Make 2014 a year of growth, prosperity for life industry

Yet a major gap remains. There's been much ado about health care reform and finding a solution to the gap in health care coverage that includes 48 million Americans, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. But what about LIMRA's reported $15.3 trillion gap in life insurance coverage for 70 million U.S. households? The loss of a bread winner or shortage of funds in retirement is devastating to families who, if not prepared, also turn to government agencies for services. LIMRA also reports that approximately two-thirds of pre retirees do not expect to receive enough income from Social Security and employer pensions to cover their basic living expenses in retirement.

Therein lies our opportunity. With this noted gap in coverage and a population having difficulty saving for retirement, the need for retirement income, long-term care solutions and life insurance protection has never been more evident. 

It's time to take charge

We need to meet these challenges and seize these opportunities in 2014. The U.S. government cannot ride to the rescue, nor do we need them to. We — the industry — are the cavalry. We are positioned to fulfill the protection and retirement needs of Americans, and history is on our side.

In 2014, these principles will remain critical:

1. Keep customers the "main thing." Carriers and advisors that stay true to their mission of building relationships and serving customers will see a great return on that investment.

Advisors should check in with their clients, assess changing life circumstances and reassure them of the strength of their financial choices. They can hold a customer appreciation event focused on an important educational topic such as income planning, invite each customer to bring a non-client as a guest and later publish their materials. There are endless activities an advisor can do to stay in front of clients. Plot them out now.

2. Stay committed to financial strength. This hallmark of the best-performing companies provides the foundation for carriers — and advisors — to be successful. Unquestionable financial strength is necessary to find success in this challenging environment.

3. Adapt to the environment and provide solutions. I mentioned earlier that some companies are walking away from products. Given the negative news coverage and its potential for significant rate increases, it's not surprising that long-term care insurance is one of them. Because of its challenges, however, others are finding newer, different options for their clients, known as "asset-based" long-term care.

Two features helping overcome common concerns with traditional long-term care insurance are:

1. A payout is made to beneficiaries at the time of death if the policy has not been exhausted for long-term care; and
2. Premiums are usually guaranteed, meaning older clients will never be exposed to an increase in the cost.

These products have really taken off. In 2012, sales of asset-based long-term care products grew 19 percent over the previous year, representing a fourth consecutive year of double-digit growth.

A Worthy Battle

The year ahead will certainly be challenging. But when carriers and advisors team up and take charge, the industry will forge ahead. Listening to and engaging with customers, being a pillar of financial strength despite an unstable economy, adapting to the changing world around us to provide solutions will help all of us grow and thrive. 

When it's all said and done, we may wear a few battle scars, but meeting the protection and income needs of individuals and their families will always be a worthwhile endeavor.