EX-23.(B)(1) 4 a2068868zex-23_b1.txt EXHIBIT 23(B)(1) PRICEWATERHOUSECOOPERS CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS We hereby consent to the use in the Prospectus constituting part of this Post-Effective Amendment No. 5 to the registration statement (Form S-2 No. 333-65231) of our report dated February 15, 2001, relating to the financial statements of Fortis Benefits Insurance Company, which appear in such Prospectus. /s/PRICEWATERHOUSECOOPERS LLP Minneapolis, Minnesota April 4, 2002