VARIABLE ANNUITY ACCOUNT B OF AETNA LIFE INS & ANNUITY CO
485BPOS, 1997-11-26
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As filed with the Securities and Exchange            Registration No. 33-34370*
Commission on November 26, 1997                      Registration No. 811-2512

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                       SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                             Washington, D.C. 20549

                                    FORM N-4
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                       POST-EFFECTIVE AMENDMENT NO. 31 TO
             REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933

                                and Amendment to

         REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE INVESTMENT COMPANY ACT OF 1940
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

     Variable Annuity Account B of Aetna Life Insurance and Annuity Company

                    Aetna Life Insurance and Annuity Company

            151 Farmington Avenue, RE4A, Hartford, Connecticut 06156

        Depositor's Telephone Number, including Area Code: (860) 273-4686

                           Julie E. Rockmore, Counsel
                    Aetna Life Insurance and Annuity Company
            151 Farmington Avenue, RE4A, Hartford, Connecticut 06156
                     (Name and Address of Agent for Service)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------


It is proposed that this filing will become effective:

   [ ]         immediately upon filing pursuant to paragraph (b) of Rule 485
   [X]         on November 28, 1997 pursuant to paragraph (b) of Rule 485

*Pursuant to Rule 429(a) under the Securities Act of 1933, Registrant has
included a combined prospectus under this Registration Statement which includes
all the information which would currently be required in a prospectus relating
to the following earlier Registration Statement: 33-87932.

<PAGE>

                           VARIABLE ANNUITY ACCOUNT B
                              CROSS REFERENCE SHEET

FORM N-4
ITEM NO.            PART A (PROSPECTUS)            LOCATION - PROSPECTUS

   1    Cover Page........................    Cover Page

   2    Definitions.......................    Definitions

   3    Synopsis..........................    Prospectus Summary; Fee
                                              Table

   4    Condensed Financial ..............    Condensed Financial
        Information                           Information

   5    General Description of Registrant,    The Company; Variable Annuity
        Depositor, and Portfolio Companies... Account B; The Funds

   6    Deductions and Expenses...........    Charges and Deductions; 
                                              Distribution

   7    General Description of Variable
        Annuity Contracts.................    Purchase; Miscellaneous

   8    Annuity Period....................    Annuity Period

   9    Death Benefit.....................    Death Benefit During
                                              Accumulation Period; Death
                                              Benefit Payable During the
                                              Annuity Period

  10    Purchases and Contract Value......    Purchase; Contract Valuation

  11    Redemptions.......................    Right to Cancel; Withdrawals

  12    Taxes.............................    Tax Status

  13    Legal Proceedings.................    Miscellaneous - Legal Matters
                                              and Proceedings

  14    Table of Contents of the Statement    Contents of the Statement of
        of Additional Information.........    Additional Information

<PAGE>

                                                   LOCATION - STATEMENT
                                                       OF ADDITIONAL
                                                     INFORMATION DATED
                                                     MAY 1, 1997 AND AS
FORM N-4            PART B (STATEMENT OF                   AMENDED
ITEM NO.           ADDITIONAL INFORMATION)             NOVEMBER 28, 1997

  15   Cover Page........................    Cover page

  16   Table of Contents.................    Table of Contents

  17   General Information and History...    General Information and 
                                              History

  18   Services..........................    General Information and 
                                             History; Independent Auditors

  19   Purchase of Securities Being
       Offered...........................    Offering and Purchase of 
                                             Contracts

  20   Underwriters......................    Offering and Purchase of
                                             Contracts

  21   Calculation of Performance Data...    Performance Data and as
                                             amended; Average Annual
                                             Total Return Quotations

  22   Annuity Payments..................    Annuity Payments

  23   Financial Statements..............    Financial Statements

                     Part C (Other Information)
                                                     
Information required to be included in Part C is set forth under the appropriate
item, so numbered, in Part C to this Registration Statement.

<PAGE>

                                 PARTS A AND B

The Prospectus is included in Part A of this Post-Effective Amendment No. 31.
The Statement of Additional Information is incorporated into Part B of the
Post-Effective Amendment No. 31 by reference to Post-Effective Amendment 27 to
the Registration Statement on Form N-4 (File Number 33-34370) as filed
electronically on April 16, 1997 (Accession no. 0000950146-97-000617) and by
reference to a supplement dated November 28, 1997 as filed herein.


<PAGE>

                                  PROSPECTUS
===============================================================================

The Contracts offered in connection with this Prospectus are the "Aetna Marathon
Plus" [Growth Plus (New York)] group and individual deferred variable annuity
contracts ("Contracts") issued by Aetna Life Insurance and Annuity Company (the
"Company"). The Contracts are available as (1) nonqualified deferred annuity
contracts, (2) Individual Retirement Annuities ("IRA") under Section 408(b) of
the Internal Revenue Code (may be subject to approval by state regulatory
agencies); or (3) qualified contracts issued in connection with certain employer
sponsored retirement plans (may be subject to approval by the Company and state
regulatory agencies). Currently, the IRA is not available as a "SIMPLE IRA" as
defined in Section 408(p) of the Internal Revenue Code. In most states, group
Contracts are offered, generally to certain broker-dealers or banks which have
agreed to act as Distributors of the Contracts. Individuals who have established
accounts with those broker-dealers or banks are eligible to participate in the
Contract. Individual Contracts are offered only in those states where the group
Contracts are not authorized for sale. (See "Purchase.")

The Contracts provide that Purchase Payments may be allocated to the ALIAC
Guaranteed Account (the "Guaranteed Account"), a credited interest option, or
to one or more of the Subaccounts of Variable Annuity Account B, a separate
account of the Company. The Subaccounts invest directly in shares of the
following Funds:

<TABLE>
<S>                                                          <C>
[bullet] Aetna Variable Fund                                 [bullet] Fidelity VIP II Index 500 Portfolio
[bullet] Aetna Income Shares                                 [bullet] Janus Aspen Aggressive Growth Portfolio
[bullet] Aetna Variable Encore Fund                          [bullet] Janus Aspen Balanced Portfolio
[bullet] Aetna Investment Advisers Fund, Inc.                [bullet] Janus Aspen Flexible Income Portfolio
[bullet] Aetna Ascent Variable Portfolio                     [bullet] Janus Aspen Growth Portfolio
[bullet] Aetna Crossroads Variable Portfolio                 [bullet] Janus Aspen Worldwide Growth Portfolio
[bullet] Aetna Legacy Variable Portfolio                     [bullet] MFS Total Return Series
[bullet] Aetna Variable Capital Appreciation Portfolio       [bullet] MFS World Governments Series
[bullet] Aetna Variable Growth Portfolio                     [bullet] Oppenheimer Capital Appreciation Fund
[bullet] Aetna Variable Index Plus Portfolio                 [bullet] Oppenheimer Global Securities Fund
[bullet] Aetna Variable Small Company Portfolio              [bullet] Oppenheimer Growth & Income Fund
[bullet] Calvert Responsibly Invested Balanced Portfolio     [bullet] Oppenheimer Strategic Bond Fund
[bullet] [Federated American Leaders Fund II]                [bullet] Portfolio Partners MFS Emerging Equities Portfolio        
[bullet] [Federated Equity Income Fund II]                   [bullet] Portfolio Partners MFS Research Growth Portfolio          
[bullet] [Federated Fund for U.S. Government Securities II]  [bullet] Portfolio Partners MFS Value Equity Portfolio             
[bullet] [Federated Growth Strategies Fund II]               [bullet] Portfolio Partners Scudder International Growth Portfolio 
[bullet] [Federated High Income Bond Fund II]                [bullet] Portfolio Partners T. Rowe Price Growth Equity Portfolio  
[bullet] [Federated International Equity Fund II]
[bullet] [Federated Prime Money Fund II]
[bullet] [Federated Utility Fund II]
[bullet] Fidelity VIP Equity-Income Portfolio
[bullet] Fidelity VIP Growth Portfolio
[bullet] Fidelity VIP High Income Portfolio
[bullet] Fidelity VIP Overseas Portfolio
[bullet] Fidelity VIP II Asset Manager Portfolio
[bullet] Fidelity VIP II Contrafund Portfolio
</TABLE>

Except as specifically mentioned, this Prospectus describes only investments
through the Separate Account. The Guaranteed Account is described in the
Appendix to this Prospectus, as well as in the Guaranteed Account's prospectus.
The availability of the Funds and the Guaranteed Account is subject to
applicable regulatory authorization; not all options may be available in all
jurisdictions or under all Contracts. (See "Investment Options.")

This Prospectus provides investors with the information about the Separate
Account that they should know before investing in the Contracts. Additional
information about the Separate Account is contained in a Statement of
Additional Information ("SAI") which is available at no charge. The SAI has
been filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission and is incorporated
herein by reference. The Table of Contents for the SAI is printed on page 25 of
this Prospectus. An SAI for this Prospectus and for any Fund prospectus may be
obtained by indicating the request on your Application or by calling the number
listed under the "Inquiries" section of the Prospectus Summary.

THIS PROSPECTUS IS VALID ONLY WHEN ACCOMPANIED BY THE CURRENT PROSPECTUSES OF
THE FUNDS AND THE ALIAC GUARANTEED ACCOUNT. ALL PROSPECTUSES SHOULD BE READ AND
RETAINED FOR FUTURE REFERENCE.

THE CONTRACTS ARE NOT DEPOSITS OR OBLIGATIONS OF OR GUARANTEED BY ANY BANK, NOR
ARE THEY INSURED BY THE FDIC; THEY ARE SUBJECT TO INVESTMENT RISKS, INCLUDING
POSSIBLE LOSS OF THE PRINCIPAL AMOUNT INVESTED.

THIS PROSPECTUS, THE STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION AND OTHER INFORMATION
ABOUT THE SEPARATE ACCOUNT REQUIRED TO BE FILED WITH THE SECURITIES AND
EXCHANGE COMMISSION CAN BE FOUND IN THE SEC'S WEB SITE AT http://www.sec.gov.

THESE SECURITIES HAVE NOT BEEN APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED BY THE SECURITIES AND
EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION NOR HAS THE SECURITIES
AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION PASSED UPON THE
ACCURACY OR ADEQUACY OF THIS PROSPECTUS. ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS
A CRIMINAL OFFENSE.

      THIS PROSPECTUS AND THE STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ARE DATED
                               NOVEMBER 28, 1997.

<PAGE>

                               TABLE OF CONTENTS
===============================================================================
<TABLE>
<S>                                                           <C>
DEFINITIONS   ..............................................  DEFINITIONS -  1
PROSPECTUS SUMMARY  ............................................  SUMMARY -  1
FEE TABLE  ...................................................  FEE TABLE -  1
CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION    .......................... AUV HISTORY -  1
THE COMPANY  ............................................................    1
VARIABLE ANNUITY ACCOUNT B  .............................................    1
INVESTMENT OPTIONS    ...................................................    1
  The Funds  ............................................................    1
  Credited Interest Option  .............................................    5
PURCHASE  ...............................................................    5
  Contract Availability  ................................................    5
  Purchasing Interests in the Contract  .................................    5
  Purchase Payments   ...................................................    5
  Contract Rights  ......................................................    6
  Designations of Beneficiary and Annuitant   ...........................    6
  Right to Cancel  ......................................................    6
CHARGES AND DEDUCTIONS   ................................................    6
  Daily Deductions from the Separate Account  ...........................    6
    Mortality and Expense Risk Charge   .................................    6
    Administrative Charge   .............................................    7
  Maintenance Fee  ......................................................    7
  Reduction or Elimination of Administrative Charge and Maintenance Fee      7
  Deferred Sales Charge  ................................................    7
  Reduction or Elimination of the Deferred Sales Charge   ...............    8
  Fund Expenses    ......................................................    9
  Premium and Other Taxes   .............................................    9
CONTRACT VALUATION    ...................................................    9
  Account Value    ......................................................    9
  Accumulation Units  ...................................................    9
  Net Investment Factor  ................................................    9
TRANSFERS    ............................................................   10
  Dollar Cost Averaging Program   .......................................   10
  Account Rebalancing Program  ..........................................   10
WITHDRAWALS  ............................................................   10
SYSTEMATIC DISTRIBUTION OPTIONS   .......................................   11
DEATH BENEFIT DURING ACCUMULATION PERIOD   ..............................   12
  Death Benefit Amount   ................................................   12
  Death Benefit Payment Options   .......................................   13
    Nonqualified Contracts  .............................................   13
    Qualified Contracts  ................................................   14
</TABLE>

<PAGE>


<TABLE>
<S>                                                                         <C>
ANNUITY PERIOD    ........................................................  14
  Annuity Period Elections    ............................................  14
  Partial Annuitization    ...............................................  14
  Annuity Options    .....................................................  15
  Annuity Payments   .....................................................  15
  Charges Deducted During the Annuity Period    ..........................  16
  Death Benefit Payable During the Annuity Period  .......................  16
TAX STATUS  ..............................................................  16
  Introduction    ........................................................  16
  Taxation of the Company  ...............................................  16
  Tax Status of the Contract  ............................................  17
  Taxation of Annuity Contracts  .........................................  18
  Contracts Used with Certain Retirement Plans  ..........................  20
  Qualified Contracts in General    ......................................  20
  Individual Retirement Annuities and Simplified
    Employee Pension Plans    ............................................  22
  Withholding  ...........................................................  22
MISCELLANEOUS  ...........................................................  22
  Distribution    ........................................................  22
  Delay or Suspension of Payments   ......................................  23
  Performance Reporting    ...............................................  23
  Voting Rights   ........................................................  23
  Modification of the Contract   .........................................  23
  Transfers of Ownership; Assignment   ...................................  24
  Involuntary Terminations    ............................................  24
  Legal Matters and Proceedings  .........................................  24
CONTENTS OF THE STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION   ....................  25
APPENDIX--ALIAC GUARANTEED ACCOUNT  ......................................  26
</TABLE>

THIS PROSPECTUS DOES NOT CONSTITUTE AN OFFERING IN ANY JURISDICTION IN WHICH
SUCH OFFERING MAY NOT LAWFULLY BE MADE. THE COMPANY DOES NOT AUTHORIZE ANY
PERSON TO GIVE INFORMATION OR TO MAKE ANY REPRESENTATIONS IN CONNECTION WITH
THE OFFERING CONTAINED IN THIS PROSPECTUS EXCEPT AS OTHERWISE CONTAINED HEREIN.
 
 
<PAGE>

                                  DEFINITIONS
================================================================================

The following terms are defined as they are used in this Prospectus:


Account: A record that identifies contract values accumulated on each
Certificate Holder's behalf during the Accumulation Period.

Account Value: The total dollar value of amounts held in an Account as of each
Valuation Date during the Accumulation Period.

Account Year: A period of twelve months measured from the date on which an
Account is established (the effective date) or from an anniversary of such
effective date.

Accumulation Period: The period during which Purchase Payment(s) credited to an
Account are invested to fund future annuity payments.

Accumulation Unit: A measure of the value of each Subaccount before annuity
payments begin.

Adjusted Account Value: The Account Value, plus or minus the aggregate market
value adjustment for amounts allocated to the Guaranteed Account.

Annuitant: The person on whose life or life expectancy the annuity payments are
based.

Annuity: A series of payments for life, a definite period or a combination of
the two.

Annuity Date: The date on which annuity payments begin.

Annuity Period: The period during which annuity payments are made.

Annuity Unit: A measure of the value of each Subaccount selected during the
Annuity Period.

Application: The form or collection of information required by the Company to
purchase an interest in a group contract or an individual contract.

Beneficiary(ies): The person or persons who are entitled to receive any death
benefit proceeds. Under Nonqualified Contracts, Individual Retirement
Annuities, and Section 403(b) Contracts, Beneficiary refers to the beneficiary
named under the Contract. Under Qualified Contracts sold in conjunction with
401(a) or 457 Plans, Beneficiary refers to the beneficiary under the plan.

Certificate: The document issued to a Certificate Holder for an Account
established under a group contract.

Certificate Holder (You): A person or entity who purchases an individual
Contract or acquires an interest under a group Contract.

Claim Date: The date when proof of death and the Beneficiary's claim are
received in good order at the Company's Home Office.

Company (We, Us): Aetna Life Insurance and Annuity Company.

Contract: The group and individual deferred, variable annuity contracts offered
by this Prospectus.

Distributor(s): The registered broker-dealer(s), or banks that may be acting as
broker-dealers without separate registration under the Securities Exchange Act
of 1934, which have entered into selling agreements with the Company to offer
and sell the Contracts. The Company may also serve as a Distributor.

Fund(s): An open-end registered management investment company whose shares are
purchased by the Separate Account to fund the benefits provided by the
Contract.

Group Contract Holder: The entity to which a group Contract is issued.

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                DEFINITIONS - 1
<PAGE>

Home Office: The Company's principal executive offices located at 151
Farmington Avenue, Hartford, Connecticut 06156.

Individual Contract Holder: A person or entity who has purchased an individual
variable annuity contract (also referred to as a "Certificate Holder").

Individual Retirement Annuity: An individual or group variable deferred annuity
intended to qualify under Code Section 408(b).

Nonqualified Contract: A contract established to supplement an individual's
retirement income, or to provide an alternative investment option under an
Individual Retirement Account qualified under Code Section 408(a).

Purchase Payment(s): The gross payment(s) made to the Company under an Account.
 

Qualified Contracts: Contracts available for use with plans entitled to special
federal income tax treatment under Code Sections 401(a), 403(b), 408(b) or 457.
 

Registered Representative: The individual who is registered with a
broker-dealer acting as Distributor to offer and sell securities, or who is an
employee of a bank acting as Distributor that is exempt from broker-dealer
registration under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Registered
Representatives must also be licensed as insurance agents to sell variable
annuity contracts.

Separate Account: Variable Annuity Account B, a separate account established
for the purpose of funding variable annuity contracts issued by the Company.

Subaccount(s): The portion of the assets of the Separate Account that is
allocated to a particular Fund. Each Subaccount invests in the shares of only
one corresponding Fund.

Surrender Value: The amount payable upon the withdrawal of all or any portion
of an Account Value.

Valuation Date: The date and time at which the Accumulation Unit Value and
Annuity Unit Value of a Subaccount is calculated. Currently, this calculation
occurs after the close of business of the New York Stock Exchange on any normal
business day, Monday through Friday, that the New York Stock Exchange is open.


- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                DEFINITIONS - 2
<PAGE>

                              PROSPECTUS SUMMARY
================================================================================

CONTRACTS OFFERED

     The Contracts offered in connection with this Prospectus are group and
individual deferred variable annuity contracts issued by Aetna Life Insurance
and Annuity Company (the "Company"). The purpose of the Contract is to
accumulate values and to provide benefits upon retirement. The Contracts are
currently available for (1) individual nonqualified purchases (we reserve the
right to limit the ownership of nonqualified contracts to natural persons); (2)
Individual Retirement Annuities ("IRAs"), other than "SIMPLE IRAs" as defined
in Section 408(p) of the Internal Revenue Code (may be subject to approval by
state regulatory agencies); and (3) purchases made in conjunction with employer
sponsored retirement plans under Sections 401(a), 403(b) or 457 of the Code
(may be subject to approval by the Company and by state regulatory agencies).

     In most states, group Contracts are offered, generally to certain
broker-dealers or banks which have agreed to act as Distributors of the
Contracts. Individuals who have established accounts with those broker-dealers
or banks are eligible to participate in the Contract. Individual Contracts are
offered in those states where the group Contracts are not authorized for sale.
Joint Certificate Holders are allowed only on Nonqualified Contracts. A joint
Certificate Holder must be the spouse of the other joint Certificate Holder
except in New York and Pennsylvania. References to "Certificate Holders" in
this Prospectus mean both of the Certificate Holders on joint Accounts.

CONTRACT PURCHASE
     You may purchase an interest in the Contract by completing an Application
and submitting it to the Company. Purchase Payments can be applied to the
Contract either through a lump-sum payment or through ongoing contributions.
(See "Purchase.")

FREE LOOK PERIOD
     You may cancel the Contract or Certificate within 10 days after you
receive it (or longer if required by state law) by returning it to the Company
along with a written notice of cancellation. Unless state law requires
otherwise, the amount you will receive upon cancellation will reflect the
investment performance of the Subaccounts into which your Purchase Payments
were deposited. In some cases this may be more or less than the amount of your
Purchase Payments. Under a Contract issued as an Individual Retirement Annuity,
you will receive a refund of your Purchase Payment. (See "Purchase--Right to
Cancel.")

INVESTMENT OPTIONS
     The Company has established Variable Annuity Account B, a registered unit
investment trust, for the purpose of funding the variable portion of the
Contracts. The Separate Account is divided into Subaccounts which invest
directly in shares of the Funds described herein. The Contract allows
investment in the Subaccounts, as well as in the Guaranteed Account described
below subject to the limitations described in "Investment Options," see page 1.
For a complete list of the Funds available under the Contracts, and a
description of the investment objectives of each of the Funds and their
investment advisers, see "Investment Options--The Funds" in this Prospectus, as
well as the prospectuses for each of the Funds.

     The Guaranteed Account is the credited interest option available under the
Contract which allows you to earn a fixed rate of interest, if held for the
guaranteed term. (See the Appendix to this Prospectus and the prospectus for
the Guaranteed Account.)

CHARGES AND DEDUCTIONS
     Certain charges are associated with these Contracts. These charges include
daily deductions from the Separate Account (the mortality and expense risk
charge and an administrative charge), as well as any applicable maintenance
fee, transfer fees and premium and other taxes. The Funds also incur certain
fees and expenses which are deducted directly from the Funds. A deferred sales
charge may apply upon a full or partial withdrawal of the Account Value. (See
the Fee Table and "Charges and Deductions.")


- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                  SUMMARY - 1
<PAGE>

TRANSFERS
   
     Prior to the Annuity Date, and subject to certain limitations, you can
transfer Account Values among the Subaccounts and the Guaranteed Account. If
approved by your state, during the Annuity Period, if you have elected variable
payments you can make transfers among the Subaccounts available during the
Annuity Period. Currently, during the Accumulation Period, transfers are
without charge. However, the Company reserves the right to charge up to $10 for
each additional transfer if more than 12 transfers are made in a calendar year.
Any transfer charge will be applied so that the amount being transferred will
be reduced. Transfers can be requested in writing or by telephone in accordance
with the Company's transfer procedures. If approved by your state, during the
Annuity Period, you can currently make up to four transfers each calendar year.
There is no charge for these transfers. (Transfers from the Guaranteed Account
may be restricted and subject to a market value adjustment. See the Appendix.)
    

     The Company also offers a Dollar Cost Averaging Program and an Account
Rebalancing Program. The Dollar Cost Averaging Program permits the automatic
transfer of amounts from any of the Subaccounts and an available Guaranteed
Account term to any of the other Subaccounts on a monthly or quarterly basis.
The Account Rebalancing Program allows you to request that each year, or at
other more frequent intervals as We allow, We automatically reallocate your
Account Value to specified percentages among the Subaccounts in which you
invest. (See "Transfers.")

WITHDRAWALS
     All or a part of the Account Value may be withdrawn prior to the Annuity
Date by properly completing a disbursement form and sending it to the Company.
Certain charges may be assessed upon withdrawal. Amounts withdrawn from the
Guaranteed Account may be subject to a market value adjustment. (See the
Appendix.) The taxable portion of the withdrawal may also be subject to income
tax and a federal tax penalty. (See "Withdrawals.")

     The Contract also offers certain Systematic Distribution Options during
the Accumulation Period subject to certain criteria. Some Systematic
Distribution Options are not available in all states and may not be suitable in
every situation. (See "Systematic Distribution Options.")

GUARANTEED DEATH BENEFIT
     These Contracts contain a guaranteed death benefit feature. Upon the death
of the Annuitant, the Account Value may be increased under certain
circumstances. (See "Death Benefit During Accumulation Period.")

     After Annuity Payments have commenced, a death benefit may be payable to
the Beneficiary depending upon the terms of the Contract and the Annuity Option
selected. (See "Death Benefit Payable During the Annuity Period.")

THE ANNUITY PERIOD
     On the Annuity Date, you may elect to begin receiving Annuity Payments.
Annuity Payments can be made on either a fixed, variable or combination fixed
and variable basis. If a variable payout is selected, the payments will
continue to vary with the investment performance of the Subaccount(s) selected.
The Company reserves the right to limit the number of Subaccounts that may be
available during the Annuity Period. (See "Annuity Period.")

TAXES
     Earnings are not generally taxed until you or your Beneficiary(ies)
actually receive a distribution from the Contract. A 10% federal tax penalty
may be imposed on certain withdrawals. (See "Tax Status.")

INQUIRIES
     Questions, inquiries or requests for additional information can be
directed to your agent or local representative, or you may contact the Company
as follows:

   [bullet] Write to:                 Aetna Life Insurance and Annuity Company
                                      151 Farmington Avenue
                                      Hartford, Connecticut 06156-5996
                                      Attention: Customer Service

   [bullet] Call Customer Service:    1-800-531-4547 (for automated transfers
                                      or changes in the allocation of Account
                                      Values, call: 1-800-262-3862)


- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                  SUMMARY - 2
<PAGE>

                                   FEE TABLE
================================================================================

This Fee Table describes the various charges and expenses associated with the
Contract. No sales charge is paid upon purchase of the Contract. All costs that
are borne directly or indirectly under the Subaccounts and Funds are shown
below. Some expenses may vary as explained under "Charges and Deductions." The
charges and expenses shown below do not include premium taxes that may be
applicable. For more information regarding expenses paid out of assets of a
particular Fund, see the Fund's prospectus.

CONTRACT HOLDER TRANSACTION EXPENSES

     Deferred Sales Charge for withdrawals under each Contract (as a percentage
of each Purchase Payment withdrawn).


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                    CONTRACTS OR CERTIFICATES ISSUED IN NEW YORK:
- ---------------------------------------------       ---------------------------------------------
 Years from Receipt           Deferred Sales         Years from Receipt           Deferred Sales
of Purchase Payment          Charge Deduction       of Purchase Payment          Charge Deduction
- -------------------          ----------------       -------------------          ----------------
<S>                                <C>              <C>                                  <C>
Less than 2                        7%               Less than 1                          7%
2 or more but less than 4          6%               1 or more but less than 2            6%
4 or more but less than 5          5%               2 or more but less than 3            5%
5 or more but less than 6          4%               3 or more but less than 4            4%
6 or more but less than 7          3%               4 or more but less than 5            3%
7 or more                          0%               5 or more but less than 6            2%
                                                    6 or more but less than 7            1%
                                                    7 or more                            0%
- ---------------------------------------------       ---------------------------------------------
</TABLE>

<TABLE>
    <S>                                                              <C>
    Annual Maintenance Fee (1)  ..................................   $30.00
    Transfer Charge (2)   ........................................   $ 0.00
</TABLE>

SEPARATE ACCOUNT ANNUAL EXPENSES

(Daily deductions, equal to the percentage shown on an annual basis, made from
amounts allocated to the variable options under each Contract).

During the Accumulation Period:

<TABLE>
    <S>                                                                <C>
    Mortality and Expense Risk Charge   ..........................     1.25%(3)
    Administrative Charge.  ......................................     0.15%
                                                                       ----
    Total Subaccount Annual Expenses    ..........................     1.40%
</TABLE>

During the Annuity Period:

<TABLE>
    <S>                                                                <C>
    Mortality and Expense Risk Charge   ..........................     1.25%
    Administrative Charge   ......................................     0.00%(4)
                                                                       ----
    Total Subaccount Annual Expenses    ..........................     1.25%
</TABLE>

- ------------------
(1) The maintenance fee, if applicable, will generally be deducted from each
    Account annually and if the full Account Value is withdrawn. The
    maintenance fee is waived when the Account Value is $50,000 or more on the
    date the maintenance fee is due. The amount shown is the maximum
    maintenance fee that can be deducted under the Contract.
(2) During the Accumulation Period we currently allow an unlimited number of
    transfers without charge. However, we reserve the right to impose a fee of
    $10 for each transfer in excess of 12 per year.
(3) Under certain Contracts the mortality and expense risk charge during the
    Accumulation Period may be reduced. See "Charges and Deductions."
(4) We currently do not impose an Administrative Charge during the Annuity
    Period. However, we reserve the right to deduct a daily charge of not more
    than 0.25% per year from the Subaccounts.


- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                 FEE TABLE - 1
<PAGE>

ANNUAL EXPENSES OF THE FUNDS
The following table illustrates the advisory fees and other expenses applicable
to the Funds. Except as noted, the following figures are a percentage of
average net assets and, except where otherwise indicated, are based on figures
for the year ended December 31, 1996. A Fund's "Other Expenses" include
operating costs of the Fund. These expenses are reflected in the Fund's net
asset value and are not deducted from the Account Value.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                 Investment            Other             Total
                                                              Advisory Fees(1)        Expenses        Mutual Fund
                                                               (after expense      (after expense       Annual
                                                               reimbursement)      reimbursement)      Expenses
                                                              ----------------     --------------     -----------
<S>                                                                <C>                 <C>               <C>
   
Aetna Variable Fund(2)                                             0.50%               0.06%             0.56%
Aetna Income Shares(2)                                             0.40%               0.08%             0.48%
Aetna Variable Encore Fund(2)                                      0.25%               0.10%             0.35%
Aetna Investment Advisers Fund, Inc.(2)                            0.50%               0.08%             0.58%
Aetna Ascent Variable Portfolio(2)                                 0.60%               0.15%             0.75%
Aetna Crossroads Variable Portfolio(2)                             0.60%               0.15%             0.75%
Aetna Legacy Variable Portfolio(2)                                 0.60%               0.15%             0.75%
Aetna Variable Capital Appreciation Portfolio(2)                   0.60%               0.15%             0.75%
Aetna Variable Growth Portfolio(2)                                 0.60%               0.15%             0.75%
Aetna Variable Index Plus Portfolio(2)                             0.35%               0.15%             0.50%
Aetna Variable Small Company Portfolio(2)                          0.75%               0.15%             0.90%
Calvert Responsibly Invested Balanced Portfolio(3)                 0.71%               0.13%             0.84%
[Federated American Leaders Fund II (3b)                           0.53%               0.32%             0.85%]
[Federated Equity Income Fund II (3a)                              0.00%               0.85%             0.85%]
[Federated Fund for U.S. Government Securities II (3b)             0.00%               0.80%             0.80%]
[Federated Growth Strategies Fund II (3b)                          0.00%               0.85%             0.85%]
[Federated High Income Bond Fund II (3b)                           0.00%               0.80%             0.80%]
[Federated International Equity Fund (3b)                          0.00%               1.25%             1.25%]
[Federated Prime Money Fund (3b)                                   0.00%               0.80%             0.80%]
[Federated Utility Fund II (3b)                                    0.24%               0.61%             0.85%]
Fidelity VIP Equity-Income Portfolio(4)                            0.51%               0.07%             0.58%
Fidelity VIP Growth Portfolio(4)                                   0.61%               0.08%             0.69%
Fidelity VIP High Income Portfolio                                 0.59%               0.12%             0.71%
Fidelity VIP Overseas Portfolio(4)                                 0.76%               0.17%             0.93%
Fidelity VIP II Asset Manager Portfolio(4)                         0.64%               0.10%             0.74%
Fidelity VIP II Contrafund Portfolio(4)                            0.61%               0.13%             0.74%
Fidelity VIP II Index 500 Portfolio(5)                             0.13%               0.15%             0.28%
Janus Aspen Aggressive Growth Portfolio(6)                         0.72%               0.04%             0.76%
Janus Aspen Balanced Portfolio(6)                                  0.79%               0.15%             0.94%
Janus Aspen Flexible Income Portfolio(6)                           0.65%               0.19%             0.84%
Janus Aspen Growth Portfolio(6)                                    0.65%               0.04%             0.69%
Janus Aspen Worldwide Growth Portfolio(6)                          0.66%               0.14%             0.80%
MFS Total Return Series(7)                                         0.75%               0.25%             1.00%
MFS World Governments Series(7)                                    0.75%               0.25%             1.00%
Oppenheimer Capital Appreciation Fund                              0.72%               0.03%             0.75%
Oppenheimer Global Securities Fund                                 0.73%               0.08%             0.81%
Oppenheimer Growth & Income Fund                                   0.75%               0.25%             1.00%
Oppenheimer Strategic Bond Fund                                    0.75%               0.10%             0.85%
Portfolio Partners MFS Emerging Equities Portfolio                 0.70%(8)            0.13%             0.83%(9)
Portfolio Partners MFS Research Growth Portfolio                   0.70%(8)            0.15%             0.85%(9)
Portfolio Partners MFS Value Equity Portfolio                      0.65%               0.25%             0.90%(9)
Portfolio Partners Scudder International Growth Portfolio          0.80%               0.20%             1.00%(9)
Portfolio Partners T. Rowe Price Growth Equity Portfolio           0.60%               0.15%             0.75%(9)
</TABLE>
    

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                 FEE TABLE - 2
<PAGE>

(1) Certain of the unaffiliated Fund advisers reimburse the Company for
    administrative costs incurred in connection with administering the Funds as
    variable funding options under the Contract. These reimbursements are paid
    out of the investment advisory fees and are not charged to investors.
(2) The Company provides administrative services to the Fund and assumes the
    Fund's ordinary recurring direct costs under an Administrative Services
    Agreement. The new Administrative Services Agreement became effective on May
    1, 1996 for Aetna Variable Fund, Aetna Income Shares, Aetna Variable Encore
    Fund, Aetna Investment Advisers Fund, Inc., Aetna Ascent Variable Portfolio,
    Aetna Crossroads Variable Portfolio, and Aetna Legacy Variable Portfolio.
    Therefore, for these Funds the "Other Expenses" shown are not based on
    actual figures for the year ended December 31, 1996, but reflect the fee
    payable under that Agreement. The Administrative Services Agreement was in
    effect for Aetna Variable Capital Appreciation Portfolio, Aetna Variable
    Growth Portfolio, Aetna Variable Index Plus Portfolio and Aetna Variable
    Small Company Portfolio since their inception. Effective August 1, 1996,
    Investment Advisory Fees were increased for Aetna Variable Fund, Aetna
    Income Shares, Aetna Investment Advisers Fund, Inc., Aetna Ascent Variable
    Portfolio, Aetna Crossroads Variable Portfolio, and Aetna Legacy Variable
    Portfolio. The Advisory Fees shown above are not based on actual figures for
    the year ended December 31, 1996, but reflect the increased Investment
    Advisory Fees.
(3) The figures above are based on expenses for fiscal year 1996, and have been
    restated to reflect an increase in transfer agency expenses of 0.03%
    expected to be incurred in 1997. "Investment Advisory Fees" include a
    performance adjustment, which could cause the fee to be as high as 0.85% or
    as low as 0.55%, depending on performance. "Other Expenses" reflect an
    indirect fee of 0.03% (relating to an expense offset arrangement with the
    Portfolio's custodian). Net fund operating expenses after reductions for
    fees paid indirectly (again, restated) would be 0.81%.
[(3a) The estimated investment advisory fee has been reduced to reflect the 
      anticipated voluntary waiver of the investment advisory fee. The Fund's 
      adviser can terminate this voluntary waiver at any time at its sole 
      discretion. The maximum investment advisory fee is 0.75%. The Fund has no 
      present intention of paying or accruing a 12b-1 fee during the fiscal year
      ending December 31, 1997. If the Fund were paying or accruing the 12b-1
      fee, Institutional Shares would be able to pay up to 0.25% of its average
      daily net assets for the 12b-1 fee. See "Fund Information" in the Fund
      prospectus.
      
