Tom Kilian
Tom Kilian
analysis believe blocks business compared confident continue due face focus improve increases market medicare necessary plans positive rate remain results rose segment senior supplement year
Our Senior Segment premiums rose 13%, or $23.6 million, for the year compared to 2004 due to new business and 2005 rate increases. To improve our results going forward, we believe that we implemented the necessary rate increases on our Medicare supplement blocks of business as we continue to focus on actuarial analysis and pricing. As we proactively face these challenges, we remain confident that our Medicare supplement plans will be a positive market for us in the future.
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We were encouraged that the premiums in the Medical Segment increased from the third to the fourth quarter, ending a long trend. In addition, we were pleased with the sales results that rose substantially compared to last quarter, the same period last year as well as overall for the year. We attribute this sales success largely to the Advantage Series of major medical products introduced in mid-2005. These plans, which offer customers a wide choice of benefit levels and prices, have been well received by our agents and by consumers. The Advantage Series is built on a new rate manual that allows for pricing consistency for all our individual/association products and distribution channels.
believe both class committed fuel future growth marketing niche past providing remain sales segments selected
Finally, in both of our segments we remain committed to providing 'World Class Sales Support' to agents. Over the past two years we have made significant enhancements to our marketing platform, which we believe will fuel future growth in our selected niche markets.
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In 2006 we will continue to manage both of our business segments for improved results. Our 2005 strategic initiatives included product development, increased new sales, actuarial and pricing analysis, and providing exceptional services to our agents and customers. Our 2006 objectives are increased new sales, expense reductions, actuarial analysis on our medical business and continuing to provide exceptional service.
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In 2005, we also faced challenges in both our segments. Results in our Senior Segment were impacted by a higher-than-anticipated Medicare supplement loss ratio. Our Medical Segment was affected by increased severity of larger dollar claims. In 2006, we continue to actively address these issues as we remain focused on our ongoing business strategy of growth in our Senior Segment and stability in our Medical Segment.
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Product development remains an initiative in our Medical Segment. During the year we plan to continue to enhance our individual/association plans as well as review our small employer group products. We plan to explore new marketing relationships with national marketing companies and promote increased brokerage sales through electronic distribution and traditional sales.
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We believe we have put in place an aggressive but achievable plan to reach our goals this year. As an integral part of this, we will continue to sharpen our marketing focus in each of our business segments.
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In closing, we are extremely enthusiastic about all of our strategic plans. We remain committed to our long-term strategy. Simply stated, we believe that our core objectives position us well for positive results going forward.