NY Insurance Circular Letter No. 8 (1990)
Maximum Reserve Valuation and Maximum Life Policy Nonforfeiture Interest Rates Under Sections 4217, 4218 and 4221(k) of the New York Insurance Laws, as amended in 1982, 1983, 1985, 1986, 1987 and 1988.
AUGUST 1, 1990
SUBJECT: INSURANCE
Circular Letter No. 8 (1990)
WITHDRAWN
TO: ALL AUTHORIZED LIFE INSURANCE COMPANIES, ACCREDITED LIFE REINSURERS, FRATERNAL BENEFIT SOCIETIES AND CHARITABLE ANNUITY SOCIETIES
ATTN: CHIEF ACTUARY OR CONSULTING ACTUARY AND CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER
SUBJECT: MAXIMUM RESERVE VALUATION AND MAXIMUM LIFE POLICY NONFORFEITURE INTEREST RATES UNDER SECTIONS 4217, 4218 AND 4221(k) OF THE NEW YORK INSURANCE LAWS, AS AMENDED IN 1982, 1983, 1985, 1986, 1987 and 1988
Attached hereto is an outline, providing maximum reserve valuation and maximum life policy. nonforfeiture interest rates for new issues, new purchases or changes in fund (as defined) for years 1982 through 1990 (and other years where shown), under Sections 4217, 4218 and 4221(k) of the New York Insurance Laws, as amended in 1982, 1983, 1985, 1986, 1987 and 1988.
This Circular Letter is for informational purposes, as an aid in complying with the law.
Should any person have any question or comment, in regard to this matter, please contact Mr. Robert J. Callahan, Chief of the Actuarial Valuation Bureau (518-474-7929) or Mr. Paul H. Schoener (518-474-6605) or Mr. William R. Burns (518-474-6605).
Very truly yours,
[SIGNATURE]
Salvatore R. Curiale
Superintendent of Insurance
MAXIMUM VALUATION AND NON-FORFEITURE INTEREST RATES
UNDER SECTIONS 4217. 4218 and 4221(k) OF THE NEW YORK INSURANCE LAWS
The maximum valuation and non-forfeiture interest rates, prescribed by Sections 4217 and 4221(k) of the New York Insurance Laws for future years, will vary from year to year depending on Moody's corporate bond yield averages.
The maximum valuation interest rates for issues, purchases and changes-in-fund of years 1982 through 1990 (and other years where shown) are outlined below. The maximum valuation and non-forfeiture interest rates for Ordinary Life Insurance are shown in A on page 2, except for Single Premium Life Insurance (of the kind referred to in Section 4217(c)(4)(B)(vi) as amended by Chapter 302 of the laws of 1987) the maximum valuation interest rates for which are shown in B on page 3.
This Circular Letter is for informational purposes, as an aid in complying with the law.
A. ORDINARY LIFE INSURANCE (Except as covered in B on page 3)
***Maximum
Maximum
*Issue
Reserve Valuation
Non-forfeiture
Year
**Guarantee Duration
Interest Rate
Interest Rate
#1980
1958
CSO
CSO
1979-81
10 Years or Less
4.509%
5.50%
More than 10 Years, up to 20
4.50
5.50
More than 20 Years
4.50
5.50
1982
10 Years or Less
6.75%
8.50%
5.50%
More than 10 Years, up to 20
6.25
7.75
5.50
More. than 20 Years
5.50
7.00
5.50
1983
10 Years or Less
7.25%
9.00%
5.50%
More than 10 Years, up to 20
6.75
8.50
5.50
More than 20 Years
6.00
7.50
5.50
1984
10 Years or Less
7.25%
9.00%
5.50%
More. than 10 Years, up to 20
6.75
8.50
5.50
More than 20 Years
6.00
7.50
5.50
1985
10 Years or Less
7.25%
9.00%
5.50%
More than 10. Years, up to 20
6.75
8.50
5.50
More than 20 Years
6.00
7.50
5.50
1986
10 Years or Less
7.25%
9.00%
5.50%
More than 10 Years, up to 20
6.75
8.50
5.50
More than 20 Years
6.00
7.50
5.50
1987
10 Years or less
6.50%
### 8.25%
5.50%
More than 10 Years, up to 20
6.00
### 7.50
5.50
More than 20 Years
5.50
### 7.00
5.50
1988
10 Years or less
6.00%
### 7.50%
5.50%
More than 10 years, up to 20
6.00
### 7.50
5.50
More than 20 years
5.50
### 7.00
5.50
1989
10 Years or less
6.00%
7.50%
###
More than 10 years, up to 20
6:00
7.50
###
More than 20 years
5.50
7.00
###
1990
10 Years or less
6.00%
7.50%
###
More than 10 years, up to 20
6.00
7.50
###
More than 20 years
5.50
7.00
###
1991
10 Years or less
6.00%
7.50%
###
More than 10 years, up to 20
6.00
7.50
###
More than 20 years
5.50
7.00
###
*See the paragraph at the top of page 11.
**The guarantee duration is the maximum
number of years the life insurance can remain in
force on a basis guaranteed in the policy.
***The maximum reserve valuation interest rate
will be the lesser of the rate as determined
from the above table and the rate actually
used in determining cash values. This applies
to basic reserves under Section 4217, not
to the minimum reserve test under Sect. 4218.