      The total operating expenses are estimated to be 1.82% respectively absent
      the anticipated voluntary waiver of management fee and the anticipated
      voluntary reimbursement of certain other operating expenses. Total Fund
      operating expenses are estimated based on average expenses expected to be
      incurred during the period ending December 31, 1997. During the course of
      this period, expenses may be more or less than the average shown.]

[(3b) The management fee for each of the Funds has been reduced to reflect a
      voluntary waiver of the management fee. The adviser can terminate this
      voluntary waiver at any time in its sole discretion. The maximum
      management fee for each of the Funds is as follows: 0.50%--Prime Money
      Fund II; 0.60%--High Income Bond Fund II and the Fund for U.S. Government
      Securities II; 0.75%--American Leaders Fund II, Growth Strategies Fund II
      and Utility Fund II; and 1.00%--International Equity Fund II.]
(4) A portion of the brokerage commissions that certain funds pay was used to
    reduce expenses. In addition, certain funds have entered into arrangements
    with their custodian and transfer agent whereby interest earned on
    uninvested cash balances was used to reduce custodian and transfer agent
    expenses. Including these reductions, the total operating expenses would
    have been 0.56% for Equity-Income Portfolio, 0.67% for Growth Portfolio,
    0.92% for Overseas Portfolio, 0.73% for Asset Manager Portfolio; and 0.71%
    for Contrafund Portfolio.
(5) The Fund's investment adviser agreed to reimburse a portion of Index 500
    Portfolio's expenses during the period. Without this reimbursement, the
    fund's management fee, other expenses and total expenses would have been
    0.28%, 0.15% and 0.43%, respectively, for Index 500 Portfolio.
(6) The fees and expenses shown above are based on gross expenses of the Shares
    before expense offset arrangements for the fiscal year ended December 31,
    1996. The information for each Portfolio other than the Flexible Income
    Portfolio is net of fee waivers or reductions from Janus Capital. Fee
    reductions for the Aggressive Growth, Balanced, Growth, and Worldwide Growth
    Portfolios reduce the management fee to the level of the corresponding Janus
    retail fund. Other waivers, if applicable, are first applied against the
    management fee and then against other expenses. Without such waivers or
    reductions, the Management Fee, Other Expenses and Total Fund Annual
    Expenses would have been 0.79%, 0.04% and 0.83% for Aggressive Growth
    Portfolio; 0.92%, 0.15% and 1.07% for Balanced Portfolio; 0.79%, 0.04% and
    0.83% for Growth Portfolio; and 0.77%, 0.14% and 0.91% for Worldwide Growth
    Portfolio, respectively. Janus Capital may modify or terminate the waivers
    or reductions at any time upon at least 90 days' notice to the Portfolio's
    Board of Trustees.
(7) The adviser has agreed to bear expenses for each Series, subject to
    reimbursement by each Series, such that each Series' "Other Expenses" shall
    not exceed 0.25% of the average daily net assets of the Series during the
    current fiscal year. Otherwise, "Other Expenses" for the MFS Total Return
    Series and MFS World Governments Series would be 1.35% and 1.28%,
    respectively, and "Total Fund Annual Expenses" would be 2.10% and 2.03%,
    respectively, for these Series. Each Series has an expense offset
    arrangement which reduces the Series' custodian fee based upon the amount of
    cash maintained by the Series with its custodian and dividend disbursing
    agent, and may enter into other such arrangements and directed brokerage
    arrangements (which would also have the effect of reducing the Series'
    expenses). Any such fee reductions are not reflected under "Other Expenses."
(8) The advisory fee is .70% of the first $500 million in assets and .65% on the
    excess.
   
(9) Each Portfolio's aggregate expenses are limited to the advisory and
    administrative fees disclosed above through April 30, 1999.
    


- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                 FEE TABLE - 3
<PAGE>

HYPOTHETICAL ILLUSTRATION (EXAMPLE)

THIS EXAMPLE IS PURELY HYPOTHETICAL. IT SHOULD NOT BE CONSIDERED A
REPRESENTATION OF PAST OR FUTURE EXPENSES OR EXPECTED RETURN. ACTUAL EXPENSES
AND/OR RETURN MAY BE MORE OR LESS THAN THOSE SHOWN BELOW.

The following Examples illustrate the expenses that would have been paid
assuming a $1,000 investment in the Contract and a 5% return on assets. For the
purposes of these Examples, the maximum maintenance fee of $30.00 that can be
deducted under the Contract has been converted to a percentage of assets equal
to 0.005%.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                  EXAMPLE A                                EXAMPLE B                
                                                   ---------------------------------------  ---------------------------------------
                                                   If you withdraw the entire Account       If you do not withdraw the Account     
                                                   Value at the end of the periods shown,   Value, or if you annuitize at the end of
                                                   you would pay the following expenses,    the periods shown, you would pay the
                                                   including any applicable deferred        following expenses (no deferred sales
                                                   sales charge:                            charge is reflected):*
                                                   1 year   3 years   5 years   10 years    1 year   3 years   5 years   10 years  
                                                   -------- --------- --------- ----------  -------- --------- --------- ----------
<S>                                                  <C>      <C>       <C>        <C>        <C>       <C>      <C>       <C>    
   
Aetna Variable Fund                                  $92      $115      $141       $229       $20       $62      $106      $229 
Aetna Income Shares                                  $91      $113      $137       $221       $19       $59      $102      $221 
Aetna Variable Encore Fund                           $90      $109      $130       $207       $18       $55      $ 95      $207 
Aetna Investment Advisers Fund, Inc                  $92      $116      $142       $231       $20       $62      $107      $231 
Aetna Ascent Variable Portfolio                      $94      $121      $151       $249       $22       $67      $116      $249 
Aetna Crossroads Variable Portfolio                  $94      $121      $151       $249       $22       $67      $116      $249 
Aetna Legacy Variable Portfolio                      $94      $121      $151       $249       $22       $67      $116      $249 
Aetna Variable Capital Appreciation Portfolio        $94      $121      $151       $249       $22       $67      $116      $249 
Aetna Variable Growth Portfolio                      $94      $121      $151       $249       $22       $67      $116      $249 
Aetna Variable Index Plus Portfolio                  $92      $113      $138       $223       $19       $60      $103      $223 
Aetna Variable Small Company Portfolio               $95      $125      $159       $264       $23       $72      $123      $264 
Calvert Responsibly Invested Balanced Portfolio      $95      $124      $156       $258       $23       $70      $120      $258 
Fidelity VIP Equity-Income Portfolio                 $92      $116      $142       $231       $20       $62      $107      $231 
Fidelity VIP Growth Portfolio                        $93      $119      $148       $243       $21       $66      $113      $243 
Fidelity VIP High Income Portfolio                   $93      $120      $149       $245       $21       $66      $114      $245 
Fidelity VIP Overseas Portfolio                      $96      $126      $160       $267       $24       $73      $125      $267 
Fidelity VIP II Asset Manager Portfolio              $94      $121      $151       $248       $22       $67      $115      $248 
Fidelity VIP II Contrafund Portfolio                 $94      $121      $151       $248       $22       $67      $115      $248 
Fidelity VIP II Index 500 Portfolio                  $89      $106      $127       $199       $17       $53      $ 92      $199 
Janus Aspen Aggressive Growth Portfolio              $94      $121      $152       $250       $22       $68      $116      $250 
Janus Aspen Balanced Portfolio                       $96      $127      $161       $268       $24       $73      $125      $268 
Janus Aspen Flexible Income Portfolio                $95      $124      $156       $258       $23       $70      $120      $258 
Janus Aspen Growth Portfolio                         $93      $119      $148       $243       $21       $66      $113      $243 
Janus Aspen Worldwide Growth Portfolio               $94      $122      $154       $254       $22       $69      $118      $254 
MFS Total Return Series                              $96      $129      $164       $274       $24       $75      $128      $274 
MFS World Governments Series                         $96      $129      $164       $274       $24       $75      $128      $274 
Oppenheimer Capital Appreciation Fund                $94      $121      $151       $249       $22       $67      $116      $249 
Oppenheimer Global Securities Fund                   $94      $123      $154       $255       $22       $69      $119      $255 
Oppenheimer Growth & Income Fund                     $96      $129      $164       $274       $24       $75      $128      $274 
Oppenheimer Strategic Bond Fund                      $95      $124      $156       $259       $23       $70      $121      $259 
Portfolio Partners MFS Emerging Equities Portfolio   $95      $123      $155       $257       $23       $70      $120      $257 
Portfolio Partners MFS Research Growth Portfolio     $95      $124      $156       $259       $23       $70      $121      $259 
Portfolio Partners MFS Value Equity Portfolio        $95      $125      $159       $264       $23       $72      $123      $264 
Portfolio Partners Scudder International                                                                                        
 Growth Portfolio                                    $96      $129      $164       $274       $24       $75      $128      $274 
Portfolio Partners T. Rowe Price Growth Equity                                                                                  
 Portfolio                                           $94      $121      $151       $249       $22       $67      $116      $249 
</TABLE>
    

- ------------------
* This Example would not apply if a nonlifetime variable annuity option is
selected, and a lump sum settlement is requested within three years after
annuity payments start, since the lump sum payment will be treated as a
withdrawal during the Accumulation Period and will be subject to any deferred
sales charge that would then apply. (Refer to Example A.)


- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                 FEE TABLE - 4
<PAGE>

HYPOTHETICAL ILLUSTRATION (EXAMPLE)

The following Examples illustrate the expenses that would have been paid
assuming a $1,000 investment in the Contract and a 5% return on assets. For the
purposes of these Examples, the maximum maintenance fee of $30.00 that can be
deducted under the Contract has been converted to a percentage of assets equal
to 0.005%.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                     Contracts or Certificates Issued in New York

                                                                 EXAMPLE C                               EXAMPLE D    
                                                  ---------------------------------------  ----------------------------------------
                                                  If you withdraw the entire Account       If you do not withdraw the Account      
                                                  Value at the end of the periods shown,   Value, or if you annuitize at the end of
                                                  you would pay the following expenses,    the periods shown, you would pay the    
                                                  including any applicable deferred        following expenses (no deferred sales   
                                                  sales charge:                            charge is reflected):*                  
                                                  1 year   3 years   5 years   10 years    1 year    3 years    5 years   10 years 
                                                  -------- --------- --------- ----------  --------  ---------  --------- ---------
<S>                                                 <C>      <C>       <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>       <C>       <C>    
   
Aetna Variable Fund                                 $82      $ 95      $122       $229       $20        $62       $106      $229   
Aetna Income Shares                                 $81      $ 93      $118       $221       $19        $59       $102      $221   
Aetna Variable Encore Fund                          $80      $ 89      $112       $207       $18        $55       $ 95      $207   
Aetna Investment Advisers Fund, Inc.                $82      $ 96      $124       $231       $20        $62       $107      $231   
Aetna Ascent Variable Portfolio                     $84      $101      $132       $249       $22        $67       $116      $249   
Aetna Crossroads Variable Portfolio                 $84      $101      $132       $249       $22        $67       $116      $249   
Aetna Legacy Variable Portfolio                     $84      $101      $132       $249       $22        $67       $116      $249   
Aetna Variable Capital Appreciation Portfolio       $84      $101      $132       $249       $22        $67       $116      $249   
Aetna Variable Growth Portfolio                     $84      $101      $132       $249       $22        $67       $116      $249   
Aetna Variable Index Plus Portfolio                 $81      $ 93      $119       $223       $19        $60       $103      $223   
Aetna Variable Small Company Portfolio              $85      $105      $140       $264       $23        $72       $123      $264   
Calvert Responsibly Invested Balanced Portfolio     $84      $104      $137       $258       $23        $70       $120      $258   
[Federated American Leaders Fund II                 $85      $104      $137       $259]      $23        $70       $121      $259]
[Federated Equity Income Fund II                    $85      $104      $137       $259]      $23        $70       $121      $259]
[Federated Fund for U.S. Government Securities II   $84      $102      $135       $254]      $22        $69       $118      $254]
[Federated Growth Strategies Fund II                $85      $104      $137       $259]      $23        $70       $121      $259]
[Federated High Income Bond Fund II                 $84      $102      $135       $254]      $22        $69       $118      $254]
[Federated International Equity Fund II             $88      $116      $157       $299]      $27        $82       $141      $299]
[Federated Prime Money Fund II                      $84      $102      $135       $254]      $22        $69       $118      $254]
[Federated Utility Fund II                          $85      $104      $137       $259]      $23        $70       $121      $259]
Fidelity VIP Equity-Income Portfolio                $82      $ 96      $124       $231       $20        $62       $107      $231   
Fidelity VIP Growth Portfolio                       $83      $ 99      $129       $243       $21        $66       $113      $243   
Fidelity VIP High Income Portfolio                  $83      $100      $130       $245       $21        $66       $114      $245   
Fidelity VIP Overseas Portfolio                     $85      $106      $141       $267       $24        $73       $125      $267   
Fidelity VIP II Asset Manager Portfolio             $83      $101      $132       $248       $22        $67       $115      $248   
Fidelity VIP II Contrafund Portfolio                $83      $101      $132       $248       $22        $67       $115      $248   
Fidelity VIP II Index 500 Portfolio                 $79      $ 86      $108       $199       $17        $53       $ 92      $199   
Janus Aspen Aggressive Growth Portfolio             $84      $101      $133       $250       $22        $68       $116      $250   
Janus Aspen Balanced Portfolio                      $85      $107      $142       $268       $24        $73       $125      $268   
Janus Aspen Flexible Income Portfolio               $84      $104      $137       $258       $23        $70       $120      $258   
Janus Aspen Growth Portfolio                        $83      $ 99      $129       $243       $21        $66       $113      $243   
Janus Aspen Worldwide Growth Portfolio              $84      $102      $135       $254       $22        $69       $118      $254   
MFS Total Return Series                             $86      $109      $145       $274       $24        $75       $128      $274   
MFS World Governments Series                        $86      $109      $145       $274       $24        $75       $128      $274   
Oppenheimer Capital Appreciation Fund               $84      $101      $132       $249       $22        $67       $116      $249   
Oppenheimer Global Securities Fund                  $84      $103      $135       $255       $22        $69       $119      $255   
Oppenheimer Growth & Income Fund                    $86      $109      $145       $274       $24        $75       $128      $274   
Oppenheimer Strategic Bond Fund                     $85      $104      $137       $259       $23        $70       $121      $259   
Portfolio Partners MFS Emerging Equities Portfolio  $84      $103      $136       $257       $23        $70       $120      $257   
Portfolio Partners MFS Research Growth Portfolio    $85      $104      $137       $259       $23        $70       $121      $259   
Portfolio Partners MFS Value Equity Portfolio       $85      $105      $140       $264       $23        $72       $123      $264   
Portfolio Partners Scudder International                                                                                           
 Growth Portfolio                                   $86      $109      $145       $274       $24        $75       $128      $274   
Portfolio Partners T. Rowe Price Growth Equity                                                                                     
 Portfolio                                          $84      $101      $132       $249       $22        $67       $116      $249   
</TABLE>
    

- ------------------
* This Example would not apply if a nonlifetime variable annuity option is
selected, and a lump sum settlement is requested within three years after
annuity payments start, since the lump sum payment will be treated as a
withdrawal during the Accumulation Period and will be subject to any deferred
sales charge that would then apply. (Refer to Example C.)


- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                 FEE TABLE - 5
<PAGE>

                        CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION
    (Selected data for accumulation units outstanding throughout each period)
================================================================================

The condensed financial information presented below for the three years ended
December 31, 1996 is derived from the financial statements of the Separate
Account, which financial statements have been audited by KPMG Peat Marwick LLP,
independent auditors. It reflects investment options available under the
Contracts as of December 31, 1996; not all investment options shown here are
currently available. The financial statements and the independent auditors'
report thereon, are included in the Statement of Additional Information.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                   1996               1995                  1994
                                                               ------------       -------------          -----------
<S>                                                            <C>                <C>                    <C>
AETNA VARIABLE FUND
Value at beginning of period                                   $     14.001       $      10.737          $     10.000
Value at end of period                                         $     17.181       $      14.001          $     10.737
Increase (decrease) in value of accumulation units(1)                 22.71%              30.40%                 7.37%(2)
Number of accumulation units outstanding at end of period         4,919,945           3,068,782             3,178,712

AETNA INCOME SHARES
Value at beginning of period                                   $     12.037       $      10.324          $     10.000
Value at end of period                                         $     12.294       $      12.037          $     10.324
Increase (decrease) in value of accumulation units(1)                  2.14%              16.59%                 3.24%(3)
Number of accumulation units outstanding at end of period         1,129,814             988,199               983,357

AETNA VARIABLE ENCORE FUND
Value at beginning of period                                   $     10.968       $      10.489          $     10.000
Value at end of period                                         $     11.394       $      10.968          $     10.489
Increase (decrease) in value of accumulation units(1)                  3.89%               4.57%                 4.89%(2)
Number of accumulation units outstanding at end of period         4,871,015           2,694,034             3,407,448

AETNA INVESTMENT ADVISERS FUND, INC.
Value at beginning of period                                   $     13.602       $      10.828          $     10.000
Value at end of period                                         $     15.445       $      13.602          $     10.828
Increase (decrease) in value of accumulation units(1)                 13.55%              25.62%                 8.42%(4)
Number of accumulation units outstanding at end of period         1,544,723             919,744               911,281

AETNA ASCENT VARIABLE PORTFOLIO
Value at beginning of period                                   $     10.645       $      10.000
Value at end of period                                         $     12.970       $      10.645
Increase (decrease) in value of accumulation units(1)                 21.84%               6.45%(5)
Number of accumulation units outstanding at end of period           298,740              15,832

AETNA CROSSROADS VARIABLE PORTFOLIO
Value at beginning of period                                   $     10.587       $      10.000
Value at end of period                                         $     12.402       $      10.587
Increase (decrease) in value of accumulation units(1)                 17.14%               5.87%(5)
Number of accumulation units outstanding at end of period           326,292              27,089

AETNA LEGACY VARIABLE PORTFOLIO
Value at beginning of period                                   $     10.438       $      10.000
Value at end of period                                         $     11.751       $      10.438
Increase (decrease) in value of accumulation units(1)                 12.58%%               4.38%(6)
Number of accumulation units outstanding at end of period           492,915              28,778

AETNA VARIABLE INDEX PLUS PORTFOLIO
Value at beginning of period                                   $     10.000
Value at end of period                                         $     10.919
Increase (decrease) in value of accumulation units(1)                  9.19%(7)
Number of accumulation units outstanding at end of period            19,177

ALGER AMERICAN BALANCED PORTFOLIO
Value at beginning of period                                   $     12.588       $      10.000
Value at end of period                                         $     13.673       $      12.588
Increase (decrease) in value of accumulation units(1)                  8.62%              25.88%(8)
Number of accumulation units outstanding at end of period           276,259              54,737

ALGER AMERICAN GROWTH PORTFOLIO
Value at beginning of period                                   $     12.980       $      10.000
Value at end of period                                         $     14.506       $      12.980
Increase (decrease) in value of accumulation units(1)                 11.75%              29.80%(9)
Number of accumulation units outstanding at end of period         2,592,294             615,697

ALGER AMERICAN INCOME AND GROWTH PORTFOLIO
Value at beginning of period                                   $     10.660       $      10.000
Value at end of period                                         $     12.578       $      10.660
Increase (decrease) in value of accumulation units(1)                 18.00%               6.60%(10)
Number of accumulation units outstanding at end of period           514,513              95,829
</TABLE>

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 

                                AUV HISTORY - 1
<PAGE>

                  CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION (continued)
================================================================================

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                   1996               1995                  1994
                                                               ------------       -------------          -----------
<S>                                                              <C>              <C>                    <C>
ALGER AMERICAN LEVERAGED ALLCAP PORTFOLIO
Value at beginning of period                                     $   12.265       $      10.000
Value at end of period                                           $   13.548       $      12.265
Increase (decrease) in value of accumulation units(1)                 10.46%              22.65%(10)
Number of accumulation units outstanding at end of period           842,890             159,379

ALGER AMERICAN MIDCAP GROWTH PORTFOLIO
Value at beginning of period                                     $   13.974       $      10.000
Value at end of period                                           $   15.417       $      13.974
Increase (decrease) in value of accumulation units(1)                10.33%               39.74%(8)
Number of accumulation units outstanding at end of period         1,287,070             233,110

ALGER AMERICAN SMALL CAPITALIZATION PORTFOLIO
Value at beginning of period                                     $   13.295       $      10.000
Value at end of period                                           $   13.656       $      13.295
Increase (decrease) in value of accumulation units(1)                  2.72%              32.95%(11)
Number of accumulation units outstanding at end of period         2,688,730             507,425

AMERICAN CENTURY VP BALANCED (formerly "TCI BALANCED")
Value at beginning of period                                     $   12.124       $      10.152          $     10.000
Value at end of period                                           $   13.410       $      12.124                10.152
Increase (decrease) in value of accumulation units(1)                 10.61%              19.42%                 1.52%(4)
Number of accumulation units outstanding at end of period           223,073              40,407                 3,477

AMERICAN CENTURY VP CAPITAL APPRECIATION (formerly "TCI GROWTH")
Value at beginning of period                                     $   14.021       $      10.847          $     10.000
Value at end of period                                           $   13.211       $      14.021          $     10.847
Increase (decrease) in value of accumulation units(1)                ( 5.78)%             29.27%                 8.47%(4)
Number of accumulation units outstanding at end of period         1,214,961           1,014,612              893,534

AMERICAN CENTURY VP INTERNATIONAL (formerly "TCI INTERNATIONAL")
Value at beginning of period                                     $   10.446       $       9.441          $     10.000
Value at end of period                                           $   11.782       $      10.446          $      9.441
Increase (decrease) in value of accumulation units(1)                 12.80%              10.64%                (5.59)%(4)
Number of accumulation units outstanding at end of period           399,464              57,691                 3,745

FEDERATED AMERICAN LEADERS FUND II
Value at beginning of period                                     $   12.971       $       9.838          $     10.000
Value at end of period                                           $   15.548       $      12.971          $      9.838
Increase (decrease) in value of accumulation units(1)                 19.87%              31.84%                (1.62)%(12)
Number of accumulation units outstanding at end of period         3,931,613           2,057,364               188,708

FEDERATED FUND FOR U.S. GOVERNMENT SECURITIES II
Value at beginning of period                                     $   10.804       $      10.073          $     10.000
Value at end of period                                           $   11.099       $      10.804          $     10.073
Increase (decrease) in value of accumulation units(1)                  2.74%               7.25%                 0.73%(12)
Number of accumulation units outstanding at end of period           689,789             417,293                12,714

FEDERATED HIGH INCOME BOND FUND II
Value at beginning of period                                     $   11.640       $       9.814          $     10.000
Value at end of period                                           $   13.119       $      11.640          $      9.814
Increase (decrease) in value of accumulation units(1)                 12.71%              18.61%                (1.86)%(12)
Number of accumulation units outstanding at end of period         2,069,633           1,020,321                31,309

FEDERATED UTILITY FUND II
Value at beginning of period                                     $   12.095       $       9.881          $     10.000
Value at end of period                                           $   13.303       $      12.095          $      9.881
Increase (decrease) in value of accumulation units(1)                  9.99%      $       22.40%                (1.19)%(12)
Number of accumulation units outstanding at end of period         1,260,915             727,601                41,191

FIDELITY VIP EQUITY-INCOME PORTFOLIO
Value at beginning of period                                     $   13.324       $      10.002          $     10.000
Value at end of period                                           $   15.013       $      13.324          $     10.002
Increase (decrease) in value of accumulation units(1)                 12.68%              33.21%                 0.02%(13)
Number of accumulation units outstanding at end of period         4,200,501              913,517               17,013

FIDELITY VIP GROWTH PORTFOLIO
Value at beginning of period                                     $   13.913       $      10.423          $     10.000
Value at end of period                                           $   15.734       $      13.913          $     10.423
Increase (decrease) in value of accumulation units(1)                 13.09%              33.48%                 4.23%(13)
Number of accumulation units outstanding at end of period         3,260,855             885,545                17,013
</TABLE>

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                AUV HISTORY - 2
<PAGE>

                  CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION (continued)
================================================================================

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                  1996                1995                   1994
                                                               ------------       -------------          ------------
<S>                                                              <C>              <C>                    <C>
FIDELITY VIP HIGH INCOME PORTFOLIO
Value at beginning of period                                     $   10.701       $      10.000
Value at end of period                                           $   12.031       $      10.701
Increase (decrease) in value of accumulation units(1)                 12.43%               7.01%(10)
Number of accumulation units outstanding at end of period         1,222,580             112,819

FIDELITY VIP OVERSEAS PORTFOLIO
Value at beginning of period                                     $   11.143       $      10.000
Value at end of period                                           $   12.439       $      11.143
Increase (decrease) in value of accumulation units(1)                 11.62%              11.43%(8)
Number of accumulation units outstanding at end of period           681,094             150,017

FIDELITY VIP II ASSET MANAGER PORTFOLIO
Value at beginning of period                                     $   11.664       $      10.000
Value at end of period                                           $   13.180       $      11.664
Increase (decrease) in value of accumulation units(1)                 12.99%              16.64%(8)
Number of accumulation units outstanding at end of period           450,051             116,810

FIDELITY VIP II CONTRAFUND PORTFOLIO
Value at beginning of period                                     $   11.658       $      10.000
Value at end of period                                           $   13.943       $      11.658
Increase (decrease) in value of accumulation units(1)                 19.60%              16.58%(10)
Number of accumulation units outstanding at end of period         3,294,964             684,272

FIDELITY VIP II INDEX 500 PORTFOLIO
Value at beginning of period                                     $   11.336       $      10.000
Value at end of period                                           $   13.728       $      11.336
Increase (decrease) in value of accumulation units(1)                 21.10%              13.36%(10)
Number of accumulation units outstanding at end of period         1,994,556             191,671

FIDELITY VIP II INVESTMENT GRADE BOND PORTFOLIO
Value at beginning of period                                     $   10.600       $      10.000
Value at end of period                                           $   10.784       $      10.600
Increase (decrease) in value of accumulation units(1)                  1.73%               6.00%(14)
Number of accumulation units outstanding at end of period           441,549              66,574

JANUS ASPEN AGGRESSIVE GROWTH PORTFOLIO
Value at beginning of period                                     $   13.040       $      10.374          $     10.000
Value at end of period                                           $   13.879       $      13.040          $     10.374
Increase (decrease) in value of accumulation units(1)                  6.43%              25.71%                 3.74%(15)
Number of accumulation units outstanding at end of period         1,248,669             187,584                     0

JANUS ASPEN BALANCED PORTFOLIO
Value at beginning of period                                     $   12.104       $      10.000
Value at end of period                                           $   13.865       $      12.104
Increase (decrease) in value of accumulation units(1)                 14.55%              21.04%(8)
Number of accumulation units outstanding at end of period           682,296              53,016

JANUS ASPEN FLEXIBLE INCOME PORTFOLIO
Value at beginning of period                                     $   12.071       $       9.884          $     10.000
Value at end of period                                           $   12.995       $      12.071          $      9.884
Increase (decrease) in value of accumulation units(1)                  7.66%              22.13%                (1.16)%(16)
Number of accumulation units outstanding at end of period           225,717              45,714                     0

JANUS ASPEN GROWTH PORTFOLIO
Value at beginning of period                                     $   12.975       $      10.109          $     10.000
Value at end of period                                           $   15.153       $      12.975          $     10.109
Increase (decrease) in value of accumulation units(1)                 16.79%              28.35%                 1.09%(4)
Number of accumulation units outstanding at end of period         1,145,305             176,111                 9,588

JANUS ASPEN SHORT-TERM BOND PORTFOLIO
Value at beginning of period                                     $   10.765       $      10.000
Value at end of period                                           $   11.036       $      10.765
Increase (decrease) in value of accumulation units(1)                  2.52%               7.65%(8))
Number of accumulation units outstanding at end of period           150,230              67,034

JANUS ASPEN WORLDWIDE GROWTH PORTFOLIO
Value at beginning of period                                     $   12.341       $      10.000
Value at end of period                                           $   15.701       $      12.341
Increase (decrease) in value of accumulation units(1)                 27.22%              23.41%(11)
Number of accumulation units outstanding at end of period         3,060,432             252,485
</TABLE>

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                AUV HISTORY - 3
<PAGE>

                  CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION (continued)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                  1996                1995                   1994
                                                               ------------       -------------          ------------
<S>                                                            <C>                <C>                    <C>
LEXINGTON EMERGING MARKETS FUND, INC.
Value at beginning of period                                   $      9.277       $       9.795          $     10.000
Value at end of period                                         $      9.829       $       9.277          $      9.795
Increase (decrease) in value of accumulation units(1)                  5.95%             ( 5.28)%              ( 2.05)%(4)
Number of accumulation units outstanding at end of period           255,963              36,773                 1,500

LEXINGTON NATURAL RESOURCES TRUST
Value at beginning of period                                   $     10.436       $       9.056          $     10.000
Value at end of period                                         $     13.056       $      10.436          $      9.056
Increase (decrease) in value of accumulation units(1)                 25.11%              15.24%                (9.44)%(3)
Number of accumulation units outstanding at end of period           172,966              16,933                   537

MFS EMERGING GROWTH SERIES
Value at beginning of period                                   $     10.000
Value at end of period                                         $     10.074
Increase (decrease) in value of accumulation units(1)                  0.74%(17)
Number of accumulation units outstanding at end of period           893,166

MFS RESEARCH SERIES
Value at beginning of period                                   $     10.000
Value at end of period                                         $     10.970
Increase (decrease) in value of accumulation units(1)                  9.70%(17)
Number of accumulation units outstanding at end of period           617,709

MFS TOTAL RETURN SERIES
Value at beginning of period                                   $     10.000
Value at end of period                                         $     10.894
Increase (decrease) in value of accumulation units(1)                  8.94%(17)
Number of accumulation units outstanding at end of period           387,019

MFS VALUE SERIES
Value at beginning of period                                   $     10.000
Value at end of period                                         $     10.334
Increase (decrease) in value of accumulation units(1)                  3.34%(18)
Number of accumulation units outstanding at end of period            20,208

MFS WORLD GOVERNMENTS SERIES
Value at beginning of period                                   $     10.000
Value at end of period                                         $     10.471
Increase (decrease) in value of accumulation units(1)                  4.71%(17)
Number of accumulation units outstanding at end of period            38,958
</TABLE>

- ------------------
 (1) The above figures are calculated by subtracting the beginning Accumulation
     Unit value from the ending Accumulation Unit value during a calendar year,
     and dividing the result by the beginning Accumulation Unit value. These
     figures do not reflect the deferred sales charge or the fixed dollar annual
     maintenance fee, if any. Inclusion of these charges would reduce the
     investment results shown.
 (2) Reflects less than a full year of performance activity. Funds were first
     received in this option during October 1994.
 (3) Reflects less than a full year of performance activity. Funds were first
     received in this option during August 1994.
 (4) Reflects less than a full year of performance activity. Funds were first
     received in this option during July 1994.
 (5) Reflects less than a full year of performance activity. The initial
     Accumulation Unit value was established at $10.000 during August 1995, when
     the Fund became available under the Contract.
 (6) Reflects less than a full year of performance activity. The initial
     Accumulation Unit value was established at $10.000 during September 1995,
     when the Fund became available under the Contract.
 (7) Reflects less than a full year of performance activity. The initial
     Accumulation Unit Value was established at $10.000 during September 1996,
     when the Portfolio became available under the Contract.
 (8) Reflects less than a full year of performance activity. Funds were first
     received in this option during January 1995.
 (9) Reflects less than a full year of performance activity. Funds were first
     received in this option during February 1995.
(10) Reflects less than a full year of performance activity. The initial
     Accumulation Unit value was established at $10.000 during June 1995, when
     the Fund became available under the Contract.
(11) Reflects less than a full year of performance activity. Funds were first
     received in this option during April 1995.
(12) Reflects less than a full year of performance activity. Funds were first
     received in this option during September 1994.
(13) Reflects less than a full year of performance activity. Funds were first
     received in this option during December 1994.
(14) Reflects less than a full year of performance activity. The initial
     Accumulation Unit value was established at $10.000 during August 1995, when
     the Fund became available under the Contract.
(15) Reflects less than a full year of performance activity. The initial
     Accumulation Unit value was established at $10.000 during May 1995, when
     the Fund became available under the Contract.
(16) Reflects less than a full year of performance activity. Funds were first
     received in this option during November 1994.
(17) Reflects less than a full year of performance activity. The initial
     Accumulation Unit value was established at $10.000 during May 1996, when
     the Series became available under the Contract.
(18) Reflects less than a full year of performance activity. The initial
     Accumulation Unit value was established at $10.000 during October 1996,
     when the series became available under the Contract.


- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                AUV HISTORY - 4
<PAGE>

                                  THE COMPANY
================================================================================

      Aetna Life Insurance and Annuity Company (the "Company") is the issuer of
the Contract, and as such, it is responsible for providing the insurance and
annuity benefits under the Contract. The Company is a stock life insurance
company organized under the insurance laws of the State of Connecticut in 1976.
Through a merger, it succeeded to the business of Aetna Variable Annuity Life
Insurance Company (formerly Participating Annuity Life Insurance Company, an
Arkansas life insurance company organized in 1954). The Company is engaged in
the business of issuing life insurance policies and variable annuity contracts
in all states of the United States. The Company's principal executive offices
are located at 151 Farmington Avenue, Hartford, Connecticut 06156.

      The Company is a wholly owned subsidiary of Aetna Retirement Holdings,
Inc., which is in turn a wholly owned subsidiary of Aetna Retirement Services,
Inc. and an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of Aetna Inc.

                          VARIABLE ANNUITY ACCOUNT B
================================================================================

      The Company established Variable Annuity Account B (the "Separate
Account") in 1976 as a segregated asset account for the purpose of funding its
variable annuity contracts. The Separate Account is registered as a unit
investment trust under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (the "1940 Act"), and
meets the definition of "separate account" under federal securities laws. The
Separate Account is divided into "subaccounts" which do not invest directly in
stocks, bonds or other investments. Instead, each Subaccount buys and sells
shares of a corresponding Fund.

      Although the Company holds title to the assets of the Separate Account,
such assets are not chargeable with liabilities of any other business conducted
by the Company. Income, gains or losses of the Separate Account are credited to
or charged against the assets of the Separate Account without regard to other
income, gains or losses of the Company. All obligations arising under the
Contracts are general corporate obligations of the Company.

                               INVESTMENT OPTIONS
================================================================================

THE FUNDS
   
      Purchase Payments may be allocated to one or more of the Subaccounts as
designated on the Application. In turn, the Subaccounts invest in the
corresponding Funds at net asset value. The Company reserves the right to limit
the number of investment options selected during the Accumulation Period. At
this time there is no limit on the number of investment options selected during
the Accumulation Period, but the number of investment options that may be
selected at any one time by a Certificate Holder is limited to 18. Each
Subaccount and each Guaranteed Term of the same duration count as an option
once you have made an allocation to it, even if you no longer have amounts
allocated to that option.
    

      The availability of Funds may be subject to regulatory authorization. In
addition, the Company may add or withdraw Funds, as permitted by applicable
law. Not all Funds may be available in all jurisdictions or under all
Contracts.

      Subject to state regulatory approval, if the shares of any Fund should no
longer be available for investment by the Separate Account or if in the
judgment of the Company, further investment in such shares should become
inappropriate in view of the purpose of the Contract, we may cease to make such
Fund shares available for investment under the Contract prospectively. The
Company may, alternatively, substitute shares of another Fund for shares
already acquired. The Company reserves the right to substitute shares of
another Fund for shares already acquired without a proxy vote. Any elimination,
substitution or addition of Funds will be done in accordance with applicable
state and federal securities laws.

      The investment results of the Funds described below are likely to differ
significantly and there is no assurance that any of the Funds will achieve
their respective investment objectives. Except where otherwise noted, all of
the Funds are diversified, as defined in the 1940 Act.


- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                       1
<PAGE>

[bullet] Aetna Variable Fund seeks to maximize total return through investments
         in a diversified portfolio of common stocks and securities convertible
         into common stock.(1)

[bullet] Aetna Income Shares seeks to maximize total return, consistent with
         reasonable risk, through investments in a diversified portfolio
         consisting primarily of debt securities.(1)

[bullet] Aetna Variable Encore Fund seeks to provide high current return,
         consistent with preservation of capital and liquidity, through
         investment in high-quality money market instruments. An investment in
         the Fund is neither insured nor guaranteed by the U.S. Government.(1)

[bullet] Aetna Investment Advisers Fund, Inc. is a managed fund which seeks to
         maximize investment return consistent with reasonable safety of
         principal by investing in one or more of the following asset classes:
         stocks, bonds and cash equivalents based on the Company's judgment of
         which of those sectors or mix thereof offers the best investment
         prospects.(1)

[bullet] Aetna Generation Portfolios, Inc.--Aetna Ascent Variable Portfolio
         seeks to provide capital appreciation by allocating its investments
         among equities and fixed income securities. The Portfolio is managed
         for investors who generally have an investment horizon exceeding 15
         years, and who have a high level of risk tolerance.(1)

[bullet] Aetna Generation Portfolios, Inc.--Aetna Crossroads Variable Portfolio
         seeks to provide total return (i.e., income and capital appreciation,
         both realized and unrealized) by allocating its investments among
         equities and fixed income securities. The Portfolio is managed for
         investors who generally have an investment horizon exceeding 10 years
         and who have a moderate level of risk tolerance.(1)

[bullet] Aetna Generation Portfolios, Inc.--Aetna Legacy Variable Portfolio
         seeks to provide total return consistent with preservation of capital
         by allocating its investments among equities and fixed income
         securities. The Portfolio is managed for investors who generally have
         an investment horizon exceeding five years and who have a low level of
         risk tolerance.(1)

[bullet] Aetna Variable Portfolios, Inc.--Aetna Variable Capital Appreciation
         Portfolio seeks growth of capital primarily through investment in a
         diversified portfolio of common stocks and securities convertible into
         common stock. The Portfolio will use a value-oriented approach in an
         attempt to outperform the total return performance of publicly traded
         common stocks represented by the S & P 500 Composite Stock Price Index
         ("S & P 500"), a broad based stock market index composed of 500 common
         stocks selected by the Standard & Poor's Corporation. The Portfolio
         uses the S & P 500 as a comparative benchmark because it represents
         approximately two-thirds of the total market value of all U.S. common
         stocks, and is well known to investors.(1)

[bullet] Aetna Variable Portfolios, Inc.--Aetna Variable Growth Portfolio seeks
         growth of capital through investment in a diversified portfolio of
         common stocks and securities convertible into common stocks believed
         to offer growth potential.(1)

[bullet] Aetna Variable Portfolios, Inc.--Aetna Variable Index Plus Portfolio
         seeks to outperform the total return performance of publicly traded
         common stocks represented by the S & P 500.(1)

[bullet] Aetna Variable Portfolios, Inc.--Aetna Variable Small Company
         Portfolio seeks growth of capital primarily through investment in a
         diversified portfolio of common stocks and securities convertible into
         common stocks of companies with smaller market capitalizations.
         Companies with smaller market capitalizations generally will have
         market capitalization at the time of purchase of $1 billion or
         less.(1)

[bullet] Calvert Responsibly Invested Balanced Portfolio is a nondiversified
         portfolio that seeks to achieve a total return above the rate of
         inflation through an actively managed, nondiversified portfolio of
         common and preferred stocks, bonds and money market instruments which
         offer income and capital growth opportunity and which satisfy the
         social criteria established for the Portfolio.(2)

[bullet] [Federated Insurance Series--Federated American Leaders Fund II
         (formerly IMS Equity Growth and Income Fund) seeks to achieve long-term
         growth of capital and to provide income. The Fund pursues its
         investment objective by investing, under normal circumstances, at least
         65% of its total assets in common stock of "blue-chip" companies.
         "Blue-chip" companies generally are top-quality, established growth
         companies which, in the opinion of the Adviser meet certain
         criteria.(2a)]

[bullet] [Federated Insurance Series--Federated Equity Income Fund II seeks to
         provide above average income and capital appreciation. The Fund
         attempts to achieve its objective by investing at least 65% of its
         assets in income-producing equity securities. Equity securities
         include common stocks, preferred stocks, and securities (including
         debt securities) that are convertible into common stocks. The portion
         of the Fund's total assets invested in common stocks, preferred
         stocks, and convertible securities will vary according to the Fund's
         assessment of market and economic conditions and outlook. (2a)]

[bullet] [Federated Insurance Series--Federated Fund for U.S. Government
         Securities II (formerly IMS U.S. Government Bond Fund) seeks to provide
         current income. The Fund pursues its investment objective by investing
         at least 65% of the value of its total assets in securities issued or
         guaranteed as to payment of principal and interest by the U.S.
         government, its agencies or instrumentalities.(2a)]

[bullet] [Federated Insurance Series--Federated Growth Strategies Fund II
         (formerly IMS Growth Stock Fund) seeks capital appreciation. The Fund
         pursues its objective by investing at least 65% of its assets in
         equity securities of companies with prospects for above-average growth
         in earnings and dividends or companies where significant fundamental
         changes are taking place. Equity securities include common stocks,
         preferred stocks, and securities (including debt securities) that are
         convertible into common stocks. (2a)]

[bullet] [Federated Insurance Series--Federated High Income Bond Fund II
         (formerly IMS Corporate Bond Fund) seeks high current income by
         investing primarily in a diversified portfolio of professionally
         managed fixed income securities. The fixed-income securities in which
         the Fund intends to invest are lower-rated corporate debt obligations
         (commonly known as "junk bonds" or "high yield, high risk bonds" which
         involve significant degree of risk). (See the Fund's prospectus for a
         discussion of the risk factors involved in investing in lower-rated
         corporate debt obligations).(2a)]

[bullet] [Federated Insurance Series--Federated International Equity Fund II
         (formerly IMS International Stock Fund) seeks total return on its
         assets by investing at least 65% of its assets (and under normal
         market conditions, substantially all of its assets) in equity
         securities of issuers located in at least three different countries
         outside of the United States. Investing in non-U.S. securities carries
         substantial risks in addition to those associated with domestic
         investments. (2a)]

[bullet] [Federated Insurance Series--Federated Prime Money Fund II (formerly
         IMS Prime Money Fund) seeks to provide current income consistent with
         stability of principal and liquidity. The Fund pursues its investment
         objectives by investing exclusively in a portfolio of money market
         instruments maturing in 397 days or less. The average maturity of the
         money market instruments in the Fund's portfolio, computed on a
         dollar-weighted basis, will be 90 days or less. An investment in this
         Fund is neither insured nor guaranteed by the U.S. government. (2a)]

[bullet] [Federated Insurance Series--Federated Utility Fund II (formerly IMS
         Utility Fund) seeks to achieve high current income and moderate capital
         appreciation by investing primarily in a professionally managed and
         diversified portfolio of equity and debt securities of utility
         companies. Under normal market conditions, the Fund will invest at
         least 65% of its total assets in securities of utility companies.(2a)]

[bullet] Fidelity Investments Variable Insurance Products Fund-- Equity-Income
         Portfolio seeks reasonable income by investing primarily in
         income-producing equity securities. In selecting investments, the Fund
         also considers the potential for capital appreciation.(3)

[bullet] Fidelity Investments Variable Insurance Products Fund--Growth
         Portfolio seeks capital appreciation by investing mainly in common
         stocks, although its investments are not restricted to any one type of
         security.(3)

[bullet] Fidelity Investments Variable Insurance Products Fund--High Income
         Portfolio seeks to obtain a high level of current income by investing
         primarily in high-yielding, lower-rated, fixed income securities, while
         also considering growth of capital. Lower-rated corporate debt
         obligations are commonly known as "junk bonds" or

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                       2
<PAGE>

   
         "high yield, high risk bonds" and involve significant degree of risk
         (see the Fund's prospectus for a discussion of the risk factors
         involved in investing in lower-rated corporate debt obligations).(3)

[bullet] Fidelity Investments Variable Insurance Products Fund-- Overseas
         Portfolio seeks long-term growth by investing mainly in foreign
         securities (at least 65% of the Fund's total assets in securities of
         issuers from at least three countries outside of North America).
         Foreign investments involve greater risks than U.S. investments,
         including political and economic risks and the risk of currency
         fluctuation.(3)

[bullet] Fidelity Investments Variable Insurance Products Fund II--Asset Manager
         Portfolio seeks high total return with reduced risk over the long-term
         by allocating its assets among domestic and foreign stocks, bonds and
         short-term fixed-income instruments.(3)

[bullet] Fidelity Investments Variable Insurance Products Fund II--Contrafund
         Portfolio seeks maximum total return over the long term by investing
         mainly in equity securities of companies that are undervalued or
         out-of-favor.(3)

[bullet] Fidelity Investments Variable Insurance Products Fund II--Index 500
         Portfolio seeks to provide investment results that correspond to the
         total return of common stocks publicly traded in the United States by
         duplicating the composition and total return of the Standard & Poor's
         Composite Index of 500 Stocks.(3)

[bullet] Janus Aspen Series--Aggressive Growth Portfolio is a nondiversified
         portfolio that seeks long-term growth of capital. The Portfolio pursues
         its investment objective by normally investing at least 50% of its
         equity assets in securities issued by medium-sized companies.
         Medium-sized companies are those whose market capitalizations fall
         within the range of companies in the S & P MidCap 400 Index, which as
         of December 30, 1996 included companies with capitalizations between
         approximately $192 million and $6.5 billion, but which is expected to
         change on a regular basis.(4)

[bullet] Janus Aspen Series--Balanced Portfolio seeks long-term capital growth,
         consistent with preservation of capital and balanced by current income.
         The Portfolio pursues its investment objective by, under normal
         circumstances, investing 40%-60% of its assets in securities selected
         primarily for their growth potential and 40%-60% of its assets in
         securities selected for their income potential.(4)

[bullet] Janus Aspen Series--Flexible Income Portfolio seeks to obtain maximum
         total return, consistent with preservation of capital. Total return is
         expected to result from a combination of current income and capital
         appreciation. The Portfolio invests in all types of income producing
         securities and may have substantial holdings of debt securities rated
         below investment grade (e.g., junk bonds).(4)

[bullet] Janus Aspen Series--Growth Portfolio seeks long-term growth of capital
         in a manner consistent with the preservation of capital. The Portfolio
         pursues its investment objective by investing in common stocks of
         companies of any size.(4)

[bullet] Janus Aspen Series--Worldwide Growth Portfolio seeks long-term growth
         of capital in a manner consistent with preservation of capital. The
         Portfolio pursues its investment objective primarily through
         investments in common stocks of foreign and domestic issuers.(4)

[bullet] MFS Total Return Series seeks to provide above-average income (compared
         to a portfolio invested entirely in equity securities) consistent with
         the prudent employment of capital. Its secondary objective is to
         provide a reasonable opportunity for growth of capital and income.
         Under normal market conditions, at least 25% of the Total Return
         Series' assets will be invested in fixed income securities, and at
         least 40% and no more than 75% of the Series' assets will be invested
         in equity securities.(5)

[bullet] MFS World Governments Series seeks not only preservation, but also
         growth of capital, together with moderate current income. The Series
         seeks to achieve its objective through a professionally managed,
         internationally diversified portfolio consisting primarily of debt
         securities and to a lesser extent equity securities. Consistent with
         its investment objective and policies, the Series may invest up to 100%
         (and generally expects to invest not more than 80%) of its net assets
         in foreign securities which are not traded on a U.S. exchange.(5)

[bullet] Oppenheimer Capital Appreciation Fund seeks to achieve capital
         appreciation by investing in "growth-type" companies.(6)

[bullet] Oppenheimer Global Securities Fund seeks long-term capital appreciation
         by investing a substantial portion of its assets in securities of
         foreign issuers, "growth-type" companies, cyclical industries and
         special situations which are considered to have appreciation
         possibilities. Current income is not an objective. These securities may
         be considered to be speculative.(6)
    


- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                       3
<PAGE>

[bullet] Oppenheimer Growth & Income Fund seeks a high total return (which
         includes growth in the value of its shares as well as current income)
         from equity and debt securities. From time to time this Fund may focus
         on small to medium capitalization common stocks, bonds and convertible
         securities.(6)

[bullet] Oppenheimer Strategic Bond Fund seeks a high level of current income
         principally derived from interest on debt securities and seeks to
         enhance such income by writing covered call options on debt securities.
         The Fund intends to invest principally in: (i) foreign government and
         corporate debt securities, (ii) U.S. Government securities, and (iii)
         lower-rated high yield domestic debt securities, commonly known as
         "junk bonds", which are subject to a greater risk of loss of principal
         and nonpayment of interest than higher-rated securities. These
         securities may be considered to be speculative.(6)

[bullet] Portfolio Partners MFS Emerging Equities Portfolio seeks long term
         growth of capital by investing primarily in common stocks issued by
         companies that its subadviser believes are early in their life cycle
         but which have the potential to became major enterprises (emerging
         growth companies).(7)(a)

[bullet] Portfolio Partners MFS Research Growth Portfolio seeks long term growth
         of capital and future income by investing primarily in common stocks or
         securities convertible into common stocks issued by companies that the
         subadviser believes to possess better-than-average prospects for
         long-term growth, and, to a lesser extent, in income-producing
         securities including bonds and preferred stock.(7)(a)

[bullet] Portfolio Partners MFS Value Equity Portfolio seeks capital
         appreciation by investing primarily in common stocks.(7)(a)

[bullet] Portfolio Partners Scudder International Growth Portfolio seeks long
         term growth of capital primarily through a diversified portfolio of
         marketable foreign equity securities.(7)(b)

[bullet] Portfolio Partners T. Rowe Price Growth Equity Portfolio seeks long
         term growth of capital and, secondarily, seeks to increase dividend
         income by investing primarily in common stocks issued by a diversified
         group of well-established growth companies.(7)(c)

Investment Advisers for each of the Funds:
(1) Aetna Life Insurance and Annuity Company (adviser);
    Aeltus Investment Management, Inc. (sub-adviser)
(2) Calvert Asset Management Company, Inc.
[(2a) Federated Advisers]
(3) Fidelity Management & Research Company
(4) Janus Capital Corporation
(5) Massachusetts Financial Services Company ("MFS")
(6) OppenheimerFunds, Inc.
(7) Aetna Life Insurance and Annuity Company (adviser);
     (a) Massachusetts Financial Services Company (sub-adviser)
     (b) Scudder, Stevens & Clark, Inc. (sub-adviser)
     (c) T. Rowe Price Associates, Inc. (sub-adviser)

      Risks Associated with Investment in the Funds. Some of the Funds may use
instruments known as derivatives as part of their investment strategies. The
use of certain derivatives may involve high risk of volatility to a Fund, and
the use of leverage in connection with such derivatives can also increase risk
of losses. Some of the Funds may also invest in foreign or international
securities which involve greater risks than U.S. investments.

      More comprehensive information, including a discussion of potential
risks, is found in the current prospectus for each Fund which is distributed
with and accompanies this Prospectus. You should read the Fund prospectuses and
consider carefully, and on a continuing basis, which Fund or combination of
Funds is best suited to your long-term investment objectives. Additional
prospectuses and Statements of Additional Information for this Prospectus and
for each of the Funds can be obtained from the Company's Home Office at the
address and telephone number listed under the "Inquiries" section of the
Prospectus Summary.

      Conflicts of Interest (Mixed and Shared Funding). Shares of the Funds are
sold to each of the Subaccounts for funding the variable annuity contracts
issued by the Company. Shares of the Funds may also be sold to other insurance
companies for the same purpose. This is referred to as "shared funding." Shares
of the Funds may also be used for funding variable life insurance contracts
issued by the Company or by third parties. This is referred to as "mixed
funding."

      Because the Funds available under the Contract are sold to fund variable
annuity contracts and variable life insurance policies issued by us or by other
companies, certain conflicts of interest could arise. If a conflict of interest
were to occur, one of the separate accounts might withdraw its investment in a
Fund, which might force that Fund to sell portfolio securities at
disadvantageous prices, causing its per share value to decrease. Each Fund's
Board of Directors or Trustees has agreed to monitor events in order to
identify any material irreconcilable conflicts which might arise and to
determine what action, if any, should be taken to address such conflict.


- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                       4
<PAGE>

CREDITED INTEREST OPTION
      Purchase Payments may be allocated to the ALIAC Guaranteed Account (the
"Guaranteed Account"). Through the Guaranteed Account, we guarantee stipulated
rates of interest for stated periods of time. Amounts must remain in the
Guaranteed Account for specified periods to receive the quoted interest rates,
or a market value adjustment (which may be positive or negative) will be
applied. (See the Appendix.)

                                    PURCHASE
================================================================================

CONTRACT AVAILABILITY

      The Contracts are offered as (1) nonqualified deferred annuity contracts
(we reserve the right to limit ownership of nonqualified Contracts to natural
persons); (2) Individual Retirement Annuities, other than "SIMPLE IRAs" as
defined in Section 408(p) of the Internal Revenue Code; or (3) Qualified
Contracts used in conjunction with certain employer sponsored retirement plans.
Individual Retirement Annuities are currently available as rollovers, and may
permit ongoing contributions subject to state regulatory approval.
Additionally, availability of the Qualified Contracts described under item (3)
is subject to approval by the Company and state regulatory agencies.

      Eligible persons seeking to invest and accumulate money for retirement
can purchase individual interests in group Contracts, or, where required by
state law, they may purchase individual Contracts. In most states, group
Contracts are offered, generally to certain broker-dealers or banks which have
agreed to act as Distributors of the Contracts, and individual accounts are
established by the Company for each Certificate Holder. In some states, an
individual Contract will be owned by the Certificate Holder. In both cases, a
Certificate Holder's interest in the Contract is known as his or her "Account."

      The maximum issue age for the Annuitant is 90 (age 85 for those Contracts
or Certificates issued in New York and Pennsylvania).

      Joint Certificate Holders. Nonqualified Contracts may be purchased by
spouses as joint Certificate Holders. In New York and Pennsylvania, the joint
Certificate Holders do not need to be spouses. References to "Certificate
Holders" in this Prospectus mean both of the Certificate Holders on joint
Accounts. Tax law prohibits the purchase of Qualified Contracts by joint
Certificate Holders.

PURCHASING INTERESTS IN THE CONTRACT
     Group Contracts. Groups will generally consist of those eligible
individuals who have established an account with a broker-dealer or bank which
has agreed to act as a Distributor for the Contracts. A group Contract is
issued to the group Contract Holder. Certificate Holders may purchase interests
in a group Contract by submitting an Application. Once the Application is
accepted a Certificate will be issued.

      Individual Contracts. Certain states will not allow a group Contract due
to provisions in their insurance laws. In those states, an eligible individual
will submit an Application and will be issued a Contract rather than a
Certificate.

      Regardless of whether you have purchased an interest in a group Contract
or an individual Contract, the Company must accept or reject the Application
within two business days of receipt. If the Application is incomplete, the
Company may hold any forms and accompanying Purchase Payments for five days.
Purchase Payments may be held for longer periods only with the consent of the
Certficiate Holder, pending acceptance of the Application. If the Application
is rejected, the Application and any Purchase Payments will be returned to the
Certificate Holder.

PURCHASE PAYMENTS
      You may make Purchase Payments under the Contract in one lump sum,
through periodic payments or as a transfer from a pre-existing plan.

      The minimum initial Purchase Payment amount is $5,000 for Nonqualified
Contracts and $1,500 for Qualified Contracts. In some states, a Contract issued
as an Individual Retirement Annuity can accept only a lump sum, rollover
Purchase Payment. Additional Purchase Payments made to an existing Contract
must be at least $1,000 or at least $50 per month by electronic funds transfer,
and are subject to the terms and conditions published by us at the time of the
subsequent payment. A Purchase Payment of more than $1,000,000 will be allowed
only with the Company's consent. We also reserve the right to reject any
Purchase Payment to a prospective or existing Account without advance notice
(unless not allowed by state law).

      For Qualified Contracts the Code imposes a maximum limit on annual
Purchase Payments which may be excluded from a participant's gross income. (See
"Tax Status.")

      Allocation of Purchase Payments. Purchase Payments will initially be
allocated to the Subaccounts or the


- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                       5
<PAGE>

Guaranteed Account as specified on the Application. Changes in such allocation
may be made in writing or by telephone transfer. Allocations must be in whole
percentages, and there may be limitations on the number of investment options
that can be selected. (See "Investment Options.")

CONTRACT RIGHTS
      Under individual Contracts, Certificate Holders have all Contract rights.

      Under group Contracts, the group Contract Holder has title to the
Contract and generally only the right to accept or reject any modifications to
the Contract. You have all other rights to your Account under the Contract.
However, under a Nonqualified Contract, if you and the Annuitant are not the
same, and the Annuitant dies first, your rights are automatically transferred
to the Beneficiary. (See "Death Benefit.")

      Joint Certificate Holders have equal rights under the Contract and with
respect to their Account. All rights under the Contract must be exercised by
both joint Certificate Holders with the exception of transfers among investment
options, which can be exercised by one joint Certificate Holder after the
Account has been established. See "Death Benefit" regarding the rights of the
surviving joint Certificate Holder upon the death of a joint Certificate Holder
prior to the Annuity Date.

DESIGNATIONS OF BENEFICIARY AND ANNUITANT

      You generally designate the Beneficiary under the Contract on the
Application. You may also elect to specify the form of payment to be made to
the Beneficiary. For Qualified Contracts issued in conjunction with a Code
Section 401(a) qualified pension or profit sharing plan or a Code Section 457
deferred compensation plan, the employer or trustee must be both the
Certificate Holder and the Beneficiary under the Contract, and the participant
on whose behalf the Account was established must be the Annuitant. Under such
plans the participant is generally allowed to designate a beneficiary under the
plan, and the Certificate Holder may direct that we pay any death proceeds to
the plan beneficiary. "Beneficiary" as used in this Prospectus refers to the
person who is ultimately entitled to receive such proceeds.

      For Qualified Contracts issued in conjunction with a Code Section 403(b)
tax deferred annuity program subject to the Employee Retirement Income Security
Act (ERISA), the spouse of a married participant must be the Beneficiary of at
least 50% of the Account Value. If the married participant is age 35 or older,
the participant may name an alternate Beneficiary provided the participant
furnishes a waiver and spousal consent which meets the requirements of ERISA
Section 205. The participant on whose behalf the Account was established must
be the Annuitant.

      For Qualified Contracts issued as an Individual Retirement Annuity, the
Certificate Holder must be the Annuitant. For Nonqualified Contracts, the
Certificate Holder and the Annuitant, may, but need not, be the same person.
(See "Purchase--Contract Availability.")

RIGHT TO CANCEL

      You may cancel the Contract or Certificate without penalty by returning
it to the Company with a written notice of your intent to cancel. In most
states, you have ten days to exercise this "free look" right; some states allow
you longer. Unless state law requires otherwise, the amount you will receive
upon cancellation will reflect the investment performance of the Subaccounts
into which your Purchase Payments were deposited. In some cases this may be
more or less than the amount of your Purchase Payments; therefore, you bear the
entire investment risk for amounts allocated among the Subaccounts during the
free look period. Under Contracts issued as Individual Retirement Annuities,
you will receive a refund of your Purchase Payment. Account Values will be
determined as of the Valuation Date on which we receive your request for
cancellation at our Home Office.

                             CHARGES AND DEDUCTIONS
===============================================================================

DAILY DEDUCTIONS FROM THE SEPARATE ACCOUNT

      Mortality and Expense Risk Charge. The Company makes a daily deduction
from each of the Subaccounts for the mortality and expense risk charge. The
charge is equal, on an annual basis, to 1.25% of the daily net assets of the
Subaccounts and compensates the Company for the assumption of the mortality and
expense risks under the Contract. The mortality risks are those assumed for our
promise to make lifetime payments according to annuity rates specified in the
Contract. The expense risk is the risk that the actual expenses for costs
incurred under the Contract will exceed the maximum costs that can be charged
under the Contract.


- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                       6
<PAGE>

      In certain circumstances, the risk of adverse expense experience
associated with this Contract may be reduced. In such event, the mortality and
expense risk charge applicable to that Contract may likewise be reduced.
Whether such a reduction is available will be determined by the Company based
upon consideration of one of the following factors:

(1) the size and composition of the prospective group such as a group made up
    of active employees of the Company or its affiliates;

(2) the type and frequency of administrative and sales services provided; and

(3) the level of maintenance fee and deferred sales charges.

      Any reduction of the mortality and expense risk charge will not be
unfairly discriminatory against any person. We will make any reduction in the
mortality and expense risk charge according to our own rules in effect at the
time the Contract is issued. We reserve the right to change these rules from
time to time.

      If the amount deducted for mortality and expense risks is not sufficient
to cover the mortality costs and expense shortfalls, the loss is borne by the
Company. If the deduction is more than sufficient, the excess may be used to
recover distribution expenses relating to the Contracts and as a source of
profit to the Company. The Company expects to make a profit from the mortality
and expense risk charge.

      Administrative Charge. During the Accumulation Period, the Company makes
a daily deduction from each of the Subaccounts for an administrative charge.
The charge is equal, on an annual basis, to 0.15% of the daily net assets of
the Subaccounts and compensates the Company for administrative expenses that
exceed revenues from the maintenance fee described below. The charge is set at
a level which does not exceed the average expected cost of the administrative
services to be provided while the Contract is in force. The Company does not
expect to make a profit from this charge.

      During the Annuity Period, the Company reserves the right to make a
deduction for the administrative charge of an amount equal, on an annual basis,
to a maximum of 0.25% of the daily net assets of the Subaccounts. There is
currently no administrative charge during the Annuity Period. Once an Annuity
Option is elected, the charge will be established and will be effective during
the entire Annuity Period.

MAINTENANCE FEE

      During the Accumulation Period, the Company will deduct an annual
maintenance fee from the Account Value. The maintenance fee is to reimburse the
Company for some of its administrative expenses relating to the establishment
and maintenance of the Accounts.

      The maximum maintenance fee deducted under the Contract is $30. The
maintenance fee will be deducted annually on the anniversary of the Contract
effective date. It is deducted on a pro rata basis from each investment option
in which you have an interest. If your entire Account Value is withdrawn, the
full maintenance fee, if applicable, will be deducted at the time of
withdrawal. The maintenance fee will not be deducted (either annually or upon
withdrawal) if your Account Value is $50,000 or more on the day the maintenance
fee is due.

REDUCTION OR ELIMINATION OF ADMINISTRATIVE CHARGE AND MAINTENANCE FEE

      The administrative charge and maintenance fee may be reduced or
eliminated when sales of the Contracts are made to individuals or to a group of
individuals in such a manner that results in savings of administrative
expenses. The entitlement to such a reduction will be based on:

(1) the size and type of the group of individuals to whom the Contract is
    offered; and

(2) the amount of expected Purchase Payments.

      Any reduction or elimination of the administrative charge or maintenance
fees will not be unfairly discriminatory against any person. We will make any
reduction in the administrative charge or annual maintenance fees according to
our own rules in effect at the time the Contract is issued. We reserve the
right to change these rules from time to time.

DEFERRED SALES CHARGE

      Withdrawals of all or a portion of the Account Value may be subject to a
deferred sales charge. The deferred sales charge is a percentage of Purchase
Payments withdrawn from the Subaccounts and the Guaranteed Account and is based
on the number of years which have elapsed since the Purchase Payment was made.
The deferred sales charge for each Purchase Payment is determined by
multiplying the Purchase Payment withdrawn by the appropriate percentage, in
accordance with the schedule set forth in the tables below.


- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                       7
<PAGE>

      Withdrawals are taken first against Purchase Payments, then against any
increase in value. However, the deferred sales charge only applies to the
Purchase Payment (not to any associated changes in value). To satisfy a partial
withdrawal, the deferred sales charge is calculated as if the Purchase Payments
are withdrawn from the Subaccounts in the same order they were applied to the
Account. Partial withdrawals from the Guaranteed Account will be treated as
described in the Appendix and the prospectus for the Guaranteed Account. The
total charge will be the sum of the charges applicable for all of the Purchase
Payments withdrawn.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- -----------------------------------------------
 Years since receipt           Deferred Sales
 of Purchase Payment          Charge Deduction
- --------------------------    -----------------
<S>                                <C>
Less than 2                        7%
2 or more but less than 4          6%
4 or more but less than 5          5%
5 or more but less than 6          4%
6 or more but less than 7          3%
7 or more                          0%
- -----------------------------------------------
</TABLE>

CONTRACTS OR CERTIFICATES ISSUED IN NEW YORK

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- ----------------------------------------------
Years since receipt           Deferred Sales
of Purchase Payment          Charge Deduction
- -------------------          -----------------
<S>                                <C>
Less than 1                        7%
1 or more but less than 2          6%
2 or more but less than 3          5%
3 or more but less than 4          4%
4 or more but less than 5          3%
5 or more but less than 6          2%
6 or more but less than 7          1%
7 or more                          0%
- -----------------------------------------------
</TABLE>

      A deferred sales charge will not be deducted from any portion of a
Purchase Payment withdrawn if the withdrawal is:

[bullet] applied to provide Annuity benefits;

[bullet] paid to a Beneficiary due to the Annuitant's death before Annuity
         payments start, up to a maximum of the Purchase Payment(s) in the
         Account on the Annuitant's date of death;

[bullet] made due to the election of a Systematic Distribution Option (see
         "Systematic Distribution Options");

[bullet] if approved by your state, under a Qualified Contract when the amount
         withdrawn is equal to the minimum distribution required by the Code for
         this Contract calculated using a method permitted under the Code and
         agreed to by the Company;

[bullet] paid upon a full withdrawal where the Account Value is $2,500 or less
         and no amount has been withdrawn during the prior 12 months; or

[bullet] paid if we close out your Account when the value is less than $2,500
         (or other amount required by state law).

