How can Bridge offer guaranteed issue when other products decline applicants?

Bridge uses a three-class underwriting model instead of approve/decline. Everyone who completes the Assured Allies video interview receives coverage—you're placed in Preferred, Standard, or Secure class based on your health assessment. Lower classes receive lower Coverage Ratios (and thus less leverage), but they're never declined. You can even opt out of the interview entirely and accept Secure class if you prefer.

What's the difference between indemnity and reimbursement benefits?

Reimbursement (like ForeCare and Annuity Care) requires you to submit bills and receipts, then get paid back for documented expenses. Indemnity (like Bridge and CareMatters) pays you a fixed monthly amount regardless of actual expenses—no receipts, no invoices, no tracking. With indemnity, you can pay family caregivers, use care however you choose, and have complete flexibility.

How does the 4-year vesting schedule work?

If you need LTC benefits before year 5, you receive a percentage of your full monthly benefit: 20% in year 1, 40% in year 2, 60% in year 3, 80% in year 4, 100% from year 5 onward. For example, if your calculated monthly benefit is $5,000 and you claim in year 2, you'd receive $2,000/month. This vesting applies to the Net Amount at Risk portion—the Accumulation Value portion is always fully available.

Can I really pay family members to care for me?

Yes—this is one of Bridge's key advantages. Because benefits are indemnity-based, you can compensate family caregivers, hire private care, or use funds for any qualified LTC service without submitting receipts. You have full control over how benefits are used. This is different from reimbursement products that require documented expenses from licensed providers.

How do Wellness Credits actually increase my benefits?

Every 2 years, the NeverStop program evaluates your participation in healthy actions from your personalized Aging Map. Active participation earns Wellness Credits—a percentage of your Benefit Base that's permanently added. Credits accumulate for up to 20 years but aren't applied until you file an LTC claim. Partial participation earns partial credits.

What happens to my money if the index has a negative year?

Nothing—your account value never decreases from market performance. Bridge's FIA chassis has a 0% floor, meaning the worst your index accounts can do is earn zero for that year. Your Accumulation Value only decreases through withdrawals or rider charges. The trade-off for this protection is caps and participation rates that limit upside.

Why can't Bridge accept 1035 exchanges like ForeCare?

Bridge is structured as a non-qualified fixed index annuity only. It cannot accept qualified funds (IRA, 401k) or 1035 exchange transfers from existing annuities. This is a structural limitation. If you have an existing annuity you want to reposition for LTC coverage, ForeCare or OneAmerica Annuity Care may be better options.

How does Bridge compare to ForeCare for underwriting?

Both use simplified underwriting (no APS, no exam), but Bridge goes further with true guaranteed issue—no one is declined. ForeCare's 10-question medical questionnaire has knockout questions that result in automatic decline. Bridge places everyone in a class. If you have conditions that might trigger ForeCare's knockouts, Bridge offers a path to coverage that doesn't exist elsewhere.

Is the NeverStop wellness program worth the $100/year fee?

It depends on your engagement level. Active participants can earn Wellness Credits that permanently increase LTC benefits—potentially worth far more than the fee. The program also provides wellness coaching that may help you delay or avoid needing care. However, if you won't engage with the assessments and healthy actions, you can opt out after issue.

EquiTrust Bridge Review: Guaranteed Issue LTC (2025)

Key Metrics at a Glance

Issue Ages	50-80	All classes
Minimum Premium	$50,000	Single premium
Maximum Premium	$1,000,000	Year 1 LTC limit
Coverage Ratio	125%-330%	Based on age & class
Benefit Duration	60 months	5 years maximum
Elimination Period	90 days	Embedded in certification
Benefit Type	Indemnity	No receipts required
Crediting Rate	Index-Linked	0% floor protection
1035 Exchange	No	Non-qualified only

Three Doors Framework Applies

Your Money Always Comes Back

With asset-based LTC, you're not gambling on getting sick. You're repositioning an asset that works for you in every scenario.

