MassMutual Ascend Life Insurance Company Launches New Optional Death Benefit Rider on Fixed-Indexed Annuities

CINCINNATI--(BUSINESS WIRE)--In a recent survey, 73% of Americans say estate planning is personally important.¹ As people begin to prepare for the future, they may be asking, “What can I do to leave a lasting legacy for my loved ones?” MassMutual Ascend is excited to launch its new optional death benefit rider, the Legacy Ascender, on fixed-indexed annuities to help clients leave a lasting legacy. The Legacy Ascender rider is designed to build on assets already accumulated, while also protecting them.

Key competitive features include guaranteed asset growth with age-based rates,² flexibility for contract owners and beneficiaries to choose how the benefit amount is received and no waiting period to receive the death benefit.

"Guaranteed growth, choice on how to receive the benefit and no waiting period - that's a powerful combination for clients who want to build a legacy and keep options open for the people they love," says Joe Maringer, Senior Vice President and National Sales Manager. "This is legacy planning with both certainty and control."

Launching during Annuity Awareness Month, this new rider underscores the commitment MassMutual Ascend has to delivering innovative solutions that help clients confidently plan for their financial future.

All of this is backed by MassMutual Ascend’s long history of financial strength – an “A++” (Superior) rating by AM Best and “AA” (Very Strong) rating by Standard & Poor’s.³ More than $15 billion in guaranteed income benefits have been paid since 2000.⁴

About MassMutual Ascend Life Insurance Company

MassMutual Ascend Life Insurance Company, a wholly owned subsidiary of Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Company offers traditional fixed, fixed-indexed and registered index-linked annuities in the retail, broker-dealer, financial institutions and registered investment advisor markets. MassMutual Ascend is committed to taking financial futures above and beyond. From products to service to financial strength, the company is always in pursuit of better – so its customers can navigate their futures with confidence.

¹2026 Estate Planning Report, trustandwill.com. http://www.trustandwill.com/learn/estate-planning-report-2026.

²For issue ages 50-79, a 9% simple interest rollup credit would be applied. For issue ages 80-85, a 6% simple interest rollup credit would be applied.

³AM Best rating of “A++” (Superior) affirmed on October 23, 2025. AM Best rating of “A++” is the highest of 16 ratings. S&P rating of “AA” (Very Strong) upgraded on February 20, 2025. S&P rating of “AA” is the 3^rd highest of 21 ratings.

⁴ Data is as of December 31, 2025. The guaranteed income benefit amount includes annuity benefit payments under immediate and deferred annuities, income benefit payments under guaranteed withdrawal benefit riders and contract withdrawals taken by owners after their rider benefit payments began.