# Applicable on or after the operative date
elected under Section 4221(k)(12). (See the
top paragraph on page 10). These rates do
not apply to policies issued pursuant to
Section 4221(n-1).
##In accordance with Section 4221(k)(9)(8)(1)
of the New York Insurance Laws, the
non-forfeiture interest rate used for a
particular issue year may not exceed the higher
IMF of the applicable maximum non-forfeiture
interest rate for such particular issue year and
that for the immediately preceding issue
year (e.g. 1987 issues may use the rate for
1986, 1988 issues may use the rate for 1987).
###See the paragraph at the top of page 11.
All new business must use 80 CSO by Jan 1, "89.
B. Single Premium Life Insurance of the kind referred to in Section 4217(c)(4)(B)(vi) of the New York Insurance Laws (as amended by Chapter 302 of the laws of 1987).#
## Maximum
*Year
**Guarantee Duration
Reserve Valuation
Interest Rate
Issue Year
Change-In-Found
Basis
Basis
Without
With
Without
With
A0&M
ADM
A0&M
A0&M
***
****
***
****
1982
10 years or less
8.25%
10.00%
8.50%
10.50%
More than 10 yrs, up to 20
7.25
7.25
8.25
10.00
More than 20 years
6.25
6.25
7.25
8.75
1983
10 years or less
7.50%
8.75%
8.00%
9.25%
More than 10 yrs, up to 20
7.00
7.00
7.50
8.75
More than 20 years
6.25
6.25
6.75
7.75
1984
10 years or less
7.50%
8.50%
7.75%
9.25%
More than 10 yrs, up to 20
7.00
7.00
7.50
8.50
More than 20 years
6.25
6.25
6.75
7.50
1985
10 years or less
7.50%
8.50%
7.75%
9.00%
More than 10 yrs, up to 20
7.00
7.00
7.50
8.50
More than 20 years
6.25
6.25
6.50
7.50
1986
10 years or less
6.75%
7.25%
7.00%
7.75%
More than 10 yrs, up to 20
6.50
6.50
6.75
7.25
More than 20 years
5.75
5.75
6.00
6.50
1987
10 years or less
6.50%
6.50%
6.75%
6.75%
More than 10 yrs, up to 20
6.00
6.00
6.50
6.50
More than 20 years
5.50
5.50
5.75
6.00
1988
10 years or less
6.75%
7.00%
7.00%
7.50%
More than 10 yrs, up to 20
6.25
6.25
6.75
7.00
More than 20 years
5.75
5.75
6.00
6.25
1989
10 years or less
6.50%
7.00%
7.00%
7.25%
More than 10 yrs, up to 20
6.25
6.25
6.50
7.00
More than 20 years
5.50
5.50
6.00
6.25
1990
10 years or less
6.50%
6.50%
6.75%
7.00%
More than 10 yrs, up to 20
6.25
6.25
6.50
6.50
More than 20 years
5.50
5.50
5.75
6.00
*See the paragraph at the top of page 11.
**The guarantee duration is the number
of years for which interest rates provided in, or
declared pursuant to, a single premium life
insurance policy of the kind referred to in
Section 4217(c)(4)(B)(vi) are guaranteed to
exceed the greater of (1) 6% and (2) the
calendar year statutory valuation interest
rate for life insurance policies (other than
such single premium policy) with guarantee
durations in excess of 20 years.
***Without an acceptable actuarial opinion
and memorandum (using life insurance formula).
Additional restrictions may apply by Regulation.
****May be used only with an acceptable
actuarial opinion and memorandum (using annuity
formula).
#Said Chapter 302 amendment became
effective, on a mandatory basis, on
January 1, 1989. Any company could have
filed a written notice of prior election.
##See paragraph on reserves for these
special single premium life insurance
policies on page 11. Also see paragraph
at bottom of page 4.
C. Single Premium Immediate Annuities and annuity benefits arising from life insurance policies and annuity and guaranteed interest contracts with cash settlement options.
Maximum Reserve Valuation Interest Rate
Issues of or
Without Acceptable
With Acceptable
Purchases
Actuarial Opinion
Actuarial Opinion
During
and Memorandum#
and Memorandum#
(Using Life Insurance Formula)
(Using Annuity Formula)
1982
10.50%
13.25%
1983
9.50
11.25
1984
9.50
11.25
1985
9.50
11.00
1986
8.50
9.25
1987
8.00
8.00
1988
8.25
8.75
1989
8.25
8.75
1990
8.00
8.25
# The actuarial opinion and memorandum,
referred to in C, D, E, F, G and H herein,
are as required by Section 4217(c)(4)(B)(vi)
of the New York Insurance Laws. The
above valuation interest rates, under
the heading "With Acceptable Actuarial
Opinion and Memorandum", may be used
only with an acceptable actuarial
opinion and
memorandum. Additional restrictions
apply, under Regulation 126, where an
acceptable actuarial opinion and
memorandum have not been filed.
Section 95.8(e) of Regulation 126 requires, for 1989 and later year-ends, that an actuarial opinion and memorandum be filed, with respect to all issues of annuities, annuity benefits and guaranteed interest contracts, and with respect to all issues of single premium life insurance of the kind referred to in Section 4217(c)(4)(B)(vi). Regulation 126 specifies the minimum reserves to be held where an acceptable actuarial opinion and memorandum have not been filed for such business.
D Other Annuities and Guaranteed Interest Contracts, with cash settlement options and with interest rate guarantees on future considerations, valued on the "Issue Year" basis.
