Fair Value

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2018

8. Fair Value

When developing estimated fair values, the Company considers three broad valuation techniques: (i) the market approach, (ii) the income approach, and (iii) the cost approach. The Company determines the most appropriate valuation technique to use, given what is being measured and the availability of sufficient inputs, giving priority to observable inputs. The Company categorizes its assets and liabilities measured at estimated fair value into a three-level hierarchy, based on the significant input with the lowest level in its valuation. The input levels are as follows:



Level 1	Unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities. The Company defines active markets based on average trading volume for equity securities. The size of the bid/ask spread is used as an indicator of market activity for fixed maturity securities.



Level 2	Quoted prices in markets that are not active or inputs that are observable either directly or indirectly. These inputs can include quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities other than quoted prices in Level 1, quoted prices in markets that are not active, or other significant inputs that are observable or can be derived principally from or corroborated by observable market data for substantially the full term of the assets or liabilities.



Level 3	Unobservable inputs that are supported by little or no market activity and are significant to the determination of estimated fair value of the assets or liabilities. Unobservable inputs reflect the reporting entity’s own assumptions about the assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability.

Recurring Fair Value Measurements

The assets and liabilities measured at estimated fair value on a recurring basis and their corresponding placement in the fair value hierarchy, are presented below. Investments that do not have a readily determinable fair value and are measured at net asset value (“NAV”) (or equivalent) as practical expedient to estimated fair value are excluded from the fair value hierarchy.



	December 31, 2018
	Fair Value Hierarchy
	Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Total Estimated Fair Value
	(In millions)
Assets
Fixed maturity securities:
U.S. corporate	$	—	$	24,150	$	323	$	24,473
U.S government and agency	2,722		6,373		—		9,095
RMBS	—		8,541		6		8,547
Foreign corporate	—		7,617		409		8,026
CMBS	—		5,120		128		5,248
State and political subdivision	—		3,523		74		3,597
ABS	—		2,087		39		2,126
Foreign government	—		1,496		—		1,496
Total fixed maturity securities	2,722		58,907		979		62,608
Equity securities (1)	13		124		3		140
Derivative assets: (2)
Interest rate	—		717		—		717
Foreign currency exchange rate	—		301		11		312
Credit	—		10		7		17
Equity market	—		1,634		98		1,732
Total derivative assets	—		2,662		116		2,778
Embedded derivatives within asset host contracts (3)	—		—		228		228
Separate account assets	217		98,038		1		98,256
Total assets	$	2,952	$	159,731	$	1,327	$	164,010
Liabilities
Derivative liabilities: (2)
Interest rate	$	—	$	619	$	—	$	619
Foreign currency exchange rate	—		48		—		48
Credit	—		2		1		3
Equity market	—		1,205		237		1,442
Total derivative liabilities	—		1,874		238		2,112
Embedded derivatives within liability host contracts (3)	—		—		2,226		2,226
Total liabilities	$	—	$	1,874	$	2,464	$	4,338



	December 31, 2017
	Fair Value Hierarchy
	Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Total Estimated Fair Value
	(In millions)
Assets
Fixed maturity securities:
U.S. corporate	$	—	$	22,048	$	909	$	22,957
U.S. government and agency	8,304		7,988		—		16,292
RMBS	—		6,989		988		7,977
Foreign corporate	—		5,935		1,088		7,023
CMBS	—		3,287		136		3,423
State and political subdivision	—		4,181		—		4,181
ABS	—		1,723		106		1,829
Foreign government	—		1,304		5		1,309
Total fixed maturity securities	8,304		53,455		3,232		64,991
Equity securities (1)	18		19		124		161
Short-term investments	142		156		14		312
Commercial mortgage loans	—		115		—		115
Derivative assets: (2)
Interest rate	1		1,111		—		1,112
Foreign currency exchange rate	—		165		—		165
Credit	—		30		10		40
Equity market	15		773		149		937
Total derivative assets	16		2,079		159		2,254
Embedded derivatives within asset host contracts (3)	—		—		227		227
Separate account assets	410		117,842		5		118,257
Total assets	$	8,890	$	173,666	$	3,761	$	186,317
Liabilities
Derivative liabilities: (2)
Interest rate	$	—	$	837	$	—	$	837
Foreign currency exchange rate	—		117		1		118
Credit	—		1		—		1
Equity market	—		1,736		437		2,173
Total derivative liabilities	—		2,691		438		3,129
Embedded derivatives within liability host contracts (3)	—		—		1,887		1,887
Long-term debt	—		11		—		11
Total liabilities	$	—	$	2,702	$	2,325	$	5,027

__________________


(1)	The Company reclassified FHLB stock in the prior period from equity securities to other invested assets.

