An impaired risk program is a carrier's or distributor's structured process for evaluating and placing non-standard risks. Programs define triage criteria, required evidence (attending physician statements, labs, cardiac or oncology workups), and escalation paths to medical directors and reinsurers. They also include niche guidelines-e.g., controlled diabetes, stable coronary disease, or past cancer-with preset ranges of possible classes. Distributors may run internal impaired-risk desks that pre-shop cases anonymously with multiple carriers, gather tentative offers, and recommend the best fit. Programs improve placement ratios and client experience by setting realistic expectations, reducing avoidable declines, and aligning case design (face amount, riders, funding) with underwriting appetite and pricing mechanics.

BGAs run impaired-risk programs that solicit tentative offers from multiple carriers based on anonymized summaries. Producers use results to set expectations, choose a lead carrier, and design face amount and riders that fit the likely class. The program reduces declines and speeds placement on complex medical files.