MERRILL LYNCH LIFE VARIABLE LIFE SEPARATE ACCOUNT II
485BPOS, 1997-04-30
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<PAGE>   1
 
   
     AS FILED WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION ON APRIL 30, 1997
    
                                                       REGISTRATION NO. 33-43058
================================================================================
 
                       SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                             WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
                            ------------------------
 
   
                         POST EFFECTIVE AMENDMENT NO. 7
    
                                       TO
 
                                    FORM S-6
                   FOR REGISTRATION UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT
                    OF 1933 OF SECURITIES OF UNIT INVESTMENT
                        TRUSTS REGISTERED ON FORM N-8B-2
                            ------------------------
 
              MERRILL LYNCH LIFE VARIABLE LIFE SEPARATE ACCOUNT II
                             (EXACT NAME OF TRUST)
 
                      MERRILL LYNCH LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
                              (NAME OF DEPOSITOR)
 
                             800 SCUDDERS MILL ROAD
                          PLAINSBORO, NEW JERSEY 08536
         (COMPLETE ADDRESS OF DEPOSITOR'S PRINCIPAL EXECUTIVE OFFICES)
 
                            ------------------------
 
                            BARRY G. SKOLNICK, ESQ.
                   Senior Vice President and General Counsel
                      MERRILL LYNCH LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
                             800 SCUDDERS MILL ROAD
                          PLAINSBORO, NEW JERSEY 08536
                (NAME AND COMPLETE ADDRESS OF AGENT FOR SERVICE)
 
                            ------------------------
                                    COPY TO:
                             STEPHEN E. ROTH, ESQ.
   
                      SUTHERLAND, ASBILL & BRENNAN, L.L.P.
    
                         1275 PENNSYLVANIA AVENUE, N.W.
                          WASHINGTON, D.C. 20004-2404
                            ------------------------
 
   
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
It is proposed that this filing will become effective (check appropriate box)
[ ] immediately upon filing pursuant to paragraph (b)
[X] on May 1, 1997 pursuant to paragraph (b)
[ ] 60 days after filing pursuant to paragraph (a) (1)
[ ] on (date) pursuant to paragraph (a) (1) of Rule 485
[ ] this post-effective amendment designates a new effective date for a
    previously filed post-effective amendment
</TABLE>
    
 
Check box if it is proposed that the filing will become effective on (date) at
(time) pursuant to Rule 487 [ ]
 
   
     PURSUANT TO RULE 24F-2 OF THE INVESTMENT COMPANY ACT OF 1940, THE
REGISTRANT HAS REGISTERED AN INDEFINITE AMOUNT OF SECURITIES UNDER THE
SECURITIES ACT OF 1933. THE REGISTRANT FILED THE 24F-2 NOTICE FOR THE YEAR ENDED
DECEMBER 31, 1996 ON FEBRUARY 26, 1997.
    
 
================================================================================
<PAGE>   2
 
                        MERRILL LYNCH LIFE VARIABLE LIFE
                              SEPARATE ACCOUNT II
                CROSS REFERENCE TO ITEMS REQUIRED BY FORM N-8B-2
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
N-8B-2 ITEM                                          CAPTION IN PROSPECTUS
- -----------                 ------------------------------------------------------------------------
<C>                         <S>
      1                     Cover Page
      2                     Cover Page
      3                     More About the Separate Account and Its Divisions
      4                     Facts About the Insurance Company and the Separate Account
      5                     Facts About the Insurance Company and the Separate Account
      6                     Facts About the Insurance Company and the Separate Account; More About
                             the Separate Account and Its Divisions
      7                     Not Applicable
      8                     Not Applicable
      9                     More About the Insurance Company
     10                     Summary of the Policy; Facts About the Policy; More About the Policy;
                             More About the Separate Account and Its Divisions
     11                     Summary of the Policy; Facts About the Insurance Company and the
                             Separate Account; More About the Separate Account and Its Divisions
     12                     Summary of the Policy; Facts About the Insurance Company and the
                             Separate Account; More About the Separate Account and Its Divisions
     13                     Summary of the Policy; Facts About the Policy; More About the Policy;
                             More About the Separate Account and Its Divisions
     14                     Facts About the Policy; More About the Policy
     15                     Summary of the Policy; Facts About the Policy
     16                     Summary of the Policy; Facts About the Policy; More About the Separate
                             Account and Its Divisions
     17                     Summary of the Policy; Facts About the Policy; More About the Policy
     18                     More About the Separate Account and Its Divisions
     19                     Facts About the Insurance Company and the Separate Account
     20                     More About the Separate Account and Its Divisions
     21                     Facts About the Policy
     22                     More About the Separate Account and Its Divisions
     23                     Not Applicable
     24                     Facts About the Policy; More About the Policy
     25                     Facts About the Insurance Company and the Separate Account
     26                     Not Applicable
     27                     Facts About the Insurance Company and the Separate Account; More About
                             the Insurance Company
     28                     More About the Insurance Company
     29                     Facts About the Insurance Company and the Separate Account
     30                     Not Applicable
     31                     Not Applicable
     32                     Not Applicable
</TABLE>
<PAGE>   3
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
N-8B-2 ITEM                                          CAPTION IN PROSPECTUS
- -----------                 ------------------------------------------------------------------------
<C>                         <S>
     33                     Not Applicable
     34                     Not Applicable
     35                     More About the Policy
     36                     Not Applicable
     37                     Not Applicable
     38                     More About the Policy
     39                     Facts About the Insurance Company and the Separate Account; More About
                             the Policy
     40                     Not Applicable
     41                     Facts About the Insurance Company and the Separate Account; More About
                             the Policy
     42                     Not Applicable
     43                     Not Applicable
     44                     Summary of the Policy; Facts About the Policy; More About the Policy;
                             More About the Separate Account and Its Divisions
     45                     Not Applicable
     46                     Facts About the Policy; More About the Separate Account and Its
                             Divisions
     47                     Facts About the Policy; More About the Separate Account and Its
                             Divisions
     48                     More About the Separate Account and Its Divisions
     49                     More About the Separate Account and Its Divisions
     50                     Not Applicable
     51                     Cover Page; Facts About the Policy; More About the Policy
     52                     More About the Separate Account and Its Divisions
     53                     More About the Policy
     54                     Not Applicable
     55                     Not Applicable
     56                     Not Applicable
     57                     Not Applicable
     58                     Not Applicable
     59                     Financial Statements
</TABLE>
<PAGE>   4
 
                        PROSPECTUS
                        --------------------------------------------------------
                        Single Premium Variable Life Insurance Policy
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   
                        This prospectus ("Prospectus") is for a single premium
                        variable life insurance policy issued by Merrill Lynch
                        Life Insurance Company (the "Insurance Company" or "We"
                        or "Us"), a subsidiary of Merrill Lynch & Co., Inc. The
                        policy permits you, as the policyowner, to make
                        additional payments subject to certain restrictions. The
                        policy is not currently being offered for sale to new
                        purchasers.
    
 
   
                        Until the end of the "free look" period, your single
                        premium will be placed in the division investing in the
                        Money Reserve Portfolio. After the "free look" period,
                        your investment base may be allocated among up to any
                        five investment divisions. Each division is part of
                        Merrill Lynch Life Variable Life Separate Account II
                        (the "Separate Account"), a separate investment account
                        of the Insurance Company. The investments available
                        through the divisions include ten mutual fund portfolios
                        of the Merrill Lynch Series Fund, Inc. ("Series Fund");
                        seven mutual fund portfolios of the Merrill Lynch
                        Variable Series Funds, Inc., ("Variable Series Funds");
                        two mutual fund portfolios of the AIM Variable Insurance
                        Funds, Inc. ("AIM V.I. Funds"); one mutual fund
                        portfolio of the Alliance Variable Products Series Fund,
                        Inc. ("Alliance Fund"); two mutual fund portfolios of
                        the MFS Variable Insurance Trust ("MFS Trust") (each a
                        "Fund"; collectively, the "Funds"); and sixteen unit
                        investment trusts in The Merrill Lynch Fund of Stripped
                        ("Zero") U.S. Treasury Securities (collectively the
                        "Trusts" and individually, a "Trust"). Under our current
                        rules, you may change the allocation of your investment
                        base as many times as you wish.
    
 
                        The policy provides life insurance coverage on the
                        insured. We guarantee that the coverage will remain in
                        force for life, or for a shorter time depending on the
                        face amount selected for a given single premium. During
                        this guarantee period, we may terminate the policy only
                        if the policy debt exceeds certain policy values. After
                        the guarantee period, the policy will remain in force as
                        long as there is not excessive policy debt and as long
                        as the policy's net cash surrender value is sufficient
                        to cover the charges due.
 
                        While the policy is in force, the death benefit may vary
                        to reflect the policy's investment results but will
                        never be less than the current face amount.
 
                        You may turn in the policy for its net cash surrender
                        value while the insured is still living. The net cash
                        surrender value will vary with the investment results of
                        the policy. We don't guarantee any minimum.
 
                        It may not be advantageous to replace existing insurance
                        with the policy. Within certain limits, you may return
                        the policy or exchange it for life insurance with
                        benefits that do not vary with the investment results of
                        a separate account.
 
   
                        If you make certain changes to your policy, including
                        additional payments, it may be treated as a "modified
                        endowment contract" under Federal tax law. If the policy
                        is a modified endowment contract, any loan, capitalized
                        interest or complete surrender may result in adverse tax
                        consequences and/or penalties. See "Tax Considerations",
                        page 33.
    
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                        THESE SECURITIES HAVE NOT BEEN APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED
                        BY THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION NOR HAS THE
                        COMMISSION PASSED UPON THE ACCURACY OR ADEQUACY OF THIS
                        PROSPECTUS. ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS A
                        CRIMINAL OFFENSE.
 
   
                        PLEASE READ THIS PROSPECTUS AND KEEP IT FOR FUTURE
                        REFERENCE. IT IS NOT VALID UNLESS ACCOMPANIED BY CURRENT
                        PROSPECTUSES FOR THE MERRILL LYNCH SERIES FUND, INC.;
                        THE MERRILL LYNCH VARIABLE SERIES FUNDS, INC.; THE AIM
                        VARIABLE INSURANCE FUNDS, INC.; THE ALLIANCE VARIABLE
                        PRODUCTS SERIES FUND, INC.; THE MFS VARIABLE INSURANCE
                        TRUST; AND THE MERRILL LYNCH FUND OF STRIPPED ("ZERO")
                        U.S. TREASURY SECURITIES.
    
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
   
<TABLE>                                               
                        <S>                                   <C>
                        Issued by:                            Administered at:
                           Merrill Lynch Life                    Service Center
                            Insurance Company                    P.O. Box 9025
                             Plainsboro,                         Springfield, Massachusetts
                        New Jersey 08536                           01102-9025
                        Distributed by:                    
                           Merrill Lynch Pierce,           
                            Fenner & Smith Incorporated    
                            ("MLPF&S")                     
                            Plainsboro, New Jersey 08536   
                        Date: May 1, 1997                  
                                                           
</TABLE>                                                   
                                                           
<PAGE>   5
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                        Table of Contents
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   
Summary of the Policy   Purpose of the Policy............................      4
    
   
                        Availability.....................................      4
    
   
                        The Investment Divisions.........................      4
    
   
                        How the Death Benefit Varies.....................      4
    
   
                        How the Investment Base Varies...................      4
    
   
                        Net Cash Surrender Value and Cash Surrender
                        Value............................................      4
    
   
                        Your Right to Cancel ("Free Look" Period) or Exchange
                        Your Policy......................................      5
    
   
                        How Death Benefit and Cash Surrender Value Increases are
                        Taxed............................................      5
    
   
                        Charges to Your Investment Base..................      5
    
   
                        Other Charges and Fees...........................      6
    
   
                        Assumption of Previously Issued Policies and Subsequent
                        Merger...........................................      6
    
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   
Important Terms         Important Terms..................................      8
    
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   
Facts About the Insurance
Company
    
   
and the Separate 
Account                 The Insurance Company and MLPF&S.................      9
    
   
                        The Insurance Company's Separate Account.........      9
    
   
                        The Series Fund..................................      9
    
   
                        The Variable Series Funds.......................      11
    
   
                        The AIM V.I. Funds..............................      12
    
   
                        The Alliance Fund...............................      12
    
   
                        The MFS Trust...................................      13
    
   
                        Certain Risks of the Funds.......................     13
    
   
                        The Trusts.......................................     14
    
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   
Facts About the Policy  Who May be Covered By a Policy...................     15
    
   
                        Premiums.........................................     15
    
   
                        Making Additional Payments.......................     16
    
   
                        Investment Base..................................     17
    
   
                        Charges Deducted from Your Investment Base.......     18
    
   
                        Charges to the Separate Account..................     20
    
   
                        Charges to Series Fund Assets....................     20
    
   
                        Charges to Variable Series Funds Assets..........     20
    
   
                        Charges to AIM V.I. Funds Assets.................     21
    
   
                        Charges to Alliance Fund Assets..................     21
    
   
                        Charges to MFS Trust Assets......................     21
    
   
                        Net Cash Surrender Value.........................     21
    
   
                        Policy Loans.....................................     22
    
   
                        Death Benefit Proceeds...........................     23
    
   
                        Payment of Death Benefit Proceeds................     24
    
   
                        Policy Guarantees................................     24
    
   
                        When Your Guarantee Period is Less Than for
                        Life.............................................     25
    
   
                        Your Right to Cancel ("Free Look" Period) or Exchange
                        Your Policy......................................     25
    
   
                        Reports to Policyowners..........................     26
    
   
                        Single Premium Immediate Annuity Rider...........     26
    
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   
More About the Policy   Using Your Policy................................     27
    
   
                        Some Administrative Procedures...................     28
    
   
                        Other Policy Provisions..........................     29
    
   
                        Income Plans.....................................     30
    
   
                        Group or Sponsored Arrangements..................     31
    
   
                        Legal Considerations for Employers...............     31
    
   
                        Selling the Policies.............................     32
    
   
                        Administrative Services..........................     32
    
   
                        Tax Considerations...............................     33
    
   
                        The Insurance Company's Income Taxes.............     36
    
   
                        Reinsurance......................................     36
    
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   
More About the Separate
Account
    
   
and Its Divisions       About the Separate Account.......................     37
    
   
                        Changes Within the Separate Account..............     37
    
   
                        Net Rate of Return for an Investment Division....     37
    
   
                        The Funds........................................     38
    
   
                        Resolving Material Conflicts.....................     39
    
   
                        The Trusts.......................................     40
    
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   
Illustrations           Illustrations of Death Benefits, Investment Base, Cash
                        Surrender Values and Accumulated Premiums........     41
    
 
                                        2
<PAGE>   6
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   
More About the Insurance
Company                 Management.......................................     48
    
   
                        State Regulation.................................     48
    
   
                        Registration Statement...........................     49
    
   
                        Legal Proceedings................................     49
    
   
                        Legal Matters....................................     49
    
   
                        Experts..........................................     49
    
   
                        Financial Statements.............................     49
    
                        Financial Statements of Merrill Lynch Life Variable Life
                        Separate Account II.....................................
                        Financial Statements of Merrill Lynch Life Insurance
                        Company.................................................
 
THIS PROSPECTUS DOES NOT CONSTITUTE AN OFFERING IN ANY JURISDICTION IN WHICH
SUCH OFFERING MAY NOT LAWFULLY BE MADE. NO PERSON IS AUTHORIZED TO MAKE ANY
REPRESENTATIONS IN CONNECTION WITH THIS OFFERING OTHER THAN THOSE CONTAINED IN
THIS PROSPECTUS.
 
                                        3
<PAGE>   7
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                        Summary of the Policy
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Purpose of the Policy   A single premium variable life policy offers a choice of
                        investments and an opportunity for the policy's
                        investment base, net cash surrender value and death
                        benefit to grow based on investment results.
 
   
                        We don't promise that your policy values will increase.
                        Depending on the policy's investment results, the
                        investment base and net cash surrender value may
                        increase or decrease on any day and the death benefit
                        may increase or decrease on any policy processing date.
                        As the policyowner, you bear the investment risk. We do
                        guarantee to keep the policy in force during the
                        guarantee period as long as the policy debt does not
                        exceed certain policy values (see "Interest", page 22).
    
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Availability            We can issue a policy for an insured up to age 75. The
                        minimum single premium is $5,000 for an insured under
                        age 20 and $10,000 for an insured age 20 and over or, if
                        less, for all ages the single premium required to
                        purchase a face amount of at least $100,000. (The policy
                        won't be available to insure residents of certain
                        municipalities in Kentucky where premium taxes in excess
                        of a certain level are imposed.) The policies are not
                        currently being offered for sale to new purchasers.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   
The Investment
Divisions               Your single premium submitted with your application will
                        automatically be placed in the division of the Separate
                        Account investing in the Money Reserve Portfolio. After
                        the "free look" period, you may choose to invest in up
                        to 5 of the 38 investment divisions in the Separate
                        Account available for new allocations (see "Changing
                        Your Investment Base Allocation", page 18). Ten
                        investment divisions of the Separate Account invest
                        exclusively in shares of designated mutual fund
                        portfolios of the Series Fund. Seven investment
                        divisions of the Separate Account invest exclusively in
                        Class A shares of designated mutual fund portfolios of
                        the Variable Series Funds. Two investment divisions of
                        the Separate Account invest exclusively in shares of
                        designated mutual fund portfolios of the AIM V.I. Funds.
                        One investment division of the Separate Account invests
                        exclusively in shares of a designated mutual fund
                        portfolio of the Alliance Fund. Two investment divisions
                        of the Separate Account invest exclusively in shares of
                        designated mutual fund portfolios of the MFS Trust. Each
                        mutual fund portfolio has a different investment
                        objective. The other sixteen divisions invest in units
                        of designated unit investment trusts in the Trusts.
    
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
How the Death Benefit
Varies                  The death benefit may increase or decrease on each
                        policy processing date depending on your policy's
                        investment results. It equals the policy's face amount
                        or variable insurance amount, whichever is larger.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   
How the Investment
Base Varies             Your policy's investment base is the amount available
                        for investment at any time. On the policy date (usually
                        the business day next following the receipt of your
                        single premium at the Service Center), the investment
                        base is equal to the single premium. Afterwards, it
                        varies daily based on investment performance. You bear
                        the risk of poor performance and you receive the
                        benefits from favorable investment performance. Contract
                        owners may wish to consider diversifying their
                        investment in the Contract by allocating the investment
                        base to two or more investment divisions.
    
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net Cash Surrender
Value and Cash
Surrender Value         On a policy anniversary your policy's net cash surrender
                        value equals your investment base minus any deferred
                        policy loading. The net cash surrender value varies
                        daily based on investment performance. We don't
                        guarantee any minimum.
 
                                        4
<PAGE>   8
 
                        For purposes of certain computations under the policy,
                        we use the policy's cash surrender value. It is
                        calculated by adding the amount of any policy debt to
                        the net cash surrender value.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Your Right to Cancel
("Free Look" Period) or
Exchange Your Policy    You may return your policy within ten days after
                        receiving it or, if required by your state, within the
                        later of the ten days and 45 days from the date the
                        application is executed ("free look" period). We will
                        refund the premium paid without interest.
 
                        You may also exchange this policy within 18 months for a
                        policy with benefits that do not vary with the
                        investment results of a separate account.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   
How Death Benefit and
Cash Surrender Value
Increases are Taxed     The death benefit should be fully excludable from the
                        beneficiary's gross income for Federal income tax
                        purposes, according to Section 101(a)(1) of the Internal
                        Revenue Code. You won't be taxed on any increase in cash
                        surrender value while the policy remains in force. For a
                        discussion of the tax issues associated with the policy,
                        see "Tax Considerations" on page 33.
    
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   
Charges to Your
Investment Base         We invest the entire amount of your single premium and
                        any additional payments in the Separate Account. We then
                        deduct certain charges from your investment base on
                        policy processing dates (see "Charges Deducted From Your
                        Investment Base", page 18). The charges deducted are as
                        follows:
    
 
                        Deferred Policy Loading equals 7.0% of the single
                        premium and any additional payments received in the
                        first year. It consists of a sales load of 4.0%, a first
                        year administrative expense of .5% and a state and local
                        premium tax charge of 2.5%. (The sales load and first
                        year administrative charge may be reduced if cumulative
                        premiums are sufficiently high to reach certain
                        breakpoints.) The deferred policy loading for any
                        additional payment received after the first policy year
                        equals 6.5%. It consists of a sales load of 4.0% and a
                        state and local premium tax charge of 2.5%. Although
                        chargeable to the single premium and any additional
                        payments, the amount of the deferred policy loading is
                        initially advanced to the Separate Account as part of
                        your investment base and then deducted in equal
                        installments on the ten policy anniversaries following
                        the date we receive and accept the payment. The amount
                        deducted from the investment base as of the policy
                        anniversary will equal .70% of the single premium and
                        any additional payments received in the first policy
                        year and .65% for any additional payments received after
                        the first policy year. We deduct the balance of the
                        deferred policy loading in determining your net cash
                        surrender value.
 
   
                        Reallocation Charges may be deducted on policy
                        processing dates if you change your investment base
                        allocation more than five times per policy year (see
                        "Reallocation Charges", page 20).
    
 
   
                        Mortality Costs are deducted on all policy processing
                        dates after the policy date (see "Mortality Cost", page
                        24).
    
 
   
                        We may reduce certain charges to your investment base in
                        group or sponsored arrangements (see "Group or Sponsored
                        Arrangements", page 31).
    
 
                        Net Loan Cost is deducted on your policy anniversary if
                        there has been any policy debt outstanding. It equals a
                        maximum .75% of the debt per year for the first ten
                        policy years and .60% thereafter.
 
                                        5
<PAGE>   9
 
                        Underwriting and the Cost of Providing Insurance
                        Underwriting is the process by which we evaluate the
                        risk of providing life insurance on the insured. We use
                        two methods of underwriting:
                            - simplified underwriting with no physical exam; and
                            - para-medical or medical underwriting with a
                            physical exam.
 
   
                        The amount of your single premium and the age of the
                        insured determine whether we will do underwriting on a
                        simplified or medical basis. For a discussion of premium
                        and age limits, see "Who May be Covered By a Policy" on
                        page 15.
    
 
                        If we use the simplified underwriting method, we incur
                        extra insurance risk because we have less information
                        about the insured. We therefore use guaranteed maximum
                        mortality rates based on the 1980 CET Mortality Table
                        which was designed to take this type of extra insurance
                        risk into account.
 
                        If we use the para-medical or medical underwriting
                        method, we gather more information about the insured.
                        Because we have additional information we therefore have
                        less insurance risk for insureds we evaluate under this
                        method. We use guaranteed maximum mortality rates based
                        on the 1980 CSO Mortality Table for this method.
 
                        The maximum guaranteed mortality rates we may charge
                        using the 1980 CET Table are equivalent to 130% of the
                        1980 CSO Table for male ages 38 and above and female
                        ages 41 and above. At younger ages, the rates vary from
                        130% of the 1980 CSO Table to 212% at ages where the
                        1980 CSO rates are the lowest.
 
                        The mortality rates we use currently for insureds in the
                        non-smoker simplified underwriting class are equal to or
                        less than the 1980 CSO Table.
 
   
                        To the extent the 1980 CET Table is considered
                        substandard we would in effect be charging you a
                        substandard mortality cost, even if the insured was
                        healthy, to the extent (a) we ever increased the current
                        mortality rates above the 1980 CSO Table for those
                        insureds in the non-smoker simplified underwriting class
                        or (b) the insured is underwritten under the simplified
                        method but is not in the non-smoker class (see
                        "Mortality Cost", page 24).
    