(2)

Derivative assets are presented within other invested assets on the consolidated balance sheets and derivative liabilities are presented within other liabilities on the consolidated balance sheets. The amounts are presented gross in the tables above to reflect the presentation on the consolidated balance sheets but are presented net for purposes of the rollforward in the Fair Value Measurements Using Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) tables.

(3)

Embedded derivatives within asset host contracts are presented within premiums, reinsurance and other receivables and other invested assets on the consolidated balance sheets. Embedded derivatives within liability host contracts are presented within policyholder account balances, on the consolidated balance sheets. At December 31, 2018 and 2017, debt and equity securities also included embedded derivatives of $0 and ($52) million, respectively.

Valuation Controls and Procedures

The Company monitors and provides oversight of valuation controls and policies for securities, mortgage loans and derivatives, which are primarily executed by its valuation service providers. The valuation methodologies used to determine fair values prioritize the use of observable market prices and market-based parameters and determines that judgmental valuation adjustments, when applied, are based upon established policies and are applied consistently over time. The valuation methodologies for securities, mortgage loans and derivatives are reviewed on an ongoing basis and revised when necessary, based on changing market conditions. In addition, the Chief Accounting Officer periodically reports to the Audit Committee of Brighthouse Financial’s Board of Directors regarding compliance with fair value accounting standards.

The fair value of financial assets and financial liabilities is based on quoted market prices, where available. The Company assesses whether prices received represent a reasonable estimate of fair value through controls designed to ensure valuations represent an exit price. Valuation service providers perform several controls, including certain monthly controls, which include, but are not limited to, analysis of portfolio returns to corresponding benchmark returns, comparing a sample of executed prices of securities sold to the fair value estimates, reviewing the bid/ask spreads to assess activity, comparing prices from multiple independent pricing services and ongoing due diligence to confirm that independent pricing services use market-based parameters. The process includes a determination of the observability of inputs used in estimated fair values received from independent pricing services or brokers by assessing whether these inputs can be corroborated by observable market data. Independent non-binding broker quotes, also referred to herein as “consensus pricing,” are used for non-significant portion of the portfolio. Prices received from independent brokers are assessed to determine if they represent a reasonable estimate of fair value by considering such pricing relative to the current market dynamics and current pricing for similar financial instruments.

Valuation service providers also apply a formal process to challenge any prices received from independent pricing services that are not considered representative of estimated fair value. If prices received from independent pricing services are not considered reflective of market activity or representative of estimated fair value, independent non-binding broker quotations are obtained. If obtaining an independent non-binding broker quotation is unsuccessful, valuation service providers will use the last available price.

The Company reviews outputs of the valuation service providers’ controls and performs additional controls, including certain monthly controls, which include but are not limited to, performing balance sheet analytics to assess reasonableness of period to period pricing changes, including any price adjustments. Price adjustments are applied if prices or quotes received from independent pricing services or brokers are not considered reflective of market activity or representative of estimated fair value. The Company did not have significant price adjustments during the year ended December 31, 2018.

Determination of Fair Value

Fixed maturity securities

The fair values for actively traded marketable bonds, primarily U.S. government and agency securities, are determined using the quoted market prices and are classified as Level 1 assets. For fixed maturity securities classified as Level 2 assets, fair values are determined using either a market or income approach and are valued based on a variety of observable inputs as described below.

U.S. corporate and foreign corporate securities: Fair value is determined using third-party commercial pricing services, with the primary inputs being quoted prices in markets that are not active, benchmark yields, spreads off benchmark yields, new issuances, issuer rating, trades of identical or comparable securities, or duration. Privately-placed securities are valued using the additional key inputs: market yield curve, call provisions, observable prices and spreads for similar public or private securities that incorporate the credit quality and industry sector of the issuer, and delta spread adjustments to reflect specific credit-related issues.