Maximum Reserve
Valuation Interest Rate
Without Acceptable
Actuarial Opinion
and Memorandum#
(Using Life Insurance Formula)
*Plan Type
Issue
Year
Guarantee Duration##
A
B
C
1982
5 years or less
10.50%
8.50%
7.75%
More than 5 yrs, up to 10
10.00
8.50
7.75
More than 10 yrs, up to 20
8.50
7.25
6.75
More than 20 years
6.75
6.00
6.00
1983
5 years or less
9.50%
8.00%
7.00%
More than 5 yrs, up to 10
9.25
8.00
7.00
More than 10 yrs, up to 20
8.25
7.00
6.75
More than 20 years
6.75
5.75
5.75
1984
5 years or less
9.50%
7.75%
7.00%
More than 5 yrs, up to 10
9.00
7.75
7.00
More than 10 yrs, up to 20
8.25
7.00
6.75
More than 20 years
6.75
5.75
5.75
1985
5 years or less
9.50%
7.75%
7.00%
More than 5 yrs, up to 10
9.00
7.75
7.00
More than 10 yrs, up to 20
8.25
7.00
6.50
More than 20 years
6.50
5.75
5.75
1986
5 years or less
8.50%
7.00%
6.50%
More than 5 yrs, up to 10
8.25
7.00
6.50
More than 10 yrs, up to 20
7.50
6.50
6.00
More than 20 years
6.00
5.50
5.50
1987
5 years or less
8.00%
6.75%
6.00%
More than 5 yrs, up to 10
7.75
6.75
6.00
More than 10 yrs, up to 20
7.00
6.00
5.75
More than 20 years
5.75
5.25
5.25
1988
5 years or less
8.25%
7.00%
6.25%
More than 5 yrs, up to 10
8.00
7.00
6.25
More than 10 yrs, up to 20
7.25
6.25
6.00
More than 20 years
6.00
5.25
5.25
1989
5 years or less
8.25%
7.00%
6.25%
More than 5 yrs, up to 10
8.00
7.00
6.25
More than 10 yrs, up to 20
7.25
6.25
6.00
More than 20 years
6.00
5.25
5.25
1990
5 years or less
8.00%
6.75%
6.25%
More than 5 yrs, up to 10
7.75
6.75
6.25
More than 10 yrs, up to 20
7.00
6.25
5.75
More than 20 years
5.75
5.25
5.25
# See requirements for actuarial opinion
and memorandum in footnote on page 4.
Additional restrictions apply, under
Regulation 126, where an acceptable
actuarial opinion
and memorandum have not been filed.
##See definition of guarantee duration for
Categories D, E, G and H on page 10.
*See descriptions of plan types on page 10.
Maximum Reserve
Valuation Interest Rate
Without Acceptable
Actuarial Opinion
and Memorandum#
(Using Life Insurance Formula)
*Plan Type
Issue
Year
Guarantee Duration##
A
B
C
1982
5 years or less
13.25%
10.50%
9.25%
More than 5 yrs, up to 10
12.50
10.50
9.25
More than 10 yrs, up to 20
8.50
7.25
6.75
More than 20 years
6.75
6.00
6.00
1983
5 years or less
11.25%
9.25%
8.25%
More than 5 yrs, up to 10
10.75
9.25
8.25
More than 10 yrs, up to 20
8.25
7.00
6.75
More than 20 years
6.75
5.75
5.75
1984
5 years or less
11.25%
9.25%
8.00%
More than 5 yrs, up to 10
10.75
9.25
8.00
More than 10 yrs, up to 20
8.25
7.00
6.75
More than 20 years
6.75
5.75
5.75
1985
5 years or less
11.00%
9.00%
8.00%
More than 5 yrs, up to 10
10.50
9.00
8.00
More than 10 yrs, up to 20
8.25
7.00
6.50
More than 20 years
6.50
5.75
5.75
1986
5 years or less
9.25%
7.75%
6.75%
More than 5 yrs, up to 10
8.75
7.75
6.75
More than 10 yrs, up to 20
7.50
6.50
6.00
More than 20 years
6.00
5.50
5.50
1987
5 years or less
8.00%
6.75%
6.25%
More than 5 yrs, up to 10
7.75
6.75
6.25
More than 10 yrs, up to 20
7.00
6.00
5.75
More than 20 years
5.75
5.25
5.25
1988
5 years or less
8.75%
7.50%
6.75%
More than 5 yrs, up to 10
8.50
7.50
6.75
More than 10 yrs, up to 20
7.25
6.25
6.00
More than 20 years
6.00
5.25
5.25
1989
5 years or less
8.75%
7.25%
6.50%
More than 5 yrs, up to 10
8.25
7.25
6.50
More than 10 yrs, up to 20
7.25
6.25
6.00
More than 20 years
6.00
5.25
5.25
1990
5 years or less
8.25%
7.00%
6.25%
More than 5 yrs, up to 10
8.00
7.00
6.25
More than 10 yrs, up to 20
7.00
6.25
5.75
More than 20 years
5.75
5.25
5.25
E. Other Annuities and Guaranteed Interest Contracts, with cash settlement options but without interest rate guarantees on future considerations, valued on the "Issue Year" basis.