      After the first Account Year, you may withdraw all or a portion of your
Purchase Payments without a deferred sales charge, provided that (1) such
withdrawal occurs within three years of the Annuitant's admission to a licensed
nursing care facility (including non-licensed facilities in New Hampshire) and
(2) the Annuitant has spent at least 45 consecutive days in such facility. This
waiver of deferred sales charge does not apply if the Annuitant is in a nursing
care facility at the time the Account is established. It will also not apply if
otherwise prohibited by state law.

      The Company does not anticipate that the deferred sales charge will cover
all sales and administrative expenses which it incurs in connection with the
Contract. The difference will be covered by the general assets of the Company
which are attributable, in part, to mortality and expense risk charges under
the Contract described above.

      Free Withdrawals. Subject to the restrictions described below, you may
withdraw up to the greater of 10% of your current Account Value (up to 15% of
your current Account Value for Contracts or Certificates issued in the State of
New York) or the minimum distribution amount required by law during each
calendar year without imposition of a deferred sales charge. The free
withdrawal amount will be based on the Account Value calculated on the
Valuation Date next following our receipt of your request for withdrawal and
will be adjusted for amounts requested for distribution under a Systematic
Distribution Option, during the calendar year. If your withdrawal exceeds the
applicable free withdrawal allowance, we will deduct a deferred sales charge on
the excess amount. (See the Appendix for a discussion of withdrawals from the
Guaranteed Account.)

REDUCTION OR ELIMINATION OF THE DEFERRED SALES CHARGE

      We may reduce or eliminate the deferred sales charge when sales of the
Contracts are made to individuals or a group of individuals in such a manner
that results in savings of sales expenses. The entitlement to such a reduction
in the deferred sales charge will be based on the following:

(1) the size and type of the group of individuals to whom the Contract is
    offered;

(2) the amount of expected Purchase Payments; and

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                       8
<PAGE>


(3) whether there is a prior or existing relationship with the Company such as
    being an employee of the Company or an affiliate, receiving distributions or
    making internal transfers from other contracts issued by the Company, or
    making transfers of amounts held under qualified plans sponsored by the
    Company or an affiliate.

      Any reduction or elimination of the deferred sales charge will be subject
to state approval and not be unfairly discriminatory against any person.

FUND EXPENSES

      Each Fund incurs certain expenses which are paid out of its net assets.
These expenses include, among other things, the investment advisory or
"management" fee. The expenses of the Funds are set forth in the Fee Table in
this Prospectus and described more fully in the accompanying Fund prospectuses.

PREMIUM AND OTHER TAXES

      Several states and municipalities currently impose a premium tax on
Annuities. These taxes currently range from 0% to 4%. Ordinarily, any
applicable state premium tax will be deducted from the Account Value when it is
applied to an Annuity Option. However, we reserve the right to deduct state
premium tax from the Purchase Payment(s) or from the Account Values at any
time, but no earlier than when we have a tax liability under state law.

      Any municipal premium tax assessed at a rate in excess of 1% will be
deducted from the Purchase Payment(s) or from the amount applied to an Annuity
Option based on our determination of when such tax is due. We will absorb any
municipal premium tax which is assessed at 1% or less. We reserve the right,
however, to reflect this added expense in our Annuity purchase rates for
residents of such municipalities.

                               CONTRACT VALUATION
================================================================================

ACCOUNT VALUE

      Until the Annuity Date, the Account Value is the total dollar value of
amounts held in the Account as of any Valuation Date. The Account Value at any
given time is based on the value of the units held in each Subaccount, plus the
value of amounts held in the Guaranteed Account.

ACCUMULATION UNITS

      The value of your interests in a Subaccount is expressed as the number of
"Accumulation Units" that you hold multiplied by an "Accumulation Unit Value"
(or "AUV") for each unit. The AUV on any Valuation Date is determined by
multiplying the value on the immediately preceding Valuation Date by the net
investment factor of that Subaccount for the period between the immediately
preceding Valuation Date and the current Valuation Date. (See "Net Investment
Factor" below.) The Accumulation Unit Value will be affected by the investment
performance, expenses and charges of the applicable Fund and is reduced each
day by a percentage that accounts for the daily assessment of mortality and
expense risk charges and the administrative charge.

      Initial Purchase Payments will be credited to your Account at the AUV
next computed following our acceptance of the Application as described under
"Purchasing Interests in the Contract." Each subsequent Purchase Payment (or
amount transferred) received by the Company by the close of business of the New
York Stock Exchange will be credited to your Account at the AUV next computed
following our receipt of your payment or transfer request. The value of an
Accumulation Unit may increase or decrease.

NET INVESTMENT FACTOR

      The net investment factor is used to measure the investment performance
of a Subaccount from one Valuation Date to the next. The net investment factor
for a Subaccount for any valuation period is equal to the sum of 1.0000 plus
the net investment rate. The net investment rate equals:

     (a)  the net assets of the Fund held by the Subaccount on the current
          Valuation Date, minus

     (b)  the net assets of the Fund held by the Subaccount on the preceding
          Valuation Date, plus or minus

     (c)  taxes or provisions for taxes, if any, attributable to the operation
          of the Subaccount;

     (d)  divided by the total value of the Subaccount's Accumulation and
          Annuity Units on the preceding Valuation Date;

     (e)  minus a daily charge at the annual effective rate of a maximum of
          1.25% for mortality and expense risks, and an administrative charge of
          0.15% (unless reduced or eliminated) during the Accumulation Period
          and up to 0.25% during the Annuity Period (currently 0% during the
          Annuity Period).

      The net investment rate may be either positive or negative.


- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                       9
<PAGE>

                                   TRANSFERS
================================================================================

      At any time prior to the Annuity Date, you can transfer amounts held
under your Account among the investment options available subject to certain
limitations. (See "Investment Options.") Transfers from the Guaranteed Account
may be subject to certain restrictions and to a market value adjustment. (See
the Appendix.) If approved by your state, during the Annuity Period, if you
have elected a variable Annuity, you can make transfers only among the
Subaccounts available during the Annuity Period. (See "Annuity Options.") A
request for transfer can be made either in writing or by telephone. The
telephone transfer privilege is available automatically; no special election is
necessary. All transfers must be in accordance with the terms of the Contract.
Any transfer will be based on the Accumulation Unit Value next determined after
the Company receives a valid transfer request at its Home Office.

   
      During the Accumulation Period, twelve free transfers are allowed per
calendar year. Thereafter, the Company reserves the right to charge up to $10
for each additional transfer. This charge will be deducted from the gross
amount of the transfer. The Company currently does not impose this charge.
Currently, during the Annuity Period, four transfers are allowed each calendar
year.
    

DOLLAR COST AVERAGING PROGRAM

      You may establish automated transfers of Account Values on a monthly or
quarterly basis through the Company's Dollar Cost Averaging Program. Dollar
cost averaging is a system for investing a fixed amount of money at regular
intervals over a period of time. The Dollar Cost Averaging Program permits the
transfer of amounts from any of the variable funding options and an available
Guaranteed Term subject to the Company's terms and conditions to any of the
Subaccounts. A market value adjustment will not be applied to dollar cost
averaging transfers from any such Guaranteed Term during participation in the
Dollar Cost Averaging Program. If dollar cost averaging from a Guaranteed Term
is discontinued, the Company will automatically transfer the balance remaining
in the Guaranteed Term from which dollar cost averaging is withdrawn to a
Guaranteed Term of the same duration unless the Certificate Holder initiates a
transfer to another investment option. In either case, a market value
adjustment will apply. There is no additional charge for the Dollar Cost
Averaging Program. (See the Appendix for a discussion of the restrictions and
features attributable to the Guaranteed Account.)

      Dollar cost averaging does not ensure a profit nor guarantee against loss
in a declining market. You should consider your financial ability to continue
purchases through periods of low price levels. For additional information,
please refer to the "Inquiries" section of the Prospectus Summary, which
describes how you can obtain further information.

      The Dollar Cost Averaging Program is not available to individuals who
have elected the Account Rebalancing Program.

ACCOUNT REBALANCING PROGRAM

      The Account Rebalancing Program allows you to have portions of your
Account Value automatically reallocated annually to a specified percentage or
at other more frequent intervals as allowed by Aetna under the program. Only
Account Values accumulating in the Subaccounts can be rebalanced. You may
participate in this program by completing the Account Rebalancing section of
the Application, or by sending a written request to the Company at its Home
Office. The Account Rebalancing Program does not ensure a profit nor guarantee
against loss in a declining market.

      The Account Rebalancing Program is not available to Certificate Holders
who have elected the Dollar Cost Averaging Program.

                                  WITHDRAWALS
================================================================================

      All or a portion of your Account Value may be withdrawn at any time during
the Accumulation Period. Withdrawal restrictions applicable to Section 403(b)
Contracts are described below. To request a withdrawal, you must properly
complete a disbursement form and send it to our Home Office. Payments for
withdrawal requests will be made in accordance with Securities and Exchange
Commission requirements, but normally not later than seven calendar days
following our receipt of a disbursement form. Withdrawals may be subject to a
deferred sales charge (see "Charges and Deduction") and to taxes and to tax
penalties (see "Tax Status").


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                                       10
<PAGE>

      Withdrawals may be requested in one of the following forms:

[bullet] Full Withdrawal of an Account: The amount paid for a full withdrawal
         will be the Adjusted Account Value minus any applicable deferred sales
         charge and maintenance fee due.

[bullet] Partial Withdrawals: (Percentage): The amount paid will be the
         percentage of the Adjusted Account Value requested minus any applicable
         deferred sales charge.

[bullet] Partial Withdrawals: (Specified Dollar Amount): The amount paid will be
         the dollar amount requested. However, the amount withdrawn from your
         Account will equal the amount you request plus any applicable deferred
         sales charge and plus or minus any applicable market value adjustment.

      For any partial withdrawal, the value of the Accumulation Units canceled
will be withdrawn proportionately from the Guaranteed Account or each
Subaccount in which your Account is invested, unless you request otherwise in
writing. All amounts paid will be based on your Account Value as of the next
Valuation Date after we receive a request for withdrawal at our Home Office, or
on such later date as the disbursement form may specify.

      The tax treatment of withdrawals from each Nonqualified Contract may be
affected if you own other annuity contracts issued by us (or our affiliates)
that were purchased on or after October 21, 1988. (See "Tax Status.")

      Withdrawal Restrictions from 403(b) Plans. Under Section 403(b)
Contracts, the withdrawal of salary reduction contributions and earnings on
such contributions is generally prohibited prior to the participant's death,
disability, attainment of age 59-1/2, separation from service or financial
hardship. (See "Tax Status.")

      Reinstatement Privilege Following Withdrawal. You may elect to reinstate
all or a portion of the proceeds received from the full withdrawal of your
Account within 30 days after the withdrawal. Accumulation Units will be
credited to your Account for the amount reinstated, as well as for any
maintenance fee charged and any portion of any deferred sales charge imposed at
the time of withdrawal. However, any aggregate negative market value adjustment
made to the Guaranteed Account will not be credited. Reinstated amounts will be
reallocated to applicable investment options in the same proportion as they
were allocated at the time of withdrawal.

      The number of Accumulation Units credited will be based upon the
Accumulation Unit Value(s) next computed following receipt at our Home Office
of the reinstatement request along with the amount to be reinstated. Any
maintenance fee which falls due after the withdrawal and before the
reinstatement will be deducted from the amount reinstated. The reinstatement
privilege may be used only once and does not apply to a Certificate Holder's
Account that We close out as described in the Section entitled, "Involuntary
Terminations." If you are contemplating reinstatement, you should seek
competent advice regarding the tax consequences associated with this type of
transaction.

                        SYSTEMATIC DISTRIBUTION OPTIONS
================================================================================

      The Company offers certain withdrawal options under the Contract that are
not considered Annuity Options ("Systematic Distribution Options"). To exercise
these options, your Account Value must meet the minimum dollar amount and age
criteria applicable to that option.

      The Systematic Distribution Options currently available under the
Contract include the following:

[bullet] SWO--Systematic Withdrawal Option. SWO is a series of partial
         withdrawals from your Account based on a payment method you select. It
         is designed for those who want a periodic income while retaining
         investment flexibility for amounts accumulated under a Contract.

[bullet] ECO--Estate Conservation Option. ECO offers the same investment
         flexibility as SWO but is designed for those who want to receive only
         the minimum distribution that the Code requires each year. ECO is
         available only under Qualified Contracts. Under ECO, the Company
         calculates the minimum distribution amount required by law, and pays
         you that amount once a year. (See "Tax Status.")

      Other Systematic Distribution Options may be added from time to time.
Additional information relating to any of the Systematic Distribution Options
may be obtained from your local representative or from the Company at its Home
Office.

      If you select one of the Systematic Distribution Options, you will retain
all of the rights and flexibility permitted under the Contract during the
Accumulation Period. Your Account Value will continue to be subject to the
charges and deductions described in this Prospectus.


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                                       11
<PAGE>


Taking a withdrawal under one of these Systematic Distribution Options may have
tax consequences. Any person concerned about tax implications should consult a
competent tax advisor prior to electing an option.

      Once you elect a Systematic Distribution Option, you may revoke it any
time by submitting a written request to our Home Office. Once an option is
revoked, no other Systematic Distribution Option may be elected unless
permitted by the Code. The Company reserves the right to discontinue the
availability of one or all of these Systematic Distribution Options for new
elections at any time, and/or to change the terms of future elections.

                    DEATH BENEFIT DURING ACCUMULATION PERIOD
================================================================================

      A death benefit will be payable to the Beneficiary(ies) if the
Certificate Holder or the Annuitant dies before Annuity payments have
commenced. If the Account is owned jointly, the death benefit applies at the
death of the first joint Certificate Holder. Upon the death of a joint
Certificate Holder prior to the Annuity Date, the surviving Certificate Holder,
if any, will become the designated Beneficiary. Any other Beneficiary
designation on record with the Company at the time of death will be treated as
a contingent Beneficiary.

DEATH BENEFIT AMOUNT

      If approved by your state, upon the death of the Annuitant, the death
benefit proceeds will be the greater of:

(1) The minimum guaranteed death benefit (described below) as of the date of
    death, plus any Purchase Payments made, and less any amount(s) surrendered,
    applied to an Annuity option or deducted from the Account, since the minimum
    guaranteed death benefit was determined, or

(2) The Account Value on the Claim Date.

      The minimum guaranteed death benefit is determined as follows: On the
effective date of the Contract ("Effective Date"), the minimum guaranteed death
benefit equals the amount of the initial Purchase Payment. On each Effective
Date anniversary before the Annuitant reaches age 85, the minimum guaranteed
death benefit is the greater of:

(1) The prior minimum guaranteed death benefit, plus any Purchase Payments made,
    and less any amount(s) surrendered, applied to an Annuity option or deducted
    from the Account, since the minimum guaranteed death benefit was previously
    determined, or

(2) The Account Value on the Effective Date anniversary.

      After the Annuitant reaches age 85 the minimum guaranteed death benefit
is equal to the minimum guaranteed death benefit determined on the Effective
Date anniversary immediately preceding the date the Annuitant attained age 85
plus any Purchase Payments made, and less any amounts surrendered, applied to
an Annuity option or deducted from the Account.

      On the Claim Date, if the minimum guaranteed death benefit is greater
than the Account Value, the amount by which the minimum guaranteed death
benefit exceeds the Account Value is allocated to the money market subaccount
available under the Contract. The Beneficiary may elect a death benefit option
as permitted unless the Certificate Holder has specified the form of payment to
the Beneficiary.

      Under Nonqualified Contracts only, if the Certificate Holder is not the
Annuitant and dies, the minimum guaranteed death benefit will not apply. The
amount paid on account of the death of the Certificate Holder will be equal to
the Adjusted Account Value on the Claim Date. Full or partial withdrawals may
be subject to a deferred sales charge. The Beneficiary may elect a death
benefit option available under the Contract unless the Certificate Holder has
specified the form of payment to the Beneficiary.

      If the spousal Beneficiary continued the Account at the death of the
Certificate Holder who was also the Annuitant, the spousal Beneficiary will
become the Annuitant and the minimum guaranteed death benefit will also apply
at the death of the spousal Beneficiary. The initial minimum guaranteed death
benefit equals the Account Value as adjusted for any minimum guaranteed death
benefit payable at the death of the original Certificate Holder/Annuitant.
Thereafter, the minimum guaranteed death benefit is determined as above.

      If the spousal Beneficiary continued the Account at the death of the
Certificate Holder who was not also the Annuitant, the Annuitant will not
change and the amount of death benefit proceeds payable upon the spousal
Beneficiary's death will be equal to the Adjusted Account Value on the Claim
Date, less any deferred sales charge.


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                                       12
<PAGE>


      If the death benefit described above is not approved by your state, the
following death benefit shall apply:

      Upon the death of the Annuitant, the guaranteed death benefit proceeds
will be the greatest of:

(1) the total Purchase Payment(s) applied to the Account, minus the sum of all
    amounts withdrawn, annuitized or deducted from such Account;

(2) the highest step-up value as of the date of death. The step-up value is
    determined on each anniversary of the Effective Date, up to the Annuitant's
    75th birthday (85th birthday for Contracts or Certificates issued in New
    York). Each step-up value is calculated as the Account Value on the
    Effective Date anniversary, increased by Purchase Payments applied, and
    decreased by partial withdrawals, annuitizations and deductions taken from
    the Account since the Effective Date anniversary; or

(3) the Account Value as of the date of death.

      The excess, if any, of the guaranteed death benefit value over the
Account Value is determined as of the date of death. Any excess amount will be
deposited and allocated to the money market Subaccount available under the
Contract. The Account Value on the claim date plus any excess amount deposited
into the Account becomes the Certificate Holder's Account Value. The death
benefit paid will equal the Account Value when request for payment is made and
no deferred sales charge applies.

      Under Nonqualified Contracts only, if the Certificate Holder is not the
Annuitant and dies, the guaranteed death benefit will not apply. The amount of
death benefit proceeds will be equal to the Adjusted Account Value on the Claim
Date. Full or partial withdrawals may be subject to a deferred sales charge.

      If the spousal Beneficiary continued the Account after the death of the
Certificate Holder who was the Annuitant, the amount of the death benefit
proceeds payable upon the spousal Beneficiary's death will be equal to the
Adjusted Account Value on the Claim Date, less any deferred sales charge
applicable to any Purchase Payments made since the death of the Certificate
Holder/Annuitant.

      If the spousal Beneficiary continued the Account after the death of the
Certificate Holder who was not the Annuitant, the amount of death benefit
proceeds payable upon the spousal Beneficiary's death will be equal to the
Adjusted Account Value on the Claim Date. Full or partial withdrawals may be
subject to a deferred sales charge in accordance with the usual rules regarding
the deferred sales charge. (See "Deferred Sales Charge.") If this provision was
not approved in your state, the deferred sales charge will apply only to
Purchase Payments made since the death of the Certificate Holder.

      For amounts held in the Guaranteed Account, see the Appendix for a
discussion of the calculation of death benefit proceeds.

DEATH BENEFIT PAYMENT OPTIONS

      Death benefit proceeds may be paid to the Beneficiary as described below.
If you die and no Beneficiary exists, the death benefit will be paid in a lump
sum to your estate. Prior to any election by the Beneficiary, the Account Value
will remain in the Account and the Account Value will continue to be affected
by the investment performance of the investment option(s) selected. The
Beneficiary has the right to allocate or transfer any amount to any available
investment option (subject to a market value adjustment, as applicable). The
Code requires that distributions begin within a certain time period, as
described below. If no elections are made, no distributions will be made.
Failure to commence distributions within those time periods can result in tax
penalties.

      Nonqualified Contracts. Under a Nonqualified Contract, if you die, and
the Beneficiary is your surviving spouse, or if you are a nonnatural person and
the Annuitant dies, and the Beneficiary is the Annuitant's surviving spouse, he
or she automatically becomes the successor Certificate Holder. The successor
Certificate Holder may exercise all rights under the Account and (1) continue
in the Accumulation Period; (2) elect to apply some or all of the Adjusted
Account Value to any of the Annuity Options; or (3) receive at any time a lump
sum payment equal to all or a portion of the Adjusted Account Value. If you die
and you are not the Annuitant, any applicable deferred sales charge will be
applied if a lump sum payment is elected. Under the Code, distributions are not
required until the successor Certificate Holder's death.

      If you die and the Beneficiary is not your surviving spouse, he or she
may elect option (2) or (3) above. According to the Code, any portion of the
Adjusted Account Value not distributed in installments over the life or life
expectancy beginning within one year of your death, must be paid within five
years of your death. (See "Tax Status of the Contract.")

      If you are a natural person but not the Annuitant and the Annuitant dies,
the Beneficiary may elect to apply the Adjusted Account Value to an Annuity
Option within 60


- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                       13
<PAGE>

days or to receive a lump sum payment equal to the Adjusted Account Value,
subject to state regulatory approval. If the Beneficiary does not elect an
Annuity Option within 60 days of the date of death, the gain, if any, will be
includable in the Beneficiary's income in the year the Annuitant dies.

      If SWO is in effect, payments will cease at the Certificate Holder's or
Annuitant's death. A Beneficiary, however, may elect to continue SWO.

      Qualified Contracts. Under a Qualified Contract, the death benefit is
paid at the death of the participant, who is the Annuitant under the Contract.
The Beneficiary has the following options: (1) apply some or all of the
Adjusted Account Value to any of the Annuity Options, subject to the
distribution rules in Code Section 401(a)(9), or (2) receive at any time a lump
sum payment equal to all or a portion of the Adjusted Account Value. If the
Account was established in conjunction with a Section 401(a) qualified pension
or profit sharing plan or a Section 457 deferred compensation plan, payment
will be made, as directed by the Certificate Holder, to either the Certificate
Holder or to the plan Beneficiary.

      If ECO or SWO is in effect and the participant dies before the required
beginning date for minimum distributions, payments will cease. A Beneficiary,
or the Certificate Holder on behalf of a plan Beneficiary, may elect ECO or SWO
provided the election would satisfy the Code minimum distribution rules.

      If ECO or SWO is in effect and the participant dies after the required
beginning date for minimum distributions, payments will continue as permitted
under the Code minimum distribution rules, unless the option is revoked.

      Death benefit payments must satisfy the distribution rules in Code
Section 401(a)(9). (See "Tax Status of the Contract.")

                                 ANNUITY PERIOD
================================================================================

ANNUITY PERIOD ELECTIONS

      You must notify us in writing of the date you want Annuity Payments to
start (the "Annuity Date") and the Annuity Option elected. Payments may not
begin earlier than one year after purchase, or, unless we consent, later than
the later of (a) the first day of the month following the Annuitant's 85th
birthday, or (b) the tenth anniversary of the last Purchase Payment (fifth
anniversary for Contracts issued in Pennsylvania). For Contracts or
Certificates issued in New York, Annuity Payments may not begin later than the
first day of the month following the Annuitant's 90th birthday.

      Annuity Payments will not begin until you have selected an Annuity Date
and an Annuity Option. Until a date and option are elected, the Account will
continue in the Accumulation Period.

      As of  January 1, 1997, the Code generally requires that for Qualified
Contracts, other than IRAs and for five-percent owners in other Qualified
Contracts, minimum annual distributions of the Account Value begin by April 1st
of the calendar year following the calendar year in which a participant attains
age 70-1/2 or retires, whichever occurs later. For IRA depositors and for
five-percent owners, minimum distributions must begin by April 1 of the
calendar year following the calendar year in which the participant attains age
701/2. In addition, distributions must be in a form and amount sufficient to
satisfy the Code requirements. These requirements may be satisfied by the
election of certain Annuity Options or Systematic Distribution Options. (See
"Tax Status.") For Nonqualified Contracts, failure to select an Annuity Option
and an Annuity Date, or postponement of the Annuity Date past the Annuitant's
85th birthday or tenth anniversary of your last Purchase Payment may have
adverse tax consequences. You should consult with a qualified tax adviser if
you are considering such a course of action.

      At least 30 days prior to the Annuity Date, you must notify us in writing
of the following:

[bullet] the date on which you would like Annuity Payments to begin;

[bullet] the Annuity Option under which you want payments to be calculated and
         paid;

[bullet] whether the payments are to be made monthly, quarterly, semi-annually
         or annually; and

[bullet] the investment option(s) used to provide Annuity Payments (i.e., a
         fixed Annuity using the general account or a variable Annuity using
         any of the Subaccounts available at the time of annuitization or a
         combination of the two).

      Once Annuity Payments begin, the Annuity Option may not be changed.

PARTIAL ANNUITIZATION

      You may elect an Annuity Option with respect to a portion of your Account
Value, while leaving the remaining


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                                       14
<PAGE>

portion of your Account Value invested in the Accumulation Period. The Code and
the regulations do not specifically address the tax treatment applicable to
payments provided in this way. Whether such payments are taxable as annuity
payments or as withdrawals is currently unclear; therefore, you should consult
with a qualified tax adviser if you are considering a partial annuitization of
your Account.

ANNUITY OPTIONS

      The Certificate Holder may choose one of the following Annuity Options:

Lifetime Annuity Options:

 [bullet] Option 1--Life Annuity--An annuity with payments ending on the
          Annuitant's death.

 [bullet] Option 2--Life Annuity with Guaranteed Payments--An annuity with
          payments guaranteed for 5-30 years.

*[bullet] Option 3--Life Annuity with Cash Refund Feature--An annuity with a
          cash refund feature. Payments are guaranteed for the amount applied
          to the Annuity Option. If the Annuitant dies before the amount
          applied to the Annuity Option (less any applicable premium tax) has
          been paid, any remaining balance will be paid in one sum to the
          Beneficiary. This option is available only when all payments are as a
          fixed Annuity.

 [bullet] Option 4--Life Annuity Based Upon the Lives of Two Annuitants--An
          annuity paid during the lives of the Annuitant and a second Annuitant.
          The Certificate Holder selects an Annuity with 100%, 66-2/3% or 50% of
          the payment to continue after the first death, or an Annuity with 100%
          of the payment to continue at the death of the second Annuitant and
          50% of the payment to continue at the death of the Annuitant.

 [bullet] Option 5--Life Annuity Based Upon the Lives of Two Annuitants with
          Guaranteed Payments--An Annuity with Payments for a minimum of 5-30
          years, with 100% of the payment to continue after the first death.

*[bullet] Option 6--Life Annuity Based Upon the Lives of Two Annuitants with a
          Cash Refund Feature--An Annuity with 100% of the payment to continue
          after the first death with a cash refund feature. Payments are
          guaranteed for the amount applied to the Annuity Option. If both
          Annuitants die prior to the total payment of the amount applied to
          the Annuity Option (less any premium tax), any remaining balance will
          be paid in one sum to the Beneficiary. This option is available only
          when all payments are as a Fixed Annuity.

*(If approved by your state.)

      If Option 1 or 4 is elected, it is possible that only one Annuity Payment
will be made if the Annuitant under Option 1, or the surviving Annuitant under
Option 4, should die prior to the due date of the second Annuity Payment. Once
lifetime Annuity payments begin, the Certificate Holder cannot elect to receive
a lump-sum settlement.

Nonlifetime Annuity Option:

      Under the nonlifetime option, payments may be made for generally 5-30
years, as selected by the Certificate Holder. If this option is elected as a
variable Annuity, the Certificate Holder may request that the present value of
all or any portion of the remaining variable payments be paid in one sum.
However, any lump-sum elected before three years of payments have been
completed will be treated as a withdrawal during the Accumulation Period and
any applicable deferred sales charge will be assessed. (See "Charges and
Deductions--Deferred Sales Charge.") If the nonlifetime option is elected on a
fixed basis, you cannot elect to receive a lump-sum settlement.

      We may also offer additional Annuity Options under your Contract from
time to time. You can call the number listed in the "Inquiries" section of the
Prospectus Summary, to determine which options are available and the terms of
such options. Additional or enhanced options may not be available to those
already receiving Annuity payments.

ANNUITY PAYMENTS

      Date Payments Start. When payments start, the age of the Annuitant plus
the number of years for which payments are guaranteed must not exceed 95. For
Qualified Contracts only, Annuity Payments may not extend beyond (a) the life
of the Annuitant, (b) the joint lives of the Annuitant and Beneficiary, (c) a
period certain greater than the Annuitant's life expectancy, or (d) a period
certain greater than the joint life expectancies of the Annuitant and
Beneficiary.

      Amount of Each Annuity Payment. The amount of each payment depends on how
you allocate your Account Value between fixed and variable payouts (some
options require that all payments be made on a fixed basis). No election may be
made that would result in the first Annuity Payment of less than $50, or total
yearly Annuity Payments of less than $250 (less if required by state law). If
the Account Value on the Annuity Date is insufficient to elect an option for
the minimum amount specified, a lump-sum payment must be elected. We reserve
the right to increase the minimum first


- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                       15
<PAGE>

Annuity Payment amount and the minimum annual Annuity Payment amount based on
increases reflected in the Consumer Price Index-Urban (CPI-U), since July 1,
1993.

      If Annuity Payments are to be made on a variable basis, the first and
subsequent payments will vary depending on the assumed net investment rate
selected (3-1/2% or 5% per annum). Selection of a 5% rate causes a higher first
payment, but Annuity Payments will increase thereafter only to the extent that
the net investment rate exceeds 5% on an annualized basis. Annuity Payments
would decline if the rate were below 5%. Use of the 3-1/2% assumed rate causes a
lower first payment, but subsequent payments would increase more rapidly or
decline more slowly as changes occur in the net investment rate. (See the
Statement of Additional Information for further discussion on the impact of
selecting an assumed net investment rate.)

CHARGES DEDUCTED DURING THE ANNUITY PERIOD

      We make a daily deduction for mortality and expense risks from any
amounts held on a variable basis. Therefore, electing the nonlifetime option on
a variable basis will result in a deduction being made even though we assume no
mortality risk. We may also deduct a daily administrative charge from amounts
held under the variable options. This charge, established when a variable
Annuity Option is elected, will not exceed 0.25% per year of amounts held on a
variable basis. Once established, the charge will be effective during the
entire Annuity Period. (See "Charges and Deductions.")

DEATH BENEFIT PAYABLE DURING THE ANNUITY PERIOD

      The death benefit, if any, due when the Annuitant dies after Annuity
Payments have begun, will depend on the terms of the Contract and the Annuity
Option selected. If Option 1 or Option 4 was elected, Annuity Payments will
cease on the death of the Annuitant under Option 1 or the death of the
surviving Annuitant under Option 4.

      If Lifetime Option 2 or Option 5 was elected and the death of the
Annuitant under Option 2, or the surviving Annuitant under Option 5, occurs
prior to the end of the guaranteed minimum payment period, we will continue
payments to the Beneficiary unless the Beneficiary elects a lump sum, provided
the Certificate Holder has not prohibited such an election in the Beneficiary
designation.

      If the nonlifetime option was elected, and the Annuitant dies before all
payments are made, the value of any remaining payments will be paid to the
Beneficiary unless the Beneficiary elects a lump sum, provided the Certificate
Holder has not prohibited such an election in the Beneficiary designation.

      When the Annuitant dies after Annuity Payments have begun and if there is
a death benefit payable under the Annuity option elected, the remaining value
must be distributed to the Beneficiary at least as rapidly as under the
original method of distribution.

      Any lump-sum payment paid under the applicable lifetime or nonlifetime
Annuity options will be made within seven calendar days after acceptable proof
of death, and a request for payment are received at our Home Office. The value
of any death benefit proceeds will be determined as of the next Valuation Date
after we receive acceptable proof of death and a request for payment. Under
Options 2 and 5, such value will be reduced by any payments made after the date
of death.

                                   TAX STATUS
================================================================================

INTRODUCTION

      The following provides a general discussion and is not intended as tax
advice. This discussion reflects the Company's understanding of current federal
income tax law. Such laws may change in the future, and it is possible that any
change could be retroactive (i.e., effective prior to the date of the change).
In addition, this discussion does not cover the potential application of
federal estate and gift tax laws, or state, local or any other tax law. The
Company makes no guarantee regarding the tax treatment of any contract or
transaction involving a Contract.

      The Contract may be purchased on a non-tax qualified basis ("Nonqualified
Contract") or purchased and used in connection with certain retirement
arrangements entitled to special income tax treatment under Section 401(a),
403(b), 408(b) or 457 of the Code ("Qualified Contracts"). The ultimate effect
of federal income taxes on the amounts held under a Contract, on Annuity
payments, and on the economic benefit to the Contract Holder, Certificate
Holder or Beneficiary may depend upon the tax status of the individual
concerned. Any person concerned about these tax implications should consult a
competent tax adviser before initiating any transaction.

TAXATION OF THE COMPANY
      The Company is taxed as a life insurance company under the Code. Since
the Separate Account is not an entity separate


- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                       16
<PAGE>

from the Company, it will not be taxed separately as a "regulated investment
company" under the Code. Investment income and realized capital gains are
automatically applied to increase reserves under the Contracts. Under existing
federal income tax law, the Company believes that the Separate Account
investment income and realized net capital gains will not be taxed to the
extent that such income and gains are applied to increase the reserves under
the Contracts.

      Accordingly, the Company does not anticipate that it will incur any
federal income tax liability attributable to the Separate Account and,
therefore, the Company does not intend to make provisions for any such taxes.
However, if changes in the federal tax laws or interpretation thereof result in
the Company being taxed on income or gains attributable to the Separate
Account, then the Company may impose a charge against the Separate Account
(with respect to some or all Contracts) in order to set aside provisions to pay
such taxes.

TAX STATUS OF THE CONTRACT

      Diversification. Section 817(h) of the Code requires that with respect to
Nonqualified Contracts, the investments of the Funds be "adequately
diversified" in accordance with Treasury Regulations in order for the Contracts
to qualify as annuity contracts under federal tax law. The Separate Account,
through the Funds, intends to comply with the diversification requirements
prescribed by the Treasury in Reg. Sec. 1.817-5, which affects how the Funds'
assets may be invested.