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Other Charges and Fees  Advisory Fees
   
                        The portfolios in the Funds pay monthly advisory fees
                        and other expenses (see "Charges to Series Fund Assets,"
                        "Charges to Variable Series Funds Assets," "Charges to
                        AIM V.I. Funds Assets," "Charges to Alliance Fund
                        Assets," "Charges to MFS Trust Assets," pages 20-21).
    
 
                        Separate Account Charges
                        There are certain charges deducted daily from the
                        investment results of the divisions in the Separate
                        Account. These charges are:
                           - an asset charge deducted from all divisions to
                             cover mortality and expense risks and guaranteed
                             benefits risk which is currently equivalent to a
                             maximum effective rate of .60% annually at the
                             beginning of the year; and
                           - a trust charge deducted from only those divisions
                             investing in the Trusts which is currently
                             equivalent to .34% annually at the beginning of the
                             year and will never exceed .50% annually.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Assumption of Previously
Issued Policies and
Subsequent Merger       The policies were originally issued by Monarch Life
                        Insurance Company ("Monarch"). On November 14, 1990,
                        Monarch, the Insurance Company and certain other Merrill
                        Lynch insurance companies entered into an indemnity
 
                                        6
<PAGE>   10
 
                        reinsurance and assumption agreement (the "Assumption
                        Agreement"). Under the Assumption Agreement, Tandem
                        Insurance Group, Inc. ("Tandem"), one of the Merrill
                        Lynch insurance companies, acquired, on an assumption
                        reinsurance basis, certain of the variable life
                        insurance policies issued by Monarch through its
                        Variable Account A, including the policies ("reinsured
                        policies") described in this prospectus. On October 1,
                        1991, Tandem was merged with and into the Insurance
                        Company (the "merger"), which thereby succeeded to all
                        of Tandem's liabilities and obligations. Thus, the
                        Insurance Company has all the liabilities and
                        obligations under the reinsured policies. All further
                        payments made under the reinsured policies will be made
                        directly to or by the Insurance Company.
 
                        As the owner of a reinsured policy, you have the same
                        rights and values under your policy as you did before
                        the reinsurance or merger transaction. However, you will
                        look to the Insurance Company instead of to Monarch or
                        Tandem to fulfill the terms of your policy. Pursuant to
                        the Assumption Agreement, all of the assets of Monarch's
                        Variable Account A relating to the reinsured policies
                        were transferred to Tandem and allocated to the Separate
                        Account. By virtue of the merger, the Separate Account
                        became a separate account of the Insurance Company.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                        This summary is intended to provide only a very brief
                        overview of the more significant aspects of the policy.
                        The policy together with its attached application
                        constitutes the entire agreement between you and us and
                        should be retained.
 
   
                        For the definition of certain terms used in this
                        prospectus, see "Important Terms" on page 8.
    
 
                                        7
<PAGE>   11
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                        Important Terms
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
Attained Age................
                        is the issue age of the insured plus the number of full
                        years since the policy date.
 
Cash Surrender Value........
                        is equal to the net cash surrender value plus any policy
                        debt.
 
Death Benefit...............
                        is the larger of the face amount and the variable
                        insurance amount.
 
Death Benefit Proceeds......
                        are equal to the death benefit less any policy debt and
                        less any overdue charges.
 
Deferred Policy Loading.....
                        is chargeable to the single premium and any additional
                        payments. However, we advance the amount of the charge
                        to the Separate Account as part of your investment base.
                        We then take back these funds in equal installments on
                        the next ten policy anniversaries following the date we
                        receive and accept your payment.
 
Face Amount.................
                        is the minimum death benefit as long as the policy
                        remains in force. Additional payments may increase your
                        face amount.
 
Guarantee Period............
                        is the time we guarantee that the policy will remain in
                        force regardless of investment experience unless the
                        policy debt exceeds certain policy values. It is the
                        period that a comparable fixed life policy (same face
                        amount, single premium, guaranteed mortality table and
                        loading) would remain in force if credited with 4%
                        interest per year.
 
Investment Base.............
                        is the amount available under your policy for investment
                        in the Separate Account at any time. Your investment
                        base is the sum of the amounts invested in each of the
                        divisions you have selected.
 
Issue Age...................
                        is the insured's age as of the insured's birthday
                        nearest the policy date.
 
Net Cash Surrender
Value.......................
                        is the amount you would receive on any day should you
                        decide to cancel your policy. It is equal to the
                        investment base less the deferred policy loading and
                        less a pro-rata portion of the charges not yet deducted.
 
Net Single Premium
Factor......................
                        is the factor used in the calculation of the variable
                        insurance amount on policy processing dates. It is based
                        on the insured's underwriting class, sex and attained
                        age and is designed to make the policy meet the
                        guidelines of what constitutes a life insurance policy
                        under the Internal Revenue Code.
 
Policy Date.................
                        is used to determine policy processing dates, policy
                        years and policy anniversaries. It is usually the
                        business day next following the receipt of the single
                        premium at the Service Center.
 
Policy Debt.................
                        is the outstanding loan on a policy plus accrued
                        interest.
 
Policy Processing Dates.....
                        are the policy date and the first day of each policy
                        quarter thereafter. Policy processing dates after the
                        policy date are the days when we deduct certain charges
                        from your investment base and redetermine the death
                        benefit.
 
Policy Processing Period....
                        is the period between consecutive policy processing
                        dates.
 
Tabular Value...............
                        is equal to the cash surrender value for a comparable
                        fixed life policy with the same face amount, single
                        premium, loading and guarantee period. It is the value
                        we use to limit your mortality cost deductions as well
                        as our right to cancel your policy during the guarantee
                        period. The tabular value is zero after the guarantee
                        period.
 
Variable Insurance
Amount......................
                        is determined on each policy processing date. It is the
                        cash surrender value multiplied by the net single
                        premium factor.
 
                                        8
<PAGE>   12
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                        Facts About the Insurance Company and the Separate
                        Account
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Insurance Company
and MLPF&S              The Insurance Company is a stock life insurance company
                        organized under the laws of the State of Washington in
                        1986 and redomesticated under the laws of the State of
                        Arkansas in 1991. We are an indirect wholly owned
                        subsidiary of Merrill Lynch & Co., Inc. We are
                        authorized to sell life insurance and annuities in 49
                        states, Guam, the U.S. Virgin Islands and the District
                        of Columbia. We are authorized to offer variable life
                        insurance and variable annuities in most jurisdictions.
 
                        MLPF&S is also a wholly owned subsidiary of Merrill
                        Lynch & Co., Inc. and provides a broad range of
                        securities brokerage and investment banking services in
                        the United States. It provides marketing services for us
                        and is the principal underwriter of our variable life
                        policies issued through the Separate Account. We retain
                        MLPF&S to provide services relating to the policies
                        under a Distribution Agreement. Administrative services
                        for the policies are provided at the service center (the
                        "Service Center"), P.O. Box 9025, Springfield,
                        Massachusetts 01102-9025.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   
The Insurance Company's
Separate Account        The Separate Account is a separate investment account
                        established by Tandem on November 19, 1990, and acquired
                        by the Insurance Company on October 1, 1991 by virtue of
                        the merger. (See "Assumption of Previously Issued
                        Policies and Subsequent Merger", page 6.) We use it to
                        support our variable life policies and for other
                        purposes permitted by applicable laws and regulations.
                        Its assets are kept separate from our general account
                        and any other separate accounts we may have.
    
 
                        We own all the assets in the Separate Account. As
                        required, the assets in the Separate Account are at
                        least equal to the reserves and other liabilities of the
                        Separate Account. Arkansas insurance law provides that
                        the Separate Account's assets, to the extent of the
                        reserves and liabilities of the Separate Account, may
                        not be charged with liabilities from any other business
                        we conduct. However, if the assets exceed the required
                        reserves and other liabilities, we may transfer the
                        excess to our general account.
 
   
                        There are currently 38 investment divisions in the
                        Separate Account available for new allocations. Ten
                        invest in shares of a specific portfolio of the Series
                        Fund, seven invest in shares of a specific portfolio of
                        the Variable Series Funds, two invest in shares of a
                        specific portfolio of the AIM V.I. Funds, one invests in
                        shares of a specific portfolio of the Alliance Fund, two
                        invest in shares of a specific portfolio of the MFS
                        Trust and sixteen invest in units of a specific Trust.
    
 
   
                        You will find complete information about the Funds and
                        the Trusts, including the risks associated with each
                        portfolio, in the accompanying Prospectuses. You should
                        read them with this Prospectus.
    
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   
The Series Fund         The Merrill Lynch Series Fund, Inc. is registered with
                        the Securities and Exchange Commission as an open-end
                        management investment company and its investment adviser
                        is Merrill Lynch Asset Management, L.P. ("MLAM"). All of
                        its ten mutual fund portfolios are currently available
                        through the Separate Account. The investment objectives
                        of the various portfolios in the Series Fund are
                        described below. There is no guarantee that any
                        portfolio will be able to meet its investment objective.
    
 
                                        9
<PAGE>   13
 
                             Money Reserve Portfolio seeks to preserve capital,
                           maintain liquidity and achieve the highest possible
                           current income consistent with those objectives by
                           investing in short-term money market securities.
 
                             Intermediate Government Bond Portfolio seeks to
                           obtain the highest level of current income consistent
                           with the protection of capital afforded by investing
                           in debt securities issued or guaranteed by the U.S.
                           Government or its agencies with a maximum maturity of
                           15 years.
 
   
                             Long-Term Corporate Bond Portfolio primarily seeks
                           to provide as high a level of current income as is
                           believed to be consistent with prudent investment
                           risk, and secondarily seeks the preservation of
                           capital. In seeking to achieve these objectives, the
                           portfolio invests at least 80% of the value of its
                           assets in debt securities that have a rating within
                           the three highest grades of Moody's or Standard &
                           Poor's.
    
 
   
                             High Yield Portfolio primarily seeks as high a
                           level of current income as is believed to be
                           consistent with prudent management, and secondarily
                           capital appreciation when consistent with its primary
                           objective. The Portfolio seeks to achieve its
                           investment objective by investing principally in
                           fixed-income securities rated in the lower categories
                           of the established rating services or in unrated
                           securities of comparable quality (including
                           securities commonly known as a "junk bonds").
    
 
   
                             Capital Stock Portfolio seeks long-term growth of
                           capital and income, plus moderate current income. It
                           generally invests in equity securities considered to
                           be of good or improving quality or considered to be
                           undervalued based on criteria such as historical
                           price/book value and price/earnings ratios.
    
 
   
                             Growth Stock Portfolio seeks long-term growth of
                           capital by investing in a diversified portfolio of
                           securities, primarily common stocks, of aggressive
                           growth companies considered to have special
                           investment value.
    
 
                             Multiple Strategy Portfolio seeks a high total
                           investment return consistent with prudent risk
                           through a fully managed investment policy utilizing
                           equity securities, intermediate and long-term debt
                           securities and money market securities.
 
                             Natural Resources Portfolio seeks long-term growth
                           of capital and protection of the purchasing power of
                           shareholders' capital by investing primarily in
                           equity securities of domestic and foreign companies
                           with substantial natural resource assets.
 
                             Global Strategy Portfolio seeks high total
                           investment return by investing primarily in a
                           portfolio of equity and fixed-income securities,
                           including convertible securities, of U.S. and foreign
                           issuers.
 
                             Balanced Portfolio seeks a level of current income
                           and a degree of stability of principal not normally
                           available from an investment solely in equity
                           securities and the opportunity for capital
                           appreciation greater than that normally available
                           from an investment solely in debt securities by
                           investing in a balanced portfolio of fixed income and
                           equity securities.
 
   
                        MLAM is indirectly owned and controlled by Merrill Lynch
                        & Co., Inc. and is a registered adviser under the
                        Investment Advisers Act of 1940. The Series Fund,
    
 
                                       10
<PAGE>   14
 
   
as part of its operating expenses, pays an investment advisory fee to MLAM (see
"Charges to Series Fund Assets", page 20).
    
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   
The Variable Series Funds
                        The Merrill Lynch Variable Series Funds, Inc. is
                        registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission
                        as an open-end management investment company and its
                        investment adviser is MLAM. Seven of its 16 mutual fund
                        portfolios are currently available through the Separate
                        Account. The investment objectives of the seven
                        available Variable Series Funds portfolios are described
                        below. There is no guarantee that any portfolio will be
                        able to meet its investment objective.
    
 
   
                             Basic Value Focus Fund seeks capital appreciation,
                           and secondarily, income by investing in securities,
                           primarily equities, that management of the Fund
                           believes are undervalued and therefore represent
                           basic investment value. Particular emphasis is placed
                           on securities that provide an above-average dividend
                           return and sell at a below-average price/earnings
                           ratio.
    
 
                             Global Utility Focus Fund seeks to obtain capital
                           appreciation and current income through investment of
                           at least 65% of its total assets in equity and debt
                           securities issued by domestic and foreign companies
                           which are, in the opinion of management of the Fund,
                           primarily engaged in the ownership or operation of
                           facilities used to generate, transmit or distribute
                           electricity, telecommunications, gas or water.
 
                             International Equity Focus Fund seeks to obtain
                           capital appreciation, and secondarily, income by
                           investing in a diversified portfolio of equity
                           securities of issuers located in countries other than
                           the United States. Under normal conditions, at least
                           65% of the Fund's net assets will be invested in such
                           equity securities.
 
                             Developing Capital Markets Focus Fund seeks
                           long-term capital appreciation by investing in
                           securities, principally equities, of issuers in
                           countries having smaller capital markets. For
                           purposes of its investment objective, the Fund
                           considers countries having smaller capital markets to
                           be all countries other than the four countries having
                           the largest equity market capitalizations.
 
   
                             Equity Growth Fund seeks to attain long-term growth
                           of capital by investing in a diversified portfolio of
                           securities, primarily common stocks, of relatively
                           small companies that management of the Fund believes
                           have special investment value, and of emerging growth
                           companies regardless of size. Such companies are
                           selected by management on the basis of their
                           long-term potential for expanding their size and
                           profitability or for gaining increased market
                           recognition for their securities. Current income is
                           not a factor in such selection.
    
 
   
                             Global Bond Focus Fund seeks to provide high total
                           investment return by investing in a global portfolio
                           of fixed income securities denominated in various
                           currencies, including multinational currency units.
                           The Fund will invest in fixed income securities that
                           have a credit rating of A or better by Standard &
                           Poor's or by Moody's or commercial paper rated A-1 by
                           Standard & Poor's or Prime-1 by Moody's or
                           obligations that MLAM has determined to be of similar
                           creditworthiness.
    
 
   
                             Index 500 Fund seeks to provide investment results
                           that, before expenses, correspond to the aggregate
                           price and yield performance of the Standard & Poor's
                           500 Composite Stock Price Index (the "S&P 500
                           Index").
    
 
                                       11
<PAGE>   15
 
   
                        The Variable Series Funds, as part of its operating
                        expenses, pays an investment advisory fee to MLAM. (See
                        "Charges to Variable Series Funds Assets" on page 20.)
    
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   
The AIM V.I. Funds      The AIM V.I. Funds is registered with the Securities and
                        Exchange Commission as an open-end, series, management
                        investment company and its investment adviser is A I M
                        Advisors, Inc. ("AIM"). Two of its mutual fund
                        portfolios are currently available through the Separate
                        Account. The investment objectives of the two available
                        AIM V.I. Funds portfolios are described below. There is
                        no guarantee that any portfolio will be able to meet its
                        investment objective.
    
 
   
                             AIM V.I. Capital Appreciation Fund seeks capital
                           appreciation through investments in common stocks,
                           with emphasis on medium-sized and smaller emerging
                           growth companies. The portfolio is primarily
                           comprised of securities of two basic categories of
                           companies: (1) "core" companies, which AIM considers
                           to have experienced above-average and consistent
                           long-term growth in earnings and to have excellent
                           prospects for outstanding future growth, and (2)
                           "earnings acceleration" companies which AIM believes
                           are currently enjoying a dramatic increase in
                           profits.
    
 
   
                             AIM V.I. Value Fund seeks to achieve long-term
                           growth of capital by investing primarily in equity
                           securities judged by AIM to be undervalued relative
                           to the current or projected earnings of the companies
                           issuing the securities, or relative to current market
                           values of assets owned by the companies issuing the
                           securities or relative to the equity markets
                           generally. Income is a secondary objective. The
                           investment division investing in this Fund should not
                           be selected by contract owners who seek income as
                           their primary investment objective.
    
 
   
                        AIM, 11 Greenway Plaza, Suite 100, Houston, Texas
                        77046-1173, is a wholly owned subsidiary of A I M
                        Management Group Inc., an indirect subsidiary of AMVESCO
                        plc (formerly INVESCO plc). AIM is a registered adviser
                        under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940. AIM was
                        organized in 1976, and, together with its domestic
                        subsidiaries, manages or advises 48 investment company
                        portfolios (including the AIM V.I. Funds). The AIM V.I.
                        Funds, as part of its operating expenses, pays an
                        investment advisory fee to AIM. (See "Charges to AIM
                        V.I. Funds Assets" on page 21.)
    
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   
The Alliance Fund       The Alliance Fund is registered with the Securities and
                        Exchange Commission as an open-end management investment
                        company and its investment adviser is Alliance Capital
                        Management L.P. ("Alliance"). One of its mutual fund
                        portfolios is currently available through the Separate
                        Account. The investment objective of the available
                        Alliance Fund portfolio is described below. There is no
                        guarantee that this portfolio will be able to meet its
                        investment objective.
    
 
   
                             Premier Growth Portfolio seeks growth of capital by
                           pursuing aggressive investment policies. Since
                           investments will be made based upon their potential
                           for capital appreciation, current income will be
                           incidental to the objective of capital growth.
                           Because of the market risks inherent in any
                           investment, the selection of securities on the basis
                           of their appreciation possibilities cannot ensure
                           against possible loss in value.
    
 
   
                        Alliance, a Delaware limited partnership with principal
                        offices at 1345 Avenue of the Americas, New York, New
                        York 10105, is a registered adviser under the Investment
                        Advisers Act of 1940. Alliance Capital Management
                        Corporation ("ACMC"), the sole general partner of
                        Alliance, is an indirect wholly-owned
    
 
                                       12
<PAGE>   16
 
   
                        subsidiary of The Equitable Life Assurance Society of
                        the United States, which is in turn a wholly-owned
                        subsidiary of the Equitable Companies Incorporated, a
                        holding company which is controlled by AXA, a French
                        insurance holding company. The Alliance Fund, as part
                        of its operating expenses, pays an investment advisory
                        fee to Alliance. (See "Charges to Alliance Fund Assets"
                        on page 21.)
    
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   
The MFS Trust           The MFS Trust is registered with the Securities and
                        Exchange Commission as an open-end management investment
                        company and its investment adviser is Massachusetts
                        Financial Services Company ("MFS"). Two of its mutual
                        fund portfolios are currently available through the
                        Separate Account. The investment objectives of the
                        available MFS Trust portfolios are described below.
                        There is no guarantee that any portfolio will be able to
                        meet its investment objective.
    
 
   
                             MFS Emerging Growth Series seeks to provide
                           long-term growth of capital by investing primarily
                           (i.e., at least 80% of its assets under normal
                           circumstances) in common stocks of emerging growth
                           companies. Emerging growth companies include
                           companies that MFS believes are early in their life
                           cycle but which have the potential to become major
                           enterprises. Dividend and interest income from
                           portfolio securities, if any, is incidental to the
                           Fund's objective of long-term growth of capital.
    
 
   
                             MFS Research Series seeks to provide long-term
                           growth of capital and future income. The portfolio
                           securities of the MFS Research Series are selected by
                           a committee of investment research analysts. This
                           committee includes investment analysts employed not
                           only by the Adviser but also by MFS International
                           (U.K.) Limited, a wholly-owned subsidiary of MFS. The
                           Series' assets are allocated among industries by the
                           analysts acting together as a group. Individual
                           analysts are then responsible for selecting what they
                           view as the securities best suited to meet the
                           Series' investment objective within their assigned
                           industry responsibility.
    
 
   
                        MFS, a Delaware corporation, 500 Boylston Street,
                        Boston, Massachusetts 02116, is a subsidiary of Sun Life
                        of Canada (U.S.), which, in turn, is a wholly-owned
                        subsidiary of Sun Life Assurance Company of Canada, and
                        is a registered adviser under the Investment Advisers
                        Act of 1940. MFS is America's oldest mutual fund
                        organization. MFS and its predecessor organizations have
                        a history of money management dating from 1924 and the
                        founding of the first mutual fund in the United States,
                        Massachusetts Investors Trust. The MFS Trust, as part of
                        its operating expenses, pays an investment advisory fee
                        to MFS. (See "Charges to MFS Trust Assets" on page 21.)
    
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   
Certain Risks of the Funds
                        Investment in lower-rated debt securities, such as those
                        in which the High Yield Portfolio of the Series Fund,
                        and the Developing Capital Markets Focus and
                        International Equity Focus Funds of the Variable Series
                        Funds, expect to invest, entails relatively greater risk
                        of loss of income or principal. The Developing Capital
                        Markets Focus Fund of the Variable Series Funds has no
                        established rating criteria for the debt securities in
                        which it may invest, and will rely on the investment
                        adviser's judgment in evaluating the creditworthiness of
                        an issuer of such securities. In an effort to minimize
                        risk, these portfolios will diversify holdings among
                        many issuers. However, there can be no assurance that
                        diversification will protect these portfolios from
                        widespread defaults during periods of sustained economic
                        downturn.
    
 
                                       13
<PAGE>   17
 
   
                        In seeking to protect the purchasing power of capital,
                        the Natural Resources Portfolio of the Series Fund
                        reserves the right, when management anticipates
                        significant economic, political, or financial
                        instability, such as high inflationary pressures or
                        upheaval in foreign currency exchange markets, to invest
                        a majority of its assets in companies that explore for,
                        extract, process or deal in gold or in asset-based
                        securities indexed to the value of gold bullion. The
                        Natural Resources Portfolio will not concentrate its
                        investments in such securities until it has been advised
                        that the policies' federal tax status will not be
                        adversely affected as a result.
    
 
   
                        In selecting investments for the AIM V.I. Capital
                        Appreciation Fund, AIM is particularly interested in
                        companies that are likely to benefit from new or
                        innovative products, services or processes that should
                        enhance such companies' prospects for future growth in
                        earnings. As a result of this policy, the market prices
                        of many of the securities purchased and held by this
                        Fund may fluctuate widely. Any income received from
                        securities held by the Fund will be incidental, and a
                        policyholder should not consider a purchase of shares of
                        the Fund as equivalent to a complete investment program.
    
 
   
                        For the MFS Emerging Growth Series, the nature of
                        investing in emerging growth companies involves greater
                        risk than is customarily associated with investments in
                        more established companies. Emerging growth companies
                        often have limited product lines, markets or financial
                        resources, and they may be dependent on one-person
                        management. In addition, there may be less research
                        available on many promising small and medium sized
                        emerging growth companies, making it more difficult to
                        find and analyze these companies. The securities of
                        emerging growth companies may have limited marketability
                        and may be subject to abrupt or erratic market movements
                        than securities of larger, more established growth
                        companies or the market averages in general. Shares of
                        the MFS Emerging Growth Series, therefore, are subject
                        to greater fluctuation in value than shares of a
                        conservative equity fund or of a growth fund which
                        invests entirely in proven growth stocks.
    
