SENTRY VARIABLE ACCOUNT I
485BPOS, 2000-01-07
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<PAGE>   1


                                                       1933 Act File No. 2-87746
                                                      1940 Act File No. 811-3901


                       SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                             Washington, D.C. 20549
                                    FORM N-4

REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933

         Pre-Effective Amendment No.                                   [   ]
                                     -----
         Post-Effective Amendment No. 20                               [ x ]

REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE INVESTMENT COMPANY ACT OF 1940

         Amendment No. 17                                              [ x ]


                            SENTRY VARIABLE ACCOUNT I
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                           (Exact Name of Registrant)

                    SENTRY LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY OF NEW YORK
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                               (Name of Depositor)

                           220 Salina Meadows Parkway
                            Syracuse, New York 13212
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
             (Address of Depositor's Executive Offices and Zip Code)

                     Telephone (315) 453-6302
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
         (Depositor's Telephone Number, Including Area Code)

                        William M. O'Reilly
                        Sentry Life Insurance Company of New York
                        1800 North Point Drive
                        Stevens Point, WI  54481
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                     (Name and Address of Agent for Service)



It is proposed that this filing will become effective (check appropriate box)

[   ] immediately upon filing pursuant to paragraph (b) of Rule 485
[ x ] on January 7, 2000, pursuant to paragraph (b) of Rule 485
[   ] 60 days after filing pursuant to paragraph (a)(1) of Rule 485
[   ] on (date) pursuant to paragraph (a)(1) of Rule 485


If appropriate, check the following box:

[   ] This post-effective amendment designates a new effective date for a
      previously filed post-effective amendment.

Title of Securities Being Registered:  Individual Variable Annuity Contracts


<PAGE>   2


                              CROSS REFERENCE SHEET

                             (Required by Rule 495)


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Item No.                                             Location
- --------                                             --------
<S>                                                  <C>
                                     PART A

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

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

  3      Synopsis .................................  Summary

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

  5      General Description of Registrant,
         Depositor, and Portfolio Companies .......  The Company; The Variable
                                                     Account; T. Rowe Price Fixed
                                                     Income Series, Inc., T. Rowe
                                                     Price Equity Series, Inc. and
                                                     Janus Aspen Series

  6      Deductions and Expenses .................   Charges and Deductions

  7      General Description of Variable
         Annuity Contracts  .......................  The Contract

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

  9      Death Benefit  ...........................  The Contract; Annuity
                                                     Provisions

 10      Purchases and Contract Value .............  Purchases and Contract Value

 11      Redemptions  .............................  Purchases and Contract Value

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

 13      Legal Proceedings  .......................  Legal Proceedings

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

                                     PART B

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

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

 17      General Information and History ..........  The Company

 18      Services  ................................  Not Applicable

 19      Purchase of Securities Being Offered .....  Not Applicable

 20      Underwriters  ............................  Distribution of The Contract

 21      Calculation of Performance Data ..........  Yield Calculation for T. Rowe
                                                     Price Prime Reserve Subaccount

 22      Annuity Payments  ........................  Amount of Annuity Payments

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

                                     PART C
</TABLE>

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>   3






                                     PART A


<PAGE>   4
                    SENTRY LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY OF NEW YORK

      HOME OFFICE:                                  ANNUITY SERVICE OFFICE:
         220 SALINA MEADOWS PARKWAY                    P.O. BOX 867
         SYRACUSE, NY 13212                            STEVENS POINT, WI 54481
                                                       TELEPHONE: (800) 533-7827

                  INDIVIDUAL FLEXIBLE PURCHASE PAYMENT DEFERRED
                           VARIABLE ANNUITY CONTRACTS
                                    ISSUED BY
                            SENTRY VARIABLE ACCOUNT I
                                       and
                    SENTRY LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY OF NEW YORK

The individual flexible purchase payment deferred variable annuity contract (the
"Contract") described in this Prospectus provides for accumulation of Contract
Values and monthly annuity payments on a variable basis. The Contract is
designed for use by individuals in retirement plans on a qualified or
non-qualified basis. The Contract may be purchased for retirement plans that
receive favorable tax treatment such as individual retirement annuities,
tax-sheltered annuities and deferred compensation plans.

Your purchase payments will be allocated to a segregated investment account of
Sentry Life Insurance Company of New York which has been designated Sentry
Variable Account I (the "Variable Account"). The Variable Account invests in
shares of T. Rowe Price Fixed Income Series, Inc., T. Rowe Price Equity Series,
Inc., and Janus Aspen Series. Through the Variable Account, you may invest in
the following Portfolios:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
  T. Rowe Price Fixed Income Series, Inc.                   T. Rowe Price Equity Series, Inc.
  ---------------------------------------                   ---------------------------------
  <S>                                                       <C>
  -  T. Rowe Price Prime Reserve Portfolio                  -  T. Rowe Price Personal Strategy Balanced Portfolio
  -  T. Rowe Price Limited-Term Bond Portfolio
</TABLE>

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                       Janus Aspen Series
                                       ------------------
  <S>                                  <C>
                                       -  Aggressive Growth Portfolio
</TABLE>

As the Owner of the Contract, you bear the complete investment risk for amounts
you allocate to the Variable Account.

THE CONTRACT:
     -   IS NOT A BANK DEPOSIT
     -   IS NOT FEDERALLY INSURED
     -   IS NOT ENDORSED BY ANY BANK OR GOVERNMENT AGENCY
     -   IS NOT GUARANTEED AND MAY BE SUBJECT TO LOSS OF PRINCIPAL

This Prospectus provides basic information you should know about the Contract
before investing. Please keep this Prospectus for future reference.

A Statement of Additional Information dated January 7, 2000, which is legally a
part of this Prospectus, contains further information about the Contract. It has
been filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, along with this
Prospectus. You can obtain a copy of the Statement of Additional Information at
no charge by writing or calling Sentry Equity Services, Inc., 1800 North Point
Drive, Stevens Point, WI 54481, (800)533-7827. The Table of Contents for the
Statement of Additional Information can be found on page 28 of this Prospectus.

This Prospectus does not constitute an offer to sell, or a solicitation of an
offer to buy, the Contract in any jurisdiction in which such offer or
solicitation may not be lawfully made.

INQUIRIES: If you have any questions regarding the Contract, you should call or
write the Annuity Service Office at the telephone number or address given above.

THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION HAS NOT APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED THESE
SECURITIES OR DETERMINED IF THIS PROSPECTUS IS ACCURATE OR COMPLETE. ANY
REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS A CRIMINAL OFFENSE.

           This Prospectus and the Statement of Additional Information
are dated January 7, 2000.

<PAGE>   5

                               TABLE OF CONTENTS

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                              Page
                                                                                                              ----
<S>                                                                                                            <C>
Definitions................................................................................................    4
Summary....................................................................................................    5
Fee Table..................................................................................................    6
Condensed Financial Information............................................................................    8
Performance Information....................................................................................    8
Financial Statements.......................................................................................    9
The Company................................................................................................    9
The Variable Account.......................................................................................    9
T. Rowe Price Fixed Income Series, Inc.....................................................................    9
T. Rowe Price Equity Series, Inc...........................................................................    9
Janus Aspen Series.........................................................................................    9
Variable Account Voting Rights.............................................................................   11
Substitution of Securities.................................................................................   11
Charges and Deductions ....................................................................................   11
   Contingent Deferred Sales Charge........................................................................   11
   Reduction or Elimination of Contingent Deferred Sales Charge............................................   13
   Deduction for Mortality and Expense Risk Premium........................................................   13
   Deduction for Contract Maintenance Charge...............................................................   13
   Deduction for Premium Taxes and Other Taxes.............................................................   14
   Other Expenses..........................................................................................   14
The Contract...............................................................................................   14
   Transfers...............................................................................................   14
   No Default..............................................................................................   15
   Modification of the Contract............................................................................   15
   Contract Value..........................................................................................   15
   Ownership...............................................................................................   15
   Assignment..............................................................................................   16
   Beneficiary.............................................................................................   16
Annuity Provisions.........................................................................................   16
   Income Date and Settlement Option.......................................................................   16
   Changing the Income Date................................................................................   16
   Changing the Settlement Option..........................................................................   16
   Settlement Options......................................................................................   17
   Mortality and Expense Guarantee.........................................................................   17
   Frequency of Annuity Payments...........................................................................   17
   Amount of Annuity Payments..............................................................................   17
   Additional Provisions...................................................................................   18
</TABLE>



                                        2

<PAGE>   6

                         TABLE OF CONTENTS (Continued)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                            Page
                                                                                                            ----
<S>                                                                                                         <C>
Death Benefit..............................................................................................   18
   Death of the Annuitant..................................................................................   18
   Death of the Contract Owner.............................................................................   19
Purchases and Contract Value...............................................................................   19
   Change in Purchase Payments.............................................................................   19
   Allocation of Purchase Payments.........................................................................   19
   Accumulation Units .....................................................................................   20
   Distribution of Contract................................................................................   20
Surrenders.................................................................................................   21
   Limitations on Withdrawals from 403(b) Annuities........................................................   21
Federal Tax Status.........................................................................................   22
   General.................................................................................................   22
   Diversification.........................................................................................   22
   Contract Owner Control of Investments...................................................................   23
   Multiple Contracts......................................................................................   23
   Owner Other than Natural Person.........................................................................   23
   Tax Treatment of Assignments............................................................................   23
   Income Tax Withholding..................................................................................   23
   Tax Treatment of Withdrawals - Non-Qualified Contracts and Section 457 Contracts........................   24
   Qualified Plans.........................................................................................   24
   Tax Treatment of Withdrawals - Qualified Contracts......................................................   26
   Tax Sheltered Annuities - Withdrawal Limitations........................................................   27
   Section 457 - Deferred Compensation Plans...............................................................   27
Legal Proceedings..........................................................................................   27
Table of Contents of Statement of Additional Information...................................................   28
</TABLE>


                                        3

<PAGE>   7


                                   DEFINITIONS

Following are definitions of terms used in this Prospectus.

<TABLE>
<S>                         <C>
Accumulation Unit           An accounting unit representing a share of ownership in the Variable Account during the years
                            before annuity payments begin.

Annuitant                   The person upon whose continuation of life any annuity payment involving life contingencies depends
                            and to whom annuity payments will be made during the income phase of the Contract.

Annuity Unit                An accounting unit of measure used to calculate annuity payments during the income phase of
                            the Contract.

Code                        Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.

Company                     Sentry Life Insurance Company of New York, 220 Salina Meadows Parkway, Syracuse, NY  13212.

Contingent Owner            The Contingent Owner, if any, of the Contract must be the spouse of the Contract Owner named
                            on the application.

Contract Anniversary        The same month and day each year calculated from the date the Contract was first issued.

Contract Owner              The Contract Owner is named on the application, unless changed, and has all rights under the
                            Contract.

Contract Value              The dollar value of all amounts accumulated under the Contract as calculated on any valuation
                            date.

Contract Year               A 12-month period beginning with the Contract issue date and each Contract anniversary date
                            thereafter.

Mutual Fund                 A Mutual Fund designated as an investment option for the Variable Account.

Income Date                 The date on which annuity payments begin.

Non-Qualified Contract      A contract issued under a non-qualified plan. This means that the contract does not receive
                            favorable tax treatment under Sections 401, 403, 408 or 457 of the Code.

Portfolio                   A segment of a Mutual Fund made up of a separate and distinct class of shares.

Qualified Contract          A contract that is issued under a tax-qualified plan. A qualified plan, generally a
                            retirement plan, is one that receives favorable tax treatment.

Subaccount                  A segment of the Variable Account that invests in a Mutual Fund or Portfolio.

Valuation Date              The date on which the Company determines the value of the Contract. The Valuation Date is each
                            day that the New York Stock Exchange ("NYSE") is open for business, which is Monday through Friday,
                            except for New Year's Day, Martin Luther King Day, President's Day, Good Friday, Memorial Day,
                            Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day.

Valuation Period            The period beginning at the close of business on the NYSE on each Valuation Date and ending at the
                            close of business for the next succeeding Valuation Date.

Variable Account            Sentry Variable Account I, a separate investment account of Sentry Life Insurance Company
                            of New York into which you can allocate your net purchase payments. The Variable Account is divided into
                            Subaccounts.
</TABLE>




                                        4
<PAGE>   8

                                     SUMMARY
THE CONTRACT

The Contract described in this Prospectus is an individual flexible purchase
payment deferred variable annuity contract. The Contract is intended for
retirement savings or other long-term investment purposes. "Flexible purchase
payments" means that you may choose to make purchase payments monthly, quarterly
or annually in whatever amount you choose, subject to certain minimum
requirements. A "deferred annuity contract" means that annuity payments do not
begin for a specified period (usually when you retire) or until you reach a
certain age. A "variable annuity" is one in which the contract values and
annuity payments may vary depending on the performance of the underlying
investment portfolios.

As with all deferred annuity contracts, the Contract has two phases: the
accumulation phase and the income phase. The accumulation phase is the period
during which you are making purchase payments. During the accumulation phase,
earnings accumulate on a tax-deferred basis, but are taxed as ordinary income if
you make a withdrawal. The income phase occurs when you begin receiving annuity
payments, usually when you retire.

Along with the investment experience of the Variable Account, the amount of your
purchase payments during the accumulation phase determines, in part, the amount
of the annuity payments you will receive during the income phase.

THE VARIABLE ACCOUNT

You can allocate purchase payments to the Variable Account, which is a
segregated investment account of the Company. The Variable Account invests in
shares of T. Rowe Price Fixed Income Series, Inc., T. Rowe Price Equity Series,
Inc., and Janus Aspen Series at their net asset value. As the Contract Owner,
you bear the investment risk for the purchase payments you select to be
allocated to the Variable Account.

TEN-DAY FREE LOOK

Within 10 days (or longer in states where required) of the day you receive the
Contract, you may return it to the Company or to your sales representative. When
the Company receives the returned Contract, it will be voided as if it had never
been issued and you will receive a full refund of your purchase payments.

CHARGES AND DEDUCTIONS

Contingent Deferred Sales Charge. There is no sales charge when you purchase the
Contract. However, if you surrender the Contract, the Company may impose a
contingent deferred sales charge. The contingent deferred sales charge ranges
from 0% to 6% depending on how long the Company has had your purchase payments.


Mortality and Expense Risk Premium. Each Valuation Period, the Company deducts a
mortality and expense risk premium from the Variable Account. The charge is
equal, on an annual basis, to 1.20% of the average daily net asset value of the
Variable Account.


Contract Maintenance Charge. The Company deducts an annual contract maintenance
charge of $30 from the Contract Value. The Company reserves the right to change
the amount of the contract maintenance charge at any time before the Income
Date. After the Income Date, the Company may deduct a contract maintenance
charge from your monthly annuity payment.


Premium Taxes. The Company will deduct for any premium taxes which must be paid
to a state or other governmental entity from the Contract Value. Currently,
premium taxes range from 0% to 4%.



                                       5

<PAGE>   9

TAXES

Your earnings in the Contract are not taxed until you take them out. If you take
money out before the Income Date, earnings come out first and are taxed as
income If you are younger than 59 1/2 when you take money out, you may be
charged a 10% federal tax penalty on the earnings. The annuity payments you
receive during the income phase are considered partly a return of your original
investment. That part of each payment is not taxable as income.

                                    FEE TABLE
CONTRACT OWNER TRANSACTION EXPENSES

     -   Contingent Deferred Sales Charge (as a percentage of purchase payments)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
         TIME BETWEEN WHEN PURCHASE PAYMENT
            IS MADE AND DATE OF SURRENDER                                                        PERCENTAGE
         ----------------------------------                                                      ----------
         <S>                                                                                     <C>
         Less than 1 year.......................................................................      6%
         At least 1 year but less than 2 years..................................................      5%
         At least 2 years but less than 3 years.................................................      4%
         At least 3 years but less than 4 years.................................................      3%
         At least 4 years but less than 5 years.................................................      2%
         At least 5 years but less than 6 years.................................................      1%
         At least 6 years.......................................................................      0%
</TABLE>

CONTRACT MAINTENANCE CHARGE

     -   $30 per year

VARIABLE ACCOUNT ANNUAL EXPENSES

     -   Mortality and Expense Risk Premium - 1.20% of daily net asset value

ANNUAL EXPENSES OF T. ROWE PRICE FIXED INCOME SERIES, INC., T. ROWE PRICE EQUITY
SERIES, INC., AND JANUS ASPEN SERIES (as a percentage of the average daily net
assets of a Portfolio)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                     INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT            OTHER       TOTAL ANNUAL
PORTFOLIO                                           AND ADMINISTRATION FEES         EXPENSES        EXPENSES
- ---------                                           -----------------------         --------      -------------
<S>                                                 <C>                             <C>           <C>
T. Rowe Price Fixed Income Series, Inc.
   - T. Rowe Price Prime Reserve                              0.55%                    0.00%           0.55%
   - T. Rowe Price Limited-Term Bond                          0.70%                    0.00%           0.70%

T. Rowe Price Equity Series, Inc.
   - T. Rowe Price Personal Strategy Balanced                 0.90%                    0.00%           0.90%

Janus Aspen Series
   - Aggressive Growth                                        0.72%                    0.03%           0.75%
</TABLE>

Portfolios of T. Rowe Price Fixed Income Series, Inc. and T. Rowe Price Equity
Series, Inc. have an annual all-inclusive Investment Management and
Administrative Fee based on their average daily net assets, which includes all
expenses related to the Portfolio. The Portfolios calculate and accrue the fees
daily. The Investment Management and Administrative Fee for the Janus Aspen
Series are separate from related fees.


                                       6
<PAGE>   10


EXAMPLES

The following table shows the expenses that you, as a Contract Owner, would pay
on a $1,000 investment, assuming a 5% annual return on assets.

     (a)  shows the amounts that you would pay at the end of each time period if
          you surrender the Contract.

     (b)  shows the amounts that you would pay if you do not surrender the
          Contract.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                                          TIME PERIODS
                                               1 YEAR             3 YEARS            5 YEARS           10 YEARS
                                               ------             -------            -------           --------
<S>                                               <C>             <C>                <C>               <C>
T. Rowe Price                                  a) $74.00          $103.00            $134.00           $264.00
Prime Reserve Portfolio                        b) $24.00          $ 73.00            $124.00           $264.00
T. Rowe Price                                  a) $72.00          $ 97.00            $124.00           $242.00
Limited-Term Bond Portfolio                    b) $22.00          $ 67.00            $114.00           $242.00
T. Rowe Price                                  a) $74.00          $104.00            $136.00           $268.00
Personal Strategy Balanced Portfolio           b) $24.00          $ 74.00            $126.00           $268.00
Aggressive Growth Portfolio                    a) $73.00          $100.00            $129.00           $254.00
                                               b) $23.00          $ 70.00            $119.00           $254.00
</TABLE>



                      EXPLANATION OF FEE TABLE AND EXAMPLES

1.   The purpose of the above table is to assist you in understanding the
     various costs and expenses that you will incur, either directly or
     indirectly. The table reflects expenses of the Variable Account, as well as
     the Portfolios.

2.   Premium taxes may apply; however, they are not reflected.

3.   The examples do not reflect that after the first Contract Year, you may
     make one surrender per Contract Year, on a non-cumulative basis, of up to
     10% of the aggregate purchase payments (less any withdrawals) free from a
     contingent deferred sales charge, provided the value of the Contract prior
     to the surrender exceeds $10,000.

4.   Neither the fee table nor the examples include a transfer fee. Currently,
     there is no transfer fee, but the Company reserves the right to assess a
     transfer fee in the future.

5.   THE EXAMPLES SHOULD NOT BE CONSIDERED A REPRESENTATION OF PAST OR FUTURE
     EXPENSES. ACTUAL EXPENSES MAY BE GREATER OR LESS THAN THOSE SHOWN.

                                        7



<PAGE>   11


                         CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION

ACCUMULATION UNIT VALUES

The following table sets forth the Accumulation Unit values for the periods
shown. This data has been taken from the Variable Account's financial
statements. The financial statements (except the September 30, 1999, unaudited
financial statements) have been audited by PricewaterhouseCoopers, LLP,
independent accountant, whose audit report is included in the Statement of
Additional Information.

The following information should be read in conjunction with the Variable
Account's financial statements and related notes, which are included in the
Statement of Additional Information.

On January 7, 2000, the Company substituted shares of certain Portfolios of T.
Rowe Price Equity Series, Inc., T. Rowe Price Fixed Income Series, Inc., and
Janus Aspen Series for shares of certain Portfolios of Neuberger Berman Advisers
Management Trust (the "Substitution") as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

From these Portfolios:                      Into these Portfolios
<S>                                         <C>
AMT Liquid Asset Portfolio                  T. Rowe Price Prime Reserve Portfolio
AMT Limited Maturity Portfolio              T. Rowe Price Limited-Term Bond Portfolio
AMT Balanced Portfolio                      T.Rowe Price Personal Strategy Balanced Portfolio
AMT Growth Portfolio                        Janus Aspen Series - Aggressive Growth Portfolio
</TABLE>

Therefore, as a result of the Substitution, the Subaccounts provided in the
table below no longer exist as of the date of this Prospectus.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                       PERIOD ENDED                                  YEAR ENDED
                         9/30/99     1998    1997     1996      1995     1994     1993     1992     1991     1990      1989
                         -------     ----    ----     ----      ----     ----     ----     ----     ----     ----      ----
<S>                      <C>       <C>      <C>      <C>      <C>       <C>     <C>      <C>      <C>       <C>       <C>
LIQUID ASSET SUBACCOUNT
Beginning of Period      $17.954   $17.361  $16.779  $16.247  $15.653   $15.311 $15.127  $14.825  $14.207   $13.368   $12.459
End of Period             18.342    17.954   17.361   16.779   16.247    15.653  15.311   15.127   14.825    14.207    13.368
Number of Accum.
 Units Outstanding         5,196     6,554    6,264    7,787   14,831    22,043  17,256   11,664   21,017    31,173    26,021
GROWTH SUBACCOUNT
Beginning of Period      $57.716   $50.557  $39.662  $36.783  $28.257   $30.098 $28.524  $26.357  $20.558   $22.662   $17.711
End of Period             57.886    57.716   50.557   39.662   36.783    28.257  30.098   28.524   26.357    20.558    22.662
Number of Accum.
 Units Outstanding        25,381    25,635   28,775   34,509   39,845    39,944  41,095   45,564   42,882    43,313    51,964
LIMITED MATURITY BOND
 SUBACCOUNT
Beginning of Period      $25.048   $24.284  $23.024  $22.342  $20.381   $20.653 $19.607  $18.867  $17.147   $16.026   $14.639
End of Period             25.096    25.048   24.284   23.024   22.342    20.381  20.653   19.607   18.867    17.147    16.026
Number of Accum.
 Units Outstanding         3,728     4,056    4,233    7,846   13,818    13,955  22,808   21,850   25,691    28,387    13,919
BALANCED SUBACCOUNT
Beginning of Period      $22.613   $20.399  $17.283  $16.367  $13.382   $14.010 $13.323  $12.480  $10.288   $10.000      *
End of Period             22.653    22.613   20.399   17.283   16.367    13.382  14.010   13.323   12.480    10.288      *
Number of Accum.
 Units Outstanding        11,890    13,054   12,900   15,426   17,273    30,719  34,881   36,134   27,369    20,971      *
</TABLE>

* No Accumulation Unit Values for this period.  Sales of the Contract in
  connection with this Portfolio commenced on September 17, 1990.

                             PERFORMANCE INFORMATION

Periodically, the Company may advertise performance data for the Portfolios.
This data will show the change, as a percent, in the value of an Accumulation
Unit based on the investment performance over a period of time, usually a
calendar year. It is calculated by dividing the increase (decrease) in value for
the Accumulation Unit by the Accumulation Unit value at the beginning of the
period. Deductions for asset-based charges, contract maintenance charges, and
the operating expenses of the Portfolios will be reflected in the percentage
figure. A deduction for any contingent deferred sales charge will not be
reflected in the percentage figure. Deduction of a contingent deferred sales
charge would reduce any percentage increase or make greater any percentage
decrease.

Advertisements will also include average annual total return figures, which will
reflect deductions for contract maintenance charges, contingent deferred sales
charges, asset-based charges, and the operating expenses of the Portfolios.








                                       8

<PAGE>   12



The Company may also distribute sales literature that compares the percentage
change in Accumulation Unit values for a Portfolio against such market indices
as Standard & Poor's 500 Composite Stock Price Index, the Dow Jones Industrial
Average, or other management investment companies having similar investment
objectives to the Portfolio being compared.

                              FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

This Prospectus does not contain any financial statements. The Statement of
Additional Information contains financial statements for both the Company and
the Variable Account.

                                   THE COMPANY

The Company, meaning Sentry Life Insurance Company of New York, is a stock life
insurance company incorporated under the laws of New York in 1966. Its home
office is located at 220 Salina Meadows Parkway, Syracuse, NY 13212. It is
authorized to conduct annuity, life, accident and health insurance business in
Minnesota, New York and North Dakota. The Company is a wholly-owned subsidiary
of Sentry Life Insurance Company, which in turn is a wholly-owned subsidiary of
Sentry Insurance a Mutual Company ("SIAMCO"). SIAMCO, a Wisconsin corporation,
is a property and casualty insurance company. Its home office is also located at
1800 North Point Drive, Stevens Point, Wisconsin. SIAMCO owns and controls,
either directly or through subsidiary companies, a group of insurance and
related companies, including Sentry Equity Services, Inc.

                              THE VARIABLE ACCOUNT

The Variable Account was established by the Company's Board of Directors on
August 24, 1983. It is a segregated asset account of the Company and is
registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission as a unit investment
trust under the Investment Company Act of 1940. Registration of the Variable
Account does not mean that the Securities and Exchange Commission supervises the
management of the Variable Account or of the Company.

Income, gains and losses, whether or not realized, are, in accordance with the
Contract, credited to or charged against the Variable Account without regard to
other income, gains or losses of the Company. Company obligations arising out of
the Contract are general corporate obligations of the Company.

The assets of the Variable Account are the property of the Company. These
assets, equal to the reserves and other contract liabilities of the Variable
Account, cannot be charged with liabilities arising out of any other business of
the Company.

The Company does not guarantee the investment performance of the Variable
Account. The value of the Contract and the amount of the annuity payments will
vary with the value of the assets underlying the Variable Account.

The assets of the Variable Account are divided into Subaccounts within the
Variable Account.

                    T. ROWE PRICE FIXED INCOME SERIES, INC.,
            T. ROWE PRICE EQUITY SERIES, INC., AND JANUS ASPEN SERIES

On November 17, 1999, the Securities and Exchange Commission issued an order
approving the substitution of shares of certain Portfolios of T. Rowe Price
Equity Series, Inc., T. Rowe Price Fixed Income Series, Inc., and Janus Aspen
Series for shares of the Portfolios of Neuberger Berman Advisers Management
Trust held by the Variable Account to fund variable annuity contracts issued by
the Company as follows:

     1.   shares of the T. Rowe Price Prime Reserve Portfolio of T. Rowe Price
          Fixed Income Series, Inc. for shares of Neuberger Berman AMT Liquid
          Asset Portfolio;
     2.   shares of the T. Rowe Price Limited-Term Bond Portfolio of T. Rowe
          Price Fixed Income Series, Inc. for shares of Neuberger Berman AMT
          Limited Maturity Bond Portfolio;
     3.   shares of the T. Rowe Price Personal Strategy Balanced Portfolio of T.
          Rowe Price Equity Series, Inc. for shares of Neuberger Berman AMT
          Balanced Portfolio; and
     4.   shares of the Aggressive Growth Portfolio of Janus Aspen Series for
          shares of Neuberger Berman AMT Growth Portfolio.

Each Subaccount invests in one Portfolio of T. Rowe Price Fixed Income Series,
Inc., T. Rowe Price Equity Series, Inc. or Janus Aspen Series (collectively, the
Funds).



                                       9

<PAGE>   13



Shares of the Funds may be offered in connection with certain variable annuity
contracts and variable life insuance policies of various insurance companies
which may or may not be affiliated with the Company. Certain Funds may also be
sold directly to qualified plans. The Funds believe that offering their shares
in this manner will not be disadvantageous to you.

The Company may enter into certain arrangements under which it is reimbursed by
the Funds' advisers, distributors and/or affiliates for the administrative
services which it provides to the Portfolios.

The investment objective and policies of certain Portfolios are similar to the
investment objectives and policies of other mutual funds that certain of the
investment advisers manage. Although the objectives and policies may be similar,
the investment results of the Portfolios may be higher or lower than the results
of such other mutual funds. The investment advisers cannot guarantee, and make
no representation, that the investment results of similar funds will be
comparable even though the funds have the same investment advisers.

T. Rowe Price Fixed Income Series, Inc. and T. Rowe Price Equity Series, Inc.,
are diversified open-end management investment companies of the series type.
Both are registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission under the
Investment Company Act of 1940.

T. Rowe Price Associates, Inc., located at 100 East Pratt Street, Baltimore,
Maryland, 21202, is registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission as an
investment adviser and serves as investment adviser to each of the Portfolios.
As the investment adviser, T. Rowe Price Associates, Inc. is responsible for
selection and management of the Portfolio investments. T. Rowe Price Associates,
Inc. is not affiliated with the Company, and the Company has no legal
responsibility for the management or operation of the Portfolios.

A summary of the investment objective of each Portfolio is set forth below.
There is no assurance that any Portfolio will achieve its objective. More
detailed information is contained in each Portfolio's prospectus, including the
risks associated with the investments and the investment techniques of each
Portfolio.

     T. Rowe Price Prime Reserve Portfolio. The investment objectives of the
     Prime Reserve Portfolio are preservation of capital, liquidity, and
     consistent with these, the highest possible current income. It seeks to
     attain these objectives by investing in high-quality, U.S. dollar
     denominated money market securities.

     T. Rowe Price Limited-Term Bond Portfolio. The investment objective of the
     Limited-Term Bond Portfolio is to seek a high level of income consistent
     with moderate fluctuations in principal value by investing primarily in
     short- and intermediate-term investment grade debt securities.

     T. Rowe Price Personal Strategy Balanced Portfolio. The investment
     objective of the Personal Strategy Balanced Portfolio is to seek the
     highest total return over time consistent with an emphasis on both capital
     appreciation and income.

Janus Aspen Series is a non-diversified open-end management company series.
Janus Aspen Series is registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission
under the Investment Company Act of 1940. Janus Aspen Series offers 11
Portfolios, one of which, the Aggressive Growth Portfolio, is currently offered
in connection with the Contract.

Janus Capital, 100 Fillmore Street, Denver, Colorado, 80206-4928, registered
with the Securities and Exchange Commission as an investment adviser, is the
investment adviser to Janus Aspen Series and is responsible for the day-to-day
management of the investment portfolio and other business affairs.

Janus Capital is not affiliated with the Company, and the Company has no
responsibility for the management or operations of Janus Aspen Series.

A summary of the investment objective of Janus Aspen Series Aggressive Growth
Portfolio is set forth below. There is no assurance that any Portfolio will
achieve its objective. More detailed information is contained in the Portfolio's
prospectus, including the risks associated with the investments and the
investment techniques of the Portfolio.

     Aggressive Growth Portfolio. The Aggressive Growth Portfolio seeks
     long-term growth of capital through a non-diversified portfolio that
     invests primarily in common stocks of foreign and domestic companies
     selected for their growth potential. The Aggressive Growth Portfolio
     normally invests at least 50 percent of its equity assets in securities
     issued by medium-sized companies.




                                       10

<PAGE>   14






                         VARIABLE ACCOUNT VOTING RIGHTS

The Company is the legal owner (shareholder) of the shares of T. Rowe Price
Fixed Income Series, Inc., T. Rowe Price Equity Series, Inc., and Janus Aspen
Series, (collectively, the "Funds"), shares. However, the Company believes that
when a Portfolio solicits proxies in connection with a vote of shareholders, it
is required to obtain from you, and other affected Contract Owners, instructions
as to how to vote those shares.

If any of the Funds holds a shareholder meeting at which you are entitled to
vote, you will receive periodic reports relating to that particular Fund and/or
the Portfolio(s) in which you have an interest, proxy material, and a form on
which you can give voting instructions.

The Company will determine the number of shares that you will have a right to
vote as of a date chosen by it, which will not be more than 60 days prior to the
shareholder meeting. The Company will send you proxy material and the form for
giving voting instructions at least 14 days prior to the shareholder meeting.

For purposes of voting Fund shares held in the Variable Account at a shareholder
meeting of the Fund, your voting interest after the Income Date decreases as the
reserves underlying the Contract decrease.

In accordance with its view of present law, the Company will vote the shares of
the Fund held in the Variable Account in accordance with instructions received
from all persons having a voting interest in the Portfolio. The Company will
vote shares for which it has not received instructions in the same proportion as
it votes shares for which it has received instructions. The Company will vote
its own shares in the same proportion as it votes shares for which it has
received instructions.

If the applicable law with respect to voting rights is amended or if the
interpretation of the law changes, and it is determined that the Company has
authority to vote the shares of the Funds in its own right, it may elect to do
so.

                           SUBSTITUTION OF SECURITIES

If a Subaccount is no longer available for investment by the Variable Account,
or if the Company's Board of Directors determines that further investment in a
Subaccount becomes inappropriate in view of the Variable Account's objectives,
the Company may substitute another Subaccount already available or that will
become available for investment by the Variable Account. However, the Company
may not make any substitution of securities in any Subaccount without the prior
approval, and subject to the requirements, of the Securities and Exchange
Commission.

                             CHARGES AND DEDUCTIONS

CONTINGENT DEFERRED SALES CHARGE

At the time you purchase the Contract, the Company does not deduct a sales
charge. However, the Company deducts a contingent deferred sales charge if you
make a surrender of purchase payments within six years after you made them. The
Company does not deduct a contingent deferred sales charge after it has had a
purchase payment for more than six years.

The contingent deferred sales charge reimburses the Company for its expenses in
selling the Contract. If the charge does not cover all its sale expenses, the
Company may use the mortality and expense risk premium to make up any
difference.

If you surrender all or a portion of the Contract, the Company will calculate
the contingent deferred sales charge at the time of the surrender and will
deduct it from the Contract Value. In calculating the contingent deferred sales
charge

     -    purchase payments will be allocated to the amount surrendered on a
          first-in-first-out basis;

     -    in no event will the aggregate contingent deferred sales charge exceed
          6% of the total purchase payments made.





