Note 6 - Reinsurance

The Company recognizes the cost of reinsurance premiums over the contract periods for such premiums in proportion to the insurance protection provided. Amounts recoverable from reinsurers for unpaid claims and claim settlement expenses, including estimated amounts for unsettled claims, claims incurred but not yet reported and policy benefits, are estimated in a manner consistent with the insurance liability associated with the policy. The effects of reinsurance on premiums written and contract deposits; premiums and contract charges earned; and benefits, claims and settlement expenses were as follows:

			Ceded to		Assumed
	Gross		Other		from Other		Net
	Amount		Companies		Companies		Amount

Three months ended March 31, 2016
Premiums written and contract deposits	$	287,992	$	5,768	$	945	$	283,169
Premiums and contract charges earned		190,233		5,769		986		185,450
Benefits, claims and settlement expenses		131,240		12,662		935		119,513

Three months ended March 31, 2015
Premiums written and contract deposits	$	311,047	$	6,124	$	812	$	305,735
Premiums and contract charges earned		185,196		6,315		858		179,739
Benefits, claims and settlement expenses		115,840		2,570		749		114,019