MetLife Launches Roth Offering Through 403(b) Plans with Educational Support Through MetLife Resources

"We are pleased to be able to add the Roth offering throughMetLife's 403(b) business, since it can be a valuable tool for peoplesaving for retirement," said Greg Illson, vice president, productdevelopment, MetLife. "Coupled with the offering is educationalsupport through MetLife Resources about Roth and other offerings tohelp individuals understand their options."

Roth 403(b) contributions are made on an after-tax basis, and anaccount value increase is tax-free. Roth contributions and earningsare not taxed when they are withdrawn, provided that the withdrawal isafter the participant attains age 59 1/2 or upon death or disability,and it is at least five years after the participant's first Roth403(b) contribution. The Roth 403(b) program must be approved by theemployer as part of its 403(b) arrangement before employees mayirrevocably designate contributions to be made to the Roth account.

Thomas G. Hogan, vice president, MetLife Resources, said,"Providing simple and flexible financial options is paramount to whatwe do to help individuals at MetLife everyday. At the same time, it isalso important for us as a partner to our employer and plan sponsorcustomers to help them understand and comply with their systems andtracking responsibilities once the Roth 403(b) option is madeavailable."

MetLife Resources, a division of MetLife, provides retirementplans and other financial services to healthcare, education, andnot-for-profit organizations. MetLife manages more than $30 billion inretirement plan assets, making it the fifth largest company servingthe 403(b) market and second largest in the K-12 marketplace.

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 Roth option. Customersshould seek advice based on their particular circumstances from anindependent tax advisor. The Roth 403(b) offering is available in moststates. In some states, the MetLife offering is pending stateapproval.

Securities products are offered by MetLife Securities, Inc., 200Park Avenue, New York, NY 10166.