                                       11

<PAGE>   15


The amount of the contingent deferred sales charge is calculated by

     (1)  allocating purchase payments to the amount surrendered; and

     (2)  multiplying each such allocated purchase payment by the appropriate
          percentage shown in the table below; and

     (3)  adding the products of each multiplication in (2) above.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
         TIME BETWEEN WHEN PURCHASE PAYMENT
           IS MADE AND DATE OF SURRENDER                                                         PERCENTAGE
         -----------------------------------                                                     ----------
         <S>                                                                                     <C>
         Less than 1 year.......................................................................      6%
         At least 1 year but less than 2 years..................................................      5%
         At least 2 years but less than 3 years.................................................      4%
         At least 3 years but less than 4 years.................................................      3%
         At least 4 years but less than 5 years.................................................      2%
         At least 5 years but less than 6 years.................................................      1%
         At least 6 years.......................................................................      0%
</TABLE>

The contingent deferred sales charge percentage is based on the amount partially
surrendered and is deducted from the Contract Value remaining after the amount
requested is deducted.

<TABLE>


         <S>                                                                 <C>
         Example:     Amount requested:                                      $1,000
                      Assume 5% contingent deferred sales charge:            $   50
                      Total amount withdrawn from Contract Value:            $1,050
                      Amount you receive:                                    $1,000
</TABLE>

If, after the surrender amount is deducted, the remaining Contract Value is
insufficient to pay the contingent deferred sales charge, the charge will be
deducted from the amount you request to be surrendered.

<TABLE>


         <S>                                                                 <C>
         Example:     Amount requested:                                      $1,000
                      Assume 5% contingent deferred sales charge:            $   50
                      Total amount withdrawn from Contract Value:            $1,000
                      Amount you receive:                                    $  950
</TABLE>


The Company will determine the amount deducted from the Contract Value by
canceling Accumulation Units from each applicable Subaccount in the ratio that
the value of each Subaccount bears to the total Contract Value. If you prefer
some other method of Accumulation Unit cancellation, you must notify the Company
in writing beforehand.

For purposes of determining the amount of the contingent deferred sales charge,
surrenders will be attributed to purchase payments on a first-in-first-out
basis. You should note that this is contrary to the allocation method used for
determining tax obligations. For tax purposes, withdrawals are considered to
have come from the last money into the Contract. Thus, for tax purposes,
earnings are considered to come out first.

The Company will not deduct a contingent deferred sales charge under the
following circumstances:

     -    After the first Contract Anniversary date, you may make one surrender
          per Contract Year, on a non-cumulative basis, of up to 10% of the
          aggregate purchase payments (less any withdrawals) without a
          contingent deferred sales charge, provided the value of the Contract
          prior to the surrender exceeds $10,000.

     -    When purchase payments that have been held by the Company for more
          than six years are being withdrawn.

     -    When distributions under the Contract are made because of the death of
          the Contract Owner or Annuitant, or as annuity payments.

     -    At the Company's option pursuant to its current guidelines or
          procedures.




                                       12

<PAGE>   16

REDUCTION OR ELIMINATION OF CONTINGENT DEFERRED SALES CHARGE

The amount of the contingent deferred sales charge may be reduced or eliminated
when the Contract is sold to individuals or to a group of individuals and
results in expense savings. The Company will determine if a group is entitled to
have the contingent deferred sales charge reduced or eliminated based on these
four factors:

     (1)  The size and type of group. Generally, sales expenses for large groups
          are less than for small groups because more contracts can be issued to
          a large group with fewer sales contacts.

     (2)  The total amount of purchase payments that will be received.
          Per-contract sales expenses are likely to be less on larger purchase
          payments than on smaller ones.

     (3)  Any prior or existing relationship with the Company. Per-contract
          sales and administrative expenses are likely to be less when an
          established relationship exists.

     (4)  Other group factors may come to light that warrant a reduction or
          elimination of the contingent deferred sales charge.

The contingent deferred sales charge may be eliminated when the Contract is
issued to an officer, director or employee of the Company or any of its
affiliates. An employee's spouse and children under the age of 21 are also
included.

From time to time, the Company may modify both the amount of reduction and the
criteria for qualification, but in no event will reduction or elimination of the
contingent deferred sales charge or of any other provision of the Contract be
permitted if it will be unfairly discriminatory to any person.

DEDUCTION FOR MORTALITY AND EXPENSE RISK PREMIUM

The mortality and expense risk premium is equal, on an annual basis, to 1.20% of
the average daily net asset value of the Variable Account. This charge
compensates the Company for all the insurance benefits provided by the Contract,
e.g., guarantee of annuity rates, the death benefit, for certain expenses of the
Contract, and for assuming the risk (expense risk) that the current charges will
be insufficient in the future to cover the cost of administering the Contract.
If the mortality and expense risk premium is insufficient, the Company will bear
the loss. The Company may use any profits from this charge to pay for the costs
of distributing the Contract.

DEDUCTION FOR CONTRACT MAINTENANCE CHARGE

The Company incurs expenses in administering and maintaining the Contract. As
reimbursement for these expenses, the Company deducts a contract maintenance
charge of $30 on each Contract Anniversary date from the Contract Value. The
Company does this by canceling Accumulation Units from each Subaccount in the
ratio that the value of each Subaccount bears to the total Contract Value.

Other information you should know about the contract maintenance charge:

     -    The current charge is $30 annually; however, prior to the Income Date,
          the Company has the right to change the amount.

     -    Once you begin receiving annuity payments, the Company may impose a
          contract maintenance charge if certain pay-out or settlement options
          are chosen. However, the amount of the charge after the Income Date
          will not change from the amount you were charged during the Contract
          Year immediately preceding the Income Date. If a charge is imposed
          after the Income Date, it will be deducted on a monthly basis and will
          reduce the amount of your annuity payment.

     -    If you surrender the Contract for its full surrender value, on other
          than the Contract Anniversary date, the Company will deduct the
          contract maintenance charge at the time of surrender.

     -    The contract maintenance charge will be deducted whether or not you
          are making purchase payments.

     -    The Company does not profit from the contract maintenance charge.






                                       13

<PAGE>   17


DEDUCTION FOR PREMIUM TAXES AND OTHER TAXES

The Company will deduct for any premium taxes that are assessed because of the
Contract or the Variable Account from the Contract Value. State premium taxes
currently range from 0% to 4%. Some states assess premium taxes when purchase
payments are made; others assess premium taxes at the time of annuitization (at
the Income Date).

For those states assessing premium taxes when purchase payments are made, the
Company's current practice is to advance payment of the taxes and then deduct
that amount from the Contract Value at the Income Date or when you surrender the
Contract.

The amount of state or other governmental entity premium taxes is subject to
change by legislatures, administrative interpretations or judicial acts. The
amount of premium taxes also depends on your state of residence, the status of
the Company in that state, and the state's insurance tax laws.

Any income taxes resulting from the operation of the Variable Account are
deducted from the Contract Value. The Company does not currently anticipate that
income taxes will become payable.

The Company will deduct any withholding taxes as required by applicable law.

OTHER EXPENSES

There are other deductions from and expenses paid out of the assets of the
Portfolios of T. Rowe Price Fixed Income Series, Inc., T. Rowe Price Equity
Series, Inc., and Janus Aspen Series which are described in the accompanying
Fund prospectuses.

                                  THE CONTRACT

The assets of the Variable Account are divided into Subaccounts within the
Variable Account. Each Subaccount invests in one Portfolio. Subject to the terms
and conditions of the Company, your purchase payments will be invested in one or
more of the available Subaccounts which you selected when you completed the
application form. You may change your investment selection prospectively without
fee, penalty or other charge by providing written instructions to the Company.

The Company may, from time to time, offer new investment options by adding
Mutual Funds and, when appropriate, Portfolios within a Mutual Fund. When new
Mutual Funds or Portfolios are added, you will be permitted to select the new
Mutual Funds or Portfolios, subject to terms and conditions imposed by the
Company.

TRANSFERS

You may transfer all or part of your Contract Value between investment options.
You may make only four transfers in any Contract Year prior to the Income Date.
After the Income Date, only one transfer may be made in any Contract Year.

Transfers are subject to the following conditions:

(1)  Requests for transfers must be in writing and must clearly state:

     -   the amount to be transferred; and
     -   the Mutual Fund or Portfolio the transfer is to be made from and the
         Mutual Fund or Portfolio the transfer is to be made to.

(2)  The minimum amount of any transfer is $250, or the remaining Contract Value
     in the Portfolio if it is less than $250.

(3)  No partial transfer will be made if the remaining Contract Value in the
     Portfolio will be less than $250.

(4)  Transfers are made using values determined as of the next Valuation Period
     after the Company receives a proper transfer request. However, you may not
     make transfers of your initial purchase payment until 25 days after the
     Company receives it. In addition, you may not make a transfer if it is
     within seven calendar days of the date your first annuity payment is due.





                                       14
<PAGE>   18



(5)  Prior to the Income Date, you may make transfers from the T. Rowe Price
     Prime Reserve Portfolio and/or the T. Rowe Price Limited-Term Bond
     Portfolio to the Aggressive Growth Portfolio or the T. Rowe Price Personal
     Strategy Portfolio on a pre-authorized basis. The transfers will only be
     made if you enter into a written agreement with the Company. These
     transfers will be made monthly, with a minimum transfer amount of $250 per
     month.

(6)  While the Company does not currently charge a transfer fee, it may do so in
     the future. In the event the Company imposes a transfer fee, you will be
     notified in advance. The amount of the transfer fee will not be guaranteed
     and the Company may change it at any time. The fee will be deducted from
     the amount transferred.

(7)  The Company reserves the right to terminate, suspend or modify the transfer
     privileges described above at any time and without notice to any person.

NO DEFAULT

Unless you surrender the Contract for the full surrender amount, the Contract
will remain in force until the Income Date and will not be in default even if no
additional purchase payments are made.

MODIFICATION OF THE CONTRACT

The Company cannot modify the Contract without your consent, except if
modifications are required by applicable law.

CONTRACT VALUE

The Contract Value is the sum of the values for each Subaccount. The value of
each Subaccount is determined by multiplying the number of Accumulation Units
attributable to the Subaccount by the value of one Accumulation Unit for the
Subaccount.

     Example:     Number of Accumulation Units in Subaccount             =  250

                  Value of one Subaccount Accumulation Unit              =  $10

                  250  x  $10 = $2,500 Contract Value

OWNERSHIP

As the Contract Owner, you have all rights and may receive all benefits under
the Contract. During the lifetime of the Annuitant and prior to the Income Date,
the Contract Owner is the person designated on the application, unless changed.
On and after the Income Date, the Contract Owner is the Annuitant. On and after
the death of the Annuitant, the beneficiary is the Contract Owner.

As the Contract Owner, you may name a Contingent Contract Owner or a new
Contract Owner at any time. However, your spouse is the only person eligible to
be the Contingent Contract Owner. If you die, the Contingent Contract Owner
becomes the Contract Owner. By naming a new Contract Owner or a new Contingent
Contract Owner, any previous choice of Contract Owner or Contingent Contract
Owner will automatically be revoked.

In order to make a change in the Contract Owner or Contingent Contract Owner,
you must submit a dated and signed written request to the Company. The change
will be effective as of the date you signed the written request. A change in
Contract Owner or Contingent Contract Owner will not affect any payment made or
action taken by the Company prior to the time a request for change is received.
You should consult a tax adviser before you change the Contract Owner.

When a Non-Qualified Contract is owned by a non-natural person (e.g., a
corporation or certain other entities other than a trust holding the Contract as
an agent for a natural person), the Contract generally will not be treated as an
annuity for tax purposes.






                                       15
<PAGE>   19

ASSIGNMENT

You may assign the Contract at any time during the Annuitant's lifetime prior to
the Income Date. The Company is not bound by any assignment until it receives
written notice that the Contract has been assigned. The Company is not
responsible for the validity of any assignment and it will not be liable for any
payment or other settlement it makes in connection with the Contract before it
receives the assignment.

If the Contract is issued pursuant to a qualified plan, it may not be assigned,
pledged or transferred except under the provisions of applicable law.

ASSIGNMENT OF THE CONTRACT MAY BE A TAXABLE EVENT. You should consult your tax
adviser before assigning the Contract.

BENEFICIARY

You name the beneficiary on the application and, unless changed, that
beneficiary is entitled to receive the death benefit on your death or the death
of the Annuitant.

Unless you specify otherwise, the death benefit will be paid in equal shares, or
all to the survivor, as follows:

     (1)  to the primary beneficiary or beneficiaries who survive the
          Annuitant's or Contract Owner's (as applicable) death; or, if there
          are none,

     (2)  to the contingent beneficiary or beneficiaries who survive the
          Annuitant's or Contract Owner's (as applicable) death; or, if there
          are none,

     (3)  to the Contract Owner, or the Contract Owner's estate.

As the Contract Owner, you may change the beneficiary or beneficiaries or the
contingent beneficiary or beneficiaries at any time during the Annuitant's
lifetime. You must submit a signed and dated written request to the Company in
order to change the beneficiary. The change will take effect as of the date the
request is signed, but the Company will not be liable for any payment it makes
or action it takes before it records the change.

                               ANNUITY PROVISIONS

INCOME DATE AND SETTLEMENT OPTION

You will select an Income Date and a settlement option at the time you complete
the application. The Income Date is the date on which the Annuitant will start
receiving annuity payments. The settlement option determines the timing and, in
part, the amount of annuity payments.

The Income Date must fall on the first day of a calendar month and must be at
least one month after the date the Contract is effective. It may not be later
than the first day of the calendar month following the Annuitant's 75th
birthday, unless the Contract is issued pursuant to a qualified plan that
requires an earlier date.

CHANGING THE INCOME DATE

You may change the Income Date by submitting a signed and dated written notice
to the Company at least 30 days prior to the change. If you change the Income
Date, it must still fall on the first day of a calendar month. It cannot be
deferred beyond the first day of the calendar month following the Annuitant's
75th birthday, unless the Contract is issued pursuant to a qualified plan that
requires an earlier date.

CHANGING THE SETTLEMENT OPTION

You may change the settlement option at any time prior to the Income Date by
submitting a signed and dated written notice to the Company at least 30 days
prior to the Income Date. You may select another available settlement option, or
you may request an alternative option acceptable to the Company.







                                       16


<PAGE>   20






SETTLEMENT OPTIONS

The net proceeds under the Contract may be paid under one of the following
options, or an alternative option acceptable to the Company:

     OPTION 1 - LIFE ANNUITY

     Under this option, the Annuitant will receive a monthly annuity payment
     during the Annuitant's lifetime. Payments terminate upon the Annuitant's
     death. This means that even if the Annuitant dies after receiving only one
     or two annuity payments, the annuity payments will stop, regardless of how
     many purchase payments were made or the remaining Contract Value.

     OPTION 2 - LIFE ANNUITY WITH MONTHLY PAYMENTS GUARANTEED

     Under this option, the Annuitant will receive a monthly annuity payment
     during the Annuitant's lifetime, with the guarantee that if the Annuitant
     dies before 120 payments have been made, the remainder of the 120 payments
     will be made to the beneficiary.

     The beneficiary can elect to receive the remainder of the guaranteed
     annuity payments in monthly installments, or it can be paid in a lump sum.
     The lump sum payment will consist of the present value of the remaining
     guaranteed annuity payments as of the date the Company receives the notice
     of death, commuted at the assumed investment rate of 4%. The lump sum will
     be paid within seven days of receiving the request.

     OPTION 3 - JOINT AND LAST SURVIVORSHIP ANNUITY

     Under this option, the monthly annuity payments are made during the joint
     lifetime of the Annuitant and a second person and continue during the
     lifetime of the survivor. In other words, if the Annuitant dies first,
     payments continue during the second person's lifetime. It is possible to
     receive only one or two annuity payments if both the Annuitant and the
     second person die after the first or second payment is received.

IF NO SETTLEMENT OPTION IS SELECTED, OPTION 1 WILL AUTOMATICALLY BE APPLIED.

MORTALITY AND EXPENSE GUARANTEE

The Company guarantees that the dollar amount of each annuity payment after the
first will not be affected by variations in mortality experience (the death
rate) or the expenses of the Company. The Company also guarantees certain death
benefits.

FREQUENCY OF ANNUITY PAYMENTS

Annuity payments will be made in monthly installments. However, if the net
amount available under any settlement option is less than $5,000, the Company
has the right to pay the entire amount in a lump sum.

If the amount of a monthly annuity payment is or becomes less than $30, the
Company has the right to change the frequency of the annuity payments so that
each payment will be at least $30.

AMOUNT OF ANNUITY PAYMENTS

A variable annuity is an annuity with payments that

     -    are not predetermined as to dollar amount; and

     -    will vary in amount with the investment experience of the applicable
          Subaccounts.

At the Income Date, the Contract Value of the Subaccounts will be applied to the
applicable annuity tables contained in the Contract. The annuity table that is
used will depend on the settlement option you choose. The same Contract Value
amount applied to each settlement option may produce a different initial annuity
payment.



                                       17

<PAGE>   21



The actual dollar amount of the annuity payments depends on four things:

     (1)  the Contract Value on the Income Date;

     (2)  the annuity table specified in the Contract;

     (3)  the settlement option selected; and

     (4)  the investment performance of the Portfolio(s) selected.

The annuity tables in the Contract are based on a 4% assumed investment rate. If
the actual net investment rate exceeds 4%, your monthly payments will increase.
Conversely, if the actual net investment rate is less than 4%, your monthly
payments will decrease. If a higher assumed interest rate were used, the initial
payment would be higher, but the actual net investment rate would have to be
higher in order for annuity payments to increase.

Your monthly annuity payment will be equal to the value of a fixed number of
annuity units each month. The value of a fixed number of annuity units will
reflect the investment performance of the Portfolio(s) selected, and the amount
of each annuity payment will vary accordingly. The Statement of Additional
Information contains information regarding annuity unit values.

ADDITIONAL PROVISIONS

- -    Before the Company makes any life annuity payment, you may be required to
     provide proof of the Annuitant's age. If the Annuitant's age has been
     misstated, the amount of the payment will be the amount that the purchase
     payments would have provided at the correct age. Once monthly life annuity
     payments have begun, any underpayments will be made up in one lump sum with
     the next annuity payment; overpayments will be deducted from future annuity
     payments until the total is repaid.

- -    You must return the Contract to the Company before a settlement option is
     paid. Before a death benefit is paid, a certified copy of the death
     certificate must be submitted to the Company.

- -    Where payment under the Contract is contingent on the recipient being alive
     on a certain date, the Company may require proof that the recipient is
     alive.

- -    The U.S. Supreme Court has determined that, under certain circumstances,
     there may be a violation of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as
     amended, when retirement benefits are determined on the basis of the
     recipient's sex. The annuity tables contained in the Contract are not based
     on the Annuitant's sex.

                                  DEATH BENEFIT
DEATH OF THE ANNUITANT

If the Annuitant who is not the Contract Owner dies before the Income Date, the
Company will pay the death benefit to the beneficiary. The amount of the death
benefit will be determined as of the Valuation Period next following the date
the Company receives

     (1)  a certified copy of the death certificate; AND
     (2)  an election to either receive the death benefit as a lump sum or under
          one of the settlement options.

If a lump sum payment is elected, the Company will pay it within seven days
after it receives the election and the death certificate.

If the beneficiary does not elect a settlement option, the Company will pay the
death benefit in a lump sum.

If the beneficiary elects to have the death benefit paid under a settlement
option, the beneficiary has 60 days from the date the Company receives the death
certificate to select a settlement option. If no settlement option is selected
by the end of the 60-day period, the death benefit will be paid to the
beneficiary in a lump sum. The death benefit will be paid according to
applicable laws or regulations governing such payments.







                                       18



<PAGE>   22


The amount of the death benefit will be the greater of

     (1)  the sum of all purchase payments made, less surrendered amounts; or
     (2)  the Contract Value.

If the Annuitant dies on or after the Income Date, the death benefit, if any,
will be paid as provided for in the settlement option you selected. The Company
will require proof of the Annuitant's death.

DEATH OF THE CONTRACT OWNER

If the Contract is issued under a non-qualified plan, the death benefit will be
paid as follows:

If you, as the Contract Owner (regardless of whether you are the Annuitant), die
before the Income Date, the entire Contract Value must be distributed within
five years of the date of your death, unless:

     (1)  it is payable over the lifetime of a designated beneficiary with
          distributions beginning within one year of the date of your death; OR

     (2)  the Contingent Owner, if any, continues the Contract is his or her own
          name. (The Contingent Owner must be your spouse.)

If the owner of the Contract is a non-natural person, for purposes of the death
benefit, the Annuitant will be treated as the Contract Owner and the death of
the Annuitant or a change of the Annuitant will be treated as the death of the
Contract Owner.

                          PURCHASES AND CONTRACT VALUE

You may purchase the Contract under a flexible purchase payment plan. You can
make purchase payments to the Company as frequently and in the amount you select
on the application. The initial purchase payment is due on the date the Contract
becomes effective. The Company has the right to reject any application or
purchase payment.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                             Minimum Initial                   Minimum Subsequent
                                             Purchase Payment                   Purchase Payment
                                             ----------------                  -----------------
<S>                                         <C>                                 <C>
Non-Qualified Contract                            $1,000                              $100

Qualified Contract                                $1,000                              $100

Contract issued under an
employer-sponsored                                $   50                              $ 50
payroll deduction plan
</TABLE>


The Company has the right to establish administrative policies that may decrease
the minimum purchase payment requirements.

CHANGE IN PURCHASE PAYMENTS

As the Contract Owner, you may elect to increase, decrease or change the
frequency or the amount of your purchase payments so long as you meet the
requirements set forth above.

ALLOCATION OF PURCHASE PAYMENTS

You can allocate purchase payments to an appropriate Subaccount(s) within the
Variable Account. The Company converts purchase payments into Accumulation
Units. Purchase payments allocated to a Subaccount are divided by the value of
that Subaccount's Accumulation Unit for the Valuation Period during which the
allocation occurs to determine the number of Accumulation Units attributable to
the purchase payments.

     Example:     Amount of purchase payment                             =  $100

                  Value of one Subaccount Accumulation Unit              =  $ 10

                  $100 / $10 = 10  Accumulation Units



                                       19
<PAGE>   23


For initial purchase payments, if the application is in good order, the Company
will apply the purchase payment to the Variable Account and will credit the
Contract with Accumulation Units within two business days.

If the application is not in good order, the Company will attempt to get it in
good order or the application and the initial purchase payment will be returned
within five business days. Once the application is deemed to be in good order,
the Company will apply the purchase payment to the Variable Account and credit
the Contract with Accumulation Units within two business days.

For subsequent purchase payments, the Company will apply the purchase payments
to the Variable Account and will credit the Contract with Accumulation Units
during the next Valuation Period after the Valuation Period in which it receives
the purchase payment.

ACCUMULATION UNITS

Purchase payments are converted into Accumulation Units. The Company does this
by dividing the amount of the purchase payment you allocate to a Subaccount by
the Accumulation Unit value for that Subaccount.

Initially, the Company set the value of an Accumulation Unit at $10. For each
subsequent Valuation Period, the Company determines the Accumulation Unit value.
It does this by

     (1)  determining the total amount of money invested in the particular
          Subaccount;

     (2)  subtracting from that amount the mortality and expense risk premium
          and any other charges such as taxes the Company has deducted; and

     (3)  dividing this amount by the number of outstanding Accumulation Units.

The value of an Accumulation Unit may increase or decrease from Valuation Period
to Valuation Period. It is affected by

          -    the investment performance of the Subaccount,
          -    expenses, and
          -    deduction of certain charges.

The value of an Accumulation Unit is determined each day that the New York Stock
Exchange is open for trading. See the definition of "Valuation Date" on page 4
of this Prospectus.

DISTRIBUTION OF CONTRACT

Sentry Equity Services, Inc. ("Sentry Equity"), 1800 North Point Drive, Stevens
Point, Wisconsin, a wholly-owned subsidiary of SIAMCO, is the principal
underwriter of the Contract. The Contract is sold through licensed insurance
agents in states where the Contract may lawfully be sold. The agents are
registered representatives of broker-dealers registered under the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934 and are members of the National Association of Securities
Dealers, Inc. Sentry Equity is paid first-year and renewal commissions, not to
exceed 4.7% of purchase payments, for its services in distributing the Contract.
Sentry Equity, in turn, pays all or a portion of these amounts to the selling
agent or agency.








                                       20





<PAGE>   24
                                   SURRENDERS

While the Contract is in effect, and before the earlier of the Income Date or
the Annuitant's death, the Company will allow you to make a surrender of all or
a portion of the Contract for its surrender value. You must submit a request in
writing to the Company for a surrender. The Company will pay the surrender
amount within seven days.

Surrenders will result in the cancellation of Accumulation Units from each
applicable Subaccount in the ratio that the value of each Subaccount bears to
the total Contract Value. If you would like some other method of cancellation to
be used, you must notify the Company beforehand in writing.

The surrender value will be the Contract Value for the next Valuation Period
following the Valuation Period during which the Company receives your written
request, reduced by the sum of:

     (1) the total of any applicable premium taxes not previously deducted; PLUS

     (2) any applicable contract maintenance charge; PLUS

     (3) any applicable contingent deferred sales charge.

Because of the potential tax consequences of a surrender, including possible tax
penalties, you should consult your tax adviser before making a surrender.

The Company may suspend the right to surrender or delay payment of a surrender
for more than seven days when:

     (1) the New York Stock Exchange is closed on other than customary weekend
         and holiday closings;

     (2) trading on the New York Stock Exchange is restricted;

     (3) an emergency exists and it is not reasonably practicable to dispose of
         the securities held in the Variable Account, or it is not reasonably
         practicable to determine the net asset value of the Variable Account;
         or

     (4) during any other period when the Securities and Exchange Commission
         permits suspension of payments.

The applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission
will control as to whether conditions (2) or (3) exist.

LIMITATIONS ON SURRENDERS FROM 403(B) ANNUITIES

If the Contract is a 403(b) annuity with contributions made under a salary
reduction agreement (as defined in Section 403(b)(11) of the Code) withdrawals
can only be taken under certain circumstances. In order to take a withdrawal
from a 403(b) annuity, you must meet one the following conditions:

     - be at least age 59 1/2;
     - separate from the service of your employer;
     - die;
     - become disabled (as defined in the Code); or
     - have a case of hardship.

Withdrawals for hardship are restricted to the portion of the Contract Value
represented by your contributions and does not include investment earnings. The
limitations on withdrawals were effective January 1, 1989, and apply only to:

     - salary reduction contributions made after December 31, 1988;
     - income attributable to such contributions; and
     - income attributable to amounts held as of December 31, 1988.

These limitations will apply to all amounts (regardless of when or how
contributions were originally made) which are transferred or rolled over from a
TSA custodial account (as defined in the Code) into your account. The
limitations on withdrawals do not affect rollovers or transfers between certain
qualified plans. Tax penalties may also apply. You should consult your tax
adviser regarding any withdrawals from a 403(b) annuity.


                                       21

<PAGE>   25


                               FEDERAL TAX STATUS

NOTE: The following discussion is based on the Company's understanding of
current federal income tax law applicable to annuities in general. The Company
cannot predict if changes to these laws will be made. You are cautioned to seek
tax advice as to possible changes. The Company does not guarantee the tax status
of the Contract. You bear the complete risk that the Contract may not be treated
as an annuity contract under federal income tax laws. You should also understand
that the following discussion is not exhaustive and that special rules not
discussed here may be applicable in certain situations. Moreover, no attempt has
been made to consider any applicable state or other tax laws.

GENERAL

Section 72 of the Code governs taxation of annuities in general. You will not be
taxed on the increases in value of the Contract until distribution occurs,
either as a lump sum payment or as annuity payments under the settlement option
selected. If you take a lump sum payment as a total surrender of the Contract
before the Income Date, you will be taxed on the portion of the lump sum payment
that exceeds the cost basis of the Contract. With a Non-Qualified Contract, the
cost basis generally equals the purchase payments, which have already been
taxed. With a Qualified Contract, there may be no cost basis. The taxable
portion of a lump sum payment is taxed at ordinary income tax rates.

When the Annuitant starts receiving annuity payments on the Income Date, a
portion of each payment in excess of an exclusion amount is included in taxable
income. The exclusion amount for payments based on a variable settlement option
is determined by dividing the cost basis of the Contract (adjusted for any
period certain or refund guarantee) by the number of years over which the
annuity is expected to be paid. The annuity payments you receive after the
investment in the Contract has been recovered (i.e., when the total of the
excluded amount equals the investment in the Contract) are fully taxed. The
taxable portion is taxed at ordinary income tax rates.

You are urged to consult your tax adviser regarding the tax consequences of any
type of distribution or payment under the Contract.

The Company is taxed as a life insurance company under the Code. For federal
income tax purposes, the Variable Account is not a separate entity from the
Company and its operations form a part of the Company.

DIVERSIFICATION

Section 817(h) of the Code imposes certain diversification standards on the
underlying assets of variable annuity contracts. The Code provides that a
variable annuity contract will not be treated as an annuity contract for any
period (and any subsequent period) when the investments are not adequately
diversified, as required by U.S. Treasury Department regulations.

If it is determined that the Contract does not meet the definition of an annuity
contract, you, as the Contract Owner, would be liable for federal income tax on
the earnings portion of the Contract prior to the receipt of the income. The
Code contains a safe harbor provision which provides that annuity contracts meet
the diversification requirements if, at the close of each quarter, the
underlying assets meet the diversification standards for a regulated investment
company and no more than 55% of the total assets consist of cash, cash items,
U.S. Government securities and securities of other regulated investment
companies.

In 1989, the Treasury Department issued regulations that amplify the
diversification requirements for variable contracts contained in the Code and
provide an alternative to the safe harbor provision described above. Under the
regulations, an investment portfolio is deemed adequately diversified if

          -    no more than 55% of the value of the total assets of the
               portfolio is represented by any one investment;
          -    no more than 70% of the value of the total assets of the
               portfolio is represented by any two investments;
          -    no more than 80% of the value of the total assets of the
               portfolio is represented by any three investments; and
          -    no more than 90% of the value of the total assets of the
               portfolio is represented by any four investments.


                                       22

<PAGE>   26


For purposes of these regulations, all securities of the same issuer are treated
as a single investment. The Code provides that, for purposes of diversification,
each U.S. government agency or instrumentality is treated as a separate issuer.

The Company intends that the Mutual Funds underlying the Contract will be
managed by the investment advisers so as to comply with the diversification
requirements.

CONTRACT OWNER CONTROL OF INVESTMENTS

Currently, there is no official guidance as to whether, or under what
circumstances, control of the investments of the Variable Account by the
Contract Owner will cause the owner to be treated as the owner of the assets of
the Variable Account, thereby causing the Contract to lose its favorable tax
treatment.

The amount of Contract Owner control which may be exercised under the Contract
is different in some respects from the situations addressed in published rulings
issued by the Internal Revenue Service in which it was held that a policy owner
was not the owner of the assets of a separate account. It is unknown whether
these differences, such as the Contract Owner's ability to transfer among
investment choices or the number and type of investment choices available, would
cause the Contract Owner to be considered the owner of the assets of the
Variable Account.

In the event any forthcoming guidance or ruling sets forth a new position, the
guidance or ruling will generally be applied only prospectively. However, if the
ruling or guidance is not considered to set forth a new position, it may be
applied retroactively, resulting in the Contract Owner being determined to
retroactively be the owner of the assets of the Variable Account.

Due to the uncertainty in this area, the Company reserves the right to modify
the Contract in an attempt to maintain favorable tax treatment.

MULTIPLE CONTRACTS

Federal tax laws provide that multiple non-qualified annuity contracts that are
issued within a calendar year period to the same Contract Owner by one company
or its affiliates are treated as one annuity contract for purposes of
determining the tax consequences of any distribution. Such treatment may result
in adverse tax consequences including more rapid taxation of the distributed
amounts from the combination of contracts. For purposes of this rule, Contracts
received in a Section 1035 exchange will be considered issued in the year of the
exchange. You should consult your tax adviser before purchasing more than one
non-qualified annuity contract in any calendar year.

OWNER OTHER THAN NATURAL PERSON

Under Section 72(u) of the Code, the investment earnings on purchase payments
will be taxed currently to the Contract Owner if the Contract Owner is a
non-natural person, such as a corporation or certain other entities. A contract
held by a non-natural person will generally not be treated as an annuity for
federal income tax purposes.

However, this does not apply to a contract held by a trust or other entity as an
agent for a natural person, nor does it apply to a contract held by a qualified
plan. You should consult your own tax adviser before purchasing the Contract if
it is to be held by a non-natural person.

TAX TREATMENT OF ASSIGNMENTS

If you assign or pledge the Contract, there may be tax implications. You should
consult your tax adviser before assigning or pledging the Contract.

INCOME TAX WITHHOLDING

All distributions under the Contract, or the portion of the distribution that is
included in your gross income, are subject to federal income tax withholding.
Generally, if you are receiving periodic payments, the withholding rate is the
same as for wages; for non-periodic payments, the withholding rate is 10%.
However, you may elect not to have taxes withheld or to have them withheld at a
different rate.


                                       23


<PAGE>   27

Effective January 1, 1993, certain distributions from retirement plans qualified
under Sections 401 or 403(b) of the Code that are not directly rolled over to
another qualified retirement plan, an individual retirement account, or an
individual retirement annuity, are subject to a mandatory 20% withholding for
federal income tax. The 20% withholding requirement generally does not apply to

         (1)  a series of substantially equal payments made at least annually
              for the life or life expectancy of the participant or joint and
              last survivor expectancy of the participant and a designated
              beneficiary, or distributions for a specified period of 10 years
              or more; or
         (2)  distributions that are required minimum distributions; or
         (3)  the portion of the distribution that is not includable in gross
              income (the return of any after-tax contributions); or
         (4)  hardship withdrawals.

You should consult your tax adviser regarding withholding requirements.

TAX TREATMENT OF WITHDRAWALS - NON-QUALIFIED CONTRACTS AND SECTION 457 CONTRACTS

Section 72 of the Code governs the treatment of distributions from annuity
contracts. It provides that if the Contract Value exceeds the aggregate purchase
payments made, any amount withdrawn under the Contract will be treated as first
coming from earnings and then, only after the earnings portion is exhausted, as
coming from the purchase payments. Earnings that are withdrawn must be included
in your gross income.

Section 72 further provides that a 10% penalty will apply to the earnings
portion of any distribution. However, the 10% penalty does not apply to amounts
received:

         (1)  after the taxpayer reaches age 59 1/2;
         (2)  after the Contract Owner's death;
         (3)  if the taxpayer is totally disabled (as defined in the Code);
         (4)  in a series of substantially equal periodic payments made at least
              annually during the taxpayer's lifetime (or expected lifetime) or
              for the joint lives (or joint live expectancies) of the taxpayer
              and his or her beneficiary;
         (5)  under an immediate annuity; or
         (6)  that are allocable to purchase payments made prior to August 14,
              1982.

