The long-term care conversation has changed dramatically over the last decade. Clients are increasingly aware of the financial and emotional impact extended care can have on retirement assets, yet many remain hesitant to purchase traditional long-term care insurance due to concerns about “use-it-or-lose-it” premiums, rate increases, and underwriting uncertainty.
That’s where EquiTrust’s Bridge FIA with Long-Term Care Rider is gaining traction among producers and LTC specialists alike.
Bridge combines the accumulation potential and downside protection of a fixed index annuity with meaningful long-term care benefits, creating a solution that helps clients prepare for future care needs without sacrificing growth opportunities.
A Different Approach to Long-Term Care Planning
Bridge was designed for clients who want protection against long-term care expenses while maintaining control of their assets and preserving retirement income potential. At its core, Bridge offers:
- Principal protection from market downturns
- Indexed growth opportunities
- A built-in Long-Term Care Rider
- Guaranteed issue underwriting
- Access to the NeverStop® Health Coaching & Rewards Program
For many clients, this creates a more appealing alternative to standalone LTC coverage because the policy offers Accumulation Value growth and a death benefit if care is never needed.
Why Guaranteed Issue Matters
One of the biggest barriers in traditional long-term care planning is underwriting. Clients who have experienced health changes often worry they won’t qualify for coverage, while agents know lengthy underwriting processes can derail cases before placement.
Bridge addresses this challenge with guaranteed issue underwriting and three underwriting classes, allowing more clients to access coverage while still providing flexible leverage opportunities based on:
- Age
- Underwriting class
- Premium amount
This streamlined approach can help simplify conversations and improve placement efficiency for agents working with pre-retirees and retirees.
Helping Clients Protect Retirement Assets
Long-term care expenses remain one of the greatest threats to retirement portfolios. Many clients spend years building wealth only to discover that one extended care event could significantly impact retirement income, legacy goals, spousal financial security, and lifestyle preservation. Bridge helps position long-term care planning as part of a broader asset protection strategy.
The NeverStop Health Coaching & Rewards Program
Wellness support has become an increasingly important part of retirement planning solutions. Bridge includes access to the NeverStop Health Coaching & Rewards Program, which encourages healthy habits and proactive wellness engagement. This added value can help clients feel supported beyond the financial aspects of care planning. For agents, it also creates a more holistic conversation around healthy aging and retirement preparedness.
Why Specialists Are Paying Attention
Bridge is quickly becoming a preferred solution among long-term care specialists because it addresses several common client objections simultaneously:
- Fear of losing money if care is never needed
- Concern about market volatility
- Resistance to traditional LTC premium structures
- Underwriting anxiety
- Desire for asset protection and growth potential
In today’s planning environment, clients increasingly want solutions that provide multiple benefits within one product structure. Bridge delivers that combination in a way that aligns with both protection and accumulation goals.
A Strong Conversation Starter for Retirement Planning
For producers, Bridge creates opportunities to engage clients in broader retirement protection discussions, asking questions such as:
- “What happens if long-term care becomes necessary?”
- “How would care expenses impact your retirement income?”
- “Are your conservative assets working efficiently?”
- “Do you have a plan for preserving lifestyle and legacy goals?”
These conversations are becoming increasingly important as healthcare costs continue to rise and clients seek more certainty in retirement.
EquiTrust Bridge FIA with Long-Term Care Rider offers agents a compelling way to address two major retirement concerns simultaneously: protecting assets from market volatility and preparing for potential long-term care needs.
With guaranteed issue underwriting, flexible leverage options, indexed growth potential, and long-term care benefits, Bridge provides a modern alternative for clients seeking confidence, flexibility, and financial protection in retirement. For agents focused on retirement income planning, asset preservation, and long-term care solutions, Bridge is worth a closer look.
If you’re interested in learning more, join our webinar on June 18th presented by EquiTrust Regional Vice President Leon Fitch.
Product availability and features may vary by state. Bridge contract issued on Form Series ICC12-ET-EIA-2000(01-12) or ET-EIA-2000(12-21). Long-Term Care Rider issued on ET-LTC(01-24). NeverStop Wellness Rider issued on ET-WEL(01-24). EquiTrust does not offer investment advice to any individual, and this material should not be construed as investment advice. Products underwritten, issued and distributed by EquiTrust Life Insurance Company, West Des Moines, Iowa. 3261-BRG-EM-EXT-05-26.