 
   
                        Because investment in these portfolios entails
                        relatively greater risk of loss of income or principal,
                        it may not be appropriate to allocate all payments and
                        investment base to an investment division that invests
                        in one of these portfolios.
    
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Trusts              The Merrill Lynch Fund of Stripped ("Zero") U.S.
                        Treasury Securities was formed to provide safety of
                        capital and a high yield to maturity. It seeks this
                        through U.S. Government backed investments which make no
                        periodic interest payments, and therefore are purchased
                        at a deep discount. When held to maturity the
                        investments should receive approximately a fixed yield.
                        The value of Trust units before maturity varies more
                        than it would if the Trusts contained interest-bearing
                        U.S. Treasury securities of comparable maturities.
 
                        The fixed investment portfolios of the Trusts consist
                        mainly of:
                             - bearer debt obligations issued by the U.S.
                               Government stripped of their unmatured interest
                               coupons;
                             - coupons stripped from U.S. debt obligations; and
                             - receipts and certificates for such stripped debt
                               obligations and coupons.
 
   
                        The Trusts currently available have maturity dates in
                        years 1998 through 2011, 2013 and 2014.
    
 
                        MLPF&S is sponsor for the Trusts. The sponsor will sell
                        units of the Trusts to the Separate Account and has
                        agreed to repurchase units when we need to sell them to
                        pay benefits and make reallocations. We pay the sponsor
                        a fee for these
 
                                       14
<PAGE>   18
 
   
                        transactions and are reimbursed through the trust
                        charge assessed to the divisions investing in the
                        Trusts (see "Charges to Divisions Investing in the
                        Trusts", page 20).
    
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                        Facts About the Policy
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Who May be Covered
By a Policy             We can issue a policy for an insured up to age 75. We
                        use the insured's age as of the insured's birthday
                        nearest the policy date. (We call this the insured's
                        issue age.) The insured must also meet our underwriting
                        requirements. The policy is not currently being offered
                        for sale to new purchasers.
 
                        We use two methods of underwriting:
                             - simplified underwriting, with no physical exam;
                               and
                             - para-medical or medical underwriting with a
                               physical exam.
 
   
                        The single premium and the age of the insured determine
                        whether we will do underwriting on a simplified or
                        medical basis. The maximum premium we will underwrite on
                        a simplified basis is $25,000 for insureds through age
                        14, $50,000 for insureds age 15 through 29, $75,000 for
                        insureds age 30 through 39, $100,000 for insureds age 40
                        through 49 and $150,000 for insureds age 50 through 75.
                        However, if you select the maximum face amount (see
                        "Selecting the Face Amount", below), we may take the net
                        amount at risk (see "Mortality Cost", page 24) into
                        account in determining the method of underwriting.
    
 
   
                        We assign insureds to underwriting classes which
                        determine the mortality rates we will use in calculating
                        mortality cost deductions and which determine the
                        guaranteed mortality rates used in calculating net
                        single premium factors and guarantee periods. In
                        assigning insureds to underwriting classes, we
                        distinguish between those insureds underwritten on a
                        simplified basis and those on a para-medical or medical
                        basis. Under both the simplified and medical
                        underwriting methods, policies may be issued on insureds
                        either in the standard or non-smoker underwriting class.
                        Policies may also be issued on insureds in a substandard
                        underwriting class. For a discussion of the effect of
                        underwriting classification on mortality cost
                        deductions, see "Mortality Cost" on page 24.
    
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   
Premiums                You purchase a face amount of insurance coverage with a
                        single premium payment. You may make additional payments
                        subject to certain restrictions (see "Making Additional
                        Payments", page 16). The minimum single premium is
                        $5,000 for an insured under age 20 and $10,000 for an
                        insured age 20 and over or, if less, for all ages the
                        single premium required to purchase a face amount of at
                        least $100,000. We may reduce the minimum single premium
                        requirements for certain group or sponsored arrangements
                        (see "Group or Sponsored Arrangements", page 31).
    
 
                        Selecting the Face Amount
                        You may select the face amount for a given premium
                        within the following limits:
                             - The minimum face amount is the amount which will
                               give you a guarantee period for the whole of
                               life.
                             - The maximum face amount is the amount which will
                               give you the minimum guarantee period we require
                               for the insured's age, sex and underwriting
                               class.
 
                                       15
<PAGE>   19
 
                        As the face amount is increased for a given single
                        premium, the guarantee period becomes shorter and the
                        mortality costs in the early policy years are larger to
                        cover the increased amounts of insurance.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                       Table of Illustrative Face
                                   Amounts for $10,000 Single Premium
                                        Standard-Simplified Issue
                          <S>      <C>        <C>          <C>         <C>
                                    GUARANTEE PERIOD             MINIMUM
                                        FOR LIFE             GUARANTEE PERIOD
                          ISSUE    ------------------      --------------------
                           AGE      MALE      FEMALE         MALE       FEMALE
                          ------   -------    -------      --------    --------
                            35     $33,389    $38,906      $166,773    $209,875
                            45     $24,424    $28,497      $ 90,736    $126,292
                            55     $18,386    $21,346      $ 49,162    $ 78,522
                            65     $14,447    $16,308      $ 27,801    $ 44,723
</TABLE>
 
                        Guarantee Period
                        The guarantee period is the time we guarantee that the
                        policy will remain in force regardless of investment
                        experience unless the policy debt exceeds certain policy
                        values. It is for the insured's life or for a shorter
                        period depending on the face amount selected for a given
                        single premium. The guarantee period is based on the
                        guaranteed maximum mortality rates in the policy, the
                        deferred policy loading and a 4% interest assumption.
                        This means that for a given premium and face amount,
                        different insureds will have different guarantee periods
                        depending on their age, sex and underwriting class. For
                        example, an older insured will have a shorter guarantee
                        period than a younger insured of the same sex and in the
                        same underwriting class.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   
Making Additional
Payments                After the end of the "free look" period, you may make an
                        additional payment any time you choose up to four times
                        a policy year. (In the state of Kentucky no additional
                        payments can be made until after the first policy year.)
                        We may require satisfactory evidence of insurability
                        before we accept your payment if the payment increases
                        the net amount at risk under the policy (see "Mortality
                        Cost", page 24) or if the guarantee period at the time
                        of the payment is one year or less. The minimum
                        additional payment we will accept is $1,000.
    
 
                        If your additional payment requires evidence of
                        insurability, we will place that payment in the division
                        investing in the Money Reserve Portfolio on the business
                        day next following receipt at the Service Center. Once
                        the underwriting is completed and we accept your
                        payment, the amount applicable to the additional payment
                        in the division investing in the Money Reserve Portfolio
                        will be allocated either according to your instructions
                        or, if no instructions have been received,
                        proportionately to your investment base in your
                        investment divisions.
 
                        If your additional payment doesn't require evidence of
                        insurability, on the date we receive and accept the
                        payment we'll:
                             - increase your investment base by the amount of
                               the payment; and
   
                             - increase the deferred policy loading (see
                               "Deferred Policy Loading", page 18).
    
 
                        Currently, any additional payment not requiring evidence
                        of insurability will be accepted the day it is received.
                        If your additional payment requires evidence of
                        insurability, it will be reflected in your policy values
                        as described above, effective the next business day
                        after the payment was received at the Service Center.
 
                                       16
<PAGE>   20
 
                        If there is a loan outstanding on your policy, unless
                        you tell us otherwise, we will treat any payment by you
                        as a loan repayment, not as an additional payment.
 
   
                        As of the policy processing date on or next following
                        the date we receive and accept the additional payment,
                        your variable insurance amount will reflect the
                        additional payment (see "Variable Insurance Amount",
                        page 23). As of such date, we'll also increase either
                        your guarantee period or face amount or both. If your
                        guarantee period prior to any additional payments is
                        less than for life, payments will first be used to
                        extend your guarantee period to the whole of life. Any
                        excess amounts or subsequent additional payments will be
                        used to increase your policy's face amount. The amount
                        of this increase is determined by taking the additional
                        payment or any excess amount, deducting the applicable
                        deferred policy loading, bringing the result up at an
                        annual rate of 4% interest from the date we receive and
                        accept the additional payment to the next policy
                        processing date, and then multiplying by the applicable
                        net single premium factor. If the additional payment is
                        received and accepted on a policy processing date, the
                        payment minus the deferred policy loading is multiplied
                        by the applicable net single premium factor.
    
 
                        If the insured dies after an additional payment is
                        received and accepted and before the next policy
                        processing date, we'll pay the beneficiary the larger
                        of:
                             - the amount of the death benefit calculated as of
                               the prior policy processing date plus the amount
                               of the additional payment; and
   
                             - the cash surrender value as of the date we
                               received and accepted the additional payment
                               multiplied by the net single premium factor as of
                               such date (see "Net Single Premium Factor", page
                               23).
    
 
                        The amount paid to the beneficiary will be reduced by
                        the amount of any policy debt and any overdue charges if
                        the policy is in a grace period.
 
                        Guarantee of Insurability Rider
                        This rider gives you guaranteed options to make certain
                        of the additional payments as described above without
                        evidence of insurability. It is available only to
                        insureds in a standard or non-smoker underwriting class.
                        We will limit the amount of the payments under the
                        rider. While the rider is in effect you will have a
                        guaranteed option on each of your first five policy
                        anniversaries. Subject to evidence of insurability and a
                        maximum age requirement, you may also extend the
                        guaranteed options to include your next five policy
                        anniversaries.
 
                        To exercise an option we must receive the additional
                        payment while the insured is alive and within 30 days
                        before or after your policy anniversary. If you don't
                        exercise an option you will forfeit any remaining
                        options and the rider will end.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   
Investment Base         Your investment base is the amount available for
                        investment at any time. It's the sum of the amounts
                        invested in each of the Separate Account divisions. We
                        adjust your investment base daily to reflect the
                        divisions' investment performance (see "Net Rate of
                        Return for an Investment Division", page 37).
    
 
   
                        Certain charges and policy loans directly decrease your
                        investment base. Loan repayments and additional payments
                        increase it. You may elect in writing from which
                        investment divisions you want loans taken and to which
                        divisions you want repayments and additional payments
                        added. If you don't make such an election, we allocate
                        increases and decreases proportionately to the
                        investment base in your investment divisions. (For the
                        special rules on additional payments which require
                        evidence of insurability, see "Making Additional
                        Payments", page 16.)
    
 
                                       17
<PAGE>   21
 
                        Investment Base Allocation During The "Free Look" Period
                        Under our current rules, we will place your single
                        premium submitted with your application in the division
                        investing in the Money Reserve Portfolio. Your
                        application sets forth this designation. We won't make
                        an allocation change during the "free look" period.
 
                        Changing Your Investment Base Allocation
   
                        After the "free look" period, your investment base can
                        be allocated among up to any five divisions. Currently,
                        you may change the allocation of your investment base as
                        often as you choose. However, we may at some point in
                        the future limit the number of changes permitted but not
                        to less than five per policy year. We will notify you if
                        we do so. We may assess a charge for each allocation
                        change in excess of five per policy year (see
                        "Reallocation Charges", page 20).
    
 
   
                        In order to change your investment base allocation, you
                        must call or write the Service Center. If your "free
                        look" period has expired, we will make the change as
                        soon as we receive your request. You can give allocation
                        requests during the "free look" period and the
                        allocation will be made immediately following the end of
                        the "free look" period (see "Some Administrative
                        Procedures", page 28).
    
 
                        Trust Allocations
                        We'll notify you 30 days before a Trust you've invested
                        in matures. You must tell us in writing at least seven
                        days before the maturity date how to reinvest your funds
                        in the division investing in that Trust. If we don't
                        hear from you, we'll move your investment base in that
                        division to the division investing in the Money Reserve
                        Portfolio. An allocation on a trust maturity date won't
                        be considered a change in the allocation of the
                        investment base for purposes of calculating the charge
                        for any allocation changes over five in each policy
                        year.
 
                        Units of a specific Trust may no longer be available
                        when we receive your request for allocation. Should this
                        occur, we will notify you immediately so that you may
                        change your request.
 
                        Allocation to the Division Investing in the Natural
                        Resources Portfolio
                        Shares of the Natural Resources Portfolio may not be
                        available when we receive your request for allocation.
                        Should this occur, we will notify you immediately so
                        that you may change your request.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   
Charges Deducted from
Your Investment Base    The charges described below are deducted from your
                        investment base. We also deduct certain asset and trust
                        charges daily from the investment results of each
                        division in the Separate Account in determining the net
                        rate of return. Currently, the asset and trust charges
                        are equivalent to .60% and .34% annually at the
                        beginning of the year (see "Charges to the Separate
                        Account", page 20).
    
 
                        Deferred Policy Loading
                        We invest 100% of your single premium and any additional
                        payments you may make. Chargeable to the single premium
                        and any additional payments is an amount called the
                        deferred policy loading. This charge consists of a sales
                        load, a first year administrative expense (not assessed
                        against additional payments received after the first
                        policy year) and a state and local premium tax charge.
 
   
                        The sales load, equal to a maximum of 4.0% of the single
                        premium and any additional payments, compensates us for
                        sales expenses. The first year administrative expense,
                        equal to a maximum of .5% of the single premium and any
                        additional payments received in the first policy year,
                        compensates us for the expenses associated with issuing
                        the policies. The sales load and first year
                        administrative expense may be reduced if cumulative
                        premiums are sufficiently
    
 
                                       18
<PAGE>   22
 
   
                        high to reach certain breakpoints and in certain group
                        or sponsored arrangements as described on page 31.
    
 
   
                        The state and local premium tax charge is equal to 2.5%
                        of your single premium and any additional payments.
    
 
                        Although chargeable to your single premium and to any
                        additional payments, we advance the amount of the
                        deferred policy loading to the Separate Account as part
                        of your investment base. We then take back the loading
                        in equal installments on the ten policy anniversaries
                        following the date we receive and accept your payment.
                        In determining your policy's net cash surrender value,
                        we subtract the balance of the deferred policy loading
                        from your investment base.
 
                        During the period that the deferred policy loading is
                        included in your investment base, a positive net rate of
                        return will give you greater increases in net cash
                        surrender value and a negative net rate of return
                        greater decreases in net cash surrender value than if
                        the loading had not been included in your investment
                        base.
 
                        Mortality Cost
   
                        We deduct a mortality cost from your investment base on
                        each processing date after the policy date. This charge
                        compensates us for the cost of providing life insurance
                        coverage for the insured. We base it on the underwriting
                        class we assign to the insured, the insured's sex and
                        attained age and the policy's net amount at risk (except
                        in Montana and Massachusetts, see "Legal Considerations
                        for Employers", page 31).
    
 
                        To determine the mortality cost, we multiply the current
                        mortality rate by the policy's net amount at risk
                        (adjusted for interest at an annual rate of 4%). The net
                        amount at risk is the difference, as of the previous
                        policy processing date, between the death benefit and
                        the cash surrender value.
 
                        Current mortality rates may be equal to or less than the
                        guaranteed mortality rates depending on the insured's
                        underwriting class, sex and attained age. We guarantee
                        that the current mortality rates will never exceed the
                        maximum guaranteed rates shown in your policy. For
                        insureds age 20 and over, current mortality rates
                        distinguish between insureds in a smoker (standard)
                        underwriting class and insureds in a non-smoker
                        underwriting class. We use the 1980 Commissioners
                        Standard Ordinary Mortality Table (CSO Table) for
                        policies underwritten on a medical basis and the 1980
                        Commissioners Extended Term Mortality Table (CET Table)
                        for policies underwritten on a simplified basis to
                        determine these maximum rates if the policies are issued
                        on insureds in a standard or non-smoker underwriting
                        class. For policies issued on a substandard basis we use
                        a multiple of the 1980 CSO Table.
 
                        Because we do less underwriting under the simplified
                        underwriting method, the guaranteed maximum mortality
                        rates are higher for the simplified classes than for the
                        medical underwriting classes. The current mortality
                        rates for the simplified classes may be higher than the
                        guaranteed rates for the medical classes depending on
                        the age and sex of the insured. However, for the
                        nonsmoker simplified underwriting class, current
                        mortality rates are equal to or less than the guaranteed
                        rates for the medical underwriting classes.
 
                        During the period between processing dates, your net
                        cash surrender value takes the mortality cost into
                        account on a pro-rated basis.
 
                        Maximum Mortality Cost. During the guarantee period we
                        will limit the deduction for mortality cost if
                        investment results are unfavorable. We do this by
 
                                       19
<PAGE>   23
                        substituting in our calculation the tabular value for
                        the cash surrender value in determining the net amount
                        at risk and by multiplying by the guaranteed maximum
                        mortality rate. We will deduct this alternate amount
                        from your investment base when it is less than the
                        mortality cost we would have otherwise deducted.
 
                        Reallocation Charges
   
                        Reallocation charges may be deducted on policy
                        processing dates if you change your investment base
                        allocation more than five times per policy year. The
                        charge equals $25.00 for each allocation change made
                        during a policy processing period, which exceeds five
                        for the policy year. We do not expect to make a profit
                        from these charges.
    
 
                        Net Loan Cost
   
                        The net loan cost is explained below under "Policy
                        Loans", p. 22.
    
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   
Charges to the Separate
Account                 We deduct an asset charge from each division of the
                        Separate Account to cover our mortality, expense and
                        guaranteed benefits risks. We make the charge each day.
                        The total amount of this charge is computed at a maximum
                        effective annual rate of .60% at the beginning of the
                        year.
    
 
                        The mortality risk assumed is the risk that insureds as
                        a group will live for a shorter time than our actuarial
                        tables predict. As a result, we would be paying more in
                        death benefits than we planned.
 
                        The expense risk assumed is the risk that it will cost
                        us more to issue and administer the policies than we
                        expect.
 
   
                        The guaranteed benefits risks are related to potentially
                        unfavorable investment results. One risk is that the
                        policy's net cash surrender value cannot cover the
                        charges due during the guarantee period. The other risk
                        is that we may have to limit the deduction for mortality
                        cost (see "Maximum Mortality Cost", page 19).
    
 
                        Charges to Divisions Investing in the Trusts
                        We assess a daily trust charge against the assets of
                        each division investing in the Trusts. This charge
                        reimburses us for the transaction charge we pay to
                        MLPF&S when units are sold to the Separate Account.
 
                        The trust charge is currently equivalent to .34%
                        annually at the beginning of the year. It may be
                        increased, but will not exceed .50% annually at the
                        beginning of the year. The charge is based on cost
                        (taking into account our loss of interest) with no
                        expected profit for us.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   
Charges to Series Fund
Assets                  The Series Fund incurs operating expenses and pays a
                        monthly advisory fee to MLAM. This fee equals an annual
                        rate of:
    
   
                             - .50% of the first $250 million of the aggregate
                               average daily net assets of the Series Fund;
    
   
                             - .45% of the next $50 million of such assets;
    
   
                             - .40% of the next $100 million of such assets;
    
   
                             - .35% of the next $400 million of such assets; and
    
   
                             - .30% of such assets over $800 million.
    
 
   
                        Under a reimbursement agreement, the Series Fund will be
                        reimbursed so that ordinary expenses of the portfolios
                        (which includes the monthly advisory fee) do not exceed
                        .50% of the average daily net assets.
    
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   
Charges to Variable Series
Funds Assets            The Variable Series Funds incurs operating expenses and
                        pays a monthly advisory fee to MLAM. This fee equals an
                        annual rate of .60% of the average daily net assets of
                        the Basic Value Focus Fund, Global Utility Focus Fund,
                        and Global
    
 
                                       20
<PAGE>   24
 
   
                        Bond Focus Fund. This fee equals an annual rate of
                        .30%, .75%, 1.00%, and .75% of the average daily net
                        assets of the Index 500 Fund, the International Equity
                        Focus Fund, the Developing Capital Markets Focus Fund
                        and the Equity Growth Fund, respectively.
    
 
   
                        MLAM and Merrill Lynch Life Agency, Inc. have entered
                        into two agreements which limit the operating expenses
                        paid by each Fund in a given year to 1.25% of its
                        average daily net assets, which is less than the expense
                        limitations imposed by state securities laws or
                        published regulations thereunder. These reimbursement
                        agreements provide that any expenses in excess of 1.25%
                        of average daily net assets will be reimbursed to the
                        Fund by MLAM which, in turn, will be reimbursed by
                        Merrill Lynch Life Agency, Inc.
    
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   
Charges to AIM V.I. Funds
Assets                  The AIM V.I. Funds incur operating expenses and pay a
                        monthly advisory fee to AIM, which serves as the
                        investment adviser to each fund of the AIM V.I. Funds.
                        As the investment adviser, AIM receives from the AIM
                        V.I. Capital Appreciation Fund and the AIM V.I. Value
                        Fund an advisory fee at an annual rate of .65% of each
                        fund's average daily net assets.
    
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   
Charges to Alliance Fund
Assets                  The Alliance Fund incurs operating expenses and pays a
                        monthly advisory fee to Alliance, which serves as the
                        investment adviser to each fund of the Alliance Fund. As
                        the investment adviser, Alliance receives from the
                        Alliance Premier Growth Portfolio an advisory fee at an
                        annual rate of 1.00% of the fund's average daily net
                        assets.
    
 
   
                        Alliance voluntarily waives fees and expenses that
                        exceed .95% of the average net assets of the Alliance
                        Fund. Alliance may discontinue or reduce any waivers or
                        assumptions of expenses at any time without notice.
                        Alliance, however, intends to continue such
                        reimbursements for the foreseeable future.
    
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   
Charges to MFS Trust Assets
                        The MFS Trust incurs operating expenses and pays a
                        monthly advisory fee to MFS, which serves as the
                        investment adviser to each of the funds of MFS Trust. As
                        the investment adviser, MFS receives from the MFS
                        Emerging Growth Series and MFS Research Series an
                        advisory fee, computed and paid monthly, at an annual
                        rate of .75% of the average daily net assets of the
                        respective fund.
    
 
   
                        Subject to termination or revision at the sole
                        discretion of MFS, MFS has agreed to bear expenses of
                        the MFS Emerging Growth Series and the MFS Research
                        Series (the "Series") such that each Series' expenses,
                        except for management fees ("Other Expenses"), do not
                        exceed .25% of the average daily net assets of the
                        Series. The obligation of MFS to bear Other Expenses for
                        a Series terminates on the last day of the Series'
                        fiscal year in which Other Expenses are less than or
                        equal to .25%.
    
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net Cash 
Surrender Value         Your policy's net cash surrender value fluctuates daily
                        with the investment results of the investment divisions
                        you select. We don't guarantee any minimum. On a policy
                        processing date which is also your policy anniversary,
                        the net cash surrender value equals:
                             - the policy's investment base on that date;
   
                             - minus the balance of the deferred policy loading
                               (see "Deferred Policy Loading", page 18).
    
 
                        If the date of calculation is not a policy processing
                        date, we also subtract a pro-rata mortality cost. And,
                        if there is any existing policy debt, we will also
                        subtract a pro-rata net loan cost on dates other than
                        the policy anniversary.
 
                                       21
<PAGE>   25
 
                        Cancelling to Receive Net Cash Surrender Value
   
                        You may cancel your policy at any time while the insured
                        is living and receive the policy's net cash surrender
                        value. Your request to cancel must be in writing in a
                        form satisfactory to us. All rights to death benefits
                        will end on the date the written request is sent to us.
                        The net cash surrender value will be determined upon our
                        receipt of the written request at the Service Center.
                        You may elect to receive this amount either in a single
                        payment or under one or more Income Plans (see "Income
                        Plans", page 30).
    
