EXHIBIT 31.1

Certification

I, Harold E. Riley, certify that:

1.  I have reviewed this Annual Report on Form 10-K/A of Citizens, Inc. ("registrant");

2. Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report.

Date:	March 30, 2012
Signature:	/s/ Harold E. Riley
	Harold E. Riley
Title:	Chairman and Chief Executive Officer