Maximum Reserve
Valuation Interest Rate
Without Acceptable
Actuarial Opinion
and Memorandum #
(Using Life
Insurance Formula)
Issue
*Plan Type
Year
Guarantee Duration##
A
B
C
1982
5 years or less
11.00%
9.00%
8.25%
More than 5 yrs, up to 10
10.50
9.00
8.25
More than,10 yrs, up to 20
8.75
7.50
7.25
More than 20 years
7.25
6.25
6.25
1983
5:years or less
10.00%
8.25%
7.50%
More than 5 yrs, up to 10:
9.50
8.25
7.50
More than 10 yrs, up to 20
8.75
7.50
7.00
More than 20 years
7.00
6.25
6.25
1984
5 years or less
10.00%
8.25%
7.50%
More than 5, yrs, up to 10
9.50
8.25
7.50
More than 10 yrs, up to 20
8.75,
7.50
7.00
More than 20 years
7.00
6.25
6.25
1985
5 years or less
9.75%
8.25%
7.50%
More than 5 yrs, up to 10
9.50
8.25
7.50
More than 10 yrs, up to 20
8.50
7.50
7.00
More than 20 years
7.00
6.25
6.25
1986
5 years or less
8.75%
7.50%
6.75%
More than 5 yrs, up to 10
8.50
7.50
6.75
More than 10 yrs, up to 20
7.75
6.75
6.50
More than 20 years
6.50
5.75
5.75
1987
5 years or less
8.25%
7.00%
6.50%
More than 5 yrs, up to 10
8.00
7.00
6.50
More than 10 yrs, up to 20
7.25
6.50
6.00
More than 20 years
6.00
5.50
5.50
1988
5 years or less
8.75%
7.25%
6.75%
More than 5 yrs, up to 10
8.25
7.25
6.75
More than 10 yrs, up to 20
7.50
6.50
6.25
More than 20 years
6.25
5.75
5.75
1989
5 years or less,
8.50%
7.25%
6.50%
More than 5 yrs, up to 10
8.25
7.25
6.50
More than 10 yrs, up to 20
7.50
6.50
6.25
More than 20 years
6.25
5.50
5.50
1990
5 years or less
8.25%
7.00%
6.50%
More than,5 yrs, up to 10
8.00
7.00
6.50
More than 10 yrs, up to 20
7.50
6.50
6.25
More than 20 years
6.25
5.50
5.50
Maximum Reserve
Valuation Interest Rate
With Acceptable
Actuarial Opinion
and Memorandum#
(Using Annuity Formula)
Issue
*Plan Type
Year
Guarantee Duration#
A
B
C
1982
5 years or less
13.75%
11.25%
10.00%
More than 5 yrs, up to 10
13.25
11.25
10.00
More than,10 yrs, up to 20
8.7.5
7.50
7.25
More than 20 years
7.25
6.25
6.25
1983
5:years or less
11.75%
9.75%
8.75%
More than 5 yrs, up to 10:
11.25
9.75
8.75
More than 10 yrs, up to 20
8.75
7.50
7.00
More than 20 years
7.00
6.25
6.25
1984
5 years or less
11.75%
9.75%
8.50%
More than 5, yrs, up to 10
11.25
9.75
8.50
More than 10 yrs, up to 20
8.75
7.50
7.00
More than 20 years
7.00
6.25
6.25
1985
5 years or less
11.50%
9.50%
8.50%
More than 5 yrs, up to 10
11.00
9.50
8.50
More than 10 yrs, up to 20
8.50
7.50
7.00
More, than 20 years
7.00
6.25
6.25
1986
5 years or less
9.50%
8.00%
7.25%
More than 5 yrs, up to 10
9.25
8.00
7.25
More than 10 yrs, up to 20
7.75
6.75
6.50
More than 20 years
6.50
5.75
5.75
1987
5 years or less
8.50%
7.25%
6.50%
More than 5 yrs, up to 10
8.00
7.25
6.50
More than 10 yrs, up to 20
7.25
6.50
6.00
More than 20 years
6.00
5.50
5.50
1988
5 years or less
9.25%
7.75%
7.00%
More than 5 yrs, up to 10
8.75
7.75
7.00
More than 10 yrs, up to 20
7.50
6.50
6.25
More than 20 years
6.25
5.75
5.75
1989
5 years or less,
9.00%
7.50%
7.00%
More than 5 yrs, up to 10
8.75
7.50
7.00
More than 10 yrs, up to 20
7.50
6.50
6.25
More than 20 years
6.25
5.50
5.50
1990
5 years or less
8.50%
7.25%
6.50%
More than,5 yrs, up to 10
8.25
7.25
6.50
More than 10 yrs, up to 20
7.50
6.50
6.25
More than 20 years
6.25
5.50
5.50
# See requirements for actuarial opinion
and memorandum in footnote on page 4.
Additional restrictions apply, under Regulation
126; where an acceptable actuarial opinion
and memorandum have not been filed.
##See definition of guarantee duration for
Categories D, E, G and H on page 10.
*See descriptions of plan types on page 10.
