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 September 30, 2016
Premiums written and contract deposits		$	356,155		$	5,555		$	934		$	351,534
Premiums and contract charges earned			195,654			5,584			980			191,050
Benefits, claims and settlement expenses			139,114			4,642			1,238			135,710

Three months ended September 30, 2015
Premiums written and contract deposits		$	331,223		$	5,952		$	927		$	326,198
Premiums and contract charges earned			187,813			5,961			960			182,812
Benefits, claims and settlement expenses			123,061			3,034			1,154			121,181

Nine months ended September 30, 2016
Premiums written and contract deposits		$	960,945		$	17,244		$	2,881		$	946,582
Premiums and contract charges earned			579,283			17,305			2,882			564,860
Benefits, claims and settlement expenses			422,352			21,748			3,027			403,631

Nine months ended September 30, 2015
Premiums written and contract deposits		$	966,867		$	18,260		$	2,720		$	951,327
Premiums and contract charges earned			560,818			18,608			2,717			544,927
Benefits, claims and settlement expenses			378,939			13,397			2,597			368,139