Life Underwriting Requirements Quick Reference Guide

Insurance age is the age at the proposed insured's closest birthday to the application signature date. Insurance age is used to determine age and amount requirements.

A proposed insured's insurance age changes 6 months before their actual birth date.

For example, if they are age 40 as of the policy signature date and will turn 41 in less than 6 months, the insurance age is 41 years. If they will turn 41 in more than 6 months, the insurance age is 40 years.

TAR is the sum of all applications currently submitted, pending, and/or issued by MassMutual in the past 12 months. TAR is used to determine age and amount requirements.

Survivorship

For survivorship contracts, use half the TAR to determine medical requirements only, for each proposed insured.

Non-medical requirements for each proposed insured, such as inspection reports and financials, are based on the full TAR.

Riders

Some riders, particularly those available on the MassMutual Whole Life policies, must be factored in when determining TAR.

To determine the additional amount at risk under the Additional Life Insurance Rider (ALIR), multiply the ALIR payment by the correct multiplier for the proposed insured’s age found in the chart below:

For the Life Insurance Supplement Rider (LISR) and the Renewable Term Rider (RTR), the additional TAR associated with each is the death benefit each rider will add to the base face amount.³

Part 2

The age and amount requirements outlined above determine which Part 2 is required.

Client Medical Interview (CMI)

The Client Medical Interview (CMI) is a self-directed online medical questionnaire completed by the proposed insured. In addition to new business applications, it may also be used with conversions and policy changes requiring underwriting. It is not available for use with Survivorship or CareChoice. It also may not be used for clients who do not speak or understand English. A language line to complete a Tele-CMI is available for those unable to complete the online CMI because they do not speak or understand English. If the CMI is not done or available, typically a Non-Med or Paramed is required, along with an EIR.

Telephone Client Medical Interview (Tele-CMI)

The Telephone Client Medical Interview (Tele-CMI) is completed over the phone by specially trained MassMutual interviewers. In addition to new business applications, it may also be used with conversions and policy changes requiring underwriting. It is not available for use with Survivorship or CareChoice. If the Tele-CMI is not done or available, typically a Paramed Part 2 and PHI are required.

The Tele-CMI contact number for the proposed insured to call is (844) 835-3264. However, they should not call before the first office telephone contact because the file will not yet be set up for the interview.

Non-Medical (Non-med)

The non-medical part 2 is completed with the proposed insured by the financial professional.

Paramed

The paramed part 2 is completed with the proposed insured by a paramedical examiner and may be done along with medical tests. For clients who do not speak or understand English, the exam must be done by an examiner fluent in the client’s language.

Part 2s are generally valid for up to 12 months for proposed insureds 70 years old or younger. For those over the age of 70 or substandard cases, the part 2 is generally valid for up to 6 months. (All requirement expiration dates are subject to underwriter discretion.)

Additional requirements may be ordered by a MassMutual Underwriter, based on the proposed insured's age and coverage amount, or at their discretion.

Attending Physician Statements (APS)

An Attending Physician Statement is a copy of the Proposed Insured’s medical records. Digital records generally are ordered first. As needed, traditional records are ordered second.

When notified by underwriting, advisors/agency staff may order required records from an approved vendor or directly from the physician or medical facility. Request 5 years of records, including office visit notes, labs, test results, and consult reports.

APS – 24 Months	Defined as records needed if the proposed insured has been seen within the last 24 months. (See the Age/Amount requirements section.)
APS – 18 Months	Defined as records needed if the proposed insured has been seen within the last 18 months. (See the Age/Amount requirements section.)
Proposed Insureds Age 16 and Younger	It is expected that children receive routine well-child care and have been seen by a health care provider within the last 18 months, or more recently if the child is under 3 years old. If this is not the case, it may not be possible for the application to move forward. Please consult with Underwriting to discuss further.
Proposed Insureds Over Age 64	It is expected that proposed insureds over age 64 receive regular medical care. If they have not been seen by a health care provider within the last 12 months, the application will not move forward. Please consult with Underwriting to discuss further.
For Cause	An APS may be required on any case at underwriter discretion. Examples of common impairments for which an APS is needed include: Biopsy, tumor, cancer (excluding basal cell carcinoma) Heart disease, including heart attack, heart catheterization, angioplasty, PTCA, coronary stent, bypass, CABG, valvular heart disease Stroke, TIA, CVA COPD, emphysema Substance abuse Mental or emotional disorders requiring more than two medications or hospitalization
Country and Language	Proposed insureds should have an established physician in the U.S., and all required records should be provided in English or Spanish. A foreign-language APS must be obtained by the financial professional, and the financial professional must use an accredited translation service to translate them (except for Spanish, which MassMutual will translate).
Multiple Physicians	If the proposed insured has seen multiple physicians, please obtain direction from the underwriter regarding the best source for APS information. It is important to provide the most useful source of medical information for each proposed insured to streamline the underwriting process and reduce the time it takes for each application to be reviewed.

