AM Best Places Credit Ratings of Individual Assurance Company, Life, Health & Accident Under Review With Developing Implications

OLDWICK, N.J.--()--AM Best has placed under review with developing implications the Financial Strength Rating of B+ (Good) and the Long-Term Issuer Credit Rating of “bbb-” of Individual Assurance Company, Life, Health & Accident (IAC) (Edmond, OK).

These Credit Rating (rating) actions reflect IAC entering into a definitive agreement with LifeShield National Insurance Co. (LifeShield National), under which LifeShield National will acquire IAC as a wholly owned subsidiary. The transaction is expected to close in the second or third quarter of 2019, subject to regulatory approval.

Oklahoma City-based LifeShield National is a life and accident and health insurance carrier operating primarily in the worksite accident and health market, but is growing its individual life business. The company assumes and cedes business from other carriers in conjunction with various insurance programs. IAC is also a life and accident and health insurer, marketing chiefly Medicare supplement and group term life products, with an established market niche within governments and small employers in the Pacific region. LifeShield National anticipates gaining access to IAC’s administrative services only (ASO) capabilities, while IAC looks forward to gaining access to continued strong capital support, additional distribution channels and greater information technology capabilities.

The ratings will remain under review pending further discussions with IAC’s management in the coming months, as AM Best reviews the nature of the transaction to determine its potential impact on the company.

This press release relates to Credit Ratings that have been published on AM Best’s website. For all rating information relating to the release and pertinent disclosures, including details of the office responsible for issuing each of the individual ratings referenced in this release, please see AM Best’s Recent Rating Activity web page. For additional information regarding the use and limitations of Credit Rating opinions, please view Understanding Best’s Credit Ratings. For information on the proper media use of Best’s Credit Ratings and AM Best press releases, please view Guide for Media - Proper Use of Best’s Credit Ratings and AM Best Rating Action Press Releases.

AM Best is a global rating agency and information provider with a unique focus on the insurance industry. Visit www.ambest.com for more information.

Copyright © 2019 by A.M. Best Rating Services, Inc. and/or its affiliates. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

Contacts

Brian Virostek
Financial Analyst
+1 908 439 2200, ext. 5531
brian.virostek@ambest.com

Jeffrey Lane
Senior Financial Analyst
+1 908 439 2200, ext. 5537
jeffrey.lane@ambest.com

Christopher Sharkey
Manager, Public Relations
+1 908 439 2200, ext. 5159
christopher.sharkey@ambest.com

Jim Peavy
Director, Public Relations
+1 908 439 2200, ext. 5644
james.peavy@ambest.com

Contacts

Brian Virostek
Financial Analyst
+1 908 439 2200, ext. 5531
brian.virostek@ambest.com

Jeffrey Lane
Senior Financial Analyst
+1 908 439 2200, ext. 5537
jeffrey.lane@ambest.com

Christopher Sharkey
Manager, Public Relations
+1 908 439 2200, ext. 5159
christopher.sharkey@ambest.com

Jim Peavy
Director, Public Relations
+1 908 439 2200, ext. 5644
james.peavy@ambest.com