U.S. government and agency, state and political subdivision and foreign government securities: Fair value is determined using third-party commercial pricing services, with the primary inputs being quoted prices in markets that are not active, benchmark U.S. Treasury yield or other yields, spread off the U.S. Treasury yield curve for the identical security, issuer ratings and issuer spreads, broker dealer quotes, and comparable securities that are actively traded.

Structured Securities: Fair value is determined using third-party commercial pricing services, with the primary inputs being quoted prices in markets that are not active, spreads for actively traded securities, spreads off benchmark yields, expected prepayment speeds and volumes, current and forecasted loss severity, ratings, geographic region, weighted average coupon and weighted average maturity, average delinquency rates and debt-service coverage ratios. Other issuance-specific information is also used, including, but not limited to; collateral type, structure of the security, vintage of the loans, payment terms of the underlying asset, payment priority within tranche, and deal performance.

Equity securities, short-term investments, commercial mortgage loans and long-term debt

The fair value for actively traded equity securities and short-term investments are determined using quoted market prices and are classified as Level 1 assets. For financial instruments classified as Level 2 assets or liabilities, fair values are determined using a market approach and are valued based on a variety of observable inputs as described below.

Equity securities and short-term investments: Fair value is determined using third-party commercial pricing services, with the primary input being quoted prices in markets that are not active.

Commercial mortgage loans and long-term debt: Fair value is determined using third-party commercial pricing services, with the primary input being quoted securitization market price determined principally by independent pricing services using observable inputs or quoted prices or reported NAV provided by the fund managers.

Derivatives

The fair values for exchange-traded derivatives are determined using the quoted market prices and are classified as Level 1 assets. For OTC-bilateral derivatives and OTC-cleared derivatives classified as Level 2 assets or liabilities, fair values are determined using the income approach. Valuations of non-option-based derivatives utilize present value techniques, whereas valuations of option-based derivatives utilize option pricing models which are based on market standard valuation methodologies and a variety of observable inputs.

The significant inputs to the pricing models for most OTC-bilateral and OTC-cleared derivatives are inputs that are observable in the market or can be derived principally from, or corroborated by, observable market data. Certain OTC-bilateral and OTC-cleared derivatives may rely on inputs that are significant to the estimated fair value that are not observable in the market or cannot be derived principally from, or corroborated by, observable market data. These unobservable inputs may involve significant management judgment or estimation. Even though unobservable, these inputs are based on assumptions deemed appropriate given the circumstances and management believes they are consistent with what other market participants would use when pricing such instruments.

Most inputs for OTC-bilateral and OTC-cleared derivatives are mid-market inputs but, in certain cases, liquidity adjustments are made when they are deemed more representative of exit value. Market liquidity, as well as the use of different methodologies, assumptions and inputs, may have a material effect on the estimated fair values of the Company’s derivatives and could materially affect net income.

The credit risk of both the counterparty and the Company are considered in determining the estimated fair value for all OTC-bilateral and OTC-cleared derivatives, and any potential credit adjustment is based on the net exposure by counterparty after taking into account the effects of netting agreements and collateral arrangements. The Company values its OTC-bilateral and OTC-cleared derivatives using standard swap curves which may include a spread to the risk-free rate, depending upon specific collateral arrangements. This credit spread is appropriate for those parties that execute trades at pricing levels consistent with similar collateral arrangements. As the Company and its significant derivative counterparties generally execute trades at such pricing levels and hold sufficient collateral, additional credit risk adjustments are not currently required in the valuation process. The Company’s ability to consistently execute at such pricing levels is in part due to the netting agreements and collateral arrangements that are in place with all of its significant derivative counterparties. An evaluation of the requirement to make additional credit risk adjustments is performed by the Company each reporting period.

Embedded Derivatives

Embedded derivatives principally include certain direct and ceded variable annuity guarantees, equity crediting rates within index-linked annuity contracts, and those related to funds withheld on ceded reinsurance agreements. Embedded derivatives are recorded at estimated fair value with changes in estimated fair value reported in net income.

