Aflac Inc. is introducing a slew of worksite benefits updates and new services to go with its recently reworked marketing campaign.
Aflac, Columbus, Ga., wants consumers to think of the products as being vital parts of their financial security, company executives say.
Aflac also is strengthening enrollment services.
Employees now can sign up for Aflac products and core, employer-paid benefits, such as group health insurance, via a call center, a Web-based self-service center, or an enroller with a laptop or desktop computer, says Aflac spokesman Mechell Clark.
The system should appeal to brokers as well as to employees, Clark says.
Product Changes
In April, Aflac lowered minimum participation requirements for short term disability insurance, making the product available to employers with as few as 3 employees, down from 5.
Recently, Aflac opened STD plans to employees who work as few as 19 hours a week, down from 30 hours.
"These changes have been taking place for some time," says Karen Riedel, the company's director of product marketing. "They offer a lot of elements in tune with today's work environment. Many employers, instead of reducing the number of employees they have, are reducing work hours."
Aflac also has broadened the reach of its disability and accident, products, eliminating some exclusions it had for players on professional sports teams, taxi drivers, and individuals in other hazardous jobs, Riedel says.
Aflac updated cancer and critical illness policies by adding an option that offers a lump-sum payment of up to $30,000 upon an initial diagnosis.
Because more people are working past the "normal retirement age," Aflac is making accident plans available to employees up to age 70. In addition, accident and cancer policies now will allow coverage for dependent children to age 25. The previous limit was age 23.
Marketing Campaign