Scenario	What Happens	Benefit	Who Gets It
Door 1: LIVE	You need LTC care	Tax-free indemnity benefits up to 3.3x premium for 5 years	You get the money
Door 2: DIE	You don't need LTC	Accumulation Value passes to beneficiaries	Family gets the money
Door 3: LEAVE	You change your mind	Cash Surrender Value (after 10-year CDSC period)	You get the money

The Bottom Line: Unlike traditional LTC insurance where premiums are "use it or lose it," Bridge ensures your money comes back to you or your family in every scenario. Note: Accumulation Value gains are taxable to beneficiaries (unlike life insurance).

Coverage Ratios: Your LTC Leverage

Bridge uses Coverage Ratios instead of fixed multipliers. Your ratio determines how much LTC Benefit Base you receive per premium dollar. Higher ratios = more leverage, but also higher rider charges.

Issue Age	Preferred	Standard	Secure
Age 50	330%	230%	155%
Age 55	325%	225%	150%
Age 60	320%	220%	145%
Age 65(Example)	315%	215%	140%
Age 70	310%	210%	135%
Age 75	305%	205%	130%
Age 80	300%	200%	125%

Preferred Class

Healthiest applicants. Maximum leverage: 300-330%. Lowest rider charges.

Standard Class

Controlled health conditions. Mid-range leverage: 200-230%. Moderate charges.

Secure Class

Significant health issues or opt-out. Still approved: 125-155%. Higher charges.

How Bridge Works

Calculating Your LTC Benefits

Your Premium

$100,000

Coverage Ratio

x 315%

LTC Benefit Base

$315,000

+ 3% annual growth for up to 20 years + potential wellness credits

4-Year Benefit Vesting Schedule

Your LTC benefits vest over 4 years. Early claims receive only the vested percentage.

Yr 1

20%

Yr 2

40%

Yr 3

60%

Yr 4

80%

Yr 5+

100%

Important: If you claim in year 2, you'd receive 40% of your calculated benefit. Full vesting requires 4 years.

Index Crediting Options

Index	Crediting Method	Current Rate
Fixed Rate	1-Year Interest	5.00%
S&P 500	1-Year Pt-to-Pt Cap	9.00% cap
S&P 500	1-Year Participation	50%
Barclays Focus50	1-Year Participation	180%
S&P MARC 5%	1-Year Participation	200%

Rates subject to change. Zero floor protection—your account never loses value from market declines.

Guaranteed Issue (No Declines)

The only annuity-LTC hybrid with true guaranteed issue. Everyone who completes the Assured Allies video interview receives coverage—you're placed in Preferred, Standard, or Secure class based on health, but never declined.

Indemnity Benefits (No Receipts)

Bridge pays monthly indemnity benefits directly to you—no receipts, no invoices, no claim forms. You can pay family caregivers, choose your own care arrangements, and stop/restart benefits as needed.

Index-Linked Growth Potential

Built on a fixed index annuity chassis with multiple crediting options: S&P 500, Barclays Focus50, and S&P MARC 5%. Your account value participates in index gains (subject to caps/participation rates) but never loses value from market declines.

NeverStop Wellness Program

Science-based wellness program that can permanently increase your LTC benefits. Complete assessments, follow your personalized 'Aging Map,' and earn Wellness Credits every 2 years for up to 20 years.

3% Annual Benefit Base Growth

Your LTC Benefit Base grows at 3% annually for up to 20 years or until claim, whichever comes first. This helps your coverage keep pace with rising care costs without electing an inflation rider.

Flexible Premium Structure

Unlike single-premium products, Bridge accepts flexible premiums. Additional premiums in years 1-5 are multiplied by your Coverage Ratio; premiums after year 5 add dollar-for-dollar to Benefit Base.

10-Year Surrender Charge Schedule

LTC withdrawals are never subject to surrender charges. Starting year 2, you can withdraw 10% of contract value annually without charges.

