Lincoln Financial Group Enhances and Expands Group Voluntary Product Suite - Launches New Accident Insurance Coverage

PHILADELPHIA, Aug. 23 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- The Group Protection segment of Lincoln National Corporation (NYSE: LNC) today announced, as part of its ongoing commitment to the voluntary market, the enhancement of its extensive group voluntary portfolio. These enhancements include: greater disability product flexibility to fit varying needs; streamlined enrollment strategies designed to maximize participation; and educational tools to help empower employees to make informed decisions.

Additionally, Lincoln is expanding its group voluntary offerings with the launch of a new accident insurance product. Some of its features include: benefits payable directly to the covered employee; benefits payable for multiple injuries from a single accident, and employees may keep this coverage even if they separate from their employer. This new offering joins the company's comprehensive voluntary product suite which includes group term life, accidental death and dismemberment, short-term and long-term disability coverage, and dental insurance.

"Voluntary benefits are a powerful way for employers to provide affordable protection options to their employees," said Bob Risk, Vice President, Group Protection Sales. "As one of the major providers of quality voluntary benefits, we're committed to offering employers - and their employees - the flexible products, service and enrollment options they need, on a group rate basis."

"We also make it easy – we're driven to provide a positive customer experience," said Susan Harpster, Vice President, Administrative Risk Services. "With our simplified enrollment tools and educational materials, we help employers maximize participation and help employees make informed decisions. Then, when employees take action to protect themselves and their families, both employers and employees can have confidence about their financial futures."

Also included with this launch, Lincoln's new program STEPS 2 Enroll lets employees enroll in company benefits anywhere there is Internet access. This straightforward and easy-to-use system makes enrollment a snap and gives employees the power to take control of their benefits. Participating employers provide employees with a temporary user ID and password, along with login information. After entering STEPS 2 Enroll, employees follow a few easy steps. And, as with all Lincoln group programs, Lincoln's voluntary coverage is implemented by Lincoln's I-Team (SM), which creates a seamless and streamlined implementation process. This offers employers further simplification of the administration process and shortened time cycles for the issuance of policies in Lincoln's product lines.

Group insurance products are issued by The Lincoln National Life Insurance Company (Fort Wayne, IN), which does not solicit business in New York, nor is it licensed to do so. In New York, group insurance products are issued by Lincoln Life & Annuity Company of New York (Syracuse, NY). Both are Lincoln Financial Group® companies. Product availability and/or features may vary by state. Limitations and exclusions may apply.

Lincoln Financial Group is the marketing name for Lincoln National Corporation (NYSE: LNC) and its affiliates. With headquarters in the Philadelphia region, the companies of Lincoln Financial Group had assets under management of $140 billion as of June 30, 2010. Through its affiliated companies, Lincoln Financial Group offers: annuities; life, group life and disability insurance; 401(k) and 403(b) plans; savings plans; and comprehensive financial planning and advisory services. For more information, including a copy of our most recent SEC reports containing our balance sheets, please visit www.LincolnFinancial.com.

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SOURCE Lincoln Financial Group