My MetLife whole life policy had a guaranteed annuitization clause among others. When I turned 65, I tried to enact that option as it fit my needs/desires. I had trouble getting anyone to understand the policy as they aren't common in newer policies. All the people that I talked to told me I had to cash out the policy and then buy a separate annuity. Cash-out was only one of several options in my policy. It took me a few months of running up and down the corporate ladder but finally found someone to find and then read my policy. I selected a life with 10 yr. certain annuitization. I now get a small check from them each month, larger than what would have been if I cashed it out and bought an annuity. I pay taxes on the appreciated value but not on the premium part. Spreading out the payout helps to level out the tax burden.
You might want to check it that is an option available to you, and if it fits your financial plan.
FWIW, over the years, MetLife had split off parts of their business. They no longer had salespeople, that was done by a different company, they no longer sold annuities, that was done by another company, and the list goes on. It was extremely difficult to find the right people. In the end, I know they handed off my cash value to the annuity company to manage the annuitization. ML had to pay another 15% or so more to meet my policy's guarantee amount. there is some back-office work being done because ML sends me that check every month with their name on it, not the other company (Brighthouse?)