<?xml version="1.0"?>
<ownershipDocument>

    <schemaVersion>X0203</schemaVersion>

    <documentType>3</documentType>

    <periodOfReport>2010-02-02</periodOfReport>

    <noSecuritiesOwned>1</noSecuritiesOwned>

    <issuer>
        <issuerCik>0001224608</issuerCik>
        <issuerName>CONSECO INC</issuerName>
        <issuerTradingSymbol>CNO</issuerTradingSymbol>
    </issuer>

    <reportingOwner>
        <reportingOwnerId>
            <rptOwnerCik>0001483590</rptOwnerCik>
            <rptOwnerName>Murphy Charles W.</rptOwnerName>
        </reportingOwnerId>
        <reportingOwnerAddress>
            <rptOwnerStreet1>1251 AVENUE OF THE AMERICAS</rptOwnerStreet1>
            <rptOwnerStreet2></rptOwnerStreet2>
            <rptOwnerCity>NEW YORK</rptOwnerCity>
            <rptOwnerState>NY</rptOwnerState>
            <rptOwnerZipCode>10020</rptOwnerZipCode>
            <rptOwnerStateDescription></rptOwnerStateDescription>
        </reportingOwnerAddress>
        <reportingOwnerRelationship>
            <isDirector>1</isDirector>
            <isOfficer>0</isOfficer>
            <isTenPercentOwner>0</isTenPercentOwner>
            <isOther>0</isOther>
        </reportingOwnerRelationship>
    </reportingOwner>

    <remarks>The reporting person is an officer and employee of Paulson &amp; Co. Inc. Funds and accounts managed by Paulson &amp; Co. Inc. beneficially own common stock, warrants to purchase common stock and 7% Convertible Senior Debentures due 2016 of Conseco, Inc.  The reporting person expressly disclaims beneficial ownership of such securities.</remarks>

    <ownerSignature>
        <signatureName>Karl W. Kindig, Attorney-in-Fact</signatureName>
        <signatureDate>2010-02-12</signatureDate>
    </ownerSignature>
</ownershipDocument>