The above information is intended to offer general guidance and is not an all-inclusive list. When in doubt about whether to order an APS, consult with an underwriter.

For more information, refer to Ordering and Reimbursement of Underwriting Requirements (LI7528).

Cognitive Assessment

The Cognitive Assessment is used when proposed insureds ages 64 and older apply for the LTCAccess Rider. An underwriter may also request it on other cases, at their discretion.

It consists of a series of questions and memory exercises administered by a trained interviewer. They will make every effort to call the proposed insured at the phone number on the application at the most convenient time. The results of the assessment are valid for up to 6 months from the interview date.

Prescription Check

A pharmacy database check is ordered by MassMutual and crosschecked against the proposed insured’s medication and medical history information on the application.

Motor Vehicle Report (MVR)

The MVR details the driving history of the proposed insured. It is ordered by MassMutual using information from the application. Therefore, it is important that the driver's license information, including state and number, is accurately entered on the application.

Senior Supplement

The Senior Supplement is a screening that tests cognitive and functional abilities. It is administered by an examiner and consists of three parts:

An orientation-memory-concentration test.

Yes/no questions that assess activities of daily living.

A timed “Up and Go” exercise.

Telephone Inspection (Personal History Interview/Supplemental Health Questionnaire)

A Personal History Interview (PHI) may be ordered by an underwriter after reviewing an application. It is conducted by a trained interviewer who uses questions to verify information on the application, collect missing details, and provide supplemental information.

Questions may be related to the proposed insured's:

Employment

Insurance in Force

Medical History

Hobbies

Lifestyle

Finances

Additionally, a Supplemental Health Questionnaire (SHQ) may be ordered by an underwriter at their discretion. While similar to a PHI, the SHQ focuses on a specific topic selected by the underwriter, such as a particular medical condition.

When either a PHI or SHQ are required, the interviewer will make every effort to call the proposed insured at the most convenient time using the phone number on the application. If permission is given on the application, contact may be made via text. Refer to the How MassMutual Contacts Proposed Insureds for Telephone Interviews section for more information.

Proposed insureds who are well prepared for the call are more likely to have a positive interview experience. Therefore, it is recommended that financial professionals prepare them for the interview by explaining the process and the nature of the questions they may be asked.

Please note: Underwriters may order interviews for any proposed insured without advanced notice.

How MassMutual Contacts Proposed Insureds for Telephone Interviews

The process for contacting the proposed insured varies depending on information and communication preferences indicated on the application.

If the proposed insured consents to receiving text messages on the application, up to three texts will be sent to them requesting they complete the requirement. These texts will come from (413) 200-3395. It is recommended that they are made aware that texts from this number are legitimate and forthcoming.

If the proposed insured does not consent to receiving text messages, the interviewer will call them at the time designated on the application as the best time to call. If the proposed insured is unavailable, the following steps will be taken:

If an email address is provided on the application, two follow-up emails will be sent with directions on how to complete the required interview. These emails will come from personalhistoryunit@noreply.massmutual.com.

If no email address is provided, two additional follow-up calls will be placed during normal business hours.

Proposed insureds may call the numbers provided above to complete the Tele-CMI, the PHI, or the SHQ. For Tele-CMIs, it is recommended that the proposed insured wait for the Tele-CMI call or text to avoid delays and wait times.

Inspection Report

Inspection reports are always ordered by MassMutual and may include written and electronic consumer reports on the finances, lifestyle, character, and personal reputation of the proposed insured. These are ordered for certain ages, amounts, or a specific reason. A written inspection report may or may not involve contact with the proposed insured. Investigators may conduct telephone interviews with other sources (such as personal and business associates, accountants, and attorneys), in addition to checking public records. Electronic inspection reports (EIR) typically do not involve contact with the proposed insured.

