2006 News Releases

Additional options to tailor annuity contracts showcased in new, client-friendly literature

Boston– John Hancock Annuities recently expanded its range of retirement income solutions by introducing two new versions of its popular Principal Plus For Life (PPFL) optional rider.

Principal Plus For Life, an optional benefit available with Venture Variable Annuities, provides guaranteed retirement income for life, and also offers the potential for income to increase through favorable market performance and bonus opportunities.

The two new versions of the rider, Principal Plus For Life Plus Automatic Annual Step-Up, and Principal Plus For Life Plus Spousal Protection, are designed to help clients to address specific retirement needs and concerns, such as capturing potential market gains every year over the next decade, or lifetime income for a surviving spouse dependent on the income stream from the variable annuity.

The Principal Plus For Life Plus Automatic Annual Step-Up option is available to contract owners for an annual fee of 0.60% (maximum 1.20%) in addition to the contract’s insurance and investment fees, while the Principal Plus For Life Plus Spousal Protection option is available for an additional annual fee of 0.65% (maximum 1.20%). John Hancock Annuities will continue to offer the Classic version of Principal Plus For Life as it exists today, and the rider will continue to maintain an additional annual fee of 0.40% (maximum 0.75%). Contract owners may elect only one version of the rider on any contract. The rider must be elected at the time the contract is issued, and once elected, the rider is irrevocable. Other restrictions and limitations apply. Please see the prospectus for full rider details.

“We are excited to offer these new enhancements, giving new choices to the financial advisor as they help their clients prepare for retirement,” said Hugh McHaffie, President, John Hancock Variable Annuities. “The Classic version of Principal Plus For Life still represents one of the best values available in the marketplace, and the new riders will give the advisor the flexibility to work with their clients to tailor the annuity contract to better fit their goals.”

“We expect a positive reception from our distribution partners. We believe these enhancements will strengthen John Hancock’s position as a company that advisors can partner with to help provide dependable income for retirees,” said Bob Cassato, Executive Vice President of Distribution, John Hancock Financial Services.

The riders are featured in brand-new sales literature developed by John Hancock Annuities in support of its sales organization. The new kit features consumer-friendly language, encourages diversified investing, and explains in detail how clients and their financial advisors can work together with John Hancock to help minimize the impact that “luck” can have on a retirement strategy.

For copies of this new literature and accompanying prospectuses, financial advisors may call 800-344-1029.

Contact your financial consultant or visit www.johnhancockannuities.com for more information, including product and fund prospectuses that contain complete details on investment objectives, risks, fees, charges and expenses, as well as other information on the investment company, which should be carefully considered. Please read the prospectuses carefully prior to investing. The prospectuses contain this and other information on the product and the underlying portfolios.

The guarantees are backed by the claims paying ability of the issuer. It is important to understand that Principal Plus For Life is an optional benefit available with Venture Variable Annuities contracts and cannot be elected without purchasing the annuity contract. This benefit may not be appropriate for investors who do not foresee a need for liquidity and whose primary focus is tax deferral. Before considering this benefit, please make sure the annuity is suitable for your investment goals and personal circumstances.

About John Hancock and Manulife Financial
John Hancock is a unit of Manulife Financial Corporation (the Company), a leading Canadian-based financial services group serving millions of customers in 19 countries and territories worldwide. Operating as Manulife Financial in Canada and in most of Asia, and primarily as John Hancock in the United States, the Company offers clients a diverse range of financial protection products and wealth management services through its extensive network of employees, agents and distribution partners. Funds under management by Manulife Financial and its subsidiaries were Cdn$370 billion (US$332 billion) as at June 30, 2006.

Manulife Financial Corporation trades as ‘MFC’ on the TSX, NYSE and PSE, and under ‘0945’ on the SEHK. Manulife Financial can be found on the Internet at www.manulife.com.

John Hancock, through its insurance companies, comprises one of the largest life insurers in the United States. John Hancock offers a broad range of financial products and services, including whole life, term life, variable life, and universal life insurance, as well as college savings products, fixed and variable annuities, long-term care insurance, mutual funds and various forms of business insurance.

Venture Annuities and the optional riders are not available in all states; product features may vary, subject to state regulation. Variable annuities are not FDIC insured, are long-term contracts designed for retirement purposes, and are subject to investment risk, including the possible loss of principal. Withdrawal charges apply to withdrawals taken in excess of the free withdrawal amount during the surrender charge period. All withdrawals reduce the death benefit and optional benefits. In addition, withdrawals of taxable amounts will be subject to ordinary income tax and, if made prior to age 59½, a 10% IRS penalty tax may apply.

Venture Combination Fixed and Variable Annuity contracts are issued by John Hancock Life Insurance Company (U.S.A.).  John Hancock Distributors LLC, a registered investment advisor and member NASD, provides investment information relating to the contracts. Product features and availability may differ by state. In New York, products are issued by John Hancock Life Insurance Company of New York.

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Contact:
Beth McGoldrick
(617) 663-4751
bmcgoldrick@jhancock.com