Portland, ME, May 14, 2009 … JHA recently announced the release of their 2008 U.S. Group Disability Market Survey and U.S. Individual Disability Market Survey. As a participant in Disability Insurance Awareness Month (DIAM), JHA is pleased to make this leading benchmark information available to participants during this important industry campaign. To view a summary of results, visit www.jhaweb.com.

These surveys are conducted by JHA annually and report on sales and inforce premium results and trends in the disability insurance marketplace. This year 30 carriers, representing 95% of the market, participated in the group disability survey, and 15 carriers, representing over 90% of the market, participated in the individual disability survey.

“As our surveys indicate, carriers saw mixed sales results in 2008. However, recent consumer focus groups we conducted reveal that once employees better understand the value of disability insurance, they become more receptive to making a purchase,” said Leo Tinkham, Vice President, Marketing and Business Development, JHA. “DIAM offers an excellent opportunity for insurance companies to put the emphasis on educating consumers about the value of their products and services.”

To obtain a summary of either survey, visit JHA's website at www.jhaweb.com.

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JHA is the Disability and Group Life reinsurance, risk management and research division of General Re Life Corporation. Headquartered in Portland, Maine, JHA offers its clients reinsurance solutions and consultative support in the areas of underwriting, risk assessment, pricing, valuation, claim management, marketing, distribution and product development. Through its research practice, publications, and industry events, JHA is the leading source for information and insight about the Disability and Group Life markets.

General Re Life Corporation conducts business as Gen Re LifeHealth, and is a Berkshire Hathaway Company.