MetLife Enhances GMIB Plus/Predictor Plus for Variable Annuities; Annual ''Step-Ups'' Allow Access to Potentially More Money Now and Later

The GMIB Plus/Predictor Plus rider, originally launched in 2005,is designed to offer guaranteed income for life, while prior toelecting the guaranteed income for life option, allowsdollar-for-dollar withdrawals of the 5% compounding income base up to5% annually. With the annual step up option, if the account performswell, customers may choose to increase the amount they receive viaimmediate dollar-for-dollar withdrawals, as well as the amount theyare guaranteed to receive for life. The previous version allowedstep-ups every three years. The new annual step-up applies to newcontracts issued on and after February 27, 2006.

"At MetLife, we haven't changed the underlying guarantees andbenefits of the GMIB Plus/Predictor Plus, we just added moreflexibility with the annual step-up," said Lisa S. Kuklinski, vicepresident, Individual Annuities, MetLife. "If the account valueperforms well every year, then our customers can simply increase thefuture income stream every year."

"The market can be unpredictable, but our customers want to feelconfident and secure that they will have sufficient income during thedifferent stages of their life, and the flexibility to take advantageof market gains each year to meet their needs," added Elizabeth M.Forget, chief marketing officer, MetLife Investors USA InsuranceCompany, one of the MetLife-affiliated insurance companies that offersretirement and investment products through third party intermediariesincluding brokerages and banks. "The enhanced rider allows ourcustomers to lock-in a higher current income, if needed, as well as anincreased future minimum lifetime income stream."

Choosing to Elect the Step Up

If the account value increases, customers may increase thecomponent of the income base that grows at 5% annually every year upto the current account value. The higher income base component is thenused to calculate future minimum income payments, and, prior toexercising the rider, also gives customers the flexibility to takelarger dollar-for-dollar withdrawals of the 5% compounding income baseup to 5% annually. With each step-up, the 10-year wait to exercise therider benefits resets.

If the market does not perform well and the account valuedecreases after the 10th anniversary of purchasing the contract,customers can receive their initial principal amount (adjusted forwithdrawals) in lieu of guaranteed lifetime income payments. The GMIBPlus/Predictor Plus rider will terminate if this option is elected.The initial principal amount consists of only payments made within thefirst 120 days after the contract has been issued. Withdrawals aredetermined for the length of the entire contract.

A variable annuity is a long-term savings and investment vehicledesigned specifically for retirement and may fit into a customer'soverall retirement strategy. Customers should keep in mind thatvariable annuities contain both investment and insurance features, andthey will pay certain fees, including an annual asset-based separateaccount charge. Customers will pay investment management fees andexpenses for the amounts they invest in the eligible investmentchoices, administrative charges and will pay ordinary income tax ontaxable amounts they withdraw. Withdrawals taken before age 59 1/2 mayincur an additional 10% federal income tax penalty on incomewithdrawn. Withdrawals may be subject to withdrawal charges, and willreduce their contract value and death benefit.

GMIB Plus/Predictor Plus is available at contract issue (throughage 75) with MetLife variable annuities for an annual additionalcharge of 0.75% of the income base (up to a maximum charge of 1.50%upon optional step-up). GMIB Plus is available with variable annuitiesthrough MetLife Investors. Predictor Plus is available with variableannuities sold by the MetLife and New England Financial sales forces.

Variable annuities are offered by prospectus only, which isavailable from a registered representative. A customer shouldcarefully consider the product's features, risks, charges andexpenses, and the investment objectives, risks and policies of theunderlying portfolios, as well other information about the underlyingfunding choices. Amounts allocated to the variable investment optionsof an account balance are subject to market fluctuations, and whenwithdrawn or annuitized, may be worth more or less than their originalvalue. The principal value and rate of return in a variable annuitywill fluctuate due to market conditions. Therefore, at any point intime, the value of the annuity contract may be worth more or less thanthe owner's actual investment in the contract. There is no guaranteethat any of the variable options in this product will meet theirstated goals or objectives. This and other information is available inthe prospectus, which a customer should read carefully beforeinvesting. Product availability and features may vary by state. Allvariable annuity product guarantees, including those associated withGMIB Plus/Predictor Plus rider, are based on the claims-paying abilityand financial strength of the issuing insurance company.

MetLife, a subsidiary of MetLife, Inc. (NYSE: MET) is a leadingprovider of insurance and other financial services to millions ofindividual and institutional customers throughout the United States.Through its subsidiaries and affiliates, MetLife, Inc. offers lifeinsurance, annuities, automobile and homeowner's insurance and retailbanking services to individuals, as well as group insurance,reinsurance and retirement and savings products and services tocorporations and other institutions. Outside the U.S., the MetLifecompanies have direct insurance operations in Asia Pacific, LatinAmerica and Europe. For more information, please visitwww.metlife.com.

The information in this press release is not intended to (andcannot) be used by anyone to avoid IRS penalties. This press releasesupports the promotion and marketing of this annuity rider. Customersshould seek advice based on their particular circumstances from anindependent tax advisor.

Like most annuity contracts, those contracts issued by MetLife andits affiliates contain fees, surrender charges, and holding periodsand terms for keeping the contract in force. Customers should consulttheir qualified tax or legal professional before making an investmentdecision.

Prospectuses for MetLife's or any of its affiliated insurancecompanies individual variable annuities and the underlying investmentoptions can be obtained by contacting an authorized MetLife, MetLifeInvestors or New England Financial representative. MetLife's variableannuities are issued and distributed by Metropolitan Life InsuranceCompany, 200 Park Avenue New York, NY 10166, MetLife Investorsvariable annuity products are issued by MetLife Investors InsuranceCompany, MetLife Investors Insurance Company of California and MetLifeInvestors USA Insurance Company (subsidiaries of MetLife, Inc.), 5Park Plaza, Irvine, CA, 92614 and distributed by MetLife InvestorsDistribution Company, and New England Financial variable annuities areissued by New England Life Insurance Company (a subsidiary of MetLife,Inc.) and distributed by New England Securities, 501 Boylston StreetBoston, MA, 02116.