Skip to main content

Cookies on BBB.org

We use cookies to give users the best content and online experience. By clicking “Accept All Cookies”, you agree to allow us to use all cookies. Visit our Privacy Policy to learn more.

Cookie Preferences

Many websites use cookies or similar tools to store information on your browser or device. We use cookies on BBB websites to remember your preferences, improve website performance and enhance user experience, and to recommend content we believe will be most relevant to you. Most cookies collect anonymous information such as how users arrive at and use the website. Some cookies are necessary to allow the website to function properly, but you may choose to not allow other types of cookies below.

Necessary Cookies

What are necessary cookies?
These cookies are necessary for the site to function and cannot be switched off in our systems. They are usually only set in response to actions made by you that amount to a request for services, such as setting your privacy preferences, logging in or filling in forms. You can set your browser to block or alert you about these cookies, but some parts of the site will not work. These cookies do not store any personally identifiable information.

Necessary cookies must always be enabled.

Functional Cookies

What are functional cookies?
These cookies enable the site to provide enhanced functionality and personalization. They may be set by us or by third party providers whose services we have added to our pages. If you do not allow these cookies, some or all of these services may not function properly.

Performance Cookies

What are performance cookies?
These cookies allow us to count visits and traffic sources so we can measure and improve the performance of our site. They help us to know which pages are the most and least popular and see how visitors move around the site. All information these cookies collect is aggregated and therefore anonymous. If you do not allow these cookies we will not know when you have visited our site, and will not be able to monitor its performance.

Marketing Cookies

What are marketing cookies?
These cookies may be set through our site by our advertising partners. They may be used by those companies to build a profile of your interests and show you relevant content on other sites. They do not store personal information directly, but are based on uniquely identifying your browser or device. If you do not allow these cookies, you will experience less targeted advertising.

Find a Location

Modern Woodmen of America has 16 locations, listed below.

*This company may be headquartered in or have additional locations in another country. Please click on the country abbreviation in the search box below to change to a different country location.

    Country
    Please enter a valid location.

    Business ProfileforModern Woodmen of America

    Insurance Companies
    HeadquartersMulti Location Business
    BBB accredited business
    The Complaints and Reviews shown on this HQ profile may have been submitted against either the HQ itself or one of the corporate-owned locations found under "Find Locations".

    At-a-glance

    Customer Reviews

    1.57/5stars

    Average of 7 Customer Reviews

    Customer Complaints

    4 complaints closed in last 3 years

    2 complaints closed in last 12 months

    BBB Rating & Accreditation

    Accredited Since: 1/14/1992

    Years in Business: 141

    Customer Reviews are not used in the calculation of BBB Rating

    Overview of BBB Rating

    Overview

    This company offers fraternal life insurance and annuities.

    Business Details

    This is a multi-location business.

    Find a Location

    Modern Woodmen of America has 16 locations, listed below.

    *This company may be headquartered in or have additional locations in another country. Please click on the country abbreviation in the search box below to change to a different country location.

      Country
      Please enter a valid location.
      Headquarters
      1701 1st Ave, Rock Island, IL 61201-8724
      BBB File Opened:
      7/1/1986
      Years in Business:
      141
      Business Started:
      1/5/1883
      Business Incorporated:
      4/1/1884
      Accredited Since:
      1/14/1992
      Type of Entity:
      Corporation
      Business Management
      • Jerry Lyphout, National Secretary
      • Mary Daehn, Compliance Officer
      • Mark Turner, Mgr, Agency Services
      Contact Information

      Principal

      • Jerry Lyphout, National Secretary

      Customer Contact

      • Mary Daehn, Compliance Officer
      • Kenny Massey, President/CEO
      Additional Contact Information

      Fax Numbers

      • (309) 793-5508
        Primary Fax

      Website Addresses

      Customer Complaints

      4 Customer Complaints

      Need to file a complaint? BBB is here to help. We'll guide you through the process. How BBB Processes Complaints and Reviews

