Insurance Licensing Virginia-Life-Annuities-and-Health-Insurance - Virginia Life, Annuities, and Health Insurance Examination Series 11-01

Detailed Answer in Step-by-Step Solution:

The Virginia Bureau of Insurance has authority to request and review an agent’s business records (C) to ensure compliance with state laws, without requiring a court order (A) or NAIC approval (B).

Option D (no access) is false; regulatory oversight overrides privacy in this context.

The Virginia study guide confirms that the Bureau of Insurance can demand records as part of its regulatory powers under Virginia insurance law, ensuring market conduct compliance. Reference: Virginia Life, Annuities, and Health Insurance study guide, section on "Insurance Regulation."

An immediate annuity is commonly used to structure the payment of liability insurance settlements, lottery winnings, and other large sums. This type of annuity allows the beneficiary to receive a series of periodic payments starting immediately after the lump sum is invested. Immediate annuities are often used to provide a steady stream of income for individuals who receive large sums of money but want to ensure that the funds last over time.

Federal Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA) requires equal benefits for older workers. Employers cannot deny the same group health coverage offered to younger employees. Exact extract: “Employees age 65 and older must be offered the same health benefits as those under 65.”

Virginia Code § 38.2-3500 et seq. allows health insurance policies to include riders—supplemental agreements modifying coverage or terms (e.g., adding dental benefits or exclusions). Option D (rider) is the standard term. Option A (limit clause) isn’t a distinct attachment; limits are within the policy. Option B (attachment) is vague and not insurance-specific. Option C (insuring clause) is the core promise of coverage, not an alteration. The study guide likely defines riders with examples—e.g., a maternity rider increasing premiums—distinguishing them from policy staples, confirming D as the answer.

Detailed Answer in Step-by-Step Solution:

Life insurance premiums are calculated based on three factors: mortality (death rates), interest (investment earnings), and expenses (operating costs).

When an insurer earns interest on premiums invested, it increases the funds available to pay claims, reducing the amount needed from policyholders.

This results in a decrease in the premium rate (C), as higher interest earnings offset the cost of coverage.

Option A (increase premium rate) would occur if interest earnings decreased.

Options B and D (mortality rate changes) are unrelated to interest, as mortality is a statistical factor, not a financial one.

The Virginia study guide explains that interest earned on premiums is a key component of pricing life insurance, allowing insurers to lower premium rates when investment returns are favorable. Reference: Virginia Life, Annuities, and Health Insurance study guide, section on "Premium Determination."

Detailed Answer in Step-by-Step Solution:

Excess charges in Medicare occur when a provider charges more than the Medicare-approved amount, and the insured (D) is responsible for the difference unless covered by supplemental insurance.

The Social Security Administration (A) and CMS (B) administer Medicare, not pay claims.

Providers (C) may charge excess but don’t absorb it unless they accept assignment.

The Virginia study guide explains that Medicare beneficiaries bear excess charges unless a provider accepts Medicare assignment or a Medigap policy covers them. Reference: Virginia Life, Annuities, and Health Insurance study guide, section on "Medicare Basics."

Virginia Code § 38.2-3209 allows a guaranteed insurability rider, enabling the policyowner to buy additional coverage at specified intervals (e.g., every 3 years or life events like marriage) without proving insurability. Option D matches this definition. Option A is unrelated; non-medical underwriting isn’t implied. Option B contradicts the rider’s purpose, which waives insurability proof. Option C is false; premium adjustments aren’t part of this rider. The study guide describes this rider as a planning tool for future needs, confirming D.

Virginia life insurance law follows the principle of rate equity within underwriting classes. Insurers are permitted to classify applicants based on factors such as age, health, lifestyle, and risk characteristics, but once individuals are placed in the same underwriting class with equal life expectancy, they must be charged the same premium rate. This ensures fairness and prevents unfair discrimination.

Age alone is not sufficient because two individuals of the same age may have very different health profiles and mortality risks. Occupation and income may influence underwriting but do not independently mandate identical rates. Virginia regulations emphasize actuarial justification and prohibit unfair discrimination while allowing reasonable risk classification. Therefore, option A correctly reflects the legal standard.

Virginia contract law, reflected in Virginia Code § 38.2-102, requires capacity to form an insurance contract. Option A (intoxicated individuals) lacks capacity if impaired, voiding consent. Option B (mentally ill individuals) may lack comprehension, restricting ability unless adjudicated competent. Option C (minors, typically under 18 per § 38.2-3405) can’t contract without guardian consent, except for necessities. Option D (retired individuals) has no legal restriction; retirement is a status, not a capacity limiter—e.g., a 65-year-old retiree can buy insurance freely. The study guide likely covers capacity in a legal basics section, with examples like a drunk person’s void policy versus a retiree’s valid one, making D the exception.

The elimination of a hazard is an example of risk avoidance. This involves removing or eliminating the risk entirely by preventing hazardous activities or conditions. This is different from other risk management strategies such as transfer (shifting risk to another party), pooling (combining risks to spread the impact), or retention (accepting the risk).