Guardian Life set to exit health products

After seeing enrollment in its medical plans gradually dwindle to less than 2% of total group membership, the Guardian Life Insurance Company of America will shutter this product line and instead focus on dental, disability, life, critical illness and disability offerings.

The carrier will hand off its existing medical insurance business to UnitedHealthcare. The decision follows a similar move last fall by the Principal Financial Group, which also came to an agreement with UnitedHealthcare.

"Our strategic withdrawal from the medical business allows us to place even greater focus on our voluntary business and ensure that our offerings help continue to meet the changing needs and wants of today’s employers," says Scott Dolfi, executive vice president of business and operations for Guardian’s group business. 

Guardian Life also recently appointed to the post of senior vice president of group insurance Dong H. Ahn, an industry veteran with more than 20 years experience who most recently led Aetna’s group insurance division.  He also once worked for the Hartford Life Insurance Company.

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