ManhattanLife is excited to announce the launch of the Specified Disease Rider, now available with our Affordable Choice hospital indemnity plan in select states. This new rider adds an extra layer of protection for policyholders, helping offset the financial impact of serious or life-altering illnesses.

Designed to work seamlessly alongside Affordable Choice, the Specified Disease Rider offers supplemental coverage that pays in addition to existing benefits, providing greater peace of mind for individuals and families facing unexpected medical challenges.

Simplified, Seamless Protection When It Matters Most

The Specified Disease Rider complements Affordable Choice by strengthening protection against both everyday medical expenses and catastrophic medical events. Together, they create a simple, seamless way to get the coverage you need with straightforward underwriting and no unnecessary barriers to apply.

Key features include:

• Pays benefits in addition to existing Affordable Choice coverage
• Can be added to an existing Affordable Choice policy at any time (with underwriting approval of application)
• Coverage available for 14 specified diseases, including: amputation, Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), angioplasty, cancer (internal), coronary artery bypass surgery, end-stage renal failure, heart attack, heart valve surgery, implantable cardiac defibrillator, joint replacement, major organ failure or transplant, pacemaker implant, ruptured aneurysm and stroke (ischemic or hemorrhagic)
• Four deductible options: $25,000, $50,000, $75,000 or $100,000
• Two calendar-year maximum benefit options: $250,000 or $500,000
• Available coverage types: Individual, Individual + Spouse (or Civil Partner in IL), Individual + Child(ren) and Family
  • Family rates include up to four children (additional children are charged the Child rate)
  • Not available for children-only coverage
• Easy to qualify: issue ages 18–64, streamlined application process and no restrictive health exclusions mentioned in materials

Where It’s Available

The Specified Disease Rider will roll out in phases as state approvals are received.

Available as of November 17:

• Alabama
• Arizona
• Arkansas
• Florida
• Georgia
• Louisiana
• Nevada
• Oklahoma
• Tennessee
• West Virginia
• Wisconsin

ManhattanLife Advantages

The Specified Disease Rider was designed to give policyholders a smarter way to protect against serious medical costs with benefits that go beyond the competition.

1. Dual-Layer Protection Strategy

• Specified Disease Rider pays 100% of charges after the deductible is met
• Creates seamless coverage without gaps during the deductible period

2. Highest Calendar-Year Maximum Available

• Up to $500,000 in annual benefits (double the $250K offered by some competitors)
• Critical for catastrophic conditions requiring extensive treatment

3. Comprehensive Base Plan Integration

• Includes cancer benefits (up to $2,000/day for 40 days)
• Hospital admission benefits ($1,000–$3,000)
• Surgery benefits with multipliers
• Prescription, lab and radiology coverage

4. Value-Added Services Included

• 24/7 Telemedicine with TelaHealth Consultants
• Prescription drug discounts of up to 80% with RxEDO
• Network discounts with First Health Network
• Discounted lab work and imaging with DirectLabs and Green Imaging

5. Transparent Pricing Structure

• Clear monthly premiums
• Family rates include up to four children
• No hidden fees

6. Broad Coverage

• 14 covered conditions including major organ failure or transplant
• Currently available in 11 states

While many competitors struggle with issues like inconsistent limited transparency around covered conditions and pricing, lower annual maximums (often capped at $250,000) and reports of higher-than-average rate increases or claim denials, ManhattanLife stands apart—dedicated to delivering clarity, comprehensive coverage and the confidence you can count on.

Protection That Works When Life Changes

The new Specified Disease Rider from ManhattanLife helps agents meet the evolving needs of clients seeking additional financial protection beyond traditional medical coverage. For consumers, it’s a straightforward way to prepare for the unexpected and protect household finances in the face of serious illness.

The Specified Disease Rider represents our ongoing commitment to enhancing Affordable Choice and helping customers feel more confident about their coverage, no matter what life brings.