With respect to (4) above, if the series of substantially equal periodic
payments is modified before the later of your attaining age 59 1/2 or 5 years
from the date of the first periodic payment, then the tax for the year of the
modification is increased by an amount equal to the tax which would have been
imposed (the 10% penalty tax) but for the exception, plus interest for the tax
years in which the exception is used.

The Contract provides that if the Annuitant dies prior to the Income Date, the
death benefit will be paid to the beneficiary. Payments made upon the death of
the Annuitant who is not the Contract Owner do not qualify for the
death-of-contract-owner exception in (2) above and will be subject to the 10%
penalty, unless the beneficiary is at least age 59 1/2 or one of the other
exceptions to the penalty applies.

The above information applies to Qualified Contracts issued under Section 457 of
the Code, but does not apply to other Qualified Contracts. However, separate tax
withdrawal penalties and restrictions may apply to other Qualified Contracts
(see below).

QUALIFIED PLANS

The Contract offered by this Prospectus is suitable for use under various types
of qualified plans. The tax implications for participants in qualified plans
vary with the type of plan and the terms and conditions of each plan. You need
to be aware that benefits under a qualified plan may be subject to the terms and
conditions of the plan, regardless of the terms and conditions of the Contract.

Some retirement plans are subject to distribution and other requirements that
are not incorporated into the Company's administrative procedures. You are
responsible for determining that contributions, distributions and other
transactions with respect to the Contract comply with applicable law.


                                       24

<PAGE>   28


Following are general descriptions of the types of qualified plans that can be
used with the Contract. The descriptions are not comprehensive and are for your
general information only. Tax laws and regulations regarding qualified plans are
very complex and have different applications depending on individual facts and
circumstances. You should consult your tax adviser before purchasing the
Contract under a qualified plan.

If the Contract is issued pursuant to a qualified plan, it may contain special
provisions that are more restrictive than the Contract provisions described in
this Prospectus. Generally, if the Contract is issued under a qualified plan,
the Contract is not transferable except if it is surrendered or annuitized.
Various penalties and excise taxes may apply to purchase payments
(contributions) or distributions made in violation of applicable limits. Certain
withdrawal penalties and restrictions may apply to surrenders from a Qualified
Contract.

The Contract is no longer available in connection with H.R. 10 (Keogh) Plans or
corporate pension and profit-sharing plans. The information provided below is
being included to provide disclosure to owners of Contracts that were issued
under these types of plans.

     TAX SHELTERED ANNUITIES

     The Code permits the purchase of tax-sheltered annuities by public schools
     and certain charitable, educational and scientific organizations.
     Qualifying employers may make contributions to these annuities on behalf of
     their employees. The contributions are not included in the gross income of
     the employees until the employees receive distributions from the annuities.
     The amount of contributions is limited to certain maximums imposed by the
     Code. The Code also provides restrictions on transferability,
     distributions, nondiscrimination and withdrawals of tax-sheltered
     annuities. You should consult with your tax adviser regarding the tax
     consequences of investing in a tax-sheltered annuity.

     INDIVIDUAL RETIREMENT ANNUITIES

     The Code permits eligible individuals to contribute to an individual
     retirement plan known as an "individual retirement annuity" or "IRA." Under
     applicable limits, you can contribute certain amounts to an IRA that can be
     deducted from your taxable income. There are also limits with respect to
     eligibility, contributions, transferability and distributions. Under
     certain conditions, distributions from other IRAs and other qualified plans
     may be rolled over or transferred on a tax-deferred basis into an IRA. If
     the Contract is to be used as an IRA, there are specific requirements
     imposed by the Code. In addition, the Company is required to give you
     additional informational disclosure if you purchase the Contract as an IRA.
     However, you should consult with your tax adviser regarding the tax
     consequences and suitability of investing in an IRA.

     Roth IRA. Under an individual retirement annuity known as a Roth IRA,
     contributions are made with after-tax dollars, but the earnings are
     distributed tax-free if certain conditions are met. Subject to certain
     income limits, a maximum of $2,000 per year may be contributed to a Roth
     IRA. Distributions from a Roth IRA are tax-free if it has been held for at
     least five years AND it meets one of the following requirements:

     -    the distribution is made after age 59 1/2 or the taxpayer has died or
          is disabled;
     -    the distribution is being used for a qualified first-time home
          purchase, subject to a $10,000 lifetime maximum, by the taxpayer, a
          spouse, child, grandchild, or ancestor.

     Certain penalties may apply if you receive a non-qualified distribution.
     Rollovers to or from a Roth IRA can be made under certain circumstances,
     however, there may be a tax liability if the rollover involves a non-Roth
     IRA.

     If you are considering a Roth IRA, you should consult with your tax adviser
     regarding the tax implications and suitability.


                                       25

<PAGE>   29


     PENSION AND PROFIT-SHARING PLANS

     The Code permits employers, including self-employed individuals, to
     establish various types of retirement plans for employees. Contributions to
     the plans for the benefit of employees are not included in the employees'
     gross income until distributed from the plan. The employees' tax
     liabilities may vary depending on the particular plan design. However, the
     Code places limits and restrictions on all plans with respect to such
     things as amount of allowable contributions; form, manner and timing of
     distributions; transfer of benefits; vesting and non-forfeiture of
     interests; nondiscrimination in eligibility and participation; and tax
     treatment of distributions, withdrawals and surrenders. You should consult
     your tax adviser regarding the tax consequences and suitability of
     investing in pension and profit-sharing plans.

TAX TREATMENT OF WITHDRAWALS - QUALIFIED CONTRACTS

In the case of a withdrawal from a Qualified Contract, a ratable portion of the
amount you receive is taxable, generally based on the ratio of your cost basis
to your total accrued benefit under the plan. Special tax rules may apply to
certain distributions from a Qualified Contract. The Code imposes a 10% penalty
on the taxable portion of any distribution from qualified retirement plans.

To the extent amounts are not includable in gross income because they have been
rolled over to an IRA or to another eligible qualified plan, no tax penalty is
imposed. The tax penalty will also not apply to the following:

          (1)  distributions made on or after age 59 1/2;

          (2)  distributions following death or disability;

          (3)  after separation from service, distributions that are part of
               substantially equal periodic payments made at least annually for
               the life (or life expectancy) of the Contract Owner or the
               Annuitant (as applicable) or the joint lives (or joint life
               expectancies) of the Contract Owner or Annuitant (as applicable)
               and the designated beneficiary;

          (4)  distributions after separation from service after age 55;

          (5)  under limited conditions, distributions made for amounts paid
               during the taxable year for medical care;

          (6)  distributions paid to an alternate payee pursuant to a qualified
               domestic relations order;

          (7)  under limited conditions, distributions from an IRA to purchase
               medical insurance;

          (8)  under limited conditions, distributions from an IRA for qualified
               higher education expenses; and

          (9)  with limitations, distributions from an IRA for qualified
               first-time home purchases.

The exceptions in (4) and (6) above do not apply in the case of an IRA. The
exception in (3) above applies to an IRA without the requirement that there be a
separation from service. With respect to (3) above, if the series of
substantially equal periodic payments is modified before the later of your
attaining age 59 1/2 or 5 years from the date of the first periodic payment,
then the tax for the year of the modification is increased by an amount equal to
the tax which would have been imposed (the 10% penalty tax) but for the
exception, plus interest for the tax years in which the exception is used.

Generally, if the Contract is issued under a qualified plan, annuity payments
must begin no later than April 1 of the calendar year following the calendar
year in which you reach age 70 1/2; OR the calendar year in which you retire,
whichever is LATER.

Under a qualified plan, annuity payments must be made over a period not
exceeding your life expectancy or the life expectancies of you and your
designated beneficiary. If the required minimum distributions are not made, a
50% penalty tax is imposed on the amount not distributed.


                                       26

<PAGE>   30


TAX SHELTERED ANNUITIES - WITHDRAWAL LIMITATIONS

If the Contract is a 403(b) annuity (also known as a tax-sheltered annuity) with
contributions made under a salary reduction agreement (as defined the Code)
withdrawals can only be taken under certain circumstances. In order to take a
withdrawal from a 403(b) annuity, you must meet one the following conditions:

          -    be at least age 59 1/2;
          -    separate from the service of your employer;
          -    die;
          -    become disabled (as defined in the Code); or
          -    have a case of hardship.

Withdrawals for hardship are restricted to the portion of the Contract Value
represented by your contributions and does not include investment earnings. The
limitations on withdrawals became effective January 1, 1989, and apply only to:

          -    salary reduction contributions made after December 31, 1988;
          -    income attributable to such contributions; and
          -    income attributable to amounts held as of December 31, 1988.

The limitations on withdrawals do not affect rollovers or transfers between
certain qualified plans. Tax penalties may also apply. You should consult your
tax adviser regarding any withdrawals from a 403(b) annuity.

SECTION 457 - DEFERRED COMPENSATION PLANS

Under Section 457 of the Code, governmental and certain other tax-exempt
employers may establish deferred compensation plans, which may invest in annuity
contracts, for the benefit of their employees. As with qualified plans, the Code
establishes limits and restrictions on eligibility, contributions, and
distributions. Under a Section 457 plan, contributions made for the benefit of
employees will not be included in the employees' gross income until they are
distributed from the plan. Under a Section 457 plan, the plan assets remain
solely the property of the employer, subject only to the claims of the
employer's general creditors, until such time as they are available for
distribution to the employee or the employee's beneficiary. However, for plans
established after August 20, 1996, it is required that plan assets be held in
trust for the benefit of employees and not be subject to claims by the
employer's general creditors. After January 1, 1999, this requirement is
mandatory for all Section 457 plans.

                                LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

Neither the Variable Account nor the underwriter, Sentry Equity, is a party to
any legal proceedings. The Company is engaged in routine litigation which, in
the opinion of the Company, is not material in relation to the total capital and
surplus of the Company.


                                       27


<PAGE>   31


            TABLE OF CONTENTS OF STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
ITEM                                                                PAGE
- ----                                                                ----
<S>                                                                 <C>
THE COMPANY......................................................    3

DISTRIBUTION OF THE CONTRACT.....................................    3

INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANT...........................................    3

LEGAL OPINIONS...................................................    3

YIELD CALCULATION OF T. ROWE PRICE PRIME RESERVE SUBACCOUNT......    3

ANNUITY PAYMENTS.................................................    4

  Annuity Unit ..................................................    4
  Amount of Annuity Payments.....................................    4
  Net Investment Factor..........................................    4

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.............................................    5
</TABLE>


                                       28
<PAGE>   32



                                     PART B
<PAGE>   33
                       STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION


                  INDIVIDUAL FLEXIBLE PURCHASE PAYMENT DEFERRED

                            VARIABLE ANNUITY CONTRACT
                                    ISSUED BY
                            SENTRY VARIABLE ACCOUNT I
                                       AND
                    SENTRY LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY OF NEW YORK

This is not a Prospectus. This Statement of Additional Information should be
read in conjunction with the Prospectus for the individual flexible purchase
payment deferred variable annuity contract which is referred to herein.

The Prospectus concisely presents information that a prospective investor should
know before investing. For a copy of the Prospectus, call or write the Company
at 1800 North Point Drive, Stevens Point, WI 54481, (800)533-7827.

This Statement of Additional Information and the Prospectus are dated January 7,
2000.


<PAGE>   34
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>


                                TABLE OF CONTENTS

Item                                                                                                        Page
- ----                                                                                                        ----
<S>                                                                                                          <C>
THE COMPANY................................................................................................  3

DISTRIBUTION OF THE CONTRACT...............................................................................  3

INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANT.....................................................................................  3

LEGAL OPINIONS.............................................................................................  3

YIELD CALCULATION FOR T. ROWE PRICE PRIME RESERVE SUBACCOUNT...............................................  3

ANNUITY PAYMENTS...........................................................................................  4

     Annuity Unit..........................................................................................  4
     Amount of Annuity Payments............................................................................  4
     Net Investment Factor.................................................................................  4

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.......................................................................................  5
</TABLE>


                                        2


<PAGE>   35


                                   THE COMPANY

Sentry Life Insurance Company of New York (the "Company") is a stock life
insurance company incorporated in 1966 pursuant to the laws of the State of New
York. Its home office is located at 220 Salina Meadows Parkway, Syracuse, New
York. It is licensed to conduct life, annuity and accident and health insurance
business in Minnesota, New York and North Dakota. The company is a wholly-owned
subsidiary of Sentry Life Insurance Company, which in turn is a wholly-owned
subsidiary of Sentry Insurance a Mutual Company ("SIAMCO"). SIAMCO is a mutual
insurance company incorporated under the laws of Wisconsin with headquarters at
1800 North Point Drive, Stevens Point, Wisconsin. SIAMCO owns and controls,
either directly or through subsidiary companies, a group of insurance and
related companies, including Sentry Equity Services, Inc.


                          DISTRIBUTION OF THE CONTRACT

Sentry Equity Services, Inc. ("Sentry Equity"), 1800 North Point Drive, Stevens
Point, Wisconsin, a wholly-owned subsidiary of SIAMCO, serves as the principal
underwriter of the Contract. The Contract is sold through licensed insurance
agents in those states where the Contract may be lawfully sold. The agents are
registered representatives of broker-dealers that are registered under the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and are members of the National Association of
Securities Dealers, Inc. Sentry Equity will be paid first-year and renewal
commissions for its services in distributing the Contract which will not exceed
4.7% of purchase payments. Sentry Equity will, in turn, pay all or a portion of
these amounts to the selling agent or agency. The Contract is sold on a
continuous basis.

Sentry Equity also acts as principal underwriter for Sentry Fund, Inc., an
open-end management investment company. Sentry Equity was paid underwriter
commissions in the aggregate for the years 1996, 1997 and 1998 of $338,226,
$309,674, and $392,706, respectively. Of those amounts, it retained $286,484,
$259,161, and $236,907, respectively.


                             INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANT

The statutory financial statements of the Company as of December 31, 1998, and
for the year then ended, and the financial statements of the Variable Account as
of December 31, 1998 and 1997, and for each of the two years in the period then
ended, have been audited by PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, 203 North LaSalle
Street, Chicago, Illinois, independent accountant, whose reports appear herein
and have been included in reliance on its authority as an expert in accounting
and auditing.


                                 LEGAL OPINIONS

Blazzard, Grodd & Hasenauer, P.C., Westport, Connecticut, has provided advice on
certain matters relating to the federal securities and income tax laws in
connection with the Contract.


           YIELD CALCULATION OF T. ROWE PRICE PRIME RESERVE SUBACCOUNT

The T. Rowe Price Prime Reserve Subaccount of the Variable Account will
calculate its current yield based on the seven days ended on the date of
calculation.

The current yield of the T. Rowe Price Prime Reserve Subaccount is computed by
determining the net change (exclusive of capital changes) in the value of a
hypothetical pre-existing contract owner account having a balance of one
accumulation unit of the subaccount at the beginning of the period, subtracting
the mortality and expense risk premium and contract maintenance charge, dividing
the difference by the value of the account at the beginning of the same period
to obtain the base period return and multiplying the result by (365/7).

Net investment income for yield quotation purposes will not include either
realized capital gains and losses or unrealized appreciation and depreciation,
whether reinvested or not.

The yields quoted should not be considered a representation of the yield of the
T. Rowe Price Prime Reserve Subaccount in the future since the yield is not
fixed. Actual yields will depend not only on the type, quality and maturities of
the investments held by the T. Rowe Price Prime Reserve Subaccount and changes
in the interest rates on such investments, but also on changes in the T. Rowe
Price Prime Reserve Subaccount's expenses during the period.







                                       3

<PAGE>   36


Yield information may be useful in reviewing the performance of the T. Rowe
Price Prime Reserve Subaccount and for providing a basis of comparison with
other investment alternatives. However, the T. Rowe Price Prime Reserve
Subaccount's yield fluctuates, unlike bank deposits or other investments which
typically pay a fixed yield for a stated period of time. The yield information
does not reflect the deduction of any applicable contingent deferred sales
charge at the time of the surrender. (See "Charges and Deduction - Contingent
Deferred Sales Charge" in the Prospectus.)

                                ANNUITY PAYMENTS

ANNUITY UNIT

Initially, the value of an Annuity Unit was set at $10. For each subsequent
Valuation Period, the Annuity Unit value is determined as follows:

     (1) the Annuity Unit value for a Subaccount for the last Valuation Period
         is multiplied by the net investment factor for the Subaccount for the
         next Valuation Period;

     (2) the result is divided by the assumed investment factor for that
         Valuation Period.

The net investment factor may be greater or less than one; therefore, the
Annuity Unit value may increase or decrease.

AMOUNT OF ANNUITY PAYMENTS

The dollar amount of annuity payments after the first payment is determined as
follows:

     (1) The dollar amount of the first annuity payment is divided by the value
         of an Annuity Unit as of the income date. This establishes the number
         of Annuity Units for each monthly payment. The number of Annuity Units
         remains fixed during the annuity payment period, subject to any
         transfers.

     (2) The fixed number of Annuity Units is multiplied by the Annuity Unit
         value for the last Valuation Period of the month preceding the month
         for which the payment is due. This result is the dollar amount of the
         payment.

The total dollar amount of each annuity payment is the sum of all Subaccount
annuity payments less any applicable contract maintenance charge.

The Subaccount Annuity Unit value at the end of any Valuation Period is
determined by multiplying the Subaccount Annuity Unit value for the immediately
preceding Valuation Period by the quotient of (1) and (2), where:

     (1) is the net investment factor for the Valuation Period for which the
         Subaccount Annuity Unit value is being determined; and

     (2) is the assumed investment factor for such Valuation Period. The assumed
         investment factor adjusts for the interest assumed in determining the
         first annuity payment. Such factor for any Valuation Period is the
         accumulated value of $1.00 deposited at the beginning of such period at
         the assumed investment rate of 4%.

NET INVESTMENT FACTOR

The net investment factor for any Subaccount for any Valuation Period is
determined by dividing (1) by (2) and subtracting (3) from the result where:

(1)  is the net result of:

     (a) the net asset value per share of the Mutual Fund or Portfolio held in
         the Subaccount determined as of the current Valuation Period; PLUS

     (b) the per share amount of any dividend or capital gain distribution made
         by the Mutual Fund or Portfolio held in the Subaccount if the
         "ex-dividend" date occurs during the current Valuation Period; PLUS OR
         MINUS

     (c) a per share charge or credit, which is determined by the Company, for
         changes in tax reserves resulting from investment operations of the
         Subaccount;






                                       4

<PAGE>   37


(2) is the net result of:

    (a) the net asset value per share of the Mutual Fund or Portfolio held in
        the Subaccount determined as of the immediately preceding Valuation
        Period; PLUS OR MINUS

    (b) the per share charge or credit for any changes in tax reserve for the
        immediately preceding Valuation Period; and

(3) is the percentage factor representing the mortality and expense risk
premiums.

The net investment factor may be greater or less than one; therefore, the
Annuity Unit value may increase or decrease.

                              FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

The financial statements of the Company included herein should be considered
only as bearing on the ability of the Company to meet its obligations under the
Contract.




                                       5

<PAGE>   38




                    SENTRY LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY OF NEW YORK

                            SENTRY VARIABLE ACCOUNT I

                        FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)

                            AS OF SEPTEMBER 30, 1999





















                                        7



<PAGE>   39

                    SENTRY LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY OF NEW YORK

                            SENTRY VARIABLE ACCOUNT I

                       STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES
                         September 30, 1999 (Unaudited)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

ASSETS:
<S>                                                                                                      <C>
Investments at market value:

   Neuberger Berman Advisers Management Trust:

     Liquid Asset Portfolio, 95,512
       shares (cost $95,512)                                                                             $   95,512

     Growth Portfolio, 58,583
       shares (cost $1,376,406)                                                                           1,469,254

     Limited Maturity Bond Portfolio, 7,101
       shares (cost $96,681)                                                                                 93,662

     Balanced Portfolio, 17,050
       shares (cost $263,382)                                                                               269,559
                                                                                                         ----------

       Total investments                                                                                  1,927,987

Dividends receivable                                                                                            339
                                                                                                         ----------

       Total assets                                                                                       1,928,326

LIABILITIES:

Accrued expenses                                                                                                900
                                                                                                         ----------

NET ASSETS                                                                                               $1,927,426
                                                                                                         ==========
</TABLE>


    The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements

                                        9

<PAGE>   40


SENTRY LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY OF NEW YORK
SENTRY VARIABLE ACCOUNT I

STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS AND CHANGES IN NET ASSETS
For the six months ended June 30, 1999 and 1998 (Unaudited)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                  SUB-ACCOUNTS INVESTING IN:
                                                  --------------------------

                                                         LIQUID ASSET                               GROWTH
                                                           PORTFOLIO                              PORTFOLIO
                                                  -------------------------             --------------------------
                                                    1999              1998                  1999             1998
                                                  -------           -------             ---------        ---------
<S>                                               <C>                 <C>                <C>                  <C>
Income:
   Dividends                                        3,322             3,890                     -                -

Expenses:
   Mortality and expense risk                         990             1,021                12,933           13,239
                                                  -------           -------             ---------        ---------
Net investment income (loss)                        2,332             2,869               (12,933)         (13,239)
                                                  -------           -------             ---------        ---------
Realized net investment gain (loss)                    --                --                 5,913            3,419

Unrealized appreciation (depreciation), net            --                --               (68,079)        (511,262)

Capital gain distributions received                    --                --                77,879          392,329
                                                  -------           -------             ---------        ---------
Realized and unrealized gain (loss)
   on investments and capital
   gains distributions, net                            --                --                15,713         (115,514)
                                                  -------           -------             ---------        ---------
Net increase (decrease) in contract owners'
   equity from operations                           2,332             2,869                 2,780         (128,753)
                                                  -------           -------             ---------        ---------
Purchase payments                                   6,686             6,513                10,159            9,141

Transfers between subaccounts, net                (12,000)               --                12,000              926

Withdrawals                                       (20,889)             (567)              (33,859)         (90,756)

Contract maintenance fees                            (164)             (194)               (1,293)          (1,366)

Surrender charges                                    (133)               --                  (115)          (1,489)
                                                  -------           -------             ---------        ---------
Net decrease in contract owners'
   equity derived from principal transactions     (26,500)            5,752               (13,108)         (83,544)
                                                  -------           -------             ---------        ---------
Total increase (decrease) in
   contract owners' equity                        (24,168)            8,621               (10,328)        (212,297)

Contract owners' equity at beginning of period    119,466           108,749             1,479,545        1,454,779
                                                  -------           -------             ---------        ---------
Contract owners' equity at end of period           95,298           117,370             1,469,217        1,242,482
                                                  =======           =======             =========        =========
</TABLE>

    The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements

                                       10

<PAGE>   41





<TABLE>
<CAPTION>


       LIMITED MATURITY                               BALANCED
        BOND PORTFOLIO                                PORTFOLIO                                   TOTAL
    --------------------------                ---------------------------             -----------------------------
    1999               1998                   1999                 1998                 1999                1998
   -------            -------                 -------            -------              ---------          ---------
    <S>                <C>                    <C>                  <C>                <C>                  <C>
     5,438              6,445                   4,547              6,179                 13,307             16,514

       859                946                   2,460              2,395                 17,242             17,601
   -------            -------                 -------            -------              ---------          ---------

     4,579              5,499                   2,087              3,784                 (3,935)            (1,087)
   -------            -------                 -------            -------              ---------          ---------
      (111)                 8                  (1,974)             1,285                  3,828              4,712

    (4,274)            (2,312)                 (6,428)           (59,823)               (78,781)          (573,397)

        --                 --                   6,736             43,400                 84,615            435,729
   -------            -------                 -------            -------              ---------          ---------


    (4,385)            (2,304)                 (1,666)           (15,138)                 9,662           (132,956)
   -------            -------                 -------            -------              ---------          ---------

       194              3,195                     421            (11,354)                 5,727           (134,043)
   -------            -------                 -------            -------              ---------          ---------
        --                 --                   7,851              7,637                 24,696             23,291

        --               (926)                     --                 --                      -                  -

    (8,045)            (1,896)                (33,388)           (14,843)               (96,181)          (108,062)

      (102)              (143)                   (332)              (308)                (1,891)            (2,011)

       (74)                --                    (386)              (279)                  (708)            (1,768)
   -------            -------                 -------            -------              ---------          ---------

    (8,221)            (2,965)                (26,255)            (7,793)               (74,084)           (88,550)
   -------            -------                 -------            -------              ---------          ---------

    (8,027)               230                 (25,834)           (19,147)               (68,357)          (222,593)

   101,590            102,797                 295,182            263,142              1,995,783          1,929,467
   -------            -------                 -------            -------              ---------          ---------
    93,563            103,027                 269,348            243,995              1,927,426          1,706,874
   =======            =======                 =======            =======              =========          =========
</TABLE>



                                       11
<PAGE>   42

                    SENTRY LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY OF NEW YORK

                            SENTRY VARIABLE ACCOUNT I

                    NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)

                           SEPTEMBER 30, 1999 AND 1998

1. ORGANIZATION AND CONTRACTS

   The Sentry Variable Account I (the Variable Account) is a segregated
   investment account of the Sentry Life Insurance Company of New York (the
   Company) and is registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission as a
   unit investment trust pursuant to the provisions of the Investment Company
   Act of 1940. The Variable Account was established by the Company on August
   24, 1983 and commenced operations on May 3, 1984. Accordingly, it is an
   accounting entity wherein all segregated account transactions are reflected.

   The assets of the Variable Account are invested in one or more of the
   portfolios of Neuberger Berman Advisers Management Trust (the Trust) at the
   portfolio's net asset value in accordance with the selection made by the
   contract owners.

   A copy of the Neuberger Berman Advisers Management Trust Annual Report is
   included in the Variable Account's Annual Report.

2. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

   VALUATION OF INVESTMENTS

   Investments in the Trust are valued by using net asset values which are based
   on the daily closing prices of the underlying securities in the Trust's
   portfolios.

   SECURITIES TRANSACTIONS AND INVESTMENT INCOME

   Securities transactions are recorded on the trade date (the date the order to
   buy and sell is executed). Dividend income is recorded on the ex-dividend
   date. The cost of investments sold and the corresponding capital gains and
   losses are determined on a specific identification basis.

   FEDERAL INCOME TAXES

   The Company is taxed as a life insurance company under the provisions of the
   Internal Revenue Code. The operations of the Variable Account are part of the
   total operations of the Company and are not taxed as a separate entity.

   Under Federal income tax law, net investment income and net realized capital
   gains of the Variable Account which are applied to increase net assets are
   not taxed.



                                       12

<PAGE>   43


                    SENTRY LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY OF NEW YORK

                            SENTRY VARIABLE ACCOUNT I

              NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED - CONTINUED)

                           SEPTEMBER 30, 1999 AND 1998

3. EXPENSES


   A mortality and expense risk premium is deducted by the Company from the
   Variable Account on a daily basis which is equal, on an annual basis, to
   1.20% (.80% mortality and .40% expense risk) of the daily net asset value of
   the Variable Account. This mortality and expense risk premium compensates the
   Company for assuming these risks under the variable annuity contract. The
   liability for accrued mortality and expense risk premium amounted to $900 at
   September 30, 1999.

   The Company deducts, on the contract anniversary date, an annual contract
   maintenance charge of $30, per contract holder, from the contract value by
   canceling accumulation units. If the contract is surrendered for its full
   surrender value, on other than the contract anniversary, the contract
   maintenance charge will be deducted at the time of such surrender. This
   charge reimburses the Company for administrative expenses relating to
   maintenance of the contract.

   There are no deductions made from purchase payments for sales charges at the
   time of purchase. However, a contingent deferred sales charge may be deducted
   in the event of a surrender to reimburse the Company for expenses incurred
   which are related to contract sales. Contingent deferred sales charges apply
   to each purchase payment and are graded from 6% during the first contract
   year to 0% in the seventh contract year.

   Any premium tax payable to a governmental entity as a result of the existence
   of the contracts or the Variable Account will be charged against the contract
   value. Premium taxes up to 4% are currently imposed by certain states. Some
   states assess their premium taxes at the time purchase payments are made;
   others assess their premium taxes at the time of annuitization. In the event
   contracts would be issued in states assessing their premium taxes at the time
   purchase payments are made, the Company currently intends to advance such
   premium taxes and to deduct the premium taxes from a contract owner's
   contract value at the time of annuitization or surrender.




                                       13
<PAGE>   44
                    SENTRY LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY OF NEW YORK

                            SENTRY VARIABLE ACCOUNT I

              NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED - CONTINUED)

                           SEPTEMBER 30, 1999 AND 1998

4. NET ASSETS

   Net assets are represented by accumulation units in the related Variable
   Account.

   At September 30, 1999 ownership of the Variable Account was represented by
   the following accumulation units and accumulation unit values:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                      ACCUMULATION        ACCUMULATION
                                                          UNITS            UNIT VALUE            VALUE
                                                      ------------        ------------        ----------
         <S>                                          <C>                 <C>                 <C>
         Neuberger Berman
         Advisers Management Trust:
           Liquid Asset Portfolio                           5,196               $18.34        $   95,298
           Growth Portfolio                                25,381                57.89         1,469,217
           Limited Maturity Bond Portfolio                  3,728                25.10            93,563
           Balanced Portfolio                              11,890                22.65           269,348
                                                                                              ----------


              Total net assets                                                                $1,927,426
                                                                                              ==========
</TABLE>


   At September 30, 1998 ownership of the Variable Account was represented by
   the following accumulation units and accumulation unit values:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                      ACCUMULATION        ACCUMULATION
                                                          UNITS            UNIT VALUE            VALUE
                                                      ------------        ------------        ----------
         <S>                                          <C>                 <C>                 <C>
         Neuberger Berman
         Advisers Management Trust:
           Liquid Asset Portfolio                            6,590              $17.81        $  117,370
           Growth Portfolio                                 27,277               45.55         1,242,482
           Limited Maturity Bond Portfolio                   4,113               25.05           103,027
           Balanced Portfolio                               12,539               19.46           243,995
                                                                                              ----------

              Total net assets                                                                $1,706,874
                                                                                              ==========
</TABLE>


5. PURCHASES AND SALES OF SECURITIES


   In 1999, purchases and proceeds on sales of the Trust's shares aggregated
   $136,070 and $130,137, respectively, and were as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                           LIQUID ASSET        GROWTH        LIMITED MATURITY       BALANCED
                             PORTFOLIO        PORTFOLIO       BOND PORTFOLIO        PORTFOLIO         TOTAL
                           ------------       ---------      ----------------      ----------       ---------
   <S>                     <C>                <C>            <C>                   <C>              <C>
   Purchases               $     10,410        $100,334         $       5,438       $  19,888        $136,070
   Proceeds on sales             34,491          48,559                 9,219          37,868         130,137
</TABLE>


   In 1998, purchases and proceeds on sales of the Trust's shares aggregated
   $476,451 and $132,766, respectively, and were as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                           LIQUID ASSET        GROWTH        LIMITED MATURITY       BALANCED
                             PORTFOLIO        PORTFOLIO       BOND PORTFOLIO        PORTFOLIO         TOTAL
                           ------------       ----------      ----------------      ----------       ---------
   <S>                     <C>                <C>            <C>                   <C>              <C>
   Purchases               $     10,394        $ 402,395        $        6,445      $   57,217       $ 476,451
   Proceeds on sales              1,761          107,609                 4,964          18,432         132,766
</TABLE>



                                       14

<PAGE>   45


                    SENTRY LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY OF NEW YORK

                            SENTRY VARIABLE ACCOUNT I

                              FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

                           DECEMBER 31, 1998 AND 1997


                                       15

<PAGE>   46
                    [PRICEWATERHOUSECOOPERS LLP LETTERHEAD]




                        REPORT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS

THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
SENTRY LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY OF NEW YORK
   AND
THE CONTRACT OWNERS OF
SENTRY VARIABLE ACCOUNT I:

In our opinion, the accompanying combined statement of assets and liabilities
and the related combined and separate statements of operations and changes in
net assets present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of
the Sentry Variable Account I, and the Liquid Asset Portfolio, Growth Portfolio,
Limited Maturity Bond Portfolio and Balanced Portfolio thereof, at December 31,
1998, the results of each of their operations and changes in each of their net
assets for each of the two years in the period then ended, in conformity with
generally accepted accounting principles. These financial statements are the
responsibility of Sentry Life Insurance Company of New York's management; our
responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on
our audits. We conducted our audits of these financial statements in accordance
with generally accepted auditing standards which require that we plan and
perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial
statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a
test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial
statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates
made by management, and evaluating the overall financial statement presentation.
We believe that our audits, which included confirmation of securities at
December 31, 1998, by correspondence with the custodian, provide a reasonable
basis for the opinion expressed above.


/s/ PRICEWATERHOUSECOOPERS L.L.P.


