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February 14, 2006
GUARDIAN LONG TERM DISABILITY INSURANCE ENHANCEMENTS ENABLE HASSLE-FREE ADMINISTRATION OF BUY UPS FOR PLANHOLDERS
New voluntary and buy-up LTD options offer increased coverage at little or no additional cost to employers
| For product related inquiries, please call: 1-888-278-4542
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| For media inquiries, contact:
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Paige Holden
Manning Selvage & Lee
Tel: 212.468.4056
paige.holden@mslpr.com
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| Anayo Afolabi
The Guardian Life Insurance Company of America
Tel: 212.598.8329
anayo_afolabi@glic.com
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New York, February 14, 2006 — The Guardian Life Insurance Company of America (Guardian) today announced the introduction of new voluntary and buy-up Long Term Disability (LTD) offerings, enhancing its current benefits portfolio to further meet the varied needs of customers. Guardian's new buy-up LTD offerings combine an employer-sponsored core plan with voluntary options that allow employees to buy-up or purchase additional coverage as a supplement to their core LTD benefit. The new enhancements enable employees to tailor coverage to their specific needs and budgets.
"As employers face escalating employee benefit costs, they need practical solutions to keep costs down and simultaneously satisfy their staff," said Craig Guiffre, Vice President, Group Life & Disability, Guardian. "In an effort to help Guardian's customers, we are offering enhancements to our Long Term Disability offerings at little or no additional cost to employers."
To further help employers, Guardian has simplified the administration for implementing and managing the new offerings. Customers will find a new billing format that simplifies payroll deduction. In addition, employers will receive one benefit booklet that encompasses all of the voluntary LTD options and buy-ups available for each class of employees. The new voluntary options available include:
 | Schedule of benefits buy-up — employees can make changes to their maximum monthly benefit, benefit duration, benefit percent and to the elimination period provided in their core plan. |
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| Benefit enhancements buy-up — employees can add various options, including a critical disability supplement, cost of living adjustment (COLA) and pension or retirement supplements; |
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| Flat amounts buy-up — employees choose a flat amount of coverage that will be added to the monthly benefit provided by the core plan; |
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"Guardian recognizes that companies, specifically small and mid-sized businesses, have specific needs when it comes to life and disability insurance," said Craig Guiffre. "Employers require flexibility with plan design, supported by providers who understand their specific needs. Guardian strives to introduce new products and services like these new voluntary Long Term Disability options that meet these needs and provide flexibility for companies of all sizes."
For more information and to confirm availability of these plans in your area, please contact your local Guardian Group Representative or click here to find a representative near you.
About Guardian
Founded in 1860, The Guardian Life Insurance Company of America, New York, NY (Guardian) is the fourth largest mutual life insurance company in the United States. As of December 31, 2004, Guardian and its subsidiaries had $39.5 billion in assets. With more than 5,000 employees and 2,900 financial representatives, as well as over 80 agencies nationwide, Guardian and its subsidiaries protect individuals, businesses and their
employees with life, disability, health and dental insurance products, and offer 401(k), financial products and trust services. More information about Guardian can be obtained at: www.guardianlife.com.
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