The Hartford Lowers the Cost of Life Insurance for Many Older Americans with Heart Disease

The Hartford is lowering the cost of life insurance for many older Americans who have been successfully treated for coronary heart disease. According to Dr. Robert Pokorski, The Hartford’s chief medical strategist, the changes have been adopted because recent medical studies show that older individuals with coronary heart disease often have the same life expectancy as healthy individuals of the same age.

Dr. Pokorski estimates that more than half of the nearly 200,000 Americans over the age of 70 who will have bypass surgery or angioplasty this year will qualify for the company’s new lower rates. The new rates are for men and women who are 71-85 years old, are in otherwise good health, and have no history of cancer, diabetes, or other serious medical conditions.

Under the new guidelines, a 71-year-old man purchasing a universal life policy will save at least $2,500 on the annual premium for a $250,000 policy and $5,000 on a $500,000 policy. The amount of insurance that can be purchased is subject only to limitations that apply to all applicants of the same age. In other words, women and men between the ages of 71-85 who have successfully undergone bypass surgery at least six months ago – and are otherwise in good health – are eligible for standard rates at the company maximums, as long as they qualify financially.

Longer survival after heart surgery is one example of the broader trend of increasing life expectancy in the United States, both in people who have health problems and those who don’t. According to Dr. Pokorski, "Life expectancy continues to increase, especially for people who follow sound medical advice, such as treatment for elevated blood pressure and cholesterol, regular exercise, and a well-balanced diet. Longevity is also increasing in older people who are successfully treated for heart disease. We believe that many of these people are highly insurable, and at the same rates The Hartford offers to people with no health problems.”

The Hartford was the first insurer in the nation to offer standard rates on life insurance to women recovering from early stage breast cancer and men who have been successfully treated for localized prostate cancer. The company also recently instituted sweeping changes in the way it assesses the health and longevity of life insurance applicants that says that it believes the changes will reduce the cost of premiums for a quarter of all new policyholders.

According to Brian D. Murphy, executive vice president of the company’s Individual Life Insurance Division, the new underwriting approach, "uses the latest medical knowledge and test procedures to create a holistic view of each applicant.” He also said it "gives us the ability to create a more accurate risk assessment of the individual and, in most cases, makes it easier and less expensive for clients to purchase the life insurance they want.”

About The Hartford

Celebrating 200 years of helping its customers achieve what’s ahead, The Hartford (NYSE: HIG) is an insurance and wealth management company. Through its unique focus on customer needs, the company serves businesses and consumers by providing the products and solutions they need to protect their assets and income from risks and manage their wealth and retirement needs. A Fortune 100 company, The Hartford is recognized widely for its service expertise and as one of the world's most ethical companies. More information on the company and its financial performance is available at www.thehartford.com.

Over 750,000 Americans currently trust their life insurance needs to The Hartford's life subsidiaries, in part because they are getting more than the promise of a death benefit. They are entrusting their financial protection to a company that prides itself on integrity.

"The Hartford" is The Hartford Financial Services Group, Inc. and its subsidiaries, including the life insurance issuing companies of Hartford Life Insurance Company (New York) and Hartford Life and Annuity Insurance Company (outside New York), Simsbury, CT. The mailing address for both issuers is P.O. Box 2999, Hartford, CT 06104-2999.

Some of the statements in this release may be considered forward-looking statements as defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. We caution investors that these forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance, and actual results may differ materially. Investors should consider the important risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ. These important risks and uncertainties include those discussed in our Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, our 2007 Annual Report on Form 10-K and the other filings we make with the Securities and Exchange Commission. We assume no obligation to update this release, which speaks as of the date issued.

HIG – WLIF – 102136 10/21