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Policy Loans            You may use your policy as collateral to borrow funds
                        from us. The minimum loan we will make is $1,000 unless
                        you're borrowing to pay the premium on another variable
                        life insurance policy issued by the Insurance Company.
                        In that case, you may borrow the exact amount required
                        even if it's less than $1,000. You may repay all or part
                        of the loan any time during the insured's lifetime. Each
                        repayment must be for at least $1,000 or the amount of
                        the policy debt, if less.
 
                        When you take a loan, we transfer an amount equal to the
                        amount you borrowed out of your investment divisions and
                        hold it as collateral in our general account. You may
                        tell us in writing which investment divisions you want
                        borrowed amounts taken from and which divisions should
                        receive repayments. If you don't, we'll take the
                        borrowed amounts proportionately from and make
                        repayments proportionately to your investment divisions.
 
                        Effect on Death Benefit and Cash Surrender Value
                        Whether or not you repay a policy loan, taking a loan
                        will have a permanent effect on your cash surrender
                        value and may have a permanent effect on your death
                        benefit. This is because the collateral for your loan
                        doesn't participate in the performance of the investment
                        divisions while the loan is outstanding. If the amount
                        credited to the collateral is more than what is earned
                        in the investment divisions, the cash surrender value
                        will be higher as a result of the loan, as may be the
                        death benefit. Conversely, if the amount credited is
                        less, the cash surrender value will be lower, as may be
                        the death benefit. In that case, the lower cash
                        surrender value may cause the policy to lapse sooner
                        than if no loan had been taken.
 
                        Loan Value
                        The loan value of your policy equals:
                             - 75% of the policy's cash surrender value during
                               the first three years; or
                             - 90% of the policy's cash surrender value after
                               the first three years.
 
                        The cash surrender value is the net cash surrender value
                        plus any policy debt.
 
                        In certain states the loan value may differ from that
                        above for particular years. Also, certain states won't
                        permit us to impose a minimum on the amount you can
                        borrow or repay.
 
   
                        The maximum amount you can borrow at any time is the
                        difference between the loan value and the policy debt
                        (the outstanding loan plus accrued interest). When
                        additional amounts are borrowed they are added to the
                        policy debt.
    
 
                        Interest
   
                        While a policy loan is outstanding, we'll charge you
                        interest of 4.75% annually. Interest accrues each day
                        and payments are due at the end of each policy year. IF
                        YOU DON'T PAY THE INTEREST WHEN DUE, WE ADD IT TO THE
                        OUTSTANDING LOAN AMOUNT. Policy debt is considered part
                        of total cash value which is used to calculate gain.
                        Interest paid on a policy loan is not tax-deductible.
    
 
                                       22
<PAGE>   26
 
                        The amount held in our general account as collateral for
                        your loan earns interest at a minimum of 4.0% annually
                        for the first ten policy years and 4.15% thereafter.
 
                        Net Loan Cost
                        On each policy anniversary, we reduce your investment
                        base by the net loan cost (the difference between the
                        interest charged and the earnings on the amount held as
                        collateral in the general account) and add that amount
                        to the amount held in the general account as collateral
                        for the loan. For the first ten policy years this equals
                        .75% of the policy debt on the previous policy
                        anniversary taking into account any loans and repayments
                        since then. After the first ten policy years, the net
                        loan cost equals .60%.
 
                        Between policy anniversaries, your policy's net cash
                        surrender value is reduced by this charge on a pro-rated
                        basis.
 
                        Cancellation Due to Excess Debt
   
                        If your policy debt exceeds the larger of the cash
                        surrender value and the tabular value, we'll mail a
                        notice of our intent to cancel the policy, specifying
                        the minimum repayment amount. If we do not receive that
                        amount within 61 days after we mail the notice, we will
                        cancel the policy. Depending upon investment performance
                        of the divisions and the amounts borrowed, loans may
                        cause the policy to lapse. If the policy lapses with a
                        loan outstanding, adverse tax consequences may result
                        (see "Tax Considerations", page 33).
    
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   
Death Benefit Proceeds  We will pay the death benefit proceeds to the
                        beneficiary when we receive all information needed to
                        make the payment, including due proof of the insured's
                        death. When Merrill Lynch Life is first provided
                        reliable notification of the insured's death by a
                        representative of the owner or the insured, investment
                        base may be transferred to the division investing in the
                        Money Reserve Portfolio, pending payment of death
                        benefit proceeds.
    
 
                        Amount of Death Benefit Proceeds
                        The policy's death benefit proceeds equal:
                             - the death benefit, which is the larger of the
                               current face amount and the variable insurance
                               amount; less
                             - any policy debt; and less
   
                             - any overdue charges if the policy is in a grace
                               period (see "When Your Guarantee Period is Less
                               Than for Life", page 25).
    
 
                        The values above are those as of the date of death. The
                        death benefit will never be less than the amount
                        required to keep the policy qualified as life insurance
                        under Federal income tax laws.
 
   
                        The amount paid on death will be greater when an
                        additional payment has been received and accepted during
                        a policy processing period and the insured dies prior to
                        the next policy processing date (see "Making Additional
                        Payments", page 16).
    
 
                        Variable Insurance Amount
                        We determine the variable insurance amount on each
                        policy processing date by:
                             - calculating the cash surrender value; and
                             - multiplying by the net single premium factor
                               (explained below).
 
                        The variable insurance amount changes only on a policy
                        processing date. It will never be less than required by
                        Federal income tax law.
  
                        Net Single Premium Factor
                        The net single premium factor is based on the insured's
                        sex, underwriting class
 
                                       23
<PAGE>   27
                        and attained age on the policy processing date. It
                        decreases as the insured's age increases. As a result,
                        the variable insurance amount will decrease in
                        relationship to the policy's cash surrender value.
                        Also, net single premium factors may be higher for a
                        woman than for a man of the same age. A table of net
                        single premium factors is included in the policy.
 
                              Table of Illustrative Net Single Premium Factors
                                         on Policy Anniversaries
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                              Standard-Simplified Issue                  Standard-Medical Issue
                          ATTAINED                                 ATTAINED
                            AGE         MALE        FEMALE           AGE          MALE        FEMALE
                          --------     -------     --------        --------     --------     --------
                          <S>          <C>         <C>             <C>          <C>          <C>
                              5        8.61444     10.08769            5        10.26605     12.37298
                             15        6.45795      7.65253           15         7.41158      8.96292
                             25        4.89803      5.70908           25         5.50384      6.48170
                             35        3.59024      4.18342           35         3.97197      4.64894
                             45        2.62620      3.06419           45         2.87749      3.36465
                             55        1.97694      2.29528           55         2.14058      2.48940
                             65        1.55349      1.75357           65         1.65786      1.87562
                             75        1.28954      1.38615           75         1.35394      1.45952
                             85        1.14214      1.17173           85         1.18029      1.21265
</TABLE>
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   
Payment of Death Benefit
Proceeds                We will usually pay the death benefit proceeds to the
                        beneficiary within seven days after we receive all the
                        information we need to process the payment. We may delay
                        payment if the policy is being contested or under the
                        circumstances described in "Using Your Policy", page 27
                        and "Other Policy Provisions", page 29. If we do delay
                        payment, we will add interest from the date of the
                        insured's death to the date of payment at an annual rate
                        of at least 4%. The beneficiary may elect to receive the
                        proceeds either in a single payment or under one or more
                        Income Plans (see "Income Plans", page 30).
    
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Policy Guarantees       Although your policy values depend on the investment
                        results of the investment divisions you've selected and
                        the amount of net cash surrender value is not
                        guaranteed, the policy does provide the following
                        guarantees.
 
                        Guarantee Period
   
                        We guarantee that the policy will stay in force for the
                        insured's life, or for a shorter guarantee period
                        depending on the face amount selected for a given
                        premium. We won't cancel the policy during the guarantee
                        period unless the policy debt exceeds certain policy
                        values (see "Interest", page 22). We'll hold a reserve
                        in our general account to support this guarantee.
    
 
                        Mortality Cost
   
                        Each policy issued on a standard basis guarantees
                        maximum mortality rates based on the 1980 CSO Table for
                        policies underwritten on a medical basis and the 1980
                        CET Table for policies underwritten on a simplified
                        basis. For policies issued on a substandard basis we use
                        a multiple of the 1980 CSO Table. We may use current
                        rates that are equal to or less than these rates, but
                        never greater. In addition, we limit the mortality cost
                        if investment results are unfavorable (see "Maximum
                        Mortality Cost", page 19). In effect, during the
                        guarantee period you will not be charged for mortality
                        costs that are greater than those for a comparable fixed
                        policy based on 4% interest and the same guaranteed
                        mortality rates.
    
 
                        Your Policy's Tabular Value
                        When we issue your policy, its tabular value equals the
                        cash surrender value. From then on, the tabular value
                        equals the cash surrender value for a comparable
 
                                       24
<PAGE>   28
                        fixed life policy with the same face amount and
                        guarantee period, based on 4% interest and the
                        guaranteed mortality table. After the guarantee period
                        the tabular value is zero. The tabular value is used to
                        limit the mortality cost deduction as well as our right
                        to cancel your policy during the guarantee period.
 
                        Other Amounts Deducted from Investment Base
                        There are currently no charges for administrative
                        expenses beyond the first year and we won't impose any
                        in the future. The loan charge will never exceed a
                        maximum of .75% of the policy debt per year for the
                        first ten policy years and .60% thereafter.
 
                        Amounts Deducted from the Separate Account
   
                        The amount of these deductions is limited and can't be
                        increased above the maximums shown in "Charges to the
                        Separate Account" on page 20.
    
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   
When Your Guarantee
Period is Less Than for
Life                    After the end of the guarantee period, we may cancel
                        your policy if the net cash surrender value on a policy
                        processing date won't cover the charges due (see
                        "Charges Deducted from Your Investment Base", page 18).
    
 
                        We will notify you before cancelling your policy. You'll
                        have 61 days to pay us three times the charges due on
                        the policy processing date when your net cash surrender
                        value became insufficient. (In certain states the amount
                        of the required payment may differ.) We will cancel your
                        policy at the end of this grace period if we have not
                        received your payment. Any excess of the payment above
                        the overdue charges will be treated as an additional
                        payment.
 
                        Reinstating Your Policy
                        If we cancel your policy, you may reinstate it while the
                        insured is still living if:
                             - you request the reinstatement within three years
                               after the end of the grace period;
                             - we receive satisfactory evidence of insurability;
                               and
                             - you make a premium payment which is sufficient to
                               give you a guarantee period of at least five
                               years from the effective date of the reinstated
                               policy.
 
   
                        We will treat your premium payment as an additional
                        payment requiring underwriting (see "Making Additional
                        Payments", page 16).
    
 
                        Your reinstated policy will be effective on the policy
                        processing date on or next following the date we approve
                        your reinstatement application.
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Your Right to Cancel
("Free Look" Period) or
Exchange Your Policy    You may cancel your policy during your "free look"
                        period. In most states it is ten days after you receive
                        it. In some states, however, it is the later of the ten
                        days and 45 days from the date the application is
                        executed. If you decide to cancel, you may mail or
                        deliver the policy to us or to the registered
                        representative who sold it to you. We will refund the
                        premium paid without interest. If you cancel, we may
                        require that you wait six months before applying to us
                        again.
 
                        Special Cancellation Right for Corporate Purchasers
                        Corporations that purchase one or more policies at the
                        same time with an aggregate single premium of $250,000
                        or more, where the investment base has at all times been
                        allocated to the division investing in the Money Reserve
                        Portfolio and where no additional payments have been
                        made nor policy loans taken, may cancel the policy(ies)
                        and receive the greater of the premium paid without
                        interest and the net cash surrender value.
 
                        Exchanging Your Policy
 
                                       25
<PAGE>   29
 
                        You may exchange this policy for a policy with benefits
                        that do not vary with the investment results of a
                        separate account. You must request this in writing
                        within 18 months of the issue date of your policy. You
                        also must return the original policy.
 
                        The new policy will have the same owner and beneficiary
                        as those of your original policy on the date of the
                        exchange. It will have the same issue age, issue date,
                        face amount, cash surrender value, benefit riders and
                        underwriting class as the original policy. Any policy
                        debt will be carried over to the new policy.
 
                        We won't ask for evidence of insurability.
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Reports to Policyowners After the end of each policy quarter you'll receive a
                        statement of the allocation of your investment base,
                        death benefit, net cash surrender value, any policy debt
                        and, if there has been a change, your current face
                        amount and guarantee period. All figures will be as of
                        the first day of the current policy quarter. The
                        statement will show the amounts deducted from or added
                        to the investment base during the policy quarter. We
                        will project your policy's value at a net rate of return
                        of 8% and based on this value tell you when the policy
                        will terminate unless additional payments are made. It
                        will also include any other information that may be
                        currently required by the state insurance department of
                        the jurisdiction in which this policy is delivered.
 
   
                        Policyowners will receive confirmation of all financial
                        transactions. Such confirmations will show the price per
                        unit of each of the policyowner's investment divisions,
                        the number of units a policyowner has in the investment
                        division and the value of the investment division
                        computed by multiplying the quantity of units by the
                        price per unit. (See "Net Rate of Return for an
                        Investment Division", page 37). The sum of the values in
                        each investment division is a policyowner's investment
                        base.
    
 
   
                        You will also receive semiannual reports containing a
                        financial statement for the Separate Account and a list
                        of portfolio securities of the Funds as required by the
                        Investment Company Act of 1940.
    
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Single Premium
Immediate Annuity Rider If it's allowed in your state, you may add a single
                        premium immediate annuity rider (SPIAR) to your policy.
                        This rider would provide you with a fixed income for a
                        period of ten years. If you are the insured and you die
                        before the period ends, we'll pay the rider value in a
                        lump sum to the beneficiary under the policy. For tax
                        purposes, this payment won't be considered part of the
                        life insurance death benefit.
 
                        If you surrender the rider before the end of the period,
                        we'll pay you the rider value over five years or apply
                        it to a lifetime income for you, as you choose.
 
                        If you are not the insured and you die before the income
                        period ends, we'll pay the remaining payments to the new
                        owner.
 
                        If you change the owner of the policy, we will change
                        the owner of the SPIAR to the new owner of the policy.
 
                        If the policy ends because the insured dies (where you
                        are not the insured), because we terminate the policy,
                        or because you've cancelled it for its net cash
                        surrender value, we'll continue the annuity under the
                        same terms but under a separate written agreement. Or
                        you can choose one of the options available upon
                        surrender of the rider.
 
                        The rider won't have any effect on your policy's loan
                        value.
 
                        The reserves for this rider will be held in our general
                        account.
 
                                       26
<PAGE>   30
 
   
                        Pledging, assigning or gifting a policy with a SPIAR may
                        have tax consequences to you. You are advised to consult
                        your tax advisor prior to effecting an assignment,
                        pledge or gift of such a policy. For a discussion of the
                        tax issues associated with use of a SPIAR, see "Tax
                        Considerations", page 33.
    
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                        More About the Policy
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Using Your Policy       Ownership
                        The policyowner is usually the insured, unless another
                        owner has been named in the application. The policyowner
                        has all rights and options described in the policy.
 
                        If you, the policyowner, are not also the insured, you
                        may want to name a contingent owner. If you die before
                        the insured, the contingent owner will own your interest
                        in the policy and have all your rights. If you don't
                        name a contingent owner, your estate will own your
                        interest in the policy at your death.
 
                        If there is more than one policyowner, we will treat the
                        owners as joint tenants with rights of survivorship
                        unless the ownership designation provides otherwise. The
                        owners must exercise their rights and options jointly,
                        except that any one of the owners may reallocate the
                        Contract's investment base by phone if the owner
                        provides the personal identification code as well as the
                        policy number. One policyowner must be designated, in
                        writing, to receive all notices, correspondence and tax
                        reporting to which policyowners are entitled under the
                        policy.
 
                        Changing the Owner
                        During your lifetime, you have the right to transfer
                        ownership of the policy. The new owner will have all
                        rights and options described in the policy. The change
                        will be effective as of the day the notice is signed,
                        but will not affect any payment made or action taken by
                        us before receipt of the notice of the change at the
                        Service Center.
 
                        Assigning the Policy as Collateral
                        You may assign this policy as collateral security for a
                        loan or other obligation. This does not change the
                        ownership. However, your rights and any beneficiary's
                        rights are subject to the terms of the assignment.
 
                        You must give us satisfactory written notice at the
                        Service Center in order to make or release an
                        assignment. We are not responsible for the validity of
                        any assignment.
 
                        Naming Beneficiaries
                        We'll pay the primary beneficiary the proceeds of this
                        policy on the insured's death. If the primary
                        beneficiary has died, we pay the contingent beneficiary.
                        If no contingent beneficiary is living, we pay the
                        insured's estate.
 
                        You may name more than one person as primary or
                        contingent beneficiaries. We'll pay proceeds in equal
                        shares to the surviving beneficiary unless the
                        beneficiary designation provides otherwise.
 
                        You have the right to change beneficiaries during the
                        insured's lifetime unless the primary beneficiary
                        designation has been made irrevocable. If the
                        designation is irrevocable, the primary beneficiary must
                        consent when you exercise certain rights and options
                        under this policy. If you change the beneficiary the
                        change will take effect as of the day the notice is
                        signed, but will not affect any payment made or action
                        taken by us before receipt of the notice of the change
                        at the Service Center.
 
                                       27
<PAGE>   31
 
                        Changing the Insured
   
                        Subject to certain requirements, you may request that we
                        change the insured under a policy once each policy year.
                        To do so, we must receive a written request from you and
                        the proposed new insured. We will also require evidence
                        of insurability for the proposed new insured. The
                        proposed new insured must qualify for a standard or
                        better underwriting classification. Outstanding debt
                        must first be repaid and the policy cannot be
                        collaterally assigned. If the request for change is
                        approved, the insurance on the new insured will take
                        effect on the policy processing date on or next
                        following the date of approval, provided the new insured
                        is still living and the policy is still in effect at
                        that time.
    
 
                        The policy will be changed as follows on the effective
                        date:
                             - The issue age will be the new insured's issue age
                               (the new insured's age as of the birthday nearest
                               the policy date).
                             - The guaranteed maximum mortality rates will be
                               those in effect on the policy date for the new
                               insured's issue age, sex and underwriting class.
                             - A charge for changing the insured will be
                               deducted from the policy's investment base on the
                               effective date. The charge will equal $1.50 per
                               $1,000 of face amount with a minimum of $200 and
                               a maximum of $1,500.
                             - The policy's issue date will be the effective
                               date of the change.
 
                        The face amount or guarantee period may also change on
                        the effective date depending on the new insured's age,
                        sex and underwriting class. We will also determine a new
                        variable insurance amount.
 
                        Maturity Proceeds
   
                        The maturity date is the policy anniversary nearest the
                        insured's 100th birthday. On the maturity date, we'll
                        pay you the net cash surrender value provided the
                        insured is still living and the policy is still in
                        effect at that time.
    
 
                        How We Make Payments
                        We'll usually pay death benefit proceeds, net cash
                        surrender value on cancellation and loans within seven
                        days after the Service Center receives all the
                        information needed to process the payment.
 
                        However, we may delay payment if it isn't practical for
                        us to value or dispose of Trust units or Fund shares
                        because:
                             - the New York Stock Exchange is closed for other
                               than a regular holiday or weekend; or
                             - trading is restricted; or
                             - an emergency exists according to Securities and
                               Exchange Commission ("SEC") rules.
 
                        We may also delay payment if an SEC order allows us to
                        in order to protect our policyowners.
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Some Administrative
Procedures              Described below are certain of our administrative
                        procedures. We reserve the right to modify them from
                        time to time or to eliminate them. For administrative
                        and tax purposes, we may from time to time require
                        specific forms be completed in order to accomplish
                        certain transactions, including surrenders.
 
                        Signature Guarantees
   
                        In order for you to make certain policy transactions and
                        changes, we may require that your signature be
                        guaranteed. Your signature can only be guaranteed by a
                        national bank or trust company (not a savings bank or
                        federal savings and loan
    
 
                                       28
<PAGE>   32
                        association), a member bank of the Federal Reserve
                        System or a member firm of a national securities
                        exchange.
 
   
                        Currently, we may require a signature guarantee on:
    
   
                             - written requests for cash surrenders or policy
                               loans;
    
   
                             - change of owner; and
    
                             - phone authorization forms if not submitted with
                               your application.
 
                        Your Personal Identification Code
   
                        We will send you a four digit personal identification
                        code shortly after your policy is placed in force and
                        before the end of the "free look" period. You need to
                        give us this number when you call us at the Service
                        Center to get information about your policy, to make a
                        policy loan (if an authorization is on file), or to make
                        other requests. Your personal identification code will
                        be accompanied by a notice reminding you that your
                        investment base is in the division investing in the
                        Money Reserve Portfolio and that you may change this
                        allocation by calling or writing the Service Center (see
                        "Changing Your Investment Base Allocation", page 18).
    
 
                        Reallocating Your Investment Base
                        You can reallocate your investment base either in
                        writing in a form satisfactory to us or by phone. If you
                        do it by phone, you must tell us your personal
                        identification code as well as your policy number. We
                        will give you a confirmation number over the phone and
                        then follow up in writing.
 
                        Requesting a Policy Loan
                        A loan may be requested in writing or, if all required
                        forms are on file with us, by phone. Once we have the
                        authorization, you can call the Service Center, give us
                        your policy number, name and personal identification
                        code, and then tell us how much you want to borrow and
                        from which divisions the loan should be transferred. We
                        will wire the funds to your account at the financial
                        institution named on your authorization. We will usually
                        wire the funds within two working days of receipt of the
                        request.
 
                        Telephone Requests
                        A telephone request for a policy loan or a reallocation
                        received before 4 p.m. (ET) generally will be processed
                        the same day. A request received at or after 4 p.m. (ET)
                        will be processed the following business day. The
                        Insurance Company reserves the right to change or
                        discontinue the telephone transfer procedures.
 
   
                        Merrill Lynch Life will employ reasonable procedures to
                        confirm that instructions communicated by telephone are
                        genuine. These procedures may include, but are not
                        limited to, possible recording of telephone calls and
                        obtaining appropriate identification before effecting
                        any telephone transactions. Merrill Lynch Life will not
                        be liable for following telephone instructions that it
                        reasonably believes to be genuine.
    
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Other Policy Provisions In Case of Errors on the Application
                        If an age or sex given in the application is wrong, it
                        could mean that the face amount, guarantee period, or
                        any other policy benefit is wrong. We'll pay what the
                        premium would have bought for the correct age or sex
                        assuming the same guarantee period.
 
                        Incontestability
                        We rely on statements made in the applications. Legally,
                        they are considered representations, not warranties. We
                        can contest the validity of a policy if any material
                        misstatements are made in the initial application. We
                        can also contest
 
                                       29
<PAGE>   33
                        any amount of death benefit which wouldn't be payable
                        except for the fact that an additional payment was made
                        if any material misstatements are made in the
                        application required with the additional payment.
 
                        We won't contest the validity of a policy after it has
                        been in effect during the insured's lifetime for two
                        years from the date of issue. Nor will we contest any
                        amount of death benefit attributable to an additional
                        payment after such death benefit has been in effect
                        during the insured's lifetime for two years from the
                        date we received and accepted the payment.
 
