Note 7 - 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, 2017
Premiums written and contract deposits	$	301,512		$	5,510		$	730	$	296,732
Premiums and contract charges earned		200,455			5,534			801		195,722
Benefits, claims and settlement expenses		147,271			3,883			708		144,096

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