The type of report ordered varies by age and amount of insurance. The underwriter will communicate the type of report needed in an initial review email.

To ensure the proposed insured has a positive experience when an inspection is needed, it is recommended that the financial professional prepare them by explaining the process and the nature of the information that will be collected.

Inspection reports are typically valid for up to 12 months from the report date.

Medical Information Bureau (MIB) and Other Databases

MIB results and electronic database searches, such as Milliman, are completed for all proposed insureds.

Personal Needs

Income Replacement

Age & annual earned income multiple

In general, premium should not exceed 10-15 percent of earned income.

The total premiums for all life insurance policies should make sense for the household income and net worth. Higher ratios are subject to individual consideration.

Spouses

Both employed and non-employed spouses are eligible for the same amount of coverage as the higher-earning employed spouse, up to a maximum of $10 million. In general, a non-employed spouse should not have more life insurance than the employed spouse.

Estate Conservation

• Generally, a 6 percent growth rate to net worth x55 percent, out to age 85 (maximum of 20 years).
• Higher or lower growth rates will depend on case specifics and are subject to individual consideration.

Charitable Giving

• A demonstrated financial loss to the charity must be established in the event of the client’s death (e.g., client donates financially or is a board member of the charity).
• For financial giving, a multiplication factor from 10x to 30x is used, based on the giving pattern and age of the proposed insured.
• The proposed insured must have an adequate personal insurance program.
• ALIR is not available on charity-owned policies.
• Premium financing is not allowed on charity-owned policies.
• For amounts over $2 million, proof of contributions must be provided (e.g. receipts from the charity or a copy of Schedule A from a 1040 tax return).

Personal Creditor

• Generally up to 75% of the loan amount can be considered.
• Loan duration should be a minimum of 5 years.
• Full amount of personal loan is subject to individual consideration.

Business Needs

Key Person

• Consideration up to age 60.
• Generally, coverage is limited to 10 to 15x the compensation package, with individual consideration for higher amounts based on unique circumstances and supporting documentation.

Buy-Sell

• Coverage is based on the proposed insured’s portion of the fair market value or equity in the business, plus a 6% growth factor over 10 years, with adequate justification.
• All individuals with ownership should apply concurrently.
• If the buy-sell agreement is not finalized, other supporting documents will be required.

Refer to the Financial Guidelines (LI7197) for more information.

MassMutual defines a juvenile as a child ranging from fifteen days to sixteen years old. Juvenile life insurance applications require MassMutual underwriters to consider several factors, including:

• The purpose of the coverage
• The insurable interest of the owner and beneficiary
• The amount of coverage applied for in relation to other family members’ coverage
• Any applicable state guidelines
• Medical history

The following information focuses on MassMutual’s guidelines and requirements when underwriting juvenile applications. For state-specific guidelines, please refer to the State-Specific Financial Underwriting Guidelines section of this resource.

General Guidelines

Required Forms and Signatures

In most instances, a parent or legal guardian must sign on behalf of proposed insureds younger than 16 years old. Those who are 16 years old (attained age) may sign all life insurance application and underwriting forms except for the HIPAA authorization. If a guardian is seeking to obtain coverage on a juvenile, guardianship papers are required.

The following state-specific rules apply:

California

A juvenile may not sign under the age of 18.

New York

A juvenile may not sign under the age of 14 and a half.

Washington

A juvenile is required to sign when they are between the attained ages of 15 and 17, except for the HIPAA authorization as noted above.

Part 1

On the MassMutual Part 1 application, a parent or legal guardian signs on behalf of the proposed juvenile insured. If the policy will be owned by a parent or legal guardian, they will sign as the policyowner. If the policy will be owned by a grandparent or trust, then the grandparent or trustee will sign as the policyowner.

The Financial Professional signs as producer.

Part 2

The Part 2 non-med form is included in the application packet. The parent should answer all questions. Remember to include the primary care provider contact information with the date of last visit and reason for last visit. Accurately measured height and weight should be provided. If the measured date is not the date of the Part 2, please included the measured date.

