Brighthouse SmartCare Updates

Sep 21, 2021 • LTCI Partners

Brighthouse SmartCare Updates

hybrid life/Long-Term Care

Brighthouse SmartCare Product Update

Pricing and contract updates designed to provide clients with more flexibility and a better understanding of their benefits

To ensure our Brighthouse Financial^® products remain innovative in an ever-changing retirement landscape, we continuously look for ways to improve and expand our offerings. With this in mind, we have made updates to Brighthouse SmartCare^®, our innovative hybrid life insurance and long-term care (LTC) product, effective today, September 20, 2021.

Below is a summary of new product updates available on applicable, newly issued Brighthouse SmartCare policies.¹

Brighthouse SmartCare Features

Unskilled/Family Care

Care provided by unskilled individuals and family members has been added to the definition of home health care
This means an owner could start receiving benefits from their policy if the insured is receiving care from a family member in their home²

Cash Indemnity Benefits

LTC benefits from a Brighthouse SmartCare policy will continue to be paid on a cash indemnity basis – without the submission of receipts or tracked expenses
We have simplified contract language to increase understanding about how LTC benefits are paid

International Benefits

We have clarified the contract language related to international benefits
Individuals living abroad may still qualify for maximum LTC benefits if a physician licensed within the U.S. certifies that the insured is chronically ill and provides a plan of care

Elimination Period

Contract language has been updated to specify the elimination period is 90 calendar days
The elimination period begins when a physician licensed in the U.S. certifies that the insured is chronically ill and provides a plan of care

Click here to view the transition rules.
Click here to view the state approval grid.

Please contact our Life Sales Desk to learn more at (855) 861-5300.

¹ Updates described in this email apply to all Brighthouse SmartCare policies applied for, signed, and submitted by September 20, 2021. Please see transition rules for more details.
² Generally, LTC benefits are not payable unless an insured is chronically ill (as defined in the tax code) and is receiving covered qualified long-term care services under a plan of care prescribed by a physician.

Brighthouse SmartCare^® is an Indexed Universal Life Insurance policy with Long-Term Care Riders issued by, and product guarantees are solely the responsibility of, Brighthouse Life Insurance Company, Charlotte, NC 28277 [and, in New York only, by Brighthouse Life Insurance Company of NY, New York, NY 10017] (“Brighthouse Financial”). All guarantees, including any optional benefits, are subject to the claims-paying ability and financial strength of Brighthouse Financial. Each issuing insurance company is solely responsible for its own financial condition and contractual obligations. Brighthouse SmartCare has exclusions, limitations, reduction of benefits, and terms under which the policy may be continued in force or discontinued. May not be available in all states or firms.

Brighthouse Financial^® and its design are registered trademarks of Brighthouse Financial, Inc. and/or its affiliates.

• Not a Deposit • Not FDIC Insured • Not Insured by Any Federal Government Agency
• Not Guaranteed by Any Bank or Credit Union • May Lose Value

Planning Tips and Carrier News for Advisors

OneAmerica Financial - 2024 Caregiver Study Results

Never miss any update

Brighthouse SmartCare Updates

Written by LTCI Partners

Contact us

Mailing Address

Office Address

Useful Links