The Company issues certain variable annuity products with guaranteed minimum benefits. GMWBs, GMABs and certain GMIBs contain embedded derivatives, which are measured at estimated fair value separately from the host variable annuity contract, with changes in estimated fair value reported in net derivative gains (losses). These embedded derivatives are classified within policyholder account balances on the consolidated and combined balance sheets.

The Company determines the fair value of these embedded derivatives by estimating the present value of projected future benefits minus the present value of projected future fees using actuarial and capital market assumptions including expectations of policyholder behavior. The calculation is based on in-force business and is performed using standard actuarial valuation software which projects future cash flows from the embedded derivative over multiple risk neutral stochastic scenarios using observable risk-free rates. The percentage of fees included in the initial fair value measurement is not updated in subsequent periods.

Capital market assumptions, such as risk-free rates and implied volatilities, are based on market prices for publicly traded instruments to the extent that prices for such instruments are observable. Implied volatilities beyond the observable period are extrapolated based on observable implied volatilities and historical volatilities. Actuarial assumptions, including mortality, lapse, withdrawal and utilization, are unobservable and are reviewed at least annually based on actuarial studies of historical experience.

The valuation of these guarantee liabilities includes nonperformance risk adjustments and adjustments for a risk margin related to non-capital market inputs. The nonperformance adjustment is determined by taking into consideration publicly available information relating to spreads in the secondary market for BHF’s debt. These observable spreads are then adjusted to reflect the priority of these liabilities and claims paying ability of the issuing insurance subsidiaries as compared to BHF’s overall financial strength.

Risk margins are established to capture the non-capital market risks of the instrument which represent the additional compensation a market participant would require to assume the risks related to the uncertainties of such actuarial assumptions as annuitization, premium persistency, partial withdrawal and surrenders. The establishment of risk margins requires the use of significant management judgment, including assumptions of the amount and cost of capital needed to cover the guarantees.

The estimated fair value of the embedded derivatives within funds withheld related to certain ceded reinsurance is determined based on the change in estimated fair value of the underlying assets held by the Company in a reference portfolio backing the funds withheld liability. The estimated fair value of the underlying assets is determined as previously described in “— Equity securities, short-term investments, commercial mortgage loans and long-term debt.” The estimated fair value of these embedded derivatives is included, along with the funds withheld liability, in other liabilities on the consolidated and combined balance sheets with changes in estimated fair value recorded in net derivative gains (losses).

The Company issues and assumes through reinsurance index-linked annuities which allow the policyholder to participate in returns from equity indices. The crediting rates associated with these features are embedded derivatives which are measured at estimated fair value separately from the host fixed annuity contract, with changes in estimated fair value reported in net derivative gains (losses). These embedded derivatives are classified within policyholder account balances on the consolidated and combined balance sheets.

The estimated fair value of crediting rates associated with index-linked annuities is determined using a combination of an option pricing model and an option-budget approach. The valuation of these embedded derivatives also includes the establishment of a risk margin, as well as changes in nonperformance risk.

Transfers into or out of Level 3:

Assets and liabilities are transferred into Level 3 when a significant input cannot be corroborated with market observable data. This occurs when market activity decreases significantly, and underlying inputs cannot be observed, current prices are not available, and/or when there are significant variances in quoted prices, thereby affecting transparency. Assets and liabilities are transferred out of Level 3 when circumstances change such that a significant input can be corroborated with market observable data. This may be due to a significant increase in market activity, a specific event, or one or more significant input(s) becoming observable.

Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value Using Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)

The following table presents certain quantitative information about the significant unobservable inputs used in the fair value measurement, and the sensitivity of the estimated fair value to changes in those inputs, for the more significant asset and liability classes measured at fair value on a recurring basis using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) at:



					December 31, 2018			December 31, 2017			Impact of Increase in Input on Estimated Fair Value
	Valuation Techniques		Significant Unobservable Inputs		Range			Range			Impact of Increase in Input on Estimated Fair Value
Embedded derivatives
Direct, assumed and ceded guaranteed minimum benefits	•	Option pricing techniques	•	Mortality rates	0.02%	-	11%	0.02%	-	12%	Decrease (1)
			•	Lapse rates	0.25%	-	16%	0.25%	-	16%	Decrease (2)
			•	Utilization rates	0%	-	25%	0%	-	25%	Increase (3)
			•	Withdrawal rates	0.25%	-	10%	0.25%	-	10%	Increase (4)
			•	Long-term equity volatilities	16.50%	-	22%	17.40%	-	25%	Increase (5)
			•	Nonperformance risk spread	1.91%	-	2.66%	0.64%	-	1.43%	Decrease (6)