      File a Complaint

      Most Recent Customer Complaint

      03/25/2024

      Complaint Type:
      Sales and Advertising Issues
      Status:
      Answered
      On December 19, 2023 I contacted Modern Woodmen of America (MWA) via email to request a *************** transfer to Vanguard. Based on guidance provided by ******************************************************************* an official documented and signed transfer form was provided via email to on February 6, 2024. A follow-up email was sent to ************************************************************************* and ******************************************************************* on March 7, 2024. As of March 24, 2024 I have received no responses to either the FEB or Mar 2024 emails. There is no evidence that MWA has taken any action on my requests. I prefer to communicate with a demonstrative trail rather than telephone comms. Today Mar 24, 2004, I also initiated a request to Vanguard to attempt to pull the *************** from MWA. In 2023 I had a traditional *** transferred from MWA to Vanguard. At that time, a Vanguard representative indicated that MWA might require transfers to be made on MWA forms. MWA does provide forms for direct download from their website but not for transferring assets out. I contacted my local MWA representative in mid 2023 who advised that no MWA forms were needed and that Vanguard Transfer forms were all that were needed. MWA home office refused to transfer the assets on Vanguard paper and provided the previously hidden transfer form. MWA's miscommunications delayed my 2023 Traditional *** transfer by several weeks. That experience led me to contact MWA directly in Dec 2023 for the *************** transfer. My desired resolution is the completion of the transfer request and forfeiture of any withdrawal penalties.
      Read More

      Customer Reviews

      7 Customer Reviews

      What do you think? Share your review.

      How BBB Processes Complaints and Reviews

      Start a Review

      Most Recent Customer Review

      Lisa M

      1 star

      06/19/2024

      After being a Modern Woodmen of America customer with policies spanning over generations, I am in disbelief as to the way I am being treated. My parents bought me and my siblings, a policy as a youngster, because they had the policies, so I followed tradition and bought them for my children.As a current member, I have been denied more coverage because I am a disabled veteran who has PTSD from my military time 30+ years ago. The VA only recognized it within the past year. I can have a "reconsideration application" in the next calendar year. As if my PTSD will "get better" next calendar year.Modern Woodmen of America claims they are family oriented. Laughable! Disabled veteran, who is a current policyholder DENIIED additional coverage because of PTSD defending families. So, my family is out in the cold, because of my service disabilities. I have to wonder how many other veterans have had the same denial. Newsflash Modern Woodmen of America!!!!!! PTSD doesn't always mean you want to off yourself!!!! It means you are looking for help for managing how you were treated/what you saw in the service.Take your money where veterans are appreciated and respected!!

      Modern Woodmen of America Response

      06/27/2024

      We are very grateful for your long-standing membership with us, and we regret we are unable to extend further coverage at this time. Our decisions are highly complex and based on confidential, private information. While we cannot publicly comment on the exact circumstances regarding your situation, we do not take these matters lightly. We deeply appreciate your service to our country and wish you all the best.

      Local BBB

      BBB serving Greater Iowa, Quad Cities, and Siouxland Region

      BBB Reports On

      BBB reports on known marketplace practices.

      BBB Business Profiles may not be reproduced for sales or promotional purposes.

      BBB Business Profiles are provided solely to assist you in exercising your own best judgment. BBB asks third parties who publish complaints, reviews and/or responses on this website to affirm that the information provided is accurate. However, BBB does not verify the accuracy of information provided by third parties, and does not guarantee the accuracy of any information in Business Profiles.

      When considering complaint information, please take into account the company's size and volume of transactions, and understand that the nature of complaints and a firm's responses to them are often more important than the number of complaints.

      BBB Business Profiles generally cover a three-year reporting period. BBB Business Profiles are subject to change at any time. If you choose to do business with this business, please let the business know that you contacted BBB for a BBB Business Profile.

      As a matter of policy, BBB does not endorse any product, service or business.