F. Other Annuities and Guaranteed Interest Contracts, without cash settlement options, valued on the "Issue Year" basis.
Maximum Reserve
Valuation Interest Rate
Without Acceptable
With Acceptable
Actuarial Opinion
Actuarial Opinion
And Memorandum#
and Memorandum #
(Using Life
(Using Annuity
Insurance Formula)
Formula)
Issue
*Plan Type
*Plan Type
Year
Guarantee Duration**
A
A
1982
5 years or less
10.50%
13.25%
More than 5 yrs, up to 10
10.00
12.50
More than 10 yrs, up to 20
9.00
11.25
More than 20 years
7.25
8.75
1983
5 years or less
9.50%
11.25%
More than 5 yrs, up to 10
9.25
10.75
More than 10 yrs, up to 20
8.25
9.75
More than 20 years
6.75
7.75
1984
5 years or less
9.50%
11.25%
More than 5 yrs, up to 10
9.00
10.75
More than 10 yrs, up to 20
8.25
9.75
More than 20 years
6.75
7.50
1985
5 years or less
9.50%
11.00%
More than 5 yrs, up to 10
9.00
10.50
More than 10 yrs, up to 20
8.25
9.50
More than 20 years
6.50
7.50
1986
5 years or less
8.50%
9.25%
More than 5 yrs, up to 10
8.25
8.75
More than 10 yrs,, up to 20
7.50
8.00
More than 20 years
6.00
6.50
1987
5.years or less
8.00%
8.00%
More than 5 yrs, up to 10
7.75
7.75
More than 10 yrs, up to 20
7.00
7.25
More than 20 years
5.75
6.00
1988
5 years or less
8.25%
8.75%
More than 5 yrs, up to 10
8.00
8.50
More than 10 yrs, up to 20
7.25
7.75
More than 20 years
6.00
6.25
1989
5 years or less
8.25%
8.75%
More than 5 yrs, up to 10
8.00
8.25
More than 10 yrs, up to 20
7.25
7.50
More than 20 years
6.00
6.25
1990
5 years or less
8.00%
8.25%
More than 5 yrs, up to 10
7.75
8.00
More than 10 yrs, up to 20
7.00
7.25
More than 20 years
5.75
6.00
# See requirements for actuarial opinion and
memorandum in footnote on page 4.
Additional restrictions apply, under
Regulation 126, where an acceptable actuarial
opinion and memorandum have not been filed.
*See descriptions of plan types on page 10.
**The guarantee duration, for other annuities
and guaranteed interest contracts without
cash settlement options, is the number of years
from the date of issue or date of purchase
to the date annuity benefits are
scheduled to commence.
G. Other Annuities and Guaranteed Interest Contracts, with cash settlement options and with interest rate guarantees on future considerations, valued on the "Change in Fund" basis.
Maximum Reserve
Valuation Interest Rate
Without Acceptable
Actuarial Opinion
and Memorandum #
(Using Life Insurance Formula)
Change
in Fund
*Plan Type
During
Year
Guarantee Duration##
A
B
C
1982
5 years or less
12.00%
11.00%
8.25%
More than 5 yrs, up to 10
11.50
11.00
8.25
More than 10 yrs, up to 20
10.50
10.00
7.75
More than 20 years
8.50
8.50
6.75
1983
5 years or less
10.75%
10.00%
7.50%
More than 5 yrs, up to 10
10.50
10.00
7.50
More than 10 yrs, up to 20
9.50
9.25
7.00
More than 20 years
8.00
8.00
6.25
1984
5 years or less
10.75%
10.00%
7.50%
More than 5 yrs, up to 10
10.25
10.00
7.50
More than 10 yrs, up to 20
9.50
9.00
7.00
More. than 20 years
7.75
7.75
6.25
1985
5 years or less
10.50%
9.759
7.50%
More than 5 yrs, up to 10
10.25
9.75
7.50
More than 10 yrs; up to 20
9.50
9.00
7.00
More than 20 years
7.75
7.75
6.25
1986
5 years or less
9.50%
8.75%
6.75%
More than 5 yrs, up to 10
9.25
8.75
6.75
More than 10 yrs, up to 20
8.50
8.25
6.50
More than 20 years
7.00
7.00
5.75
1987
5 years or less
9.00%
8.25%
6.50%
More than 5 yrs, up to 10
8.50
8.25
6.50
More than 10 yrs, up to 20
8.00
7.75
6.00
More than.20 years
6.75,
6.75
5.50
1988
5 years or less
9.25%
8.75%
6.75%
More than5 yrs, up to 10
9.00
8.75
6.75
More than 10 yrs, up to 20
8.25
8.00
6.25
More than 20 years
7.00
7.00
5.75
1989
5 years or less
9.25%
8.50%
6.50%
More than.5 yrs, up to 10
9.00
8.50
6.50
More than 10 yrs, up to 20
8.25
8.00
6.25
More than 20 years
7.00
7.00
5.50
1990
5 years or less
9.00%
8.25%
6.50%
More than 5 yrs, up to 10
8.75
8.25
6.50
More than 10 yrs, up to 20
8.00
7.75
6.25
More than 20 years
6.75
6.75
5.50
Maximum Reserve
Valuation Interest Rate
With Acceptable
Actuarial Opinion
and Memorandum#
