Note 14. Share-based Compensation: Share-based Compensation, Option and Incentive Plans Policy (Policies)	12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2016
Share-based Compensation, Option and Incentive Plans Policy	Compensation costs for equity awards, such as stock options and non-vested restricted stock, are measured based on grant-date fair value and are recognized in the Consolidated Statements of Income over the requisite service period (which is usually the vesting period). For such awards with only service conditions, the Company recognizes the compensation cost on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period for the entire award. Compensation costs for liability-classified awards, such as share appreciation rights (“SARs”), are measured and accrued each reporting period in the Consolidated Statements of Income as the requisite service or performance conditions are met.
Independence Holding Company Share Based Plans Total Member
Share-based Compensation, Option and Incentive Plans Policy	In November 2016, the stockholders approved the Independence Holding Company 2016 Stock Incentive Plan (the “2016 Plan"). The 2016 Plan permits grants of options, SARs, restricted shares, restricted share units, unrestricted shares, deferred share units and performance awards. Under the terms of the 2016 Plan: (i) the exercise price of an option may not be less than the fair market value of an IHC share on the grant date and the terms of an option may not exceed 10 years from the grant date; and (ii) the exercise price of a SAR may not be less than the fair market value of an IHC share on the grant date and SAR terms may not exceed 10 years from the date of grant. The fair value of an option award is estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option valuation model. In general, the vesting period for an option grant is three years. Restricted share units are valued at the quoted market price of the shares at the date of grant and generally vest over three years. Compensation costs for options and restricted share units are recognized over the stated vesting periods on a straight-line basis. The fair value of a SAR is calculated using the Black-Scholes valuation model at the grant date and each subsequent reporting period until settlement. Compensation cost is based on the proportionate amount of the requisite service that has been rendered to date. Once fully vested, changes in the fair value of a SAR continue to be recognized as compensation expense in the period of the change until settlement.

Note 14. Share-based Compensation: Share-based Compensation, Option and Incentive Plans Policy (Policies)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2016

Share-based Compensation, Option and Incentive Plans Policy

Compensation costs for equity awards, such as stock options and non-vested restricted stock, are measured based on grant-date fair value and are recognized in the Consolidated Statements of Income over the requisite service period (which is usually the vesting period). For such awards with only service conditions, the Company recognizes the compensation cost on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period for the entire award.

Compensation costs for liability-classified awards, such as share appreciation rights (“SARs”), are measured and accrued each reporting period in the Consolidated Statements of Income as the requisite service or performance conditions are met.

Independence Holding Company Share Based Plans Total Member

Share-based Compensation, Option and Incentive Plans Policy

In November 2016, the stockholders approved the Independence Holding Company 2016 Stock Incentive Plan (the “2016 Plan"). The 2016 Plan permits grants of options, SARs, restricted shares, restricted share units, unrestricted shares, deferred share units and performance awards. Under the terms of the 2016 Plan: (i) the exercise price of an option may not be less than the fair market value of an IHC share on the grant date and the terms of an option may not exceed 10 years from the grant date; and (ii) the exercise price of a SAR may not be less than the fair market value of an IHC share on the grant date and SAR terms may not exceed 10 years from the date of grant.

The fair value of an option award is estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option valuation model. In general, the vesting period for an option grant is three years. Restricted share units are valued at the quoted market price of the shares at the date of grant and generally vest over three years. Compensation costs for options and restricted share units are recognized over the stated vesting periods on a straight-line basis. The fair value of a SAR is calculated using the Black-Scholes valuation model at the grant date and each subsequent reporting period until settlement. Compensation cost is based on the proportionate amount of the requisite service that has been rendered to date. Once fully vested, changes in the fair value of a SAR continue to be recognized as compensation expense in the period of the change until settlement.