A parent signs on behalf of the proposed juvenile insured on the proposed insured line. If the policy will be owned by a parent or legal guardian, they will sign as the policyowner. If the policy will be owned by a grandparent or trust, then the grandparent or trustee will sign as the policyowner.

The Financial Professional will sign as a witness. If a Paramed Part 2 will be required, the examiner will sign as a witness.

HIPAA Form F8186 (required in all cases)

• Proposed Insured / Insured / Representative — The parent or legal guardian must sign this line.
• Printed Name — Printed name of the representative signing (signature above)
• Proposed Insured’s full legal name — Full name of the insured
• Date of Birth — The date of birth of the juvenile insured
• Relationship to Insured — Mother, Father, or Legal Guardian

HIV Test Consent Form

If this form is required, a parent or legal guardian will sign on behalf of the proposed insured.

Temporary Life Insurance Receipt (TLIR)

If prepayment is collected and TLIR coverage is requested:

• A parent should provide answers to the Health Questions on the form.
• The individual making premium payments will sign as the Premium Payor.
• A parent will sign as Proposed Insured, unless the parent is also the Premium Payor, in which case the Proposed Insured line should be left blank.
• Financial Professional signs as producer.

Please note: If the Financial Professional is the parent or legal guardian of the juvenile insured, and they provide the insurability information on the Non-Med Part 2, they will sign as a Parent on behalf of the proposed juvenile insured, and as the Producer for the Witness Signature. The Witness Signature may also be left blank when the Financial Professional is the parent of the juvenile insured.

In cases where the child lives with only one parent, the parent that the child is living with must be the one to sign the application on behalf of the juvenile insured (Part 1 and Part 2). This ensures that the medical questions are answered most knowledgeably.

Juvenile Underwriting Requirements

Juvenile Build Chart

Generally, the below build guidelines apply for juvenile cases:

If the child’s build falls outside of the ranges above, please submit the case to Underwriting for review. Full medical records may be required, subject to underwriter discretion.

New York Juvenile Limits

New York state regulations limit the amount of life insurance coverage that can be put in force on a juvenile in relation to the amount of life insurance coverage currently in force on the life of the parents. Additionally, an endorsement must appear in all juvenile policies to notify all policyowners of the limitations.

Additional benefits payable under the terms of an accidental death rider do not count against the limits prescribed by law.

The fact that an applicant (owner) may be uninsurable does not alter the provision of the law.

There is no statutory limit on the face amount if the policy is effectuated and the premium is paid by the person(s) having an insurable interest in the life of the minor and on whom the minor is not dependent for support and maintenance. For example, a grandparent who does not support the grandchild may obtain a policy on the grandchild for more than the above limits, if justified financially. In this case, insurance must be purchased on all minor grandchildren for like amounts of coverage or premium, and the grandparent must be the owner and payor.

Washington Juvenile Applications

Washington state has enacted laws to prevent the fraudulent purchasing of life insurance on juveniles:

• A juvenile insured actual age 15–17 years old must sign the application along with the parent or legal guardian with whom the child lives.
• Juvenile coverage that exceeds the annual household income must be justified (e.g., by the amount of coverage on the parents and siblings).

Preferred Risk Classes

Available with all products:

• Ultra Preferred Non-Tobacco
• Select Preferred Non-Tobacco
• Select Preferred Tobacco

Minimum face amount:

$50,000 for permanent products; $100,000 for term products and UL Guard

Minimum insurance age:

17 for permanent products; 18 for term products (19 for the state of Washington)

Initial Eligibility

All proposed insureds must meet the following initial criteria to be eligible for preferred underwriting consideration:

Tobacco Use Guidelines

Tobacco usage includes the use of any nicotine-based product or smoking cessation product in the past year. These products include: cigarettes, pipe, snuff, chew, smokeless tobacco, electronic cigarettes, Juul, hookah/hookah tobacco, ZYN pouches, betel nut, Nicorette gum, smoking cessation aids, and non-nicotine smoking cessation aids.

The urine specimen must be negative to receive non-tobacco consideration. Proposed insureds may qualify for non-tobacco rates if their only tobacco/nicotine use is cigars (provided they don’t smoke more than 24 cigars a year, if disclosed on the application).

