SCOTT PERRY PROMOTED TO EVP, COO OF BANKERS LIFE AND CASUALTY COMPANY

CHICAGO (November 8, 2004) - Scott Perry, 41, has been named Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of Bankers Life and Casualty Company, Chicago. He joined Bankers as a Field Vice President in July 2001 and has served as Senior Vice President of Distribution since 2002.

"It's been a busy year for Scott guiding the field force through the most ambitious growth plan in the company's history," said William S. Kirsch, President and CEO. "His contribution has been enormous."

"In the last year, he's provided leadership for the start of a multi-year strategy to move into dozens of new markets, hire new managers, train them, and handle the logistics of opening new offices. I know he'll continue to excel in his new role," said Kirsch.

Perry is joined on Bankers' senior management team by Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer John Squarok, Senior Vice President of Product Management and Chief Actuary Susan Morisato, and Senior Vice President of Marketing and Strategic Planning Dan Veto.

"We are blessed to have an extraordinarily strong senior team at Bankers," said Kirsch, who was named president and CEO in August 2004. "They are a very smart, experienced first class team committed to making Bankers the best company in its market."

At Bankers, Perry has been responsible for a national sales force consisting of 154 branch locations, 650 field employees, over 3,500 agents and 75 home office sales support employees. In his new role, he will retain responsibility for Distribution and add responsibility for Operations including Underwriting, Claims and Customer Service.

Before joining Bankers, Perry spent 17 years in sales, marketing and management roles at Presideo, Premera Blue Cross, Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield and Golden Rule. He holds a B.A. in political science from Ripon College.

Established in 1879 and headquartered at the historic Merchandise Mart in downtown Chicago, Bankers Life and Casualty Company focuses exclusively on the financial security needs of seniors. The company offers a broad portfolio of health and life insurance and retirement savings products designed especially for seniors. These products are distributed through a national network of professionally trained company agents. Visit us online at www.bankers.com.

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