PORTLAND, MAINE:  JHA is pleased to announce the results of the 2003 U.S. Group Disability Market Survey, a  leading industry benchmark survey covering STD and LTD sales and inforce premium. Thirty-seven group disability insurance carriers participated in the 2003 survey, representing over 95% of the U.S. insured group disability market.

In 2003, U.S. group disability inforce premium (STD and LTD) grew approximately 6% over 2002, reaching just over $10 billion.  Participating companies reported a 6% increase in LTD inforce premium, and a 7% increase in STD inforce premium.  Compared to 2002, the number of employers offering STD and LTD coverage remained relatively unchanged. The total number of insured employees grew at a level similar to 2002 results, at 3% for STD and 1% for LTD.

According to the survey, 2003 U.S. group disability sales (STD and LTD) reached over $1.9 billion in new annualized premium, an 8% increase over 2002. Growth in STD sales increased 11%, while LTD sales grew by 6%.

Further analysis shows that the top ten carriers’share of the market has decreased slightly.  The top ten companies wrote 75% of new STD and LTD business in 2003.  The share of inforce premium for the top ten companies was 76% for STD and 80% for LTD.

“The two primary factors driving growth in 2003 were strong STD and Voluntary LTD sales.  The industry continues to face challenges in their effort to increase the number of employers offering group disability coverage to their employees,” said Drew King, President of JHA.

The annual JHA U.S. Group Disability Market Survey tracks and reports sales and inforce premium, for both traditional and voluntary disability products.  In addition, the survey covers renewal activity, lapse rates and Administrative Services Only (ASO) business, and the distribution environment.  Participating companies receive the full report.

JHA, a subsidiary of General Re Life Corporation (a Berkshire Hathaway company) is a disability reinsurance, consulting, and market research firm located in Portland, Maine.  Since 1986, JHA has been helping insurers, TPAs, employers, brokers, and benefit consultants improve their disability business performance.  Through its market research practice and consulting work, JHA is the leading source for information and data about the disability market.