                        Payment in Case of Suicide
                        If the insured commits suicide within two years from
                        this policy's issue date, we'll pay only a limited death
                        benefit. The benefit will be equal to the premium paid.
                        If the insured commits suicide within two years of any
                        date we receive and accept an additional payment, any
                        amount of death benefit which wouldn't be payable except
                        for the fact that the additional payment was made will
                        be limited to the amount of the additional payment. The
                        death benefit we will pay will be reduced by any policy
                        debt.
 
                        Policy Changes -- Applicable Tax Law
                        For you to receive the tax treatment accorded to life
                        insurance under Federal income tax law, your policy must
                        qualify initially and continue to qualify as life
                        insurance under the Internal Revenue Code or successor
                        law. Therefore, to assure this qualification, we have
                        reserved the right to defer acceptance of or to return
                        any additional payments that would cause the policy to
                        fail to qualify as life insurance under applicable tax
                        law as interpreted by us. Further, we reserve the right
                        to make changes in the policy or its riders or to make
                        distributions from the policy to the extent we find it
                        necessary to continue to qualify your policy as life
                        insurance. Any such changes will apply uniformly to all
                        policies that are affected and you will be given advance
                        written notice of such changes.
 
                        Dividends
                        Our variable life insurance policies are
                        non-participating. This means that they don't provide
                        for dividends. Investment results under these variable
                        life policies are reflected in benefits.
 
                        State Variations
                        Certain policy features are subject to state variation.
                        You should read your policy carefully to determine
                        whether any variations apply in the state in which the
                        policy was issued.
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Income Plans            We offer several income plans to provide for payment of
                        the death benefit proceeds to the beneficiary. You may
                        choose one or more income plans at any time during the
                        insured's lifetime. If no plan has been chosen when the
                        insured dies, the beneficiary has one year to apply the
                        death benefit proceeds either paid or payable to such
                        beneficiary to one or more of the plans. You may also
                        choose one or more income plans on cancelling the policy
                        for its net cash surrender value. Our approval is needed
                        for any plan where any income payments would be less
                        than $100. Payments under these plans do not depend on
                        the investment results of a separate account.
 
                        Income plans are:
 
                           Annuity Plan
                           An amount can be used to purchase a single premium
                           immediate annuity. 

                           Annuity purchase rates will be 3% less than for new 
                           annuitants.
 
                                       30
<PAGE>   34
 
                           Income for a Fixed Period
                           Payments are made in equal installments for up to
                           30 years.
 
                           Income for Life
                           Payments are made in equal monthly installments
                           until death of a named person or end of a designated
                           period, whichever is later. The designated period may
                           be for 10 or 20 years.
 
                           Interest Payment
                           Amounts are left on deposit with us to earn
                           interest of at least 3% per year.
 
                           Income of a Fixed Amount
                           Payments are made in equal installments until
                           proceeds applied under the option and interest on
                           unpaid balance at not less than 3% per year are
                           exhausted.
 
                           Joint Life Income
                           Payments are made in monthly installments as long
                           as at least one of two named persons is living. While
                           both are living, we make full payments. If one dies,
                           we make payments at two-thirds of the full amount.
                           Payments end completely when both named persons die.
 
                        Once in effect, some of the plans may not provide any
                        surrender rights.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Group or Sponsored
Arrangements            For certain group or sponsored arrangements, we may
                        reduce the sales load, the first-year administrative
                        expense, the mortality cost and the minimum premium and
                        we may modify our underwriting classifications.
 
                        Group arrangements include those in which a trustee or
                        an employer, for example, purchases policies covering a
                        group of individuals on a group basis. Sponsored
                        arrangements include those in which an employer allows
                        us to sell policies to its employees on an individual
                        basis.
 
                        Our costs for sales, administration and mortality
                        generally vary with the size and stability of the group
                        and the reasons the policies are purchased, among other
                        factors. We take all these factors into account when
                        reducing charges. To qualify for reduced charges, a
                        group or sponsored arrangement must meet certain
                        requirements, including our requirements for size and
                        number of years in existence. Group or sponsored
                        arrangements that have been set up solely to buy
                        policies or that have been in existence less than six
                        months will not qualify for reduced charges.
 
                        We'll make any reductions according to our rules in
                        effect when an application for a policy or additional
                        payment is approved. Our current rules call for
                        reductions resulting in a sales load of not more than 3%
                        of the premium.
 
                        We may change these rules from time to time. However,
                        reductions in charges will not discriminate unfairly
                        against any person.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Legal Considerations for
Employers               In 1983, the Supreme Court held in Arizona Governing
                        Committee v. Norris that optional annuity benefits
                        provided under an employee's deferred compensation plan
                        could not, under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of
                        1964, vary between men and women. In that case, the
                        Court applied its decision only to benefits derived from
                        contributions made on or after August 1, 1983.
                        Subsequent decisions of lower Federal courts indicate
                        that in other factual circumstances the Title VII
                        prohibition of sex-distinct benefits may apply to
                        contributions made before that date. In addition,
                        legislative, regulatory or decisional authority of
 
                                       31
<PAGE>   35
                        some states may prohibit use of sex-distinct mortality
                        tables under certain circumstances.
 
                        The policy offered by this prospectus is based on
                        mortality tables that distinguish between men and women.
                        As a result, the policy pays different benefits to men
                        and women of the same age. Employers and employee
                        organizations should check with their legal advisers
                        before purchasing this policy.
 
   
                        Certain states may prohibit the use of actuarial tables
                        that distinguish between men and women in determining
                        premiums and policy benefits for policies issued on the
                        life of its residents. (Previously, certain policies
                        issued on the life of a Massachusetts resident were also
                        issued on a unisex basis.) Therefore, policies described
                        in this prospectus to insure residents of Montana (and
                        certain residents of Massachusetts) will have premiums
                        and benefits which are based on actuarial tables that do
                        not differentiate on the basis of sex. Policyowners
                        should consult the policy.
    
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Selling the Policies    The Insurance Company retains MLPF&S under a
                        distribution agreement to act as principal underwriter
                        for the policies described in this prospectus as well as
                        other policies issued through the separate account.
                        MLPF&S also is principal underwriter (distributor) for
                        other registered investment companies, including other
                        separate accounts of the Insurance Company and an
                        affiliated insurance company. It is registered with the
                        SEC as a broker-dealer and is a member of the National
                        Association of Securities Dealers.
 
                        The Insurance Company has companion sales agreements
                        with MLPF&S and various Merrill Lynch Life Agencies.
                        Under these agreements, applications for the policies
                        are solicited by financial consultants of MLPF&S. The
                        financial consultants are authorized under applicable
                        state regulations to sell variable life insurance as
                        insurance agents.
 
                        The maximum commission as a percentage of a premium
                        payable to qualified registered representatives will, in
                        no event, exceed 3.5%. In addition, the organizations
                        described above will also receive override payments and
                        may be reimbursed under MLPF&S's expense reimbursement
                        allowance program for portions of expenses incurred.
 
   
                        The total amounts paid under the distribution and sales
                        agreements for the Separate Account for the years ended
                        December 31, 1996, December 31, 1995 and December 31,
                        1994 were $634,950, $677,860, and $808,469,
                        respectively.
    
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   
Administrative Services The Insurance Company and its parent, Merrill Lynch
                        Insurance Group, Inc. ("MLIG") are parties to a service
                        agreement pursuant to which MLIG has agreed to provide
                        certain data processing, legal, actuarial, management,
                        advertising and other services to the Insurance Company,
                        including services related to the Separate Account and
                        the policies. Expenses incurred by MLIG in relation to
                        this service agreement are reimbursed by the Insurance
                        Company on an allocated cost basis. Charges billed to
                        the Insurance Company by MLIG pursuant to the agreement
                        were $44.5 million for the year ended December 31, 1996.
    
 
                                       32
<PAGE>   36
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tax Considerations      Definition of Life Insurance
                        In order to qualify as a life insurance contract for
                        Federal tax purposes, this policy must meet the
                        definition of a life insurance contract which is set
                        forth in Section 7702 of the Internal Revenue Code. The
                        Section 7702 definition can be met if a life insurance
                        policy satisfies either one of two tests that are
                        contained in that section. The manner in which these
                        tests should be applied to certain innovative features
                        of the policy offered by this prospectus is not directly
                        addressed by Section 7702 or the proposed regulations
                        issued thereunder. The presence of these innovative
                        policy features, and the absence of final regulations or
                        any other pertinent interpretations of the tests, thus
                        creates some uncertainty about the application of the
                        tests to this policy.
 
                        Nevertheless, we believe that the policy offered by this
                        prospectus qualifies as a life insurance contract for
                        Federal tax purposes. This means that:
                             - the death benefit should be fully excludable from
                               the gross income of the beneficiary under Section
                               101(a)(1) of the Internal Revenue Code; and
                             - the policyowner should not be considered in
                               constructive receipt of the policy's cash
                               surrender value, including any increases, until
                               actual cancellation of the policy.
 
   
                        We have reserved the right to make changes in this
                        policy if such changes are deemed necessary to assure
                        its qualification as a life insurance contract for tax
                        purposes (see "Policy Changes -- Applicable Tax Law",
                        page 30).
    
 
                        Diversification
   
                        Section 817(h) of the Internal Revenue Code provides
                        that separate account investments (or the investments of
                        a mutual fund, the shares of which are owned by separate
                        accounts of insurance companies) underlying the contract
                        must be "adequately diversified" in accordance with
                        Treasury regulations in order for the contract to
                        qualify as life insurance. The Treasury Department has
                        issued regulations prescribing the diversification
                        requirements in connection with variable contracts. The
                        Separate Account, through the Funds, intends to comply
                        with these requirements. Each Fund is obligated to
                        comply with the diversification requirements prescribed
                        by the Treasury Department.
    
 
                        In connection with the issuance of the diversification
                        regulations, the Treasury Department stated that it
                        anticipates the issuance of regulations or rulings
                        prescribing the circumstances in which a policyowner's
                        control of the investments of a separate account may
                        cause the policyowner, rather than the insurance
                        company, to be treated as the owner of the assets in the
                        account. If the policyowner is considered the owner of
                        the assets of the Separate Account, income and gains
                        from the account would be included in the policyowner's
                        gross income.
 
                        The ownership rights under this policy are similar to,
                        but different in certain respects from, those described
                        by the IRS in rulings in which it determined that the
                        policyowners were not owners of separate account assets.
                        For example, the owner of this policy has additional
                        flexibility in allocating premiums and cash values.
                        These differences could result in the policyowner being
                        treated as the owner of the assets of the Separate
                        Account. In addition, the Insurance Company does not
                        know what standards will be set forth in the regulations
                        or rulings which the Treasury has stated it expects to
                        be issued. We therefore reserve the right to modify this
                        policy as necessary to attempt to prevent the
                        policyowner from being considered the owner of the
                        assets of the Separate Account.
 
                                       33
<PAGE>   37
 
                        Policy Loans
                        Under current law policy loans are considered
                        indebtedness of a policyowner and no part of a loan
                        constitutes income to an owner. However, any interest
                        paid on policy loans for single premium policies will
                        not be tax-deductible.
 
                        Tax Treatment of Policy Loans and Other Distributions
                        Federal Tax Laws establishes a class of life insurance
                        policies referred to as modified endowment contracts. A
                        modified endowment contract is any contract which
                        satisfies the definition of life insurance set forth in
                        Section 7702 of the Code but fails to meet the 7-pay
                        test. This test applies a cumulative limit on the amount
                        of premiums that can be paid into a contract each year
                        in the first seven contract years in order to avoid
                        modified endowment contract treatment.
 
   
                        Loans from, as well as collateral assignments of,
                        modified endowment contracts will be treated as
                        distributions to the policyowner. All pre-death
                        distributions (including loans, capitalized interest,
                        surrenders, and collateral assignments) from these
                        policies will be included in gross income on an income
                        first basis to the extent of any income in the policy
                        immediately before the distribution.
    
 
   
                        The law also imposes a 10% penalty tax on pre-death
                        distributions (including loans, collateral assignments,
                        capitalized interest, and surrenders) from modified
                        endowment contracts to the extent they are included in
                        income, unless such amounts are distributed on or after
                        the taxpayer attains age 59 1/2, because the taxpayer is
                        disabled, or as substantially equal periodic payments
                        over the taxpayer's life (or life expectancy) or over
                        the joint lives (or joint life expectancies) of the
                        taxpayer and his beneficiary.
    
 
                        These provisions apply to policies entered into on or
                        after June 21, 1988. However, a policy that is not
                        originally classified as a modified endowment contract
                        can become so classified if a material change is made in
                        the policy at any time. A material change includes, but
                        is not limited to, a change in the benefits that was not
                        reflected in a prior 7-pay test computation. Certain
                        changes made to your policy may cause it to become
                        subject to these provisions. We believe that these
                        changes include your contractual right to make certain
                        additional premium payments. You may choose not to
                        exercise this right in order to preserve your policy's
                        current tax treatment.
 
                        If you do preserve your policy's current tax treatment,
                        policy loans will be considered your indebtedness and no
                        part of a policy loan will constitute income to you.
                        However, a lapse of a policy with an outstanding loan
                        will result in the treatment of the loan cancellation
                        (including the accrued interest) as a distribution under
                        the policy and may be taxable. Pre-death distributions
                        will generally not be included in gross income to the
                        extent that the amount received does not exceed your
                        investment in the policy.
 
                        Any policy received in exchange for a modified endowment
                        contract is considered a modified endowment contract.
 
                        If there is any borrowing against your policy, whether a
                        modified endowment contract or not, the interest paid on
                        loans is not tax deductible.
 
                        Aggregation of Modified Endowment Contracts
   
                        In the case of a pre-death distribution (including
                        loans, collateral assignments, capitalized interest, and
                        surrenders) from a policy that is treated as a modified
                        endowment contract, a special "aggregation" requirement
                        may apply for purposes of determining the amount of the
                        "income on the contract." Specifically, if the
    
 
                                       34
<PAGE>   38
                        Insurance Company or any of its affiliates issue to the
                        same policyowner more than one modified endowment
                        contract during a calendar year, then for purposes of
                        measuring the "income on the contract" with respect to
                        a distribution from any of those contracts, the "income
                        on the contract" for all such contracts will be
                        aggregated and attributed to that distribution.
 
                        Taxation of Single Premium Immediate Annuity Rider
   
                        If a SPIAR was added to the policy at issue to make the
                        payments on the policy, a portion of each payment from
                        the annuity will be includible in income for federal tax
                        purposes when distributed. The amount of taxable income
                        consists of the excess of the payment amount over the
                        exclusion amount. The exclusion amount is defined as the
                        payment amount multiplied by the ratio of the investment
                        in the annuity rider to the total amount expected to be
                        paid by the Insurance Company under the annuity.
    
 
                        If payments cease because of death before the investment
                        in the annuity rider has been fully recovered, a
                        deduction is allowed for the unrecovered amount.
                        Moreover, if the payments continue beyond the time at
                        which the investment in the annuity rider has been fully
                        recovered, the full amount of each payment will be
                        includible in income. If the SPIAR is surrendered before
                        all of the scheduled payments have been made by the
                        Insurance Company, the remaining income in the annuity
                        rider will be taxed just as in the case of life
                        insurance policies.
 
                        Payments under an immediate annuity rider are not
                        subject to the 10% penalty tax that is generally
                        applicable to distributions from annuities made before
                        the recipient attains age 59 1/2.
 
                        Other than the tax consequences described above, and
                        assuming that the SPIAR is not subjected to an
                        assignment, gift or pledge, no income will be recognized
                        to the policyowners or beneficiary.
 
                        The SPIAR does not exist independently of a policy.
                        Accordingly, there are tax consequences if a policy with
                        a SPIAR is assigned, transferred by gift, or pledged. An
                        owner of a policy with a SPIAR is advised to consult a
                        tax advisor prior to effecting an assignment, gift or
                        pledge of the policy.
 
                        Other Transactions
   
                        Changing the owner or the insured may have tax
                        consequences. Exchanging this policy for another
                        involving the same insured will have no tax consequences
                        if there is no policy debt and no cash or other property
                        is received, according to Section 1035(a)(1) of the
                        Internal Revenue Code. In addition, exchanging this
                        policy for more than one policy, or exchanging this
                        policy and one or more other policies for a single
                        policy, in certain circumstances, may be treated as an
                        exchange under Section 1035, as long as all such
                        policies involve the same insured(s). Any new policy or
                        policies would have to satisfy the 7-pay test from the
                        date of exchange to avoid characterization as a modified
                        endowment contract. In addition, any exchange for a new
                        policy or policies may result in a loss of
                        grandfathering status for statutory changes made after
                        the old policy or policies were issued. A tax advisor
                        should be consulted before effecting any exchange, since
                        even if an exchange is within Section 1035(a), the
                        exchange may have tax consequences other than immediate
                        recognition of income.
    
 
                        In addition, the policy may be used in various
                        arrangements, including non-qualified deferred
                        compensation or salary continuance plans, split dollar
                        insurance plans, executive bonus plans, retiree medical
                        benefit plans and others. The tax consequences of such
                        plans may vary depending on the particular facts and
 
                                       35
<PAGE>   39
                        circumstances of each individual arrangement.
                        Therefore, if you are contemplating the use of a policy
                        in any arrangement the value of which depends in part
                        on its tax consequences, you should be sure to consult
                        a qualified tax advisor regarding the tax attributes of
                        the particular arrangement.
 
                        Other Taxes
                        Federal estate and state and local estate, inheritance
                        and other taxes depend upon your or the beneficiary's
                        specific situation.
 
                        Ownership of Policies by Non-Natural Persons. The above
                        discussion of the tax consequences arising from the
                        purchase, ownership, and transfer of a policy has
                        assumed that the owner of the policy consists of one or
                        more individuals. Organizations exempt from taxation
                        under Section 501(a) of the Code may be subject to
                        additional or different tax consequences with respect to
                        transactions such as policy loans. Further,
                        organizations purchasing policies covering the life of
                        an individual who is an officer or employee of, or is
                        financially interested in, the taxpayer's trade or
                        business, should consult a tax advisor regarding
                        possible tax consequences associated with a policy prior
                        to the acquisition of a policy and also before entering
                        into any subsequent changes to or transactions under the
                        Policy.
 
                        Merrill Lynch Life does not make any guarantee regarding
                        the tax status of any policy or any transaction
                        regarding the policy.
 
                        The above discussion is not intended as tax advice. For
                        tax advice you should consult a competent tax advisor.
                        Although our tax discussion is based on our
                        understanding of Federal income tax laws as they are
                        currently interpreted, we can't guarantee that those
                        laws or interpretations will remain unchanged.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Insurance Company's
Income Taxes            Federal Income Taxes
                        We don't expect to incur any Federal income tax
                        liability that would be chargeable to the Separate
                        Account. As a result, no charges for Federal income
                        taxes are currently deducted from the Separate Account.
 
                        Changes in Federal tax treatment of variable life
                        insurance or in the Insurance Company's tax status may
                        mean that we will have to pay Federal income taxes
                        chargeable to the Separate Account in the future. If we
                        make a charge for taxes, we expect to accumulate it
                        daily and transfer it from each investment division and
                        into the general account monthly. We would keep any
                        investment earnings on any tax charges accumulated in an
                        investment division.
 
                        Tax charges, if they were imposed, won't apply to
                        policies issued in connection with qualified pension
                        arrangements.
 
                        State and Local Income Taxes
                        Under current laws, we may incur state and local income
                        taxes (in addition to premium taxes) in several states,
                        although these taxes are not significant. If the amount
                        of these taxes changes substantially, we may make
                        charges to the Separate Account.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Reinsurance             We have reinsured some of the risks we assumed under the
                        policies.
 
                                       36
<PAGE>   40
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                        More About the Separate Account and Its Divisions
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
About the Separate
Account
                        The Separate Account is registered with the SEC under
                        the Investment Company Act of 1940 as an investment
                        company. This registration does not involve any SEC
                        supervision of our management or the management of the
                        Separate Account. The Separate Account is also governed
                        by the laws of the State of Arkansas, our state of
                        domicile.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Changes Within the
Separate Account        We may from time to time make additional investment
                        divisions available to you. These divisions will invest
                        in investment portfolios we find suitable for the
                        policies. We also have the right to eliminate investment
                        divisions from the Separate Account, to combine two or
                        more investment divisions, or to substitute a new
                        portfolio for the portfolio in which an investment
                        division invests. A substitution may become necessary
                        if, in our judgment, a portfolio no longer suits the
                        purposes of the policies. This may happen due to a
                        change in laws or regulations, or a change in a
                        portfolio's investment objectives or restrictions, or
                        because the portfolio is no longer available for
                        investment, or for some other reason. We would get prior
                        approval from the insurance department of our state of
                        domicile before making such a substitution. This
                        approval process is on file with the insurance
                        department of the jurisdiction in which this policy is
                        delivered. We would also get prior approval from the SEC
                        and any other required approvals before making such a
                        substitution.
 
                        We reserve the right to transfer assets of the Separate
                        Account, which we determine to be associated with the
                        class of policies to which your policy belongs, to
                        another separate account.
 
                        When permitted by law, we reserve the right to:
                             - deregister the Separate Account under the
                               Investment Company Act of 1940;
                             - operate the Separate Account as a management
                               company under the Investment Company Act of 1940;
                             - restrict or eliminate any voting rights of
                               policyowners, or other persons who have voting
                               rights as to the Separate Account; and
                             - combine the Separate Account with other separate
                               accounts.
 
                        Right to Exchange Policy
                        Policyowners may exchange their policies for a policy
                        with benefits that do not vary with the investment
                        results of a Separate Account if:
                             - there is a change in an investment adviser of any
                               portfolio; or
                             - there is a material change in the investment
                               objectives or restrictions of any portfolio in
                               which the investment divisions invest.
 
                        We will notify you if there is any such change. You will
                        be able to exchange your policy within 60 days after our
                        notice or the effective date of the change, whichever is
                        later. No evidence of insurability is required on
                        exchange.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net Rate of Return for
an Investment Division  Each investment division has a distinct unit value (also
                        referred to as "price" or "separate account index" in
                        reports furnished to the policyowner by the Insurance
                        Company). When payments or other amounts are allocated
                        to an investment division, a number of units are
                        purchased based on the value of a unit of the investment
                        division as of the end of the valuation period during
                        which the allocation is made. When amounts are
                        transferred out of, or deducted from, an investment
                        division, units are redeemed in a similar manner. A
                        valuation period is each business day together with any
                        non-business days before it. A business
 
                                       37
<PAGE>   41
                        day is any day the New York Stock Exchange is open or
                        there's enough trading in portfolio securities to
                        materially affect the net asset value of an investment
                        division. For each investment division, the separate
                        account index was initially set at $10.00. The separate
                        account index for each subsequent valuation period
                        fluctuates based upon the net rate of return for that
                        period. The Insurance Company determines the net rate
                        of return of an investment division at the end of each
                        valuation period. The net rate of return reflects the
                        investment performance of the division for the
                        valuation period and is net of the charges to the
                        Separate Account described above.
 
   
                        For divisions investing in the Funds, shares are valued
                        at net asset value and we consider any dividends or
                        capital gains distributions declared by the Funds.
    
 
                        For divisions investing in the Trusts, units of each
                        Trust will be valued at the sponsor's repurchase price,
                        as explained in the prospectus for the Trusts.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   
The Funds               Buying and Redeeming Shares
    
   
                        The Funds sell and redeem shares at net asset value. We
                        redeem shares to pay benefits and make reallocations.
                        Any dividend or capital gain distribution will be
                        reinvested at net asset value in shares of the same
                        portfolio.
    
