Western & Southern Permits Delay of Life Insurance Premium Payments for Affected Policyholders During Government Shutdown

CINCINNATI, Ohio, Jan. 25 -- The Western and Southern Financial Group, a life insurance company, issued the following news release:

Western & Southern Financial Group announced today that it is allowing life insurance policyholders affected by the government shutdown to delay their premium payments.

"We pride ourselves on being a human institution serving human needs," said John F. Barrett, chairman, president and chief executive officer of Western & Southern. "And today some of our policyholders, who have gone without pay for several weeks, may be in need of our assistance.

Therefore, we are trying to help ease their burden by allowing them to delay payment of life insurance premiums for a period of time without fear of their policies lapsing."

This decision will apply to affected policyholders from any of Western & Southern's seven life insurance member companies: The Western and Southern Life Insurance Company, Western-Southern Life Assurance Company, Columbus Life Insurance Company, Gerber Life Insurance Company, Integrity Life Insurance Company, The Lafayette Life Insurance Company and National Integrity Life Insurance Company.

Affected policyholders are encouraged to contact their respective insurance company for assistance. Payment of delayed premiums will be required within 30 days after the government shutdown ends.