New Hampshire House Bill HB1048

New Hampshire 2022 Regular Session

• Introduced: 11/2/21
• Refer: 11/2/21
• Report Pass: 3/9/22
• Engrossed: 3/22/22
• Refer: 3/22/22
• Report Pass: 4/26/22
• Enrolled: 5/24/22
• Chaptered: 6/1/22
• Passed: 6/1/22

Caption

Relative to minimum nonforfeiture amounts under the standard nonforfeiture law for individual deferred annuities.

Impact

The impact of HB 1048 on state laws is significant, as it revises the calculations that underpin the guarantees provided to annuity holders. By adjusting the interest rate benchmark, the bill aims to provide insurers with more flexibility in managing their reserves against policyholder benefits. This could lead to changes in how annuity products are structured and priced, potentially making them either more attractive or less so to consumers depending on the overall market dynamics. Proponents of the bill argue that it could help stabilize the insurance market by allowing companies to maintain sufficient liquidity without overcomplicating their calculations.

Summary

House Bill 1048 proposes amendments to the existing standard nonforfeiture law that governs individual deferred annuities. The primary focus of the bill is on revising the minimum nonforfeiture amounts, which are critical calculations used by insurers to ensure that policyholders receive a minimum level of benefits should they choose to cash out their annuities. The bill modifies the interest rate used in determining these amounts, specifically lowering the threshold from one percent to 15 basis points (0.15 percent). This change is intended to reflect current market conditions and ensure that the financial requirements for insurers remain viable while also protecting policyholder interests.

Contention

Conversely, some stakeholders may raise concerns regarding the lowering of the minimum nonforfeiture amount. Critics might argue that reducing the guarantees on deferred annuities could leave consumers with less financial security, particularly considering that annuities are often marketed as safe retirement investments that provide guaranteed income. This change might be perceived as a shift in risk from the insurer to the policyholder, especially for those relying on annuities for long-term financial planning. Discussions around the bill may center on balancing the needs of insurance providers with the protection of consumers' financial interests.