 
                        Voting Rights
   
                        We will vote Funds shares according to your
                        instructions. However, if the Investment Company Act of
                        1940 or any related regulations should change, or if
                        interpretations of it or related regulations should
                        change, and we decide that we're permitted to vote the
                        shares of the Funds in our own right, we may decide to
                        do so.
    
 
                        We determine the number of shares that you have in an
                        investment division by dividing a policy's investment
                        base in that division by the net asset value of one
                        share of the portfolio. Fractional votes will be
                        counted.
 
   
                        We will determine the number of shares you can instruct
                        us to vote 90 days or less before the Funds meeting. We
                        will ask you for voting instructions by mail at least 14
                        days before the meeting.
    
 
                        If we don't get your instructions in time, we'll vote
                        the shares in the same proportion as the instructions
                        received for all policies (including those received from
                        other types of policies we issue through the Separate
                        Account) in that investment division. We'll also vote
                        shares we hold in the Separate Account which are not
                        attributable to policyowners in the same proportion.
 
                        Under certain circumstances, we may be required by state
                        regulatory authorities to disregard voting instructions.
                        This may happen if following the instructions would mean
                        voting to change the sub-classification or investment
                        objectives of the portfolios, or to approve or
                        disapprove an investment advisory contract.
 
   
                        We may also disregard instructions to vote for changes
                        initiated by an owner in the investment policy or the
                        investment adviser if we disapprove of the proposed
                        changes. We would disapprove a proposed change only if
                        it was:
    
   
                             - contrary to state law;
    
   
                             - prohibited by state regulatory authorities; or
    
   
                             - decided by us that the change would result in
                               overly speculative or unsound investments.
    
 
   
                        If we disregard voting instructions, we'll include a
                        summary of our actions in the next semiannual report.
    
 
                                       38
<PAGE>   42
 
   
                        Administration Services Arrangements
    
                        MLAM has entered into an agreement with MLIG, with
                        respect to administration services for the Series Fund
                        and the Variable Series Funds in connection with the
                        policies and other variable life insurance and variable
                        annuity contracts issued by the Insurance Company. Under
                        this agreement, MLAM pays compensation to MLIG in an
                        amount equal to a portion of the annual gross investment
                        advisory fees paid by the Series Fund and the Variable
                        Series Funds to MLAM attributable to variable contracts
                        issued by the Insurance Company.
 
   
                        AIM V.I. Funds has entered into an Administrative
                        Services Agreement with AIM, pursuant to which AIM has
                        agreed to provide certain accounting and other
                        administrative services to the AIM V.I. Funds, including
                        the services of a principal financial officer and
                        related staff. As compensation to AIM for its services
                        under the Administrative Services Agreement, the AIM
                        V.I. Funds reimburse AIM for expenses incurred by AIM or
                        its affiliates in connection with such services. AIM has
                        entered into an agreement with the Insurance Company
                        with respect to administrative services for the AIM V.I.
                        Funds in connection with the Policies. Under this
                        agreement, AIM pays compensation to the Insurance
                        Company in an amount equal to a percentage of the
                        average net assets of the AIM V.I. Funds attributable to
                        the Policies.
    
 
   
                        Alliance Fund Distributors, Inc. ("AFD"), an affiliate
                        of Alliance, has entered into an agreement with the
                        Insurance Company with respect to administrative
                        services for the Alliance Fund in connection with the
                        Policies. Under this agreement, AFD pays compensation to
                        the Insurance Company in an amount equal to a percentage
                        of the average net assets of the Alliance Fund
                        attributable to the Policies.
    
 
   
                        MFS has entered into an agreement with MLIG with respect
                        to administrative services for the MFS Trust in
                        connection with the Policies and certain policies issued
                        by ML Life Insurance Company of New York. Under this
                        agreement, MFS pays compensation to MLIG in an amount
                        equal to a percentage of the average net assets of the
                        MFS Trust attributable to such policies.
    
   
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    
   
Resolving Material
Conflicts               Shares of the Series Fund are available for investment
                        by other Merrill Lynch insurance companies and Monarch.
                        Shares of the Variable Series Funds, the AIM V.I. Funds,
                        the Alliance Fund, and the MFS Trust are sold to
                        separate accounts of other Merrill Lynch insurance
                        companies, and insurance companies not affiliated with
                        Merrill Lynch Life or Merrill Lynch & Co., Inc. to fund
                        benefits under variable life insurance and variable
                        annuity contracts, and may be sold to certain qualified
                        plans. It is possible that differences might arise
                        between our Separate Account and one or more separate
                        accounts of the other insurance companies which invest
                        in the Funds. In some cases, it is possible that the
                        differences could be considered "material conflicts".
                        Such a "material conflict" could also arise due to
                        changes in the law (such as state insurance law or
                        federal tax law) which affect these different variable
                        life insurance separate accounts. It could also arise by
                        reason of differences in voting instructions from our
                        policyowners and those of the other insurance companies,
                        or for other reasons. We will monitor events so we can
                        identify how to respond to such conflicts. If such a
                        conflict occurs, we may be required to eliminate one or
                        more divisions of the Separate Account which invest in
                        the Funds or substitute a new portfolio for a portfolio
                        in which a division invests. In responding to any
                        conflict, we will take the action which we believe
                        necessary to protect our policyowners, consistent with
                        applicable legal requirements.
    
 
                                       39
<PAGE>   43
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   
The Trusts              The 16 Trusts:
    
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                          TRUST      MATURITY DATE
                          -----    ------------------
                          <S>      <C>
                          1998     February 15, 1998
                          1999     February 15, 1999
                          2000     February 15, 2000
                          2001     February 15, 2001
                          2002     February 15, 2002
                          2003     August 15, 2003
                          2004     February 15, 2004
                          2005     February 15, 2005
                          2006     February 15, 2006
                          2007     February 15, 2007
                          2008     February 15, 2008
                          2009     February 15, 2009
                          2010     February 15, 2010
                          2011     February 15, 2011
                          2013     February 15, 2013
                          2014     February 15, 2014
</TABLE>
    
 
                        Targeted Rate of Return to Maturity
   
                        From time to time, we may calculate a targeted rate of
                        return to maturity for an investment division investing
                        in a Trust. Because the underlying securities in the
                        Trusts will grow to their face value on the maturity
                        date, it is possible to determine a compound rate of
                        growth to maturity for the Trust units. But because the
                        units are held in the Separate Account the asset charges
                        described in "Charges to the Separate Account" on page
                        20, must be taken into account in determining a net
                        return. The net rate of return to maturity depends on
                        the compound rate of growth adjusted for these charges.
                        It does not, however, represent the actual return on a
                        premium we might receive under the policy on that date,
                        since it does not reflect the charges deducted from a
                        policy's investment base described in "Charges Deducted
                        from Your Investment Base" on page 18.
    
 
                        Since the value of the Trust units will vary daily to
                        reflect the market value of the underlying securities,
                        the compound rate of growth to maturity and the net rate
                        of return to maturity will vary correspondingly.
 
                                       40
<PAGE>   44
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                        Illustrations
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   
Illustrations of Death
Benefits, Investment Base,
Cash Surrender Values
and Accumulated
Premiums                The tables on pages 43 through 47 demonstrate the way in
                        which your policy works. The tables are based on the
                        following ages, face amounts, premiums and guarantee
                        periods.
    
 
   
                             1. The illustration on page 43 is for a policy
                        issued to a male age five in the standard-simplified
                        underwriting class with a single premium of $5,000, a
                        face amount of $40,057 and a guarantee period for life.
    
 
   
                             2. The illustration on page 44 is for a policy
                        issued to a male age forty in the standard-simplified
                        underwriting class with a single premium of $10,000, a
                        face amount of $28,477 and a guarantee period for life.
    
 
   
                             3. The illustration on page 45 is for a policy
                        issued to a male age fifty-five in the
                        standard-simplified underwriting class with a single
                        premium of $10,000, a face amount of $18,386 and a
                        guarantee period for life.
    
 
   
                             4. The illustration on page 46 is for a policy
                        issued to a female age sixty-five in the
                        standard-simplified underwriting class with a single
                        premium of $10,000, a face amount of $16,308 and a
                        guarantee period for life.
    
 
   
                             5. The illustration on page 47 is for a policy
                        issued to a male age forty in the standard-simplified
                        underwriting class with a single premium of $10,000, a
                        face amount of $123,712 and a guarantee period of 15
                        years. This illustration also demonstrates the effects
                        of additional payments.
    
 
                        The tables show how the death benefit, investment base
                        and cash surrender value may vary over an extended
                        period of time assuming hypothetical rates of return
                        (i.e., investment income and capital gains and losses,
                        realized or unrealized) equivalent to constant gross
                        annual rates of 0%, 4%, 8% and 12%.
 
                        The death benefit, investment base and cash surrender
                        value for your policy would be different from those
                        shown if the actual rates of return averaged 0%, 4%, 8%
                        and 12% over a period of years, but also fluctuated
                        above or below those averages for individual policy
                        years.
 
                        The amounts shown for the death benefit, investment base
                        and cash surrender value as of the end of each policy
                        year take into account the daily charge for mortality,
                        expense and guaranteed benefits risks in the Separate
                        Account equivalent to an effective annual charge of .60%
                        at the beginning of the year.
 
   
                        The amounts shown in the tables also assume an
                        additional charge of .52%. This charge assumes that
                        investment base is allocated equally among all
                        investment divisions and is based on the 1996 expenses
                        (including the monthly advisory fees) for the Funds and
                        the current trust charge. This charge also reflects
                        expense reimbursements made in 1996 to certain
                        portfolios by the investment adviser to the respective
                        portfolio. These reimbursements amounted to .06%, .07%,
                        .16%, .48%, and .28% of the average daily net assets of
                        the Developing Capital Markets Focus Fund, the Natural
                        Resources Portfolio, the MFS Emerging Growth Series, the
                        MFS Research Series, and the Premier Growth Portfolio,
                        respectively. (See "Charge to Fund Assets" on page 20.)
                        The actual charge under a policy for Fund expenses and
                        the trust charge will depend on the actual allocation of
                        your investment base and may be higher or lower
                        depending on how your investment base is allocated.
    
 
                                       41
<PAGE>   45
 
   
                        Taking into account the .60% charge for mortality,
                        expense and guaranteed benefits risks in the Separate
                        Account and the .52% charge described above, the gross
                        annual rates of investment return of 0%, 4%, 8% and 12%
                        correspond to net annual rates of -1.12%, 2.86%, 6.84%
                        and 10.81%, respectively. The gross returns are before
                        any deductions and should not be compared to rates which
                        are after deduction of charges.
    
 
                        The hypothetical returns shown on the tables are without
                        any Insurance Company income tax charges that may be
                        attributable to the Separate Account in the future. In
                        order to produce after tax returns of 0%, 4%, 8% and
                        12%, the portfolio would have to earn a sufficient
                        amount in excess of 0% or 4% or 8% or 12% to cover any
                        tax charges.
 
                        The second column of the tables shows the amount which
                        would accumulate if an amount equal to the single
                        premium were invested to earn interest (after taxes) at
                        5% compounded annually.
 
                        We'll furnish upon request a personalized illustration
                        reflecting the proposed insured's age, face amount and
                        the premium amounts requested. The illustration will
                        also use current mortality rates and will assume that
                        the proposed insured is in a standard underwriting
                        class. In addition, if a purchase is made, a
                        personalized illustration will be included at the
                        delivery of a policy reflecting the insured's actual
                        underwriting class.
 
                                       42
<PAGE>   46
 
                 SINGLE PREMIUM VARIABLE LIFE INSURANCE POLICY
                                MALE ISSUE AGE 5
        $5,000 SINGLE PREMIUM FOR STANDARD-SIMPLIFIED UNDERWRITING RISK
              FACE AMOUNT: $40,057     GUARANTEE PERIOD: FOR LIFE
                       BASED ON MAXIMUM MORTALITY CHARGES
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                         END OF YEAR
                                                        TOTAL                         DEATH BENEFIT (2)
                                                      PREMIUMS             ASSUMING HYPOTHETICAL GROSS (AFTER TAX)
                                                      PAID PLUS                  ANNUAL INVESTMENT RETURN OF
                                                  INTEREST AT 5% AS     ----------------------------------------------
      END OF POLICY YEAR         PAYMENTS (1)      OF END OF YEAR         0%          4%           8%           12%
- ------------------------------   ------------     -----------------     -------     -------     --------     ---------
<S>                              <C>              <C>                   <C>         <C>         <C>          <C>
 1............................      $5,000             $ 5,250          $40,057     $40,057     $ 41,352     $  43,005
 2............................           0               5,513           40,057      40,057       42,658        46,106
 3............................           0               5,788           40,057      40,057       43,975        49,373
 4............................           0               6,078           40,057      40,057       45,306        52,819
 5............................           0               6,381           40,057      40,057       46,651        56,456
 6............................           0               6,700           40,057      40,057       48,012        60,299
 7............................           0               7,036           40,057      40,057       49,391        64,364
 8............................           0               7,387           40,057      40,057       50,790        68,667
 9............................           0               7,757           40,057      40,057       52,210        73,226
10............................           0               8,144           40,057      40,057       53,652        78,059
15............................           0              10,395           40,057      40,057       61,399       107,295
20............................           0              13,266           40,057      40,057       70,264       147,474
30............................           0              21,610           40,057      40,057       91,997       278,466
60............................           0              93,396           40,057      40,057      206,625     1,877,548
</TABLE>
    
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                  END OF YEAR                                       END OF YEAR
                                              INVESTMENT BASE (2)                            CASH SURRENDER VALUE (2)
                                    ASSUMING HYPOTHETICAL GROSS (AFTER TAX)           ASSUMING HYPOTHETICAL GROSS (AFTER TAX)
                                          ANNUAL INVESTMENT RETURN OF                       ANNUAL INVESTMENT RETURN OF
                                 ---------------------------------------------     ---------------------------------------------
      END OF POLICY YEAR           0%         4%          8%           12%           0%         4%          8%           12%
- ------------------------------   ------     ------     --------     ----------     ------     ------     --------     ----------
<S>                              <C>        <C>        <C>          <C>            <C>        <C>        <C>          <C>
 1............................   $4,851     $5,049     $  5,246     $    5,443     $4,536     $4,734     $  4,931     $    5,128
 2............................    4,706      5,101        5,509          5,932      4,426      4,821        5,229          5,652
 3............................    4,563      5,157        5,790          6,471      4,318      4,912        5,545          6,226
 4............................    4,424      5,215        6,090          7,065      4,214      5,005        5,880          6,855
 5............................    4,288      5,277        6,411          7,722      4,113      5,102        6,236          7,547
 6............................    4,154      5,341        6,752          8,444      4,014      5,201        6,612          8,304
 7............................    4,020      5,405        7,113          9,238      3,915      5,300        7,008          9,133
 8............................    3,886      5,469        7,494         10,107      3,816      5,399        7,424         10,037
 9............................    3,747      5,529        7,892         11,055      3,712      5,494        7,857         11,020
10............................    3,605      5,586        8,308         12,087      3,605      5,586        8,308         12,087
15............................    3,018      6,005       10,896         19,041      3,018      6,005       10,896         19,041
20............................    2,437      6,456       14,345         30,109      2,437      6,456       14,345         30,109
30............................    1,441      7,663       25,624         77,562      1,441      7,663       25,624         77,562
60............................        0      8,833      133,006      1,208,593          0      8,833      133,006      1,208,593
</TABLE>
    
 
- ------------------------------
(1) All payments are illustrated as if made at the beginning of the policy year.
 
(2) Assumes no policy loan has been made.
   
IT IS EMPHASIZED THAT THE HYPOTHETICAL INVESTMENT RATES OF RETURN SHOWN ABOVE
AND ELSEWHERE IN THIS PROSPECTUS ARE ILLUSTRATIVE ONLY AND SHOULD NOT BE DEEMED
A REPRESENTATION OF PAST OR FUTURE INVESTMENT RATES OF RETURN. ACTUAL RATES OF
RETURN MAY BE MORE OR LESS THAN THOSE SHOWN AND WILL DEPEND ON A NUMBER OF
FACTORS, INCLUDING THE INVESTMENT ALLOCATIONS MADE BY AN OWNER, PREVAILING
INTEREST RATES AND RATES OF INFLATION. THE DEATH BENEFIT, INVESTMENT BASE AND
CASH SURRENDER VALUE FOR A POLICY WOULD BE DIFFERENT FROM THOSE SHOWN IF THE
ACTUAL GROSS RATES OF RETURN AVERAGED 0%, 4%, 8% AND 12% OVER A PERIOD OF YEARS,
BUT ALSO FLUCTUATED ABOVE OR BELOW THOSE AVERAGES FOR INDIVIDUAL POLICY YEARS.
NO REPRESENTATIONS CAN BE MADE BY THE INSURANCE COMPANY OR THE FUNDS OR THE
TRUSTS THAT THESE HYPOTHETICAL RATES OF RETURN CAN BE ACHIEVED FOR ANY ONE YEAR
OR SUSTAINED OVER ANY PERIOD OF TIME.
    
 
                                       43
<PAGE>   47
 
                 SINGLE PREMIUM VARIABLE LIFE INSURANCE POLICY
                               MALE ISSUE AGE 40
        $10,000 SINGLE PREMIUM FOR STANDARD-SIMPLIFIED UNDERWRITING RISK
              FACE AMOUNT: $28,477     GUARANTEE PERIOD: FOR LIFE
                       BASED ON MAXIMUM MORTALITY CHARGES
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                        END OF YEAR
                                                        TOTAL                        DEATH BENEFIT (2)
                                                      PREMIUMS            ASSUMING HYPOTHETICAL GROSS (AFTER TAX)
                                                      PAID PLUS                 ANNUAL INVESTMENT RETURN OF
                                                  INTEREST AT 5% AS     -------------------------------------------
      END OF POLICY YEAR         PAYMENTS (1)      OF END OF YEAR         0%          4%          8%          12%
- ------------------------------   ------------     -----------------     -------     -------     -------     -------
<S>                              <C>              <C>                   <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>
 1............................     $ 10,000            $10,500          $28,477     $28,477     $29,397     $30,570
 2............................            0             11,025           28,477      28,477      30,323      32,772
 3............................            0             11,576           28,477      28,477      31,258      35,091
 4............................            0             12,155           28,477      28,477      32,203      37,537
 5............................            0             12,763           28,477      28,477      33,158      40,120
 6............................            0             13,401           28,477      28,477      34,125      42,850
 7............................            0             14,071           28,477      28,477      35,104      45,738
 8............................            0             14,775           28,477      28,477      36,098      48,796
 9............................            0             15,513           28,477      28,477      37,107      52,035
10............................            0             16,289           28,477      28,477      38,132      55,469
15............................            0             20,789           28,477      28,477      43,638      76,244
20............................            0             26,533           28,477      28,477      49,942     104,816
25............................            0             33,864           28,477      28,477      57,162     144,124
30............................            0             43,219           28,477      28,477      65,433     198,218
</TABLE>
    
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                 END OF YEAR                                     END OF YEAR
                                             INVESTMENT BASE (2)                          CASH SURRENDER VALUE (2)
                                   ASSUMING HYPOTHETICAL GROSS (AFTER TAX)         ASSUMING HYPOTHETICAL GROSS (AFTER TAX)
                                         ANNUAL INVESTMENT RETURN OF                     ANNUAL INVESTMENT RETURN OF
                                 -------------------------------------------     -------------------------------------------
      END OF POLICY YEAR           0%         4%          8%          12%          0%         4%          8%          12%
- ------------------------------   ------     -------     -------     --------     ------     -------     -------     --------
<S>                              <C>        <C>         <C>         <C>          <C>        <C>         <C>         <C>
 1............................   $9,744     $10,140     $10,536     $ 10,931     $9,114     $ 9,510     $ 9,906     $ 10,301
 2............................    9,485      10,279      11,100       11,951      8,925       9,719      10,540       11,391
 3............................    9,223      10,416      11,694       13,067      8,733       9,926      11,204       12,577
 4............................    8,959      10,551      12,318       14,290      8,539      10,131      11,898       13,870
 5............................    8,691      10,684      12,976       15,627      8,341      10,334      12,626       15,277
 6............................    8,420      10,813      13,666       17,089      8,140      10,533      13,386       16,809
 7............................    8,146      10,941      14,393       18,689      7,936      10,731      14,183       18,479
 8............................    7,868      11,065      15,157       20,439      7,728      10,925      15,017       20,299
 9............................    7,587      11,186      15,960       22,353      7,517      11,116      15,890       22,283
10............................    7,301      11,303      16,804       24,444      7,301      11,303      16,804       24,444
15............................    6,133      12,172      22,073       38,566      6,133      12,172      22,073       38,566
20............................    4,746      12,864      28,665       60,160      4,746      12,864      28,665       60,160
25............................    3,102      13,296      36,796       92,774      3,102      13,296      36,796       92,774
30............................    1,121      13,324      46,566      141,065      1,121      13,324      46,566     141,065..
</TABLE>
    
 
- ------------------------------
(1) All payments are illustrated as if made at the beginning of the policy year.
 
(2) Assumes no policy loan has been made.
   
IT IS EMPHASIZED THAT THE HYPOTHETICAL INVESTMENT RATES OF RETURN SHOWN ABOVE
AND ELSEWHERE IN THIS PROSPECTUS ARE ILLUSTRATIVE ONLY AND SHOULD NOT BE DEEMED
A REPRESENTATION OF PAST OR FUTURE INVESTMENT RATES OF RETURN. ACTUAL RATES OF
RETURN MAY BE MORE OR LESS THAN THOSE SHOWN AND WILL DEPEND ON A NUMBER OF
FACTORS, INCLUDING THE INVESTMENT ALLOCATIONS MADE BY AN OWNER, PREVAILING
INTEREST RATES AND RATES OF INFLATION. THE DEATH BENEFIT, INVESTMENT BASE AND
CASH SURRENDER VALUE FOR A POLICY WOULD BE DIFFERENT FROM THOSE SHOWN IF THE
ACTUAL GROSS RATES OF RETURN AVERAGED 0%, 4%, 8% AND 12% OVER A PERIOD OF YEARS,
BUT ALSO FLUCTUATED ABOVE OR BELOW THOSE AVERAGES FOR INDIVIDUAL POLICY YEARS.
NO REPRESENTATIONS CAN BE MADE BY THE INSURANCE COMPANY OR THE FUNDS OR THE
TRUSTS THAT THESE HYPOTHETICAL RATES OF RETURN CAN BE ACHIEVED FOR ANY ONE YEAR
OR SUSTAINED OVER ANY PERIOD OF TIME.
    
