Life Insurance: Jc Penney's Surprising Business Strategy

why does jcpenney sell life insurance

J.C. Penney Company, Inc. offers a variety of insurance services, including term life insurance, whole life insurance, non-insurance, and accidental death plans. The company also provides a Supplemental Term Life Insurance Plan for eligible retired profit-sharing management associates. This plan allows participants to purchase group term life insurance benefits directly from the insurer. In addition to these services, J.C. Penney also offers employee welfare benefits, such as life insurance for its employees. As of 2015, J.C. Penney's life insurance policies have been transferred to Transamerica, a leading financial services company.

Characteristics Values
JCPenney Life Insurance Later known as Stonebridge Life Insurance Company
Merged into Transamerica in 2015
Offers term life insurance, whole life insurance, non-insurance, and accidental death plans
Provides guaranteed issue life insurance plans
Policies can be managed online
Offers customer support via email and toll-free number
Provides employee welfare benefit plans

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JCPenney's life insurance products include term, whole, and accidental death plans

JCPenney, the well-known American department store, might seem like an unusual place to purchase life insurance. However, the company has offered life insurance products to its customers and employees for many years. In 2015, JCPenney Life Insurance, also known as Stonebridge Life Insurance Company, was merged into Transamerica, a leading international financial services company.

JCPenney life insurance products include term, whole, and accidental death plans, as well as non-insurance options. Term life insurance is a policy that provides coverage for a specific period, such as 10, 20, or 30 years. Whole life insurance, on the other hand, offers coverage for the insured's entire life, rather than a fixed term. Accidental death plans provide financial protection in the event of an accidental death, while non-insurance options may include services such as funeral and burial planning.

The J. C. Penney Corporation, Inc. also offers a Supplemental Term Life Insurance Plan for eligible retired profit-sharing management associates. This plan allows participants to purchase group term life insurance benefits directly from the insurer. It is considered an "employee welfare benefit plan" under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA). This plan is separate from the policies offered to customers, with specific terms and conditions outlined by the company.

If you are a JCPenney life insurance policyholder, you may still be able to manage your account online through Transamerica, as your policy would have been automatically transferred to them after the merger. For former JCPenney customers, Transamerica no longer offers online enrollments, but you can contact their customer service department for assistance with your policy or to purchase additional coverage.

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The company sold its life insurance business to Transamerica in 2015

JCPenney Life Insurance, also known as Stonebridge Life Insurance Company, was merged into Transamerica in 2015. Transamerica, founded in 1906, is a leading financial services company headquartered in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, with offices in several US states. The acquisition meant that all existing JCPenney Life Insurance policies were automatically transferred to Transamerica, with no changes to the coverage or benefits.

JCPenney Life Insurance offered a range of insurance services, including term life insurance, whole life insurance, non-insurance, and accidental death plans. The company provided insurance plans for both customers and employees, including a Supplemental Term Life Insurance Plan for eligible retired profit-sharing management associates. This plan allowed participants to purchase group term life insurance benefits directly from the insurer.

The JCPenney Supplemental Term Life Insurance Plan was an "employee welfare benefit plan" under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA). It provided eligible retired associates with the option to assign their term life insurance to the MSRP Retiree under certain conditions. The interests of participants in the plan were protected from anticipation, alienation, sale, or encumbrance without prior approval from the insurer or administrator.

The company's decision to sell its life insurance business to Transamerica in 2015 resulted in a seamless transition for policyholders, who continued to receive the same coverage and benefits without the need for new policies. Transamerica's strong financial standing and expertise in the insurance industry ensured that JCPenney policyholders would be well-served even after the sale of the life insurance business.

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JCPenney offers a Supplemental Term Life Insurance Plan for eligible retired profit-sharing management associates

JCPenney, the well-known American department store chain, offers a Supplemental Term Life Insurance Plan for eligible retired profit-sharing management associates. This plan is an "employee welfare benefit plan" as per the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA).

The plan is designed to provide eligible retired profit-sharing management associates and certain designated subsidiaries with the option to purchase group term life insurance benefits directly from the insurer. This means that participants can choose to buy life insurance coverage through the plan, which is offered in addition to any existing coverage they may have. The plan is intended to meet the requirements of an after-tax option under the cafeteria plan rules outlined in Section 125(d) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986.