Chicago, Illinois
February 11, 1999

                                       16



<PAGE>   47


                    SENTRY LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY OF NEW YORK
                            SENTRY VARIABLE ACCOUNT I

                       STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES
                                December 31, 1998

<TABLE>
<S>                                                    <C>
ASSETS:

Investments at market value:

   Neuberger Berman Advisers Management Trust:

     Liquid Asset Portfolio, 119,593
       shares (cost $119,593)                             $  119,593

     Growth Portfolio, 56,282
       shares (cost $1,318,719)                            1,479,645

     Limited Maturity Bond Portfolio, 7,368
       shares (cost $100,573)                                101,828

     Balanced Portfolio, 18,112
       shares (cost $283,335)                                295,940
                                                          ----------

       Total investments                                   1,997,006

Dividends receivable                                             436
                                                          ----------

       Total assets                                        1,997,442

LIABILITIES:

Accrued expenses                                               1,659
                                                          ----------

NET ASSETS                                                $1,995,783
                                                          ==========
</TABLE>



    The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements

                                       17


<PAGE>   48


SENTRY LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY OF NEW YORK
SENTRY VARIABLE ACCOUNT I

STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS AND CHANGES IN NET ASSETS
For the Years ended December 31, 1998 and 1997
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                              SUB-ACCOUNTS INVESTING IN:
                                              --------------------------
                                                       LIQUID ASSET                       GROWTH
                                                        PORTFOLIO                        PORTFOLIO
                                              --------------------------        ---------------------------
                                                  1998          1997                1998             1997
                                               ---------     ----------         ----------       ----------
<S>                                           <C>            <C>                <C>              <C>
Income:
   Dividends                                   $    5,206    $    5,340         $       --       $       --

Expenses:
   Mortality and expense charges                    1,382         1,406             17,252           16,886
                                               ----------    ----------         ----------       ----------

Net investment income (loss)                        3,824         3,934            (17,252)         (16,886)
                                               ----------    ----------         ----------       ----------

Realized net investment gain (loss)                    --            --              2,114           50,208

Unrealized appreciation (depreciation), net            --            --           (184,860)         190,613

Capital gain distributions received                    --            --            392,329          110,632
                                               ----------    ----------         ----------       ----------

Realized and unrealized gain (loss)
   on investments and capital
   gain distributions, net                             --            --            209,583          351,453
                                               ----------    ----------         ----------       ----------
Net increase in net assets
   from operations                                  3,824         3,934            192,331          334,567
                                               ----------    ----------         ----------       ----------

Purchase payments                                   7,706         7,759             10,802           21,166

Transfers between subaccounts, net                     --            --                926            6,066

Withdrawals                                          (568)      (33,219)          (176,196)        (271,847)

Contract maintenance fees                            (245)         (248)            (1,608)          (1,873)

Surrender charges                                      --          (131)            (1,489)          (1,976)
                                               ----------    ----------         ----------       ----------
Net increase (decrease) in net assets
   derived from principal transactions              6,893       (25,839)          (167,565)        (248,464)
                                               ----------    ----------         ----------       ----------

Total increase (decrease) in net assets            10,717       (21,905)            24,766           86,103

Net assets at beginning of year                   108,749       130,654          1,454,779        1,368,676
                                               ----------    ----------         ----------       ----------
Net assets at end of year                      $  119,466    $  108,749         $1,479,545       $1,454,779
                                               ==========    ==========         ==========       ==========
</TABLE>




    The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements

                                       18

<PAGE>   49




<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
       LIMITED MATURITY                               BALANCED
        BOND PORTFOLIO                                PORTFOLIO                                   TOTAL
- ------------------------------           -------------------------------           -------------------------------

    1998               1997                   1998               1997                   1998                1997
- ----------         ----------              ----------         ----------             ----------         ----------
<C>                <C>                     <C>                <C>                    <C>                <C>
$    6,445         $    9,357              $    6,179         $    4,981             $   17,830         $   19,678


     1,257              1,623                   3,203              3,261                 23,094             23,176
- ----------         ----------              ----------         ----------             ----------         ----------

     5,188              7,734                   2,976              1,720                 (5,264)            (3,498)
- ----------         ----------              ----------         ----------             ----------         ----------

        26             (1,724)                    552              5,364                  2,692             53,848

    (2,035)             1,024                 (18,268)            22,275               (205,163)           213,912

        --                 --                  43,400             12,785                435,729            123,417
- ----------         ----------              ----------         ----------             ----------         ----------



    (2,009)              (700)                 25,684             40,424                233,258            391,177
- ----------         ----------              ----------         ----------             ----------         ----------


     3,179              7,034                  28,660             42,144                227,994            387,679
- ----------         ----------              ----------         ----------             ----------         ----------

        --                  1                  25,229             16,644                 43,737             45,570

      (926)            (6,066)                     --                 --                     --                 --

    (3,299)           (78,000)                (20,843)           (60,881)              (200,906)          (443,947)

      (161)              (198)                   (567)              (651)                (2,581)            (2,970)

        --               (609)                   (439)              (721)                (1,928)            (3,437)
- ----------         ----------              ----------         ----------             ----------         ----------


    (4,386)           (84,872)                  3,380            (45,609)              (161,678)          (404,784)
- ----------         ----------              ----------         ----------             ----------         ----------
    (1,207)           (77,838)                 32,040             (3,465)                66,316            (17,105)

   102,797            180,635                 263,142            266,607              1,929,467          1,946,572
- ----------         ----------              ----------         ----------             ----------         ----------
$  101,590         $  102,797              $  295,182         $  263,142             $1,995,783         $1,929,467
==========         ==========              ==========         ==========             ==========         ==========
</TABLE>




                                       19


<PAGE>   50


                    SENTRY LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY OF NEW YORK
                            SENTRY VARIABLE ACCOUNT I

                          NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

                           DECEMBER 31, 1998 AND 1997

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
December 31, 1998 and 1997

1. ORGANIZATION AND CONTRACTS

   The Sentry Variable Account I (the Variable Account) is a segregated
   investment account of the Sentry Life Insurance Company of New York (the
   Company) and is registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission as a
   unit investment trust pursuant to the provisions of the Investment Company
   Act of 1940. The Variable Account was established by the Company on August
   24, 1983 and commenced operations on May 3, 1984. Accordingly, it is an
   accounting entity wherein all segregated account transactions are reflected.
   The financial statements have been prepared in conformity with generally
   accepted accounting principles which permit management to make certain
   estimates and assumptions at the date of the financial statements. Actual
   results could differ from those estimates.

   The assets of the Variable Account are invested in one or more of the
   portfolios of Neuberger Berman Advisers Management Trust (the Trust) at the
   portfolio's net asset value in accordance with the selection made by the
   contract owners.

   A copy of the Neuberger Berman Advisers Management Trust Annual Report is
   included in the Variable Account's Annual Report.


2. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES


   VALUATION OF INVESTMENTS

   Investments in the Trust are valued at the reported net asset values of such
   portfolios, which value their investment securities at fair value.

   SECURITIES TRANSACTIONS AND INVESTMENT INCOME

   Securities transactions are recorded on the trade date (the date the order to
   buy and sell is executed). Dividend income is recorded on the ex-dividend
   date. The cost of investments sold and the corresponding investment gains and
   losses are determined on a specific identification basis.

   FEDERAL INCOME TAXES

   The Company is taxed as a life insurance company under the provisions of the
   Internal Revenue Code. The operations of the Variable Account are part of the
   total operations of the Company and are not taxed as a separate entity.

   Under Federal income tax law, net investment income and net realized
   investment gains of the Variable Account which are applied to increase net
   assets are not taxed.

3. EXPENSES


   A mortality and expense risk premium is deducted by the Company from the
   Variable Account on a daily basis which is equal, on an annual basis, to
   1.20% (.80% mortality and .40% expense risk) of the daily net asset value of
   the Variable Account. This mortality and expense risk premium compensates the
   Company for assuming these risks under the variable annuity contract. The
   liability for accrued mortality and expense risk premium amounted to $1,659
   at December 31, 1998.


                                       20


<PAGE>   51

                    SENTRY LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY OF NEW YORK

                            SENTRY VARIABLE ACCOUNT I

                    NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)


NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
December 31, 1998 and 1997



   The Company deducts, on the contract anniversary date, an annual contract
   maintenance charge of $30, per contract holder, from the contract value by
   canceling accumulation units. If the contract is surrendered for its full
   surrender value, on other than the contract anniversary, the contract
   maintenance charge will be deducted at the time of such surrender. This
   charge reimburses the Company for administrative expenses relating to
   maintenance of the contract.

   There are no deductions made from purchase payments for sales charges at the
   time of purchase. However, a contingent deferred sales charge may be deducted
   in the event of a surrender to reimburse the Company for expenses incurred
   which are related to contract sales. Contingent deferred sales charges apply
   to each purchase payment and are graded from 6% during the first contract
   year to 0% in the seventh contract year.

   Any premium tax payable to a governmental entity as a result of the existence
   of the contracts or the Variable Account will be charged against the contract
   value. Premium taxes up to 4% are currently imposed by certain states. Some
   states assess their premium taxes at the time purchase payments are made;
   others assess their premium taxes at the time of annuitization. In the event
   contracts would be issued in states assessing their premium taxes at the time
   purchase payments are made, the Company currently intends to advance such
   premium taxes and to deduct the premium taxes from a contract owner's
   contract value at the time of annuitization or surrender.


4. NET ASSETS


   Net Assets are represented by accumulation units in the related Variable
   Account.

   At December 31, 1998 ownership of the Variable Account was represented by the
   following accumulation units and accumulation unit values:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                      ACCUMULATION        ACCUMULATION
                                                          UNITS            UNIT VALUE            VALUE
                                                      ------------        ------------        ----------
<S>                                                     <C>                 <C>              <C>
           Liquid Asset Portfolio                         6,654              $17.95           $  119,466
           Growth Portfolio                              25,635               57.72            1,479,545
           Limited Maturity Bond Portfolio                4,056               25.05              101,590
           Balanced Portfolio                            13,054               22.61              295,182
                                                                                              ----------
              Total net assets                                                                $1,995,783
                                                                                              ==========
</TABLE>



  At December 31, 1998 significant concentrations of ownership were as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                        NUMBER OF
                                                     CONTRACT OWNERS            PERCENTAGE OWNED
                                                     ---------------            ----------------
<S>                                                        <C>                       <C>
           Liquid Asset Portfolio                           3                         50.9
           Growth Portfolio                                 1                         22.5
           Limited Maturity Bond Portfolio                  2                         56.7
           Balanced Portfolio                               1                         13.3
</TABLE>

                                       21

<PAGE>   52

                    SENTRY LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY OF NEW YORK

                            SENTRY VARIABLE ACCOUNT I

                    NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)


NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
December 31, 1998 and 1997

   At December 31, 1997 ownership of the Variable Account was represented by the
   following accumulation units and accumulation unit values:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                      ACCUMULATION        ACCUMULATION
                                                          UNITS            UNIT VALUE            VALUE
                                                      ------------        -------------          -----
<S>                                                     <C>                 <C>               <C>
           Liquid Asset Portfolio                         6,264              $17.36           $  108,749
           Growth Portfolio                              28,775               50.56            1,454,779
           Limited Maturity Bond Portfolio                4,233               24.28              102,797
           Balanced Portfolio                            12,900               20.40              263,142
                                                                                              ----------
              Total net assets                                                                $1,929,467
                                                                                              ==========
</TABLE>



5. PURCHASES AND SALES OF SECURITIES
   ---------------------------------

   In 1998, purchases and proceeds on sales of the Trust's shares aggregated
   $498,222 and $230,340, respectively, and were as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                           LIQUID ASSET        GROWTH        LIMITED MATURITY       BALANCED
                             PORTFOLIO        PORTFOLIO       BOND PORTFOLIO        PORTFOLIO         TOTAL
                           ------------       ---------      ----------------       ---------         -----
<S>                         <C>              <C>                <C>                <C>             <C>
   Purchases                 $ 12,909         $404,052           $  6,445           $ 74,816        $498,222
   Proceeds on sales            1,813          197,291              6,386             24,850         230,340
</TABLE>

   In 1997, purchases and proceeds on sales of the Trust's shares aggregated
   $201,312 and $485,936, respectively, and were as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                           LIQUID ASSET        GROWTH        LIMITED MATURITY       BALANCED
                             PORTFOLIO        PORTFOLIO       BOND PORTFOLIO        PORTFOLIO         TOTAL
                           ------------       ---------      ----------------       ---------         -----
<S>                         <C>              <C>                 <C>               <C>             <C>
   Purchases                 $ 16,205         $141,339            $ 9,357           $ 34,411        $201,312
   Proceeds on sales           38,639          296,170             85,875             65,252         485,936
</TABLE>




                                       22



<PAGE>   53

                    SENTRY LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY OF NEW YORK

                        FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)

                            AS OF SEPTEMBER 30, 1999








                                       23

<PAGE>   54




                    SENTRY LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY OF NEW YORK

                   STATUTORY-BASIS BALANCE SHEETS (UNAUDITED)

                           SEPTEMBER 30, 1999 AND 1998
                           ---------------------------
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
ASSETS                                                                               1999              1998
- ------                                                                               ----              ----
<S>                                                                             <C>                <C>
Investments:
   Bonds   ..................................................................     $28,708,449       $30,723,200
   Policy loans..............................................................       1,764,822         1,947,466
   Cash and short-term investments...........................................       1,474,881         2,248,942
                                                                                  -----------       -----------
           Total investments ................................................      31,948,152        34,919,608
Accrued investment income....................................................         521,260           508,127
Premiums deferred and uncollected............................................         276,272           219,337
Due from affiliates..........................................................          45,266             1,298
Other assets.................................................................         575,862             4,432
Assets held in separate accounts.............................................       4,212,365         2,985,334
                                                                                  -----------       -----------
           Total admitted assets.............................................     $37,579,177       $38,638,136
                                                                                  ===========       ===========


LIABILITIES
- -----------
Future life policy benefits:
   Life......................................................................     $17,074,838       $17,938,082
   Accident and health.......................................................         651,672           712,722
Policy and contract claims:..................................................         734,004           863,779
Premium and other deposit funds..............................................       3,520,412         3,894,123
Other policyholder funds.....................................................          19,198           112,833
Accounts payable and other liabilities.......................................         489,442         1,109,590
Federal income taxes accrued.................................................         378,031           487,827
Asset valuation reserve......................................................          34,180           156,039
Interest maintenance reserve.................................................         178,143           172,594
Liabilities related to separate accounts.....................................       4,208,825         2,983,953
                                                                                  -----------       -----------
           Total liabilities.................................................     $27,297,745       $28,431,542
                                                                                  ===========       ===========

CAPITAL STOCK AND SURPLUS
- -------------------------
Capital stock, $20 par value; authorized, issued, and
   outstanding 50,000 shares in 1999 and 1998................................       1,000,000         1,000,000
Paid-in surplus..............................................................       3,500,000         3,500,000
Earned surplus:
   Appropriated..............................................................          66,964           199,588
   Unappropriated............................................................       5,714,468         5,507,006
                                                                                  -----------       -----------
           Total capital stock and surplus...................................      10,281,432        10,206,594
                                                                                  -----------       -----------

           Total liabilities, capital stock and surplus......................     $37,579,177       $38,638,136
                                                                                  ===========       ===========
</TABLE>


                                       24


<PAGE>   55


                    SENTRY LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY OF NEW YORK

              STATUTORY-BASIS STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (UNAUDITED)

                           SEPTEMBER 30, 1999 AND 1998
                           ---------------------------


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                                                     1999              1998
                                                                                     ----              ----
<S>                                                                              <C>               <C>
Premiums and other income:
   Premiums and annuity considerations.......................................     $ 3,288,190       $ 4,136,485
   Other fund deposits.......................................................         561,595           550,400
   Commissions and expense allowances on
      reinsurance ceded......................................................          14,011            12,580
   Net investment income.....................................................       1,839,113         1,970,783
   Other income..............................................................         205,646           106,194
                                                                                  -----------       -----------

           Total premiums and other income...................................       5,908,555         6,776,442
                                                                                  -----------       -----------

Benefits and expenses:
   Policyholder benefits and fund withdrawals................................       4,770,427         5,790,475
   Decrease in future life policy benefits
      and other reserves.....................................................      (1,293,913)       (1,365,840)
   Commissions...............................................................         208,328           271,503
   Other expenses............................................................         771,358           920,763
   Transfers from separate accounts, net.....................................         229,213           248,642
                                                                                  -----------       -----------
           Total benefits and expenses.......................................       4,685,413         5,865,543
                                                                                  -----------       -----------

Income before federal income tax expense
   and net realized losses on investments....................................       1,223,142           910,899

Federal income tax expense, less tax on
   net realized losses and transfers to the IMR..............................         433,509           345,684
                                                                                  -----------       -----------

Income before net realized gains on investments..............................         789,633           565,215

           Net realized losses on investments................................        (155,613)         (119,561)
                                                                                  -----------       -----------

Net income ..................................................................     $   634,020       $   445,654
                                                                                  ===========       ===========
</TABLE>




                                       25

<PAGE>   56


                    SENTRY LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY OF NEW YORK

 STATUTORY-BASIS STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN CAPITAL STOCK AND SURPLUS (UNAUDITED)

                           SEPTEMBER 30, 1999 AND 1998
                           ---------------------------

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                                                     1999              1998
                                                                                     ----              ----
<S>                                                                              <C>               <C>
Capital stock, beginning and end of year.....................................     $ 1,000,000       $ 1,000,000
                                                                                  -----------       -----------

Paid-in surplus, beginning and end of year...................................       3,500,000         3,500,000
                                                                                  -----------       -----------
Earned surplus:
   Unappropriated:
   Balance at beginning of year .............................................       5,032,941         5,317,646
   Net income................................................................         643,020           445,654
   Change in non-admitted assets.............................................               0           (42,267)
   Change in asset valuation reserve.........................................         114,471           (14,439)
                                                                                  -----------       -----------

      Balance at end of year.................................................       5,781,432         5,706,594
                                                                                  -----------       -----------
           Total capital stock and surplus...................................     $10,281,432       $10,206,594
                                                                                  ===========       ===========
</TABLE>


                                       26


<PAGE>   57


                    SENTRY LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY OF NEW YORK

              STATUTORY-BASIS STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (UNAUDITED)

                           SEPTEMBER 30, 1999 AND 1998
                           ---------------------------
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                     1999              1998
                                                                                     ----              ----
<S>                                                                               <C>               <C>
Premiums and annuity considerations..........................................     $ 3,254,781       $ 4,048,267
Other fund deposits..........................................................         561,595           550,400
Allowances and reserve adjustments received on
   reinsurance ceded.........................................................          14,011            12,580
Investment income received (excluding realized gains
   and losses and net of investment expenses)................................       1,788,633         1,915,683
Other income received........................................................         205,128           109,347
Life and accident and health claims paid.....................................      (3,166,317)       (3,695,282)
Surrender benefits...........................................................      (1,955,245)       (2,175,160)
Other benefits to policyholders paid.........................................         (17,169)           (7,514)
Commissions, other expenses, and taxes paid
   (excluding federal income taxes)..........................................        (976,567)       (1,225,026)
Net transfers from separate accounts.........................................        (229,213)         (248,642)
Federal income taxes.........................................................        (437,532)         (356,229)
Net decrease in policy loans.................................................         185,902            (4,623)
                                                                                  -----------       -----------
           Net cash from operations..........................................        (791,993)       (1,075,199)
                                                                                  -----------       -----------

Proceeds from investments sold, matured, or repaid:
   Bonds.....................................................................       2,952,498         5,289,905
   Tax on net capital gains..................................................        (189,264)         (146,931)
                                                                                  -----------       -----------
           Total investment proceeds.........................................       2,763,234         5,142,974

Other cash provided..........................................................           6,371           585,776
                                                                                  -----------       -----------
           Total cash provided...............................................       1,977,612         4,653,551
                                                                                  -----------       -----------

Cost of investments acquired.................................................       1,558,419         3,816,357

Other cash applied
   Other applications, net...................................................         617,399            13,972
                                                                                  -----------        ----------
           Total cash applied................................................       2,175,818         3,830,329
                                                                                  -----------        ----------

           Net change in cash and short-term investments.....................        (198,206)          823,222

Cash and short-term investments
   Beginning of year.........................................................       1,673,087         1,425,720
                                                                                  -----------       -----------
   End of year...............................................................     $ 1,474,881       $ 2,248,942
                                                                                  ===========       ===========
</TABLE>






                                       27





<PAGE>   58
                    SENTRY LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY OF NEW YORK

                  NOTES TO STATUTORY-BASIS FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

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


The interim financial data as of September 30, 1999 and for the nine months
ended September 30, 1999 and September 30, 1998 is unaudited; however, in the
opinion of the Company, the interim data includes all adjustments, consisting
only of normal recurring adjustments, necessary for a fair statement of the
results for the interim periods.





                                       28
<PAGE>   59



                    SENTRY LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY OF NEW YORK


            REPORT ON AUDITS OF STATUTORY-BASIS FINANCIAL STATEMENTS


                 FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1998 AND 1997



                                       29


<PAGE>   60


                    [PRICEWATERHOUSECOOPERS LLP LETTERHEAD]



                        REPORT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS

To the Board of Directors
Sentry Life Insurance Company of New York

We have audited the accompanying statutory-basis balance sheets of Sentry Life
Insurance Company of New York (the Company) as of December 31, 1998, and 1997,
and the related statutory-basis statements of operations, changes in capital
stock and surplus, and cash flows for the years then ended. These financial
statements are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our
responsibility is to report on these financial statements based on our audits.

We conducted our audits of the accompanying financial statements in accordance
with generally accepted auditing standards. Those standards require that we plan
and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial
statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a
test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial
statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and
significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall
financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a
reasonable basis for our opinion.

As discussed more fully in Note 1 to the financial statements, the Company
prepared these financial statements using accounting practices prescribed or
permitted by the insurance department of the State of New York, which practices
differ from generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP). We have only been
engaged by the Company to audit the accompanying financial statements on a
statutory basis of accounting. The Company is not required to prepare GAAP
financial statements and does not prepare GAAP financial statements. The effects
on the financial statements of the variances between the statutory basis of
accounting and GAAP, although not reasonably determinable, are presumed to be
material. We are therefore required in the following paragraph to issue an
adverse opinion on GAAP.

In our opinion, because of the effects of the matter discussed in the preceding
paragraph, the financial statements referred to above do not present fairly, in
conformity with generally accepted accounting principles, the financial position
of Sentry Life Insurance Company of New York as of December 31, 1998, and 1997,
or the results of its operations and its cash flows for the years then ended.

In our opinion, the statutory-basis financial statements referred to above
present fairly, in all material respects, the admitted assets, liabilities, and
capital stock and surplus of Sentry Life Insurance Company of New York as of
December 31, 1998, and 1997, and the results of its operations and its cash
flows for the years then ended in conformity with accounting practices
prescribed or permitted by the insurance department of the State of New York.

Our audit was conducted for the purpose of forming an opinion on the
statutory-basis financial statements taken as a whole. The accompanying
Supplemental Schedule of Assets and Liabilities is presented to comply with the
National Association of Insurance Commissioners' annual statement instructions
and is not a required part of the statutory-basis financial statements. Such
information has been subjected to the auditing procedures applied in our audit
of the statutory basis financial statements and, in our opinion, is fairly
stated, in all material respects, in relation to the statutory-basis financial
statements taken as a whole.


PricewaterhouseCoopers L.L.P.

Chicago, Illinois
February 12, 1999

                                       30


<PAGE>   61
                    SENTRY LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY OF NEW YORK

                         Statutory-Basis Balance Sheets

                           December 31, 1998 and 1997

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

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>


ASSETS                                                                               1998              1997
- ------                                                                              ------            ------
<S>                                                                             <C>                <C>
Investments:
   Bonds   ..................................................................     $30,245,180       $32,038,060
   Policy loans..............................................................       1,950,724         1,942,843
   Cash and short-term investments...........................................       1,673,085         1,425,720
                                                                                  -----------       -----------
           Total investments ................................................      33,868,989        35,406,623
Accrued investment income....................................................         526,301           557,863
Premiums deferred and uncollected............................................         235,815           171,908
Other assets.................................................................          16,402             5,408
Assets held in separate accounts.............................................       3,660,854         2,813,454
                                                                                  -----------       -----------
           Total admitted assets.............................................     $38,308,361       $38,955,256
                                                                                  ===========       ===========
LIABILITIES
- -----------
Future life policy benefits:
   Life......................................................................     $16,061,165       $16,092,335
   Accident and health.......................................................         622,870           715,312
   Annuity ..................................................................       1,732,502         1,941,485
Policy and contract claims:
   Life......................................................................         436,249           234,529
   Accident and health.......................................................         548,597           716,088
Premium and other deposit funds..............................................       3,968,105         5,126,314
Other policyholder funds.....................................................         188,998           147,219
Accounts payable and other liabilities.......................................         598,431           569,323
Federal income taxes accrued.................................................         625,827           506,987
Asset valuation reserve......................................................         148,652           141,600
Interest maintenance reserve.................................................         186,194           137,497
Liabilities related to separate accounts.....................................       3,657,831         2,808,920
                                                                                  -----------       -----------
           Total liabilities.................................................     $28,775,421       $29,137,609
                                                                                  ===========       ===========
CAPITAL STOCK AND SURPLUS
- -------------------------
Capital stock, $20 par value; authorized, issued, and
   outstanding 50,000 shares in 1998 and 1997................................       1,000,000         1,000,000
Paid-in surplus..............................................................       3,500,000         3,500,000
Earned surplus:
   Appropriated..............................................................         205,221           140,384
   Unappropriated............................................................       4,827,719         5,177,263
                                                                                  -----------       -----------
           Total capital stock and surplus...................................       9,532,940         9,817,647
                                                                                  -----------       -----------

           Total liabilities, capital stock and surplus......................     $38,308,361       $38,955,256
                                                                                  ===========       ===========

</TABLE>


The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statutory-basis financial
statements.

                                       31


<PAGE>   62
                    SENTRY LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY OF NEW YORK

                    Statutory-Basis Statements of Operations

                 For The Years Ended December 31, 1998 and 1997

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

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                                                     1998              1997
                                                                                    ------            ------
<S>                                                                             <C>                <C>
Premiums and other income:
   Premiums and annuity considerations.......................................    $  6,544,741      $  7,759,711
   Other fund deposits.......................................................         607,029           572,226
   Net investment income.....................................................       2,627,438         2,783,625
   Other income..............................................................         131,580           124,644
                                                                                 ------------      ------------
           Total premiums and other income...................................       9,910,788        11,240,206
                                                                                 ------------      ------------
Benefits and expenses:
   Policyholder benefits and fund withdrawals................................       8,381,224         8,456,924
   Decrease in future life policy benefits
      and other reserves.....................................................      (1,455,223)          (73,746)
   Commissions...............................................................         328,358           486,197
   Other expenses............................................................       1,207,119         1,160,966
   Transfers from separate accounts, net.....................................         226,511          (112,780)
                                                                                   ----------      ------------
           Total benefits and expenses.......................................       8,687,989         9,917,561
                                                                                   ----------      ------------

Income before federal income tax expense
   and net realized losses on investments....................................       1,222,799         1,322,645

Federal income tax expense, excluding tax
   on capital gains and transfers to the IMR.................................         432,736           410,069
                                                                                   ----------      ------------
Income before net realized losses on investments.............................         790,063           912,576

           Net realized losses on investments................................        (130,524)         (148,137)
                                                                                   ----------      ------------

Net income ..................................................................     $   659,539      $    764,439
                                                                                  ===========      ============
</TABLE>




The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statutory-basis financial
statements.

                                       32

<PAGE>   63


                    SENTRY LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY OF NEW YORK

       Statutory-Basis Statements of Changes in Capital Stock and Surplus

                 For The Years Ended December 31, 1998 and 1997

                               ----------------
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                                                     1998              1997
                                                                                    ------            ------
<S>                                                                             <C>                <C>
Capital stock, beginning and end of year.....................................     $ 1,000,000       $ 1,000,000
                                                                                   ----------        ----------
Paid-in surplus, beginning and end of year...................................       3,500,000         3,500,000
                                                                                   ----------        ----------
Earned surplus:
   Appropriated:
      Balance at beginning of year...........................................         140,384           166,550
      Increase (decrease) for year - transfer from (to)
       unappropriated earned surplus.........................................          64,837           (26,166)
                                                                                  -----------       -----------
      Balance at end of year ................................................         205,221           140,384
                                                                                  -----------       -----------

   Unappropriated:
   Balance at beginning of year .............................................       5,177,263         4,933,949
   Net income................................................................         659,539           764,439
   Change in non-admitted assets.............................................              70             1,010
   Change in liability for reinsurance.......................................         (57,264)               -
   Change in asset valuation reserve.........................................          (7,052)          201,699
   Transfer (to) from appropriated earned surplus............................         (64,837)           26,166
   Dividend to stockholder...................................................        (880,000)         (750,000)
                                                                                  -----------       -----------


      Balance at end of year.................................................       4,827,719         5,177,263
                                                                                  -----------       -----------
           Total capital stock and surplus...................................     $ 9,532,940       $ 9,817,647
                                                                                  ===========       ===========

</TABLE>

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statutory-basis financial
statements.

                                       33


<PAGE>   64

                    SENTRY LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY OF NEW YORK

                    Statutory-Basis Statements of Cash Flows

                 For The Years Ended December 31, 1998 and 1997

                               ----------------
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                                                     1998              1997
                                                                                    ------            ------
<S>                                                                             <C>                <C>
Premiums and annuity considerations..........................................     $ 6,481,395       $ 7,876,328
Other fund deposits..........................................................         607,029           572,226
Other premiums, considerations and deposits..................................              -              8,434
Allowances and reserve adjustments received on
   reinsurance ceded.........................................................          16,835            10,757
Investment income received (excluding realized gains
   and losses and net of investment expenses)................................       2,513,986         2,550,289
Other income received........................................................         133,092           116,049
Life and accident and health claims paid.....................................      (5,950,922)       (7,386,906)
Surrender benefits...........................................................      (2,381,692)       (1,154,885)
Other benefits to policyholders paid.........................................          (8,661)          (26,343)
Commissions, other expenses, and taxes paid
   (excluding federal income taxes)..........................................      (1,650,285)       (1,693,039)
Net transfers (to) from separate accounts....................................         226,511           112,780
Federal income taxes paid....................................................        (356,229)         (198,161)
Net (increase) decrease in policy loans......................................          (7,881)           25,109
                                                                                  -----------       -----------
           Net cash from operations..........................................        (829,844)          812,638
                                                                                  -----------       -----------
Proceeds from investments sold, matured, or repaid:
   Bonds.....................................................................       6,419,122         4,147,703
   Tax on net capital gains..................................................        (146,931)           38,721
                                                                                  -----------       -----------
           Total cash proceeds...............................................       6,272,191         4,186,424

Other cash provided..........................................................          94,125            19,895
                                                                                  -----------       -----------
           Total cash provided...............................................       5,536,472         5,018,957
                                                                                  -----------       -----------
Cost of investments acquired.................................................       4,373,792         3,916,619

Other cash applied
   Dividend to stockholder...................................................         880,000           750,000
   Other applications, net...................................................          35,315            48,154
                                                                                  -----------       -----------
           Total cash applied................................................       5,289,107         4,714,773
                                                                                  -----------       -----------
           Net change in cash and short-term investments.....................         247,365           304,184

Cash and short-term investments
   Beginning of year.........................................................       1,425,720         1,121,536
                                                                                  -----------       -----------
   End of year...............................................................     $ 1,673,085       $ 1,425,720
                                                                                  ===========       ===========
</TABLE>


The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statutory-basis financial
statements.

                                       34


<PAGE>   65



                    SENTRY LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY OF NEW YORK

                  NOTES TO STATUTORY-BASIS FINANCIAL STATEMENTS


(1)  BASIS OF PRESENTATION AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT STATUTORY-BASIS ACCOUNTING
     POLICIES


     BASIS OF PRESENTATION


     Sentry Life Insurance Company of New York (the Company) is a wholly-owned
     subsidiary of Sentry Life Insurance Company (SLIC), which is a wholly-owned
     subsidiary of Sentry Insurance a Mutual Company (SIAMCO). The Company
     writes life and health insurance products in New York primarily through
     independent agents. The Company emphasizes individual life insurance and
     annuities and group health and pensions.

     The accompanying statutory-basis financial statements of the Company have
     been prepared in conformity with the accounting practices prescribed or
     permitted by the Insurance Department of the State of New York. Prescribed
     statutory accounting principles include a variety of publications of the
     National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC), as well as state
     laws, regulations, and general administrative rules. Permitted statutory
     accounting practices encompass all accounting practices not so prescribed.
     The Company does not employ any material permitted practices in the
     preparation of its statutory financial statements.

     The accompanying statutory-basis financial statements of the Company have
     been prepared in conformity with the accounting practices prescribed or
     permitted by the Insurance Department of the State of New York which
     requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the
     reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent
     assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the
     reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period.
     Actual results could differ from these estimates.

     SIGNIFICANT STATUTORY-BASIS ACCOUNTING POLICIES


     A.   INVESTMENT SECURITIES


          Investments are valued in accordance with the requirements of the
          NAIC. Bonds which qualify for amortization are stated at amortized
          cost; bonds not qualifying are carried at the lesser of amortized cost
          or at NAIC market values. Under GAAP, bonds would be classified as
          either trading, available for sale, or held-to-maturity. Bonds
          classified as trading or as available for sale would be carried at
          market with unrealized gains and losses, net of applicable taxes,
          recognized as net income (trading securities) or as a direct surplus
          adjustment (available for sale). Policy loans are carried at the
          aggregate of unpaid principal balances plus accrued interest and are
          not in excess of cash surrender values of the related policies.
          Short-term investments are carried at amortized cost, which
          approximates market value.

          Investment income is recorded when earned. Market value adjustments on
          investments carried at market are reflected in earned surplus as
          unrealized gains (losses) on investment. Realized gains and losses are
          determined on the specific identification method and are recorded
          directly in the statements of operations, net of federal income taxes
          and after transfers to the Interest Maintenance Reserve, as prescribed
          by the NAIC.

          Income on mortgage-backed securities is recognized using an effective
          yield based on anticipated prepayments and the estimated economic life
          of the securities. When actual prepayments differ significantly from
          anticipated prepayments, the effective yield is recalculated to
          reflect actual payments to date and anticipated future payments. The
          net investment in the securities is adjusted to the amount that would
          have existed had the new effective yield been applied since the
          acquisition of the securities. This adjustment is reflected in net
          investment income.

     B.   SEPARATE ACCOUNT BUSINESS AND LIABILITY FOR PREMIUM AND OTHER DEPOSIT
          FUNDS

          The Company issues group annuity contracts. The deposits received in
          connection with these contracts are placed in deposit administration
          funds and in separate accounts. The Company also issues variable
          annuity contracts. Deposits for these contracts are also placed in
          separate accounts. A separate account is an accounting entity
          segregated as a discrete operation within an insurance company. The
          stockholder of the Company and its policyholders have no claim




                                       35


<PAGE>   66
                    SENTRY LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY OF NEW YORK

           NOTES TO STATUTORY-BASIS FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)


          to assets held in the separate accounts. The contract holders are the
          only persons having rights to any assets in the separate accounts or
          to income arising from these assets. All separate and variable
          accounts held by the Company are non-guaranteed and represent funds
          where the benefit is determined by the performance of the investments
          held in the separate account. Assets are carried at market value and
          reserves are calculated using the cash value of the contract. All
          reserves fall into the category allowing discretionary withdrawals at
          market value. If the contract has been in effect at least six years,
          there is no surrender charge. The admitted asset value of separate
          accounts consists primarily of common stock.

     C.   NON-ADMITTED ASSETS

          For statutory accounting purposes, certain assets designated as
          "non-admitted" (principally certain receivables) have been excluded
          from the statutory-basis balance sheets and charged to earned surplus.
          Under GAAP, such assets would be recognized at net realizable value.
          Non-admitted assets totaled $0 and $70 at December 31, 1998 and 1997,
          respectively.

     D.   POLICY BENEFITS


          Liabilities for traditional and limited-payment contracts are computed
          using methods, mortality and morbidity tables, and interest rates
          which conform to the valuation laws of the State of New York. The
          liabilities are primarily calculated on a modified reserve basis. The
          effect of using a modified reserve basis partially offsets the effect
          of immediately expensing acquisition costs by providing a policy
          benefit reserve increase in the first policy year, which is less than
          the reserve increase in renewal years.

          Future policy benefits for life policies and contracts were primarily
          determined using the Commissioner's reserve valuation method and the
          net level premium method with interest rates ranging from 3% to 6%.
          Additional statutory policy deficiency reserves have been provided
          where the valuation net premium exceeds the gross premium.