      In addition, in certain circumstances, owners of variable annuity
contracts may be considered the owners, for federal income tax purposes, of the
assets of the separate accounts used to support their contracts. In these
circumstances, income and gains from the separate account assets would be
includible in the variable contract owner's gross income. The IRS has stated in
published rulings that a variable contract owner will be considered the owner
of separate account assets if the owner possesses incidents of investment
control over the assets. The ownership rights under the contract are similar
to, but different in certain respects from those described by the IRS in
rulings in which it was determined that owners were not owners of separate
account assets. For example, a Certificate Holder has additional flexibility in
allocating premium payments and account values. In addition, the number of
funds provided under the Contract is significantly greater than the number of
funds offered in contracts on which rulings have been issued. These differences
could result in a Certificate Holder being treated as the owner of a pro rata
portion of the assets of the Separate Account. The Company reserves the right
to modify the Contract as necessary to attempt to prevent a Certificate Holder
from being considered the owner of a pro rata share of the assets of the
Separate Account.

      Required Distributions--Nonqualified Contracts: In order to be treated as
an annuity contract for federal income tax purposes, Section 72(s) of the Code
requires Nonqualified Contracts to provide that (a) if any Certificate Holder
dies on or after the Annuity Date but prior to the time the entire interest in
the Contract has been distributed, the remaining portion of such interest will
be distributed at least as rapidly as under the method of distribution in
effect at the time of the Certificate Holder's death, and (b) if any
Certificate Holder dies prior to the Annuity Date, the entire interest in the
Contract will be distributed within five years after the date of such
Certificate Holder's death. These requirements will be considered satisfied as
to any portion of a Certificate Holder's interest which is payable to or for
the benefit of a "designated beneficiary" and which is distributed over the
life of such "designated beneficiary" or over a period not extending beyond the
life expectancy of that beneficiary, provided that such distributions begin
within one year of the Certificate Holder's death. The "designated beneficiary"
refers to a natural person designated by the Certificate Holder as a
Beneficiary and to whom ownership of the contract passes by reason of death.
However, if the "designated beneficiary" is the surviving spouse of the
deceased Certificate Holder, the Account may be continued with the surviving
spouse as the new Certificate Holder. If the Certificate Holder is a
non-natural person, the surviving spouse who is the "designated beneficiary" of
the deceased Annuitant may continue the Account.

      The Nonqualifed Contracts contain provisions which are intended to comply
with the requirements of Section 72(s) of the Code, although no regulations
interpreting these requirements have yet been issued. The Company intends to
review such provisions and modify them if necessary to assure that they comply
with the requirements of Code Section 72(s) when clarified by regulation or
otherwise.

      The discussion under "Taxation of Annuities" below is based on the
assumption that the Contract qualifies as an annuity contract for federal
income tax purposes.

      Required Distributions--Qualified Contracts: The Code has required
distribution rules for Section 401(a), 403(b) and 457 Plans and Individual
Retirement Annuities.


- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                       17
<PAGE>


Other than for IRAs and for five-percent owners in other Qualified Contracts,
distributions must generally begin by April 1 of the calendar year following
the calendar year in which the participant attains age 70-1/2 or retires,
whichever occurs later. For IRA depositors and for five-percent owners, minimum
distributions must begin by April 1 of the calendar year following the calendar
year in which the participant attains age 70-1/2. Under 403(b) plans, if the
Company maintains separate records, distribution of amounts held as of December
31, 1986 must generally begin by the end of the calendar year in which the
participant attains age 75 (or retires, whichever occurs later). However,
special rules require that some or all of the balance be distributed earlier if
any distributions are taken in excess of the minimum required amount.

      To comply with these provisions, distributions must be in a form and
amount sufficient to satisfy the minimum distribution and minimum distribution
incidental death benefit rules specified in Section 401(a) (9) of the Code.

      In general, annuity payments must be distributed over the participant's
life or the joint lives of the participant and beneficiary, or over a period
not greater than the participant's life expectancy or the joint life
expectancies of the participant and beneficiary. Also, any distribution under a
Section 457 Plan payable over a period of more than one year must be made in
substantially nonincreasing amounts.

      If the participant dies on or after the required beginning date for
minimum distributions, distributions to the beneficiary must be made at least
as rapidly as the method of distribution in effect at the time of the
participant's death. However, if the required minimum distribution is
calculated each year based on the participant's single life expectancy or the
joint life expectancies of the participant and beneficiary, the regulations for
Code Section 401(a)(9) provide specific rules for calculating the required
minimum distributions at the participant's death. For example, if ECO was
elected with the calculation based on the participant's single life expectancy,
and the life expectancy is recalculated each year, the recalculated life
expectancy becomes zero in the calendar year following the participant's death
and the entire remaining interest must be distributed to the beneficiary by
December 31 of the year following the participant's death. However, a spousal
beneficiary, other than under a Section 457 Plan, has certain rollover rights
which can only be exercised in the year of the participant's death. The rules
are complex and the participant should consult a tax adviser before electing
the method of calculation to satisfy the minimum distribution requirements.

      If the participant dies before the required beginning date for minimum
distributions, the entire interest must be distributed by December 31 of the
calendar year containing the fifth anniversary of the date of the participant's
death. Alternatively, payments may be made over the life of the beneficiary or
over a period not extending beyond the life expectancy of the beneficiary, not
to exceed 15 years for a non-spousal beneficiary under a Section 457 Plan,
provided the distribution begins to a non-spouse beneficiary by December 31 of
the calendar year following the calendar year of the participant's death. If
payments are made to a spousal beneficiary, distributions must begin by the
later of December 31 of the calendar year following the calendar year of the
death or December 31 of the calendar year in which the participant would have
attained age 70-1/2.

      An exception applies for a spousal beneficiary under an Individual
Retirement Annuity. In lieu of taking a distribution under these rules, a
spousal Beneficiary may elect to treat the Account as his or her own IRA and
defer taking a distribution until his or her age 70-1/2. The surviving spouse is
deemed to have made such an election if the surviving spouse makes a rollover
to or from the Account or fails to take a distribution within the required time
period.

      If the participant or beneficiary fails to take the required minimum
distribution for any tax year, a 50% excise tax is imposed on the required
amount that was not distributed.

TAXATION OF ANNUITY CONTRACTS

      In General: Section 72 of the Code governs taxation of annuities in
general. The Company believes that a Certificate Holder under a Nonqualified
Contract who is a natural person generally is not taxed on increases in the
Account Value until distribution occurs by withdrawing all or part of such
Account Value (e.g., withdrawals or Annuity Payments under the Annuity Option
elected). The taxable portion of a distribution (in the form of a single sum
payment or an Annuity) is taxable as ordinary income.

      Non-Natural Holders of a Nonqualified Contract: If the Certificate Holder
is not a natural person, a Nonqualified Contract is not treated as an annuity
for income tax purposes and the "income on the contract" for the taxable year
is currently taxable as ordinary income. "Income on the contract" is any
increase over the year in the Surrender Value, adjusted for Purchase Payments
made


- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                       18
<PAGE>

during the year, amounts previously distributed and amounts previously included
in income. There are some exceptions to the rule and a non-natural person
should consult with its tax adviser prior to purchasing this Contract. A
non-natural person exempt from federal income taxes should consult with its tax
adviser regarding treatment of "income on the contract" for purposes of the
unrelated business income tax. When the Certificate Holder is not a natural
person, the Annuitant is considered the Certificate Holder for the purpose of
meeting the required distribution-at-death rules. In addition, when the
Certificate Holder is not a natural person, a change in Annuitant is treated as
the death of the Certificate Holder.

      The following discussion generally applies to Qualified Contracts or
Nonqualified Contracts owned by a natural person.

      Withdrawals: In the case of a withdrawal under a Qualified Contract,
including withdrawals under SWO or ECO, the amount taxable is generally based
on the ratio of the "investment in the contract" to Account Value. The
"investment in the contract" generally equals the amount of any nondeductible
Purchase Payments paid by or on behalf of any individual less any amount
received previously which was excludable from gross income. For a Qualified
Contract, the "investment in the contract" can be zero. Special tax rules may
be available for certain distributions from a Qualified Contract.

      With respect to Nonqualified Contracts, partial withdrawals, including
withdrawals under SWO, are generally treated as taxable income to the extent
that the Account Value immediately before the withdrawal exceeds the
"investment in the contract" at that time. The Account Value immediately before
a withdrawal may have to be increased by any positive market value adjustment
(MVA) that results from such a withdrawal. There is, however, no definitive
guidance on the proper tax treatment of MVAs in these circumstances, and a
Certificate Holder should contact a competent tax advisor with respect to the
potential tax consequences of any MVA that arises as a result of a partial
withdrawal.

      Full withdrawals of a Nonqualified Contract are treated as taxable income
to the extent that the amount received exceeds the "investment in the
contract."

      Annuity Payments: Although the tax consequences may vary depending on the
Annuity Payment elected under the Contract, in general, only the portion of the
Annuity Payment that represents the amount by which the Account Value exceeds
the "investment in the contract" will be taxed; after the "investment in the
contract" is recovered, the full amount of any additional annuity payments is
taxable. For variable Annuity Payments, the taxable portion is generally
determined by an equation that establishes a specific dollar amount of each
payment that is not taxed. The dollar amount is determined by dividing the
"investment in the contract" by the total number of expected periodic payments.
However, the entire distribution will be taxable once the recipient has
recovered the dollar amount of his or her "investment in the contract." For
fixed annuity payments, in general there is no tax on the portion of each
payment which represents the same ratio that the "investment in the contract"
bears to the total expected value of the Annuity Payments for the term of the
payments; however, the remainder of each Annuity Payment is taxable. Once the
"investment in the contract" has been fully recovered, the full amount of any
additional Annuity Payments is taxable. If Annuity Payments cease as a result
of an Annuitant's death before full recovery of the "investment in the
contract," consult a competent tax advisor regarding deductibility of the
unrecovered amount.

      Penalty Tax: In the case of a distribution pursuant to a Nonqualified
Contract, or a Qualified Contract other than a Qualified Contract sold in
conjunction with a Code Section 457 Plan, there may be imposed a federal income
tax penalty equal to 10% of the amount treated as taxable income.

      In general, there is no penalty tax on distributions from a Nonqualified
Contract: (1) made on or after the date on which the taxpayer attains age
59-1/2; (2) made as a result of the death of the Certificate Holder; (3)
attributable to the taxpayer's total and permanent disability; (4) received in
substantially equal periodic payments (at least annually) over the life or life
expectancy of the taxpayer or the joint lives or joint life expectancies of the
taxpayer and a "designated beneficiary;" or (5) allocable to "investment in the
contract" before August 14, 1982.

      If a distribution is made from a Qualified Contract sold in conjunction
with a Section 401(a) Plan or Section 403(b) Plan, the penalty tax will not
apply on distribution made when the participant (a) attains age 59-1/2, (b)
becomes permanently and totally disabled, (c) dies, (d) separates from service
with the plan sponsor at or after age 55, (e) rolls over the distribution
amount to another plan of the same type in accordance with the terms of the
Code, or (f) takes the distributions in substantially equal periodic payments
(at least annually) over his or her life or life


- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                       19
<PAGE>

expectancy or the joint lives or joint life expectancies of the participant and
plan beneficiary, provided the participant has separated from service with the
plan sponsor. In addition, the penalty tax does not apply for the amount of a
distribution equal to unreimbursed medical expenses incurred by the participant
that qualify for deduction as specified in the Code. The Code may impose other
penalty taxes in other circumstances.

      In general, the same exceptions described in the preceding paragraph will
apply to distributions made from an Individual Retirement Annuity. Beginning
January 1, 1997, the penalty tax is also waived on distributions made from an
IRA to pay for health insurance premiums for certain unemployed individuals.
Beginning January 1, 1998, the penalty tax is waived if the amounts withdrawn
are used for a qualified first-time home purchase or for higher education
expenses.

      Taxation of Death Benefit Proceeds: Amounts may be distributed from the
Contract because of the death of a Certificate Holder or the Annuitant.
Generally, such amounts are includible in the income of the recipient as
follows: (1) if distributed in a lump sum, they are taxed in the same manner as
a full surrender as described above, or (2) if distributed under an Annuity
Option, they are taxed in the same manner as Annuity Payments, as described
above.

      Transfers, Assignments or Exchanges of the Contract: A transfer of
ownership of a Contract, the designation of an Annuitant, payee or other
Beneficiary who is not also a Certificate Holder, the selection of certain
Annuity Dates, or the exchange of a Contract may result in certain tax
consequences. The assignment, pledge, or agreement to assign or pledge any
portion of the Account Value generally will be treated as a distribution. The
assignment or transfer of ownership of a Qualified Contract generally is not
allowed. Anyone contemplating any such designation, transfer, assignment,
selection, or exchange should contact a competent tax adviser with respect to
the potential tax effects of such a transaction.

      Multiple Contracts: All deferred nonqualified annuity contracts that are
issued by the Company (or its affiliates) to the same owner during any calendar
year are treated as one annuity contract for purposes of determining the amount
includible in gross income under Section 72(e) of the Code. In addition, the
Treasury Department has specific authority to issue regulations that prevent
the avoidance of Section 72(e) through the serial purchase of annuity contracts
or otherwise. Congress has also indicated that the Treasury Department may have
authority to treat the combination purchase of an immediate annuity contract
and separate deferred annuity contracts as a single annuity contract under its
general authority to prescribe rules as may be necessary to enforce the income
tax laws.

CONTRACTS USED WITH CERTAIN RETIREMENT PLANS

      Qualified Contracts in General: The Qualified Contract is designed for
use as an Individual Retirement Annuity or as a Contract used in connection
with certain employer sponsored retirement plans. The tax rules applicable to
participants and beneficiaries in Qualified Contracts are complex. Special
favorable tax treatment may be available for certain types of contributions and
distributions. Adverse tax consequences may result from contributions in excess
of specified limits; distributions prior to age 59-1/2 (subject to certain
exceptions); distributions that do not conform to specified commencement and
minimum distribution rules; aggregate distributions in excess of a specified
annual amount; and in other specified circumstances.

      The Company makes no attempt to provide more than general information
about use of the Contracts with the various types of retirement plans.
Participants and beneficiaries under Qualified Contracts may be subject to the
terms and conditions of the retirement plans themselves, in addition to the
terms and conditions of the Contract issued in connection with such plans. Some
retirement plans are subject to distribution and other requirements that are
not incorporated in the provisions of the Contracts. Purchasers are responsible
for determining that contributions, distributions and other transactions with
respect to the Contracts satisfy applicable laws, and should consult their
legal counsel and tax adviser regarding the suitability of the Contract.

      Section 457 Plans. Code Section 457 provides for certain deferred
compensation plans. These plans may be offered with respect to service for
state governments, local governments, political subdivisions, agencies,
instrumentalities and certain affiliates of such entities, and tax exempt
organizations. These plans are subject to various restrictions on contributions
and distributions. The plans may permit participants to specify the form of
investment for their deferred compensation account. Prior to the August 20,
1996 enactment of the Small Business Job Protection Act of 1996 (the "Small
Business Act") compensation deferred under the plans, all property and rights
purchased with such amounts, and all income attributable to such amounts,
property or rights remained solely the property and rights of the employer
(without being restricted to the provision of


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                                       20
<PAGE>

benefits) subject only to the claims of the employer's general creditors. For
that reason, depending on the terms of the particular plan, the employer may
have been entitled to draw on deferred amounts for purposes unrelated to its
Section 457 plan obligations.

      Under the Small Business Act, plans maintained by State or local
governments, their political subdivisions, agencies, instrumentalities and
certain affiliates will be required to hold all assets and income of the Plan
in trust for the exclusive benefit of plan participants and their
beneficiaries. For purposes of meeting the new requirement, custodial accounts
and annuity contracts are treated as trusts. State and local government plans
that were in existence on August 20, 1996 are allowed a transition period that
ends January 1, 1999 to comply with the new requirement.

      In general, all amounts received under a Section 457 plan are taxable and
reportable to the IRS as taxable income. Also, all amounts except death benefit
proceeds are subject to federal income tax withholding as wages. If we make
payments directly to a participant on behalf of the employer as owner, we will
withhold federal taxes (and state taxes, if applicable).

      The Code imposes a maximum limit on annual Purchase Payments which may be
excluded from the participant's gross income. Such limit is generally the
lesser of $7,500 (as adjusted to reflect changes in the cost of living) or
33-1/3% of the participant's includible compensation (25% of gross
compensation).

      Section 401(a) Plans. Section 401(a) permits corporate employers to
establish various types of retirement plans for employees, and permits
self-employed individuals to establish various types of retirement plans for
themselves and for their employees. These retirement plans may permit the
purchase of the Contract to accumulate retirement savings under the plans.
Adverse tax consequences to the plan, to the participant or to both may result
if this Contract is assigned or transferred to an individual except to a
participant as a means to provide benefit payments.

      The Code imposes a maximum limit on annual Purchase Payments that may be
excluded from a participant's gross income. Such limit must be calculated under
the Plan by the employer in accordance with Section 415 of the Code. This limit
is generally the lesser of 25% of the participant's compensation or $30,000. In
addition, Purchase Payments will be excluded from a participant's gross income
only if the Section 401(a) Plan meets certain nondiscrimination requirements.

      All distributions will be taxed as they are received unless the
distribution is rolled over to another plan of the same type or to an
individual retirement annuity/account ("IRA") in accordance with the Code, or
unless the participant has made after-tax contributions to the plan, which are
not taxed upon distribution. The Code has specific rules that apply, depending
on the type of distribution received, if after-tax contributions were made.

      In general, payments received by a beneficiary after the participant's
death are taxed in the same manner as if the participant had received those
payments, except that a limited death benefit exclusion may apply for payments
due to deaths that occurred on or before August 20, 1996. This exclusion no
longer applies to payments due to deaths occurring after August 20, 1996.

      Section 403(b) Plans. Under Section 403(b), contributions made by public
school systems or nonprofit healthcare organizations and other Section
501(c)(3) tax exempt organizations to purchase annuity contracts for their
employees are generally excludable from the gross income of the employee.

      In order to be excludable from taxable income, total annual contributions
made by the participant and his or her employer cannot exceed either of two
limits set by the Code. The first limit, under Section 415, is generally the
lesser of 25% of includible compensation or $30,000. The second limit, which is
the exclusion allowance under Section 403(b), is usually calculated according
to a formula that takes into account the participant's length of employment and
any pretax contributions to certain other retirement plans. These two limits
apply to the participant's contributions as well as to any contributions made
by the employer on behalf of the participant. There is an additional limit that
specifically limits salary reduction contributions to generally no more than
$9,500 annually (subject to indexing); a participant's own limit may be higher
or lower, depending on certain conditions. In addition, Purchase Payments will
be excluded from a participant's gross income only if the Plan meets certain
nondiscrimination requirements.

      Section 403(b)(11) restricts the distribution under Section 403(b)
contracts of: (1) salary reduction contributions made after December 31, 1988;
(2) earnings on those contributions; and (3) earnings during such period on
amounts held as of December 31, 1988. Distribution of those


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                                       21
<PAGE>

amounts may only occur upon death of the participant, attainment of age 59-1/2,
separation from service, total and permanent disability, or financial hardship.
In addition, income attributable to salary reduction contributions may not be
distributed in the case of hardship.

INDIVIDUAL RETIREMENT ANNUITIES AND SIMPLIFIED EMPLOYEE PENSION PLANS

      Section 408 of the Code permits eligible individuals to contribute to an
individual retirement program known as an Individual Retirement Annuity,
hereinafter referred to as an "IRA." Also, distributions from certain other
types of qualified plans may be "rolled over" on a tax-deferred basis into an
IRA. Employers may establish Simplified Employee Pension (SEP) Plans and
contribute to an IRA owned by the employee. Purchasers of a Qualified Contract
for use with IRAs will be provided with supplemental information required by
the Internal Revenue Service. Purchasers should seek competent advice as to the
suitability of the Contract for use with IRAs.

WITHHOLDING

      Pension and annuity distributions generally are subject to withholding
for the recipient's federal income tax liability at rates that vary according
to the type of distribution and the recipient's tax status. Recipients may be
provided the opportunity to elect not to have tax withheld from distributions;
however, certain distributions from Section 401(a) Plans and Section 403(b)
tax-deferred annuities are subject to mandatory 20% federal income tax
withholding. We will report to the IRS the taxable portion of all
distributions.

                                 MISCELLANEOUS
================================================================================

DISTRIBUTION

      The Company will serve as the principal underwriter for the securities
sold by this Prospectus. The Company is registered as a broker-dealer with the
Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") and is a member of the National
Association of Securities Dealers, Inc. ("NASD"). As principal underwriter, the
Company will contract with one or more registered broker-dealers, or with banks
that may be acting as broker-dealers without separate registration under the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934 pursuant to legal and regulatory exceptions
("Distributors") to offer and sell the Contracts. The Company and one or more
of its affiliates may also sell the Contracts directly. All individuals
offering and selling the Contracts must either be registered representatives of
a broker-dealer, or employees of a bank exempt from registration under the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934, and must also be licensed as insurance agents
to sell variable annuity contracts.

      {From time to time, the Company may offer customers of certain
broker-dealers special guaranteed rates in connection with the Guaranteed
Account offered through the Contracts, and may negotiate different commissions
for these broker-dealers.}

      {The Company may also contract with independent third party broker-dealers
who will act as wholesalers by assisting the Company in finding broker-dealers
or banks interested in acting as Distributors for the Company. These
wholesalers may also provide training, marketing and other sales related
functions for the Company and the Distributors and may provide certain
administrative services to the Company in connection with the Contracts. The
Company may pay such wholesalers compensation based on Purchase Payments for
the Contracts purchased through Distributors selected by the wholesaler.}

      {The Company may also designate third parties to provide services in
connection with the Contracts such as reviewing applications for completeness
and compliance with insurance requirements and providing the Distributors with
approved marketing material, prospectuses or other supplies. These parties will
also receive payments based on Purchase Payments for their services, to the
extent such payments are allowed by applicable securities laws. All costs and
expenses related to these services will be paid by the Company.}

      [Federated Securities Corp. ("FES"), an affiliate of the adviser to the 
Funds in the Federated Insurance Series, may enter into agreements with some of 
the Distributors to provide services to customers in connection with Funds
acquired through the Contracts. These services will include providing customers 
with information concerning the Funds, their investment objectives, policies 
and limitations; portfolio securities; performance, responding to customer 
inquiries and providing such other services as the parties may agree. Fees 
paid to FSC to Distributors for these services may be based on the total number 
of assets in the Funds attributable to the Distributor's customers.]

   
      Payment of Commissions. {We pay Distributors and their Registered
Representatives who sell the Contracts commissions and service fees. In limited
circumstances, we also pay certain of these professionals compensation,
overrides or reimbursement for expenses associated with the distribution of the
Contract. In total, the compensation amounts are considered equivalent to
approximately 7.5% of the Purchase Payments credited to the Contract over the
Contract's estimated life. At times the Company may offer certain distributors
an enhanced commission for a limited period of time. In addition, some sales
personnel may receive various types of non-cash compensation such as special
sales incentives, including trips and educational and/or business seminars.
Supervisory and other management personnel of the Company may receive
    


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                                       22
<PAGE>

compensation that will vary based on the relative profitablity to the Company
of the funding options you select. Funding options that invest in Funds advised
by the Company or its affiliates are generally more profitable to the Company.}

      {We pay these commissions, fees and related distribution expenses out of
any deferred sales charges assessed or out of our general assets, including
investment income and any profit from investment advisory fees and mortality
and expense risk charges. No additional deductions or charges are imposed for
commissions and related expenses.}

DELAY OR SUSPENSION OF PAYMENTS

      The Company reserves the right to suspend or postpone the date of payment
for any benefit or values (a) on any Valuation Date on which the New York Stock
Exchange ("Exchange") is closed (other than customary weekend and holiday
closings) or when trading on the Exchange is restricted; (b) when an emergency
exists, as determined by the SEC, so that disposal of securities held in the
Subaccounts is not reasonably practicable or it is not reasonably practicable
for the Company fairly to determine the value of the Subaccount's assets; or
(c) during such other periods as the SEC may by order permit for the protection
of investors. The conditions under which restricted trading or an emergency
exists shall be determined by the rules and regulations of the SEC.

PERFORMANCE REPORTING

      From time to time, the Company may advertise different types of
historical performance for the Subaccounts of the Separate Account. The Company
may advertise the "standardized average annual total returns" of the
Subaccounts, calculated in a manner prescribed by the SEC, as well as the
"non-standardized returns." "Standardized average annual total returns" are
computed according to a formula in which a hypothetical investment of $1,000 is
applied to the Subaccount and then related to the ending redeemable values over
the most recent one, five and ten-year periods (or since inception, if less
than ten years). Standardized returns will reflect the reduction of all
recurring charges during each period (e.g., mortality and expense risk charges,
annual maintenance fees, administrative charge and any applicable deferred
sales charge). "Non-standardized returns" will be calculated in a similar
manner, except that non-standardized figures will not reflect the deduction of
any applicable deferred sales charge (which would decrease the level of
performance shown if reflected in these calculations). The non-standardized
figures may also include monthly, quarterly, year-to-date and three-year
periods.

      The Company may also advertise certain ratings, rankings or other
information related to the Company, the Subaccounts or the Funds. Further
details regarding performance reporting and advertising are described in the
Statement of Additional Information.

VOTING RIGHTS

      Each Contract Holder may direct us in the voting of shares at
shareholders' meetings of the appropriate Funds(s). The number of votes to
which each Contract Holder may give direction will be determined as of the
record date. The number of votes each Contract Holder is entitled to direct
with respect to a particular Fund during the Accumulation Period equals the
portion of the Account Values(s) of the Contract attributable to that Fund,
divided by the net asset value of one share of that Fund. During the Annuity
Period, the number of votes is equal to the valuation reserve for the portion
of the Contract attributable to that Fund, divided by the net asset value of
one share of that Fund. In determining the number of votes, fractional votes
will be recognized. Where the value of the Contract or valuation reserve
relates to more than one Fund, the calculation of votes will be performed
separately for each Fund.

      If you are a Certificate Holder under a group Contract, you have a fully
vested (100%) interest in the benefits provided to you under your Account.
Therefore, you may instruct the group Contract Holder how to direct the Company
to cast the votes for the portion or the value of valuation reserve
attributable to your Account. Votes attributable to those Certificate Holders
who do not instruct the group Contract Holder will be cast by the Company in
the same proportion as votes for which instructions have been received by the
group Contract Holder. Votes attributable to individual or group Contract
Holders who do not direct us will be cast by us in the same proportion as votes
for which directions we have received.

      You will receive a notice of each meeting of shareholders, together with
any proxy solicitation materials, and a statement of the number of votes
attributable to your Account.

MODIFICATION OF THE CONTRACT

      The Company may change the Contract as required by federal or state law.
In addition, the Company may, upon 30 days written notice to the Contract
Holder, make other changes to group Contracts that would apply only to


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                                       23
<PAGE>

individuals who become Certificate Holders under that Contract after the
effective date of such changes. If the Contract Holder does not agree to a
change, the Company reserves the right to refuse to establish new Accounts
under the Contract. Certain changes will require the approval of appropriate
state or federal regulatory authorities.

TRANSFERS OF OWNERSHIP; ASSIGNMENT
      Assignments or transfers of ownership of a Qualified Contract generally
are not allowed except as permitted under the Code, incident to a divorce. The
prohibition does not apply to a Qualified Contract sold in conjunction with (1)
a Section 457 deferred compensation plan, or (2) a Section 401(a) plan where
the Contract is owned by a trustee. We will accept assignments or transfers of
ownership of a Nonqualified Contract or a Qualified Contract where assignments
or transfers of ownership are not prohibited, with proper notification. The
date of any such transfer will be the date we receive the notification at our
Home Office. (Refer to "Tax Status" for general tax information.) If you are
contemplating a transfer of ownership or assignment you should consult a tax
adviser due to the potential for tax liability.

      No assignment of a Contract will be binding on us unless made in writing
and sent to us at our Home Office. The Company will use reasonable procedures
to confirm that the assignment is authentic, including verification of
signature. If the Company fails to follow its procedures, it would be liable
for any losses to you directly resulting from the failure. Otherwise, we are
not responsible for the validity of any assignment. The rights of the
Certificate Holder and the interest of the Annuitant and any Beneficiary will
be subject to the rights of any assignee of record.

INVOLUNTARY TERMINATIONS
      We reserve the right to terminate any Account with a value of $2,500 or
less immediately following a partial withdrawal (unless otherwise required by
state law). However, an Individual Retirement Annuity may only be closed out
when Purchase Payments have not been received for a 24-month period and the
paid-up annuity benefit at maturity would be less than $20 per month. If such
right is exercised, you will be given 90 days advance written notice. No
deferred sales charge will be deducted for involuntary terminations. The
Company does not intend to exercise this right in cases where the Account Value
is reduced to $2,500 or less solely due to investment performance.

LEGAL MATTERS AND PROCEEDINGS
      The Company knows of no material legal proceedings pending to which the
Separate Account or the Company is a party or which would materially affect the
Separate Account. The validity of the securities offered by this Prospectus has
been passed upon by Counsel to the Company.


- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                       24
<PAGE>

              CONTENTS OF THE STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
================================================================================

     The Statement of Additional Information contains more specific information
on the Separate Account and the Contract, as well as the financial statements
of the Separate Account and the Company. A list of the contents of the SAI is
set forth below:

         General Information and History
         Variable Annuity Account B
         Offering and Purchase of Contracts
         Performance Data
          General
          Average Annual Total Return Quotations
         Annuity Payments
         Sales Material and Advertising
         Independent Auditors
         Financial Statements of the Separate Account
         Financial Statements of the Company


- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                       25
<PAGE>

                       APPENDIX ALIAC GUARANTEED ACCOUNT
================================================================================

     The ALIAC Guaranteed Account (the "Guaranteed Account") is a credited
interest option available during the Accumulation Period under the Contracts.
This Appendix is a summary of the Guaranteed Account and is not intended to
replace the Guaranteed Account prospectus. You should read the accompanying
Guaranteed Account prospectus carefully before investing.

   
     The Guaranteed Account is a credited interest option in which we guarantee
stipulated rates of interest for stated periods of time on amounts directed to
the Guaranteed Account. For guaranteed terms of one year or less, a guaranteed
rate is credited for the full term. For guaranteed rates of greater than one
year (except for those Contracts or Certificates issued in the state of New
York), the initial guaranteed rate is credited from the date of deposit to the
end of a specified period within the guaranteed term. The interest rate
stipulated is an annual effective yield; that is, it reflects a full year's
interest. Interest is credited daily at a rate that will provide the guaranteed
annual effective yield for one year. Guaranteed interest rates will never be
less than an annual effective rate of 3%.

     During a deposit period, amounts may be applied to any of the available
guaranteed terms. A Guaranteed Term is the period of time specified by the
Company for which a specific Guaranteed Rate or Rates are offered on amounts
invested during a specific Deposit Period. Guaranteed Terms are made available
by the Company subject to the Company's terms and conditions. See the
prospectus for the Guaranteed Account for further details regarding Guaranteed
Term. The Company may offer more than one Guaranteed Term of the same duration
and credit one with a higher rate contingent upon use only with the Dollar Cost
Averaging Program. If amounts are applied to a Guaranteed Term which is
credited with a higher rate using dollar cost averaging and the dollar cost
averaging is discontinued, the amounts will be transferred to another
Guaranteed Term of the same duration and a market value adjustment ("MVA") will
apply. The Company also reserves the right to limit the number of Guaranteed
Terms or the availability of certain Guaranteed Terms. Purchase Payments
received after the initial payment will be allocated in the same proportions as
the last allocation, if no new allocation instructions are received with the
Purchase Payment. If the same guaranteed term(s) are not available, the next
shortest term will be used. If no shorter guaranteed term is available, the
next longer guaranteed term will be used.

     Except for transfers from an available Guaranteed Term subject to the
Company's terms and conditions in connection with the Dollar Cost Averaging
Program, withdrawals taken in connection with an Estate Conservation or
Systematic Withdrawal distribution option, and, if approved by your state,
withdrawals for minimum distributions required by the Code for which the
deferred sales charge is waived, withdrawals or transfers from a guaranteed
term before the guaranteed term matures may be subject to an MVA. An MVA
reflects the change in the value of the investment due to changes in interest
rates since the date of deposit. When interest rates increase after the date of
deposit, the value of the investment decreases, and the MVA is negative.
Conversely, when interest rates decrease after the date of deposit, the value
of the investment increases, and the MVA is positive. It is possible that a
negative MVA could result in the Certificate Holder receiving an amount which
is less than the amount paid into the Guaranteed Account.
    

     For partial withdrawals during the Accumulation Period, amounts to be
withdrawn from the Guaranteed Account will be withdrawn on a pro rata basis
from each group of deposits having the same length of time until the Maturity
Date ("Guaranteed Term Group"). Within a Guaranteed Term Group, the amount will
be withdrawn first from the oldest Deposit Period, then from the next oldest,
and so on until the amount requested is satisfied.

     As a Guaranteed Term matures, assets accumulating under the Guaranteed
Account may be (a) transferred to a new Guaranteed Term, (b) transferred to
other available investment options, or (c) withdrawn. Amounts withdrawn may be
subject to a deferred sales charge. If no direction is received by the Company
at its Home Office by the maturity date of a guaranteed term, the amount from
the maturing guaranteed term will be transferred to the current deposit period
for a similar length guaranteed term. If the same guaranteed term is no longer
available the next shortest guaranteed term available in the current deposit
period will be used. If no shorter guaranteed term is available, the next
longer guaranteed term will be used.