(Using Annuity Formula)
Change
in Fund
*Plan Type
During
Year
Guarantee Duration##
A
B
C
1982
5 years or less
15.00%
13.75%
10.00%
More than 5 yrs, up to 10
14.50
13.75
10.00
More than 10 yrs, up to 20
13.25
12.50
9.25
More than 20 years
10.50
10.50
8.00
1983
5 years or less
12.75%
11.75%
8.75%
More than 5 yrs, up,to 10
12.25
11.75
8.75
More than 10 yrs, up to 20
11.25
10.75
8.25
More than 20 years
9.25
9.25
7.25
1984
5 years or less
12.75%
11.75%
8.50%
More than 5 yrs, up to 10
12.25
11.75
8.50
More than 10 yrs, up to 20
11.25
10.75
8.00
More. than 20 years
9.25
9.25
7.00
1985
5 years or less
12.50%
11.50%
8.50%
More than 5 yrs, up to 10
12.00
11.50
8.50
More than 10 yrs, up to 20
11.00
10.50
8.00
More than 20 years
9.00
9.00
7.00
1986
5 years or less
10.251
9.50%
7.25%
More than 5 yrs, up to 10
10.00
9.50
7.25
More than 10 yrs, up to 20
9.25
8.75
6.75
More than 20 years
7.75
7.75
6.00
1987
5 years or less
9.00%
8.50%
6.50%
More than 5 yrs, up to 10
8.75
8.50
6.50
More than 10 yrs, up to 20
8.00
7.75
6.25
More than 20 years
6.75
6.75
5.50
1988
5 years or less
10.00%
9.25%
7.00%
More than 5 yrs, up to 10
9.50
9.25
7.00
More than 10 yrs, up to 20
8.75
8.50
6.75
More than 20 years
7.50
7.50
6.00
1989
5 years or less
9.75%
9.00%
7.00%
More than 5 yrs, up to 10
9.50
9.00
7.00
More than 10 yrs, up to 20
8.75
8.25
6.50
More than 20 years
7.25
7.25
5.75
1990
5 years or less
9.25%
8.50%
6.50%
More than 5 yrs, up to 10
8.75
8.50
6.50
More than 10 yrs, up to 20
8.25
8.00
6.25
More than 20 years
7.00
7.00
5.50
# See requirements for actuarial opinion
and memorandum in footnote on page 4.
Additional restrictions apply, under Regulation 126,
where an acceptable actuarial opinion
and memorandum have not been filed.
##See definition of guarantee duration
for Categories D, E, G and H on page 10.
See descriptions of plan types on page 10.
H. Other Annuities and guaranteed interest contracts, with cash settlement options but without interest rate guarantees on future considerations, valued on the "Change in Fund" basis.
Maximum Reserve
Valuation Interest Rate
Without Acceptable
Actuarial Opinion
and Memorandum #
(Using Life Insurance Formula)
Change
in Fund
*Plan Type
During
Year
Guarantee Duration##
A
B
C
1982
5 years or less
12.25%
11.50%
8.501
More than 5 yrs, up to 10
12.00
11.50
8.50
More than 10 yrs, up to 20
11.00
10.50
8.25
More than 20 years
9.00
9.00
7.2S
1983
5 years or less
11.25%
10.50%
8.00%
More than 5 yrs, up to 10
10.75
10.50
8.00
More than 10 yrs, up to 20
10.00
9.50
7.50
More than 20 years
8.25
8.25
6.75
1984
5 years or less
11.00%
10.25%
7.75%
More than 5 yrs, up to 10
10.75
10.25
7.75
More than 10 yrs, up to 20
10.00
9.50
7.50
More than 20 years
8.25
8.25
6.75
1985
5 years or less
11.00%
10.25%
7.75%
More than 5 yrs, up to 10
10.50
10.25
7.75
More than 10 yrs,up to 20
9.75
9.50
7.50
More than 20 years
8.25
8.25
6.50
1986
5 years or less
9.75%
9.25%
7.00%
More than 5 yrs, up to 10
9.50
9.25
7.00
More than 10 yrs, up to 20
8.75
8.50
6.75
More than 20 years
7.50
7.50
6.00
1987
5 years or less
9.25%
8.50%
6.75%
More than 5 yrs, up to 10
9.00
8.50
6.75
More than 10 yrs, up to 20
8.25
8.00
6.50
More than 20 years
7.00
7.00
5.75
1988
5 years or less
9.75%
9.00%
7.00%
More than 5 yrs, up to 10
9.25
9.00
7.00
More than 10 yrs, up to 20
8.75
8.25
6.75
More than 20 years
7.25
7.25
6.00
1989
5 years or less
9.50%
9.00%
7.00%
More than 5 yrs, up to 10
9.25
9.00
7.00
More than 10 yrs, up to 20
8.50
8.25
6.50
More than 20 years
7.25
7.25
6.00
1990
5 years or less
9.25%
8.75%
6.75%
More than 5 yrs, up to 10
9.00
8.75
6.75
More than 10 yrs, up to 20
8.25
8.00
6.50
More than 20 years
7.00
7.00
5.75
# See requirements for actuarial opinion
and memorandum in footnote on page 4.
Additional restrictions apply, under
Regulation 126, where an acceptable
actuarial opinion and memorandum have not been filed.
##See definition of guarantee duration
for Categories D, E, G and H on page 10.
*See descriptions of plan types on page 10.