          Future policy benefits for annuity contracts, primarily for individual
          deferred annuities, were primarily determined using the Commissioner's
          annuity reserve valuation method with interest rates ranging from
          5.25% to 9.5%.

          Reserves for universal life-type and investment contracts are based on
          the contract account balance if future benefit payments in excess of
          the account balance are not guaranteed, or on the present value of
          future benefit payments when such payments are guaranteed.

          GAAP reserves are computed using mortality, withdrawal and interest
          rate assumptions that are based on Company experience.

     E.   INTEREST MAINTENANCE RESERVE (IMR)

          Realized investment gains and losses on bonds attributable to interest
          rate changes are deferred in the IMR account. The IMR is recorded as a
          liability and amortized into investment income over the approximate
          remaining maturities of the bonds sold. This policy for recognition of
          such realized gains and losses is prescribed by the NAIC in order to
          smooth the impact of such activity on the Company's surplus. For GAAP
          purposes, there is no such reserve.

     F.   ASSET VALUATION RESERVE (AVR)


          The AVR mitigates fluctuations in the value of invested assets
          including bonds, stocks, mortgage loans, real estate and other
          invested assets. Changes in the AVR are included in policyholders'
          surplus. For GAAP purposes, a writedown, for other than temporary
          declines in value, is recognized as a realized loss on an individual
          asset basis.




                                       36


<PAGE>   67
                    SENTRY LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY OF NEW YORK

           NOTES TO STATUTORY-BASIS FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)


     G.   REVENUE AND EXPENSE RECOGNITION

          Premiums for traditional life insurance policies and limited-payment
          contracts are taken into income when due. For investment contracts
          without mortality risk (such as deferred annuities and immediate
          annuities with benefits paid for a period certain) and contracts that
          permit the insured to make changes in the contract terms (such as
          universal life products), deposits are recorded as revenue when
          received. Under GAAP, deposits are recorded as increases to
          liabilities and revenue is recognized as mortality and other
          assessments are charged to policyholders.

          As the Company utilizes the data processing services of the Sentry
          Group, utilizes SIAMCO's direct writing sales force for a portion of
          its production and purchases various other insurance services under a
          management service contract with SIAMCO, the Company incurred expenses
          of $561,069 and $486,331 for 1998 and 1997, respectively, for these
          services.

     H.   ACQUISITION COSTS

          Costs directly related to the acquisition of insurance premiums, such
          as commissions and premium taxes, are charged to operations as
          incurred. Under GAAP, such acquisition costs would be capitalized and
          amortized over the policy periods.

     I.   FEDERAL INCOME TAX

          The Company is included in the consolidated federal income tax return
          of SIAMCO. Income taxes payable or recoverable are determined on a
          separate return basis by the Company in accordance with a written tax
          allocation agreement. Deferred federal income taxes are not provided
          for temporary differences between tax and financial reporting as they
          would be under GAAP. Additionally, federal income taxes are not
          provided for unrealized investment gains (losses) on investments.

     J.   PENSION PLAN AND OTHER POSTRETIREMENT BENEFITS

          The Company participates with SIAMCO and certain other affiliated
          companies in a defined benefit pension plan which covers substantially
          all of their employees. Generally, the companies' funding and
          accounting policies are to make the maximum contribution required
          under applicable regulations and to charge such contributions to
          expense in the year they are deductible for tax purposes. GAAP
          periodic net pension expense is based on the cost of incremental
          benefits for employee service during the period, interest on the
          projected benefit obligation, actual return on plan assets and
          amortization of actuarial gains and losses.

          In addition to providing the pension benefits, the Company, with
          SIAMCO and its affiliated subsidiaries, provides certain health care,
          dental and life insurance benefits to retired employees and their
          dependents. Substantially all of the employees may become eligible for
          those benefits if they reach normal retirement age while working for
          the Companies. The expected costs of providing those benefits to
          employees and the employees' beneficiaries and covered dependents are
          accounted for on an accrual basis during the years that employees
          render service, in accordance with NAIC policy. SIAMCO is amortizing
          its transition obligation, created upon the initial valuation of
          postretirement benefits, over a period of twenty years and a portion
          of the expense is allocated to the Company.



                                       37

<PAGE>   68
                    SENTRY LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY OF NEW YORK

           NOTES TO STATUTORY-BASIS FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)


(2)   INVESTMENTS
      -----------
      The book value and estimated market value of bonds are as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                                    GROSS            GROSS           ESTIMATED
                                                     BOOK         UNREALIZED       UNREALIZED          MARKET
      AT DECEMBER 31, 1998                           VALUE          GAINS            LOSSES            VALUE
                                                     -----        ----------       ----------        ---------
<S>                                              <C>            <C>              <C>              <C>
      US Treasury securities and
         obligations of US Government
         corporations and agencies                $ 3,017,875     $  179,286       $      -         $ 3,197,161
      Corporate securities                         21,436,340      1,489,084          (139,127)      22,786,297
      Mortgage-backed securities                    5,790,965        395,909       $      -           6,186,874
                                                  -----------     ----------       -----------      -----------
         Total                                    $30,245,180     $2,064,279       $  (139,127)     $32,170,332
                                                  ===========     ==========       ===========      ===========
</TABLE>


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                    GROSS            GROSS           ESTIMATED
                                                     BOOK         UNREALIZED       UNREALIZED         MARKET
      AT DECEMBER 31, 1997                           VALUE          GAINS           LOSSES            VALUE
                                                     -----        ----------       ----------        ---------
<S>                                              <C>             <C>              <C>              <C>
      US Treasury securities and
         obligations of US Government
         corporations and agencies                $ 4,161,395     $  267,696      $    (73,667)     $ 4,355,424
      Corporate securities                         21,718,742      1,324,820           (70,480)      22,973,082
      Mortgage-backed securities                    6,157,923        558,560      $       -           6,716,483
                                                  -----------     ----------      ------------      -----------
         Total                                    $32,038,060     $2,151,076      $   (144,147)     $34,044,989
                                                  ===========     ==========      ============      ===========
</TABLE>


      Book value and estimated market value of bonds at December 31, 1998, by
      contractual maturity, are shown below. Actual maturities may differ from
      contractual maturities because certain issuers may have the right to call
      or prepay obligations with or without call or prepayment penalties.
      Because most mortgage-backed securities provide for periodic payments
      throughout their lives, these securities are listed below in a separate
      category.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                                                          ESTIMATED
                                                                     BOOK                  MARKET
                                                                     VALUE                 VALUE
                                                                     -----                ---------
<S>                                                               <C>                   <C>
         Due in one year or less                                  $   898,535            $   908,892
         Due after one year through five years                      2,557,471              2,694,975
         Due after five years through ten years                    10,469,993             11,075,891
         Due after ten years                                       10,528,216             11,303,700
                                                                  -----------            -----------
               Subtotal                                            24,454,215             25,983,458
         Mortgage-backed securities                                 5,790,965              6,186,874
                                                                  -----------             ----------
               Total                                              $30,245,180            $32,170,332
                                                                  ===========            ===========

</TABLE>


      The bond portfolio distribution by quality rating (primarily Moody's) at
      December 31, 1998 is summarized as follows:

                              Aaa                                29.17%
                              Aa                                  8.36%
                              A                                  33.13%
                              Baa                                28.08%
                              Ba & below and not rated            1.26%
                                                                 ------
                                                                   100%

      Generally, bonds with ratings Baa and above are considered to be
      investment grade.



                                       38


<PAGE>   69
                    SENTRY LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY OF NEW YORK

           NOTES TO STATUTORY-BASIS FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)


      Proceeds from sales of long-term bonds during 1998 and 1997, including
      maturities and calls, were $6,419,236 and $4,147,063, respectively. In
      1998 and 1997, respectively, gross gains of $208,204 and $750, and gross
      losses of $40,376 and $4,194 were realized on these sales before transfer
      to the IMR liability.

      At December 31, 1998 and 1997, investments carried at $242,152 and
      $240,566, respectively, were on deposit with the State of New York as
      required by law.

(3)   APPROPRIATED EARNED SURPLUS

      In 1998 and 1997, appropriated earned surplus consists of variable annuity
      special reserves, as required by the Insurance Department of the State of
      New York, totaling $52,250 and $50,931, respectively.

      In 1998 and 1997, a group contingency reserve was set up as prescribed by
      the State of New York, totaling $72,592 and $89,993, respectively.

      In 1998, the surplus from the New York state specified medical condition
      pool was distributed to insurers. The state requires that the return
      amount of $80,379 be held as appropriated surplus until offset in rates.
      The rate offset will occur in 1999.

(4)   NET INVESTMENT INCOME AND NET REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAINS (LOSSES)

      Sources of net investment income for 1998 and 1997 are as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                                               1998            1997
                                                                              ------          ------
           Interest:
<S>                                                                        <C>             <C>
               Bonds                                                        $2,388,634      $2,541,136
               Short-term investments                                           85,601          82,570
               Other investments                                               115,592         119,228
               Amortization of IMR                                              60,392          66,692
                                                                            ----------      ----------
                    Total investment income                                  2,650,219       2,809,626

           Investment expense                                                   22,781          26,001
                                                                            ----------      ----------
                    Net investment income                                   $2,627,438      $2,783,625
                                                                            ==========      ==========
</TABLE>


      The components of net realized gains (losses) which are reflected in the
      accompanying statutory-basis financial statements are as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                                                      REALIZED
                                                                           ---------------------------
                                                                               1998            1997
                                                                           ----------       ----------
<S>                                                                       <C>              <C>
      Bonds                                                                $  167,828       $  (3,444)
      Capital gains tax                                                      (189,264)       (146,932)
      Pre-IMR capital gains, net of tax                                       (21,436)       (150,376)
      IMR capital gains transferred into
           the reserved net of taxes                                         (109,088)          2,239
                                                                           ----------       ---------
                                                                           $ (130,524)      $(148,137)
                                                                           ==========       =========
</TABLE>


                                       39

<PAGE>   70
                    SENTRY LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY OF NEW YORK

           NOTES TO STATUTORY-BASIS FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)


(5)   INCOME TAXES

      Federal income tax expense in the statutory-basis statements of operations
      differs from that computed based on the federal corporate income tax rate
      of 35%. The reasons for these differences are as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                                               1998            1997
                                                                              ------          ------
<S>                                                                        <C>             <C>
           Federal income tax calculated at statutory rate of
               35% of income benefit before federal income tax
               and net realized gains on investments                        $  427,980      $  462,926
           Market discount amortization                                        (64,867)        (62,455)
           Adjustment for tax deferred acquisition costs                        (3,730)         (6,411)
           Different basis used to compute future
               policy benefits                                                 111,773         (45,639)
           Other, net                                                          (38,420)         61,648
                                                                            ----------      ----------
                                                                            $  432,736      $  410,069
                                                                            ==========      ==========
</TABLE>


      Under pre-1984 life insurance company income tax laws, a portion of a life
      insurance company's "gain from operations" was not subject to current
      income taxation but was accumulated, for tax purposes, in a memorandum
      account designated as the "policyholders' surplus account." The amounts
      included in this account are includable in taxable income of later years
      at rates then in effect if the life insurance company elects to distribute
      tax basis policyholders' surplus to stockholders as dividends or takes
      certain other actions. Any distributions are first made from another tax
      memorandum account known as the "stockholders' surplus account." The
      accumulation in the tax policyholders' surplus and stockholders' surplus
      accounts of the Company were $978,080 and $3,068,864, respectively, at
      December 31, 1998.

      Federal income tax returns of the Company have been examined through 1994
      and the Company and the Internal Revenue Service have reached agreement on
      all issues relating to 1994 and prior years. In the opinion of management,
      the Company has adequately provided for the possible effect of future
      assessments.

(6)   REINSURANCE

      The Company has entered into assumed reinsurance contracts for
      participation in reinsurance pools. Assumed life insurance in force
      amounts to 78% and 77% of total in force (before ceded reinsurance) at
      December 31, 1998 and 1997, respectively. Assumed premiums and benefits
      totaled $1,144,593 and $1,133,090 in 1998 and $1,122,131 and $1,097,483 in
      1997, respectively.

      The Company has entered into reinsurance ceded contracts to limit the net
      loss potential arising from large risks. Generally, life benefits in
      excess of $50,000 and group medical claims in excess of $1.0 million are
      ceded to reinsurers. The total premiums, benefits and commissions ceded
      was $384,986, $715,070, and $16,835 in 1998, and $473,329, $20,008 and
      $10,757 in 1997, respectively. Most of this reinsurance was with SLIC.

      The Company cedes insurance to other insurers under various contracts
      which cover individual risks or entire classes of business. Although the
      ceding of insurance does not discharge the Company from its primary
      liability to policyholders in the event any reinsurer might be unable to
      meet the obligations assumed under the reinsurance agreements, it is the
      practice of insurers to reduce their balances for amounts ceded.
      Liabilities for future policy benefits for life and accident and health
      policies are stated net of deductions for reinsurance of $75,958 and $-0-
      at December 31, 1998, and $70,637 and $-0- at December 31, 1997,
      respectively.

(7)   PENSION AND 401K PLANS AND OTHER POSTRETIREMENT BENEFITS

      The Company participates with SIAMCO and certain other affiliated
      companies in a defined benefit pension plan which covers substantially all
      employees. The benefits are based on years of service, the average of the
      three highest of the last fifteen years of an employee's compensation and
      primary social security benefits, as defined in the plan. The Company is
      not a separately assignable entity for purposes of allocation of
      accumulated plan benefits or assets. The Company was allocated pension
      expense by SIAMCO of approximately $3,000 in 1998, and $15,000 in 1997.



                                       40


<PAGE>   71
                    SENTRY LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY OF NEW YORK

           NOTES TO STATUTORY-BASIS FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)



      The Company participates with SIAMCO and its affiliated subsidiaries in a
      qualified 401k Plan. Employees who meet certain eligibility requirements
      may elect to participate in the Plan. Participants must contribute at
      least one percent but no more than 16 percent of base compensation. Highly
      compensated employees may contribute a maximum of 10 percent on a pre-tax
      basis. For non-highly compensated employees, the entire 16% may be
      deposited on a pre-tax basis. The Company matches up to 25% of employee
      contributions up to the first 6% of base salary deposited by an employee.
      The Company may make additional annual contributions to the Plan based on
      operating profit. The Company was allocated approximately $7,000 by SIAMCO
      for 401k Plan benefits in 1998 and $6,200 in 1997.

      In addition to the above-mentioned benefits, the Company, with SIAMCO and
      its affiliated subsidiaries, provides certain health care, dental and life
      insurance benefits for retired employees and their covered dependents. The
      retiree health care benefits allocated to the Company by SIAMCO were
      approximately $27,000 for 1998 and $36,000 for 1997.

(8)   COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

      In the normal course of business, there are various legal actions and
      proceedings pending against the Company. In the opinion of management and
      legal counsel, the ultimate resolution of these matters will not have a
      material adverse impact on the statutory-basis financial statements. State
      guaranty funds can assess the Company for losses of insolvent or
      rehabilitated companies. Mandatory assessments may be partially recovered
      through a reduction in future premium taxes in some states. The Company
      believes that its accrual for these assessments is not expected to have a
      material adverse effect on the financial statements.

(9)   DIVIDEND RESTRICTIONS

      The amount of dividends which can be paid to shareholders of insurance
      companies domiciled in New York is not limited to a proportion of profit
      from non-participating business; however, approval of the insurance
      department is required. The Company made dividend payments to SLIC of
      $880,000 and $750,000 in 1998 and 1997, respectively. Permission was
      granted by the State of New York for the distributions.

(10)  WITHDRAWAL CHARACTERISTICS OF ANNUITY RESERVES AND DEPOSIT LIABILITIES

      Life and annuity reserves and deposits of approximately $9.1 million and
      $9.7 million in 1998 and 1997, respectively, are subject to withdrawal at
      the discretion of the annuity contract holders. Approximately 89% and 89%,
      respectively, carry surrender charges.

(11)  LIABILITY FOR ACCIDENT AND HEALTH BENEFITS

      Activity in the liability for accident and health benefits is summarized
      as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                               1998            1997
                                                                              -----           -----
<S>                                                                        <C>             <C>
      Balance January 1                                                     $ 1,341,872     $ 1,622,975
                                                                            -----------     -----------
      Incurred Related to:
         Current year                                                         3,855,301       5,253,186
         Prior years                                                           (398,156)       (360,695)
                                                                            -----------     -----------
      Total incurred                                                          3,457,145       4,892,491
                                                                            -----------     -----------
      Paid related to:
         Current year                                                         2,810,074       3,975,843
         Prior years                                                            894,203       1,197,751
                                                                            -----------     -----------
      Total Paid                                                              3,704,277       5,173,594
                                                                            -----------     -----------

      Balance at December 31                                                  1,094,740       1,341,872
                                                                            -----------     -----------
      Reserves not subject to development                                        76,727          89,528
                                                                            -----------     -----------
      Total accident and health reserves                                    $ 1,171,467     $ 1,431,400
                                                                            ===========     ===========
</TABLE>



                                       41



<PAGE>   72


                    SENTRY LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY OF NEW YORK

                 Supplemental Schedule of Assets and Liabilities

                 As of and for the year ended December 31, 1998




                                       43


<PAGE>   73
                    SENTRY LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY OF NEW YORK

                 Supplemental Schedule of Assets and Liabilities

                      For The Year Ended December 31, 1997

                      Schedule 1 - Selected Financial Data



The following is a summary of certain financial data included in other exhibits
and schedules subjected to audit procedures by independent auditors and utilized
by actuaries in the determination of reserves.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>


Investment Income Earned:

<S>                                                                                              <C>
   Government Bonds............................................................................   $     17,211
   Other bonds (unaffiliated)..................................................................      2,371,423
   Premium notes, policy loans and liens.......................................................        115,592
   Short-term investments......................................................................         85,601
                                                                                                  ------------

   Gross investment income.....................................................................   $  2,589,827
                                                                                                  ============
Bonds and Short-Term Investments by Class and Maturity:

   Bonds by Maturity - Statement Value
     Due within one year or less...............................................................   $  1,528,889
     Over 1 year through 5 years...............................................................      6,248,903
     Over 5 years through 10 years.............................................................     11,663,252
     Over 10 years through 20 years............................................................      5,478,254
     Over 20 years.............................................................................      5,325,882
                                                                                                  ------------

     Total by Maturity.........................................................................   $ 30,245,180
                                                                                                  ============
   Bonds by Class - Statement Value
     Class 1...................................................................................   $ 21,811,786
     Class 2...................................................................................      8,085,948
     Class 3...................................................................................        347,446
                                                                                                  ------------

     Total by Class............................................................................   $ 30,245,180
                                                                                                  ============
     Total Bonds Publicly Traded...............................................................   $ 30,245,180
                                                                                                  ============
     Total Bonds Privately Placed..............................................................   $          0
                                                                                                  ============

Short-Term Investments - Book Value............................................................   $  1,492,910
                                                                                                  ============
Cash on Deposit................................................................................   $    180,175
                                                                                                  ============

</TABLE>



                                       44


<PAGE>   74


<TABLE>


<S>                                                                                              <C>
Life Insurance In Force (000's omitted):
   Ordinary....................................................................................   $     93,379
                                                                                                  ============
   Group Life..................................................................................   $    622,489
                                                                                                  ============

Amount of Accidental Death Insurance In Force Under Ordinary
Policies (000's omitted).......................................................................   $      6,040
                                                                                                  ============

Life Insurance Policies with Disability Provisions In Force:
   Ordinary....................................................................................          1,331
                                                                                                  ============
   Group Life..................................................................................             20
                                                                                                  ============

Supplementary Contracts In Force:
   Ordinary - Not Involving Life Contingencies
     Income Payable............................................................................   $      2,190
                                                                                                  ============

   Ordinary - Involving Life Contingencies
     Income Payable............................................................................   $        600
                                                                                                  ============

Annuities:
   Ordinary
     Immediate - Amount of Income Payable......................................................   $     88,132
                                                                                                  ============
     Deferred - Fully paid account balance.....................................................   $    395,371
                                                                                                  ============
     Deferred - Not fully paid account balance.................................................   $  3,110,161
                                                                                                  ============

   Group
     Amount of income payable..................................................................   $      1,287
                                                                                                  ============
     Fully paid account balance................................................................   $      7,116
                                                                                                  ============
     Not fully paid account balance............................................................   $  5,548,483
                                                                                                  ============

Accident and Health Insurance - Premiums In Force:
   Ordinary....................................................................................   $     34,867
                                                                                                  ============
   Group.......................................................................................   $  3,555,064
                                                                                                  ============

Claim Payments 1998:
   Group Accident and Health Year - Ended December 31, 199X
     1998  .....................................................................................  $  2,784,070
                                                                                                  ============
     1997  .....................................................................................  $    870,425
                                                                                                  ============
     1996  .....................................................................................  $      8,208
                                                                                                  ============
     Other Accident & Health
     1998  .....................................................................................  $     26,004
                                                                                                  ============
     1997  .....................................................................................  $      9,428
                                                                                                  ============
     1996  .....................................................................................  $      6,142
                                                                                                  ============
</TABLE>





                                       45


<PAGE>   75

                                     PART C


<PAGE>   76

                                     PART C

                                OTHER INFORMATION


ITEM 24  Financial Statements and Exhibits

         (a)      Financial Statements of Sentry Variable Account I

                  Included in Part A:

                           Condensed Financial Information

                  Included in Part B:

                           Statement of Assets and Liabilities, September 30,
                                1999 (Unaudited)

                           Statement of Operations and Change in Net Assets,
                                September 30, 1999 (Unaudited)

                           Notes to Unaudited Financial Statements, September
                                30, 1999

                           Report of Independent Accountants

                           Statement of Assets, Liabilities and Contract Owners'
                                Equity, December 31, 1998

                           Statements of Operations and Changes in Contract
                                Owners' Equity for the years ended December 31,
                                1998 and 1997

                           Notes to Financial Statements, December 31, 1998 and
                                1997


                  Financial Statements of Sentry Life Insurance Company
                      of New York

                  Included in Part B:

                           Statutory-Basis Balance Sheets, September 30, 1999
                                and 1998 (Unaudited)

                           Statutory-Basis Statement of Operations, September
                                30, 1999 and 1998 (Unaudited)

                           Statutory-Basis Changes in Capital Stock and Surplus,
                                September 30, 1999 and 1998 (Unaudited)

                           Statutory-Basis Statement of Cash Flow, September 30,
                                1999 and 1998 (Unaudited)

                           Notes to Unaudited Financial Statements, September
                                30, 1999 and 1998

                           Report of Independent Accountants

                           Statutory-Basis Balance Sheets, December 31, 1998 and
                           1997

                           Statutory-Basis Statements of Operations for the
                           years ended December 31, 1998 and 1997

                           Statutory-Basis Statements of Changes in Capital
                           Stock and Surplus for the years ended December 31,
                           1998 and 1997

                           Statutory-Basis Statements of Cash Flow for the years
                           ended December 31, 1998 and 1997

                           Notes to Statutory-Basis Financial Statements

                           Supplemental Schedule of Assets and Liabilities for
                           the Year Ended December 31, 1998


<PAGE>   77


ITEM 24
         (b)      Exhibits

                  (1)  Resolutions of the Board of Directors of Sentry Life
                       Insurance Company of New York*

                  (2)  Not Applicable

                  (3)(i)     Principal Underwriter Agreement*
                  (3)(ii)    Registered Representatives Agreement*
                  (3)(iii)   General Agent Agreement*

                  (4)(i)     Individual Flexible Purchase Payment Deferred
                             Variable Annuity Contract*
                  (4)(ii)    Contract Amendment pursuant to Tax Reform Act of
                             1984*

                  (5)        Application Form

                  (6)(i)     Articles of Incorporation of Sentry Life Insurance
                             Company of New York*
                  (6)(ii)    Bylaws*

                  (7)        Not Applicable

                  (8)(i)     Fund Participation Agreement with T. Rowe Price
                             Fixed Income Series, Inc. and T. Rowe Price Equity
                             Series, Inc.

                  (8)(ii)    Fund Participation Agreement with Janus Aspen
                             Series

                  (9)        Opinion and Consent of Counsel

                  (10)       Consent of Independent Accountants

                  (11)       Not Applicable

                  (12)       Agreement Governing Contribution to Sentry Variable
                             Account I*

                  (13)       Not applicable

    *    Exhibits (1), (3)(i), (3)(ii), (3)(iii), (4)(i), (4)(ii), (5),
         (6)(i), (6)(ii), and (12) are incorporated herein by reference to such
         exhibit in Registrant's Post-Effective Amendment No. 17 to Form N-4
         filed electronically on or about April 30, 1997.


ITEM 25  Directors and Officers of the Depositor

         The following persons are the officers and directors of Sentry Life
         Insurance Company of New York. The principal business address for each
         director and officer of the Depositor is 1800 North Point Drive,
         Stevens Point, Wisconsin 54481.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                            Positions and Offices
                  Name                          With Depositor
                  ----                          --------------
<S>                                         <C>
         Dale R. Schuh                      Chairman of the Board and Director
         Harold A. Rice                     President, Chief Operating Officer and
                                            Director
         Anthony Campagna, Jr.              Vice President
         William M. O'Reilly                Director and Secretary
         William J. Lohr                    Director and Treasurer
         Steven R. Boehlke                  Director
         Wallace D. Taylor                  Director
         John D. Marshall                   Director
         Dennis R. Cabrey                   Director
         Larry R. Leatherman                Director
</TABLE>


<PAGE>   78

ITEM 26  Persons Controlled By or Under Common Control With Depositor

The following is a description of all persons who might be considered to be
directly or indirectly controlled by or under common control with the Depositor:

1.       The Depositor, a New York corporation, is a wholly-owned subsidiary of
         Sentry Life Insurance Company, a Wisconsin corporation.

2.       Sentry Life Insurance Company is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Sentry
         Insurance a Mutual Company ("Sentry Insurance"), a Wisconsin
         corporation.

3.       The following companies are also wholly-owned subsidiaries of Sentry
         Insurance:

         (a)      Middlesex Insurance Company ("Middlesex"), a Wisconsin
                  corporation;
         (b)      Dairyland Insurance Company ("Dairyland"), a Wisconsin
                  corporation;
         (c)      Sentry Fund, Inc., a Maryland corporation;
         (d)      Parker Stevens Agency, Inc., a Wisconsin corporation;
         (e)      Parker Stevens Agency of Mass., Inc., a Massachusetts
                  corporation;
         (f)      Sentry Investment Management, Inc., a Delaware corporation;
         (g)      Sentry Equity Services, Inc., a Delaware corporation;
         (h)      Sentry Services, Inc., a Wisconsin corporation;
         (i)      Sentry Aviation Services, Inc., a Wisconsin corporation; and
         (j)      WAULECO, Inc., a Wisconsin corporation.
         (k)      Sentry Holding Company, Inc.

4.       Sentry Insurance is also affiliated with Sentry Insurance Foundation,
         Inc., a Wisconsin corporation.

5.       Sentry Insurance is also affiliated with Sentry Lloyd's of Texas, a
         Texas Lloyd's corporation.

6.       Sentry Select Insurance Company, Sentry Casualty Company, Rock River
         Insurance Company, all Illinois corporations; Sentry Insurance Agency,
         Inc., a Delaware corporation; and John Deere General Agency, Inc., a
         Texas corporation, are wholly-owned subsidiaries of Sentry Holding
         Company, Inc.

7.       Patriot General Insurance Company, a Wisconsin corporation, is a
         wholly-owned subsidiary of Middlesex.

8.       Dairyland County Mutual Insurance Company of Texas, a Texas
         corporation, is affiliated with Dairyland.


ITEM 27  Number of Contract Owners

As of December 1, 1999, there were 58 qualified contract owners and 15
non-qualified contract owners.


ITEM 28  Indemnification

Under the Bylaws of Sentry Life Insurance Company of New York, each director and
officer of the Company shall be indemnified by the Company against all costs and
expenses actually and necessarily incurred by him or her in connection with the
defense of any action, suit or proceeding in which he or she is made a party by
reason of his or her being or having been a director or officer of the Company,
whether or not he or she continues to be a director or officer at the time of
incurring such costs or expense, except in relation to matters as to which he or
she shall be adjudged in such action, suit or proceeding to be liable for gross
negligence or willful misconduct in the performance of his or her duties as such
director or officer. This right of indemnification shall not be exclusive of
other rights to which any director or officer may be entitled as a matter of law
or agreement.

Sentry Equity Services, Inc., the principal underwriter, is a Delaware
corporation. The Delaware General Corporation Law, Section 145, provides for
indemnification of directors, officers, employees and agents as follows:
<PAGE>   79



         145 INDEMNIFICATION OF OFFICERS, DIRECTORS, EMPLOYEES AND AGENTS -(a) A
         corporation shall have power to indemnify any person who was or is a
         party or is threatened to be made a party to any threatened, pending or
         completed action, suit or proceeding, whether civil, criminal,
         administrative or investigative (other than an action by or in the
         right of the corporation) by reason of the fact that the person is or
         was a director, officer, employee or agent of the corporation, or is or
         was serving at the request of the corporation as a director, officer,
         employee or agent of another corporation, partnership, joint venture,
         trust or other enterprise, against expenses (including attorneys'
         fees), judgments, fines and amounts paid in settlement actually and
         reasonably incurred by the person in connection with such action, suit
         or proceeding if the person acted in good faith and in a manner the
         person reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best
         interests of the corporation and, with respect to any criminal action
         or proceeding, had no reasonable cause to believe the person's conduct
         was unlawful. The termination of any action, suit or proceeding by
         judgment, order, settlement, conviction, or upon a plea of nolo
         contendere or its equivalent, shall not, of itself, create a
         presumption that the person did not act in good faith and in a manner
         which the person reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the
         best interests of the corporation, and, with respect to any criminal
         action or proceeding, had reasonable cause to believe that the person's
         conduct was unlawful.

         (b) A corporation may indemnify any person who was or is a party or is
         threatened to be made a party to any threatened, pending or completed
         action or suit by or in the right of the corporation to procure a
         judgment in its favor by reason of the fact that the person is or was a
         director, officer, employee or agent of the corporation, or is or was
         serving at the request of the corporation as a director, officer,
         employee or agent of another corporation, partnership, joint venture,
         trust or other enterprise against expenses (including attorneys' fees)
         actually and reasonably incurred by the person in connection with the
         defense or settlement of such action or suit if the person acted in
         good faith and in a manner the person reasonably believed to be in or
         not opposed to the best interests of the corporation and except that no
         indemnification shall be made in respect of any claim, issue or matter
         as to which such person shall have been adjudged to be liable to the
         corporation unless and only to the extent that the Court of Chancery or
         the court in which such action or suit was brought shall determine upon
         application that, despite the adjudication of liability but in view of
         all the circumstances of the case, such person is fairly and reasonably
         entitled to indemnity for such expenses which the Court of Chancery or
         such other court shall deem proper.

         (c) To the extent that a director, officer, employee or agent of a
         corporation has been successful on the merits or otherwise in defense
         of any action, suit or proceeding referred to in subsections (a) and
         (b) of this section, or in defense of any claim, issue or matter
         therein, he shall be indemnified against expenses (including attorneys'
         fees) actually and reasonably incurred by him in connection therewith.

         (d) Any indemnification under subsections (a) and (b) of this section
         (unless ordered by a court) shall be made by the corporation only as
         authorized in the specific case upon a determination that
         indemnification of the director, officer, employee or agent is proper
         in the circumstances because the person has met the applicable standard
         of conduct set forth in subsections (a) and (b) of this section. Such
         determination shall be made (1) by a majority vote of the directors who
         are not parties to such action, suit or proceeding, even though less
         than a quorum, or (2) if there are no such directors, or if such
         directors so direct, by independent legal counsel in a written opinion,
         or (3) by the stockholders.

         (e) Expenses (including attorneys' fees) incurred by an officer or
         director in defending any civil, criminal, administrative or
         investigative action, suit or proceeding may be paid by the corporation
         in advance of the final disposition of such action, suit or proceeding
         upon receipt of an undertaking by or on behalf of such director or
         officer to repay such amount if it shall ultimately be determined that
         he is not entitled to be indemnified by the corporation as authorized
         in










<PAGE>   80

         this section. Such expenses (including attorneys' fees) incurred by
         other employees and agents may be so paid upon such terms and
         conditions, if any, as the board of directors deems appropriate.

         (f) The indemnification and advancement of expenses provided by, or
         granted pursuant to, the other subsections of this section shall not be
         deemed exclusive of any other rights to which those seeking
         indemnification or advancement of expenses may be entitled under any
         bylaw, agreement, vote of stockholders or disinterested directors or
         otherwise, both as to action in his official capacity and as to action
         in another capacity while holding such office.

         (g) A corporation shall have power to purchase and maintain insurance
         on behalf of any person who is or was a director, officer, employee or
         agent of the corporation, or is or was serving at the request of the
         corporation as a director, officer, employee or agent of another
         corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise
         against any liability asserted against him and incurred by him in any
         such capacity, or arising out of his status as such, whether or not the
         corporation would have the power to indemnify him against such
         liability under this section.

         (h) For purposes of this section, references to "the corporation" shall
         include, in addition to the resulting corporation, any constituent
         corporation (including any constituent of a constituent) absorbed in a
         consolidation or merger which, if its separate existence had continued,
         would have had power and authority to indemnify its directors,
         officers, and employees or agents, so that any person who is or was a
         director, officer, employee or agent of such constituent corporation,
         or is or was serving at the request of such constituent corporation as
         a director, officer, employee or agent of another corporation,
         partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise, shall stand in
         the same position under this section with respect to the resulting or
         surviving corporation as he would have with respect to such constituent
         corporation if its separate existence had continued.

         (i) For purposes of this section, references to "other enterprises"
         shall include employee benefit plans; references to "fines" shall
         include any excise taxes assessed on a person with respect to any
         employee benefit plan; and references to "serving at the request of the
         corporation" shall include any service as a director, officer, employee
         or agent of the corporation which imposes duties on, or involves
         services by, such director, officer, employee or agent with respect to
         an employee benefit plan, its participants or beneficiaries; and a
         person who acted in good faith and in a manner he reasonably believed
         to be in the interest of the participants and beneficiaries of an
         employee benefit plan shall be deemed to have acted in a manner "not
         opposed to the best interests of the corporation" as referred to in
         this section.

         (j) The indemnification and advancement of expenses provided by, or
         granted pursuant to, this section shall, unless otherwise provided when
         authorized or ratified, continue as to a person who has ceased to be
         director, officer, employee or agent and shall inure to the benefit of
         the heirs, executors and administrators of such a person.

         (k) The Court of Chancery is hereby vested with exclusive jurisdiction
         to hear and determine all actions for advancement of expenses or
         indemnification brought under this section or under any bylaw,
         agreement, vote of stockholders or disinterested directors, or
         otherwise. The Court of Chancery may summarily determine a
         corporation's obligation to advance expenses (including attorneys'
         fees).

