Kemper and Minnesota Life provide coordinated access to life and disability benefits

St. Paul, MN, August 12, 2002 — Minnesota Life Insurance Company and Kemper National Services have formed an alliance to provide large employers coordinated access to life and disability benefits.

Under the agreement, Kemper National Services, a Kemper unit that also oversees the medical and disability component of workers' compensation claims, will offer its HealthyReturn^SM short- and long-term disability program to potential clients of Minnesota Life. Minnesota Life's Group division will offer its Group Term, Group Universal Life and Variable Group Universal Life insurance products to Kemper clients.

"We believe this agreement gives clients the best of both worlds," says Bill Markwardt, vice president, Minnesota Life Sales. "Kemper and Minnesota Life both have an exceptional track record in the group employer market."

John Miskel, vice president, sales, Kemper National Services added, "Our business philosophy is remarkably similar to that of Minnesota Life. Both companies understand the importance of developing a partnership with clients to effectively understand and meet their benefit needs."

Kemper is a top-five player in the nation's workers' compensation market and a leader in integrated disability management. Minnesota Life is the country's eighth largest group insurer, based on life insurance in force, and has an excellent reputation for delivering customized online enrollment and service solutions.

Earlier this year, Minnesota Life partnered with All Net, the international employee benefit network of Allianz Group, to provide group life and disability insurance programs to All Net's multinational clients.

Founded in 1880, Minnesota Life Insurance Company provides financial security for individuals and businesses in the form of insurance, pensions and investments. The Company is one of a select number of insurance groups in the United States carrying "very high" ratings including: A++ from A.M. Best, AA+ from Standard & Poor's, Aa2 from Moody's Investors Services and AA+ from Fitch. With more than $300 billion of life insurance in force and $20 billion in assets under management, the Company serves over six million people through a combined work force of 4,400 people at its St. Paul headquarters and agencies and offices across the country. For more information about Minnesota Life, visit www.minnesotalife.com.

The Kemper Insurance Companies is a leading provider of property/casualty insurance and risk management services with 2001 revenues totaling $5.9 billion and assets of $8.9 billion. Headquartered in Long Grove, Ill., Kemper operates nationwide and in many foreign markets. Kemper is rated "A" by Standard & Poor's, "A-" by A.M. Best and "A2" by Moody's. For more information about Kemper, visit www.kemperinsurance.com.

Contact: Maggie Jensen
Minnesota Life Insurance Co.
651-260-7128
margaret.jensen@securian.com

Contact: David Smolensky
Kemper Insurance Companies
847-320-2513
dsmolens@kemperinsurance.com
 
Photos of Markwardt and Miskel are available electronically; request them by contacting margaret.jensen@securian.com, 651-665-7558.