families, the life insurance industry has launched an educational campaign.

A key part of the educational campaign is to demonstrate how families use the industry to protect their financial futures, through the use of annuities, long-term care, disability income along with life insurance.

A factor in the education effort is the use of advertising, with ads being geared up for appearance throughout the year in Roll Call, Congress Daily AM, The Hill, and the Congressional Quarterly Today, in addition to appearing on the websites of these same publications. The campaign is being directed in particular toward new and returning members of Congress, in addition to members of the new Obama administration. It is projected to run the ads also on other popular sites.

The Association for Advanced Life Underwriting (AALU) is endorsing the educational campaign along with the American Council of Life Insurers (ACLI), the National Association of Independent Life Brokerage Agencies (NAILBA), GAMA International, and the National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors (NAIFA).

AALU President Michael P. Corry says that the life insurance industry is a provider of unique products that assist families and employers to both effectively manage risk and to also plan for the often lengthy period of retirement. At the same time that individuals are dealing with significant losses in the equity markets, life insurance products and annuities continue to provide peace of mind by ensuring constant income streams as well as guaranteed benefits.

President and CEO of ACLI, Frank Keating, says that the industry has a great story to tell. He points out that the products being offered by the life insurers protect families at the death of a loved, help people to save and guarantees lifetime income, while at the same time acting to protect a family’s savings if a prolonged illness or disability occurs.

GAMA International President Michael Condrey, says that there are virtually millions of American families that depend on life insurance industry's products for financial security, through both good times and bad. He adds that it is imperative that as business and financial leaders in the market place today, the industry's story be told to federal officials and policymakers.

Cliff F. Wilson, CLU, ChFC, LUTCF, CLF, who is the NAIFA President, says that NAIFA's 58,000 members serve as trusted advisors to families and family businesses, who are enthusiastically joining with the other industry partners in this educational effort. He adds that in such economically turbulent times as these, it is important that American families be continually encouraged to provide for their long-term financial security. He says that the products being offered by life insurers products are the basis of a sound financial portfolio for any family.

NAILBA Executive Director Jack Chiasson, CMP says that the educational campaign will serve as a valuable tool in their organizations’ joint efforts to educate the several elected officials regarding the importance of helping Americans plan for their financial security.

The five life insurance groups mentioned above have also established a website, www.SecureFamily.org to serve as an educational tool with regard to the industry's products and the role that these products play in Americans’ financial and retirement security.