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 officer or









<PAGE>   81

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.

ITEM 29  Principal Underwriter

         (a)   Sentry Equity Services, Inc., the Principal Underwriter for the
               Contracts, also acts as Principal Underwriter for:

               Sentry Variable Account II
               Sentry Variable Life Account I
               Sentry Fund, Inc.

         (b)   The following persons are the officers and directors of Sentry
               Equity Services, Inc. The principal business address for each
               director and officer of the Principal Underwriter is 1800 North
               Point Drive, Stevens Point, Wisconsin 54481:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                     Positions and Offices
                     Name                              With Underwriter
                     ----                            ---------------------
               <S>                                <C>
               Dale R. Schuh                      Director and Chairman of the Board

               Susan M. DeBruin                   President

               Glen E. Scott Jr.                  Vice President

               William M. O'Reilly                Director and Secretary

               William J. Lohr                    Director and Treasurer
</TABLE>


         (c)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

  Name of         Net Underwriting
 Principal           Discounts &        Compensation On         Brokerage
Underwriter          Commissions            Redemption         Commissions      Compensation
- -----------       ----------------      ---------------        -----------      ------------
<S>               <C>                   <C>                    <C>              <C>
Sentry Equity
Services, Inc.        $155,799                $ 0.00             $ 0.00           $392,706
</TABLE>

ITEM 30  Location of Accounts and Records

         As required to be maintained by Section 31(a) of the Investment Company
         Act of 1940 and the rules promulgated thereunder, Sentry Equity
         Services, Inc. and Sentry Life Insurance Company of New York maintain
         physical possession of the accounts, books or documents of the Separate
         Account at 1800 North Point Drive, Stevens Point, Wisconsin 54481.

ITEM 31  Management Services

         Not Applicable.


ITEM 32  Undertakings

         (a)   Registrant hereby undertakes to file a Post-Effective Amendment
               to this Registration Statement as frequently as is necessary to
               ensure that the audited financial statements in the Registration
               Statement are never more than sixteen (16) months old for so long
               as payments under the variable annuity contracts may be accepted.

         (b)   Registrant hereby undertakes to include either: (1) as part of
               any application to purchase a contract offered by the Prospectus,
               a space that an applicant can check to request a Statement of
               Additional Information, or (2) a postcard or similar written
               communication affixed to or included in the Prospectus that the
               applicant can remove to send for a Statement of Additional
               Information.



<PAGE>   82

         (c)   Registrant hereby undertakes to deliver any Statement of
               Additional Information and any financial statement required to be
               made available under this Form promptly upon written or oral
               request.

         (d)   Sentry Life Insurance Company of New York ("Company") hereby
               represents that the fees and charges deducted under the Contracts
               described in the Prospectus, in the aggregate, are reasonable in
               relation to the services rendered, the expenses to be incurred
               and the risks assumed by the Company.

                                 REPRESENTATIONS

The Registrant hereby represents that it is relying upon a No Action Letter
issued to the American Council of Life Insurance dated November 28, 1988
(Commission ref. IP-6-88), and that the following provisions have been complied
with:

1.       Include appropriate disclosure regarding the redemption restrictions
         imposed by Section 403(b)(11) in each Registration Statement, including
         the Prospectus, used in connection with the offer of the contract;

2.       Include appropriate disclosure regarding the redemption restrictions
         imposed by Section 403(b)(11) in any sales literature used in
         connection with the offer of the contract;

3.       Instruct sales representatives who solicit participants to purchase the
         contract specifically to bring the redemption restrictions imposed by
         Section 403(b)(11) to the attention of the potential participants; and

4.       Obtain from each plan participant who purchases a Section 403(b)
         annuity contract, prior to or at the time of such purchase, a signed
         statement acknowledging the participant's understanding of: (1) the
         restrictions on redemption imposed by Section 403(b)(11), and (2) other
         investment alternatives available under the employer's Section 403(b)
         arrangement to which the participant may elect to transfer his or her
         contract value.




<PAGE>   83



                                   Signatures



As required by the Securities Act of 1933 and the Investment Company Act of
1940, the Registrant certifies that it meets the requirements of Securities Act
Rule 485(b) for effectiveness of this Registration Statement and has caused this
Registration Statement to be signed on its behalf, in the City of Stevens Point,
State of Wisconsin, on the 27th day of December, 1999.


                                   Sentry Variable Account I
                                   Registrant


                                   By: Sentry Life Insurance Company of New York



                                   By: s/Harold A. Rice
                                       -----------------------------------------
                                       Harold A. Rice, President and
                                           Chief Operating Officer




                                   Sentry Life Insurance Company of New York
                                   Depositor



                                   By: s/Harold A. Rice
                                       -----------------------------------------
                                       Harold A. Rice, President and
                                           Chief Operating Officer





<PAGE>   84





As required by the Securities Act of 1933, this Registration Statement has been
signed by the following persons in the capacities and on the date indicated.






s/Dale R. Schuh                                                December 27, 1999
- ---------------------------------------
Dale R. Schuh, Chairman of the Board
and Director



s/Harold A. Rice                                               December 27, 1999
- ---------------------------------------
Harold A. Rice, President, Chief
Operating Officer and Director



s/Anthony Campagna, Jr.                                        December 27, 1999
- ---------------------------------------
Anthony Campagna, Jr., Vice President



s/William M. O'Reilly                                          December 27, 1999
- ---------------------------------------
William M. O'Reilly, Secretary and
Director



s/William J. Lohr                                              December 27, 1999
- ---------------------------------------
William J. Lohr, Treasurer and Director



s/Steven R. Boehlke                                            December 27, 1999
- ---------------------------------------
Steven R. Boehlke, Director



s/Dennis R. Cabrey                                             December 27, 1999
- ---------------------------------------
Dennis R. Cabrey, Director



s/Larry R. Leatherman                                          December 27, 1999
- ---------------------------------------
Larry R. Leatherman, Director



s/John D. Marshall                                             December 27, 1999
- ---------------------------------------
John D. Marshall, Director



s/Wallace D. Taylor                                            December 27, 1999
- ---------------------------------------
Wallace D. Taylor, Director





<PAGE>   85


                                   EXHIBITS TO

                         POST-EFFECTIVE AMENDMENT NO. 20

                                       TO

                                    FORM N-4

                                       FOR

                            SENTRY VARIABLE ACCOUNT I

<PAGE>   86






                                INDEX TO EXHIBITS

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

Exhibit
- -------
<S>               <C>

99.B  5           Application Form

99.B  8(i)        Fund Participation Agreement with T. Rowe Price Fixed Income Series, Inc.
                  and T. Rowe Price Equity Series, Inc.

99.B  8(ii)       Fund Participation Agreement with Janus Aspen Series

99.B  9           Opinion and Consent of Counsel

99.B  10          Consent of Independent Accountants
</TABLE>




<PAGE>   1

                                    EXHIBIT 5

                                Application Form





<PAGE>   2
                [SENTRY LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY OF NEW YORK LOGO]
<TABLE>
<S><C>

                                                                                                       VARIABLE ANNUITY APPLICATION
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

1.   ANNUITANT
     Name_________________________________________________________  Soc. Sec. No._______________________Date of Birth_______________
     Address______________________________________________________  Telephone No.___________________________________________________
     City________________________________State _______ Zip________  Sentry Employee? [ ] Yes   [ ] No                      Male  [ ]
     Date Annuity Payments Begin ___________,_____________________           Spouse? [ ] Yes   [ ] No                     Female [ ]
                                   (Month)        (Year)
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
2.   CONTRACT OWNER (Complete only if different from Annuitant.)              Date of Birth_________________________________________
Name_________________________________________________________________________ Soc. Sec. No._________________________________________
Address_________________________________________________________________________City________________________State________Zip________
Contingent Owner*___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
*Only the spouse of the contract owner may be named as contingent owner.
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
3. BENEFICIARIES (Show full name[s], relationship[s] and percentage each is to receive.)
Primary Beneficiary__________________________________________________________ Relationship______________________________  _________%
Contingent Beneficiary_______________________________________________________ Relationship______________________________  _________%
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
4.   PURCHASE PAYMENTS AND ALLOCATION                                        T. Rowe Price Fixed Income Series, Inc.
Initial Purchase Payment $_________________________________                  _________________________________________
Planned Subsequent Purchase Payments* $____________________                      PRIME RESERVE PORTFOLIO.................._________%
Bill Me:    _____ Monthly   _____ Qtrly   _____ Annually                         LIMITED-TERM BOND PORTFOLIO.............._________%
                                                                             T. Rowe Price Equity Series, Inc.
                                                                              ________________________________________
                                                                                 PERSONAL STRATEGY BALANCED PORTFOLIO....._________%
*Subsequent purchase payments will be allocated as shown                     Janus Aspen Series
unless otherwise directed.                                                   ________________________________________
                                                                                 AGGRESSIVE GROWTH PORTFOLIO.............._________%
                                                                                                 TOTAL ALLOCATION must equal 100   %
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
5.   PLAN TYPE (CHECK AS MANY BOXES AS APPLY.)                      [ ]  Qualified Plan
     [ ] Non Qualified Plan                                              [ ] Traditional  IRA - Tax  Contribution  Year
     [ ] 1035 Transfer (Non-Qualified only)                              [ ] Roth IRA - Tax Contribution Year  _______
     Cost Basis of contract being replaced $ _________________           [ ] Rollover IRA
     Original date of contract being replaced ________________           [ ] Transfer IRA (Complete Transfer Form)
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
6.    Make Check Payable To:   SENTRY LIFE                         Send Check With Application To:
      INSURANCE COMPANY OF NEW YORK                                   ANNUITY SERVICE OFFICE
                                                                      P.O. BOX 4944
                                                                      SYRACUSE, NY  13221
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
7.   SPECIAL REQUESTS
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
8.   ANNUITANT REQUESTS STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION.        [ ] Yes  [ ] No
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
9.   IS THE ANNUITY APPLIED FOR INTENDED TO REPLACE OR CHANGE ANY EXISTING LIFE INSURANCE OR ANNUITY? [ ] Yes  [ ] No
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

10. I (WE) ACKNOWLEDGE RECEIPT OF THE CURRENT PROSPECTUS OF SENTRY VARIABLE ACCOUNT I, T. ROWE PRICE FIXED INCOME SERIES, INC., T.
ROWE PRICE EQUITY INCOME SERIES, INC., AND JANUS ASPEN SERIES. PAYMENTS AND VALUES PROVIDED BY THE CONTRACT FOR WHICH APPLICATION
IS MADE ARE VARIABLE AND ARE NOT GUARANTEED AS TO DOLLAR AMOUNT. I (WE) CERTIFY UNDER PENALTIES OF PERJURY THAT THE ABOVE SOCIAL
SECURITY NUMBER IS CORRECT.

This application has been signed in________________________________________________________________, ______________________________
                                                                    City                                            State
on_____________________________________________ month____________________________________________________day __________________ year
Signature                                                            Signature of
of Annuitant________________________________________________________ Contract Owner_________________________________________________
(Owner unless otherwise indicated)                                   (If other than Annuitant)
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
11.  AGENT'S REPORT
Will the annuity replace an existing life insurance               If Yes, indicate type of contract:            [ ]  Life Insurance
or annuity contract?   [ ] Yes   [ ] No                           (Submit any required replacement forms.)      [ ]  Annuity
Signature of Agent_________________________________________________  Phone Number (______)__________________________________________
Print Agent Name ___________________________________________________  Sales Code ___________________________________________________
Name of Broker Dealer_____________________________________________________Address___________________________________________________
City____________________________________________________________________________State __________________________ Zip________________

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
32-158 (NY-Rpt 2)                    Sentry Life Insurance Company of New York o Syracuse, N.Y.                                 1-00
</TABLE>




<PAGE>   1



                                  EXHIBIT 8(i)
                        Fund Participation Agreement with
                   T. Rowe Price Fixed Income Series, Inc. and
                        T. Rowe Price Equity Series, Inc.





<PAGE>   2
                             PARTICIPATION AGREEMENT

                                      AMONG

                       T. ROWE PRICE EQUITY SERIES, INC.,

                    T. ROWE PRICE FIXED INCOME SERIES, INC.,

                    T. ROWE PRICE INTERNATIONAL SERIES, INC.,

                    T. ROWE PRICE INVESTMENT SERVICES, INC.,

                                       AND

                    SENTRY LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY OF NEW YORK

     THIS AGREEMENT, made and entered into as of this 1st day of June, 1999 by
and among Sentry Life Insurance Company of New York (hereinafter, the
"Company"), a New York insurance company, on its own behalf and on behalf of
each segregated asset account of the Company set forth on Schedule A hereto as
may be amended from time to time (each account hereinafter referred to as the
"Account"), and the undersigned funds, each, a corporation organized under the
laws of Maryland (each hereinafter referred to as the "Fund") and T. Rowe Price
Investment Sequences, Inc. (hereinafter the "Underwriter'), a Maryland
corporation.

     WHEREAS, the Fund engages in business as an open-end management investment
company and is or will be available to act as the investment vehicle for
separate accounts established for variable life insurance and variable annuity
contracts (the "Variable Insurance Products") to be offered by insurance
companies which have entered into participation agreements with the Fund and
Underwriter (hereinafter "Participating Insurance Companies"); and

     WHEREAS, the beneficial interest in the Fund is divided into several series
of shares, each designated a "Portfolio" and representing the interest in a
particular managed portfolio of securities and other assets; and

     WHEREAS, the Fund has obtained an order from the Securities and Exchange
Commission ("SEC") granting Participating Insurance Companies and variable
annuity and variable life insurance separate accounts exemptions from the
provisions of sections 9(a), 13(a), 15(a), and 15(b) of the Investment Company
Act of 1940, as amended, (hereinafter the "1940 Act") and Rules 6e-2(b)(15) and
6e-3(T) (b)(15) thereunder, to the extent necessary to permit shares of the Fund
to be sold to and held by variable annuity and variable life insurance separate
accounts of both affiliated and unaffiliated life insurance companies
(hereinafter the "Shared Funding Exemptive Order"); and

<PAGE>   3
                                       2

     WHEREAS, the Fund is registered as an open-end management investment
company under the 1940 Act and shares of the Portfolios are registered under the
Securities Act of 1933, as amended (hereinafter the "1933 Act"); and


     WHEREAS, T. Rowe Price Associates, Inc. and Rowe Price-Fleming
International, Inc. (each hereinafter referred to as the "Adviser") are each
duly registered as an investment adviser under the Investment Advisers Act of
1940, as amended, and any applicable state securities laws; and

     WHEREAS, the Company has registered certain variable life insurance or
variable annuity contracts supported wholly or partially by the Account (the
"Contracts") under the 1933 Act, and said Contracts are listed in Schedule A
hereto, as it may be amended from time to time by mutual written agreement; and

     WHEREAS, the Account is duly established and maintained as a segregated
asset account, established by resolution of the Board of Directors of the
Company, on the date shown for such Account on Schedule A hereto, to set aside
and invest assets attributable to the aforesaid Contracts; and

     WHEREAS, the Company has registered the Account as a unit investment trust
under the 1940 Act; and

     WHEREAS, the Underwriter is registered as a broker dealer with the SEC
under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (hereinafter the "1934
Act"), and is a member in good standing of the National Association of
Securities Dealers, Inc. (hereinafter "NASD"); and

     WHEREAS, said Accounts presently utilize as their investment vehicle
another investment company (the "Predecessor Investment Company"), but the
Company has indicated its intention to secure necessary regulatory approvals to
terminate the agreement with the Predecessor Investment Company; and


     WHEREAS, to the extent permitted by applicable insurance laws and
regulations, the Company intends to purchase shares in the Portfolios listed in
Schedule A hereto, as it may be amended from time to time by mutual written
agreement (the "Designated Portfolios") on behalf of the Account to fund the
aforesaid Contracts upon completion of the termination of the present agreement
with the Predecessor Investment Company, and the Underwriter is authorized to
sell such shares to unit investment trusts such as the Account at net asset
value;

     NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of their mutual promises, the Company, the
Fund and the Underwriter agree as follows upon completion of the termination of
the present agreement with the Predecessor Investment Company:


 ARTICLE I.  Sale of Fund Shares

     1.1     The Underwriter agrees to sell to the Company those shares of the
Designated Portfolios which the Account orders, executing such orders on a daily
basis at the net asset value





<PAGE>   4

                                       3


next computed after receipt by the Fund or its designee of the order for the
shares of the Designated Portfolios.

     1.2 The Fund agrees to make shares of the Designated Portfolios available
for purchase at the applicable net asset value per share by the Company and the
Account on those days on which the Fund calculates its net asset value pursuant
to rules of the SEC, and the Fund shall use its best efforts to calculate such
net asset value on each day which the New York Stock Exchange is open for
trading. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Board of Directors of the Fund
(hereinafter the "Board") may refuse to sell shares of any Designated Portfolio
to any person, or suspend or terminate the offering of shares of any Designated
Portfolio if such action is required by law or by regulatory authorities having
jurisdiction, or is, in the sole discretion of the Board acting in good faith
and in light of their fiduciary duties under federal and any applicable state
laws, necessary in the best interests of the shareholders of such Designated
Portfolio.

     1.3 The Fund and the Underwriter agree that shares of the Fund will be sold
only to Participating Insurance Companies and their separate accounts. No shares
of any Designated Portfolios will be sold to the general public. The Fund and
the Underwriter will not sell Fund shares to any insurance company or separate
account unless an agreement containing provisions substantially the same as
Articles I, III and VII of this Agreement is in effect to govern such sales.

     1.4 The Fund agrees to redeem, on the Company's request, any full or
fractional shares of the Designated Portfolios held by the Company, executing
such requests on a daily basis at the net asset value next computed after
receipt by the Fund or its designee of the request for redemption, except that
the Fund reserves the right to suspend the right of redemption or postpone the
date of payment or satisfaction upon redemption consistent with Section 22(e) of
the 1940 Act and any sales thereunder, and in accordance with the procedures and
policies of the Fund as described in the then current prospectus.

     1.5 For purposes of Sections 1.1 and 1.4, the Company shall be the
designee of the Fund for receipt of purchase and redemption orders from the
Account, and receipt by such designee shall constitute receipt by the Fund;
provided that the Company receives the order by 4:00 p.m. Baltimore time and the
Fund receives notice of such order by 9:30 a.m. Baltimore time on the next
following Business Day. "Business Day" shall mean any day on which the New York
Stock Exchange is open for trading and on which the Fund calculates its net
asset value pursuant to the rules of the SEC.

     1.6 The Company agrees to purchase and redeem the shares of each Designated
Portfolio offered by the then current prospectus of the Fund and in accordance
with the provisions of such prospectus.

     1.7 The Company shall pay for Fund shares one Business Day after receipt of
an order to purchase Fund shares is made in accordance with the provisions of
Section 1.5 hereof. Payment shall be in federal funds transmitted by wire by
3:00 p.m. Baltimore time. If payment in Federal Funds for any purchase is not
received or is received by the Fund after 3:00 p.m. Baltimore time on such
Business Day, the Company shall promptly, upon the Fund's request,


<PAGE>   5


                                       4

reimburse the Fund for any charges, costs, fees, interest or other expenses
incurred by the Fund in connection with any advances to, or borrowings or
overdrafts by, the Fund, or any similar expenses incurred by the Fund, as a
result of portfolio transactions effected by the Fund based upon such purchase
request. For purposes of Section 2.8 and 2.9 hereof, upon receipt by the Fund of
the federal funds so wired, such funds shall cease to be the responsibility of
the Company and shall become the responsibility of the Fund.

     1.8  Issuance and transfer of the Fund's shares will be by book entry only.
Stock certificates will not be issued to the Company or any Account. Shares
ordered from the Fund will be recorded in an appropriate title for each Account
or the appropriate subaccount of each Account.

     1.9  The Fund shall furnish same day notice (by wire or telephone, followed
by written confirmation) to the Company of any income, dividends or capital gain
distributions payable on the Designated Portfolios' shares. The Company hereby
elects to receive all such income, dividends, and capital gain distributions as
are payable on Designated Portfolio shares in additional shares of that
Portfolio. The Company reserves the right to revoke this election and to receive
all such income dividends and capital gain distributions in cash. The Fund shall
notify the Company of the number of shares so issued as payment of such
dividends and distributions.

     1.10  The Fund shall make the net asset value per share for each Designated
Portfolio available to the Company on a daily basis as soon as reasonably
practical after the net asset value per share is calculated (normally by 6:30
p.m. Baltimore time) and shall use its best efforts to make such net asset value
per share available by 7 p.m. Baltimore time. If the net asset value is
materially incorrect through no fault of the Company, the Company on behalf of
each Account, shall be entitled to an adjustment to the number of shares
purchased or redeemed to reflect the correct net asset value in accordance with
Fund procedures. Any material error in the net asset value shall be reported to
the Company promptly upon discovery. Any administrative or other costs or losses
incurred for correcting underlying Contract owner accounts shall be at Company's
expense.

     1.11  The Parties hereto acknowledge that the arrangement contemplated by
this Agreement is not exclusive; the Fund's shares may be sold to other
insurance companies (subject to Section 1.3 and Article VI hereof) and the cash
value of the Contracts may be invested in other investment companies.

ARTICLE II. Representations and Warranties

     2.1  The Company represents and warrants that the Contracts are or will be
registered under the 1933 Act; that the Contracts will be issued and sold in
compliance in all material respects with all applicable federal and state laws,
and that the sale of the Contracts shall comply in all material respects with
state insurance suitability requirements. The Company further represents and
warrants that it is an insurance company duly organized and in good standing
under applicable law and that it has legally and validly established the Account
prior to any issuance or sale thereof as a segregated asset account under the
New York insurance laws and has registered or, prior to any issuance or sale of
the Contracts, will register the Account as a


<PAGE>   6

                                       5


unit investment trust in accordance with the provisions of the 1940 Act to serve
as a segregated investment account for the Contracts.

     2.2 The Fund represents and warrants that Fund shares sold pursuant to this
Agreement shall be registered under the 1933 Act, duly authorized for issuance
and sold in compliance with the laws of the state of New York and all applicable
federal and state securities laws and that the Fund is and shall remain
registered under the 1940 Act. The Fund shall amend the Registration Statement
for its shares under the 1933 Act and the 1940 Act from time to time as required
in order to effect the continuous offering of its shares. The Fund shall
register and qualify the shares for sale in accordance with the laws of the
various states only if and to the extent deemed advisable by the Fund or the
Underwriter.

     2.3 The Fund currently does not intend to make any payments to finance
distribution expenses pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act, although it
may make such payments in the future. To the extent that it decides to finance
distribution expenses pursuant to Rule 12b-1, the Fund will undertake to have
the Board, a majority of whom are not interested persons of the Fund, formulate
and approve any plan pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act to finance
distribution expenses.

     2.4 The Fund makes no representations as to whether any aspect of its
operations, including but not limited to, investment policies, fees and
expenses, complies with the insurance and other applicable laws of the various
states, except that the Fund represents that the Fund's investment policies,
fees and expenses are and shall at all times remain in compliance with the laws
of the state of New York to the extent required to perform this Agreement.

     2.5 The Fund represents that it is lawfully organized and validly existing
under the laws of the State of Maryland and that it does and will comply in all
material respects with the 1940 Act.

     2.6 The Underwriter represents and warrants that it is a member in good
standing of the NASD and is registered as a broker-dealer with the SEC. The
Underwriter further represents that it will sell and distribute the Fund shares
in accordance with the laws of the State of New York and any applicable state
and federal securities laws.

     2.7 The Underwriter represents and warrants that the Adviser is and shall
remain duly registered under all applicable federal and state securities laws
and that the Adviser shall perform its obligations for the Fund in compliance
in all material respects with the laws of the State of New York and any
applicable state and federal securities laws.

     2.8 The Fund and the Underwriter represent and warrant that all of their
directors, officers, employees, investment advisers, and other individuals or
entities dealing with the money and/or securities of the Fund are and shall
continue to be at all times covered by a blanket fidelity bond or similar
coverage for the benefit of the Fund in an amount not less than the minimum
coverage as required currently by Rule 17g-1 of the 1940 Act or related
provisions as may be promulgated from time to time. The aforesaid bond shall
include coverage for larceny and embezzlement and shall be issued by a reputable
bonding company.


<PAGE>   7

                                       6


     2.9 The Company represents and warrants that all of its directors,
officers, employees, and other individuals/entities employed or controlled by
the Company dealing with the money and/or securities of the Fund are covered by
a blanket fidelity bond or similar coverage in an amount not less than $5
million. The aforesaid bond includes coverage for larceny and embezzlement and
is issued by a reputable bonding company. The Company agrees that any amounts
received under such bond in connection with claims that arise from the
arrangements described in this Agreement will be held by the Company for the
benefit of the Fund. The Company agrees to make all reasonable efforts to see
that this bond or another bond containing these provisions is always in effect,
and agrees to notify the Fund and the Underwriter in the event that such
coverage no longer applies. The Company agrees to exercise its best efforts to
ensure that other individuals/entities not employed or controlled by the Company
and dealing with the money and/or securities of the Fund maintain a similar bond
or coverage in a reasonable amount.

     ARTICLE III. Prospectuses, Statements of Additional Information, and Proxy
Statements; Voting

     3.1 The Underwriter shall provide the Company (at the Company's expense)
with as many copies of the Fund's current prospectus (describing only the
Designated Portfolios listed on Schedule A) as the Company may reasonably
request. If requested by the Company in lieu thereof, the Fund shall provide
such documentation (including a final copy of the new prospectus as set in type
or on a diskette, at the Fund's expense) and other assistance as is reasonably
necessary in order for the Company (at the Company's expense) once each year (or
more frequently if the prospectus for the Fund is amended) to have the
prospectus for the Contracts and the Fund's prospectus printed together in one
document (such printing to be at the Company's expense).

     3.2 The Fund's prospectus shall state that the current Statement of
Additional Information ("SAI") for the Fund is available from the Company (or,
in the Fund's discretion, from the Fund), and the Underwriter (or the Fund), at
its expense, shall print, or otherwise reproduce, and provide sufficient copies
of such SAI free of charge to the Company for itself, and for any owner of a
Contract who requests such SAI. The Company shall send an SAI to any such
Contract owner within 3 business days of the receipt of a request.

     3.3 The Fund, at its expense, shall provide the Company with copies of its
proxy material, reports to shareholders, and other communications to
shareholders in such quantity as the Company shall reasonably require for
distributing to Contract owners in the Fund. The Underwriter (at the Company's
expense) shall provide the Company with copies of the Fund's annual and
semi-annual reports to shareholders in such quantity as the Company shall
reasonably request for use in connection with offering the Variable Contracts
issued by the Company. If requested by the Company in lieu thereof, the
Underwriter shall provide such documentation (which may include a final copy of
the Fund's annual and semi-annual reports as set in type or on diskette) and
other assistance as is reasonably necessary in order for the Company (at the
Company's expense) to print such shareholder communications for distribution to
Contract owners. The Company shall send a copy of the Fund's annual or
semi-annual report within 3 business days of the receipt of a request by a
Contract owner.


<PAGE>   8


                                       7

     3.4  The Company shall:

          (i)   solicit voting instructions from Contract owners;

          (ii)  vote the Fund shares in accordance with instructions received
                from Contract owners; and

          (iii) vote Fund shares for which no instructions have been received in
                the same proportion as Fund shares of such Designated Portfolio
                for which instructions have been received,

so long as and to the extent that the SEC continues to interpret the 1940 Act to
require passthrough voting privileges for variable contract owners or to the
extent otherwise required by law. The Company reserves the right to vote Fund
shares held in any segregated asset account in its own right, to the extent
permitted by law.

     3.5 Participating Insurance Companies shall be responsible for assuring
that each of their separate accounts participating in a Designated Portfolio
calculates voting privileges as required by the Shared Funding Exemptive Order
and consistent with any reasonable standards that the Fund may adopt.

     3.6 The Fund will comply with all provisions of the 1940 Act requiring
voting by shareholders, and in particular the Fund will either provide for
annual meetings or comply with Section 16(c) of the 1940 Act (although the Fund
is not one of the trusts described in Section 16(c) of that Act) as well as with
Sections 16(a) and, if and when applicable, 16(b). Further, the Fund will act in
accordance with the SEC's interpretation of the requirements of Section 16(a)
with respect to periodic elections of directors or trustees and with whatever
rules the SEC may promulgate with respect thereto.

ARTICLE IV. Sales Material and Information

     4.1 The Company shall furnish, or shall cause to be furnished, to the Fund
or its designee, each piece of sales literature or other promotional material
that the Company develops or uses and in which the Fund (or a Portfolio thereof)
or the Adviser or the Underwriter is named, at least ten calendar days prior to
its use. No such material shall be used if the Fund or its designee reasonably
object to such use within ten calendar days after receipt of such material. The
Fund or its designee reserves the right to reasonably object to the continued
use of such material, and no such material shall be used if the Fund or its
designee so object.

     4.2 The Company shall not give any information or make any representations
or statements on behalf of the Fund or concerning the Fund in connection with
the sale of the Contracts other than the information or representations
contained in the registration statement or prospectus or SAI for the Fund
shares, as such registration statement and prospectus or SAI may be amended or
supplemented from time to time, or in reports or proxy statements for the Fund,
or in sales literature or other promotional material approved by the Fund or its
designee or by the Underwriter, except with the permission of the Fund or the
Underwriter or the designee of either.


<PAGE>   9


                                       8

     4.3 The Fund, Underwriter, or its designee shall furnish, or shall cause to
be furnished, to the Company, each piece of sales literature or other
promotional material in which the Company, and/or its Account, is named at least
ten calendar days prior to its use. No such material shall be used if the
Company reasonably objects to such use within ten calendar days after receipt of
such material. The Company reserves the right to reasonably object to the
continued use of such material and no such material shall be used if the Company
so objects.

     4.4 The Fund and the Underwriter shall not give any information or make any
representations on behalf of the Company or concerning the Company, the Account,
or the Contracts other than the information or representations contained in a
registration statement, prospectus, or SAI for the Contracts, as such
registration statement, prospectus or SAI may be amended or supplemented from
time to time, or in published reports for the Account which are in the public
domain or approved by the Company for distribution to Contract owners, or in
sales literature or other promotional material approved by the Company or its
designee, except with the permission of the Company.

     4.5 The Fund will provide to the Company at least one complete copy of all
registration statements, prospectuses, SAIs, reports, proxy statements, sales
literature and other promotional materials, applications for exemptions,
requests for no-action letters, and all amendments to any of the above, that
relate to the Fund or its shares, within a reasonable time after the filing of
such document(s) with the SEC or other regulatory authorities.

     4.6 The Company will provide to the Fund at least one complete copy of all
registration statements, prospectuses, SAIs, reports, solicitations for voting
instructions, sales literature and other promotional materials, applications for
exemptions, requests for no-action letters, and all amendments to any of the
above, that relate to the Contracts or the Account, within a reasonable time
after the filing of such document(s) with the SEC or other regulatory
authorities.

     4.7 For purposes of this Article IV, the phrase "sales literature and other
promotional materials" includes, but is not limited to, any of the following
that refer to the Fund or any affiliate of the Fund: advertisements (such as
material published, or designed for use in, a newspaper, magazine, or other
periodical, radio, television, telephone or tape recording, videotape display,
signs or billboards, motion pictures, or other public media), sales literature
(i.e., any written communication distributed or made generally available to
customers or the public, including brochures, circulars, reports, market
letters, form letters, seminar texts, reprints or excerpts of any other
advertisement, sales literature, or published article), educational or training
materials or other communications distributed or made generally available to
some or all agents or employees, and registration statements, prospectuses,
SAIs, shareholder reports, proxy materials, and any other communications
distributed or made generally available with regard to the Funds.

ARTICLE V. Fees and Expenses

     5.1 The Fund and the Underwriter shall pay no fee or other compensation to
the Company under this Agreement, except that if the Fund or any Portfolio
adopts and implements


<PAGE>   10

                                       9


a plan pursuant to Rule 12b-1 to finance distribution expenses, then the
Underwriter may make payments to the Company or to the underwriter for the
Contracts if and in amounts agreed to by the Underwriter in writing, and such
payments will be made out of existing fees otherwise payable to the Underwriter,
past profits of the Underwriter, or other resources available to the
Underwriter. No such payments shall be made directly by the Fund. Currently, no
such payments are contemplated.

     5.2 All expenses incident to performance by the Fund under this Agreement
shall be paid by the Fund, except as otherwise provided herein. The Fund shall
see to it that all its shares are registered and authorized for issuance in
accordance with applicable federal law and, if and to the extent deemed
advisable by the Fund, in accordance with applicable state laws prior to their
sale. The Fund shall bear the expenses for the cost of registration and
qualification of the Fund's shares, preparation and filing of the Fund's
prospectus and registration statement, proxy materials and reports, setting the
prospectus in type, setting in type and printing the proxy materials and reports
to shareholders (including the costs of printing a prospectus that constitutes
an annual report), the preparation of all statements and notices required by any
federal or state law, and all taxes on the issuance or transfer of the Fund's
shares.

     5.3 The Company shall bear the expenses of printing the Fund's prospectus
(in accordance with 3. 1) and of distributing the Fund's prospectus, proxy
materials, and reports to Contract owners and prospective Contract owners.

ARTICLE VI. Diversification and Qualification

     6.1 The Fund will invest the assets of each Designated Portfolio in such a
manner as to ensure that the Contracts will be treated as annuity, endowment, or
life insurance contracts, whichever is appropriate, under the Internal Revenue
Code of 1986, as amended (the, "Code") and the regulations issued thereunder (or
any successor provisions). Without limiting the scope of the foregoing, each
Designated Portfolio of the Fund will comply with Section 817(h) of the Code and
Treasury Regulation ss.1.817-5, and any Treasury interpretations thereof,
relating to the diversification requirements for variable annuity, endowment, or
life insurance contracts, and any amendments or other modifications or successor
provisions to such Section or Regulations. In the event of a breach of this
Article VI by the Fund, it will take all reasonable steps (a) to notify the
Company of such breach and (b) to adequately diversify the Fund so as to achieve
compliance within the grace period afforded by Regulation 817.5.

     6.2 The Fund represents that each Designated Portfolio is or will be
qualified as a Regulated Investment Company under Subchapter M of the Code, and
that it will make every effort to maintain such qualification (under Subchapter
M or any successor or similar provisions) and that it will notify the Company
immediately upon having a reasonable basis for believing that it has ceased to
so qualify or that it might not so qualify in the future.