__________________


(1)	Mortality rates vary by age and by demographic characteristics such as gender. Range shown reflects the mortality rate for policyholders between 35 and 90 years old, which represents the majority of the business with living benefits. Mortality rate assumptions are set based on company experience and include an assumption for mortality improvement.

(2)

Range reflects base lapse rates for major product categories for duration 1-20, which represents majority of business with living benefit riders. Base lapse rates are adjusted at the contract level based on a comparison of the actuarially calculated guaranteed values and the current policyholder account value, as well as other factors, such as the applicability of any surrender charges. A dynamic lapse function reduces the base lapse rate when the guaranteed amount is greater than the account value as in-the-money contracts are less likely to lapse. Lapse rates are also generally assumed to be lower in periods when a surrender charge applies.

(3)

The utilization rate assumption estimates the percentage of contract holders with a GMIB or lifetime withdrawal benefit who will elect to utilize the benefit upon becoming eligible in a given year. The range shown represents the floor and cap of the GMIB dynamic election rates across varying levels of in-the-money. For lifetime withdrawal guarantee riders, the assumption is that everyone will begin withdrawals once account value reaches zero which is equivalent to a 100% utilization rate. Utilization rates may vary by the type of guarantee, the amount by which the guaranteed amount is greater than the account value, the contracts withdrawal history and by the age of the policyholder.

(4)

The withdrawal rate represents the percentage of account balance that any given policyholder will elect to withdraw from the contract each year. The withdrawal rate assumption varies by age and duration of the contract, and also by other factors such as benefit type. For any given contract, withdrawal rates vary throughout the period over which cash flows are projected for purposes of valuing the embedded derivative. For GMWBs, any increase (decrease) in withdrawal rates results in an increase (decrease) in the estimated fair value of the guarantees. For GMABs and GMIBs, any increase (decrease) in withdrawal rates results in a decrease (increase) in the estimated fair value.


(5)	Long-term equity volatilities represent equity volatility beyond the period for which observable equity volatilities are available. For any given contract, long-term equity volatility rates vary throughout the period over which cash flows are projected for purposes of valuing the embedded derivative.


(6)	Nonperformance risk spread varies by duration. For any given contract, multiple nonperformance risk spreads will apply, depending on the duration of the cash flow being discounted for purposes of valuing the embedded derivative.

The Company does not develop unobservable inputs used in measuring fair value for all other assets and liabilities classified within Level 3; therefore, these are not included in the table above. The other Level 3 assets and liabilities primarily included fixed maturity securities and derivatives. For fixed maturity securities valued based on non-binding broker quotes, an increase (decrease) in credit spreads would result in a higher (lower) fair value. For derivatives valued based on third-party pricing models, an increase (decrease) in credit spreads would generally result in a higher (lower) fair value.

The following tables summarize the change of all assets and (liabilities) measured at estimated fair value on a recurring basis using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3):



