METLIFE INTRODUCES FLEXCHOICE VARIABLE ANNUITY LIVING BENEFIT RIDER
CHARLOTTE, NC, February 17, 2015
MetLife today announced the launch of its new FlexChoice guaranteed lifetime withdrawal benefit (GLWB) rider, which is available with the company's flagship variable annuities. This new option is designed to provide clients guaranteed lifetime income with an opportunity to benefit from market growth, while offering flexibility should their financial needs change.
"MetLife is committed to offering competitive solutions to clients seeking confidence and certainty in retirement," said Elizabeth Forget, executive vice president of MetLife Retail Retirement & Wealth Solutions. "FlexChoice is designed to provide clients with guaranteed lifetime income, while offering them significant flexibility should their needs or circumstances change. This pairing of guaranteed income and control through flexible features will serve as a powerful combination for retirement investors seeking investment options that are both reliable and adaptable."
Clients who elect the FlexChoice rider can benefit from market growth and are guaranteed to receive lifetime income, even if market declines or withdrawals reduce their account value to zeroi. FlexChoice is unique in the industry as a GLWB rider in that it does not require the client to elect coverage of one person or two spouses at issue. Additional features include the opportunity for clients to start and stop withdrawals at any time without losing their ability to receive lifetime income, and the ability to cancel the rider if their needs change and receive a return of their purchase payments, adjusted for any withdrawals. An optional death benefit can also be elected for an additional charge for those who seek added protection for their heirs.
MetLife offers a broad portfolio of retirement solutions designed to meet the diverse retirement planning needs of clients. The launch of FlexChoice underscores the company’s commitment to meeting the demand for guaranteed income in retirement.
"With the addition of FlexChoice, our portfolio of retirement solutions is now the most robust it has ever been," said Forget. "Whether clients are looking to grow their retirement assets, protect a portion of their savings from market loss, generate a pension-like stream of guaranteed income or find a combination that works for them, we have the products they need to retire with confidence."
About MetLife
MetLife, Inc. (NYSE: MET), through its subsidiaries and affiliates ("MetLife"), is one of the largest life insurance companies in the world. Founded in 1868, MetLife is a global provider of life insurance, annuities, employee benefits and asset management. Serving approximately 100 million customers, MetLife has operations in nearly 50 countries and holds leading market positions in the United States, Japan, Latin America, Asia, Europe and the Middle East. For more information, visit www.metlife.com.
Investment Performance Is Not Guaranteed.
Prospectuses for a MetLife variable annuity issued by a MetLife insurance company, and for the investment portfolios offered thereunder, are available from your financial professional. The contract prospectus contains information about the contract's features, risks, charges and expenses. Investors should consider the investment objectives, risks, charges and expenses of the investment company carefully before investing. The investment objectives, risks and policies of the investment options, as well as other information about the investment options, are described in their respective prospectuses. Please read the prospectuses and consider this information carefully before investing. Product availability and features (including the FlexChoice rider) may vary by state. Please refer to the contract prospectus for more complete details regarding the living and death benefits.
Variable annuities are long-term investments designed for retirement purposes. Variable annuities have limitations, exclusions, charges, termination provisions and terms for keeping it in force. There is no guarantee that any of the variable investment options in this product will meet their stated goals or objectives. The account value is subject to market fluctuations and investment risk so that, when withdrawn, it may be worth more or less than its original value, even when an optional protection benefit is elected. All product guarantees, including optional benefits, are subject to the claims-paying ability and financial strength of the issuing insurance company. Please contact your financial professional for complete details.
Withdrawals of taxable amounts are subject to ordinary income tax and if made before age 59½, may be subject to a 10% Federal income tax penalty. Distributions of taxable amounts from a non-qualified annuity may also be subject to the 3.8% Unearned Income Medicare Contribution tax that is generally imposed interest, dividends, and annuity income if your modified adjusted gross income exceeds the applicable threshold amount. Withdrawals will reduce the living and death benefits and account value. Withdrawals may be subject to withdrawal charges.
Variable annuities other than Preference Premier® are issued by MetLife Insurance Company USA , Charlotte, NC 28277on Policy Form 8010 (11/00). The Preference Premier variable annuity is issued by Metropolitan Life Insurance Company on Policy Form PPS (07/01) , New York, NY 10166 (collectively and singly "MetLife") and offered though MetLife Securities, Inc., 1095 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY 10036. Variable products are distributed by MetLife Investors Distribution Company (member FINRA). All are MetLife companies.
i If your account value is reduced to zero due to a withdrawal before age 59½, or due to an excess withdrawal, you will not be eligible for lifetime income, no further benefit will be payable under the FlexChoice rider, and the rider will terminate.