VETERAN FINANCIAL SERVICES ATTORNEY JOINS BANKERS LIFE AND CASUALTY COMPANY AS SVP/GENERAL COUNSEL

CHICAGO (August 19, 2003) - Bankers Life and Casualty Company, Chicago, has named Jeanne M. Horton senior vice president and Bankers general counsel. Prior to joining the Chicago-based insurer on August 11, 2003, she served as vice president and general counsel for GE Auto Financial Services, Barrington, Ill.

"We are excited that Jeanne has chosen to join Bankers," said President and CEO Edward M. Berube. "She has solid experience as an executive and a lawyer serving financial services companies, and her significant transaction and process improvement background make her a great fit for our company."

Horton holds a B.A. in economics and political science and a J.D., both from Northwestern University. She graduated from Northwestern University School of Law in 1980 and began her career at Sonnenschein, Nath & Rosenthal, Chicago, the same year.

Horton said, "I'm delighted to be joining Bankers. It's a company committed to growing and expanding its service to the most interesting and diverse client base there is, America's seniors. The company's dedication to the needs of seniors has a great history. I look forward to contributing to that rich heritage."

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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