FAQ's
INSUREDS
EXISTING AGENTS
INSUREDS

I am not sure of the policy(ies) I own with NSI. How do I determine the coverage that I have?

Contact our Policy Services Department at 1-800-868-6788 and we will assist you with any questions you may have about your coverage.

How do I make a change to my existing policy(ies)?

We require any changes regarding a policy to be in writing, to include the policy number and the policyowner's signature. These requests may be mailed, faxed or e-mailed to NSI.

Why is my bank account being drafted?

You provided NSI with written authorization to deduct premiums for your policy from your bank account.

May I switch from direct billing to automatic bank draft or automatic bank draft to direct billing?

Yes, please contact our Accounting Department at 1-800-868-6788 for instructions as to how to accomplish this.

How do I determine the current status and values/benefits of my policy?

Contact our Policy Services Department at 1-800-868-6788 and we will be glad to assist you.

I am not currently insured by NSI. How do I purchase a policy?

Contact our Policy Services Department at 1-800-868-6788 and we will provide an agent in your area who will visit you in your home and explain the available products for which you have an interest.

EXISTING AGENTS

How do I check the status of one of my clients?

You may inquire through the AIM (Agent Information Management) system if you have an AIM user ID. Otherwise you may contact the Policy Services Department at 1-800-868-6788 for assistance.

My client wishes to make a change to his/her NSI policy. What is required?

We require all change requests to be in writing, to include the policy number and policyowner's signature. Requests may be mailed, faxed or e-mailed to NSI.

How do I maneuver around the website?

The answers to many questions can be found on the National States AIM website. Most of your Underwriting questions can be answered by the Underwriting Guidelines which can be found on the AIM system menu.

How do I submit New Business applications to the company?

New business applications may be submitted via regular mail, fax, or email.

All A&H and Medicare Supplement applications must be submitted with a fully completed Daily Report of Applications transmittal form (DRA), agency check (for NETS transactions) or the applicants check (for GROSS transactions).

All Life applications must be submitted with the applicant's personal check.

Faxed and emailed applications must have Bank Plan authorizations and a voided check sent. If the initial premium is to be drafted, a copy of the check should be forwarded. The application will be held for 5 days pending the receipt of the actual initial premium check.

When will the policy be issued?

The effective date is the date we issue the policy unless a specific effective date has been requested. Policies will not be back dated for any reason prior to the date the application was received by National States.

Generally, the effective date can be up to 90 days after the application date for A&H, and 30 days after the application date for Life.

Medicare Supplement policies which are replacements of existing Medicare Supplement plans or conversions from major medical policies, must be dated effective the date the policy we are replacing lapses. We must have the "paid to" date of the policy we are replacing. We cannot overlap coverage.

If an application is held in pending for completion of outstanding Underwriting requirements the requested effective date will be given to the policy once it is issued. (page 26 of the Underwriting Guideline)

Where was the policy mailed?

Polices are mailed to either the agency or the applicant, according to where the writing agent asked for the policy to be sent.

If the policy has a rate increase or decrease that must be collected/returned the policy is sent to the agency.

If the application is not marked indicating the mail preference the policy is mailed to the agency for delivery.

Why was policy rated up to Class A?

Policies are rated to a Class A (standard) due to health conditions for which the applicant is currently being treated or has been treated for in the past. Information obtained from the application, the telephone interview, medical records and claim files aid the Underwriter in making the decision to rate a specific applicant. Any condition or combination of conditions which would be considered a standard risk can result in a premium rate up to a Class A. A list of many of such conditions are included in each Policy Rate Booklet as well as on pages 9 through 18 of the Underwriting Guidelines.

What plans are available for sale in a particular state?

The plans that are available in any specific state are listed on the "Approved Policy" page which is included with the specific state sales requirements you received in your initial supply order.

You may also order a set of Sales Requirements through the AIM website under "Forms and Procedures".

What forms are required for available plans?

The forms required for each policy type are listed in each State Sales Requirement. The State Sales Requirements are included in your Initial Supply Kit or can be found online in the AIM system under 'Download Forms/Procedures'.

What are the rates for a particular policy? Where do I get the rates?

The rates for each specific policy are listed on the rate booklets, policy brochures and policy outlines.

How do I read the status information for a particular policy application listed on the AIM system?

Under the "Search" menu on the AIM system, type in the information you are researching. Once you locate the specific person you are searching for, click on the "Policy Number". The next screen will give you the status of the policy. If it is pending, under "Underwriting Requirements" you will find the pending specifics. Phone PMI, APS, Memo, E-Memo. If a date appears after the specific pending requirement (ie: MEMO 3/18) that is the date that requirement was fulfilled. If after the date it says APS 4/11 re-open, that means additional information was needed and the requirement is still actually pending. If an "N" appears after the requirement such as PMI-N, that indicates that the requirement will not be fulfilled and further requirements may have to be ordered.

Why is the policy pending?

Adequate time must be given in order for an application to be set-up and delivered to an Underwriter. The Underwriter must also be given an appropriate amount of time to research and underwrite the file. Please allow 10 business days from the date of receipt of the application before contacting Underwriting for status. Outstanding underwriting requirements will delay the underwriting decision. Underwriting can be expedited by making sure the application and all required forms are fully completed. If a telephone interview is required for the policy type, completing the interview at the time of application can save valuable time.

What do PMI, POS, APS, Memo, E-Memo mean?

PMI = phone medical interview

POS = point of sale medical interview

APS = attending physician's statement

Memo = memo sent to the agency

E-memo = memo emailed to the agency

What plans require a PMI and/or APS?

All policy applications other than ACC, ACF, ACP, CAN, HCN, MAS, AND MSO require a phone interview (PMI/POS). If a telephone interview cannot be obtained, full medical records will be required before the applicant can be considered for issuance of a policy.

An APS is required for all applicants age 80 and over (Arizona, Oklahoma, and Wisconsin age 75 & over; Iowa all ages) for long-term disability, long-term care, nursing home, and home nurse policies, for which a PHI has not been successfully completed.

An APS may also be required if an underwriting determination cannot be made from the health history provided by the applicant or when an applicant's claim history is indicative of a more extensive health risk.

Can a telephone interview (PMI) be done prior to sending in an application? Does the agent have to be present?

Absolutely! Completing the phone interview at the time of application (POS) saves time. Interviewers are available Monday through Friday 8:15 am to 7:00 pm (CST) and on Saturday from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm (CST). Dial 1-800-868-6788 ext 22973. No, the agent does not have to be present for the interview.

What is the turn-around time for policy issue?

Once all outstanding Underwriting requirements are met a policy is issued and mailed within four business days.

What are the age and benefit minimums/maximums?

General policy age and benefit limits can be found on page 27 of the Underwriting Guidelines which can be found on the AIM system or the initial packet material you received. Please refer to the brochures and State Sales Requirements for state specific age and benefit limits.

How do I order supplies?

Supplies may be ordered on-line through the AIM system under 'Download Forms/Procedures' or by faxing or mailing in your order.

How do I order a duplicate policy?

Duplicate policies may be requested in writing by the agency or applicant. Please indicate the insured's full name and policy number. The request may be mailed, faxed or emailed to the Attention of Policy Service.

What is the "paid to date"/benefits of the policy?

Under the "Search" menu of the AIM system, type in the information you are researching. Once you locate the specific person you are searching for, click on the "Policy Number". The next screen will show you the policy effective date and paid to date. Specific benefits and riders on the policy are not listed on the AIM website.

What is my commission rate?

Commissions are determined by the specific contract of each agent.

For answers to specific questions, please contact our Accounting Department.