Maximum Reserve
Valuation Interest Rate
With Acceptable
Actuarial Opinion
and Memorandum#
(Using Annuity Formula)
Change
in Fund
*Plan Type
During
Year
Guarantee Duration##
A
B
C
1982
5 years or less
15.75%
14.50%
10.50%
More than 5 yrs, up to 10
15.00
14.50
10.50
More than 10 yrs, up to 20
13.75
13.25
10.00
More than 20 years
11.25
11.25
8.75
1983
5 years or less
13.50%
12.25%
9.25%
More than 5 yrs, up to 10
12.75
12.25
9.25
More than 10 yrs, up to 20
11.75
11.25
8.75
More than 20 years
9.75
9.75
7.75
1984
5 years or less
13.25%
12.25%
9.25%
More than 5 yrs, up to 10
12.75
12.25
9.25
More than 10 yrs, up to 20
11.75
11.25
8.50
More than 20 years
9.75
9.75
7.50
1985
5 years or less
13.00%
12.00%
9.00%
More than 5 yrs, up to 10
12.50
12.00
9.00
More than 10 yrs,up to 20
11.50
11.00
8.50
More than 20 years
9.50
9.50
7.50
1986
5 years or less
10.75%
10.00%
7.75%
More than 5 yrs, up to 10
10.25
10.00
7.75
More than 10 yrs, up to 20
9.50
9.25
7.25
More than 20 years
8.00
8.00
6.50
1987
5 years or less
9.50%
8.75%
6.75%
More than 5 yrs, up to 10
9.00
8.75
6.75
More than 10 yrs, up to 20
8.50
8.00
6.50
More than 20 years
7.25
7.25
6.00
1988
5 years or less
10.25%
9.50%
7.50%
More than 5 yrs, up to 10
10.00
9.50
7.50
More than 10 yrs, up to 20
9.25
8.75
7.00
More than 20 years
7.75
7.75
6.25
1989
5 years or less
10.00%
9.50%
7.25%
More than 5 yrs, up to 10
9.75
9.50
7.25
More than 10 yrs, up to 20
9.00
8.75
7.00
More than 20 years
7.50
7.50
6.25
1990
5 years or less
9.50%
8.75%
7.00%
More than 5 yrs, up to 10
9.25
8.75
7.00
More than 10 yrs, up to 20
8.50
8.25
6.50
More than 20 years
7.25
7.25
6.00
Said Section 4221(k)(12) was amended by Chapter 81 of the Laws of 1983 to 411 permit a company to elect to comply with the new provisions of Section 4221 on a plan-by-plan basis, with the proviso that the entire portfolio must be converted to the new provisions on or before January 1 of the third calendar year following the calendar year of compliance for the first plan so converted, but not, in any event, later than January 1, 1989.
Plan types, as used in the above tables, are defined as follows:
Elan Type A The policyholder may withdraw funds only (1) with an adjustment to reflect changes in interest rates or asset values since receipt of the funds by the insurance company, or (2) without. such adjustment but in installments over five years or more, or (3) as an immediate life annuity.
Plan Type B The policyholder may not withdraw funds before the expiration of the interest rate guarantee or, if withdrawals are permitted before the expiration of such guarantee, may withdraw funds only (1) with an adjustment to reflect changes in interest rates or asset values since receipt of the funds by the, insurance company, or (2) without such adjustment but in installments over five years or more At the end of the interest rate guarantee, funds may be withdrawn without such adjustment in a single sum or in installments over less than five years.
Plan Type C: The policyholder may withdraw funds before the expiration of the interest rate guarantee in a single sum or installments over less than five years either (1) without adjustment to reflect changes in interest rates or asset values since receipt of the-funds by the insurance company, or,.(2) subject only to a fixed surrender charge stipulated in the contract as a percentage of the fund.
(The most popular plan type, in the group annuity area, for current Issues, is plan type B; while, the most popular plan type-in the individual annuity area, for current issues, ls plan type C.)
The guarantee duration, for other annuities and guaranteed interest contracts with cash settlement options, generally is the number of years for which the contract guarantees interest rates in excess of the calendar year statutory valuation interest rate for life insurance policies (covered in A on page 2) with guarantee durations of more than twenty years (See D, E, G and H herein).
The guarantee duration, for other annuities and guaranteed interest contracts without cash settlement options, is the number of years from the date of issue or date of purchase to the date annuity benefits are scheduled to commence.
Other annuities and guaranteed interest contracts, without cash settlement options, may be valued only on an "Issue Year" basis.
For structured settlement annuities with lump-sum payments, tee Section 95.12 of Regulation 126.
The maximum reserve valuation interest rates, for annuities and guaranteed interest contracts and for single premium life insurance policies of the kind referred to in Section 4217(c)(4)(B)(vi), are based on Moody's Corporate Bond Yield Averages for a One or three year period ending in June of the year of issue, purchase or change in fund. Consequently, we are not able to compute rates applicable to 1991 at this time.
The attached Appendix describes the method of calculating the maximum reserve valuation interest rates, in accordance with the specifications. of Section 4217 of the New York Insurance Laws, as amended.
Section 4217, as amended by Chapter 749 of the Laws of 1983, permits the dynamic interest rates (under the 1982 amendments) to be used for issues of January 1, 1982 and later, irrespective of a company's election or non-election under Section 4221 (k)(12). Thus, the new dynamic interest rates may be used either with 1958 CSO issues of January 1, 1982 through December 31, 1988 or with 1980 CSO issues of January 1, 1982 and later, for valuation purposes.
The reserve for a Single Premium Life Insurance policy, of the kind referred to in Section 4217(c)(4)(B)(vi) of the New York Insurance Laws (as amended by Chapter 302 of the laws of 1987), must not be less than its cash value. Section 95.14 of Regulation 126 limits the applicable duration of maximum reserve valuation interest rates specified in B on page 3.
