RADNOR, Pa.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--

Lincoln Financial Group (NYSE: LNC) and Munich Re announced today a partnership that creates new life insurance opportunities for millions of Americans afflicted with hepatitis C. In light of recent medical advancements, Lincoln has partnered with Munich Re to offer more favorable underwriting ratings for most individuals with hepatitis C who have been successfully treated, resulting in lower costs for life insurance coverage. In addition, Lincoln Financial is also able to expand coverage eligibility for some untreated individuals.

“Lincoln is excited to partner with Munich Re to make the important protections of life insurance more attainable and affordable for those with hepatitis C,” said Mike Burns, senior vice president of Life Solutions at Lincoln Financial Group. “This leading-edge collaboration is a milestone for our industry, and it represents a significant step-forward in helping many people with this disease overcome some of the financial planning challenges they may have previously faced due to associated long-term health problems.”

According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), approximately 2.7 - 3.9 million people in the United States have chronic hepatitis C, which can lead to liver damage, cirrhosis and liver cancer. Most people do not know they have the disease, which is primarily spread through contact with blood from an infected person.

“The treatment of the hepatitis C virus infection has evolved significantly in recent years with the development of direct-acting viral medications resulting in shorter treatment duration, fewer side effects and improved cure rates,” said Dr. John Greene, vice president and chief medical director at Lincoln Financial Group. “Lincoln and Munich Re have made it a priority to incorporate the newest clinical information about these medical advancements in our underwriting approach, which has resulted in improved or new life insurance opportunities for those with the disease.”

Bill Moore, vice president of Underwriting and Medical for Munich Re, commented, “The incredible strides that have been made in treating hepatitis C are making it possible to take a focused, proactive approach to providing innovative coverage for individuals living with hepatitis C. We constantly monitor medical advancements not only in the U.S., but around the world, to help our customers expand their customer base and we are delighted to partner with Lincoln Financial Group in this effort.”

These new life insurance opportunities include both Lincoln Financial Group term and permanent policies with coverage up to $20 million, depending on age and rating class.

Lincoln to Provide Baby Boomers Applying for a Lincoln policy with Hepatitis C Testing and Results

In addition to partnering with Munich Re, Lincoln is teaming with its lab vendors to provide hepatitis C testing throughout 2017 to baby boomers applying for a Lincoln life insurance policy. Results will be available to the applicants, providing peace of mind for those testing negative, and helping those who are unknowingly afflicted find out so that they can pursue treatment.

The CDC recommends that everyone born from 1945–1965 get tested for the disease, as this portion of the population is five times more likely to have hepatitis C than other adults.

About Lincoln Financial Group

Lincoln Financial Group provides advice and solutions that help empower people to take charge of their financial lives with confidence and optimism. Today, more than 17 million customers trust our retirement, insurance and wealth protection expertise to help address their lifestyle, savings and income goals, as well as to guard against long-term care expenses. Headquartered in Radnor, Pennsylvania, Lincoln Financial Group is the marketing name for Lincoln National Corporation (NYSE:LNC) and its affiliates. The company had $236 billion in assets under management as of March 31, 2017. Learn more at: www.LincolnFinancial.com. Find us on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and YouTube. To sign up for email alerts, please visit our Newsroom at http://newsroom.lfg.com.

About Munich Re

Munich American Reassurance Company—Munich Re, U.S. (Life), founded in 1959, is one of the largest reinsurers in the U.S. offering life and disability reinsurance to insurance companies throughout the United States. The company also writes group, credit and other reinsurance products. Headquartered in Atlanta, with offices in Chicago and New York, the company is licensed, accredited or authorized in all fifty states; Washington, D.C.; Guam; and Puerto Rico.

Munich Re stands for exceptional solution-based expertise, consistent risk management, financial stability and client proximity. This is how Munich Re creates value for clients, shareholders and staff. In the financial year 2016, the Group – which combines primary insurance and reinsurance under one roof – achieved a profit of €2.6bn. It operates in all lines of insurance, with over 43,000 employees throughout the world. With premium income of around €28bn from reinsurance alone, it is one of the world’s leading reinsurers. Especially when clients require solutions for complex risks, Munich Re is a much sought-after risk carrier. Its primary insurance operations are concentrated mainly in ERGO, one of the leading insurance groups in Germany and Europe. ERGO is represented in over 30 countries worldwide and offers a comprehensive range of insurances, provision products and services. In 2016, ERGO posted premium income of €16.0bn. Munich Re’s global investments (excluding insurance-related investments) amounting to €219bn are managed by MEAG, which also makes its competence available to private and institutional investors outside the Group.

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