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 June 30, 2016
Premiums written and contract deposits	$	316,798	$	5,921	$	1,002	$	311,879
Premiums and contract charges earned		193,396		5,952		916		188,360
Benefits, claims and settlement expenses		151,998		4,444		854		148,408

Three months ended June 30, 2015
Premiums written and contract deposits	$	324,597	$	6,184	$	981	$	319,394
Premiums and contract charges earned		187,809		6,332		899		182,376
Benefits, claims and settlement expenses		140,038		7,793		694		132,939

Six months ended June 30, 2016
Premiums written and contract deposits	$	604,790	$	11,689	$	1,947	$	595,048
Premiums and contract charges earned		383,629		11,721		1,902		373,810
Benefits, claims and settlement expenses		283,238		17,106		1,789		267,921

Six months ended June 30, 2015
Premiums written and contract deposits	$	635,644	$	12,308	$	1,793	$	625,129
Premiums and contract charges earned		373,005		12,647		1,757		362,115
Benefits, claims and settlement expenses		255,878		10,363		1,443		246,958