	Fair Value Measurements Using Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
	Fixed Maturity Securities
	Corporate (1)			Structured Securities			State and Political Subdivision			Foreign Government			Equity Securities			Short Term Investments			Net Derivatives (2)			Net Embedded Derivatives (3)			Separate Account Assets (4)
	(In millions)
Balance, January 1, 2017	$	2,391		$	1,711		$	17		$	—		$	137		$	2		$	(954	)	$	(2,383	)	$	10
Total realized/unrealized gains (losses) included in net income (loss) (5) (6)	(3		)	28			—			—			(3		)	—			92			1,078			—
Total realized/unrealized gains (losses) included in AOCI	131			52			—			—			—			—			—			—			—
Purchases (7)	441			107			—			5			3			14			4			—			2
Sales (7)	(223		)	(535		)	—			—			(13		)	(1		)	—			—			(4		)
Issuances (7)	—			—			—			—			—			—			—			—			—
Settlements (7)	—			—			—			—			—			—			579			(355		)	(1		)
Transfers into Level 3 (8)	178			11			—			—			—			—			—			—			2
Transfers out of Level 3 (8)	(918		)	(144		)	(17		)	—			—			(1		)	—			—			(4		)
Balance, December 31, 2017	1,997			1,230			—			5			124			14			(279		)	(1,660		)	5
Total realized/unrealized gains (losses) included in net income (loss) (5) (6)	1			2			1			—			—			—			152			526			—
Total realized/unrealized gains (losses) included in AOCI	(33		)	(6		)	(1		)	—			—			—			9			—			—
Purchases (7)	71			42			—			—			1			—			3			—			1
Sales (7)	(197		)	(91		)	(1		)	(5		)	(3		)	(14		)	(7		)	—			(1		)
Issuances (7)	—			—			—			—			—			—			—			—			—
Settlements (7)	—			—			—			—			—			—			—			(864		)	(1		)
Transfers into Level 3 (8)	418			8			75			—			—			—			—			—			—
Transfers out of Level 3 (8)	(1,525		)	(1,012		)	—			—			(119		)	—			—			—			(3		)
Balance, December 31, 2018	$	732		$	173		$	74		$	—		$	3		$	—		$	(122	)	$	(1,998	)	$	1
Changes in unrealized gains (losses) included in net income (loss) for the instruments still held at December 31, 2016: (9)	$	2		$	29		$	—		$	—		$	—		$	—		$	(687	)	$	(1,952	)	$	—
Changes in unrealized gains (losses) included in net income (loss) for the instruments still held at December 31, 2017: (9)	$	1		$	23		$	—		$	—		$	—		$	—		$	(52	)	$	966		$	—
Changes in unrealized gains (losses) included in net income (loss) for the instruments still held at December 31, 2018: (9)	$	(2	)	$	—		$	1		$	—		$	1		$	—		$	148		$	395		$	—
Gains (Losses) Data for the year ended December 31, 2016:
Total realized/unrealized gains (losses) included in net income (loss) (5) (6)	$	(11	)	$	30		$	—		$	—		$	—		$	—		$	(703	)	$	(1,842	)	$	—
Total realized/unrealized gains (losses) included in AOCI	$	(25	)	$	20		$	—		$	—		$	(11	)	$	—		$	4		$	—		$	—

__________________


(1)	Comprised of U.S. and foreign corporate securities.


(2)	Freestanding derivative assets and liabilities are presented net for purposes of the rollforward.


(3)	Embedded derivative assets and liabilities are presented net for purposes of the rollforward.


(4)	Investment performance related to separate account assets is fully offset by corresponding amounts credited to contract holders within separate account liabilities. Therefore, such changes in estimated fair value are not recorded in net income (loss). For the purpose of this disclosure, these changes are presented within net investment gains (losses).

(5)

Amortization of premium/accretion of discount is included within net investment income. Impairments charged to net income (loss) on securities are included in net investment gains (losses). Lapses associated with net embedded derivatives are included in net derivative gains (losses). Substantially all realized/unrealized gains (losses) included in net income (loss) for net derivatives and net embedded derivatives are reported in net derivative gains (losses).


(6)	Interest and dividend accruals, as well as cash interest coupons and dividends received, are excluded from the rollforward.


(7)	Items purchased/issued and then sold/settled in the same period are excluded from the rollforward. Fees attributed to embedded derivatives are included in settlements.


(8)	Gains and losses, in net income (loss) and OCI, are calculated assuming transfers into and/or out of Level 3 occurred at the beginning of the period. Items transferred into and then out of Level 3 in the same period are excluded from the rollforward.


(9)	Changes in unrealized gains (losses) included in net income (loss) relate to assets and liabilities still held at the end of the respective periods. Substantially all changes in unrealized gains (losses) included in net income (loss) for net derivatives and net embedded derivatives are reported in net derivative gains (losses).

