MassMutual Offers Free $50,000 Life Insurance Policies for Low-Income Parents in Rochester --------------------------------------------------------------------- Philanthropic LifeBridge(SM) Program Puts Money in Trust to Pay for Children's Education

ROCHESTER, N.Y., April 12 /PRNewswire/ -- The Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Company (MassMutual) will be hosting public application meetings with the United Way on April 16 in Rochester for a completely free term life insurance program for lower-income working parents. Under MassMutual's philanthropic LifeBridge(SM) Free Life Insurance Program, qualifying working parents will receive a $50,000 free life insurance policy to help pay for the education of their children, who -- in the event of a parent's death during the policy's term -- may not be able to afford their schooling. Todd Allen and his colleagues at MassMutual's Financial Partners Group agency are donating their time to offer this philanthropic program locally. The LifeBridge application meetings will be held Saturday, April 16 at the following locations. Appointments are needed: people can call (585) 242-6485. * 9:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. United Way's downtown C.A.S.H. (Creating Access to Savings and Hope) site, Sibley's Building, Franklin St./Liberty Pole Entrance, and * 1:00-4:00 p.m., at Irondequiot C.A.S.H. Site, Ridge Goodman Plaza, 1381 Ridge Road East. MassMutual plans to give away $1 billion of free life insurance nationally. To date, the company has given away more than 3,300 policies nationwide. C.A.S.H. is a United Way-led coalition, with more than 30 partners in the Rochester area. "We're delighted to offer this program to residents of Rochester," Todd Allen said. "Experience tells us that some of the people who believe most fervently in the protection that life insurance offers are often those who can least afford it. We want to create a level playing field for children who might otherwise be deprived of an education if their parent dies during the term of the policy." "A main objective for C.A.S.H. is to help Rochester's low to moderate- income families get, keep, and grow their money," said C.A.S.H. (Creating Assets, Savings, and Hope) Director Rita Eygabroad. "Many clients who arrived at C.A.S.H. sites this tax season expressed interest in this life insurance program, so we are thankful MassMutual and Financial Partners Group are responding to their needs." "We're trying to ensure that access to educational opportunities exists for children of working families and not just those who are lucky enough to have parents with adequate financial means," he added. "There is absolutely no cost to the insured for a policy under the LifeBridge program." To be eligible to apply for a term life insurance policy under the LifeBridge(SM) program, applicants must meet all criteria for acceptance into the program. Eligible applicants must be: * between the ages of 19-42 (inclusive); * a permanent, legal U.S. resident; * the parent or legal guardian of one or more dependent children under the age of 18; * currently employed -- either full- or part-time -- and have a family income of between $10,000 and $40,000 on their most recent income tax return; and * in good health, as determined by MassMutual's underwriting guidelines. Each LifeBridge policy has a 10-year policy term. If the insured parent or legal guardian dies during that time, the $50,000 life insurance benefit per policy will be applied solely toward the education of the children named as beneficiaries. The money will be paid to a trust administered by the MassMutual Trust Company, FSB on behalf of the children. The trust will pay the educational expenses of the children directly to the educational institution they attend. Various types of schools qualify for reimbursement including, but not limited to, pre-school, private school, vocational school, community college, universities, art and music schools or graduate schools. Some of the educational expenses covered include books, tuition, and room and board. MassMutual Financial Group is a global, growth-oriented, diversified financial services organization providing life insurance, annuities, disability income insurance, long-term care insurance, retirement planning products, structured settlement annuities, trust services, money management, and other financial products and services. The MassMutual Financial Group is a marketing name for Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Company and its affiliates, which include: OppenheimerFunds, Inc.; Babson Capital Management LLC; Cornerstone Real Estate Advisers, LLC; MML Investors Services, Inc.; The MassMutual Trust Company, FSB; Antares Capital Corporation; MML Bay State Life Insurance Company; C.M. Life Insurance Company; and MassMutual International, Inc. MassMutual is on the Internet at http://www.massmutual.com. Contact: Nancy Zawacki, United Way 585-242-6423 Mark Di Giorgio, MassMutual 413.744.7722