     6.3 The Company represents that the Contracts are currently, and at the
time of issuance shall be, treated as life insurance, endowment contracts, or
annuity insurance contracts, under applicable provisions of the Code, and that
it will make every effort to maintain such treatment, and that it will notify
the Fund and the Underwriter immediately upon having a reasonable basis for
believing the Contracts have ceased to be so treated or that they might not



<PAGE>   11

                                       10


be so treated in the future. The Company agrees that any prospectus offering a
contract that is a "modified endowment contract" as that term is defined in
Section 7702A of the Code (or any successor or similar provision), shall
identify such contract as a modified endowment contract.

ARTICLE VII. Potential Conflicts

     7.1 The Board will monitor the Fund for the existence of any material
irreconcilable conflict between the interests of the contract owners of all
separate accounts investing in the Fund. An irreconcilable material conflict may
arise for a variety of reasons, including: (a) an action by any state insurance
regulatory authority, (b) a change in applicable federal or state insurance,
tax, or securities laws or regulations, or a public ruling, private letter
ruling, no-action or interpretative letter, or any similar action by insurance,
tax, or securities regulatory authorities, (c) an administrative or judicial
decision in any relevant proceeding, (d) the manner in which the investments of
any Portfolio are being managed; (e) a difference in voting instructions given
by variable annuity contract and variable life insurance contract owners or (f)
a decision by an insurer to disregard the voting instructions of contract
owners. The Board shall promptly inform the Company if it determines that an
irreconcilable material conflict exists and the implications thereof.

     7.2. The Company will report any potential or existing conflicts of which
it is aware to the Board. The Company will assist the Board in carrying out its
responsibilities under the Shared Funding Exemptive Order, by providing the
Board with all information reasonably necessary for the Board to consider any
issues raised. This includes, but is not limited to, an obligation by the
Company to inform the Board whenever Contract owner voting instructions are
disregarded.

     7.3 If it is determined by a majority of the Board, or a majority of its
disinterested members, that a material irreconcilable conflict exists, the
Company and other Participating Insurance Companies shall, at their expense and
to the extent reasonably practicable (as determined by a majority of the
disinterested Board members), take whatever steps are necessary to remedy or
eliminate the irreconcilable material conflict, up to and including: (1),
withdrawing the assets allocable to some or all of the separate accounts from
the Fund or any Portfolio and reinvesting such assets in a different investment
medium, including (but not limited to) another Portfolio of the Fund, or
submitting the question whether such segregation should be implemented to a vote
of all affected contract owners and, as appropriate, segregating the assets of
any appropriate group (i.e., annuity contract owners, life insurance contract
owners, or variable contract owners of one or more Participating Insurance
Companies) that votes in favor of such segregation, or offering to the affected
contract owners the option of making such a change; and (2), establishing a new
registered management investment company or managed separate account.

     7.4 If a material irreconcilable conflict arises because of a decision by
the Company to disregard contract owner voting instructions and that decision
represents a minority position or would preclude a majority vote, the Company
may be required, at the Fund's election, to withdraw the affected Accounts
investment in the Fund and terminate this Agreement with respect to such Account
provided, however, that such withdrawal and termination shall be limited to the
extent required by the foregoing material irreconcilable conflict as determined
by a



<PAGE>   12

                                       11


majority of the disinterested members of the Board. Any such withdrawal and
termination must take place within six (6) months after the Fund gives written
notice that this provision is being implemented, and until the end of that six
month period the Fund shall continue to accept and implement orders by the
Company for the purchase (and redemption) of shares of the Fund.

     7.5 If a material irreconcilable conflict arises because a particular state
insurance regulator's decision applicable to the Company conflicts with the
majority of other state regulators, then the Company will withdraw the affected
Accounts investment in the Fund and terminate this Agreement with respect to
such Account within six months after the Board informs the Company in writing
that it has determined that such decision has created an irreconcilable material
conflict, provided, however, that such withdrawal and termination shall be
limited to the extent required by the foregoing material irreconcilable conflict
as determined by a majority of the disinterested members of the Board. Until the
end of the foregoing six month period, the Fund shall continue to accept and
implement orders by the company for the purchase (and redemption) of shares of
the Fund.

     7.6 For purposes of Section 7.3 through 7.6 of this Agreement, a majority
of the disinterested members of the Board shall determine whether any proposed
action adequately remedies any irreconcilable material conflict, but in no event
will the Fund be required to establish a new funding medium for the Contracts.
The Company shall not be required by Section 7.3 to establish a new funding
medium for the Contract if an offer to do so has been declined by vote of a
majority of Contract owners materially adversely affected by the irreconcilable
material conflict. In the event that the Board determines that any proposed
action does not adequately remedy any irreconcilable material conflict, then the
Company will withdraw the Account's investment in the Fund and terminate this
Agreement within six (6) months after the Board informs the Company in writing
of the foregoing determination; provided, however, that such withdrawal and
termination shall be limited to the extent required by any such material
irreconcilable conflict as determined by a majority of the disinterested members
of the Board.

     7.7 If and to the extent Rule 6e-2 and Rule 6e-3(T) are amended, or Rule
6e-3 is adopted, to provide exemptive relief from. any provision of the 1940 Act
or the rules promulgated thereunder with respect to mixed or shared funding (as
defined in the Shared Funding Exemptive Order) on terms and conditions
materially different from those contained in the Shared Funding Exemptive Order,
then (a) the Fund and/or the Participating Insurance Companies, as appropriate,
shall take such steps as may be necessary to comply with Rules 6e-2 and 6e-3(T),
as amended, and Rule 6e-3, as adopted, to the extent such rules are applicable,
and (b) Sections 3.4, 3.5, 3.6, 7.1., 7.2, 7.3, 7.4, and 7.5 of this Agreement
shall continue in effect only to the extent that terms and conditions
substantially identical to such Sections are contained in such Rule(s) as so
amended or adopted.

ARTICLE VIII. Indemnification

     8.1  Indemnification By the Company

          8.1(a). The Company agrees to indemnify and hold harmless the Fund and
the Underwriter and each of their officers and directors and each person, if
any, who controls the






<PAGE>   13

                                       12


Fund or the Underwriter within the meaning of Section 15 of the 1933 Act
(collectively, the "Indemnified Parties" for purposes of this Section 8.1)
against any and all losses, claims, damages, liabilities (including amounts paid
in settlement with the written consent of the Company) or litigation (including
legal and other expenses), to which the Indemnified Parties may become subject
under any statute or regulation, at common law or otherwise, insofar as such
losses, claims, damages, liabilities or expenses (or actions in respect thereof)
or settlements are related to the sale or acquisition of the Fund's shares or
the Contracts and:

        (i)    arise out of or are based upon any untrue statements or alleged
               untrue statements of any material fact contained in the
               Registration Statement, prospectus, or statement of additional
               information ("SAI") for the Contracts or contained in the
               Contracts or sales literature or other promotional material for
               the Contracts (or any amendment or supplement to any of the
               foregoing), or arise out of or are based upon the omission or the
               alleged omission to state therein a material fact required to be
               stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not
               misleading, provided that this agreement to indemnify shall not
               apply as to any Indemnified Party if such statement or omission
               or such alleged statement or omission was made in reliance upon
               and in conformity with information furnished to the Company by or
               on behalf of the Fund for use in the Registration Statement,
               prospectus or SAI for the Contracts or in the Contracts or sales
               literature or other promotional material (or any amendment or
               supplement) or otherwise for use in connection with the sale of
               the Contracts or Fund shares; or

        (ii)   arise out of or as a result of statements or representations
               (other than statements or representations contained in the
               Registration Statement, prospectus or sales literature or other
               promotional material of the Fund not supplied by the Company or
               persons under its control) or wrongful conduct of the Company or
               persons under its authorization or control, with respect to the
               sale or distribution of the Contracts or Fund Shares; or

        (iii)  arise out of any untrue statement or alleged untrue statement of
               a material fact contained in a Registration Statement,
               prospectus, SAI, or sales literature or other promotional
               material of the Fund or any amendment thereof or supplement
               thereto or the omission or alleged omission to state therein a
               material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make
               the statements therein not misleading if such a statement or
               omission was made in reliance upon information furnished to the
               Fund by or on behalf of the Company; or

        (iv)   arise as a result of any material failure by the Company to
               provide the services and furnish the materials under the terms of
               this Agreement (including a failure, whether unintentional or in
               good faith or otherwise, to comply with the qualification
               requirements specified in Article VI of this Agreement); or




<PAGE>   14

                                       13


        (v)    arise out of or result from any material breach of any
               representation and/or warranty made by the Company in this
               Agreement or arise out of or result from any other material
               breach of this Agreement by the Company,

as limited by and in accordance with the provisions of Sections 8.1(b) and
8.1(c) hereof.

          8.1(b). The Company shall not be liable under this indemnification
provision with respect to any losses, claims, damages, liabilities or litigation
to which an Indemnified Party would otherwise be subject by reason of such
Indemnified Party's willful misfeasance, bad faith, or gross negligence in the
performance of such Indemnified Party's duties or by reason of such Indemnified
Party's reckless disregard of its obligations or duties under this Agreement.

          8.1(c). The Company shall not be liable under this indemnification
provision with respect to any claim made against an Indemnified Party unless
such Indemnified Party shall have notified the Company in writing within a
reasonable time after the summons or other first legal process giving
information of the nature of the claim shall have been served upon such
Indemnified Party (or after such Indemnified Party shall have received notice of
such service on any designated agent), but failure to notify the Company of any
such claim shall not relieve the Company from any liability which it may have to
the Indemnified Party against whom such action is brought otherwise than on
account of this indemnification provision. In case any such action is brought
against an Indemnified Party, the Company shall be entitled to participate, at
its own expense, in the defense of such action. The Company also shall be
entitled to assume the defense thereof, with counsel satisfactory to the party
named in the action and to settle the claim at its own expense; provided,
however, that no such settlement shall, without the Indemnified Parties' written
consent, include any factual stipulation referring to the Indemnified Parties or
their conduct. After notice from the Company to such party of the Company's
election to assume the defense thereof, the Indemnified Party shall bear the
fees and expenses of any additional counsel retained by it, and the Company will
not be liable to such party under this Agreement for any legal or other expenses
subsequently incurred by such party independently in connection with the defense
thereof other than reasonable costs of investigation.

          8.1(d). The Indemnified Parties will promptly notify the Company of
the commencement of any litigation or proceedings against them in connection
with the issuance or sale of the Fund Shares or the Contracts or the operation
of the Fund.

     8.2  Indemnification by the Underwriter

          8.2(a). The Underwriter agrees to indemnify and hold harmless the
Company and each of it directors and officers and each person, if any, who
controls the Company within the meaning of Section 15 of the 1933 Act
(collectively, the "Indemnified Parties" for purposes of this Section 8.2)
against any and all losses, claims, damages, liabilities (including amounts paid
in settlement with the written consent of the Underwriter) or litigation
(including legal and other expenses) to which the Indemnified Parties may become
subject under any statute or regulation, at common law or otherwise, insofar as
such losses, claims, damages, liabilities or expenses (or actions in respect
thereof) or settlements are related to the sale or acquisition of the Fund's
shares or the Contracts; and



<PAGE>   15


                                       14

          (i)     arise out of or are based upon any untrue statement or alleged
                  untrue statement of any material fact contained in the
                  Registration Statement or prospectus or SAI or sales
                  literature or other promotional material of the Fund (or any
                  amendment or supplement to any of the foregoing), or arise out
                  of or are based upon the omission or the alleged omission to
                  state therein a material fact required to be stated therein or
                  necessary to make the statements therein not misleading,
                  provided that this agreement to indemnify shall not apply as
                  to any Indemnified Party if such statement or omission or such
                  alleged statement or omission was made in reliance upon and in
                  conformity with information furnished to the Underwriter or
                  Fund by or on behalf of the Company for use in the
                  Registration Statement or prospectus for the Fund or in sales
                  literature or other promotional material (or any amendment or
                  supplement) or otherwise for use in connection with the sale
                  of the Contracts or Fund shares; or

          (ii)    arise out of or as a result of statements or representations
                  (other than statements or representations contained in the
                  Registration Statement, prospectus or sales literature or
                  other promotional material for the Contracts not supplied by
                  the Underwriter or persons under its control) or wrongful
                  conduct of the Fund or Underwriter or persons under their
                  control, with respect to the sale or distribution of the
                  Contracts or Fund shares; or

          (iii)   arise out of any untrue statement or alleged untrue statement
                  of a material fact contained in a Registration Statement,
                  prospectus, SAI, or sales literature or other promotional
                  material of the Contracts, or any amendment thereof or
                  supplement thereto, or the omission or alleged omission to
                  state therein a material fact required to be stated therein or
                  necessary to make the statement or statements therein not
                  misleading, if such statement or omission was made in reliance
                  upon information furnished to the Company by or on behalf of
                  the Fund; or

          (iv)    arise as a result of any material failure by the Fund to
                  provide the services and furnish the materials under the terms
                  of this Agreement (including a failure, whether unintentional
                  or in good faith or otherwise, to comply with the
                  diversification and other qualification requirements specified
                  in Article VI of this Agreement); or

          (v)     arise out of or result from any material breach of any
                  representation and/or warranty made by the Underwriter in this
                  Agreement or arise out of or result from any other material
                  breach of this Agreement by the Underwriter;





<PAGE>   16

                                       15


as limited by and in accordance with the provisions of Sections 8.2(b) and
8.2(c) hereof

          8.2(b). The Underwriter shall not be liable under this indemnification
provision with respect to any losses, claims, damages, liabilities or litigation
to which an Indemnified Party would otherwise be subject by reason of such
Indemnified Party's willful misfeasance, bad faith, or gross negligence in the
performance or such Indemnified Party's duties or by reason of such Indemnified
Party's reckless disregard of obligations and duties under this Agreement or to
the Company or the Account, whichever is applicable.

          8.2(c). The Underwriter shall not be liable under this indemnification
provision with respect to any claim made against an Indemnified Party unless
such Indemnified Party shall have notified the Underwriter in writing within a
reasonable time after the summons or other first legal process giving
information of the nature of the claim shall have been served upon such
Indemnified Party (or after such Indemnified Party shall have received notice of
such service on any designated agent), but failure to notify the Underwriter of
any such claim shall not relieve the Underwriter from any liability which it
may have to the Indemnified Party against whom such action is brought otherwise
than on account of this indemnification provision. In case any such action is
brought against the Indemnified Party, the Underwriter will be entitled to
participate, at its own expense, in the defense thereof. The Underwriter also
shall be entitled to assume the defense thereof, with counsel satisfactory to
the party named in the action and to settle the claim at its own expense,
provided, however, that no such settlement shall, without the Indemnified
Parties' written consent, include any factual stipulation referring to the
Indemnified Parties or their conduct. After notice from the Underwriter to such
party of the Underwriter's election to assume the defense thereof, the
Indemnified Party shall bear the fees and expenses of any additional counsel
retained by it, and the Underwriter will not be liable to such party under this
Agreement for any legal or other expenses subsequently incurred by such party
independently in connection with the defense thereof other than reasonable costs
of investigation.

          8.2(d). The Company agrees promptly to notify the Underwriter of the
commencement of any litigation or proceedings against it or any of its officers
or directors in connection with the issuance or sale of the Contracts or the
operation of the Account.

     8.3  Indemnification By the Fund

          8.3(a). The Fund agrees to indemnify and hold harmless the Company and
each of its directors and officers and each person, if any, who controls the
Company within the meaning of Section 15 of the 1933 Act (collectively, the
"Indemnified Parties" for purposes of this Section 8.3) against any and all
losses, claims, expenses, damages, liabilities (including amounts paid in
settlement with the written consent of the Fund) or litigation (including legal
and other expenses) to which the Indemnified Parties may be required to pay or
may become subject under any statute or regulation, at common law or otherwise,
insofar as such losses, claims, expenses, damages, liabilities or expenses (or
actions in respect thereof) or settlements, are related to the operations of the
Fund and:


<PAGE>   17

                                       16


          (i)  arise as a result of any material failure by the Fund to provide
               the services and furnish the materials under the terms of this
               Agreement (including a failure, whether unintentional or in good
               faith or otherwise, to comply with the diversification and other
               qualification requirements specified in Article VI of this
               Agreement); or

          (ii) arise out of or result from any material breach of any
               representation and/or warranty made by the Fund in this Agreement
               or arise out of or result from any other material breach of this
               Agreement by the Fund;

as limited by and in accordance with the provisions of Sections 8.3(b) and
8.3(c) hereof.

          8.3(b). The Fund shall not be liable under this indemnification
provision with respect to any losses, claims, damages, liabilities or litigation
to which an Indemnified Party would otherwise be subject by reason of such
Indemnified Party's willful misfeasance, bad faith, or gross negligence in the
performance of such Indemnified Party's duties or by reason of such Indemnified
Party's reckless disregard of obligations and duties under this Agreement or to
the Company, the Fund, the Underwriter or the Account, whichever is applicable.

          8.3(c). The Fund shall not be liable under this indemnification
provision with respect to any claim made against an Indemnified Party unless
such Indemnified Party shall have notified the Fund in writing within a
reasonable time after the summons or other first legal process giving
information of the nature of the claim shall have been served upon such
Indemnified Party (or after such indemnified Party shall have received notice of
such service on any designated agent), but failure to notify the Fund of any
such claim shall not relieve the Fund from any liability which it may have to
the Indemnified Party against whom such action is brought otherwise than on
account of this indemnification provision. In case any such action is brought
against the Indemnified Parties, the Fund will be entitled to participate, at
its own expense, in the defense thereof. The Fund also shall be entitled to
assume the expense thereof, with counsel satisfactory to the party named in the
action and to settle the claim at its own expense; provided, however, that no
such settlement shall, without the Indemnified Parties' written consent, include
any factual stipulation referring to the Indemnified Parties or their conduct.
After notice from the Fund to such party of the Funds election to assume the
defense thereof, the Indemnified Party shall bear the fees and expenses of any
additional counsel retained by it, and the Fund will not be liable to such party
under this Agreement for any legal or other expenses subsequently incurred by
such party independently in connection with the defense thereof other than
reasonable costs of investigation.

          8.3(d). The Company and the Underwriter agree promptly to notify the
Fund of the commencement of any litigation or proceeding against it or any of
its respective officers or directors in connection with the Agreement, the
issuance or sale of the Contracts, the operation of the Account, or the sale or
acquisition of shares of the Fund.


<PAGE>   18


                                       17

ARTICLE IX.   Applicable Law

        9.1   This Agreement shall be construed and the provisions hereof
interpreted under and in accordance with the laws of the State of Maryland.

        9.2   This Agreement shall be subject to the provisions of the 1933,
1934 and 1940 Acts, and the rules and regulations and rulings thereunder,
including such exemptions from those statutes, rules and regulations as the SEC
may grant (including, but not limited to, any Shared Funding Exemptive Order)
and the terms hereof shall be interpreted and construed in accordance therewith.

ARTICLE X.    Termination

        10.1  This Agreement shall continue in full force and effect until the
              first to occur of:

               (a)  termination by any party, for any reason with respect to
                    some or all Designated Portfolios, by six (6) months'
                    advance written notice delivered to the other parties,
                    however, this agreement shall remain in effect for such time
                    after the six-month period has expired as is necessary for
                    the Company to obtain regulatory approval for substitution
                    of the Designated Portfolios; or

               (b)  termination by the Company by written notice to the Fund and
                    the Underwriter with respect to any Designated Portfolio
                    based upon the Company's determination that shares of the
                    Fund are not reasonably available to meet the requirements
                    of the Contracts; provided that such termination shall apply
                    only to the Designated Portfolio not reasonably available;
                    or

               (c)  termination by the Company by written notice to the Fund and
                    the Underwriter in the event any of the Designated
                    Portfolio's shares are not registered, issued or sold in
                    accordance with applicable state and/or federal law or such
                    law precludes the use of such shares as the underlying
                    investment media of the Contracts issued or to be issued by
                    the Company; or

               (d)  termination by the Fund or Underwriter in the event that
                    formal administrative proceedings are instituted against the
                    Company by the NASD, the SEC, the Insurance Commissioner or
                    like official of any state or any other regulatory body
                    regarding the Company's duties under this Agreement or
                    related to the sale of the Contracts, the operation of any
                    Account, or the purchase of the Fund shares; provided,
                    however, that the Fund or Underwriter determines in its sole
                    judgment exercised in good faith, that any such
                    administrative proceedings will have a material adverse
                    effect upon the ability of the Company to perform its
                    obligations under this Agreement; or


<PAGE>   19

                                       18


               (e)  termination by the Company in the event that formal
                    administrative proceedings are instituted against the Fund
                    or Underwriter by the NASD, the SEC, or any state
                    securities or insurance department or any other regulatory
                    body; provided, however, that the Company determines in its
                    sole judgment exercised in good faith, that any such
                    administrative proceedings will have a material adverse
                    effect upon the ability of the Fund or Underwriter to
                    perform its obligations under this Agreement; or

               (f)  termination by the Company by written notice to the Fund and
                    the Underwriter with respect to any Designated Portfolio in
                    the event that such Designated Portfolio ceases to qualify
                    as a Regulated Investment Company under Subchapter M or
                    fails to comply with the Section 817(h) diversification
                    requirements specified in Article VI hereof, or if the
                    Company reasonably believes that such Designated Portfolio
                    may fail to so qualify or comply; or

               (g)  termination by the Fund or Underwriter by written notice to
                    the Company in the event that the Contracts fail to meet the
                    qualifications specified in Section 6.3 hereof; or if the
                    Fund or Underwriter reasonably believes that such Contracts
                    may fail to so qualify; or

               (h)  termination by either the Fund or the Underwriter by written
                    notice to the Company, if either one or both of the Fund or
                    the Underwriter respectively, shall determine, in their sole
                    judgment exercised in good faith, that the Company has
                    suffered a material adverse change in its business,
                    operations, financial condition, or prospects since the date
                    of this Agreement or is the subject of material adverse
                    publicity; or

               (i)  termination by the Company by written notice to the Fund and
                    the Underwriter, if the Company shall determine, in its sole
                    judgment exercised in good faith, that the Fund or the
                    Underwriter has suffered a material adverse change in its
                    business, operations, financial condition or prospects since
                    the date of this Agreement or is the subject of material
                    adverse publicity.

          10.2 Effect of Termination. Notwithstanding any termination of this
Agreement, the Fund and the Underwriter shall, at the option of the Company,
continue to make available additional shares of the Fund pursuant to the terms
and conditions of this Agreement, for all Contracts in effect on the effective
date of termination of this Agreement (hereinafter referred to as "Existing
Contracts"). Specifically, the owners of the Existing Contracts may be permitted
to reallocate investments in the Fund, redeem investments in the Fund and/or
invest in the Fund upon the making of additional purchase payments under the
Existing Contracts. The parties agree that this Section 10.2 shall not apply to
any termination under Article VII and the effect of such Article VII termination
shall be governed by Article VII of this Agreement. The parties further agree
that this Section 10.2 shall not apply to any termination under Section 10.1(g)
of this Agreement.



<PAGE>   20
                                       19



          10.3 The Company shall not redeem Fund shares attributable to the
Contracts (as opposed to Fund shares attributable to the Company's assets held
in the Account) except (i) as necessary to implement Contract owner initiated or
approved transactions, (ii) as required by state and/or federal laws or
regulations or judicial or other legal precedent of general application
(hereinafter referred to as a "Legally Required Redemption"), or (iii) pursuant
to the terms of a substitution order issued by the SEC pursuant to Section 26(b)
of the 1940 Act. Upon request, the Company will promptly furnish to the Fund and
the Underwriter the opinion of counsel for the Company (which counsel shall be
reasonably satisfactory to the Fund and the Underwriter) to the effect that any
redemption pursuant to clause (ii) above is a Legally Required Redemption.
Furthermore, except in cases where permitted under the terms of the Contracts,
the Company shall not prevent Contract owners from allocating payments to a
Portfolio that was otherwise available under the Contracts without first giving
the Fund or the Underwriter 90 days notice of its intention to do so.

          10.4 Notwithstanding any termination of this Agreement, each party's
obligation under Article VIII to indemnify the other parties shall survive.

ARTICLE XI.    Notices

          Any notice shall be sufficiently given when sent by registered or
certified mail to the other party at the address of such party set forth below
or at such other address as such party may from time to time specify in writing
to the other party.

               If to the Fund:

                    T. Rowe Price Associates, Inc.
                    100 East Pratt Street
                    Baltimore, Maryland 21202
                    Attention: Henry H. Hopkins, Esq.

               If to the Company:

                    Sentry Life Insurance Company of New York
                    1800 North Point Drive
                    Stevens Point, Wisconsin 54481
                    Attention: Jerry Stanford

               With a copy to:
                    Legal Department
                    Sentry Life Insurance Company of New York
                    1800 North Point Drive
                    Stevens Point, Wisconsin 54481
                    Attention: Ken Erler


<PAGE>   21


                                       20

               If to Underwriter:

                    T. Rowe Price Investment Services
                    100 East Pratt Street
                    Baltimore, Maryland 21202
                    Attention: Henry H. Hopkins, Esq.

ARTICLE XII. Miscellaneous

          12.1 All references herein to the Fund are to each of the undersigned
Funds as if this agreement were between such individual Fund and the Underwriter
and the Company. All references herein to the Adviser relate solely to the
Adviser of such individual Fund, as appropriate. All persons dealing with a Fund
must look solely to the property of such Fund, and in the case of a series
company, the respective Designated Portfolio listed on Schedule A hereto as
though such Designated Portfolio had separately contracted with the Company and
the Underwriter for the enforcement of any claims against the Fund. The parties
agree that neither the Board, officers, agents or shareholders assume any
personal liability or responsibility for obligations entered into by or on
behalf of the Fund.

          12.2 Subject to the requirements of legal process and regulatory
authority, each party hereto shall treat as confidential the names and addresses
of the owners of the Contracts and all information reasonably identified as
confidential in writing by any other party hereto and, except as permitted by
this Agreement, shall not disclose, disseminate or utilize such names and
addresses and other confidential information without the express written consent
of the affected party until such time as such information may come into the
public domain.

          12.3 The captions in this Agreement are included for convenience of
reference only and in no way define or delineate any of the provisions hereof or
otherwise affect their construction or effect.

          12.4 This Agreement may be executed simultaneously in two or more
counterparts, each of which taken together shall constitute one and the same
instrument.

          12.5 If any provision of this Agreement shall be held or made invalid
by a court decision, statute, rule or otherwise, the remainder of the Agreement
shall not be affected thereby.

          12.6 Each party hereto shall cooperate with each other party and all
appropriate governmental authorities (including without limitation the SEC, the
NASD, and state insurance regulators) and shall permit such authorities
reasonable access to its books and records in connection with any investigation
or inquiry relating to this Agreement or the transactions contemplated hereby.
Notwithstanding the generality of the foregoing, each party hereto further
agrees to furnish the New York Insurance Commissioner with any information or
reports in connection with services provided under this Agreement which such
Commissioner may request in order to ascertain whether the variable annuity
operations of the Company are being conducted in a manner consistent with New
York variable annuity laws and regulations and any other applicable law or
regulations.






<PAGE>   22

                                       21


          12.7 The rights, remedies and obligations contained in this Agreement
are cumulative and are in addition to any and all rights, remedies, and
obligations, at law or in equity, which the parties hereto are entitled to under
state and federal laws.

          12.8 This Agreement or any of the rights and obligations hereunder may
not be assigned by any party without the prior written consent of all parties
hereto.

          12.9 The Company shall furnish or cause to be furnished, to the Fund
or its designee copies of the following reports:

          (a)  the Company's annual statement (prepared under statutory
               accounting principles) and annual report (prepared under
               generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP"), if any), as
               soon as practical and in any event within 90 days after the end
               of each fiscal year.

          (b)  the Company's quarterly statements (statutory) (and GAAP, if
               any), as soon as practical and in any event within 45 days after
               the end of each quarterly period.

          IN WITNESS WHEREOF, each of the parties hereto has caused this
Agreement to be executed in its name and on its behalf by its duly authorized
representative and its seal to be hereunder affixed hereto as of the date
specified below.

COMPANY:                      SENTRY LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY OF NEW
                              YORK

                              By its authorized officer


                              By:    W. O'Reilly
                                    --------------------------------------------
                                     William M. O'Reilly

                              Title: Secretary
                                    --------------------------------------------

                              Date:  June 1, 1999
                                    --------------------------------------------

FUND:                         T. ROWE PRICE EQUITY SERIES, INC.

                              By its authorized officer

                              By:   (signature not readable)
                                    --------------------------------------------

                              Title: Vice President
                                    --------------------------------------------

                              Date: June 1, 1999
                                    --------------------------------------------




<PAGE>   23
                                       22



FUND:                          T. ROWE PRICE FIXED INCOME SERIES, INC.

                               By its authorized officer



                               By:    (signature not readable)
                                      ------------------------------------------

                               Title: Vice President
                                      ------------------------------------------

                               Date:  June 1, 1999
                                      ------------------------------------------


FUND:                         T. ROWE PRICE INTERNATIONAL SERIES, INC.

                              By its authorized officer



                              By:     (signature not readable)
                                      ------------------------------------------

                              Title:  Vice President
                                      ------------------------------------------

                              Date:   June 1, 1999
                                      ------------------------------------------


UNDERWRITER:                  T. ROWE PRICE INVESTMENT SERVICES, INC

                              By its authorized officer



                              By:     (signature not readable)
                                      ------------------------------------------

                              Title:  Vice President
                                      ------------------------------------------

                              Date:   June 1, 1999
                                      ------------------------------------------

<PAGE>   24




                                   SCHEDULE A
                                   ----------
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

NAME OF SEPARATE ACCOUNT
AND DATE ESTABLISHED BY             CONTRACTS FUNDED BY
BOARD OF DIRECTORS                  SEPARATE ACCOUNT                   DESIGNATED PORTFOLIOS
- -------------------------           --------------------               ----------------------
<S>                                 <C>                                <C>
Sentry Variable Life                Individual Flexible                T. Rowe Price Equity Series, Inc.
Account I Established               Purchase Payment                   ---------------------------------
August 24, 1983                     Deferred Variable Annuity          -  T. Rowe Price Equity Income Portfolio
                                                                       -  T. Rowe Price Personal Strategy Balanced
                                                                          Portfolio

                                                                       T. Rowe Price Fixed Income Series, Inc.
                                                                       ----------------------------------------
                                                                       -  T. Rowe Price Limited-Term Bond
                                                                          Portfolio
                                                                       -  T. Rowe Price Prime Reserve Portfolio

                                                                       T. Rowe Price International Series, Inc.
                                                                       ----------------------------------------
                                                                       -  T. Rowe Price International Stock
                                                                          Portfolio
</TABLE>
















<PAGE>   1


                                  EXHIBIT 8(ii)
                        Fund Participation Agreement with
                               Janus Aspen Series


<PAGE>   2
                               JANUS ASPEN SERIES

                          FUND PARTICIPATION AGREEMENT

     THIS AGREEMENT is made this 1st day of June, 1999, between JANUS ASPEN
SERIES, an open-end management investment company organized as a Delaware
business trust (the "Trust"), and Sentry Life Insurance Company of New York, a
life insurance company organized under the laws of the State of New York (the
"Company"), on its own behalf and on behalf of each segregated asset account of
the Company set forth on Schedule A, as may be amended from time to time (the
"Accounts").

                              W I T N E S S E T H:

     WHEREAS, the Trust has registered with the Securities and Exchange
Commission as an open-end management investment company under the Investment
Company Act of 1940, as amended (the "1940 Act"), and has registered the offer
and sale of its shares under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "1933
Act"); and

     WHEREAS, the Trust desires to act as an investment vehicle for separate
accounts established for variable life insurance policies and variable annuity
contracts to be offered by insurance companies that have entered into
participation agreements with the Trust (the "Participating Insurance
Companies"); and

     WHEREAS, the beneficial interest in the Trust is divided into several
series of shares, each series representing an interest in a particular managed
portfolio of securities and other assets (the "Portfolios"); and

     WHEREAS, the Trust has received an order from the Securities and Exchange
Commission granting Participating Insurance Companies and their separate
accounts exemptions from the provisions of Section 9(a), 13(a), 15(a) and 15(b)
of the 1940 Act, and Rules 6e-2(b)(15) and 6e-3(T)(b)(15) thereunder, to the
extent necessary to permit shares of the Trust to be sold to and held by
variable annuity and variable life insurance separate accounts of both
affiliated and unaffiliated life insurance companies and certain qualified
pension and retirement plans (the "Exemptive Order"); and

     WHEREAS, the Company has registered certain variable life insurance
policies and/or variable annuity contracts under the 1933 Act (the "Contracts");
and

     WHEREAS, the Company has registered each Account as a unit investment trust
under the 1940 Act; and

     WHEREAS, said Accounts presently utilize as their investment vehicle
another investment company (the "Predecessor Investment Company"), but Company
has indicated its intention to secure necessary regulatory approvals to
terminate the agreements with the Predecessor Investment Company, and

     WHEREAS, the Company desires to utilize shares of one or more Portfolios as
an investment vehicle of the Accounts upon completion of the termination of the
present arrangement with the Predecessor Investment Company.

                                       1
<PAGE>   3


     NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of their mutual promises, the parties
agree as follows upon the termination of the arrangements with the Predecessor
Investment Company:

                                    ARTICLE I
                              Sale of Trust Shares

     1.1 The Trust shall make shares of its Portfolios available to the Accounts
at the net asset value next computed after receipt of such purchase order by the
Trust (or its agent), as established in accordance with the provisions of the
then current prospectus of the Trust. Shares of a particular Portfolio of the
Trust shall be ordered in such quantities and at such times as determined by the
Company to be necessary to meet the requirements of the Contracts. The Trustees
of the Trust (the "Trustees") may refuse to sell shares of any Portfolio to any
person, or suspend or terminate the offering of shares of any Portfolio if such
action is required by law or by regulatory authorities having jurisdiction or
is, in the sole discretion of the Trustees acting in good faith and in light of
their fiduciary duties under federal and any applicable state laws, necessary in
the best interests of the shareholders of such Portfolio.

     1.2 The Trust will redeem any full or fractional shares of any Portfolio
when requested by the Company on behalf of an Account at the net asset value
next computed after receipt of the Trust (or its agent) of the request for
redemption, as established in accordance with the provisions of the then current
prospectus of the Trust. The Trust shall make payment for such shares in the
manner established from time to time by the Trust, but in no event shall payment
be delayed for a greater period than is permitted by the 1940 Act.

     1.3 For the purposes of Sections 1.1 and 1.2, The Trust hereby appoints the
Company as its agent for the limited purpose of receiving and accepting purchase
and redemption orders resulting from investment in and payments under the
Contracts. Receipt by the Company shall constitute receipt by the Trust provided
that i) such orders are received by the Company in good order prior to the time
the net asset value of each Portfolio is priced in accordance with its
prospectus and ii) the Trust receives notice of such orders by 10:00 a.m. New
York time on the next following Business Day. "Business Day" shall mean any day
on which the New York Stock Exchange is open for trading and on which the Trust
calculates its net asset value pursuant to the rules of the Securities and
Exchange Commission.