It's important to note that participation in this plan does not guarantee continued employment with the company. Additionally, the interests of the participants in the plan are protected and not subject to any debts or obligations they may have. The plan is unfunded, and benefits are paid from the general assets of the company. JCPenney's Board of Directors retains the right to modify or terminate the plan at any time without prior notice, but any changes will not negatively impact existing coverage for retirees or benefits for associates who have already started receiving them.

In the event of a unit closing, job restructuring, or reduction in force, adjustments may be made to credited service, service years, and/or age, but the benefit amount will not be reduced below what an eligible management associate would have otherwise received. If a retired eligible management associate is rehired by a participating employer, their benefits will continue, and any life insurance coverage will cease when they become eligible under the company's term life insurance plan.

JCPenney's life insurance offerings have undergone some changes over the years. The company used to offer life insurance directly, but its life insurance division, known as Stonebridge Life Insurance Company, was merged into Transamerica in 2015. As a result, existing policies were automatically transferred to Transamerica, and new policies are now offered through this company.

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JCPenney employees can purchase group term life insurance benefits directly from the insurer

JCPenney, the well-known American department store chain, has long been associated with life insurance. The company offered various insurance services, including term life insurance, whole life insurance, non-insurance, and accidental death plans. However, the focus here is on the group term life insurance benefits available to JCPenney employees.

JCPenney employees have access to a valuable benefit in the form of group term life insurance. This insurance plan is specifically designed for eligible retired profit-sharing management associates and certain designated subsidiaries. It is an "employee welfare benefit plan" as defined by the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA). This plan allows eligible JCPenney employees to purchase group term life insurance benefits directly from the insurer.

The JCPenney Group Term Life Insurance Plan is a comprehensive offering that provides financial protection for employees and their loved ones. By electing to participate in this plan, employees can ensure their families' financial security in the event of their untimely demise. The plan is intended to be an affordable option, satisfying the requirements of an after-tax choice under the cafeteria plan provisions of Section 125(d) of the Internal Revenue Code.

It's important to note that the term "associate" has a specific definition within the context of this insurance plan. It does not include individuals who perform services as "leased employees" or through agreements with leasing organizations. Additionally, it excludes individuals covered by collective bargaining agreements that do not expressly provide for participation in the plan.

JCPenney employees have the flexibility to choose from various medical plans offered by the company, in addition to the group term life insurance plan. These medical plans cater to different needs, ensuring that employees can find the right fit for themselves and their families. The company, founded by James Cash Penney, upholds the Golden Rule legacy by supporting its associates through various programs and initiatives.

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JCPenney customers can contact Transamerica for information about their old policies

JCPenney previously offered life insurance to its customers and employees. The JCPenney Life Insurance Company provided term life insurance, whole life insurance, non-insurance, and accidental death plans. The company also offered a Supplemental Term Life Insurance Plan for eligible retired profit-sharing management associates and certain designated subsidiaries. This plan allowed participants to purchase group term life insurance benefits directly from the insurer.

In 2015, JCPenney Life Insurance, later known as Stonebridge Life Insurance Company, was merged into Transamerica. Transamerica is a leading financial services company headquartered in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, with offices across the United States. As a result of this merger, all policies with JCPenney Life Insurance or Stonebridge Life Insurance were automatically transferred to Transamerica, with no changes to coverage or benefits.

JCPenney customers with old life insurance policies can contact Transamerica for information and assistance. While Transamerica no longer offers online enrollments for former JCPenney customers, policyholders can still manage their accounts online. Customers can also send an email inquiry or fill out a form on the Transamerica website to receive their policy number or request additional information within 2-4 business days. Additionally, customers can contact the Transamerica customer service department toll-free at (800) 797-2643 for more information.

It is important to note that JCPenney Insurance can be directly contacted at (866) 258-3217, as mentioned on the BuyLifeInsuranceForBurial.com website. However, it is unclear whether this number is still active, as the same website mentions that JCPenney has sold off its insurance business.

Frequently asked questions

JC Penney Life Insurance Co provides insurance services to its customers and employees.

JC Penney offers term life insurance, whole life insurance, non-insurance, and accidental death plans.

JC Penney Life Insurance, later known as Stonebridge Life Insurance Company, was merged into Transamerica in 2015. Policies were automatically transferred with no changes to coverage or benefits.

You can contact JC Penney Insurance directly by calling them at (866) 258-3217. For Transamerica, the customer service number is (800) 797-2643.

It is an "employee welfare benefit plan" for eligible retired profit-sharing management associates and certain designated subsidiaries.

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