 
                                       44
<PAGE>   48
 
                 SINGLE PREMIUM VARIABLE LIFE INSURANCE POLICY
                               MALE ISSUE AGE 55
        $10,000 SINGLE PREMIUM FOR STANDARD-SIMPLIFIED UNDERWRITING RISK
              FACE AMOUNT: $18,386     GUARANTEE PERIOD: FOR LIFE
                       BASED ON MAXIMUM MORTALITY CHARGES
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                        END OF YEAR
                                                        TOTAL                        DEATH BENEFIT (2)
                                                       PREMIUM                  ASSUMING HYPOTHETICAL GROSS
                                                      PAID PLUS                 ANNUAL INVESTMENT RETURN OF
                                                  INTEREST AT 5% AS     -------------------------------------------
         POLICY YEAR             PAYMENTS (1)      OF END OF YEAR         0%          4%          8%          12%
- ------------------------------   ------------     -----------------     -------     -------     -------     -------
<S>                              <C>              <C>                   <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>
 1............................     $ 10,000            $10,500          $18,386     $18,386     $18,980     $19,739
 2............................            0             11,025           18,386      18,386      19,580      21,163
 3............................            0             11,576           18,386      18,386      20,185      22,664
 4............................            0             12,155           18,386      18,386      20,797      24,248
 5............................            0             12,763           18,386      18,386      21,416      25,921
 6............................            0             13,401           18,386      18,386      22,042      27,689
 7............................            0             14,071           18,386      18,386      22,677      29,560
 8............................            0             14,775           18,386      18,386      23,321      31,541
 9............................            0             15,513           18,386      18,386      23,974      33,639
10............................            0             16,289           18,386      18,386      24,638      35,864
15............................            0             20,789           18,386      18,386      28,203      49,324
20............................            0             26,533           18,386      18,386      32,286      67,852
30............................            0             43,219           18,386      18,386      42,327     128,506
</TABLE>
    
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                 END OF YEAR                                     END OF YEAR
                                             INVESTMENT BASE (2)                          CASH SURRENDER VALUE (2)
                                         ASSUMING HYPOTHETICAL GROSS                     ASSUMING HYPOTHETICAL GROSS
                                         ANNUAL INVESTMENT RETURN OF                     ANNUAL INVESTMENT RETURN OF
                                 -------------------------------------------     -------------------------------------------
         POLICY YEAR               0%         4%          8%          12%          0%         4%          8%          12%
- ------------------------------   ------     -------     -------     --------     ------     -------     -------     --------
<S>                              <C>        <C>         <C>         <C>          <C>        <C>         <C>         <C>
 1............................   $9,695     $10,091     $10,486     $ 10,879     $9,065     $ 9,461     $ 9,856     $ 10,249
 2............................    9,386      10,177      10,991       11,835      8,826       9,617      10,431       11,275
 3............................    9,073      10,257      11,519       12,874      8,583       9,767      11,029       12,384
 4............................    8,755      10,331      12,069       14,002      8,335       9,911      11,649       13,582
 5............................    8,432      10,400      12,642       15,227      8,082      10,050      12,292       14,877
 6............................    8,106      10,462      13,238       16,558      7,826      10,182      12,958       16,278
 7............................    7,773      10,517      13,859       18,001      7,563      10,307      13,649       17,791
 8............................    7,434      10,563      14,503       19,565      7,294      10,423      14,363       19,425
 9............................    7,089      10,599      15,170       21,257      7,019      10,529      15,100       21,187
10............................    6,736      10,625      15,860       23,086      6,736      10,625      15,860       23,086
15............................    5,198      10,953      20,071       35,102      5,198      10,953      20,071       35,102
20............................    3,435      10,992      25,037       52,618      3,435      10,992      25,037       52,618
30............................        0       9,827      37,059      112,514          0       9,827      37,059      112,514
</TABLE>
    
 
- ------------------------------
(1) All payments are illustrated as if made at the beginning of the policy year.
 
(2) Assumes no policy loan has been made.
   
IT IS EMPHASIZED THAT THE HYPOTHETICAL INVESTMENT RATES OF RETURN SHOWN ABOVE
AND ELSEWHERE IN THIS PROSPECTUS ARE ILLUSTRATIVE ONLY AND SHOULD NOT BE DEEMED
A REPRESENTATION OF PAST OR FUTURE INVESTMENT RATES OF RETURN. ACTUAL RATES OF
RETURN MAY BE MORE OR LESS THAN THOSE SHOWN AND WILL DEPEND ON A NUMBER OF
FACTORS, INCLUDING THE INVESTMENT ALLOCATIONS MADE BY AN OWNER, PREVAILING
INTEREST RATES AND RATES OF INFLATION. THE DEATH BENEFIT, INVESTMENT BASE AND
CASH SURRENDER VALUE FOR A POLICY WOULD BE DIFFERENT FROM THOSE SHOWN IF THE
ACTUAL GROSS RATES OF RETURN AVERAGED 0%, 4%, 8% AND 12% OVER A PERIOD OF YEARS,
BUT ALSO FLUCTUATED ABOVE OR BELOW THOSE AVERAGES FOR INDIVIDUAL POLICY YEARS.
NO REPRESENTATIONS CAN BE MADE BY THE INSURANCE COMPANY OR THE FUNDS OR THE
TRUSTS THAT THESE HYPOTHETICAL RATES OF RETURN CAN BE ACHIEVED FOR ANY ONE YEAR
OR SUSTAINED OVER ANY PERIOD OF TIME.
    
 
                                       45
<PAGE>   49
 
                 SINGLE PREMIUM VARIABLE LIFE INSURANCE POLICY
   
                              FEMALE ISSUE AGE 65
    
        $10,000 SINGLE PREMIUM FOR STANDARD-SIMPLIFIED UNDERWRITING RISK
              FACE AMOUNT: $16,308     GUARANTEE PERIOD: FOR LIFE
                       BASED ON MAXIMUM MORTALITY CHARGES
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                        END OF YEAR
                                                        TOTAL                        DEATH BENEFIT (2)
                                                       PREMIUM                  ASSUMING HYPOTHETICAL GROSS
                                                      PAID PLUS                 ANNUAL INVESTMENT RETURN OF
                                                  INTEREST AT 5% AS     -------------------------------------------
         POLICY YEAR             PAYMENTS (1)      OF END OF YEAR         0%          4%          8%          12%
- ------------------------------   ------------     -----------------     -------     -------     -------     -------
<S>                              <C>              <C>                   <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>
 1............................     $ 10,000            $10,500          $16,308     $16,308     $16,836     $17,509
 2............................            0             11,025           16,308      16,308      17,368      18,773
 3............................            0             11,576           16,308      16,308      17,905      20,105
 4............................            0             12,155           16,308      16,308      18,448      21,511
 5............................            0             12,763           16,308      16,308      18,997      22,995
 6............................            0             13,401           16,308      16,308      19,553      24,564
 7............................            0             14,071           16,308      16,308      20,116      26,224
 8............................            0             14,775           16,308      16,308      20,688      27,981
 9............................            0             15,513           16,308      16,308      21,268      29,843
10............................            0             16,289           16,308      16,308      21,857      31,817
15............................            0             20,789           16,308      16,308      25,020      43,764
20............................            0             26,533           16,308      16,308      28,645      60,214
</TABLE>
    
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                END OF YEAR                                    END OF YEAR
                                            INVESTMENT BASE (2)                          CASH SURRENDER VALUE (2)
                                        ASSUMING HYPOTHETICAL GROSS                    ASSUMING HYPOTHETICAL GROSS
                                        ANNUAL INVESTMENT RETURN OF                    ANNUAL INVESTMENT RETURN OF
                                 ------------------------------------------     ------------------------------------------
         POLICY YEAR               0%         4%          8%          12%         0%         4%          8%          12%
- ------------------------------   ------     -------     -------     -------     ------     -------     -------     -------
<S>                              <C>        <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>        <C>         <C>         <C>
 1............................   $9,686     $10,082     $10,476     $10,870     $9,056     $ 9,452     $ 9,846     $10,240
 2............................    9,368      10,158      10,971      11,814      8,808       9,598      10,411      11,254
 3............................    9,046      10,229      11,488      12,839      8,556       9,739      10,998      12,349
 4............................    8,722      10,296      12,028      13,955      8,302       9,876      11,608      13,535
 5............................    8,396      10,359      12,593      15,170      8,046      10,009      12,243      14,820
 6............................    8,066      10,417      13,183      16,490      7,786      10,137      12,903      16,210
 7............................    7,733      10,469      13,798      17,923      7,523      10,259      13,588      17,713
 8............................    7,392      10,511      14,435      19,474      7,252      10,371      14,295      19,334
 9............................    7,043      10,543      15,092      21,149      6,973      10,473      15,022      21,079
10............................    6,684      10,560      15,768      22,953      6,684      10,560      15,768      22,953
15............................    5,074      10,796      19,815      34,659      5,074      10,796      19,815      34,659
20............................    3,198      10,680      24,447      51,389      3,198      10,680      24,447      51,389
</TABLE>
    
 
- ------------------------------
(1) All payments are illustrated as if made at the beginning of the policy year.
 
(2) Assumes no policy loan has been made.
   
IT IS EMPHASIZED THAT THE HYPOTHETICAL INVESTMENT RATES OF RETURN SHOWN ABOVE
AND ELSEWHERE IN THIS PROSPECTUS ARE ILLUSTRATIVE ONLY AND SHOULD NOT BE DEEMED
A REPRESENTATION OF PAST OR FUTURE INVESTMENT RATES OF RETURN. ACTUAL RATES OF
RETURN MAY BE MORE OR LESS THAN THOSE SHOWN AND WILL DEPEND ON A NUMBER OF
FACTORS, INCLUDING THE INVESTMENT ALLOCATIONS MADE BY AN OWNER, PREVAILING
INTEREST RATES AND RATES OF INFLATION. THE DEATH BENEFIT, INVESTMENT BASE AND
CASH SURRENDER VALUE FOR A POLICY WOULD BE DIFFERENT FROM THOSE SHOWN IF THE
ACTUAL GROSS RATES OF RETURN AVERAGED 0%, 4%, 8% AND 12% OVER A PERIOD OF YEARS,
BUT ALSO FLUCTUATED ABOVE OR BELOW THOSE AVERAGES FOR INDIVIDUAL POLICY YEARS.
NO REPRESENTATIONS CAN BE MADE BY THE INSURANCE COMPANY OR THE FUNDS OR THE
TRUSTS THAT THESE HYPOTHETICAL RATES OF RETURN CAN BE ACHIEVED FOR ANY ONE YEAR
OR SUSTAINED OVER ANY PERIOD OF TIME.
    
 
                                       46
<PAGE>   50
 
                 SINGLE PREMIUM VARIABLE LIFE INSURANCE POLICY
                               MALE ISSUE AGE 40
        $10,000 SINGLE PREMIUM FOR STANDARD-SIMPLIFIED UNDERWRITING RISK
         FACE AMOUNT: $123,712     GUARANTEE PERIOD AT ISSUE: 15 YEARS
                       BASED ON MAXIMUM MORTALITY CHARGES
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                  DEATH BENEFIT
                                                  TOTAL              ASSUMING HYPOTHETICAL GROSS (AFTER TAX)
                                                 PREMIUMS                  ANNUAL INVESTMENT RETURN OF
                                                PAID PLUS        -----------------------------------------------
      END OF POLICY YEAR         PAYMENTS     INTEREST AT 5%        0%           4%           8%          12%
- ------------------------------   --------     --------------     --------     --------     --------     --------
<S>                              <C>          <C>                <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>
 1............................   $ 10,000        $ 10,500        $123,712     $123,712     $123,712     $123,712
 2............................      1,500          12,600         123,712      123,712      123,712      123,712
 3............................      1,500          14,805         123,712      123,712      123,712      123,712
 4............................      1,500          17,120         123,712      123,712      123,712      123,712
 5............................      1,500          19,551         123,712      123,712      123,712      123,712
 6............................      1,500          22,104         123,712      123,712      123,712      123,712
 7............................      1,500          24,784         123,712      123,712      123,712      123,712
 8............................      1,500          27,598         123,712      123,712      123,712      123,712
 9............................      1,500          30,553         123,712      123,712      123,712      123,712
10............................      1,500          33,656         123,712      123,712      123,712      123,712
15............................      1,500          51,657         123,712      123,712      123,712      140,284
20............................      1,500          74,632         123,712      123,712      123,712      209,583
25............................      1,500         103,954         123,712      123,712      133,743      302,992
30............................          0         132,675               *      123,712      153,244      416,978
</TABLE>
    
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                INVESTMENT BASE                                     CASH VALUE
                                    ASSUMING HYPOTHETICAL GROSS (AFTER TAX)           ASSUMING HYPOTHETICAL GROSS (AFTER TAX)
                                          ANNUAL INVESTMENT RETURN OF                       ANNUAL INVESTMENT RETURN OF
                                 ---------------------------------------------     ---------------------------------------------
      END OF POLICY YEAR           0%          4%           8%          12%          0%          4%           8%          12%
- ------------------------------   -------     -------     --------     --------     -------     -------     --------     --------
<S>                              <C>         <C>         <C>          <C>          <C>         <C>         <C>          <C>
 1............................   $ 9,370     $ 9,760     $ 10,152     $ 10,544     $ 8,740     $ 9,130     $  9,522     $  9,914
 2............................    10,183      11,010       11,870       12,763       9,535      10,362       11,223       12,115
 3............................    10,942      12,250       13,663       15,182      10,287      11,594       13,007       14,526
 4............................    11,646      13,477       15,532       17,819      10,992      12,823       14,878       17,165
 5............................    12,290      14,687       17,480       20,699      11,648      14,045       16,837       20,056
 6............................    12,874      15,878       19,511       23,845      12,252      15,257       18,889       23,224
 7............................    13,398      17,049       21,632       27,294      12,808      16,459       21,042       26,703
 8............................    13,861      18,198       23,849       31,078      13,312      17,649       23,300       30,528
 9............................    14,265      19,326       26,172       35,241      13,766      18,827       25,673       34,742
10............................    14,600      20,420       28,598       39,820      14,161      19,981       28,160       39,382
15............................    15,533      25,650       43,011       71,399      15,094      25,211       42,572       70,960
20............................    14,079      29,120       61,570      120,730      13,640      28,681       61,131      120,292
25............................     9,209      29,306       86,531      195,478       8,770      28,868       86,092      195,040
30............................         *      13,517      109,157      296,849           *      13,420      109,060      296,752
</TABLE>
    
 
- ------------------------------
(1) All payments are illustrated as if made at the beginning of the policy year.
 
(2) Assumes no policy loan has been made.
 
 *  Additional payment will be required to prevent policy termination.
   
IT IS EMPHASIZED THAT THE HYPOTHETICAL INVESTMENT RATES OF RETURN SHOWN ABOVE
AND ELSEWHERE IN THIS PROSPECTUS ARE ILLUSTRATIVE ONLY AND SHOULD NOT BE DEEMED
A REPRESENTATION OF PAST OR FUTURE INVESTMENT RATES OF RETURN. ACTUAL RATES OF
RETURN MAY BE MORE OR LESS THAN THOSE SHOWN AND WILL DEPEND ON A NUMBER OF
FACTORS, INCLUDING THE INVESTMENT ALLOCATIONS MADE BY AN OWNER, PREVAILING
INTEREST RATES AND RATES OF INFLATION. THE DEATH BENEFIT, INVESTMENT BASE AND
CASH SURRENDER VALUE FOR A POLICY WOULD BE DIFFERENT FROM THOSE SHOWN IF THE
ACTUAL GROSS RATES OF RETURN AVERAGED 0%, 4%, 8% AND 12% OVER A PERIOD OF YEARS,
BUT ALSO FLUCTUATED ABOVE OR BELOW THOSE AVERAGES FOR INDIVIDUAL POLICY YEARS.
NO REPRESENTATIONS CAN BE MADE BY THE INSURANCE COMPANY OR THE FUNDS OR THE
TRUSTS THAT THESE HYPOTHETICAL RATES OF RETURN CAN BE ACHIEVED FOR ANY ONE YEAR
OR SUSTAINED OVER ANY PERIOD OF TIME.
    
 
                                       47
<PAGE>   51
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                        More About the Insurance Company
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Management              The Insurance Company's directors and executive officers
                        and their positions with the Insurance Company are as
                        follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                   NAME                         POSITION HELD
                          ------------------------------------------------------------------
                          <S>                    <C>
                          Anthony J. Vespa       Chairman of the Board, President and
                                                 Chief Executive Officer
                          Joseph E. Crowne, Jr.  Director, Senior Vice President, Chief
                                                 Financial Officer, Chief Actuary, and
                                                 Treasurer
                          Barry G. Skolnick      Director, Senior Vice President, General
                                                 Counsel
                                                 and Secretary
                          David M. Dunford       Director, Senior Vice President, and
                                                 Chief Investment Officer
                          Gail R. Farkas         Director and Senior Vice President
                          Robert J. Boucher      Senior Vice President, Variable Life
                                                 Administration
</TABLE>
 
                        Each director is elected to serve until the next annual
                        meeting of shareholders or until his or her successor is
                        elected and shall have qualified. Each has held various
                        executive positions with insurance company subsidiaries
                        of the Insurance Company's indirect parent, Merrill
                        Lynch & Co., Inc. The principal positions of the
                        Insurance Company's directors and executive officers for
                        the past five years are listed below:
 
   
                        Mr. Vespa joined the Insurance Company in January 1994.
                        Since February 1994, he has held the position of Senior
                        Vice President of MLPF&S. From February 1991 to February
                        1994, he held the position of District Director and
                        First Vice President of MLPF&S.
    
 
   
                        Mr. Crowne joined the Insurance Company in June 1991.
    
 
   
                        Mr. Skolnick joined the Insurance Company in November
                        1990. Since May 1992, he has held the position of
                        Assistant General Counsel of Merrill Lynch & Co., Inc.
                        and First Vice President of MLPF&S.
    
 
                        Mr. Dunford joined the Insurance Company in July 1990.
 
                        Ms. Farkas joined the Insurance Company in August 1995.
                        Prior to August 1995, she held the position of Director
                        of Market Planning of MLPF&S.
 
   
                        Mr. Boucher joined the Insurance Company in May 1992.
    
 
                        No shares of the Insurance Company are owned by any of
                        its officers or directors, as it is a wholly owned
                        subsidiary of MLIG. The officers and directors of the
                        Insurance Company, both individually and as a group, own
                        less than one percent of the outstanding shares of
                        common stock of Merrill Lynch & Co., Inc.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
State Regulation        We're regulated and supervised by the Insurance
                        Department of the State of Arkansas (the "Insurance
                        Department"). A detailed financial statement in the
                        prescribed form (the "Annual Statement") is filed with
                        the Insurance Department each year covering our
                        operations for the preceding year and its financial
                        condition as of the end of that year. Regulation by the
                        Insurance Department includes periodic examination to
                        determine contract liabilities and reserves so that the
                        Insurance Department may certify that these items are
                        correct. Our books and accounts are subject to review by
                        the Insurance Department at all times. A full
                        examination of our operations is conducted periodically
                        by the Insurance Department and under the auspices of
                        the National Association of
 
                                       48
<PAGE>   52
                        Insurance Commissioners. We're also subject to the
                        insurance laws and regulations of all jurisdictions
                        where we do business. The variable life insurance
                        policies offered by this Prospectus have been approved
                        by the Insurance Department of the State of Arkansas
                        and in other jurisdictions.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Registration Statement  We have filed a Registration Statement under the
                        Securities Act 1933 with the Securities and Exchange
                        Commission ("SEC") relating to the offering described in
                        this Prospectus. This Prospectus does not include all
                        the information in the Registration Statement. We have
                        omitted certain portions according to SEC rules. You may
                        obtain the omitted information from the SEC's main
                        office in Washington, D.C. by paying the SEC's
                        prescribed fees.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Legal Proceedings       As an insurance company, we are ordinarily involved in
                        various kinds of routine litigation that in our judgment
                        is not of material importance in relation to our total
                        assets.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Legal Matters           The legal validity of the policies described in this
                        Prospectus has been passed on by Barry G. Skolnick,
                        Senior Vice President General Counsel and Secretary of
                        the Insurance Company.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   
Experts                 The financial statements of the Insurance Company as of
                        December 31, 1996 and 1995 and for each of the three
                        years in the period ended December 31, 1996, and of the
                        Separate Account as of December 31, 1996 and for the
                        periods presented, included in this Prospectus have been
                        audited by Deloitte & Touche LLP, independent auditors,
                        as stated in their reports appearing herein, and have
                        been so included in reliance upon the reports of such
                        firm given upon their authority as experts in accounting
                        and auditing. Deloitte & Touche LLP's principal business
                        address is Two World Financial Center, New York, New
                        York 10281-1433.
    
 
                        Actuarial matters included in this Prospectus have been
                        examined by Joseph E. Crowne, Jr., F.S.A., Chief Actuary
                        and Chief Financial Officer of the Insurance Company, as
                        stated in his opinion filed as an exhibit to the
                        Registration Statement.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Financial Statements    The financial statements of the Insurance Company,
                        included herein, should be distinguished from the
                        financial statements of the Separate Account and should
                        be considered only as bearing upon the ability of the
                        Insurance Company to meet its obligations under the
                        policies.
 
                                       49
<PAGE>   53


<PAGE>
INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' REPORT

To the Board of Directors of
Merrill Lynch Life Insurance Company:

We  have audited the accompanying statement of net assets of
Merrill  Lynch Life Variable Life Separate Account  II  (the
"Account")   as  of  December  31,  1996  and  the   related
statements of operations and changes in net assets for  each
of the three years in the period then ended. These financial
statements  are  the  responsibility of  the  management  of
Merrill Lynch Life Insurance Company. Our responsibility  is
to express an opinion on these financial statements based on
our audits.

We   conducted  our  audits  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. Our procedures included  confirmation
of mutual fund and unit investment trust securities owned at
December  31,  1996.  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.

In our opinion, such financial statements present fairly, in
all material respects, the financial position of the Account
at  December 31, 1996 and the results of its operations  and
the  changes  in  its net assets for the  above  periods  in
conformity with generally accepted accounting principles.

Our  audits  were conducted for the purpose  of  forming  an
opinion on the basic financial statements taken as a  whole.
The supplemental schedules included herein are presented for
the  purpose of additional analysis and are not  a  required
part of the basic financial statements. These schedules  are
the   responsibility  of  the  Company's  management.   Such
schedules  have  been  subjected to the auditing  procedures
applied in our audits of the basic financial statements and,
in  our  opinion, are fairly stated in all material respects
when   considered   in  relation  to  the  basic   financial
statements taken as a whole.






