Reinsurance [Text Block]

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2019

Notes

Reinsurance

Note 10.Reinsurance    The Insurance Group reinsures portions of certain business in order to limit the assumption of disproportionate risks. Amounts not retained are ceded to other companies on an automatic or facultative basis.  In addition, the Insurance Group participates in various coinsurance treaties on a quota share or excess basis. The Company is contingently liable with respect to reinsurance in the unlikely event that the assuming reinsurers are unable to meet their obligations.  The ceding of reinsurance does not discharge the primary liability of the original insurer to the insured.  

The effects of reinsurance on premiums earned and insurance benefits, claims and reserves are shown below for the periods indicated (in thousands).

				ASSUMED		CEDED
		GROSS		FROM OTHER		TO OTHER		NET
		AMOUNT		COMPANIES		COMPANIES		AMOUNT
Premiums Earned:
December 31, 2019
Accident and health	$	287,529	$	5	$	22,538	$	264,996
Life and annuity		54,825		998		33,061		22,762
Property and liability		51,046		-		63		50,983
	$	393,400	$	1,003	$	55,662	$	338,741
December 31, 2018
Accident and health	$	281,787	$	112	$	20,632	$	261,267
Life and annuity		55,303		577		37,360		18,520
Property and liability		41,846		-		385		41,461
	$	378,936	$	689	$	58,377	$	321,248
Insurance benefits, claims and reserves:
December 31, 2019	$	215,477	$	2,681	$	44,037	$	174,121
December 31, 2018	$	188,319	$	1,111	$	45,224	$	144,206