     If you do not provide instructions concerning the maturity value of a
maturing guaranteed term, the maturity value transfer provision applies. This
provision allows you to transfer without an MVA to available guaranteed terms
of the current deposit


- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                       26
<PAGE>

period or to other available investment options, or surrender without an MVA
(if applicable, a deferred sales charge is assessed on the surrendered amount).
The provision is available only during the calendar month immediately following
a guaranteed term maturity date and only applies to the first transaction
regardless of the amount involved in the transaction.

MORTALITY AND EXPENSE RISK CHARGES
     We make no deductions from the credited interest rate for mortality and
expense risks; these risks are considered in determining the credited rate.

TRANSFERS
   
     Amounts applied to a guaranteed term during a deposit period may not be
transferred to any other funding option or to another guaranteed term during
that deposit period or for 90 days after the close of that deposit period. This
does not apply to (1) amounts transferred on the Maturity Date or under the
maturity value transfer provision; (2) amounts transferred from the Guaranteed
Account before the Maturity Date due to the election of an Annuity Option, (3)
amounts distributed under the Estate Conservation or Systematic Withdrawal
Options; and (4) amounts transferred from an available Guaranteed Term in
connection with the Dollar Cost Averaging Program. However, if the Certificate
Holder discontinues the Dollar Cost Averaging Program and the amounts in it are
transferred in accordance with the Company's terms and conditions governing
Guaranteed Terms, an MVA will apply. Transfers after the 90-day period are
permitted from guaranteed term(s) to other guaranteed term(s) available during
a deposit period or to other available investment options. Except for
transactions described in items (1), (3) and (4) above, amounts withdrawn or
transferred from the Guaranteed Account prior to the maturity date will be
subject to an MVA. However, only a positive aggregate MVA will be applied to
transfers made due to annuitization under one of the lifetime Annuity Options
described in item (2) above.

     The Company reserves the right to limit the number of investment options
selected during the Accumulation Period. At this time there is no limit on the
number of options selected during the Accumulation Period, but the number of
investment options that may be selected at any one time by a Certificate Holder
presently is limited to 18. Under the Guaranteed Account, each guaranteed term
is counted as one funding option. If a guaranteed term matures, and is renewed
for the same term, it will not count as an additional investment option.
    


     Transfers of the Guaranteed Account values on or within one calendar month
of a term's maturity date are not counted as one of the 12 free transfers of
accumulated values in the Account.

     By notifying us at least 30 days prior to the Annuity Date, you may elect
a variable annuity and have amounts that have been accumulating under the
Guaranteed Account transferred to one or more of the Subaccounts available
during the Annuity Period. The Guaranteed Account cannot be used as an
investment option during the Annuity Period. Transfers made due to the election
of a lifetime Annuity Option will be subject to only a positive aggregate MVA.

DEATH BENEFIT
     Full and partial withdrawals and transfers made from the Guaranteed
Account within six months after the date of the Annuitant's death will be the
greater of:

(1) the aggregate MVA amount (i.e., the sum of all market value adjusted
    amounts calculated due to a withdrawal of amounts) which may be greater or
    less than the Account Value of those amounts; or

(2) the applicable portion of the Account Value attributable to the Guaranteed
    Account.

     After the six-month period, the surrender or transfer amount will be
adjusted for the aggregate MVA amount, which may be greater or less than the
Account Value of those amounts.

DISTRIBUTION
     The Company is the principal underwriter of the Contract. The Company is
registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission under the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934 as a broker-dealer, and is a member of the National
Association of Securities Dealers, Inc.

     From time to time, the Company may offer customers of certain
broker-dealers special guaranteed rates in connection with the Guaranteed
Account offered through the Contracts, and may negotiate different commissions
for these broker-dealers.


- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                       27

<PAGE>

                           Variable Annuity Account B
                                       of
                    Aetna Life Insurance and Annuity Company

          Supplement for Aetna Marathon Plus dated November 28, 1997 to
              Statement of Additional Information dated May 1, 1997

The information in this supplement updates and amends the information contained
in the Statement of Additional Information dated May 1, 1997 for Aetna Marathon
Plus (the "Statement") and should be read with that Statement. Capitalized terms
are defined in the Statement or the Prospectus.

[bullet]  The following replaces the funds listed on page 3 of the Statement:


<TABLE>

        <S>                                                            <C>
        Aetna Variable Fund                                            Janus Aspen Aggressive Growth Portfolio
        Aetna Income Shares                                            Janus Aspen Balanced Portfolio
        Aetna Variable Encore Fund                                     Janus Aspen Flexible Income Portfolio
        Aetna Investment Advisers Fund, Inc.                           Janus Aspen Growth Portfolio
        Aetna Ascent Variable Portfolio                                Janus Aspen Short-Term Bond Portfolio
        Aetna Crossroads Variable Portfolio                            Janus Aspen Worldwide Growth Portfolio
        Aetna Legacy Variable Portfolio                                MFS Total Return Series
        Aetna Variable Capital Appreciation Portfolio                  MFS World Governments Series
        Aetna Variable Growth Portfolio                                Oppenheimer Capital Appreciation Fund
        Aetna Variable Index Plus Portfolio                            Oppenheimer Global Securities Fund
        Aetna Variable Small Company Portfolio                         Oppenheimer Growth & Income Fund
        Calvert Responsibly Invested Balanced Portfolio                Oppenheimer Strategic Bond Fund
        [Federated American Leaders Fund II]                           Portfolio Partners MFS Emerging Equities Portfolio 
        [Federated Equity Income Fund II]                              Portfolio Partners MFS Research Growth Portfolio   
        [Federated Fund for U.S. Government Securities II]             Portfolio Partners MFS Value Equity Portfolio      
        [Federated Growth Strategies Fund II]                          Portfolio Partners Scudder International Growth    
        [Federated High Income Bond Fund II]                             Portfolio                                        
        [Federated International Equity Fund II]                       Portfolio Partners T. Rowe Price Growth Equity     
        [Federated Prime Money Fund II]                                   Portfolio                                       
        [Federated Utility Fund II]            
        Fidelity VIP Equity-Income Portfolio   
        Fidelity VIP Growth Portfolio          
        Fidelity VIP High Income Portfolio     
        Fidelity VIP Overseas Portfolio        
        Fidelity VIP II Asset Manager Portfolio
        Fidelity VIP II Contrafund Portfolio   
        Fidelity VIP II Index 500 Portfolio    
</TABLE>




Complete descriptions of each of the Fund, including their investment
objectives, policies, risks and fees and expenses, are contained in the
prospectuses and statements of additional information for each of the Funds.

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                        1

<PAGE>



The tables shown below reflect the average annual standardized and
non-standardized total return quotation figures for the periods ended December
31, 1996 for the Subaccount available under the Contract. Table A reflects the
total return quotations for Contracts issued nationwide (other than Contracts or
Certificates issued in New York). Table B reflects the total return quotations
for Contracts or Certificates issued in the state of New York. The returns are
based on the maximum Subaccount and Contract charges as shown in the "Fee Table"
of the prospectus.

[bullet]  The following is in addition to the chart found on page 5 "Table A"
          of the statement:

   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                     TABLE A
                                          -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                                         
   ($30 annual maintenance fee)                 STANDARDIZED                          NON-STANDARDIZED                   
                                                                                                                         
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                 SUBACCOUNT               1  Year     5 Years     10 Years    1 Year     3 Years    5 Years    10 Years
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                        <C>         <C>                    <C>         <C>        <C>        <C>    
Calvert Responsibly Invested               3.26%       9.39%*                 11.03%      10.67%     8.90%      9.55%**  
Balanced Fund
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>




[bullet]  The following is in addition to the chart found on page 7 "Table B" of
          the statement:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                     TABLE B
                  CONTRACTS OR CERTIFICATES ISSUED IN NEW YORK
                                          -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                                         
   ($30 annual maintenance fee)                 STANDARDIZED                          NON-STANDARDIZED                   
                                                                                                                         
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                 SUBACCOUNT               1  Year     5 Years     10 Years    1 Year     3 Years    5 Years    10 Years  
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                        <C>         <C>                    <C>         <C>        <C>        <C>      
Calvert Responsibly Invested               4.37%       9.74%*                 11.03%      10.67%     8.90%      9.55%**  
Balanced Fund                                                                                                            
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>

*    Reflects total return from November 2, 1992, the date the Fund was first
     offered through the Separate Account.
**   Reflects total return from September 2, 1986, the Fund's inception date.
    

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                        2

<PAGE>


                           VARIABLE ANNUITY ACCOUNT B
                           PART C - OTHER INFORMATION

Item 24. Financial Statements and Exhibits
   (a) Financial Statements:
     (1)   Included in Part A:
           Condensed Financial Information
     (2)   Included in Part B:*
           Financial Statements of Variable Annuity Account B:
           - Statement of Assets and Liabilities as of December 31, 1996
           - Statements of Operations and Changes in Net Assets for the years 
             ended December 31, 1996 and 1995
           - Notes to Financial Statements
           - Independent Auditors' Report
           Financial Statements of the Depositor:
           - Independent Auditors' Report
           - Consolidated  Statements  of  Income  for the  years  ended
             December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994
           - Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 1996 and 1995
           - Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholder's Equity for the
             years ended December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994
           - Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended December
             31, 1996, 1995 and 1994
           - Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

*Incorporated by Reference

(b) Exhibits
     (1)   Resolution of the Board of Directors of Aetna Life Insurance and 
           Annuity Company establishing Variable Annuity Account B(1)
     (2)   Not applicable
     (3.1) Selling Agreement(2)
     (3.2) Alternative Form of Wholesaling Agreement and Related Selling 
           Agreement(3)
     (3.3) Federated Broker Dealer Agreement (9/2/94)(4)
     (4.1) Variable Annuity Contract G-MP1(5/97)(5)
     (4.2) Variable Annuity Contract Certificate MP1CERT(5/97)(5)
     (4.3) Variable Annuity Contract I-MP1(5/97)(5)
     (4.4) Variable Annuity Contract G-MP1(5/96)(6)
     (4.5) Variable Annuity Contract Certificate MP1CERT(5/96)(6)
     (4.6) Variable Annuity Contract I-MP1(5/96)(6)
     (4.7) Variable Annuity Contract G-CDA-96(NY)(6)
     (4.8) Variable Annuity Contract Certificate GMCC-96(NY)(6)
     (4.9) Variable Annuity Contracts and Certificates G-CDA-IC(NQ), 
           G-CDA-IC(IR), I-CDA-IC(NQ/MP), I-CDA-IC(IR/MP), GMCC-IC(NQ)(7)

<PAGE>

    (4.10) Variable Annuity Contracts and Certificates G-CDA-IC(IR/NY),
           GMCC-IC(IR/NY), G-CDA-IC(NQ/NY), and GMCC-IC(NQ/NY)(8)
    (4.11) Endorsements MP1IRA(5/97) and I-MP1IRA(5/97) to Contract
           G-MP1(5/96) and Certificate MP1CERT(5/96)(6)
    (4.12) Endorsements MP1QP(5/97) and I-MP1QP(5/97) to Contract
           G-MP1(5/96) and Certificate MP1CERT(5/96)(6)
    (4.13) Endorsements MP1TDA(5/97) and I-MP1TDA(5/97) to Contract
           G-MP1(5/96) and Certificate MP1CERT(5/96)(6)
    (4.14) Endorsements MP1DC(5/97) and I-MP1DC(5/97) to Contract
           G-MP1(5/96) and Certificate MP1CERT(5/96)(6)
    (4.15) Endorsement G-MP1IRA(11/96) to Contract G-CDA-96(NY) and Certificate 
           GMCC-96(NY)(6)
    (4.16) Endorsements MP1END(5/97) and I-MP1END (5/97) to Contract GMP1(5/96) 
           and Certificate MP1CERT(5/96)(6)
    (4.17) Endorsement MP1END(9/97) to Contract G-MP1(5/96) and Certificate
           MP1CERT(5/96)(5)
    (4.18) Endorsement I-MP1END(9/97) to Contract I-MP1(5/96)(5)
    (5.1)  Variable Annuity Contract Application (300-MAR-IB)(9)
    (5.2)  Variable Annuity Contract Application (710.6.13)(9)
    (6.1)  Certificate of  Incorporation  of Aetna Life Insurance and Annuity
           Company(10)
    (6.2)  Amendment of Certificate of Incorporation of Aetna Life Insurance 
           and Annuity Company(11)
    (6.3)  By-Laws, as amended September 17, 1997, of Aetna Life Insurance and 
           Annuity  Company(12) 
    (7)    Not applicable
    (8.1)  Fund  Participation  Agreement (Amended and Restated) between Aetna
           Life Insurance and Annuity Company, Alger American Fund and Fred 
           Alger Management, Inc. dated as of March 31, 1995(3)
    (8.2)  Fund Participation Agreement between Aetna Life Insurance and Annuity
           Company and Calvert Asset Management Company (Calvert Responsibly 
           Invested Balanced Portfolio, formerly Calvert Socially Responsible 
           Series) dated March 13, 1989 and amended December 27, 1993(3)
    (8.3)  Second  Amendment dated January 1, 1996 to Fund  Participation
           Agreement between Aetna Life Insurance and Annuity Company and
           Calvert Asset Management Company (Calvert Responsibly Invested
           Balanced Portfolio, formerly Calvert Socially Responsible Series)
           dated March 13, 1989 and amended December 27, 1993(13)
    (8.4)  Third Amendment dated February 11, 1997 to Fund Participation 
           Agreement between Aetna Life Insurance and Annuity Company and
           Calvert Asset Management Company (Calvert Responsibly Invested
           Balanced Portfolio, formerly

<PAGE>

           Calvert Socially Responsible Series) dated March 13, 1989 and amended
           December 27, 1993 and January 1, 1996(14)
    (8.5)  Fourth Amendment dated February 28, 1997 to Fund Participation
           Agreement between Aetna Life Insurance and Annuity Company and
           Calvert Asset Management Company (Calvert Responsibly Invested
           Balanced Portfolio, formerly Calvert Socially Responsible Series)
           dated March 13, 1989 and amended December 27, 1993, January 1, 1996,
           and February 11, 1997(15)
    (8.6)  Fund Participation Agreement by and among Aetna Life Insurance and 
           Annuity Company, Insurance Management Series and Federated Advisors
           dated July 1, 1994(16)
    (8.7)  Fund Participation Agreements between Aetna Life Insurance and
           Annuity Company, Variable Insurance Products Fund and Fidelity
           Distributors Corporation dated February 1, 1994 and amended on
           December 15, 1994, February 1, 1996, May 1, 1995, January 1, 1996 and
           March 1, 1996(11)
    (8.8)  Fifth Amendment, dated as of May 1, 1997, to the Fund Participation
           Agreement between Aetna Life Insurance and Annuity Company, Variable
           Insurance Products Fund and Fidelity Distributors Corporation dated
           February 1, 1994 and amended on December 15, 1994, February 1, 1996,
           May 1, 1995, January 1, 1996 and March 1, 1996(5)
    (8.9)  Fund Participation Agreement between Aetna Life Insurance and
           Annuity Company, Variable Insurance Products Fund II and Fidelity
           Distributors Corporation dated February 1, 1994 and amended on
           December 15, 1994, May 1, 1995, January 1, 1996, February 1, 1996 and
           March 1, 1996(11)
    (8.10) Fifth Amendment, dated as of May 1, 1997, to the Fund Participation
           Agreement between Aetna Life Insurance and Annuity Company, Variable
           Insurance Products Fund II and Fidelity Distributors Corporation
           dated February 1, 1994 and amended on December 15, 1994, May 1, 1995,
           January 1, 1996, February 1, 1996 and March 1, 1996(5)
    (8.11) Service Agreement between Aetna Life Insurance and Annuity Company 
           and Fidelity Investments Institutional Operations Company dated as of
           November 1, 1995(13)
    (8.12) Amendment dated January 1, 1997 to Service Agreement between Aetna 
           Life Insurance and Annuity Company and Fidelity Investments
           Institutional Operations Company dated as of November 1, 1995(5)
    (8.13) Fund Participation Agreement between Aetna Life Insurance and Annuity
           Company and Janus Aspen Series dated April 19, 1994, and amended June
           15, 1994, July 31, 1995 and March 1, 1996(5)
    (8.14) Fund Participation Agreement between Aetna Life Insurance and Annuity
           Company and Lexington Management Corporation regarding Natural
           Resources Trust dated December 1, 1988 and amended February 11,
           1991(3)

<PAGE>

    (8.15) Fund Participation Agreement between Aetna Life Insurance and Annuity
           Company, Lexington Emerging Markets Fund, Inc. and Lexington
           Management Corporation (its investment advisor) dated April 28,
           1994(2)
    (8.16) Fund Participation Agreement among MFS Variable Insurance Trust, 
           Aetna Life Insurance and Annuity Company and Massachusetts Financial
           Services Company dated April 30, 1996(6)
    (8.17) First Amendment dated September 3,1996 to Fund Participation 
           Agreement among MFS Variable Insurance Trust, Aetna Life Insurance
           and Annuity Company and Massachusetts Financial Services Company
           dated April 30, 1996(17)
    (8.18) Second Amendment dated March 14, 1997 to Fund Participation
           Agreement among MFS Variable Insurance Trust, Aetna Life Insurance
           and Annuity Company and Massachusetts Financial Services Company
           dated April 30, 1996(16)
    (8.19) Fund Participation Agreement between Aetna Life Insurance and
           Annuity Company and Oppenheimer Variable Annuity Account Funds and
           OppenheimerFunds, Inc. dated March 11, 1997(16)
    (8.20) Service Agreement between Oppenheimer Funds, Inc. and Aetna Life 
           Insurance and Annuity Company dated March 11, 1997(16)
    (8.21) Fund Participation Agreement between Aetna Life Insurance and
           Annuity Company, Investors Research Corporation and TCI Portfolios,
           Inc. dated July 29, 1992 and amended December 22, 1992 and June 1,
           1994(3)
    (8.22) Administrative Service Agreement between Aetna Life Insurance and 
           Annuity Company and Agency, Inc.(2)
    (9)    Opinion and Consent of Counsel
    (10)   Consent of Independent Auditors
    (11)   Not applicable
    (12)   Not applicable
    (13)   Schedule for Computation of Performance Data(17)
    (14)   Not applicable
    (15.1) Powers of Attorney(5)
    (15.2) Authorization for Signatures(3)
    (27)   Financial Data Schedule

1. Incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 6 to Registration
   Statement on Form N-4 (File No. 33-75986), as filed electronically on April
   22, 1996 (Accession No. 0000950146-96-000563).
2. Incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 22 to Registration
   Statement on Form N-4 (File No. 33-34370), as filed electronically on April
   22, 1996 (Accession No. 0000912057-96-006805).

<PAGE>

3.  Incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 5 to Registration
    Statement on Form N-4 (File No. 33-75986), as filed electronically on April
    12, 1996 (Accession No. 0000912057-96-006383).
4.  Incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 3 to Registration
    Statement on Form N-4 (File No. 33-79122), as filed electronically on August
    16, 1995 (Accession No. 0000950109-95-003265).
5.  Incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 30 to Registration
    Statement on Form N-4 (File No. 33-34370), as filed electronically on
    September 29, 1997 (Accession No. 0000950146-97-001485).
6.  Incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 26 to Registration
    Statement on Form N-4 (File No. 33-34370), as filed electronically on
    February 21, 1997 (Accession No. 0000950146-97-000226).
7.  Incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 15 to Registration
    Statement on Form N-4 (File No. 33-34370), as filed on April 19, 1994.
8.  Incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 1 to Registration
    Statement on Form N-4 (File No. 33-87932), as filed electronically on
    September 19, 1995 (Accession No. 0000950109-95-003821).
9.  Incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 29 to Registration
    Statement on Form N-4 (File No. 33-34370), as filed electronically on August
    18, 1997 (Accession No. 0000950146-97-001290).
10. Incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 1 to Registration
    Statement on Form S-1 (File No. 33-60477), as filed electronically on April
    15, 1996 (Accession No. 0000950146-96-000534).
11. Incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 12 to Registration
    Statement on Form N-4 (File No. 33-75964), as filed electronically on
    February 11, 1997 (Accession No. 0000950146-97-001589).
12. Incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 12 to Registration
    Statement on Form N-4 (File No. 33-91846), as filed electronically on
    October 30, 1997 (Accession No. 0000950146-97-001589).
13. Incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 3 to Registration
    Statement on Form N-4 (File No. 33-88720), as filed electronically on June
    28, 1996 (Accession No. 0000928389-96-000136).
14. Incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 4 to Registration
    Statement on Form N-4 (File No. 333-01107), as filed electronically on
    February 26, 1997 (Accession No. 0000950146-97-000241).
15. Incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 14 to Registration
    Statement on Form N-4 (File No. 33-75964), as filed electronically on July
    29, 1997 (Accession No. 0000950146-97-001101).
16. Incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 27 to Registration
    Statement on Form N-4 (File No. 33-34370), as filed electronically on April
    16, 1997 (Accession No. 0000950146-97-000617).

<PAGE>

17. Incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 24 to Registration
    Statement on Form N-4 (File No. 33-34370), as filed electronically on
    September 16, 1996 (Accession No. 0000912057-96-020393).

<PAGE>

Item 25. Directors and Officers of the Depositor
- -------------------------------------------------
Name and Principal
Business Address*          Positions and Offices with Depositor
- -----------------          ------------------------------------
Thomas J. McInerney        Director and President

Timothy A. Holt            Director, Senior Vice President and Chief Financial
                           Officer

Christopher J. Burns       Director and Senior Vice President

J. Scott Fox               Director and Senior Vice President

John Y. Kim                Director and Senior Vice President

Shaun P. Mathews           Director and Senior Vice President

Deborah Koltenuk           Vice President and Treasurer, Corporate Controller

Frederick D. Kelsven       Vice President and Chief Compliance Officer

Kirk P. Wickman            Vice President, General Counsel and Corporate 
                           Secretary

* The principal  business address of all directors and officers listed is 151
  Farmington Avenue, Hartford, Connecticut 06156.

Item 26. Persons Controlled by or Under Common Control with the Depositor or
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Registrant
- ----------

     Attached is a listing of all persons directly or indirectly controlled by
or under common control with the Registrant. The listing indicates (1) the state
or the sovereign power under the laws of which the entity is organized, (2) the
percentage of voting securities owned or other basis of control by the person,
if any, immediately controlling it (percentages are rounded to the nearest whole
percentage and are based on ownership of voting rights), and (3) it principal
business.

Item 27. Number of Contract Owners
- ----------------------------------

     As of October 31, 1997, there were 58,894 individuals holding interests
in variable annuity contracts funded through Variable Annuity Account B.

<PAGE>

September 30, 1997                                  COMPANY ORGANIZATION LIST

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
COMPANY                            STATE            IMMEDIATE OWNER         OWNERSHIP      PRINCIPAL BUSINESS
                                                                            PERCENTAGE+ 
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                <C>               <C>                    <C>            <C>
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Aetna Inc.                         CT (1)            Publicly Held                         Holding Company
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Aetna Services, Inc.               CT (1) (*)        Aetna Inc.             100%           Holding Company
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Aetna U.S. Healthcare Inc.         PA (1) (*)        Aetna Inc.             100%           Holding Company
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Aetna Risk Indemnity Company       Bermuda (1) (*)   Aetna Inc.             100%           Insurance
Limited
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Aetna Life Insurance Company       CT (1) (*)        Aetna Services, Inc.   100%           Life and Health Insurance and Related
                                                                                           Services
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Aetna Retirement Services, Inc.    CT (1) (*)        Aetna Services, Inc.   100%           Holding Company
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Aetna International, Inc.          CT (1) (*)        Aetna Services, Inc.   100%           Holding Company for International
                                                                                           Subsidiaries
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Aetna Health and Life Insurance    CT (1) (*)        Aetna Services, Inc.   100%           Life and Health Insurance
Company
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Structured Benefits, Inc.          CT (1) (*)        Aetna Services, Inc.   100%           Broker of Life and Annuity Products and
                                                                                           Administrative Services
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>

(1) Corporation                     (*) Fully Consolidated
(2) Partnership                     (**) One Line Consolidation
(3) Joint Venture                   (***) Not Consolidated
(4) Trust
(5) Limited Liability Company

+  Percentages  are  rounded  to the  nearest  whole  percent  and are  based on
   Ownership of voting rights.


                                       1
<PAGE>

September 30, 1997                                  COMPANY ORGANIZATION LIST

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
COMPANY                              STATE            IMMEDIATE OWNER                    OWNERSHIP    PRINCIPAL BUSINESS
                                                                                         PERCENTAGE+ 
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                  <C>              <C>                                <C>          <C>
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AUSHC Holdings, Inc.                 CT (1) (*)       Aetna Services, Inc.               100%         Holding Company
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Aetna Foundation, Inc.               CT (1) (*)       Aetna Services, Inc.               100%(a)      Supports Charitable
                                                                                                      Scientific, Literary
                                                                                                      and Educationa Activities
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Imperial Fire & Marine               U.K. (1) (***)   Aetna Services, Inc.                10%         Reinsurance
Re-Insurance Company Limited                          
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Aetna Business Resources, Inc.       CT (1) (*)       Aetna Services, Inc.               100%         Provides Business Services to 
                                                                                                      External Clients
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AE Fifteen, Incorporated             CT (1) (*)       Aetna Services, Inc.               100%         Shell Corp. for Interest in 
                                                                                                      Cogeneration
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Luettgens Limited                    CT (1) (*)       Aetna Services, Inc.               100%         Retail Specialty Store
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AE Housing Corp.                     CT (1) (*)       Aetna Services, Inc.               100%         Real Estate
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Aetna Capital L.L.C.                 DE (5) (*)       Aetna Services, Inc.                95%(b)      Finance - Limited Liability 
                                                                                                      Company
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Aetna Realty Investments I, Inc.     CT (1) (*)       Aetna Services, Inc.               100%         Real Estate Investment
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Structured Benefits of Florida,      FL (1) (**)      Structured Benefits, Inc.          100%         Brokering of Life and Annuity 
Inc.                                                                                                  Products and Administrative 
                                                                                                      Services
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Aetna Properties I Limited           CT (2) (***)     Aetna Realty Investments I, Inc.    84%(c)      Real Estate Investment
Partnership                                           
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PHPSNE Parent Corporation            DE (1) (*)       AUSHC Holdings, Inc.                55%         Holding Company
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Aetna Health Plans of Southern       CT (1)(*)        PHPSNE Parent Corporation          100%         Health Care
New England, Inc.                                     
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>                                            

(a)  Nonstock Corporation

(b)  Aetna Capital Holdings, Inc. owns 5% of this Limited Liability Company.

(c)  Aetna Realty Investments I, Inc. is a 1% general partner and an 83% limited
     partner.


                                       2
<PAGE>

September 30, 1997                                  COMPANY ORGANIZATION LIST

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
COMPANY                           STATE          IMMEDIATE OWNER                  OWNERSHIP             PRINCIPAL BUSINESS
                                                                                  PERCENTAGE+        
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                               <C>            <C>                                <C>     <C>
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CMBS Holdings, Inc.               TX (1) (*)     Aetna Life Insurance Company      100%     Real Estate Investment and Management
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Aetna Real Estate Properties,     CT (1) (*)     Aetna Life Insurance Company      100%     Acquire, Develop and Lease Real Estate
Inc.                                                                                       
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Midway L.L.C.                     DE (5) (*)     Aetna Life Insurance Company      100%     Real Estate Investment
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CDI Equity, Inc.                  DE (1) (*)     Aetna Life Insurance Company      100%     General Business Corporation
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CDI Equity L.L.C.                 DE (5) (*)     Aetna Life Insurance Company       99%(d)  General Business Corporation
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AE Fourteen, Inc.                 CT (1) (*)     Aetna Life Insurance Company      100%     Cogeneration
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Aetna Life Assignment Company     CT (1) (*)     Aetna Life Insurance Company      100%     Assignment Company for Structured
                                                                                            Settlements
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Bayshore Heights Associates       FL (2) (**)    Aetna Life Insurance Company       70%     Real Estate
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Aetna/Area Corporation            CT (1) (*)     Aetna Life Insurance Company      100%     Real Estate Investment and Management
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Aetna Institutional Investors I   CT (2) (**)    Aetna Life Insurance Company       13%(e)  Real Estate Investment
Limited Partnership                                                                        
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Shadow Ridge At Oak Park          CA (2) (**)    Aetna Life Insurance Company       80%     Real Estate
Condominium Associates                                                                     
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
BPC Equity, Inc.                  DE (1) (*)     Aetna Life Insurance Company      100%     General Business Corporation
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
BPC Equity, L.L.C.                DE (5) (*)     Aetna Life Insurance Company       99%(f)  General Business Corporation
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
- --------------
(d)  CDI Equity, Inc. owns 1% of this Limited Liability Company.

(e)  Aetna Real Estate Properties, Inc. is a 1% general partner.

(f)  BPC Equity, Inc. owns 1% of this Limited Liability Company.


                                       3
<PAGE>

September 30, 1997                                  COMPANY ORGANIZATION LIST

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
COMPANY                           STATE          IMMEDIATE OWNER                OWNERSHIP     PRINCIPAL BUSINESS
                                                                               PERCENTAGE+        
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                 <C>          <C>                              <C>         <C>
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AHP Holdings, Inc.                  CT (1) (*)   Aetna Life Insurance Company     100%        Holding Company
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Bay Area Mall, L.L.C.               DE (5) (*)   Aetna Life Insurance Company      99%(g)     Real Estate
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Bay Area Mall, Inc.                 DE (1) (*)   Aetna Life Insurance Company     100%        Real Estate
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
455 Market Street                   CA (2) (**)  Aetna Life Insurance Company      90%(h)     Real Estate
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Koll Center Newport A               CA (2) (**)  Aetna Life Insurance Company      50%(i)     Real Estate Investment
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Koll Center Newport Number 8        CA (2) (**)  Aetna Life Insurance Company      50%(j)     Real Estate Investment
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Koll Center Newport Number 9        CA (2) (**)  Aetna Life Insurance Company      50%(k)     Real Estate Investment
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Koll Center Newport Number 10       CA (2) (**)  Aetna Life Insurance Company      50%(l)     Real Estate Investment
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Koll Center Newport Number 11       CA (2) (**)  Aetna Life Insurance Company      50%(m)     Real Estate Investment
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Koll Center Newport Number 14       CA (3) (**)  Aetna Life Insurance Company      60%        Real Estate Investment
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Aetna Hamilton Partnership          IL (2) (**)  Aetna Life Insurance Company      62%        Real Estate
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
(g)  Bay Area Mall, Inc. owns 1% of this Limited Liability Company.

(h)  89% general partner and 1% limited partner.

(i)  Aetna Life Insurance Company is a 49% general partner and a 1% limited
     partner.

(j)  Aetna Life Insurance Company is a 49% general partner and a 1% limited
     partner.

(k)  Aetna Life Insurance Company is a 49% general partner and a 1% limited
     partner.

(l)  Aetna Life Insurance Company is a 49% general partner and a 1% limited
     partner.

(m)  Aetna Life Insurance Company is a 49% general partner and a 1% limited
     partner.

                                       4
<PAGE>

September 30, 1997                                  COMPANY ORGANIZATION LIST

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
COMPANY                           STATE          IMMEDIATE OWNER                OWNERSHIP     PRINCIPAL BUSINESS
                                                                               PERCENTAGE+        
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                 <C>             <C>                              <C>       <C>
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Waterloo Associates Limited         NC (2) (**)     Aetna Life Insurance Company      99%(n)   Real Estate Investment
Partnership
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Hayward Industrial Park             CT (2) (**)     Aetna Life Insurance Company      99%      Real Estate Investment
Associates
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Gables At Farmington Associates     CT (2) (**)     Aetna Life Insurance Company      60%      Real Estate Investment
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Gables at Brighton Associates       NY (2) (**)     Aetna Life Insurance Company      50%      Real Estate Investment
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Country Club Heights at Woburn      MA (2) (**)     Aetna Life Insurance Company      60%      Real Estate Investment
Associates
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Britcher Aetna-Laguna Hills         CA (2) (**)     Aetna Life Insurance Company      68%      Real Estate Investment
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Harbor Business Park                CA (2) (**)     Aetna Life Insurance Company      99%      Real Estate Investment
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ensenada De Las Colinas I           TX (2) (**)     Aetna Life Insurance Company      99%(o)   Real Estate Investment
Associates
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Trevose Hospitality, Inc.           CT (1) (**)     Aetna Life Insurance Company     100%      Real Estate Investment
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Oaks at Valley Ranch I              TX (2) (**)     Aetna Life Insurance Company      99%(p)   Real Estate Investment
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Oaks at Valley Ranch II             TX (2) (**)     Aetna Life Insurance Company      99%(q)   Real Estate Investment
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
KBC-RED Hill Limited Partnership    CA (2) (**)     Aetna Life Insurance Company      80%      Real Estate Investment
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
KBC-Eastside Limited Partnership    AZ (2) (**)     Aetna Life Insurance Company      80%      Real Estate Investment
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
- -------------
(n)  Aetna Life Insurance Company is a 99% general partner and Trumbull Three,
     Inc. is a 1% limited partner.

(o)  Aetna Life Insurance Company is a 99% general partner and Trumbull One,
     Inc. is a 1% limited partner.

(p)  Aetna Life Insurance Company is a 99% general partner and Trumbull One,
     Inc. is a 1% limited partner.

(q)  Aetna Life Insurance Company is a 99% general partner and Trumbull One,
     Inc. is a 1% limited partner.