Yr 1

Yr 2

Yr 3

Yr 4

6.5%

Yr 5

5.5%

Yr 6

4.5%

Yr 7

3.5%

Yr 8

2.5%

Yr 9

1.5%

Yr 10

0.5%

Yr 11+

Leverage Examples: What Your Money Can Do

Your underwriting class determines your coverage ratio. See how the same premium creates different outcomes based on health classification.

Margaret, 65 (Preferred Class)

Single Premium: $100,000

315% leverage

Total LTC Pool

$315,000

Monthly Benefit

$5,250/mo

Duration

60 months (5 years)

Coverage Ratio

315%

Plus 3% annual growth and potential wellness credits

Robert, 72 (Standard Class)

Single Premium: $150,000

208% leverage

Total LTC Pool

$312,000

Monthly Benefit

$5,200/mo

Duration

60 months (5 years)

Coverage Ratio

208%

Health conditions placed him in Standard—still approved

Helen, 68 (Secure Class)

Single Premium: $200,000

137% leverage

Total LTC Pool

$274,000

Monthly Benefit

$4,567/mo

Duration

60 months (5 years)

Coverage Ratio

137%

Declined by 3 other carriers—Bridge still issued coverage

Examples are hypothetical illustrations. Actual benefits depend on age, health, underwriting class, and optional riders selected. Request a personalized illustration.

NeverStop Wellness Program

Bridge includes a science-based wellness program that can permanently increase your LTC benefits while helping you stay healthy longer.

NeverStop Health Coaching & Rewards

Personalized Aging Map assessment

Wellness Ally coaching support

Science-based healthy action plans

Age-up annual check-in calls

Wellness Credits earned every 2 years

Member discounts and rewards

How Wellness Credits Work

Complete Assessments

Take health assessments and create your personalized Aging Map

Follow Healthy Actions

Complete science-based activities from your personalized plan

Earn Credits

Permanent additions to your LTC Benefit Base every 2 years

Credits earned every 2 years for up to 20 years, applied at time of LTC claim. $100/year program fee can be cancelled if you choose not to participate.

Real World Scenarios

Is Bridge right for YOUR situation? Here's who this works for—and when to consider alternatives.

Perfect Fit: The Previously Declined Applicant

Perfect Fit

James (Age 70): James has $175,000 in a CD that he'd earmarked for potential care needs. He was declined by two hybrid carriers due to his Parkinson's diagnosis, and traditional LTC wasn't an option either.

How Bridge Helps:

Bridge's guaranteed issue places James in Secure class (137% coverage ratio) based on his video interview. He's never declined—just placed in the appropriate risk class. Key Benefits: • No declines—ever • Indemnity flexibility to pay family caregivers • 3% annual Benefit Base growth • Wellness credits can increase coverage

Outcome:

James's $175,000 becomes a $239,750 LTC Benefit Base with $3,996/month in indemnity benefits for 60 months. He went from 'uninsurable' to 'covered' with the flexibility to pay family caregivers.

Perfect Fit: The Index Growth Seeker

Perfect Fit

Patricia (Age 58): Patricia has $100,000 in a traditional annuity earning 2.5%. She wants LTC protection but is frustrated that most hybrid products offer only fixed crediting rates. She'd like to participate in market upside.

How Bridge Helps:

Bridge's FIA chassis offers S&P 500-linked options (10% cap, 50% participation) plus volatility-controlled indices. Patricia allocates to the Barclays Focus50 strategy with 150% participation rate. Index Options: • S&P 500 with 9% cap or 50% participation • Barclays Focus50 with 180% participation • S&P MARC 5% with 200% participation • 0% floor on all indexed accounts

Outcome:

Patricia qualifies for Preferred (315% ratio), creating a $315,000 LTC Benefit Base. Her account value has growth potential via index credits while maintaining the 0% floor protection.

Perfect Fit: The Wellness-Engaged Retiree

Perfect Fit

David and Susan (Age 64/62): This couple exercises daily, monitors their health metrics, and wants to be rewarded for staying healthy. They're interested in LTC coverage but feel like traditional products penalize healthy behavior by not offering any benefit for staying well.

