Legendary Actress Rita Moreno Encourages Seniors To "Keep Moving" In New PSA

Rita has enjoyed a distinguished career spanning seven decades, but she is no stranger to the challenges faced by many seniors with their insurance policies and personal finances. During their 46-year marriage, Rita's husband Leonard was solely responsible for handling the family's financial affairs. After his passing, she was not only emotionally exhausted, but completely unprepared to take on complex insurance and financial matters. Rita emerged from the experience motivated to help older Americans avoid similar situations.

"I was fortunate to have a close friend help me figure out my policies and plans after my husband passed, but not everyone is so lucky," said Moreno. "End-of-life conversations are tough, but necessary. That's why the Insure U campaign is so important — these resources can help families navigate discussions so they make the best insurance and financial decisions for themselves and their families."

The new, high-energy PSA gives viewers a look at a "day in her life" and is rooted in Rita's simple, yet meaningful, life motto: "keep moving." Rita hopes her message inspires families to make smart insurance and retirement planning decisions together.

"Rita's story is a great example of why NAIC launched its Retirement Security Initiative. Unfortunately, many consumers don't take time to get educated about their long-term financial well-being," said Ted Nickel, NAIC President and Wisconsin Insurance Commissioner. "We're excited to continue this partnership with Ms. Moreno. We are confident her PSA will encourage baby boomers and seniors to talk about retirement, insurance and financial planning sooner rather than later."

To get started, Insure U offers the following tips:

• Sharing is caring. If your plans and policies are a mystery to your spouse or partner, don't wait to share. An open exchange of information is vital to ensure you are both prepared if one of you is unable to provide information.
• Ask the experts. When reviewing your plans and policies, do not make assumptions. A call to your state insurance department can help clear up confusion about insurance policies and ensure you are not carrying more insurance than necessary, which may help save money and prevent fraud.
• Pass it on. Make sure your adult children understand your long-term care plans, life insurance policies, end-of-life wishes and the importance of planning ahead for their family. "This situation really made my daughter think," said Rita. "She learned a very valuable lesson from my experience."
• Help is available. If a loved one has passed away and you need help locating their life insurance policies and annuity contracts, NAIC's Life Insurance Policy Locator may be able to help. Just complete the request form and the NAIC will inquire with participating companies to track down the information you need.

The TV PSA is the latest addition to the NAIC Retirement Security Initiative communications. Other assets include a nationally distributed radio PSA and "Life Unscripted," a video series featuring Rita's take on modern advancements, such as social media and the sharing economy, and lessons learned after her husband's death. To help seniors get insurance-smart and avoid fraud, NAIC also created 10 Tips to Help Seniors Navigate the 21^st Century, a downloadable checklist of information all seniors should know about the sharing economy, social media, long-term care, living with adult children, annuities and more.

For unbiased tips and tools to help consumers understand their insurance options, visit www.insureuonline.org. Consumers who need insurance information specific to where they live can contact their state insurance commissioner.

ABOUT RITA MORENO
Since her debut more than seven decades ago, Rita Moreno has become one of entertainment's most enduring and well-respected stars, best known for roles in "Singin' in the Rain," "West Side Story," "The Electric Company" and countless stage productions. She holds the distinction of being one of only 12 individuals to win an Emmy, Grammy, Oscar and Tony award. Rita's awards also include a Golden Globe, the 2015 Kennedy Center Honors and an honorary doctorate of music from the Berklee College of Music. Still active, Rita has most recently been seen on "Grey's Anatomy," "Grace and Frankie," "Jane the Virgin" and is currently in production on the second season of Netflix's hit series "One Day at a Time." Rita resides in Berkeley, Calif.

ABOUT NAIC
The National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) is the U.S. standard-setting and regulatory support organization created and governed by the chief insurance regulators from the 50 states, the District of Columbia and five U.S. territories. Through the NAIC, state insurance regulators establish standards and best practices, conduct peer review and coordinate their regulatory oversight. NAIC staff supports these efforts and represents the collective views of state regulators domestically and internationally. NAIC members, together with the central resources of the NAIC, form the national system of state-based insurance regulation in the U.S. For more information, visit www.naic.org.

SOURCE National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC)

Related Links

http://www.naic.org