                                       5
<PAGE>

September 30, 1997                                  COMPANY ORGANIZATION LIST

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
COMPANY                             STATE              IMMEDIATE OWNER                OWNERSHIP        PRINCIPAL BUSINESS
                                                                                      PERCENTAGE+        
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                 <C>                <C>                                 <C>         <C>
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
C.R.I. Hotel Associates, L.P.       IA (2) (**)        Aetna Life Insurance Company         75%        Real Estate Investment
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Trumbull One, Inc.                  CT (1) (*)         Aetna Life Insurance Company        100%        Real Estate Investment
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Trumbull Two, Inc.                  CT (1) (*)         Aetna Life Insurance Company        100%        Real Estate Investment
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Trumbull Three, Inc.                CT (1) (*)         Aetna Life Insurance Company        100%        Real Estate Investment
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Trumbull Four, Inc.                 CT (1) (*)         Aetna Life Insurance Company        100%        Real Estate Investment
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Century City North L.L.C.           DE (5) (**)        Aetna Life Insurance Company         84%(r)     Real Estate Investment
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Southfield Partners                 MD (2) (**)        Aetna Life Insurance Company         99%(s)     Real Estate Investment
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Lincoln Rancho Cucamonga            CA (2) (**)        Aetna Life Insurance Company         60%        Real Estate Investment
Associates                                                                               
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Village Green of Madison Heights    MI (2) (**)        Aetna Life Insurance Company         99%(t)     Real Estate Investment
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Centrum Associates                  CA (2) (**)        Aetna Life Insurance Company         65%        Real Estate Investment
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tri-City Mall Associates            AZ (2) (**)        Aetna Life Insurance Company         50%        Real Estate Investment
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Southwest Financial Associates      AZ (2) (**)        Aetna Life Insurance Company         60%        Real Estate Investment
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
B&H Ventures IV Limited             CT (2) (**)        Aetna Life Insurance Company         75%        Real Estate Investment
Partnership                                                                              
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Champions Richland Northcourte      TX (2) (*)         Aetna Life Insurance Company         99%(u)     Real Estate Investment
Partnership                                                                              
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
- --------------
(r)  Aetna Health and Life Insurance Company owns 16% of this Limited Liability
     Company.

(s)  Aetna Life Insurance Company is a 99% general partner and Trumbull Four,
     Inc. is a 1% limited partner.

(t)  Aetna Life Insurance Company is a 99% general partner and Trumbull Three,
     Inc. is a 1% limited partner.

                                       6
<PAGE>

September 30, 1997                                  COMPANY ORGANIZATION LIST

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
COMPANY                             STATE              IMMEDIATE OWNER                OWNERSHIP        PRINCIPAL BUSINESS
                                                                                      PERCENTAGE+        
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                 <C>                <C>                               <C>          <C>
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Chris-Town Village Associates       AZ (2) (**)        Aetna Life Insurance Company      50%          Real Estate Investment
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Arshaw Partners I                   TX (2) (*)         Aetna Life Insurance Company      50%          Real Estate Investment
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Assembly Square Mall LLC            DE (5) (**)        Aetna Life Insurance Company      99%(#)       Real Estate Investment
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Woodside Terrace Partners           CA (2) (**)        Aetna Life Insurance Company      60%          Real Estate Investment
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Spectrum Fashion Center             AZ (2) (**)        Aetna Life Insurance Company      50%          Real Estate Investment
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Chambridgeside Galleria             MA (2) (**)        Aetna Life Insurance Company      50%          Real Estate Investment
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ADBI Partnership                    FL (2) (**)        Aetna Life Insurance Company      30%          Real Estate Investment
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Marriott Inner Harbor Hotel         MD (2) (*)         Aetna Life Insurance Company      99%          Real Estate Investment
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TCR Ventanja Limited                TX (2) (**)        Aetna Life Insurance Company      99%(v)       Real Estate Investment
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1501 Fourth Ave. Limited            WA (2) (**)        Aetna Life Insurance Company      91%(w)       Real Estate Investment
Partnership
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Thace Associates                    MI (2) (**)        Aetna Life Insurance Company      25%          Real Estate Investment
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Lincoln Los Padres                  CA (2) (**)        Aetna Life Insurance Company      99%(x)       Real Estate Investment
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Eastmeadow Distribution Center      GA (2) (**)        Aetna Life Insurance Company      99%(y)       Real Estate Investment
Limited Partnership
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
- -------------
(u)  Aetna Life Insurance Company is a 99% general partner and Trumbull One,
     Inc. is a 1% limited partner.

(#)  Aetna Life Insurance Company is a 99% general partner and Bay Area Mall,
     Inc., is a 1% general partner

(v)  Aetna Life Insurance Company is a 99% general partner and Trumbull Two,
     Inc. is a 1% limited partner.

(w)  Aetna Life Insurance Company is a 84% general partner and a 1% limited
     partner.

(x)  Aetna Life Insurance company is a 99% general partner and Trumbull Two,
     Inc. is a 1% limited partner.

                                       7
<PAGE>

September 30, 1997                                  COMPANY ORGANIZATION LIST

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
COMPANY                             STATE              IMMEDIATE OWNER                OWNERSHIP        PRINCIPAL BUSINESS
                                                                                      PERCENTAGE+        
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                 <C>                <C>                              <C>           <C>
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Eastmeadow Distribution Center      GA (2) (**)        Aetna Life Insurance Company      99%(z)       Real Estate Investment
Phase II Limited Partnership
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Azalea Mall, L.L.C.                 DE (5) (**)        Aetna Life Insurance Company      99%(aa)      Real Estate Holding Company
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
211 East Ontario Associates         IL (2) (**)        Aetna Life Insurance Company      15%          Shell
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Southeast Second Avenue, Inc.       DE (1) (*)         Aetna Life Insurance Company     100%          Real Estate Investment
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Menlo One, L.L.C.                   DE (5) (**)        Aetna Life Insurance Company      99%(bb)      Real Estate Holding Company
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Central Trust Center Associates     OH (2) (**)        Aetna Life Insurance Company      15%          Real Estate Investment
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Capitol District Energy Center      CT (2) (**)        AE Fourteen, Inc.                 50%          Cogeneration of Electrical 
Cogeneration Associates                                                                               Power
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Aetna U.S. Healthcare, Inc.         OH (1) (*)         Aetna Health Management, Inc.    100%          HMO
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Aetna Dental Care of California,    CA (1) (*)         Aetna Health Management, Inc.    100%          Provide Pre-Paid Dental 
Inc.                                                                                                  Services
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Aetna U.S. Healthcare, Inc.         FL (1) (*)         Aetna Health Management, Inc.    100%          HMO
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Informed Health, Inc.               DE (1) (*)         Aetna Health Management, Inc.    100%          Sponsors Health Information 
                                                                                                      Service
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Aetna U.S. Healthcare, Inc.         TN (1) (*)         Aetna Health Management, Inc.    100%          HMO
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
- ----------------
(y)  Aetna Life Insurance Company is a 98% general partner and a 1% limited
     partner.

(z)  Aetna Life Insurance Company is a 98% general partner and a 1% limited
     partner.

(aa) Southeast Second Avenue, Inc. owns 1% of these limited liability companies.

(bb) Southeast Second Avenue, Inc. owns 1% of these limited liability companies.

                                       8
<PAGE>

September 30, 1997                                  COMPANY ORGANIZATION LIST

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
COMPANY                             STATE              IMMEDIATE OWNER               OWNERSHIP     PRINCIPAL BUSINESS
                                                                                     PERCENTAGE+        
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                 <C>             <C>                              <C>           <C>
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Aetna Insurance Company of          CT (1) (*)      AHP Holdings, Inc.               100%          Insurance
Connecticut                                                                                                 
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Human Affairs International,        UT (1) (*)      Aetna Insurance Company of       100%          Provide Employee Assistance 
Incorporated                                        Connecticut                                    Services and Managed Mental
                                                                                                   Health Programs
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Aetna U.S. Healthcare of Georgia,   GA (1) (*)      Aetna Health Management, Inc.     37%(ccc)     HMO
Inc.                                                                                             
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Aetna Health Management, Inc.       DE (1) (*)      Aetna U.S. Healthcare Inc. (PA)  100%          HMO Management Company
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Aetna Dental Care of New Jersey,    NJ (1) (*)      Aetna Health Management, Inc.    100%          Dental Care
Inc.                                                                                               
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AUSHC Holdings, Inc.                DE (1) (*)      Aetna Health Management, Inc.    100%          Holding Company
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Aetna Health Plans of the           VA (1) (*)      Aetna Health Management, Inc.    100%          HMO
Mid-Atlantic, Inc.                                                                             
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Aetna Health Plans of the           NC (1) (*)      Aetna Health Management, Inc.    100%          HMO
Carolinas, Inc.                                                                                  
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Aetna U.S. Healthcare, Inc.         AZ (1) (*)      Aetna Health Management, Inc.    100%          HMO
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Aetna Dental Care of Texas, Inc.    TX (1)(*)       Aetna Health Management, Inc.    100%          HMO offering single health
                                                                                                   service plan - dental
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Aetna U.S. Healthcare of            IL (1) (*)      Aetna Health Management, Inc.    100%          HMO
Illinois, Inc.                                                                                   
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Aetna Dental Care of Kentucky,      KY (1) (*)      Aetna Health Management, Inc.    100%          Dental Plan Organization
Inc.                                                                                             
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Aetna Health Plans of Central and   PA (1) (*)      Aetna Health Management, Inc.    100%          HMO
Eastern Pennsylvania, Inc.                                                                       
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Aetna Health Plans of Texas, Inc.   TX (1) (*)      Aetna Health Management, Inc.    100%          HMO
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
- ---------------
(ccc) Primary Investments, Inc. over 63% of Aetna U.S. Healthcare of Georgia,
      Inc.

                                       9
<PAGE>

September 30, 1997                                  COMPANY ORGANIZATION LIST

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
COMPANY                             STATE              IMMEDIATE OWNER               OWNERSHIP     PRINCIPAL BUSINESS
                                                                                     PERCENTAGE+        
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                 <C>            <C>                              <C>            <C>
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Aetna Health Plans of Louisiana,    LA (1) (*)     Aetna Health Management, Inc.    100%           HMO
Inc 
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
MED Southwest, Inc.                 TX (1) (*)     Aetna Health Management, Inc.     55%           Holding Company
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Freedom Choice, Inc.                PA (1)(*)      Aetna Health Plans of Central    100%           Third Party Administrator
                                                   and Eastern Pennsylvania, Inc.
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Aetna Government Health Plans,      CA (1) (*)     Aetna Health Management, Inc.    100%           Sponsors Champus Business
Inc.                                                                                         
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Aetna Health Plans of California,   CA (1) (*)     Aetna Health Management, Inc.    100%           HMO
Inc.                                                                                         
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Aetna Health Plans of New York,     NY (1) (*)     AUSHC Holdings, Inc.             100%           HMO
Inc.                                                                                         
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Aetna Health Plans of New Jersey,   NJ (1) (*)     AUSHC Holdings, Inc.             100%           HMO
Inc.                                                                                         
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Southwest Physicians Life           TX (1) (*)     MED Southwest, Inc.              100%           Life and Health Insurer
Insurance Company                                                                            
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Aetna Health Plans of North         TX (1) (*)     MED Southwest, Inc.              100%           HMO
Texas, Inc.                                                                                  
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Human Affairs of Alaska, Inc.       AK (1) (*)     Human Affairs International,     100%           Provides Mental Health Services/
                                                   Incorporated                                    Managed Mental Health Services
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Human Affairs International of      CA (1) (*)     Human Affairs International,     100%           Provides Mental Health Services/
California                                         Incorporated                                    Managed Mental Health Services
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Human Affairs International of      TX (1) (*)     Human Affairs International,     100%           Provides Mental Health Services/
Texas, Inc.                                        Incorporated                                    Managed Mental Health Services
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Human Affairs Global Services,      DE (1) (*)     Human Affairs International,     100%           Holding Company to service Aetna
Inc.                                               Incorporated                                    agreements for New Zealand
                                                                                                   operations
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>

                                       10
<PAGE>

September 30, 1997                                  COMPANY ORGANIZATION LIST

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
COMPANY                             STATE              IMMEDIATE OWNER              OWNERSHIP   PRINCIPAL BUSINESS
                                                                                    PERCENTAGE+        
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                 <C>            <C>                              <C>          <C>
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Human Affairs International of      PA (1)(*)      Human Affairs International      100%         Provides Mental Health Services/
Pennsylvania, Inc.                                 Incorporated                                  Managed Mental Health Services
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Behavioral Healthcare Solutions,    DE (1) (*)     Human Affairs International,     100%         Mental Health Services
Inc.                                               Incorporated                                
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Human Affairs International IPA,    NY (1) (*)     Human Affairs International,     100%         Independent Practice Association
Inc.                                               Incorporated                                
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Aetna Retirement Holdings, Inc.     CT (1) (*)     Aetna Retirement Services, Inc.  100%         Holding Company
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Aetna Life Insurance and Annuity    CT (1) (*)     Aetna Retirement Holdings, Inc.  100%         Life Insurance, Pensions And 
Company                                                                                          Annuities
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Systematized Benefits               CT (1) (*)     Aetna Retirement Holdings, Inc.  100%         Third Party Administrator
Administrators, Inc.                                                                           
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Aetna Financial Services, Inc.      CT (1) (*)     Aetna Retirement Holdings, Inc.  100%         Broker-Dealer and Investment 
                                                                                                 Advisor
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Aeltus Investment Management, Inc.  CT (1) (*)     Aetna Retirement Holdings, Inc.  100%         Investment Advisor
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Aetna Investment Services, Inc.     CT (1) (*)     Aetna Retirement Holdings, Inc.  100%         Distribute Securities Products - 
                                                                                                 ALIAC and Outside Funds
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Aetna Insurance Agency Holdings     CT (1) (*)     Aetna Retirement Holdings, Inc.  100%         Holding Company
Company, Inc.                                                                                  
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FNI International, Inc.             CA (1) (*)     Aetna Retirement Holdings, Inc.  100%         Holding Company
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Financial Network Investment        CA (1) (*)     FNI International, Inc.          100%         Broker/Dealer
Corporation                                                                                    
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FN Insurance Agency of              MA (1) (*)     FNI International, Inc.          100%         Broker/Dealer
Massachusetts, Inc.                                                                            
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FN Insurance Services, Inc.         CA (1) (*)     FNI International, Inc.          100%         Insurance Agency
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>

                                       11
<PAGE>

September 30, 1997                                  COMPANY ORGANIZATION LIST

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
COMPANY                             STATE              IMMEDIATE OWNER          OWNERSHIP   PRINCIPAL BUSINESS
                                                                                PERCENTAGE+        
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                 <C>            <C>                           <C>        <C>
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Financial Network Investment        CA (1)(*)     FNI International, Inc.        100%       Broker/Dealer
Corporation                                                                              
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FN Insurance Services of Alabama,   AL (1) (*)    FNI International, Inc.        100%       sale of life and health and variable
Inc.                                                                                        products
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FN Insurance Services of Nevada,    NV (1) (*)    FNI International, Inc.        100%       To engage as an agent, managing general
Inc.                                                                                        agent broker in all classes of insurance
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Financial Network Investment        HA (1)(*)     Financial Network Investment   100%       Insurance Agency and Insurance Broker
Corporation of Hawaii                             Corporation                            
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Aetna Insurance Company of America  CT (1) (*)    Aetna Life Insurance and       100%       Write/Reinsure Life and Annuity Business
                                                  Annuity Company                        
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Aetna Private Capital Inc.          CT (1) (*)    Aetna Life Insurance and       100%       General Business Corporation
                                                  Annuity Company                        
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Aetna New Series Fund, Inc.         MD (1) (**)   Aetna Life Insurance and       100%       Regulated Investment Company (Mutual
                                                  Annuity Company                           Fund)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Aetna Income Shares                 MA (4) (**)   Aetna Life Insurance and        99%       Regulated Investment Company (Mutual
                                                  Annuity Company                           Fund)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Aetna Variable Encore Fund          MA (4) (**)   Aetna Life Insurance and       100%       Regulated Investment Company (Mutual
                                                  Annuity Company                           Fund)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Aetna GET Fund                      MA (4) (**)   Aetna Life Insurance and       100%       Regulated Investment Company (Mutual
                                                  Annuity Company                           Fund)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Aetna Variable Portfolios, Inc.     MD (1) (**)   Aetna Life Insurance and       100%       Regulated Investment Company (Mutual
                                                  Annuity Company                           Fund)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Aetna Variable Fund                 MA (4) (**)   Aetna Life Insurance and        98%       Regulated Investment Company (Mutual
                                                  Annuity Company                           Fund)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Aetna Generation Portfolios, Inc.   MD (1) (**)   Aetna Life Insurance and       100%       Regulated Investment Company (Mutual
                                                  Annuity Company                           Fund)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>

                                       12
<PAGE>

September 30, 1997                                  COMPANY ORGANIZATION LIST

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
COMPANY                             STATE              IMMEDIATE OWNER          OWNERSHIP      PRINCIPAL BUSINESS
                                                                                PERCENTAGE+        
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                               <C>                  <C>                           <C>       <C>
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Aetna Investment Advisers Fund,   MD (1) (**)          Aetna Life Insurance          100%      Regulated Investment Company (Mutual
Inc.                                                   and Annuity Company                     Fund)
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Aetna Series Fund, Inc.           MD (1) (**)          Aetna Life Insurance           17%(aaa) Regulated Investment Company (Mutual
                                                       and Annuity Company                     Fund)
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Portfolio Partners, Inc.          MD (1) (**)          Aetna Life Insurance          100%      Regulated Investment Company (Mutual
                                                       and Annuity Company                     Fund)
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Aetna Investment Management       Bermuda (1) (*)      Aeltus Investment             100%      Holding Company
(Bermuda) Holdings Limited                             Mandagement, Inc.                                    
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Aeltus Capital, Inc.              CT (1) (*)           Aeltus Investment             100%      Broker-Dealer Related Functions
                                                       Management, Inc.                                    
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Aeltus Trust Company              CT (1) (*)           Aeltus Investment             100%      Fiduciary Powers Granted to State 
                                                       Management, Inc.                                    Bank and Trust Companies
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
China Dynamic Investment          Hong Kong (1) (**)   Aetna Investment               50%      Establish and Manage Collective
Management (Hong Kong) Limited                         Management (Bermuda)                    Investment Scheme
                                                       Holdings Limited 
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Aetna Insurance Agency, Inc.      CT (1) (*)           Aetna Insurance Agency        100%      Insurance agency for the marketing of
                                                       Holdings Company, Inc.                  registered and nonregistered 
                                                                                               insurance products
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Aetna Insurance Agency of         MA (1) (*)           Aetna Insurance Agency        100%      Insurance agency for the marketing of
Massachusetts, Inc.                                    Holdings Company, Inc.                  registered and nonregistered
                                                                                               insurance products
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Aetna Insurance Agency of         AL (1)(*)            Aetna Insurance Agency        100%      Insurance agency for the marketing of
Alabama, Inc.                                          Holdings Company, Inc.                  registered and nonregistered 
                                                                                               insurance products
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Aetna International Holdings      Hong Kong (1) (*)    Aetna International, Inc.     100%      Holding Company for Insurance and
(Hong Kong) I Limited                                                                          Financial Services
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
East Asia Aetna Insurance         Bermuda (1) (**)     Aetna International, Inc.      50%      Life Disability and Employee 
Company (Bermuda) Ltd.                                                                         Benefits Ins. in H.K.
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
- --------------
(aaa) Aetna Life Insurance Company owns 1% of this fund.

                                       13
<PAGE>

September 30, 1997                                  COMPANY ORGANIZATION LIST

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
COMPANY                             STATE              IMMEDIATE OWNER          OWNERSHIP        PRINCIPAL BUSINESS
                                                                                PERCENTAGE+        
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                 <C>                  <C>                         <C>         <C>
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Aetna International Fund            CT (1) (*)           Aetna International, Inc.   100%        Investment Management 
Management Inc.                                                                                  Services
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Aetna Holdings (Cayman) Ltd.        Cayman (1) (**)      Aetna International, Inc.   100%        Insurance Company
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ALICA Holdings, Inc.                CT (1) (*)           Aetna International, Inc.    80%        Dedicated Holding Company
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Aetna Life Insurance Company of     CT (1) (*)           Aetna International, Inc.   100%        Life Insurance
America                                                                                       
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Aetna International Holdings        Hong Kong (1) (*)    Aetna International, Inc.   100%        Holding Company
(Hong Kong) II Limited                                                                        
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Aetna Internacional Compania, S.    Mexico (1) (**)      Aetna International, Inc.    68%(cc)    Holding Company
en N.C. de C.V.                                                                               
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Aetna Internacional De Mexico       Mexico (1) (**)      Aetna International, Inc.   100%        Mexican Holding Company
S.A. De C.V.                                                                                  
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Aetna S.A.                          Chile (1) (*)        Aetna International, Inc.   100%        Holding Co.
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Arcella Limited                     Hong Kong (1) (*)    Aetna International, Inc.   100%        Investment & Holding Co. 
                                                                                                 for Aetna's Asia Pacific
                                                                                                 Operations
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Aetna Life & Casualty Bermuda       Bermuda (1) (*)      Aetna International, Inc.   100%        Insurance, Guaranteed and 
Limited                                                                                          Indemnity Business
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Aetna International Global          Luxembourg (1) (*)   Aetna International, Inc.   100%        Investment Services
Investment Services                                                                           
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Aetna Heart Investment Holdings     Taiwan (1) (*)       Aetna International, Inc.    80%        Holding Company
Limited                                                                                       
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Aetna Life and Casualty             Netherlands          Aetna International, Inc.   100%        Finance Investment Company
International Finance N.V.          Antilles (1) (*)                                                          
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sul America Aetna Seguros de        Brazil               Aetna International, Inc.    49%        Insurance
Previdencia S.A.
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
- ---------------
(cc) Aetna International de Mexico, S.A. de C.V. owns 16% of Aetna Internacional
     Compania, S. en N. C. de C.V.

                                       14
<PAGE>

September 30, 1997                                  COMPANY ORGANIZATION LIST

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
COMPANY                             STATE                  IMMEDIATE OWNER             OWNERSHIP      PRINCIPAL BUSINESS
                                                                                       PERCENTAGE+
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                 <C>                    <C>                            <C>         <C>
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Aetna Investment Management         Australia (1) (*)      Aetna International, Inc.      100%        Stockbroking
(Australia) Limited
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Aetna Capital Holdings, Inc.        CT (1) (*)             Aetna International, Inc.      100%        Holding Company
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Aetna Securities Investment         Taiwan (1) (*)         Aetna International, Inc.       80%        Securities Investment Advisor
Management (Taiwan) Ltd.
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Aetna Capital Management            U.K. (1) (*)           Aetna International, Inc.      100%        Promoter of Offshore Mutual 
International Ltd.                                                                                    Funds or other Open-Ended
                                                                                                      Investment Vehicles
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AE Five Incorporated                CT (1) (*)             Aetna International, Inc.      100%        Holding Company
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Aetna Canada Holdings Limited       Canada (1) (*)         Aetna International, Inc.      100%        Investment Holding Company
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Aetna Investment Management         Taiwan (1) (*)         Aetna International, Inc.       80%        Provide Non-Security Business 
(Taiwan) Limited                                                                                      and Investment Advice
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Aetna International (N.Z.) Limited  New Zealand (1) (*)    Aetna International, Inc.      100%        Holding Company
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Aetna Investment Management         Hong Kong (1) (*)      Aetna International, Inc.      100%        Investment Holding Company
(F.E.) Holdings Limited
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Aetna Philippine Ventures, Inc.     Philippines (1) (*)    Aetna International, Inc.      100%        Holding Company
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Aetna Life Insurance Inc.           Philippines (1) (*)    Aetna Philippine Ventures,     100%        Life Insurance
                                                           Inc.
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Aetna Healthcare, Inc.              Philippines (1) (*)    Aetna Life Insurance Inc.      100%        Insurance
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Blue Cross (Asia Pacific)           Hong Kong (1) (**)     Aetna International             35%(dd)    Underwriter Casualty and
Insurance Ltd.                                             Holdings (Hong Kong)                       General Insurance in Hong Kong
                                                           I Limited                                  and  Macau
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
- --------------
(dd) East Asia Aetna Insurance Company (Bermuda) Ltd. owns 30% of Blue Cross
     (Asia Pacific) Insurance Ltd.

                                       15
<PAGE>

September 30, 1997                                  COMPANY ORGANIZATION LIST

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
COMPANY                             STATE                  IMMEDIATE OWNER             OWNERSHIP      PRINCIPAL BUSINESS
                                                                                       PERCENTAGE+
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                 <C>                    <C>                            <C>         <C>
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
East Asia Aetna Services Company    Hong Kong (1) (**)     East Asia Aetna Insurance      100%        Management services to 
Limited                                                    Company (Bermuda) Ltd.                     associate companies
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Aetna International Umbrella    Luxembourg (1) (***)   Aetna Life Insurance            03%(ee)    An Undertaking for the 
Fund                                                       Company of America                         Collective Investment in
                                                                                                      Transferable Securities
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PT Danamon-Aetna Life Insurance     Indonesia (1) (**)     Aetna Life Insurance            80%         Limited Liability Life 
Company                                                    Company of America                                  Insurance Company
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Daya Aetna (Malaysia) Berhad        Malaysia (1) (*)       Aetna International Holdings    82%         Holding Company
                                                           (Hong Kong) II Limited
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Aetna Universal Insurance Berhad    Malaysia (1) (*)       Daya Aetna (Malaysia)           100%        Individual Life, Home 
                                                           SDN. BHD.                                   Service, Group and General 
                                                                                                       Insurance
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Aetna Heart Co., Ltd.               Taiwan (1) (a)         Aetna Heart Investment         100%         Trading Company - Marketing 
                                                           Holdings Limited                            of Gifts and Souvenirs
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Aetna South Life Agency Co., Ltd.   Taiwan (1) (a)         Aetna Heart Investment         100%         Administrative Support
                                                           Holdings Limited
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Huei Hong Securities Co., Ltd.      Taiwan (1) (a)         Aetna Heart Investment          20%         Securities Trading
                                                           Holdings Limited
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Aetna Heart Culture Company Ltd.    Taiwan (1) (a)         Aetna Heart Investment         100%         Trading Company
                                                           Holdings Limited
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Seguros Monterrey Aetna, S.A.       Mexico (1) (**)        AE Five Incorporated            14%(bbb)    Insurance and Reinsurance
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fianzas Monterrey Aetna, S.A.       Mexico (1) (**)        AE Five Incorporated            14%(bbb)    Issuance of Bonds
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
- --------------
(ee)  Percentage controlled by Aetna Services, Inc. includes ownership by the
      following: Aetna Services, Inc. 1%, Aetna Life & Casualty Bermuda Limited
      5%, Aetna Life Insurance Company of Canada 1%.and Aetna Securities
      Investment Management (Taiwan) Ltd. 19%

(bbb) Aetna Internacional de Mexico, S.A. de C.V. owns 13% of this company and
      Aetna Internacional Compania, S en NC de C.V. owns 8% of this company.

                                       16
<PAGE>

September 30, 1997                                  COMPANY ORGANIZATION LIST
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
COMPANY                             STATE                 IMMEDIATE OWNER               OWNERSHIP      PRINCIPAL BUSINESS
                                                                                        PERCENTAGE+
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                 <C>                   <C>                            <C>           <C>
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Aetna (Netherlands) Holdings B.V.   Netherlands (1) (*)   Aetna Life and Casualty        100%          Finance Company
                                                          International Finance N.V.
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sul America Previdencia Privada     Brazil (1) (*)        Sul America Aetna Seguros      100%          Pension
                                                          de Previdencia S.A.
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sul America Servicos Medicos S.A.   Brazil (1) (*)        Sul America Aetna Seguros      100%          Health Administrator
                                                          de Previdencia S.A.
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Brasilprev Previdencia Privada      Brazil (1) (**)       Sul America Aetna Seguros       10%          Pension
S.A.                                                      de Previdencia S.A.
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Brasilsaude Companhia de Segoros    Brazil (1) (*)        Sul America Aetna Seguros de    51%          Insurance
                                                          de Previdencia S.A.
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Travelguard Limited                 Hong Kong (1) (*)     Blue Cross (Asia Pacific)      100%          Insurance Agent
                                                          Insurance Ltd.
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Toursafe Limited                    Hong Kong (1) (*)     Blue Cross (Asia Pacific)      100%          Insurance Agent
                                                          Insurance Ltd.
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Travelsafe Limited                  Hong Kong (1) (*)     Blue Cross (Asia Pacific)      100%          Insurance Agent for its 
                                                          Insurance Ltd.                               Ultimate Holding Company
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Multiasistencia, S.A. de C.V.       Mexico (1) (**)       Aetna Internacional Compania    49%          Administrative Services in 
                                                          S en N.C. de C.V.                            Connection with Insurance
                                                                                                       Claims
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Meximed, S.A. de C.V.               Mexico (1) (**)       Aetna Internacional Compania    49%          Services for Insureds for 
                                                          S en N.C. de C.V.                            Hospitals Admissions and 
                                                                                                       Claims Processing
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Seguros Bancomer, S.A. de C.V.      Mexico (1) (**)       Aetna Internacional Compania    49%          Insurance and Reinsurance
                                                          S en N.C. de C.V.                            Company
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>

                                       17
<PAGE>

September 30, 1997                                  COMPANY ORGANIZATION LIST

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
COMPANY                             STATE                 IMMEDIATE OWNER               OWNERSHIP     PRINCIPAL BUSINESS
                                                                                        PERCENTAGE+
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                 <C>                   <C>                              <C>        <C>
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Pensiones Bancomer S.A. de C.V.     Mexico (1) (**)      Aetna Internacional Compania S   49%         Insurance Company
                                                         en N.C. de C.V.
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Administradora de Fondos Para el    Mexico (1) (**)      Aetna Internacional Compania S   49%         Retirement Funds Management 
Retiro Bancomer, S.A. de C.V.                            en N.C. de C.V.                              Company
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Grupo Vamsa, S.A. de C.V.           Mexico (1) (**)      Aetna Internacional Compania S   49%         Legal Administration and 
                                                         en N.C. de C.V.                              Financial Services
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Asesores en Promocion Segunomina    Mexico (1) (**)      Aetna Internacional Compania S   49%         Marketing of Seguros Products/
S.A. de C.V.                                             en N.C. de C.V.                              Payroll Discounts
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Aetna Chile Seguros Generales S.A.  Chile (1) (*)        Aetna S.A.                        98%        Casualty Insurance Company
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Aetna Administradora de Fondos de   Chile (1) (*)        Aetna S.A.                       100%        Real Estate Investment Trust 
Inversion S.A.                                                                                        Management Co.
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Aetna Chile Seguros de Vida S.A.    Chile (1) (*)        Aetna S.A.                       100%        Life Insurance Company
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Aetna Pensiones S.A.                Chile (1) (*)        Aetna S.A.                       100%        Holding Company
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Aetna Credito Hipotecario S.A.      Chile (1) (*)        Aetna S.A.                       100%        Mortgage Company
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Aetna Vida S.A.                     Argentina (1) (*)    Aetna S.A.                        60%        Health and Life Insurance
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Aetna International Peru S.A.       Peru (1) (*)         Aetna S.A.                        86%(ff)    Holding Company
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Aetna Salud S.A.                    Chile (1) (*)        Aetna S.A.                        90%        Health Indemnity - Chile
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Administradora de Fondos de         Chile (1) (*)        Aetna Pensiones S.A.              62%        Pension Funds Management 
Pensiones Santa Maria S.A.                                                                            Company  
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
- --------------
(ff) Aetna Chile Seguros De Vida S.A. and Aetna Chile Seguros Generales S. A.
     have combined ownership of 14%.

                                       18
<PAGE>

September 30, 1997                                  COMPANY ORGANIZATION LIST

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
COMPANY                             STATE                 IMMEDIATE OWNER               OWNERSHIP      PRINCIPAL BUSINESS
                                                                                        PERCENTAGE+
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                 <C>                 <C>                              <C>        <C>
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Santa Maria Internacional S.A.      Chile (1) (*)       Administradora de Fondos de      100%       Pension Administration
                                                        Pensiones Santa Maria S.A.
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Aetna Pensiones Peru S.A.           Peru (1) (**)       Santa Maria Internacional S.A.    71%(gg)   Investment
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Administradora de Fondos de         Peru (1) (**)       Aetna Pensiones Peru S.A.         30%(hh)   Pension Funds Management Company
Pensiones Integra S.A.
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Wiese Aetna Compania de Seguros     Peru (1) (*)        Aetna International Peru S.A.     34%       Insurance and Reinsurance
S.A.
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Immobilaria Padre Marinano S.A.     Chile (1) (*)       Aetna Credito Hipotecario S.A.    99%(ii)   Real Estate Development
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Aetna Health Management Canada,     Ontario (1)(*)      Aetna Canada Holdings Limited    100%       Managed Healthcare
Inc.
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Aetna Life Insurance Company of     Canada (1) (*)      Aetna Canada Holdings Limited    100%       Life, Accident and Sickness 
Canada                                                                                              Insurance
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Equinox Financial Group Inc.        Canada (1) (*)      Aetna Canada Holdings Limited     92%(jj)   Distributor of Life Insurance, 
                                                                                                    Financial and Related Products
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2733854 Canada Ltd.                 Canada (1) (*)      Aetna Canada Holdings Limited     70%(kk)   Marketing of Life Ins. and 
                                                                                                    Related Products
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AlphaQuest Capital Management       Ontario (1) (***)   Aetna Canada Holdings Limited     15%       Investment Counselor Portfolio 
Limited                                                                                             Manager
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Aetna Acceptance Corporation        Ontario (1) (*)     Aetna Canada Holdings Limited    100%       Provision of Financial 
Limited                                                                                             Assistance to Agents to Assist 
                                                                                                    in Growth of Business
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
- --------------
(gg) Aetna S.A. owns 29% of this company.

(hh) Aetna Pensiones Peru S.A. owns 30% of this company.

(ii) Aetna S.A. owns 1% of this company.