How Bridge Helps:

Bridge's NeverStop Wellness Program provides personalized wellness coaching, tracks health outcomes, and rewards participation with permanent Wellness Credits added to their LTC Benefit Base every 2 years. Wellness Benefits: • Personalized Aging Map assessment • Wellness Ally coaching support • Credits earned every 2 years for 20 years • Proactive health coaching may delay care needs

Outcome:

Each spouse purchases Bridge with $125,000. Over 10 years of active wellness participation, they could earn substantial credits that increase their LTC benefits at claim time.

Compare Options: The Maximum Duration Seeker

Compare Options

Martha (Age 66): Martha's family history includes extended care needs—her mother required care for 9 years. She wants maximum duration coverage and is willing to pay for it. She has $150,000 to reposition.

Analysis:

Bridge's fixed 60-month (5-year) duration is a constraint. While the Benefit Base can be substantial, duration is capped. Duration Comparison: • Bridge: 60 months maximum • OneAmerica Asset Care: Lifetime COB option • Lincoln MoneyGuard: Extension Rider available • Nationwide CareMatters: 48-72 months If duration is the priority, consider products with longer options.

Our Recommendation:

Martha should compare illustrations. Bridge's 5-year cap may leave her underinsured if she experiences an extended care event like her mother. Consider OneAmerica Asset Care with Lifetime COB or Lincoln MoneyGuard with Extension Rider.

Where It Shines

True Guaranteed Issue (Unique)

The only annuity-LTC hybrid where no one is declined. Everyone completes the same Assured Allies video interview and receives coverage in one of three classes. This is transformative for clients who've been declined elsewhere.

Indemnity Benefits with Maximum Flexibility

Monthly payments go directly to you with no receipts required. Pay professional caregivers, compensate family members, or use funds as you see fit for qualified LTC services. Stop and restart benefits based on your needs.

Index-Linked Growth Potential

Unlike fixed-rate annuity hybrids, Bridge offers crediting strategies linked to S&P 500, Barclays Focus50, and S&P MARC 5% indices. Participation rates up to 200%, caps up to 10%. Zero floor protection means you never lose account value to market declines.

NeverStop Wellness Integration

The only hybrid product with a built-in wellness program that can increase LTC benefits. Science-based assessments, personalized coaching, and permanent Wellness Credits earned every 2 years.

High Coverage Ratios Available

Preferred class at age 50 can access 330% coverage ratio—among the highest in the market. Even Secure class still provides 125-155% ratio. Higher ratios mean more LTC leverage per premium dollar.

!What Gives Us Pause

4-Year Benefit Vesting Schedule

LTC benefits vest over 4 years: 20%, 40%, 60%, 80%, 100%. If you need care in year 2, you'd receive only 40% of your calculated monthly benefit. This is a meaningful limitation vs. products with immediate full vesting.

5-Year Duration Cap

Benefits are paid over a maximum of 60 months regardless of your Coverage Ratio or Benefit Base size. If you need care for 7+ years (not uncommon), you'd exhaust benefits. Competitors offer lifetime options.

10-Year Surrender Period

Surrender charges range from 9% (year 1) to 0.5% (year 10). Plus Market Value Adjustment may apply. The 'Leave' door isn't truly penalty-free until year 11. One of the longer surrender periods in the category.

Non-Qualified Funds Only

Bridge cannot accept IRA, 401(k), or other qualified money. No 1035 exchanges from existing annuities. You must use non-qualified (after-tax) funds. This limits repositioning options compared to products like ForeCare.

Complexity of Moving Parts

Coverage Ratios, vesting schedules, wellness credits, multiple index options, Net Amount at Risk calculations—Bridge has more moving parts than simpler products. Clients and advisors need to understand how all pieces interact.

Underwriting Reality: Guaranteed Issue

Bridge is the only annuity-LTC hybrid with true guaranteed issue. Everyone receives coverage—you're placed in a class based on health, but never declined.