Life Build Chart

Height and Weight Conversion to Body Mass Index (BMI)

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) calculators:

Adult BMI Calculator

BMI Percentile Calculator for Child and Teen

Please note: MassMutual will add back half of any weight lost in the past 12 months to determine the BMI.

Algorithmic Underwriting

For applicants eligible for algorithmic underwriting, Preferred classes are determined by the MassMutual^® Mortality Score or M3S.

The goal of M3S is to significantly reduce cycle time through a mix of human and digital underwriting. The M3S score is fully automated and is usually generated almost immediately after receipt of the final requirement.

Like the traditional Preferred Points system, M3S provides an assessment based on multiple factors in the proposed insured's file, including:

Build

Blood Pressure

Cholesterol

Tobacco Use

Family History

Lab Results

Driving History

Personal Medical History

The M3S has been carefully calibrated based on MassMutual's historical mortality studies. The risk class is determined based on how a particular M3S score compares with others of a similar age and gender.

Not all applications are eligible, and when that is the case, traditional underwriting is used. Please note, when M3S is used it will replace Preferred Points (i.e., traditional underwriting).

Accelerated Underwriting

Some applications, depending on the age of the proposed insured and the face amount of the application, may qualify for MassMutual's Accelerated Underwriting Program, which removes the exam, blood, and urine requirement. Refer to Accelerated Underwriting Program (U1017) for more details about this program.

Traditional Underwriting

Applications for proposed insureds who are not eligible for Algorithmic or Accelerated Underwriting will be reviewed through traditional underwriting.

With traditional underwriting, proposed insureds can qualify for preferred risk classes through a point-based system that recognizes indicators of good health. The chart below includes the criteria that's considered and the points available for each.

Those who do not qualify for a preferred risk class under traditional underwriting may be insurable at a standard or substandard class.

Preferred Points for Traditional Underwriting

The following chart displays all available points and criteria for traditional underwriting and can be used to estimate how many points the proposed insured might earn:

(Traditional underwriting only)

MassMutual’s Risk Assessment Credit (RAC) program gives underwriters the ability to adjust the risk rating for proposed insureds with favorable mortality factors such as body mass index (BMI), laboratory test results, avocation, lipids, family history, and blood pressure (BP). Qualifying for credits can improve a substandard, or “rated,” offer by up to two table ratings. The below criteria can be used to calculate credits for a proposed insured, age 17 or older, with a substandard medical history. Please note, RACs are only available on traditionally underwritten applications.

Foreign underwriting encompasses three broad categories for which additional information and requirements may be needed:

Foreign Travel

Occasional, short-term travel to a foreign country is generally not concerning, unless the country being visited represents a heightened risk. Refer to the country code chart above for the latest country classifications. Provide as much information as possible about known travel plans at the time of application on the F6290 Foreign Supplement.

For more information, refer to Guidelines for Foreign Travel (LI7553).

Foreign Nationals or U.S. Citizens Living Abroad

The following proposed insureds are underwritten as foreign nationals:

• Non-U.S. citizens living outside of the U.S.
• U.S. citizens living outside the U.S. for an extended period of time (defined as more than 6 months for A countries and more than three months for B countries).

For more information, refer to Guidelines for Foreign Nationals Living Abroad (LI7547).

Foreign Citizens Living in the U.S.

Proposed insureds who are foreign citizens of another country but live in the U.S. for more than 9 months per year may be eligible for coverage. These individuals may or may not have documentation such as a green card, certain temporary visas, or an Employment Authorization Document (EAD)/Adjustment of Status. Those with temporary visas that do not qualify under this definition may be eligible to be underwritten as a foreign national. Additionally, undocumented U.S. residents who can demonstrate a tie to the U.S. and have a financial need for life insurance coverage may also be considered under certain parameters.

For more information, refer to Guidelines for Foreign Citizens Living in the U.S (LI7552).

In all cases:

• A fully completed F6290 (Foreign Supplement) should be submitted with the application. Please use the appropriate state version.
• Refer to the Country Code Classification Chart (LI5549) for the latest country classifications.

Internal Retention Limits — U.S. Resident Citizens (Standard or better)

Professional Athletes Internal Retention

Automatic reinsurance capacity is used before internal retention. Maximum retention limits are cumulative with MassMutual and are subject to case details, including the product type, the insured’s age, and risk class.