(jj) Aetna Life Insurance Company of Canada owns 8% of this corporation.

(kk) Equinox Financial Group, Inc. owns 30% of this corporation.

                                       19
<PAGE>

September 30, 1997                                  COMPANY ORGANIZATION LIST

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
COMPANY                             STATE                 IMMEDIATE OWNER                 OWNERSHIP       PRINCIPAL BUSINESS
                                                                                          PERCENTAGE+
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                 <C>                        <C>                              <C>     <C>
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
969708 Ontario Limited              Ontario (1) (*)            Aetna Health Management          100%    Holding Company
                                                               Canada, Inc.
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
First Canadian Health Management    Canada (1) (**)            Aetna Health Management          49%     Managed Health Services
Corporation, Inc.                                              Canada, Inc.
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Aetna Benefits Management, Inc.     Canada (1) (*)             Aetna Life Insurance Company     100%    Claims Administration and 
                                                               of Canada                                Actuarial Services
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Landex Properties Ltd.              British Columbia (1) (*)   Aetna Life Insurance Company     100%    Real Estate Acquisitions
                                                               of Canada
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Mount-Batten Properties Limited     Ontario (1) (*)            Aetna Life Insurance Company     100%    Acquisition, Development and
                                                               of Canada                                Management of Real Estate
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
3158047 Canada Limited              Canada (1) (*)             Aetna Life Insurance Company     100%    Acquisition, Development
                                                               of Canada                                and Management of Real
                                                                                                        Estate
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
3273806 Canada Limited              Canada (1) (*)             Aetna Life Insurance Company     100%    Real Estate Holding Company
                                                               of Canada
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PVS Preferred Vision Services Inc.  Canada (1) (**)            Aetna Benefits Management,        20%    Provider of Ophthalmic, 
                                                               Inc.                                     Service for Four Major
                                                                                                        Shareholders
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Associative Rehabilitation Inc.     Ontario (1) (*)            969708 Ontario Limited           100%    Managed Health Services
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Churchill Office Park Limited       Canada (1) (**)            Mount-Batten Properties Limited   45%    Real Estate Development of
                                                                                                        Ottawa Site
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Aetna Health (N.Z.) Limited         New Zealand (1) (**)       Aetna International (N.Z)         50%    Health Insurance 
                                                               Limited                                  Underwriting
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Aetna Life Insurance (N.Z.)         New Zealand (1) (*)        Aetna Health (N.Z.) Limited      100%    Group Benefits/Pension 
Limited                                                                                                 Management
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
First Medical Corporation Limited   New Zealand (1) (*)        Aetna Health (N.Z.) Limited      100%    Indemnity Health Insurance
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Medic Aid Computers Limited         New Zealand (1) (*)        First Medical Corporation        100%    Inactive
                                                               Limited
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>

                                       20
<PAGE>

September 30, 1997                                  COMPANY ORGANIZATION LIST

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
COMPANY                             STATE                 IMMEDIATE OWNER              OWNERSHIP       PRINCIPAL BUSINESS
                                                                                      PERCENTAGE+
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                 <C>                   <C>                              <C>      <C>
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Medical Aids Hire (1974)            New Zealand (1) (*)   First Medical Corporation        100%     Non-Trading Subsidiary of First 
Limited                                                   Limited                                   Medical Corporation
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
First Health (New Zealand Limited)  New Zealand (1) (*)   Aetna Health (N.Z.) Limited      100%     Super Annuitization/Long Term
                                                                                                    Care
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Prime Health Limited                New Zealand (1) (*)   First Health (New Zealand)        50%     Buying and Managing Risk for 
                                                          Limited                                   Publicly Funded Health Services 
                                                                                                    and Providing Management 
                                                                                                    Services and Infrastructure
                                                                                                    To its Network of Doctors
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PLJ Holdings Limited                Hong Kong (1) (*)     Aetna Investment Management      100%     Investment Management & 
                                                          (F.E.) Holdings Limited                   Securities Trading
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Aetna Investment Management         Hong Kong (1) (*)     Aetna Investment Management      100%     Investment Management. & 
(F.E.) Limited                                            (F.E.) Holdings Limited                   Advisory Services for Individual
                                                                                                    Clients and Investment Funds
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Aetna International Fund Managers   Hong Kong (1) (*)     Aetna Investment Management      100%     Investment & Unit Trust
Limited                                                   (F.E.) Holdings Limited                   Management
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Aetna Investment Management         Hong Kong (1) (*)     Aetna Investment Management      100%     Nominee Services Holding Assets 
(F.E.) Nominees Limited                                   (F.E.) Holdings Limited                   of AIM F.E.'s Customers in 
                                                                                                    Street Name
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Kwang HUA Securities Investment &   Taiwan (1) (***)      Aetna Investment Management       20%     Securities Investment & Trust
Trust Co. Ltd.                                            (F.E.) Holdings Limited
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Kwang HUA Securities Investment     Taiwan (1) (***)      PLJ Holdings Limited              20%     Investment Consulting Company
Consultant Co. Ltd.
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
U.S. Healthcare Financial           DE (1) (*)            Aetna U.S. Healthcare Inc. (PA)  100%     Holding Company
Services, Inc.
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Primary Holdings, Inc.              DE (1) (*)            Aetna U.S. Healthcare Inc. (PA)  100%     Holding Company
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>

                                       21
<PAGE>

September 30, 1997                                  COMPANY ORGANIZATION LIST

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
COMPANY                             STATE                 IMMEDIATE OWNER           OWNERSHIP       PRINCIPAL BUSINESS
                                                                                    PERCENTAGE+
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                 <C>            <C>                               <C>           <C>
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
U.S. Healthcare Dental Plan, Inc.   PA (1) (*)     Aetna U.S. Healthcare Inc. (PA)   100%          Dental
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
U.S. Healthcare Dental Plan, Inc.   NJ (1) (*)     Aetna U.S. Healthcare Inc. (PA)   100%          Dental
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
U.S. Healthcare Dental Plan, Inc.   DE (1) (*)     Aetna U.S. Healthcare Inc. (PA)   100%          Dental
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
U.S. Health Insurance Company       NY (1) (*)     Aetna U.S. Healthcare Inc. (PA)   100%          Accident and Health Insurance
                                                                                                   Company
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Corporate Health Insurance          MN (1) (*)     Aetna U.S. Healthcare Inc. (PA)   100%          Accident and Health Insurance 
Company                                                                                            Company
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
U.S. Managed Care, Inc.             MD (1) (*)     Aetna U.S. Healthcare Inc. (PA)   100%          Utilization Review
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Aetna U.S. Healthcare, Inc.         NJ (1) (*)     Aetna U.S. Healthcare Inc. (PA)   100%          HMO
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Aetna U.S. Healthcare, Inc.         NY (1) (*)     Aetna U.S. Healthcare Inc. (PA)   100%          HMO
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Aetna U.S. Healthcare, Inc.         CT (1) (*)     Aetna U.S. Healthcare Inc. (PA)   100%          HMO
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Aetna U.S. Healthcare, Inc.         MA (1) (*)     Aetna U.S. Healthcare Inc. (PA)   100%          HMO
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Aetna U.S. Healthcare, Inc.         DE (1) (*)     Aetna U.S. Healthcare Inc. (PA)   100%          HMO
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Aetna U.S. Healthcare of New        NH (1) (*)     Aetna U.S. Healthcare Inc. (PA)   100%          HMO
Hampshire, Inc.                                                                            
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Advent Investments, Inc.            DE (1) (*)     U.S. Healthcare Financial         100%          DE Holding Company
                                                   Services, Inc.                          
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Independent Investments, Inc.       DE (1) (*)     U.S. Healthcare Financial         100%          DE Holding Company
                                                   Services, Inc.                          
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
United States Physicians Care       PA (1) (*)     U.S. Healthcare Financial         100%          Financial Services to Physicians
Systems, Inc.                                      Services, Inc.                          
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>

                                       22
<PAGE>

September 30, 1997                                  COMPANY ORGANIZATION LIST

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
COMPANY                             STATE                 IMMEDIATE OWNER           OWNERSHIP       PRINCIPAL BUSINESS
                                                                                    PERCENTAGE+
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                 <C>            <C>                                   <C>      <C>
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
United States Home Health Care      PA (1) (*)          U.S. Healthcare Financial        100%     Inactive - other Medical Services
Systems, Inc.                                           Services, Inc.
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
U.S. Health Aviation Corp.          PA (1) (*)          U.S. Healthcare Financial        100%     Ownership and Operation of 
                                                        Services, Inc.                            Airplanes
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
U.S. Healthcare Properties, Inc.    PA (1) (*)          U.S. Healthcare Financial        100%     Holding Company for Real Estate
                                                        Services, Inc.
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Inteli-Health, Inc.                 DE (1) (*)          U.S. Healthcare Financial         98%     Software Development
                                                        Services, Inc.
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
USHC Management Services            DE (1) (*)          U.S. Healthcare Financial        100%     Management and Financial Services
Corporation                                             Services, Inc.                            to Network Providers
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
U.S. Healthcare Advantage, Inc.     DE (1) (*)          Advent Investments, Inc.         100%     Holding Company
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Wissahickon Payment                 DE (1) (*)          Advent Investments, Inc.         100%     Third Party Administrator
Administrators, Inc.
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Advent Financial Services, Inc.     DE (1) (*)          U.S. Healthcare Advantage, Inc.  100%     Holding Company
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Corporate Health Administrators,    PA (1) (*)          Advent Financial Services, Inc.  100%     Third Party Administrator for
Inc.                                                                                              Self-Insured Plans
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Managed Care Coordinators, Inc.     DE (1) (*)          Advent Financial Services, Inc.  100%     Evaluation and Administration of
                                                                                                  Multiple Health Plans
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
U.S. Phoenix Corporation            PA (1) (*)          Advent Financial Services, Inc.  100%     Shell
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
U.S. Quality Algorithms, Inc.       PA (1) (*)          Advent Financial Services, Inc.  100%     Services to Analyze the Quality
                                                                                                  and Effectiveness of Medical Care
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Workers Comp Advantage, Inc.        PA (1) (*)          Advent Financial Services, Inc.  100%     Case Management and other Medical
                                                                                                  Management Services for Employers 
                                                                                                  on Costs Related to Workers' 
                                                                                                  Compensation Claims
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Primary Investments, Inc.           DE (1) (*)          Primary Holdings, Inc.           100%     Holding Company
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>

                                       23
<PAGE>

September 30, 1997                                  COMPANY ORGANIZATION LIST

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
COMPANY                             STATE                 IMMEDIATE OWNER       OWNERSHIP          PRINCIPAL BUSINESS
                                                                                PERCENTAGE+
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                 <C>           <C>                           <C>            <C>
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
United States Health Care Systems   PA (1) (*)    Primary Investments, Inc.     100%           HMO
of Pennsylvania, Inc.
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
U.S. Healthcare, Inc.               VA (1) (*)    Primary Investments, Inc.     100%           HMO
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
U.S. Healthcare, Inc.               OH (1) (*)    Primary Investments, Inc.     100%           HMO
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
U.S. Healthcare of the Carolinas,   NC (1) (*)    Primary Investments, Inc.     100%           HMO
Inc.
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Aetna U.S. Healthcare of Georgia,   GA (1) (*)    Primary Investments, Inc.      63%           HMO
Inc.
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Advent HMO Corporation              ND (1) (*)    Primary Investments, Inc.     100%           Inactive
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
U.S. Health Insurance Company       CT (1) (*)    Primary Investments, Inc.     100%           Accident and Health Insurance Company
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Aetna U.S. Healthcare, Inc.         AL (1)(*)     Primary Investments, Inc.     100%           HMO
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Aetna U.S. Healthcare, Inc.         MI (1) (*)    Primary Investments, Inc.     100%           HMO
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Aetna U.S. Healthcare, Inc.         OK (1) (*)    Primary Investments, Inc.     100%           HMO
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
U.S. Healthcare, Inc.               MO (1) (*)    Primary Investments, Inc.     100%           HMO
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Aetna U.S. Healthcare Holdings,     DE (1) (*)    Primary Investments, Inc.     100%           Holding Company
Inc.
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Virginia Mason Health Plan, Inc.    WA (1) (*)    Primary Investments, Inc.     100%           HMO
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Aetna U.S. Healthcare of            CO (1) (*)    Aetna U.S. Healthcare         100%           HMO
Colorado, Inc.                                    Holdings, Inc.
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>

                                       24
<PAGE>

Item 28. Indemnification
- ------------------------

Reference is hereby made to Section 33-771(f) of the Connecticut General
Statutes ("C.G.S.") regarding indemnification of directors and Section 33-776(4)
regarding indemnification of officers, employees and agents of Connecticut
corporations. These statutes provide in general that Connecticut corporations
incorporated prior to January 1, 1997 shall indemnify their officers, directors,
employees and agents against "liability" (defined as the obligation to pay a
judgment, settlement, penalty, fine, excise tax in the case of an employee
benefit plan or reasonable expenses incurred with respect to a proceeding). In
the case of a proceeding by or in the right of the corporation, indemnification
is limited to reasonable expenses incurred in connection with the proceeding
against the corporation to which the individual was named a party. The
corporation's obligation to provide such indemnification does not apply unless
(1) the individual has met the standard of conduct set forth in Section 33-771;
and (2) a determination is made (by majority vote of a quorum of the board of
directors who were not parties to the proceeding, or if a quorum cannot be
obtained, by a committee of the board selected as described in Section
33-775(b)(2); by special legal counsel selected by the board of directors or
members thereof as described in Section 33-775(b)(3); by shareholders) that the
individual met the standard set forth in Section 33-771; or (3) the court, upon
application by the individual, determines in view of all the circumstances that
such person is reasonably entitled to be indemnified. Also, unless limited by
its Certificate of Incorporation, a corporation must indemnify an individual who
was wholly successful on the merits or otherwise against reasonable expenses
incurred by him in connection with a proceeding to which he was a party because
of his relationship as director, officer, employee or agent of the corporation.

The statute does specifically authorize a corporation to procure indemnification
insurance on behalf of an individual who is or was a director, officer, employer
or agent of the corporation. Consistent with the statute, Aetna Inc. has
procured insurance from Lloyd's of London and several major United States excess
insurers for its directors and officers and the directors and officers of its
subsidiaries, including the Depositor.

Item 29. Principal Underwriter
- ------------------------------

     (a) In addition to serving as the principal underwriter and depositor for
         the Registrant, Aetna Life Insurance and Annuity Company (Aetna) also
         acts as the investment adviser, only, for Aetna Series Fund, Inc., and
         the principal underwriter and investment adviser for Portfolio
         Partners, Inc., Aetna Variable Encore Fund, Aetna Variable Fund, Aetna
         Generation Portfolios, Inc., Aetna Income Shares, Aetna Investment
         Advisers Fund, Inc., Aetna GET Fund, and Aetna Variable Portfolios,
         Inc. (all management investment companies registered under the
         Investment Company Act of 1940 (1940 Act)). Additionally, Aetna acts as
         the principal underwriter and depositor for Variable Life Account B of
         Aetna, Variable Annuity Account C of Aetna and Variable Annuity Account
         G of Aetna (separate accounts of Aetna registered as unit investment
         trusts under the 1940 Act). Aetna is also the principal underwriter for
         Variable Annuity Account I of Aetna Insurance Company of America (AICA)
         (a separate account of AICA registered as a unit investment trust under
         the 1940 Act).

                                       25
<PAGE>

     (b) See Item 25 regarding the Depositor.

     (c) Compensation as of December 31, 1996:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

<S>      <C>        <C>                  <C>                  <C>             <C>
         (1)        (2)                  (3)                  (4)             (5)

Name of         Net Underwriting    Compensation on
Principal       Discounts and       Redemption or          Brokerage
Underwriter     Commissions         Annuitization          Commissions     Compensation*
- -----------     ----------------    ----------------       -----------     --------------
Aetna Life Insurance                   $288,029                             $17,661,810
and Annuity Company
</TABLE>

*    Compensation shown in column 5 includes deductions for mortality and
     expense risk guarantees and contract charges assessed to cover costs
     incurred in the sales and administration of the contracts issued under
     Variable Annuity Account B.

Item 30. Location of Accounts and Records
- -----------------------------------------

     All accounts, books and other documents required to be maintained by
Section 31(a) of the 1940 Act and the rules under it relating to the securities
described in and issued under this Registration Statement are located at the
home office of the Depositor as follows:

                      Aetna Life Insurance and Annuity Company
                      151 Farmington Avenue
                      Hartford, Connecticut  06156

Item 31. Management Services
- ----------------------------

     Not applicable

Item 32. Undertakings
- ---------------------

     Registrant hereby undertakes:

     (a) to file a post-effective amendment to this registration statement on
         Form N-4 as frequently as is necessary to ensure that the audited
         financial statements in the registration statement are never more than
         sixteen months old for as long as payments under the variable annuity
         contracts may be accepted;

                                       26
<PAGE>

     (b) to include as part of any application to purchase a contract offered by
         a prospectus which is part of this registration statement on Form N-4,
         a space that an applicant can check to request a Statement of
         Additional Information; and

     (c) to deliver any Statement of Additional Information and any financial
         statements required to be made available under this Form N-4 promptly
         upon written or oral request.

     (d) The Company hereby represents that it is relying upon and will comply
         with the provisions of Paragraphs (1) through (4) of the SEC Staff's
         No-Action Letter dated November 22, 1988 with respect to language
         concerning withdrawal restrictions applicable to plans established
         pursuant to Section 403(b) of the Internal Revenue Code. See American
         Counsel of Life Insurance; SEC No-Action Letter, [1989 Transfer Binder]
         Fed. SEC. L. Rep. (CCH) P. 78,904 at 78,523 (November 22, 1988).

     (e) Insofar as indemnification for liability arising under the Securities
         Act of 1933 may be permitted to directors, officers and controlling
         persons of the Registrant pursuant to the foregoing provisions, or
         otherwise, the Registrant has been advised that in the opinion of the
         Securities and Exchange Commission such indemnification is against
         public policy as expressed in the Act and is, therefore, unenforceable.
         In the event that a claim for indemnification against such liabilities
         (other than the payment by the Registrant of expenses incurred or paid
         by a director, officer or controlling person of the Registrant in the
         successful defense of any action, suit or proceeding) is asserted by
         such director, officer or controlling person in connection with the
         securities being registered, the Registrant will, unless in the opinion
         of its counsel the matter has been settled by controlling precedent,
         submit to a court of appropriate jurisdiction the question of whether
         such indemnification by it is against public policy as expressed in the
         Act and will be governed by the final adjudication of such issue.

     (f) Aetna Life Insurance and Annuity Company represents that the fees and
         charges deducted under the contracts covered by this registration
         statement, in the aggregate, are reasonable in relation to the services
         rendered, the expenses expected to be incurred, and the risks assumed
         by the insurance company.

<PAGE>

                                   SIGNATURES

     As required by the Securities Act of 1933 and the Investment Company Act of
1940, the Registrant, Variable Annuity Account B of Aetna Life Insurance and
Annuity Company, certifies that it meets the requirements of Securities Act Rule
485(b) for effectiveness of this Post-Effective Amendment to its Registration
Statement on Form N-4 (File No. 33-34370) and has duly caused this
Post-Effective Amendment to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned,
thereunto duly authorized, in the City of Hartford, State of Connecticut, on the
26th day of November, 1997.

                                            VARIABLE ANNUITY ACCOUNT B OF AETNA
                                            LIFE INSURANCE AND ANNUITY COMPANY
                                               (Registrant)

                                           By: AETNA LIFE INSURANCE AND ANNUITY
                                               COMPANY
                                                 (Depositor)

                                             By: Thomas J. McInerney*
                                                 -------------------------------
                                                 Thomas J. McInerney
                                                 President

     As required by the Securities Act of 1933, this Post-Effective Amendment
No. 31 to the Registration Statement on Form N-4 (File No. 33-34370) has been
signed by the following persons in the capacities and on the dates indicated.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Signature                 Title                                            Date

<S>                       <C>                                         <C>
Thomas J. McInerney*      Director and President                      )
- --------------------      (principal executive officer)               )
Thomas J. McInerney*                                                  )
                                                                      )
Timothy A. Holt*          Director, Senior Vice President and Chief   )
- -------------------       Financial Officer                           )
Timothy A. Holt                                                       )
                                                                      )
Christopher J. Burns*     Director                                    ) November
- ---------------------                                                 )
Christopher J. Burns                                                  ) 26, 1997
                                                                      )
J. Scott Fox*             Director                                    )
- ---------------------                                                 )
J. Scott Fox                                                          )
                                                                      )
John Y. Kim*              Director                                    )
- ---------------------                                                 )
John Y. Kim                                                           )

<PAGE>

Shaun P. Mathews*         Director                                             )
- --------------------                                                           )
Shaun P. Mathews                                                               )
                                                                               )
Deborah Koltenuk*         Vice President and Treasurer, Corporate Controller   )
- --------------------                                                           )
Deborah Koltenuk                                                               )

By: /s/ Julie E. Rockmore
    ---------------------------
    Julie E. Rockmore
    *Attorney-in-Fact
</TABLE>

<PAGE>

                           VARIABLE ANNUITY ACCOUNT B
                                  EXHIBIT INDEX
<TABLE>
<S>           <C>                                                          <C>

Exhibit No.   Exhibit                                                                 Page
- ----------    -------                                                                 ----
99-B.1        Resolution of the Board of Directors of Aetna Life Insurance and Annuity    *
              Company establishing Variable Annuity Account B

99-B.3.1      Selling Agreement                                                           *

99-B.3.2      Alternative Form of Wholesaling Agreement and Related Selling Agreement     *

99-B.3.3      Federated Broker Dealer Agreement (9/2/94)                                  *

99-B.4.1      Variable Annuity Contract G-MP1(5/97)                                       *

99-B.4.2      Variable Annuity Contract Certificate MP1CERT(5/97)                         *

99-B.4.3      Variable Annuity Contract I-MP1(5/97)                                       *

99-B.4.4      Variable Annuity Contract G-MP1(5/96)                                       *

99-B.4.5      Variable Annuity Contract Certificate MP1CERT(5/96)                         *

99-B.4.6      Variable Annuity Contract I-MP1(5/96)                                       *

99-B.4.7      Variable Annuity Contract G-CDA-96(NY)                                      *

99-B.4.8      Variable Annuity Contract Certificate GMCC-96(NY)                           *

99-B.4.9      Variable Annuity Contracts and Certificates                                 *
              G-CDA-IC(NQ), G-CDA-IC(IR), I-CDA-IC(NQ/MP),
              I-CDA-IC(IR/MP), GMCC-IC(NQ)

99-B.4.10     Variable Annuity Contracts and Certificates                                 *
              G-CDA-IC(IR/NY), GMCC-IC(IR/NY), G-CDA-IC(NQ/NY), and GMCC-IC(NQ/NY)


99-B.4.11     Endorsements MP1IRA(5/97) and I-MP1IRA(5/97) to Contract G-MP1(5/96) and    *
              Certificate MP1CERT(5/96)

*Incorporated by reference


<PAGE>

Exhibit No.   Exhibit                                                                  Page
- ----------    -------                                                                  ----
99-B.4.12     Endorsements MP1QP(5/97) and I-MP1QP(5/97) to Contract                      *
              G-MP1(5/96) and Certificate MP1CERT(5/96)

99-B.4.13     Endorsements MP1TDA(5/97) and I-MP1TDA(5/97) to Contract G-MP1(5/96) and    *
              Certificate MP1CERT(5/96)

99-B.4.14     Endorsements MP1DC(5/97) and I-MP1DC(5/97) to Contract G-MP1(5/96) and      *
              Certificate MP1CERT(5/96)

99-B.4.15     Endorsement G-MP1IRA(11/96) to Contract                                     *
              G-CDA-96(NY) and Certificate GMCC-96(NY)

99-B.4.16     Endorsements MP1END(5/97) and I-MP1END(5/97) to Contract GMP1(5/96) and     *
              Certificate MP1CERT(5/96)

99-B.4.17     Endorsement MP1END(9/97) to Contract G-MP1(5/96) and Certificate            *
              MP1CERT(5/96)

99-B.4.18     Endorsement I-MP1END(9/97) to Contract                                      *
              I-MP1(5/96)

99-B.5.1      Variable Annuity Contract Application (300-MAR-IB)                          *

99-B.5.2      Variable Annuity Contract Application (710.6.13)                            *

99-B.6.1      Certificate of Incorporation of Aetna Life Insurance and Annuity Company    *

99-B.6.2      Ammendment of Certificate of Incorporation of Aetna Life Insurance and      *
              Annuity Company

99-B.6.3      By-Laws, as amended September 17, 1997, of Aetna Life Insurance and Annuity *
              Company

99-B.8.1      Fund Participation Agreement (Amended and Restated) between Aetna Life      *
              Insurance and Annuity Company, Alger American Fund and Fred Alger
              Management, Inc. dated March 31, 1995

*Incorporated by reference

<PAGE>

Exhibit No.   Exhibit                                                                  Page
- ----------    -------                                                                  ----

99-B.8.2      Fund Participation Agreement between Aetna Life Insurance and               *
              Annuity Company and Calvert Asset Management Company (Calvert
              Responsibly Invested Balanced Portfolio, formerly Calvert Socially
              Responsible Series) dated March 13, 1989 and amended December 27,
              1993

99-B.8.3      Second Amendment dated January 1, 1996 to Fund Participation                *
              Agreement between Aetna Life Insurance and Annuity Company and
              Calvert Asset Management Company (Calvert Responsibly Invested
              Balanced Portfolio, formerly Calvert Socially Responsible Series)
              dated March 13, 1989 and amended December 27, 1993

99-B.8.4      Third Amendment dated February 11, 1997 to Fund Participation               *
              Agreement between Aetna Life Insurance and Annuity Company and
              Calvert Asset Management Company (Calvert Responsibly Invested
              Balanced Portfolio, formerly Calvert Socially Responsible Series)
              dated March 13, 1989 and amended December 27, 1993 and January 1,
              1996

99-B.8.5      Fourth Amendment dated February 28, 1997 to Fund Participation              *
              Agreement between Aetna Life Insurance and Annuity Company and
              Calvert Asset Management Company (Calvert Responsibly Invested
              Balanced Portfolio, formerly Calvert Socially Responsible Series)
              dated March 13, 1989 and amended December 27, 1993, January 1,
              1996, and February 11, 1997

99-B.8.6      Fund Participation Agreement by and among Aetna Life Insurance and          *
              Annuity Company, Insurance Management Series and Federated
              Advisors dated July 1, 1994

99-B.8.7      Fund Participation Agreements between Aetna Life Insurance and              *
              Annuity Company, Variable Insurance Products Fund and Fidelity
              Distributors Corporation dated February 1, 1994 and amended on
              December 15, 1994, February 1, 1996, May 1, 1995, January 1, 1996
              and March 1, 1996

*Incorporated by reference

<PAGE>

Exhibit No.   Exhibit                                                                 Page
- ----------    -------                                                                 ---- 
99-B.8.8      Fifth Amendment, dated as of May 1, 1997, to the Fund                     *
              Participation Agreement between Aetna Life Insurance and Annuity
              Company, Variable Insurance Products Fund and Fidelity
              Distributors Corporation dated February 1, 1994 and amended on
              December 15, 1994, February 1, 1996, May 1, 1995, January 1, 1996
              and March 1, 1996

99-B.8.9      Fund Participation Agreement between Aetna Life Insurance and             *
              Annuity Company, Variable Insurance Products Fund II and
              Fidelity Distributors Corporation dated February 1, 1994 and
              amended on December 15, 1994, May 1, 1995, January 1, 1996,
              February 1, 1996 and March 1, 1996

99-B.8.10     Fifth Amendment, dated as of May 1, 1997, to the Fund
              Participation Agreement between Aetna Life Insurance and Annuity          *
              Company, Variable Insurance Products Fund II and Fidelity
              Distributors Corporation dated February 1, 1994 and amended on
              December 15, 1994, May 1, 1995, January 1, 1996, February 1, 1996
              and March 1, 1996

99-B.8.11     Service Agreement between Aetna Life Insurance and Annuity Company        *
              and Fidelity Investments Institutional Operations Company dated
              as of November 1, 1995

99-B.8.12     Amendment dated January 1, 1997 to Service Agreement between Aetna        *
              Life Insurance and Annuity Company and Fidelity Investments
              Institutional Operations Company dated as of November 1, 1995

99-B.8.13     Fund Participation Agreement between Aetna Life Insurance and             *
              Annuity Company and Janus Aspen Series dated April 19, 1994, and
              amended June 15, 1994, July 31, 1995 and March 1, 1996

99-B.8.14     Fund Participation Agreement between Aetna Life Insurance and             *
              Annuity Company and Lexington Management Corporation regarding
              Natural Resources Trust dated December 1, 1988 and amended
              February 11, 1991
</TABLE>

*Incorporated by reference
<PAGE>

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

Exhibit No.  Exhibit                                                                      Page

<S>          <C>                                                                            <C>
99-B.8.15    Fund Participation Agreement between Aetna Life Insurance and Annuity          *
             Company, Lexington Emerging Markets Fund, Inc. and Lexington Management
             Corporation (its investment advisor) dated April 28, 1994

99-B.8.16    Fund Participation Agreement among MFS Variable Insurance Trust, Aetna Life    *
             Insurance and Annuity Company and Massachusetts Financial Services Company
             dated April 30, 1996

99-B.8.17    First Amendment dated September 3,1996 to Fund Participation Agreement among   *
             MFS Variable Insurance Trust, Aetna Life Insurance and Annuity Company and
             Massachusetts Financial Services Company dated April 30, 1996

99-B.8.18    Second Amendment dated March 14, 1997 to Fund Participation Agreement among    *
             MFS Variable Insurance Trust, Aetna Life Insurance and Annuity Company and
             Massachusetts Financial Services Company dated April 30, 1996

99-B.8.19    Fund Participation Agreement between Aetna Life Insurance and Annuity          *
             Company and Oppenheimer Variable Annuity Account Funds and Oppenheimer
             Funds, Inc. dated March 11, 1997

99-B.8.20    Service Agreement between Oppenheimer Funds, Inc. and Aetna Life Insurance     *
             and Annuity Company dated March 11, 1997

99-B.8.21    Fund Participation Agreement between Aetna Life Insurance and Annuity          *
             Company, Investors Research Corporation and TCI Portfolios, Inc. dated July
             29, 1992 and amended December 22, 1992 and June 1, 1994

99-B.8.22    Administrative Service Agreement between Aetna Life Insurance and Annuity      *
             Company and Agency, Inc.

99-B.9       Opinion and Consent of Counsel
                                                                                   -----------------

99-B.10      Consent of Independent Auditors
                                                                                   -----------------

99-B.13      Schedule for Computation of Performance Data                                   *

*Incorporated by reference

<PAGE>


Exhibit No.  Exhibit                                                                      Page

99-B.15.1    Powers of Attorney                                                             *

99-B.15.2    Authorization for Signatures                                                   *

27           Financial Data Schedule
                                                                                    -----------------
</TABLE>

*Incorporated by reference

[Aetna Letterhead]

[Aetna Logo]

                                              151 Farmington Avenue
                                              Hartford, CT 06156


November 26, 1997                             Julie E. Rockmore
                                              Counsel
                                              Law Division, RE4A
                                              Investments & Financial Services
                                              (860) 273-4686
                                              Fax:  (860) 273-8340

Securities and Exchange Commission
450 Fifth Street, N.W.
Washington, DC  20549

Re:  Aetna Life Insurance and Annuity Company and its Variable Annuity Account B
     Post-Effective Amendment No. 31 to Registration Statement on Form N-4
     Prospectus Title: Aetna Marathon Plus - Group and Individual Deferred
     Variable Annuity Contracts 
     File Nos. 33-34370* and 811-2512

Dear Sir or Madam:

The undersigned serves as counsel to Aetna Life Insurance and Annuity Company, a
Connecticut life insurance company (the "Company"). It is my understanding that
the Company, as depositor, has registered an indefinite amount of securities
(the "Securities") under the Securities Act of 1933 (the "Securities Act") as
provided in Rule 24f-2 under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (the "Investment
Company Act").

In connection with this opinion, I have reviewed the N-4 Registration Statement,
as amended to the date hereof, and this Post-Effective Amendment No. 31. I have
also examined originals or copies, certified or otherwise identified to my
satisfaction, of such documents, trust records and other instruments I have
deemed necessary or appropriate for the purpose of rendering this opinion. For
purposes of such examination, I have assumed the genuineness of all signatures
on original documents and the conformity to the original of all copies.

I am admitted to practice law in Connecticut, and do not purport to be an expert
on the laws of any other state. My opinion herein as to any other law is based
upon a limited inquiry thereof which I have deemed appropriate under the
circumstances.
- --------
* Pursuant to Rule 429(a) under the Securities Act of 1933, Registrant has
included a combined prospectus under this Registration Statement which includes
all the information which would currently be required in a prospectus relating
to the following earlier Registration Statement: 33-87932.

<PAGE>

Based upon the foregoing, and, assuming the Securities are sold in accordance
with the provisions of the prospectus, I am of the opinion that the Securities
being registered will be legally issued and will represent binding obligations
of the Company.

I consent to the filing of this opinion as an exhibit to the Registration
Statement.

Sincerely,

/s/ Julie E. Rockmore

Julie E. Rockmore



                        Consent of Independent Auditors


The Board of Directors of Aetna Life Insurance and Annuity Company
and Contractholders of Aetna Variable Annuity Account B:

We consent to the use of our reports dated February 4, 1997 and February 14,
1997 incorporated by reference in registration statement (No. 33-34370) on
Form N-4 and to the reference to our firm under the caption "CONDENSED
FINANCIAL INFORMATION" in the Prospectus.


                     
                                                       /s/ KPMG Peat Marwick LLP

Hartford, Connecticut
November 26, 1997



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