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How Does IUL Work?
IUL links your cash value growth to a market index like the S&P 500. You participate in market gains up to a cap rate (typically 9–12%), while a guaranteed floor (0–1%) protects against losses. Your money is never directly invested in the market — it's credited based on index performance. Flexible premiums let you adjust payments as your income changes.
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What Are Cap Rates and Floors?
The cap rate is the maximum interest credited in a given period — commonly 9–12%. The floor is the minimum — typically 0–1%. If the S&P gains 20%, you earn up to the cap. If it loses 15%, you earn the floor. Your cash value never decreases due to market loss. Important: carriers can adjust cap rates over time.
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Can IUL Pay for Long-Term Care?
Yes. Many IUL policies offer a long-term care rider that accelerates the death benefit to cover nursing home, assisted living, or home health care costs. If you never need LTC, your beneficiaries receive the full death benefit. This hybrid approach eliminates the "use it or lose it" problem of standalone LTC policies.
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IUL for Retirement Planning
IUL can supplement retirement income through tax-free policy loans against accumulated cash value. With a properly funded IUL, you can access cash in retirement without triggering income tax. It works best alongside 401(k) and IRA contributions — not as a replacement. June helps structure the right funding level for your goals.
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IUL vs. Whole Life vs. Term
Term: Cheapest, pure death benefit, no cash value. Whole Life: Fixed premiums, guaranteed growth, lower returns. IUL: Flexible premiums, market-linked growth with higher potential, downside protection. IUL is ideal for those wanting permanent coverage plus wealth accumulation with more growth potential than whole life.
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Maryland Life Insurance Consumer Rights
Maryland law gives you a 10-day free-look period — return the policy within that window for a full refund (Md. Code Ins. § 16-101). Carriers must provide policy illustrations showing guaranteed and non-guaranteed values — critical for IUL where projected returns vary. June walks you through both columns so you know exactly what's guaranteed.
