New Phoenix Life Insurance Program Rewards Clients for Healthy Lifestyle

Looking for another reason to hit the gym this week? Need some extra motivation to order baked fish rather than fried chicken? How about the possibility of a 20 percent discount on your life insurance bill? The Phoenix Companies, Inc. (NYSE: PNX), a leader in innovative life insurance products and the first insurer to offer discounted premiums for non-smokers, has become the first U.S. life insurer to offer a discount for customers who make a long-term commitment to a healthy lifestyle. "The proposal is simple,” said Philip K. Polkinghorn, executive vice president, Life and Annuity. "We want to reward our customers who start fit and stay fit, so we developed a program that gives them a discount on the cost of insurance.” The program, called Healthy Measure RewardSM, allows customers to earn up to 20 percent in discounts if they maintain a healthy body mass index (BMI) ratio. BMI is calculated by comparing weight with height (see attached chart). A BMI from 19 through 25 is desirable for most middle-aged adults; a BMI greater than 25 may indicate that a person is overweight, while a BMI greater than 30 generally indicates obesity. "The health risks of being overweight are well recognized,” said Robert O. Kinney, M.D., vice president and medical director at Phoenix, who noted that nonsmokers with a consistent BMI within the range of 19-25 have the lowest risk of disease and premature death. "Statistics show that people who are overweight have an increased risk of developing high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and stroke. Researchers also believe they have a higher risk of developing some forms of cancer, and may have an increased risk of developing kidney failure. Whatever the reason, dozens of epidemiologic studies have demonstrated increased mortality from any cause in overweight people.” For decades, life insurers have reflected these mortality patterns by charging higher premiums to obese applicants. In recent years, many life insurers, including Phoenix, have offered lower premiums, or preferred rates, to applicants who meet more stringent height/weight parameters in addition to other criteria, such as healthy cholesterol and blood pressure levels. "Now, customers who already qualify for lower premiums as a preferred risk can earn additional discounts on their premiums if they successfully maintain a favorable body mass index,” Dr. Kinney said. Here’s how the program works: Customers age 30-55, in the "Preferred” or "Preferred Plus" risk class, and with a BMI between 19 and 25, are automatically enrolled in the Healthy Measure Reward program on qualifying Phoenix policies. If their BMI is in the target range on the fifth policy anniversary, they receive a five percent discount on the cost of insurance. The BMI will be re-measured in years 10, 15 and 20, and customers will earn an additional five percent discount, up to a total of 20 percent, on the cost of insurance each time by remaining in the target range. All earned discounts continue as long as the policy remains in effect; however, if the BMI target is missed on any of the five-year anniversaries, customers will not qualify for future discounts. The Healthy Measure Reward is available on Phoenix Accumulator UL®, Phoenix Edge® – VUL and Phoenix Individual Edge® life insurance policies with a minimum $500,000 face amount. "Fifty years ago, Phoenix pioneered the now-common practice of lower life insurance rates for women, and we led the industry by offering discounted premiums for non-smokers,” said Polkinghorn. "Clearly, the Healthy Measure Reward is another meaningful innovation for our customers.” Phoenix is a leader in the life insurance industry, with a distinguished record of industry firsts in product design and underwriting. The company's underwriting capabilities can accommodate a range of customers and risk situations and address clients' estate, business and retirement planning strategies. With roots dating to 1851, The Phoenix Companies, Inc. (NYSE:PNX) helps individuals and institutions solve their often highly complex personal financial and business planning needs through its broad array of life insurance, annuities and investments. The company’s products and services reflect deep insights into the wants and needs of consumers and financial professionals gleaned from research, including its Phoenix Wealth Survey, conducted annually since 1999. Phoenix has been recognized for its people-friendly programs by Working Mother magazine, the National Association of Female Executives and The Princeton Review. In 2005, Phoenix had annual revenues of $2.6 billion and total assets of $27.7 billion. For more information, visit www.phoenixwm.com. Phoenix Accumulator UL® (05PAUL) is issued by Phoenix Life Insurance Company (East Greenbush, NY) and PHL Variable Insurance Company (PHLVIC) (Hartford, CT). Phoenix Edge® – VUL (V613) is issued by PHLVIC (Hartford, CT). Phoenix Individual Edge® (V603 (PIE) is issued by Phoenix Life Insurance Company (East Greenbush, NY). PHLVIC is not authorized to conduct business in ME and NY. The insurers referenced above are separate entities, and each is responsible only for its own financial condition and contractual obligations. Variable products distributed by Phoenix Equity Planning Corporation, One American Row, Hartford, CT 06102.