PORTLAND, MAINE: JHA recently released the results of its 2004 U.S. Individual Disability Income Market Survey. This industry benchmark survey captured 2004 Non-Cancelable (Non-Can), Guaranteed Renewable (GR), and Buy-Sell product line results for 19 individual disability insurance carriers.

In 2004, U.S. individual disability income inforce premium (Non-Can, GR, and Buy-Sell) grew almost 4% over 2003, reaching almost $3.9 billion. According to survey results, the number of inforce Non-Can policies increased by around 1% while the number of GR policies decreased by roughly 3%. Inforce benefit amounts for both Non-Can and GR increased by about 4% and 1% respectively, compared to 2003.

Combined new Non-Can and GR sales premium increased nearly 5% in 2004. The number of new Non-Can and GR policies written declined over 2%. Non-Can new sales premium increased more than 6% while GR new sales decreased approximately 4%.

"Overall, 2004 was a solid sales year for the Individual Disability Income market, with an increase in Non-Can sales and a decrease in GR sales. The shift from Guaranteed Renewable to Non-Can sales has continued," said Drew King, President of JHA.

The JHA 2004 U.S. Individual Disability Income Market Survey features both sales and inforce premium information. Participating companies receive the comprehensive report.

JHA, a subsidiary of General Re Life Corporation (a Berkshire Hathaway company), is a disability reinsurance, consulting, and 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 research practice and consulting work, JHA is the leading source for information and data about the disability market.

A subsidiary of General Re Life Corporation, a Berkshire Hathaway Company