APPENDIX
To Circular Letter Number 8 (1990)
The maximum reserve valuation interest rates are based on reference interest rates, which are averages of corporate bond earnings published by Moody's Investors Service, Inc., and weighting factors prescribed by Section 4217.
The weighting factors do not vary from year to year. None of the weighting factors given in Table 1 below will change unless Section 4217 is revised by new legislation. The following formulas are used, to compute the maximum reserve valuation interest rates:
I = 3.00% + WR[1]-3.00)% + W/2(R[2]-9.00)%, (Formula 1, called "Life Insurance Formula") or
I = 3.00% + W(R-3.00)%, (Formula 2, called "Annuity Formula")
Where:
I = Maximum calendar year statutory valuation interest rate, rounded to the nearer 1/4%.
R = Reference interest rate, derived from Moody's corporate bond monthly yield averages, rounded to the nearer basis point (.01 of 1%).
R[1]= Lesser of R and 9.00%.
R[2]= Greater of R and 9.00%.
W = Weighting factor.
The third term of Formula 1 is dropped whenever the reference interest rate falls below 9.00%. The weighting factors vary by type of benefit, guarantee duration, and valuation basis (i.e. "issue year" basis or "change-in-fund" basis). An asterisk (*), where shown with the weighting factor in Table 1, indicates that Formula 2 may optionally be used with a given factor if an acceptable actuarial opinion and memorandum are provided, as required by Section 4217(c)(4)(8)(vi).
TABLE 1
Valuation
Reference
Weighting
Benefit
Guarantee Duration
Basis
Interest Rate
Factor
(Category in
(Where duration t,
(Column from
Circular
in years, is)
Table 2)
Letter)
= or < 10
Issue
(3)
.50
> 10, = or < 20
Year
.45
> 20
.35
B
= or < 10
Issue Year
(1)
.55*
> 10, = or < 20
Issue Year
(3)
.50
Issue Year
(3)
.40
B
= or < 10
Change-in-Fund
(1)
.60*
> 10, = or < 20
Change-in-Fund
(1)
.55*
> 20
Change-in-Fund
(1)
.45*
C
Not applicable
Issue or
Purchase Year
(1)
.80*
Valuation
Reference
Benefit
Guarantee Duration
Basis
Interest Rate
(Category in
(Where duration t,
(Column from
Circular Letter)
in years, is)
Table 2)
D
= or < 5
Issue
(1)
> 5, 7. or < 10
Year
(1)
> 10, = or < 20
(3)
> 20
(3)
Issue
E
= or < 5
Year
(1)
> 5, = or < 10
(1)
> 10, = or < 20
(3)
> 20
(3)
F
= or < 5
Issue
(1)
> 5, = or < 10
Year
(1)
> 10, = or < 20
(1)
> 20
(1)
G
= or < 5
Change
(1)
> 5, = or < 10
in
(1)
> 10, = or < 20
Fund
(1)
> 20
(1)
H
= or < 5
Change
(1)
> 5, = or < 10
in
(1)
> 10, = or < 20
Fund
(1)
> 20
(1)
Weighting
Benefit
Factor
(Category in
Circular Letter)
Varies By Plan Type
A
B
C
D
.80*
.60*
.50*
.75*
.60*
.50*
.65
.50
.45
.45
.35
.35
A
B
C
E
.85*
.65*
.55*
.80*
.65*
.55*
.70
.55
.50
.50
.40
.40
A
F
.80*
.75*
.65*
.45*
A
B
C
G
.95*
.85*
.55*
.90*
.85*
.55*
.80*
.75*
.50*
.60*
.60*
.40*
A
B
C
H
1.00*
.90*
.60*
.95*
.90*
.60*
.85*
.80*
.55*
.65*
.65*
.45*
The reference interest rates are based on the average corporate bond earnings published by Moody's Investors Service, Inc.
Section 4217 defines running averages of the published monthly yield rates for 12-month and 36-month periods.
The year of issue, of purchase or of change-in-fund, applicable to the running yield average ending in the current year, is the next following year for Life Insurance other than single premium life insurance of the kind referred to in Section 4217(c)(4)(B)(vi) (i.e. Category A in the Circular Letter) and the current year for all other business (i.e. Categories B through H in the Circular Letter).
The following table shows Moody's yield averages for recent years:
TABLE 2
For Period
Ending
12-Month
36-Month
June 30
Running
Running
Lesser of
of Year
Average
Average
Two Averages
(1)
(2)
(3)
1981
13.71%
11.57%
11.57%,
1982
15.70
13.64
13.64
1983
13.39%
14.26%
13.39%.
1984
13.22
14.10
13.22
1985
13.01%
13.21%
13.01%
1986
10.75
12.33
10.75
1987
9.40%
11.05%
9.40%
1988
10.32
10.15
10.15
1989
10.09%
9.93%
9.93%
1990
9.52
9.97
9.52
The maximum nonforfeiture interest rate for Life Insurance, under Section 4221(k), for a particular issue year, is equal to 125% of the maximum reserve valuation interest rate for the same issue year, rounded to the nearer 1/4%.
Should the computed maximum reserve valuation interest rate for Life Insurance (other than Single Premium Life Insurance covered in Category B on page 3 of the Circular Letter) for a particular issue year be different from the actual maximum reserve valuation interest rate for the next previous issue year by less than 1/2%, then the maximum reserve valuation interest rate for such particular issue year will be the same as that for such next previous issue year.