Underwriting — What to Know

What to know and what to expect during the long-term care and life insurance underwriting process.

Long-term care and life insurance products help protect you, your future, and your loved ones from the fiscal impact of extended care costs. Throughout the process — from application to underwriting to claims — the goal is to anticipate your needs, resolve concerns, and serve you well at every stage.

A necessary step in the purchase process is underwriting. This guide explains what to expect during the underwriting interview. If you have questions before or after your interview, don’t hesitate to contact Withbert W. Payne, CPA, directly.

Preparing for the Interview

Purpose & Duration

The purpose of the underwriting interview is to collect information that supports the underwriting process. An underwriter evaluates this information to determine how your policy will be issued. The interview takes approximately 45–60 minutes per applicant.

Translation services are available. If you need to conduct the interview in a language other than English, please let your licensed professional know in advance so arrangements can be made.

Important Interview Notes

→ Only you, the applicant, may be on the phone throughout the interview.
→ Using a speakerphone is not permitted.
→ Any indication that you are being coached, or that another person is part of the interview, will affect policy approval.
→ Plan to conduct the interview in a quiet area — then relax and take your time.
→ The interview cannot be completed while you are driving.

The Interview Process

What the Interviewer Will Ask

The interviewer will ask about your medical history and health status, including:

→ Your physicians’ names and addresses
→ Medications you take
→ Health conditions and medical diagnoses
→ Employment status
→ Residence and living arrangements
→ Hobbies and social activities

If you are age 60 or over, you will also be asked to perform brief verbal exercises that help evaluate your cognitive status.

After the Interview

An underwriter evaluates your application together with the information gathered during the telephone interview. The underwriter will then:

→ Approve the application
→ Decline the application
→ Determine that additional information is needed before a decision can be made

Your licensed professional is notified of the outcome and will communicate the next steps to you promptly.

Your Privacy Is Protected

Confidentiality. The insurance carrier and any vendor representing the carrier will protect your privacy and safeguard all information you provide throughout the underwriting process. For further details, refer to the carrier’s Privacy Practice Notice and Notice of Insurance Information Practices, provided with your application materials.

Questions? Contact Withbert W. Payne, CPA Directly

If you have questions before or after your underwriting interview, or at any point in the application process, please reach out directly. Every engagement is handled personally — never delegated to junior staff or automated systems.

Withbert W. Payne, CPA, CGMA, FCA · CA License No. 0E90257

(925) 708-6501 · bertltccpas@gmail.com · LTCCPAS.com

3150 Crow Canyon Place, Suite 100 · San Ramon, CA 94583

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For educational purposes only. Not financial, legal, or insurance advice. Withbert W. Payne, CPA, CGMA · CA License No. 0E90257 · This is a solicitation for insurance.