     1.4 Purchase orders that are transmitted to the Trust in accordance with
Section 1.3 shall be paid for no later than 12:00 noon New York time on the same
Business Day that the Trust receives notice of the order. Payments shall be made
in federal funds transmitted by wire.

     1.5 Issuance and transfer of the Trust's shares will be by book entry only.
Stock certificates will not be issued to the Company or the Account. Shares
ordered from the Trust will be recorded in the appropriate title for each
Account or the appropriate subaccount of each Account.

     1.6 The Trust shall furnish prompt notice to the Company of any income
dividends or capital gain distributions payable on the Trust's shares. The
Company hereby elects to receive all such income dividends and capital gain
distributions as are payable on a Portfolio's shares in additional shares of
that Portfolio. The Trust shall notify the Company of the number of shares so
issued as payment of such dividends and distributions.


                                       2
<PAGE>   4




     1.7 The Trust shall make the net asset value per share for each Portfolio
available to the Company on a daily basis as soon as reasonably practical after
the net asset value per share is calculated and shall use its best efforts to
make such net asset value per share available by 6 p.m. New York time.

     1.8 The Trust agrees that its shares will be sold only to Participating
Insurance Companies and their separate accounts and to certain qualified pension
and retirement plans to the extent permitted by the Exemptive Order. No shares
of any Portfolio will be sold directly to the general public. The Company agrees
that Trust shares will be used only for the purposes of funding the Contracts
and Accounts listed in Schedule A, as amended from time to time.

     1.9 The Trust agrees that all Participating Insurance Companies shall have
the obligations and responsibilities regarding pass-through voting and conflicts
of interest corresponding to those contained in Section 2.8 and Article IV of
this Agreement.

                                   ARTICLE II
                           Obligations of the Parties

     2.1 The Trust shall prepare and be responsible for filing with the
Securities and Exchange Commission and any state regulators requiring such
filing all shareholder reports, notices, proxy materials (or similar materials
such as voting instruction solicitation materials), prospectuses and statements
of additional information of the Trust. The Trust shall bear the costs of
registration and qualification of its shares, preparation and filing of the
documents listed in this Section 2.1 and all taxes to which an issuer is subject
on the issuance and transfer of its shares.

     2.2 At the option of the Company, the Trust shall either (a) provide the
Company (at the Company's expense) with as many copies of the Trust's current
prospectus, annual report, semi-annual report and other shareholder
communications, including any amendments or supplements to any of the foregoing,
as the Company shall reasonably request; or (b) provide the Company with a
camera ready copy of such documents in a form suitable for printing. The Trust
shall provide the Company with a copy of its statement of additional information
in a form suitable for duplication by the Company. The Trust (at its expense)
shall provide the Company with copies of any Trust sponsored proxy materials in
such quantity as the Company shall reasonably require for distribution to
Contract owners.

     2.3 (a) The Company shall bear the costs of printing and distributing the
Trust's prospectus, statement of additional information, shareholder reports and
other shareholder communications to owners of and applicants for policies for
which the Trust is serving or is to serve as an investment vehicle. The Company
shall bear the costs of distributing proxy materials (or similar materials such
as voting solicitation instructions) to Contract owners. The Company assumes
sole responsibility for ensuring that such materials are delivered to Contract
owners in accordance with applicable federal and state securities laws.

         (b) If the Company elects to include any materials provided by the
Trust, specifically prospectuses, SAIs, shareholder reports and proxy materials,
on its web site or in any other computer or electronic format, the Company
assumes sole responsibility for maintaining such materials in the form provided
by the Trust and for promptly replacing such materials with all updates provided
by the Trust.


                                       3
<PAGE>   5
     2.4 The Company agrees and acknowledges that the Trust's adviser, Janus
Capital Corporation ("Janus Capital"), is the sole owner of the name and mark
"Janus" and that all use of any designation comprised in whole or part of Janus
(a "Janus Mark") under this Agreement shall inure to the benefit of Janus
Capital. Except as provided in Section 2.5, the Company shall not use any Janus
Mark on its own behalf or on behalf of the Accounts or Contracts in any
registration statement, advertisement, sales literature or other materials
relating to the Accounts or Contracts without the prior written consent of Janus
Capital. Upon termination of this Agreement for any reason, the Company shall
cease all use of any Janus Mark(s) as soon as reasonably practicable.

     2.5 The Company shall furnish, or cause to be furnished, to the Trust or
its designee, a copy of each Contract prospectus or statement of additional
information in which the Trust or its investment adviser is named prior to the
filing of such document with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The Company
shall furnish, or shall cause to be furnished, to the Trust or its designee,
each piece of sales literature or other promotional material in which the Trust
or its investment adviser is named, at least fifteen Business Days prior to its
use. No such material shall be used if the Trust or its designee reasonably
objects to such use within fifteen Business Days after receipt of such material.

     2.6 The Company shall not give any information or make any representations
or statements on behalf of the Trust or concerning the Trust or its investment
adviser in connection with the sale of the Contracts other than information or
representations contained in and accurately derived from the registration
statement or prospectus for the Trust shares (as such registration statement and
prospectus may be amended or supplemented from time to time), reports of the
Trust, Trust-sponsored proxy statements, or in sales literature or other
promotional material approved by the Trust or its designee, except as required
by legal process or regulatory authorities or with the written permission of the
Trust or its designee.

     2.7 The Trust shall not give any information or make any representations or
statements on behalf of the Company or concerning the Company, the Accounts or
the Contracts other than information or representations contained in and
accurately derived from the registration statement or prospectus for the
Contracts (as such registration statement and prospectus may be amended or
supplemented from time to time), or in materials approved by the Company for
distribution including sales literature or other promotional materials, except
as required by legal process or regulatory authorities or with the written
permission of the Company.

     2.8 So long as, and to the extent that the Securities and Exchange
Commission interprets the 1940 Act to require pass-through voting privileges for
variable policyowners, the Company will provide pass-through voting privileges
to owners of policies whose cash values are invested, through the Accounts, in
shares of the Trust. The Trust shall require all Participating Insurance
Companies to calculate voting privileges in the same manner and the Company
shall be responsible for assuring that the Accounts calculate voting privileges
in the manner established by the Trust. With respect to each Account, the
Company will vote shares of the Trust held by the Account and for which no
timely voting instructions from policyowners are received as well as shares it
owns that are held by that Account, in the same proportion as those shares for
which voting instructions are received. The Company and its agents will in no
way recommend or oppose or interfere with the solicitation of proxies for Trust
shares held by Contract owners without the prior written consent of the Trust,
which consent may be withheld in the Trust's sole discretion.

                                       4


<PAGE>   6


     2.9 The Company shall notify the Trust of any applicable state insurance
laws that restrict the Portfolios' investments or otherwise affect the operation
of the Trust and shall notify the Trust of any changes in such laws.

                                   ARTICLE III
                         Representations and Warranties

     3.1 The Company represents and warrants that it is an insurance company
duly organized and in good standing under the laws of the State of Wisconsin and
that it has legally and validly established each Account as a segregated asset
account under such law on the date set forth in Schedule A.

     3.2 The Company represents and warrants that each Account has been
registered or, prior to any issuance or sale of the Contracts, will be
registered as a unit investment trust in accordance with the provisions of the
1940 Act.

     3.3 The Company represents and warrants that the Contracts or interests in
the Accounts (1) are or, prior to issuance, will be registered as securities
under the 1933 Act or, alternatively (2) are not registered because they are
properly exempt from registration under the 1933 Act or will be offered
exclusively in transactions that are properly exempt from registration under the
1933 Act. The Company further represents and warrants that the Contracts will be
issued and sold in compliance in all material respects with all applicable
federal and state laws; and the sale of the Contracts shall comply in all
material respects with state insurance suitability requirements.

     3.4 The Company represents and warrants that any of Company's trading
systems that interact with the Trust via any form of automated feed prior to,
during and after the calendar year 2000 will recognize accurate century data,
and user interfaces and operation environments will comply with Year 2000
application standards.

     3.5 The Trust represents and warrants that it is duly organized and validly
existing under the laws of the State of Delaware.

     3.6 The Trust represents and warrants that the Trust shares offered and
sold pursuant to this Agreement will be registered under the 1933 Act and the
Trust shall be registered under the 1940 Act prior to any issuance or sale of
such shares. The Trust shall amend its registration statement under the 1933 Act
and the 1940 Act from time to time as required in order to effect the continuous
offering of its shares. The Trust shall register and qualify its shares for sale
in accordance with the laws of the various states only if and to the extent
deemed advisable by the Trust.

     3.7 The Trust represents and warrants that the investments of each
Portfolio will comply with the diversification requirements set forth in Section
817(h) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, and the rules and
regulations thereunder.

                                        5


<PAGE>   7


                                   ARTICLE IV
                               Potential Conflicts

     4.1 The parties acknowledge that the Trust's shares may be made available
for investment to other Participating Insurance Companies. In such event, the
Trustees will monitor the Trust for the existence of any material irreconcilable
conflict between the interests of the contract owners of all Participating
Insurance Companies. An irreconcilable material conflict may arise for a variety
of reasons, including: (a) an action by any state insurance regulatory
authority; (b) a change in applicable federal or state insurance, tax, or
securities laws or regulations, or a public ruling, private letter ruling,
no-action or interpretative letter, or any similar action by insurance, tax, or
securities regulatory authorities; (c) an administrative or judicial decision in
any relevant proceeding; (d) the manner in which the investments of any
Portfolio are being managed; (e) a difference in voting instructions given by
variable annuity contract and variable life insurance contract owners; or (f) a
decision by an insurer to disregard the voting instructions of contract owners.
The Trustees shall promptly inform the Company if they determine that an
irreconcilable material conflict exists and the implications thereof.

     4.2 The Company agrees to promptly report any potential or existing
conflicts of which it is aware to the Trustees. The Company will assist the
Trustees in carrying out their responsibilities under the Exemptive Order by
providing the Trustees with all information reasonably necessary for the
Trustees to consider any issues raised including, but not limited to,
information as to a decision by the Company to disregard Contract owner voting
instructions.

     4.3 If it is determined by a majority of the Trustees, or a majority of its
disinterested Trustees, that a material irreconcilable conflict exists that
affects the interests of Contract owners, the Company shall, in cooperation with
other Participating Insurance Companies whose contract owners are also affected,
at its expense and to the extent reasonably practicable (as determined by the
Trustees) take whatever steps are necessary to remedy or eliminate the
irreconcilable material conflict, which steps could include: (a) withdrawing the
assets allocable to some or all of the Accounts from the Trust or any Portfolio
and reinvesting such assets in a different investment medium, including (but not
limited to) another Portfolio of the Trust, or submitting the question of
whether or not such segregation should be implemented to a vote of all affected
Contract owners and, as appropriate, segregating the assets of any appropriate
group (i.e., annuity contract owners, life insurance contract owners, or
variable contract owners of one or more Participating Insurance Companies) that
votes in favor of such segregation, or offering to the affected Contract owners
the option of making such a change; and (b) establishing a new registered
management investment company or managed separate account.

     4.4 If a material irreconcilable conflict arises because of a decision by
the Company to disregard Contract owner voting instructions and that decision
represents a minority position or would preclude a majority vote, the Company
may be required, at the Trust's election, to withdraw the affected Account's
investment in the Trust and terminate this Agreement with respect to such
Account; provided, however, that such withdrawal and termination shall be
limited to the extent required by the foregoing material irreconcilable conflict
as determined by a majority of the disinterested Trustees. Any such withdrawal
and termination must take place within six (6) months after the Trust gives
written notice that this provision is being implemented. Until the end of such
six (6) month period, the Trust shall continue to accept and implement orders by
the Company for the purchase and redemption of shares of the Trust.

                                        6


<PAGE>   8


     4.5 If a material irreconcilable conflict arises because a particular state
insurance regulator's decision applicable to the Company conflicts with the
majority of other state regulators, then the Company will withdraw the affected
Account's investment in the Trust and terminate this Agreement with respect to
such Account within six (6) months after the Trustees inform the Company in
writing that it has determined that such decision has created an irreconcilable
material conflict; provided, however, that such withdrawal and termination shall
be limited to the extent required by the foregoing material irreconcilable
conflict as determined by a majority of the disinterested Trustees. Until the
end of such six (6) month period, the Trust shall continue to accept and
implement orders by the Company for the purchase and redemption of shares of the
Trust.

     4.6 For purposes of Sections 4.3 through 4.6 of this Agreement, a majority
of the disinterested Trustees shall determine whether any proposed action
adequately remedies any irreconcilable material conflict, but in no event will
the Company be required to establish a new funding medium for the Contracts if
an offer to do so has been declined by vote of a majority of Contract owners
materially adversely affected by the irreconcilable material conflict. In the
event that the Trustees determine that any proposed action does not adequately
remedy any irreconcilable material conflict, then the Company will withdraw the
Account's investment in the Trust and terminate this Agreement within six (6)
months after the Trustees inform the Company in writing of the foregoing
determination; provided, however, that such withdrawal and termination shall be
limited to the extent required by any such material irreconcilable conflict as
determined by a majority of the disinterested Trustees.

     4.7 The Company shall at least annually submit to the Trustees such
reports, materials or data as the Trustees may reasonably request so that the
Trustees may fully carry out the duties imposed upon them by the Exemptive
Order, and said reports, materials and data shall be submitted more frequently
if deemed appropriate by the Trustees.

     4.8 If and to the extent that Rule 6e-2 and Rule 6e-3(T) are amended, or
Rule 6e-3 is adopted, to provide exemptive relief from any provision of the 1940
Act or the rules promulgated thereunder with respect to mixed or shared funding
(as defined in the Exemptive Order) on terms and conditions materially different
from those contained in the Exemptive Order, then the Trust and/or the
Participating Insurance Companies, as appropriate, shall take such steps as may
be necessary to comply with Rules 6e-2 and 6e-3(T), as amended, and Rule 6e-3,
as adopted, to the extent such rules are applicable.

                                    ARTICLE V
                                 Indemnification

     5.1 Indemnification By the Company. The Company agrees to indemnify and
hold harmless the Trust and each of its Trustees, officers, employees and agents
and each person, if any, who controls the Trust within the meaning of Section 15
of the 1933 Act (collectively, the "Indemnified Parties" for purposes of this
Article V) against any and all losses, claims, damages, liabilities (including
amounts paid in settlement with the written consent of the Company) or expenses
(including the reasonable costs of investigating or defending the alleged loss,
claim, damage, liability or expense and reasonable legal counsel fees incurred
in connection therewith) (collectively, "Losses"), to which the Indemnified
Parties may become subject under any statute or regulation, or at common law or
otherwise, insofar as such Losses:

                                        7


<PAGE>   9


          (a) arise out of or are based upon any untrue statements or alleged
     untrue statements of any material fact contained in a registration
     statement or prospectus for the Contracts or in the Contracts themselves or
     in sales literature generated or approved by the Company on behalf of the
     Contracts or Accounts (or any amendment or supplement to any of the
     foregoing) (collectively, "Company Documents" for the purposes of this
     Article V), or arise out of or are based upon the omission or the alleged
     omission to state therein a material fact required to be stated therein or
     necessary to make the statements therein not misleading, provided that this
     indemnity shall not apply as to any Indemnified Party if such statement or
     omission or such alleged statement or omission was made in reliance upon
     and was accurately derived from written information furnished to the
     Company by or on behalf of the Trust for use in Company Documents or
     otherwise for use in connection with the sale of the Contracts or Trust
     shares; or

          (b) arise out of or result from statements or representations (other
     than statements or representations contained in and accurately derived from
     Trust Documents as defined in Section 5.2(a)) or wrongful conduct of the
     Company or persons under its control, with respect to the sale or
     acquisition of the Contracts or Trust shares; or

          (c) arise out of or result from any untrue statement or alleged untrue
     statement of a material fact contained in Trust Documents as defined in
     Section 5.2(a) or the omission or alleged omission to state therein a
     material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the
     statements therein not misleading if such statement or omission was made in
     reliance upon and accurately derived from written information furnished to
     the Trust by or on behalf of the Company; or

          (d) arise out of or result from any failure by the Company to provide
     the services or furnish the materials required under the terms of this
     Agreement; or

          (e) arise out of or result from any material breach of any
     representation and/or warranty made by the Company in this Agreement or
     arise out of or result from any other material breach of this Agreement by
     the Company.

     5.2 Indemnification By the Trust. The Trust agrees to indemnify and hold
harmless the Company and each of its directors, officers, employees and agents
and each person, if any, who controls the Company within the meaning of Section
15 of the 1933 Act (collectively, the "Indemnified Parties" for purposes of this
Article V) against any and all losses, claims, damages, liabilities (including
amounts paid in settlement with the written consent of the Trust) or expenses
(including the reasonable costs of investigating or defending any alleged loss,
claim, damage, liability or expense and reasonable legal counsel fees incurred
in connection therewith) (collectively, "Losses"), to which the Indemnified
Parties may become subject under any statute or regulation, or at common law or
otherwise, insofar as such Losses:

          (a) arise out of or are based upon any untrue statements or alleged
     untrue statements of any material fact contained in the registration
     statement or prospectus for the Trust (or any amendment or supplement
     thereto), (collectively, "Trust Documents" for the purposes of this Article
     V), or arise out of or are based upon the omission or the alleged omission
     to state therein a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary
     to make the statements therein not misleading, provided that this indemnity
     shall not apply as to any Indemnified Party if such statement or omission
     or such alleged statement or omission was made in reliance upon and was
     accurately derived from written information furnished to the Trust by or on
     behalf of the Company for use in Trust Documents or otherwise for use in
     connection with the sale of the Contracts or Trust shares; or


                                       8
<PAGE>   10





          (b) arise out of or result from statements or representations (other
     than statements or representations contained in and accurately derived from
     Company Documents) or wrongful conduct of the Trust or persons under its
     control, with respect to the sale or acquisition of the Contracts or Trust
     shares; or

          (c) arise out of or result from any untrue statement or alleged untrue
     statement of a material fact contained in Company Documents or the omission
     or alleged omission to state therein a material fact required to be stated
     therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading if such
     statement or omission was made in reliance upon and accurately derived from
     written information furnished to the Company by or on behalf of the Trust;
     or

          (d) arise out of or result from any failure by the Trust to provide
     the services or furnish the materials required under the terms of this
     Agreement, or

          (e) arise out of or result from any material breach of any
     representation and/or warranty made by the Trust in this Agreement or arise
     out of or result from any other material breach of this Agreement by the
     Trust.

     5.3 Neither the Company nor the Trust shall be liable under the
indemnification provisions of Sections 5.1 or 5.2, as applicable, with respect
to any Losses incurred or assessed against an Indemnified Party that arise from
such Indemnified Party's willful misfeasance, bad faith or negligence in the
performance of such Indemnified Party's duties or by reason of such Indemnified
Party's reckless disregard of obligations or duties under this Agreement.

     5.4 Neither the Company nor the Trust shall be liable under the
indemnification provisions of Section 5.1 or 5.2, as applicable, with respect to
any claim made against an Indemnified Party unless such Indemnified Party shall
have notified the other party in writing within a reasonable time after the
summons, or other first written notification, giving information of the nature
of the claim shall have been served upon or otherwise received by such
Indemnified Party (or after such Indemnified Party shall have received notice of
service upon or other notification to any designated agent), but failure to
notify the party against whom indemnification is sought of any such claim shall
not relieve that party from any liability which it may have to the Indemnified
Party in the absence of Section 5.1 and 5.2

     5.5 In case any such action is brought against the Indemnified Parties, the
indemnifying party shall be entitled to participate, as its own expense, in the
defense of such action. The indemnifying party also shall be entitled to assume
the defense thereof, with counsel reasonably satisfactory to the party named in
the action. After notice from the indemnifying party to the Indemnified Party of
an election to assume such defense, the Indemnified Party shall bear the fees
and expenses of any additional counsel retained by it, and the indemnifying
party will not be liable to the Indemnified Party under this Agreement for any
legal or other expenses subsequently incurred by such party independently in
connection with the defense thereof other than reasonable costs of
investigation.


                                        9


<PAGE>   11


                                   ARTICLE VI
                                  Termination

     6.1 This Agreement may be terminated by either party for any reason by
ninety (90) days advance written notice delivered to the other party. However,
this agreement shall remain in effect for such time after the 90-day period has
expired as is necessary for the Company to obtain regulatory approval for
substitution of the Trust Separate Accounts as listed in Schedule A, provided
the Company takes reasonably prompt action to obtain the approval.)

     6.2 Notwithstanding any termination of this Agreement, the Trust shall, at
the option of the Company, continue to make available additional shares of the
Trust (or any Portfolio) pursuant to the terms and conditions of this Agreement
for all Contracts in effect on the effective date of termination of this
Agreement, provided that the Company continues to pay the costs set forth in
Section 2.3

     6.3 The provisions of Article V shall survive the termination of this
Agreement, and the provisions of Article IV and Section 2.8 shall survive the
termination of this Agreement as long as shares of the Trust are held on behalf
of Contract owners in accordance with Section 6.2.




                                       10


<PAGE>   12




                                  ARTICLE VII
                                    Notices

     Any notice shall be sufficiently given when sent by registered or certified
mail to the other party at the address of such party set forth below or at such
other address as such party may from time to time specify in writing to the
other party.

               If to the Trust:

                    Janus Aspen Series
                    100 Fillmore Street
                    Denver, Colorado 80206
                    Attention: General Counsel

               If to the Company:

                    Sentry Life Insurance Company of New York
                    1800 North Point Drive
                    Stevens Point, Wisconsin 54481
                    Attention: Jerry E. Stanford

               With a copy to:

                    Legal Department
                    Sentry Life Insurance Company of New York
                    1800 North Point Drive
                    Stevens Point, Wisconsin 54481
                    Attention: Ken Erler

                                  ARTICLE VIII
                                  Miscellaneous

     8.1 The captions in this Agreement are included for convenience of
reference only and in no way define or delineate any of the provisions hereof or
otherwise affect their construction or effect.

     8.2 This Agreement may be executed simultaneously in two or more
counterparts, each of which taken together shall constitute one and the same
instrument.

     8.3 If any provision of this Agreement shall be held or made invalid by a
court decision, statute, rule or otherwise, the remainder of the Agreement shall
not be affected thereby.

     8.4 This Agreement shall be construed and the provisions hereof interpreted
under and in accordance with the laws of State of Colorado.


                                       11
<PAGE>   13


     8.5  The parties to this Agreement acknowledge and agree that all
liabilities of the Trust arising, directly or indirectly, under this Agreement,
of any and every nature whatsoever, shall be satisfied solely out of the assets
of the Trust and that no Trustee, officer, agent or holder of shares of
beneficial interest of the Trust shall be personally liable for any such
liabilities.

     8.6  Each party shall cooperate with each other party and all appropriate
governmental authorities (including without limitation the Securities and
Exchange Commission, the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc., and
state insurance regulators) and shall permit such authorities reasonable access
to its book and records in connection with any investigation or inquiry relating
to this Agreement or the transactions contemplated hereby.

     8.7  The rights, remedies and obligations contained in this Agreement are
cumulative and are in addition to any and all rights, remedies and obligations,
at law or in equity, which the parties hereto are entitled to under state and
federal laws.

     8.8  The parties to this Agreement acknowledge and agree that this
Agreement shall not be exclusive in any respect.

     8.9  Neither this Agreement nor any rights or obligations hereunder may be
assigned by either party without the prior written approval of the other party.

     8.10 No provisions of this Agreement may be amended or modified in any
manner except by a written agreement properly authorized and executed by both
parties.

     IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have caused their duly authorized officers
to execute this Participation Agreement as of the date and year first above
written.

                                   JANUS ASPEN SERIES


                                   By:       Bonnie Howe
                                      --------------------------------------

                                   Name:  Bonnie Howe
                                        ------------------------------------

                                   Title: Assistant V.P.
                                         -----------------------------------


                                   SENTRY LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY OF NEW YORK

                                   By:     William M. O'Reilly
                                      -------------------------------------

                                   Name:   William M. O'Reilly
                                        -----------------------------------

                                   Title:  Secretary
                                         ----------------------------------


                                       12


<PAGE>   14




                                   Schedule A

                   Separate Accounts and Associated Contracts


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
NAME OF SEPARATE ACCOUNT
DATE ESTABLISHED BY                CONTRACTS FUNDED
BOARD OF DIRECTORS                 BY SEPARATE ACCOUNT                DESIGNATED PORTFOLIO
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                <C>                                <C>
Sentry Variable Life Account I     Individual Flexible                Janus Aspen Series
Established August 24, 1983        Purchase Payment                   Growth
                                   Deferred Variable Annuity          Aggressive Growth
                                                                      Capital Appreciation
                                                                      Worldwide Growth
                                                                      Balanced
</TABLE>






                                       13











<PAGE>   15




June 1, 1999

SENTRY LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY OF NEW YORK
1800 NORTH POINT DR
STEVENS POINT, WI 54481

Dear Jerry,

     This letter sets forth the agreement between Sentry Life Insurance Company
(the "Company"), and Janus Capital Corporation (the "Adviser"), concerning
certain administrative services.

1.   Administrative Services and Expenses. Administrative services for the
     separate accounts of the Company (the "Accounts") which invests in one or
     more portfolios (collectively, the "Portfolios") of Janus Aspen Series (the
     "Trust") pursuant to the Participation Agreement between the Company and
     the Trust dated June 1, 1999, (the "Participation Agreement"), and for
     purchasers of variable annuity or life insurance contracts (the
     "Contracts") issued through the Accounts are the responsibility of the
     Company. Administrative services for the Portfolios, in which the Accounts
     invest, and for purchasers of shares of the Portfolios, are the
     responsibility of the Trust. The administrative services the Company
     intends to provide to the Trust and its Portfolios are set forth in
     Schedule A attached to this letter agreement, which may be amended from
     time to time.

2.   Service Fee. In consideration of the anticipated administrative expense
     savings resulting to the Trust from the Company's services, the Adviser
     agrees to pay the Company a fee ("Service Fee"), computed daily and paid
     monthly in arrears, at an annual rate equal to fifteen (15) basis points
     (0.15%) of the average monthly value of the shares of the Portfolios held
     in the Accounts, such payments to commence following the month in which the
     average monthly value of investments by the Accounts reaches $50 million.
     The Service Fee will be correspondingly suspended if the average monthly
     value of such investments drops below $50 million in any month.

     For purposes of this Paragraph 2, the average monthly value of the shares
     of the Portfolios will be based on the sum of the daily net asset values of
     the Portfolios (as calculated by the Portfolios) on each calendar day in a
     month divided by the number of calendar days in the month.

3.   Nature of Payments. The parties to this letter agreement recognize and
     agree that the Adviser's payments to the Company relate to administrative
     services to the Trust only and do not constitute payment in any manner for
     administrative services provided by the Company to the Account or to the
     Contracts, for investment advisory services or for costs of distribution of
     Contracts or of shares of the Portfolios, and that these payments are not
     otherwise related to investment advisory or distribution services or
     expenses.

                                       14
<PAGE>   16


4.   Representations and Warranties.


     a.   The Adviser represents and warrants that in the event the Trustees of
          the Trust approve the payment of all or any portion of the Service Fee
          by the Trust, the Trust will calculate in the same manner the Service
          Fee to all insurance companies that have entered into Service Fee
          arrangements with the Adviser and/or the Trust (the "Participating
          Insurance Companies").

     b.   The Company represents and warrants that: (1) it and its employees and
          agents meet the requirements of applicable law, including but not
          limited to federal and state securities law and state insurance law,
          for the performance of services contemplated herein; and (2) it will
          not purchase Trust shares of the Portfolios with Account assets
          derived from tax-qualified retirement plans except indirectly, through
          Contracts purchased in connection with such plans and that the Service
          Fee does not include any payment to the Company that is prohibited
          under the Employee Retirement Income Securities Act of 1974 ("ERISA")
          with respect to any assets of a Contract owner invested in a Contract
          using the Portfolios as investment vehicles.

     c.   The Company represents, warrants and agrees that: (1) the payment of
          the Service Fee by the Adviser is designed to reimburse the Company
          for providing administrative services to the Trust that the Trust
          would customarily pay and does not represent reimbursement to the
          Company for providing administrative services to the Contract or
          Account as described in Section 26 of the Investment Company Act of
          1940 (the "1940 Act") and the rules and regulations thereunder; (2) no
          portion of the service fee will be rebated by the Company to any
          contract owner: and (3) if required by applicable law, the Company
          will disclose to each Contract owner the existence of the Service Fee
          received by the Company pursuant to this letter agreement in a form
          consistent with the requirements of applicable law and will disclose
          the amount of the Service Fee, if any, that is paid by the Trust.

5.   Indemnification

     a.   The Company agrees to indemnify and hold harmless the Adviser and its
          directors, officers, and employees from any and all loss, liability
          and expense resulting from any gross negligence or willful wrongful
          act of the Company in performing its services under this letter
          agreement, from the inaccuracy or breach of any representation made in
          this letter agreement, or from a breach of a material provision of
          this letter agreement, except to the extent such loss, liability or
          expense is the result of the Adviser's willful misfeasance, bad faith
          or gross negligence in the performance of its duties.

     b.   The Advisor agrees to indemnify and hold harmless the Company and its
          directors, officers, agents and employees from any and all loss,
          liability and expense resulting from any gross negligence or willful
          wrongful act of the Adviser in performing its services under this
          letter agreement, from the inaccuracy or breach of any representation
          made in this letter agreement, or from a breach of a material
          provision of this letter agreement, except to the extent such loss,
          liability or expense is the result of the Company's willful
          misfeasance, bad faith or gross negligence in the performance of its
          duties.



<PAGE>   17




6.   Termination.

     a.   Either party may terminate this letter agreement, without penalty, on
          sixty (60) days' written notice to the other party.

     b.   This letter agreement will terminate at the option of either party in
          the event of the termination of the Participation Agreement.

     c.   This letter agreement will terminate immediately upon the
          determination of either party, with the advice of counsel, that the
          payment of the Service Fee is in conflict with applicable law.

7.   Amendment. This letter agreement may be amended only upon mutual agreement
     of the parties hereto in writing.

8.   Confidentiality. The terms of this letter agreement will be treated as
     confidential and will not be disclosed to the public or any outside party
     except with each party's prior written consent, as required by law or
     judicial process or as provided in paragraph 4c herein.

9.   Assignment. This letter agreement may not be assigned (as that term is
     defined in the 1940 Act) by either party without the prior written approval
     of the other party, which approval will not be unreasonably withheld,
     except that the Adviser may assign its obligations under this letter
     agreement, including the payment of all or any portion of the Service Fee,
     to the Trust upon thirty (30) days' written notice to the Company.

10.  Governing Law. This letter agreement will be construed and the provisions
     hereof interpreted under and in accordance with the laws of the State of
     Colorado.

11.  Counterparts. This letter agreement may be executed in counterparts, each
     of which will be deemed an original but all of which will together
     constitute one and the same instrument.

If this letter agreement is consistent with your understanding of the matters we
discussed concerning administrative expense payments, kindly sign below and
return a signed copy to us.


Very truly yours,

JANUS CAPITAL CORPORATION

By:     David W. Agostine
   ---------------------------

Name:   David W. Agostine
     -------------------------

Title:  Vice President
      ------------------------

SENTRY LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY OF NEW YORK

By:    William M. O'Rielly
   ---------------------------

Name:  William M. O'Rielly
     -------------------------

Title: Secretary
      ------------------------

Attachment. Schedule A


<PAGE>   18


                                   SCHEDULE A

Pursuant to the letter agreement to which this Schedule is attached, the Company
will perform administrative services including, but not limited to, the
following:

     1. Print and mail to Contract owners copies of the Portfolios'
prospectuses, proxy materials, periodic fund reports to shareholders and other
materials that the Trust is required by law or otherwise to provide to its
shareholders.

     2. Provide Contract owner services including, but not limited to, financial
consultants' advice with respect to inquiries related to the Portfolios (not
including information about performance or related to sales) and communicating
with Contract owners about Portfolio (and subaccount) performance.

     3. Provide other administrative support for the Trust as mutually agreed to
by the Company and the Adviser and relieve the Trust of other usual or
incidental administrative services provided to individual Contract owners.

















                                       17

<PAGE>   1

                                    Exhibit 9

                         Opinion and Consent of Counsel


<PAGE>   2


                 [BLAZZARD, GRODD & HASENAUER, P.C. LETTERHEAD]






                                December 30, 1999



Board of Directors
Sentry Life Insurance Company of New York
220 Salina Meadows Parkway
North Syracuse, NY  13212

         Re:  Opinion of Counsel - Sentry Variable Account I

Gentlemen:

You have requested our Opinion of counsel in connection with the filing with the
Securities and Exchange Commission of a Post-Effective Amendment to a
Registration Statement on form N-4 for the Individual Deferred Variable Annuity
Contracts (the "Contracts") to be issued by Sentry Life Insurance Company of New
York and its separate account, Sentry Variable Account I.

We have made such examination of the law and have examined such records and
documents as in our judgment are necessary or appropriate to enable us to render
the opinions expressed below.

We are of the following opinions:

1.   Sentry Variable Account I is a Unit Investment Trust as that term is
     defined in Section 4(2) of the Investment Company Act of 1940 (the "Act"),
     and is currently registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission,
     pursuant to Section 8(a) of the Act.

2.   Upon the acceptance of purchase payments made by an Owner pursuant to a
     Contract issued in accordance with the Prospectus contained in the
     Registration Statement and upon compliance with applicable law, such an
     Owner will have a legally-issued, fully paid, non-assessable contractual
     interest under such Contract.

You may use this opinion letter, or a copy thereof, as an exhibit to the
Registration Statement.

We consent to the reference to our Firm under the caption "Legal Opinions"
contained in the Statement of Additional Information which forms a part of the
Registration Statement.


                                   Sincerely,

                                   BLAZZARD, GRODD & HASENAUER, P.C.

                                   By: s/Lynn Korman Stone
                                       -------------------
                                         Lynn Korman Stone



<PAGE>   1


                                  Exhibit (10)

                       Consent of Independent Accountants


<PAGE>   2


                      [PRICEWATERHOUSECOOPERS LETTERHEAD]




                       CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS


We consent to the inclusion in Post-Effective Amendment No. 20 to the
Registration Statement of Sentry Variable Account I (the "Account") on Form N-4
(File No. 2-87746) in the Statement of Additional Information of:

          (1)  Our report dated February 11, 1999, on our audits of the
               financial statements of the Account; and

          (2)  Our report dated February 12, 1999, on our audits of the
               statutory-basis financial statements of Sentry Life Insurance
               Company.

We also consent to the reference to our Firm under the caption "Independent
Accountant" in the Statement of Additional Information.


s/ PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP


December 30, 1999





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