Brighthouse Financial SmartCare Eligibility and Application Guide: What You Need to Know Before Applying

Brighthouse SmartCare® is a hybrid indexed universal life insurance policy that combines life insurance protection with guaranteed long-term care (LTC) benefits. Whether you’re preparing for retirement or protecting your family’s future, understanding the eligibility requirements and application process can help you apply confidently and maximize your benefits.

Who Is Eligible for SmartCare?

SmartCare is designed for healthy individuals who want permanent life insurance with built-in LTC protection. Basic eligibility criteria include:

• Age: Available to applicants between 40 and 75 years old.
• Residency: Must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident.
• Health Status: Applicants must meet health and cognitive screening requirements.
• Financial Suitability: Brighthouse requires confirmation that the policy aligns with your financial goals and circumstances.

Key Health and Cognitive Requirements

For Applicants Ages 40–65:

• Simplified underwriting process with no medical exams or labs for many applicants.
• No cognitive screening required in most cases.
• Electronic health records, prescription drug databases, and background checks used to assess eligibility.

For Applicants Ages 66–75:

• Cognitive screening and Attending Physician Statements (APS) typically required.
• May require additional medical history review depending on health conditions.

How to Prepare for the Application Process

1. Review Your Health Records

• Make sure your medical records accurately reflect your current health status.
• Address unresolved conditions with your healthcare provider prior to applying.

2. Gather Financial Documentation

• Be ready to provide income and asset details to confirm financial suitability.
• Work with your financial professional to ensure the policy fits your long-term planning goals.

3. Understand the Coverage Options

SmartCare allows you to customize your policy with:

• Choice of indexed or fixed growth for LTC benefits.
• A 4-year or 6-year LTC benefit duration.
• Flexible premium payment options: single premium, 2-, 3-, 4-, 5-, or 10-year schedules.

What to Expect During Underwriting

SmartCare’s underwriting process is streamlined for most healthy applicants:

• Ages 40–65: Most cases are approved within 24 hours once all required application materials are submitted.
• Ages 66–75: Underwriting may take longer due to additional cognitive and health evaluations.

Underwriting includes checks of:

• Prescription drug histories
• Medical Information Bureau (MIB) records
• Motor vehicle reports (in some cases)

Application Tips to Improve Approval Odds

• Be Transparent: Answer all health questions truthfully. Inconsistencies with electronic health records can delay or derail your application.
• Maintain Good Health Habits: Stable health conditions, non-tobacco use, and a healthy lifestyle improve your approval chances and may lower your premiums.
• Plan for Premium Payments: Choose a payment option that fits your budget and maximizes your LTC and cash value growth potential.
• Work With a Financial Professional: A licensed advisor can help position your application favorably and navigate the process.

Special Considerations for Long-Term Care Benefits

SmartCare’s LTC benefits are structured through:

• LTC Acceleration of Death Benefit Rider (LTC ADBR): Pays LTC claims from your death benefit first.
• Extension of Benefits Rider (EOBR): Provides 2 to 4 additional years of LTC payments beyond the death benefit.

You’ll need to select:

• LTC growth option: Indexed to market performance or a fixed 3% or 5% annual increase.
• Monthly LTC benefit amount: Based on your selected death benefit and LTC growth option.

What to Know Before Applying

• SmartCare is designed for people seeking both permanent life insurance and LTC protection.
• The policy is not meant to replace standalone LTC insurance, but to offer guaranteed protection in a more flexible form.
• Premiums and benefit amounts are determined at issue and guaranteed, offering peace of mind against future premium increases.

Final Thought

Brighthouse Financial SmartCare provides a powerful combination of life insurance and long-term care benefits. By understanding the eligibility criteria, preparing your health and financial documents, and working with a financial professional, you can streamline your application process and gain meaningful protection for both your family and your future care needs.

Apply when your health is stable and financial plans are clear, and SmartCare can help provide lifelong peace of mind.