In this episode Jason and Tommy Jondall, National Sales Director at EquiTrust, walkthrough the Bridge product, a 7702B-compliant, LTC-enhanced fixed indexed annuity (FIA) hybrid that offers guaranteed approval regardless of a client's health history. Whether you work with clients who have been declined for traditional LTCi, or you're building referral relationships with financial advisors who want an LTC solution without complex underwriting, Bridge introduces a distinctive planning tool worth adding to your toolkit.

We explore:

• How Bridge combines FIA accumulation with LTC benefits on a 7702B-compliant chassis
• The guaranteed approval structure, three underwriting classes (Secure, Standard, Preferred), and why approximately 70% of applicants are currently qualifying as Preferred
• The January 2025 product updates: lowered issue age to 50, improved benefit base roll-up to 3% compound for 20 years, and an extended 5-year coverage ratio window
• How the Never Stop Wellness Program works and how wellness credits add to the benefit base over time
• The 5-year vesting schedule, monthly rider charge structure, and FIA growth options
• A real client case study: how a $100,000 premium grows into over $554,000 in available LTC benefits over 15 years
• Sales opportunities with 1035 exchanges, RMD funds, previously uninsurable clients, and borderline health cases
• The three-statement seminar approach and real-world conversion results from advisors in the field
• Practical field underwriting tips to help clients present their best outcome on the underwriting call

This episode is designed to help advisors:

• Understand the Bridge product structure and how to position it in a planning conversation
• Identify the right client profile for an LTC/FIA hybrid approach
• Apply field underwriting best practices to improve client outcomes
• Recognize Bridge as a strong option for clients with complex health histories or previous declines

0:00 Welcome & Episode Overview
0:42 Bridge: The FIA/LTC Hybrid Structure Explained
2:26 Guaranteed Approval & The Three Underwriting Classes
4:23 The 5 Screening Questions Walkthrough
6:07 Never Stop Wellness Program
8:07 Product Specs, Coverage Ratios & Growth Options
9:22 Vesting Schedule & Rider Fee Structure
12:44 January 2025 Product Updates
13:53 Claims Process: The 60-Month Payout Explained
14:59 Derek Case Study: Projecting Real Client Outcomes
17:58 Sales Opportunities & The 3-Statement Seminar Approach
23:24 Field Underwriting Best Practices & Q&A

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🔎 About Buddy Study Podcast

The Buddy Study Podcast helps insurance professionals and financial planners master Long-Term Care Insurance through case studies, expert interviews, and carrier product updates. Our goal is to help advisors become more confident, efficient, and knowledgeable when helping clients plan for long-term care.