Reinsurance (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2020

Effects of reinsurance on premiums and benefits

The effects of reinsurance on premiums written and contract deposits; premiums and contract charges earned; and benefits, claims and settlement expenses were as follows:



($ in thousands)	Gross Amount		Ceded to Other Companies ⁽¹⁾		Assumed from Other Companies		Net Amount
Three months ended March 31, 2020
Premiums written and contract deposits⁽²⁾	$	333,731	$	6,310	$	1,337	$	328,758
Premiums and contract charges earned	243,170		8,377		1,472		236,265
Benefits, claims and settlement expenses	139,532		1,984		1,112		138,660

Three months ended March 31, 2019
Premiums written and contract deposits⁽²⁾	$	299,093	$	5,848	$	2,149	$	295,394
Premiums and contract charges earned	213,256		5,822		2,351		209,785
Benefits, claims and settlement expenses	142,052		4,292		1,624		139,384


⁽¹⁾	Excludes the annuity reinsurance agreement accounted for using the deposit method that is discussed in Note 5.

⁽²⁾

This measure is not based on accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (non-GAAP). An explanation of this non-GAAP measure is contained in the Glossary of Selected Terms included as an exhibit in the Company's reports filed with the SEC.