Insurance Licensing Updated Virginia-Life-Annuities-and-Health-Insurance Exam Questions and Answers by matthias

A joint and survivor annuity is designed to provide income for two people, typically spouses, and payments continue until both annuitants have died. This feature makes it especially suitable for retirement planning when ongoing income is needed for a surviving spouse.

When the first annuitant dies, payments continue to the survivor, often at the same or a reduced level depending on the contract terms. Only after the second annuitant’s death do payments cease. Therefore, option A is correct.

Options B, C, and D incorrectly describe other annuity structures. Beneficiaries are generally relevant only if a refund or period-certain option applies. Joint and survivor annuities are a core topic in Virginia annuity education because of their longevity risk protection.

The "benefit period" in a long-term care insurance policy refers to the length of time over which the insurer will pay benefits for covered services. This period can vary depending on the terms of the policy, and it typically starts when the policyholder begins receiving care and continues for a specified duration or until the benefit limit is exhausted. The other options, such as the hospitalization period or recovery period, do not relate to the time claims are paid under long-term care policies.

Detailed Answer in Step-by-Step Solution:

A cost of living (COLA) rider (B) adjusts disability income benefits to account for inflation, maintaining purchasing power.

Inflation guard (A) is more common in property insurance. Price escalation (C) and wage protection (D) are not standard disability riders.

The Virginia study guide describes the COLA rider as an optional feature in disability income policies, increasing benefits based on inflation indices like the CPI. Reference: Virginia Life, Annuities, and Health Insurance study guide, section on "Disability Insurance Riders."

Rebating—the act of returning a portion of commission or offering inducements not specified in the policy—is prohibited under Virginia insurance law. Engaging in rebating is considered an unfair trade practice and is grounds for disciplinary action, including license suspension.

Sharing commissions with properly licensed agents is allowed. There is no requirement to report annual commission earnings, and administrative changes such as account location updates may require notice but are not suspension-level violations. Therefore, option B is correct.