Fair Value of Financial Instruments Carried at Other Than Fair Value

The following tables provide fair value information for financial instruments that are carried on the balance sheet at amounts other than fair value. These tables exclude the following financial instruments: cash and cash equivalents, accrued investment income, payables for collateral under securities loaned and other transactions, and those short-term investments that are not securities and therefore are not included in the three level hierarchy table disclosed in the “— Recurring Fair Value Measurements” section. The estimated fair value of the excluded financial instruments, which are primarily classified in Level 2, approximates carrying value as they are short-term in nature such that the Company believes there is minimal risk of material changes in interest rates or credit quality. All remaining balance sheet amounts excluded from the tables below are not considered financial instruments subject to this disclosure.

The carrying values and estimated fair values for such financial instruments, and their corresponding placement in the fair value hierarchy, are summarized as follows at:



	December 31, 2018
			Fair Value Hierarchy
	Carrying Value		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Total Estimated Fair Value
	(In millions)
Assets
Mortgage loans	$	13,694	$	—	$	—	$	13,860	$	13,860
Policy loans	$	1,421	$	—	$	656	$	959	$	1,615
Other invested assets	$	77	$	—	$	64	$	13	$	77
Premiums, reinsurance and other receivables	$	1,609	$	—	$	32	$	1,664	$	1,696
Liabilities
Policyholder account balances	$	15,332	$	—	$	—	$	13,861	$	13,861
Long-term debt	$	3,963	$	—	$	2,758	$	600	$	3,358
Other liabilities	$	330	$	—	$	118	$	212	$	330
Separate account liabilities	$	1,029	$	—	$	1,029	$	—	$	1,029



	December 31, 2017
			Fair Value Hierarchy
	Carrying Value		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Total Estimated Fair Value
	(In millions)
Assets
Mortgage loans	$	10,627	$	—	$	—	$	10,871	$	10,871
Policy loans	$	1,523	$	—	$	781	$	959	$	1,740
Real estate joint ventures (1)	$	5	$	—	$	—	$	22	$	22
Other limited partnership interests (1)	$	36	$	—	$	—	$	28	$	28
Other invested assets (2)	$	71	$	—	$	71	$	—	$	71
Premiums, reinsurance and other receivables	$	1,758	$	—	$	128	$	1,985	$	2,113
Liabilities
Policyholder account balances	$	15,791	$	—	$	—	$	15,927	$	15,927
Long-term debt	$	3,601	$	—	$	3,039	$	600	$	3,639
Other liabilities	$	314	$	—	$	100	$	214	$	314
Separate account liabilities	$	1,210	$	—	$	1,210	$	—	$	1,210

_________________


(1)	In connection with the adoption of new guidance related to the recognition and measurement of financial instruments (see Note 1), effective January 1, 2018 on a modified retrospective basis, the Company carries real estate joint ventures and other limited partnership interests previously accounted under the cost method of accounting at NAV as a practical expedient to estimated fair value.


(2)	The Company reclassified FHLB stock in the prior period from equity securities to other invested assets.

- Definition

The entire disclosure for the fair value of financial instruments (as defined), including financial assets and financial liabilities (collectively, as defined), and the measurements of those instruments as well as disclosures related to the fair value of non-financial assets and liabilities. Such disclosures about the financial instruments, assets, and liabilities would include: (1) the fair value of the required items together with their carrying amounts (as appropriate); (2) for items for which it is not practicable to estimate fair value, disclosure would include: (a) information pertinent to estimating fair value (including, carrying amount, effective interest rate, and maturity, and (b) the reasons why it is not practicable to estimate fair value; (3) significant concentrations of credit risk including: (a) information about the activity, region, or economic characteristics identifying a concentration, (b) the maximum amount of loss the entity is exposed to based on the gross fair value of the related item, (c) policy for requiring collateral or other security and information as to accessing such collateral or security, and (d) the nature and brief description of such collateral or security; (4) quantitative information about market risks and how such risks are managed; (5) for items measured on both a recurring and nonrecurring basis information regarding the inputs used to develop the fair value measurement; and (6) for items presented in the financial statement for which fair value measurement is elected: (a) information necessary to understand the reasons for the election, (b) discussion of the effect of fair value changes on earnings, (c) a description of [similar groups] items for which the election is made and the relation thereof to the balance sheet, the aggregate carrying value of items included in the balance sheet that are not eligible for the election; (7) all other required (as defined) and desired information.

+ References + Details