January 31, 1997
<PAGE>
MERRILL LYNCH LIFE VARIABLE LIFE SEPARATE ACCOUNT II
MERRILL LYNCH LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
STATEMENT OF NET ASSETS AT DECEMBER 31, 1996
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

ASSETS:                                                                  Cost             Shares         Market Value
                                                                 ----------------- ----------------- -----------------
<S>                                                              <C>               <C>               <C>
Investments in Merrill Lynch Series Fund, Inc. (Note 1):
  Money Reserve Portfolio                                        $    420,378,596       420,378,596  $    420,378,596
  Intermediate Government Bond Portfolio                              184,901,094        16,365,852       178,878,763
  Long-Term Corporate Bond Portfolio                                   92,702,621         7,879,291        90,848,226
  Capital Stock Portfolio                                             204,468,232         9,327,212       216,857,689
  Growth Stock Portfolio                                              151,288,537         6,440,833       178,990,754
  Multiple Strategy Portfolio                                         950,489,383        59,364,619     1,016,915,924
  High Yield Portfolio                                                 87,853,192         9,763,560        89,336,571
  Natural Resources Portfolio                                          18,098,989         2,123,988        19,519,450
  Global Strategy Portfolio                                           155,527,563        10,359,494       174,039,499
  Balanced Portfolio                                                   68,797,569         4,944,166        75,942,392
                                                                 -----------------                   -----------------
                                                                    2,334,505,776                       2,461,707,864
                                                                 -----------------                   -----------------
Investments in Merrill Lynch Variable Series Funds, Inc. (Note 1):
  Global Utility Focus Fund                                             1,381,417           120,726         1,471,647
  International Equity Focus Fund                                       5,458,210           476,412         5,540,672
  Basic Value Focus Fund                                               13,851,078           985,013        14,519,099
  Developing Capital Markets Focus Fund                                 4,283,957           429,363         4,315,093
  Equity Growth Fund                                                    4,373,112           174,284         4,569,734
                                                                 -----------------                   -----------------
                                                                       29,347,774                          30,416,245
                                                                 -----------------                   -----------------

                                                                                         Units                      
                                                                                   -----------------                         
Investments in the Merrill Lynch Fund of Stripped ("Zero")
  U.S. Treasury Securities, Series A through K (Note 1):
     1997 Trust                                                        31,387,928        42,875,698        42,742,784
     1998 Trust                                                        34,249,061        51,650,102        48,610,494
     1999 Trust                                                        17,270,471        22,971,339        20,341,351
     2000 Trust                                                        14,987,435        21,336,157        17,780,913
     2001 Trust                                                        28,989,496        57,372,133        44,994,670
     2002 Trust                                                         5,467,318         8,939,646         6,560,806
     2003 Trust                                                        24,564,436        60,773,328        40,346,197
     2004 Trust                                                         6,292,568        11,010,092         7,046,459
     2005 Trust                                                        12,954,653        29,453,183        17,774,407
     2006 Trust                                                         5,785,905        11,375,192         6,524,583
     2007 Trust                                                         6,072,724        17,936,742         9,579,476
     2008 Trust                                                        12,295,224        41,421,283        20,228,084
     2009 Trust                                                         6,111,885        19,460,539         8,875,952
     2010 Trust                                                         6,844,843        17,234,726         7,268,056
     2011 Trust                                                         1,170,512         3,456,903         1,373,808
     2013 Trust                                                           939,495         3,025,637         1,037,763
     2014 Trust                                                        14,547,412        49,336,141        15,596,634
                                                                 -----------------                   -----------------
                                                                      229,931,366                         316,682,437
                                                                 -----------------                   -----------------
  TOTAL ASSETS                                                   $  2,593,784,916                       2,808,806,546
                                                                 =================                   -----------------  

                                                                                                     
LIABILITIES:
Payable to Merrill Lynch Life Insurance Company                                                            23,889,047
                                                                                                     -----------------
  TOTAL LIABILITIES                                                                                        23,889,047
                                                                                                     -----------------
  NET ASSETS                                                                                         $  2,784,917,499
                                                                                                     =================           
</TABLE>

See Notes to Financial Statements          



<PAGE>
MERRILL LYNCH LIFE VARIABLE LIFE SEPARATE ACCOUNT II
MERRILL LYNCH LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS AND CHANGES IN NET ASSETS
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1996, 1995 AND 1994
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                        1996              1995              1994
                                                                 ----------------- ----------------- -----------------
<S>                                                              <C>               <C>               <C>
Investment Income:
 Reinvested Dividends                                            $    227,773,709  $    176,010,284  $    247,180,360
 Mortality and Expense Charges (Note 3)                               (16,019,207)      (15,619,292)      (15,774,764)
 Transaction Charges (Note 4)                                          (1,107,972)       (1,382,826)       (1,442,573)
                                                                 ----------------- ----------------- -----------------
  Net Investment Income                                               210,646,530       159,008,166       229,963,023
                                                                 ----------------- ----------------- -----------------

Realized and Unrealized Gains (Losses):
 Net Realized Gains                                                    49,679,613        43,387,581        37,024,153
 Net Unrealized Gains (Losses)                                         (9,165,154)      186,601,895      (373,279,380)
                                                                 ----------------- ----------------- -----------------
  Net Realized and Unrealized Gains (Losses)                           40,514,459       229,989,476      (336,255,227)
                                                                 ----------------- ----------------- -----------------
Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets
 Resulting from Operations                                            251,160,989       388,997,642      (106,292,204)
                                                                 ----------------- ----------------- -----------------

Changes from Principal Transactions:
 Transfers of Net Premiums                                              8,662,019         9,110,961        10,401,083
 Transfers of Policy Loading, Net (Note 3)                            (10,715,483)      (14,309,715)      (19,215,408)
 Transfers Due to Deaths                                              (28,915,284)      (28,619,535)      (23,345,250)
 Transfers Due to Other Terminations                                  (86,971,795)      (82,830,969)      (71,143,764)
 Transfers Due to Policy Loans                                        (46,911,839)      (52,662,381)      (51,098,887)
 Transfers of Cost of Insurance                                       (41,882,708)      (37,801,248)      (37,539,344)
 Transfers of Loan Processing Charges                                  (5,817,667)       (5,564,758)       (4,561,365)
                                                                 ----------------- ----------------- -----------------
Decrease in Net Assets
 Resulting from Principal Transactions                               (212,552,757)     (212,677,645)     (196,502,935)
                                                                 ----------------- ----------------- -----------------

Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets                                      38,608,232       176,319,997      (302,795,139)
Net Assets Beginning Balance                                        2,746,309,267     2,569,989,270     2,872,784,409
                                                                 ----------------- ----------------- -----------------
Net Assets Ending Balance                                        $  2,784,917,499  $  2,746,309,267  $  2,569,989,270
                                                                 ================= ================= =================
</TABLE>

See Notes to Financial Statements



<PAGE>
MERRILL LYNCH LIFE VARIABLE LIFE SEPARATE ACCOUNT II
MERRILL LYNCH LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY

Notes to Financial Statements

1. Merrill  Lynch  Life  Variable Life Separate  Account  II
   ("Account"),  a  separate account of Merrill  Lynch  Life
   Insurance Company ("Merrill Lynch Life"), was established
   to   support  the  operations  with  respect  to  certain
   variable  life  insurance  contracts  ("Contracts").  The
   Account  is  governed  by Arkansas State  Insurance  Law.
   Merrill Lynch Life is an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary
   of  Merrill Lynch & Co., Inc. ("Merrill"). The Account is
   registered   as  a  unit  investment  trust   under   the
   Investment Company Act of 1940 and consists of thirty-two
   investment divisions (thirty-three during the year).  Ten
   of the investment divisions each invest in the securities
   of  a  single mutual fund portfolio of the Merrill  Lynch
   Series  Fund, Inc. Five of the investment divisions  each
   invest  in  the  securities  of  a  single  mutual   fund
   portfolio  of  the Merrill Lynch Variable  Series  Funds,
   Inc.  Seventeen  of  the investment  divisions  (eighteen
   during  the  year)  each invest in the  securities  of  a
   single  trust  of  the  Merrill Lynch  Fund  of  Stripped
   ("Zero")  U.S. Treasury Securities, Series  A  through  K
   ("Zero  Trusts"). Each trust of the Zero Trusts  consists
   of  Stripped  Treasury Securities with a  fixed  maturity
   date  and a Treasury Note deposited to provide income  to
   pay expenses of the trust.
     
   The  assets of the Account are registered in the name  of
   Merrill  Lynch Life. The portion of the Account's  assets
   applicable  to  the  Contracts are  not  chargeable  with
   liabilities  arising  out of any other  business  Merrill
   Lynch Life may conduct.
   
   The  change  in  net assets accumulated  in  the  Account
   provides the basis for the periodic determination of  the
   amount  of  increased  or decreased  benefits  under  the
   Contracts.
   
   The  net  assets may not be less than the amount required
   under  Arkansas State Insurance Law to provide for  death
   benefits  (without  regard to the minimum  death  benefit
   guarantee) and other Contract benefits.
   
   The   financial  statements  included  herein  have  been
   prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting
   principles for variable life separate accounts registered
   as  unit  investment trusts. The preparation of financial
   statements   in   conformity  with   generally   accepted
   accounting   principles  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 those estimates.
   
   
2. The  following  is  a  summary of significant  accounting
   policies of the Account:
   
   Investments  in  the  divisions  are  included   in   the
   statement  of  net assets at the net asset value  of  the
   shares and units held.
   
   Dividend  income  is recognized on the ex-dividend  date.
   All dividends are automatically reinvested.
   
   Realized gains and losses on the sales of investments are
   computed on the first in first out method.
   
   The operations of the Account are included in the Federal
   income  tax  return  of  Merrill Lynch  Life.  Under  the
   provisions of the Contracts, Merrill Lynch Life  has  the
   right  to  charge the Account for any Federal income  tax
   attributable to the Account. No charge is currently being
   made  against  the  Account for  such  tax  since,  under
   current  tax  law,  Merrill Lynch Life  pays  no  tax  on
   investment income and capital gains reflected in variable
   life  insurance contract reserves. However, Merrill Lynch
   Life  retains the right to charge for any Federal  income
   tax  incurred which is attributable to the Account if the
   law  is  changed. Charges for state and local  taxes,  if
   any, attributable to the Account may also be made.
   
3. Merrill  Lynch  Life assumes mortality and expense  risks
   related to Contracts investing in the Account and deducts
   daily  charges  to cover these risks. The  daily  charges
   vary by Contract form and are equal to a rate of .50%  to
   .90%  (on an annual basis) of the net assets for Contract
   owners.
     
   Merrill  Lynch  Life makes certain deductions  from  each
   premium.  For certain Contracts, the deductions are  made
   before the premium is allocated to the Account. For other
   Contracts, the deductions are taken in equal installments
   on  the  first  through the tenth Contract anniversaries.
   The deductions are for (1) premiums for optional benefits
   (2)  additional premiums for extra mortality  risks,  (3)
   sales   load,  (4)  administrative  expenses,  (5)  state
   premium  taxes  and (6) a risk charge for the  guaranteed
   minimum death benefit.
   
   In   addition,  the  cost  of  providing  life  insurance
   coverage  for the insureds will be deducted on the  dates
   specified  by the Contract. This cost will vary dependent
   upon  the insured's underwriting class, sex (except where
   unisex rates are required by state law), attained age  of
   each insured and the Contract's net amount at risk.
     
4. Merrill  Lynch  Life  pays  all  transaction  charges  to
   Merrill  Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Inc., a subsidiary
   of Merrill and sponsor of the Zero Trusts, on the sale of
   Zero  Trust  units  to the Account.  Merrill  Lynch  Life
   deducts  a daily asset charge against the assets of  each
   trust for the reimbursement of these transaction charges.
   The  asset  charge  is equivalent to an effective  annual
   rate  of .34% (annually at the beginning of the year)  of
   net assets for Contract owners.
<PAGE>
MERRILL LYNCH LIFE VARIABLE LIFE SEPARATE ACCOUNT II
MERRILL LYNCH LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
SUPPLEMENTAL CONSOLIDATING SCHEDULE OF OPERATIONS AND CHANGES IN NET ASSETS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1996
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                              Divisions Investing In
                                                              -----------------------------------------------------
                                                                                   Intermediate       Long-Term
                                                   Total            Money           Government        Corporate
                                                  Separate         Reserve             Bond              Bond
                                                  Account         Portfolio         Portfolio         Portfolio
                                            ----------------- ----------------- ----------------- -----------------
<S>                                         <C>               <C>               <C>               <C>
Investment Income (Loss):
 Reinvested Dividends                       $    227,773,709  $     22,322,107  $     12,670,410  $      6,417,235
 Mortality and Expense Charges                   (16,019,207)       (2,453,633)       (1,055,126)         (538,893)
 Transaction Charges                              (1,107,972)                0                 0                 0
                                            ----------------- ----------------- ----------------- -----------------
  Net Investment Income (Loss)                   210,646,530        19,868,474        11,615,284         5,878,342
                                            ----------------- ----------------- ----------------- -----------------

Realized  and Unrealized Gains (Losses):
 Net Realized Gains (Losses)                      49,679,613                 0          (282,198)          291,252
 Net Unrealized Gains (Losses)                    (9,165,154)                0        (8,158,746)       (4,360,593)
                                            ----------------- ----------------- ----------------- -----------------
  Net Realized and Unrealized Gains (Losses)      40,514,459                 0        (8,440,944)       (4,069,341)
                                            ----------------- ----------------- ----------------- -----------------

Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets
 Resulting from Operations                       251,160,989        19,868,474         3,174,340         1,809,001
                                            ----------------- ----------------- ----------------- -----------------

Changes from Principal Transactions:
 Transfers of Net Premiums                         8,662,019         1,481,992           378,176           246,968
 Transfers of Policy Loading, Net                (10,715,483)       (1,816,782)         (704,263)         (345,000)
 Transfers Due to Deaths                         (28,915,284)       (5,418,709)       (3,037,336)       (1,828,049)
 Transfers Due to Other Terminations             (86,971,795)      (24,260,396)       (6,262,424)       (2,351,947)
 Transfers Due to Policy Loans                   (46,911,839)       (7,719,581)       (2,963,456)       (1,609,516)
 Transfers of Cost of Insurance                  (41,882,708)       (7,076,267)       (3,061,015)       (1,520,025)
 Transfers of Loan Processing Charges             (5,817,667)       (1,327,021)         (370,649)         (217,121)
 Transfers Among Investment Divisions                      0         1,134,357        (3,921,116)       (1,240,634)
                                            ----------------- ----------------- ----------------- -----------------
Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets
 Resulting from Principal Transactions          (212,552,757)      (45,002,407)      (19,942,083)       (8,865,324)
                                            ----------------- ----------------- ----------------- -----------------

Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets                 38,608,232       (25,133,933)      (16,767,743)       (7,056,323)
Net Assets Beginning Balance                   2,746,309,267       422,069,158       195,576,370        97,890,502
                                            ----------------- ----------------- ----------------- -----------------
Net Assets Ending Balance                   $  2,784,917,499  $    396,935,225  $    178,808,627  $     90,834,179
                                            ================= ================= ================= =================
</TABLE>

<PAGE>
MERRILL LYNCH LIFE VARIABLE LIFE SEPARATE ACCOUNT II
MERRILL LYNCH LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
SUPPLEMENTAL CONSOLIDATING SCHEDULE OF OPERATIONS AND CHANGES IN NET ASSETS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1996
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                     Divisions Investing In
                                            -----------------------------------------------------------------------

                                                 Capital           Growth            Multiple            High
                                                  Stock             Stock            Strategy           Yield
                                                Portfolio         Portfolio         Portfolio         Portfolio
                                            ----------------- ----------------- ----------------- -----------------
<S>                                         <C>               <C>               <C>               <C>
Investment Income (Loss):
 Reinvested Dividends                       $     32,496,085  $      4,935,599  $    130,584,365  $      8,186,678
 Mortality and Expense Charges                    (1,196,938)         (953,017)       (5,785,971)         (492,507)
 Transaction Charges                                       0                 0                 0                 0
                                            ----------------- ----------------- ----------------- -----------------
  Net Investment Income (Loss)                    31,299,147         3,982,582       124,798,394         7,694,171
                                            ----------------- ----------------- ----------------- -----------------

Realized  and Unrealized Gains (Losses):
 Net Realized Gains (Losses)                      (1,638,056)       18,072,991         3,085,165        (1,174,521)
 Net Unrealized Gains (Losses)                       479,168         5,789,893        (1,587,213)        2,751,515
                                            ----------------- ----------------- ----------------- -----------------
  Net Realized and Unrealized Gains (Losses)      (1,158,888)       23,862,884         1,497,952         1,576,994
                                            ----------------- ----------------- ----------------- -----------------

Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets
 Resulting from Operations                        30,140,259        27,845,466       126,296,346         9,271,165
                                            ----------------- ----------------- ----------------- -----------------

Changes from Principal Transactions:
 Transfers of Net Premiums                         1,162,809         1,024,322         1,836,044           232,365
 Transfers of Policy Loading, Net                   (649,933)         (544,315)       (4,119,006)         (338,902)
 Transfers Due to Deaths                          (2,306,402)       (1,427,441)       (9,487,908)         (824,673)
 Transfers Due to Other Terminations              (6,002,699)       (2,899,989)      (26,318,850)       (2,525,427)
 Transfers Due to Policy Loans                    (2,303,689)       (2,484,081)      (15,505,699)       (1,674,888)
 Transfers of Cost of Insurance                   (3,114,712)       (2,264,525)      (14,653,831)       (1,337,882)
 Transfers of Loan Processing Charges               (401,232)         (360,790)       (1,815,452)         (191,479)
 Transfers Among Investment Divisions              5,851,973        18,928,591       (25,956,178)        8,014,226
                                            ----------------- ----------------- ----------------- -----------------
Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets
 Resulting from Principal Transactions            (7,763,885)        9,971,772       (96,020,880)        1,353,340
                                            ----------------- ----------------- ----------------- -----------------

Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets                 22,376,374        37,817,238        30,275,466        10,624,505
Net Assets Beginning Balance                     194,382,316       141,248,592       986,530,375        78,645,246
                                            ----------------- ----------------- ----------------- -----------------
Net Assets Ending Balance                   $    216,758,690  $    179,065,830  $  1,016,805,841  $     89,269,751
                                            ================= ================= ================= =================
</TABLE>

<PAGE>
MERRILL LYNCH LIFE VARIABLE LIFE SEPARATE ACCOUNT II
MERRILL LYNCH LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
SUPPLEMENTAL CONSOLIDATING SCHEDULE OF OPERATIONS AND CHANGES IN NET ASSETS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1996
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                     Divisions Investing In
                                            -----------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                        Global
                                                 Natural           Global                              Utility
                                                Resources          Strategy         Balanced            Focus
                                                Portfolio         Portfolio         Portfolio            Fund
                                            ----------------- ----------------- ----------------- -----------------
<S>                                         <C>               <C>               <C>               <C>
Investment Income (Loss):
 Reinvested Dividends                       $        349,977  $      5,243,591  $      4,512,649  $         27,362
 Mortality and Expense Charges                      (109,678)       (1,018,242)         (461,273)           (4,033)
 Transaction Charges                                       0                 0                 0                 0
                                            ----------------- ----------------- ----------------- -----------------
  Net Investment Income (Loss)                       240,299         4,225,349         4,051,376            23,329
                                            ----------------- ----------------- ----------------- -----------------

Realized  and Unrealized Gains (Losses):
 Net Realized Gains (Losses)                       1,112,437         1,223,465         1,690,930            (9,982)
 Net Unrealized Gains (Losses)                     1,005,764        15,354,296           826,925            90,229
                                            ----------------- ----------------- ----------------- -----------------
  Net Realized and Unrealized Gains (Losses)       2,118,201        16,577,761         2,517,855            80,247
                                            ----------------- ----------------- ----------------- -----------------

Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets
 Resulting from Operations                         2,358,500        20,803,110         6,569,231           103,576
                                            ----------------- ----------------- ----------------- -----------------

Changes from Principal Transactions:
 Transfers of Net Premiums                           100,840           890,743           739,496                 0
 Transfers of Policy Loading, Net                    (69,951)         (665,833)         (291,465)           (1,730)
 Transfers Due to Deaths                             (89,926)       (1,051,257)         (789,145)                0
 Transfers Due to Other Terminations                (394,485)       (3,961,999)       (3,408,435)          336,141
 Transfers Due to Policy Loans                      (579,770)       (5,976,890)       (1,550,370)            7,336
 Transfers of Cost of Insurance                     (294,576)       (2,477,101)       (1,190,562)          (15,936)
 Transfers of Loan Processing Charges                (45,102)         (349,383)         (139,236)           (1,937)
 Transfers Among Investment Divisions              1,765,169         3,912,189          (608,603)        1,043,935
                                            ----------------- ----------------- ----------------- -----------------
Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets
 Resulting from Principal Transactions               392,199        (9,679,531)       (7,238,320)        1,367,809
                                            ----------------- ----------------- ----------------- -----------------

Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets                  2,750,699        11,123,579          (669,089)        1,471,385
Net Assets Beginning Balance                      16,869,532       162,879,481        76,598,444                 0
                                            ----------------- ----------------- ----------------- -----------------
Net Assets Ending Balance                   $     19,620,231  $    174,003,060  $     75,929,355  $      1,471,385
                                            ================= ================= ================= =================
</TABLE>

<PAGE>
MERRILL LYNCH LIFE VARIABLE LIFE SEPARATE ACCOUNT II
MERRILL LYNCH LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
SUPPLEMENTAL CONSOLIDATING SCHEDULE OF OPERATIONS AND CHANGES IN NET ASSETS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1996
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                     Divisions Investing In
                                            -----------------------------------------------------------------------
                                              International         Basic           Developing
                                                  Equity            Value            Capital            Equity
                                                  Focus             Focus         Markets Focus         Growth
                                                   Fund              Fund              Fund              Fund
                                            ----------------- ----------------- ----------------- -----------------
<S>                                         <C>               <C>               <C>               <C>
Investment Income (Loss):
 Reinvested Dividends                       $              0  $         22,839  $              0  $          4,812
 Mortality and Expense Charges                       (14,059)          (26,853)          (11,108)          (13,034)
 Transaction Charges                                       0                 0                 0                 0
                                            ----------------- ----------------- ----------------- -----------------
  Net Investment Income (Loss)                       (14,059)           (4,014)          (11,108)           (8,222)
                                            ----------------- ----------------- ----------------- -----------------

Realized  and Unrealized Gains (Losses):
 Net Realized Gains (Losses)                         (36,377)           51,188           (43,537)         (195,124)
 Net Unrealized Gains (Losses)                        82,463           668,021            31,136           196,622
                                            ----------------- ----------------- ----------------- -----------------
  Net Realized and Unrealized Gains (Losses)          46,086           719,209           (12,401)            1,498
                                            ----------------- ----------------- ----------------- -----------------

Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets
 Resulting from Operations                            32,027           715,195           (23,509)           (6,724)
                                            ----------------- ----------------- ----------------- -----------------

Changes from Principal Transactions:
 Transfers of Net Premiums                            21,521             7,401             7,988             4,782
 Transfers of Policy Loading, Net                     (5,225)          (18,572)           (4,909)           (8,485)
 Transfers Due to Deaths                                   0                 0                 0                 0
 Transfers Due to Other Terminations                 (14,040)          392,765           (18,825)          474,741
 Transfers Due to Policy Loans                        78,180           (59,051)          (77,030)          (27,495)
 Transfers of Cost of Insurance                      (62,103)         (146,698)          (52,602)          (55,406)
 Transfers of Loan Processing Charges                 (9,708)          (32,955)           (8,042)          (11,798)
 Transfers Among Investment Divisions              5,498,985        13,751,676         4,470,678         4,188,884
                                            ----------------- ----------------- ----------------- -----------------
Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets
 Resulting from Principal Transactions             5,507,610        13,894,566         4,317,258         4,565,223
                                            ----------------- ----------------- ----------------- -----------------

Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets                  5,539,637        14,609,761         4,293,749         4,558,499
Net Assets Beginning Balance                               0                 0                 0                 0
                                            ----------------- ----------------- ----------------- -----------------
Net Assets Ending Balance                   $      5,539,637  $     14,609,761  $      4,293,749  $      4,558,499
                                            ================= ================= ================= =================
</TABLE>

<PAGE>
MERRILL LYNCH LIFE VARIABLE LIFE SEPARATE ACCOUNT II
MERRILL LYNCH LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
SUPPLEMENTAL CONSOLIDATING SCHEDULE OF OPERATIONS AND CHANGES IN NET ASSETS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1996
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                     Divisions Investing In
                                            -----------------------------------------------------------------------


                                                   1996              1997              1998              1999
                                                  Trust             Trust             Trust             Trust
                                            ----------------- ----------------- ----------------- -----------------
<S>                                         <C>               <C>               <C>               <C>
Investment Income (Loss):
 Reinvested Dividends                       $              0  $              0  $              0  $              0
 Mortality and Expense Charges                       (31,274)         (261,516)         (291,090)         (116,726)
 Transaction Charges                                 (17,524)         (150,446)         (167,995)          (67,376)
                                            ----------------- ----------------- ----------------- -----------------
  Net Investment Income (Loss)                       (48,798)         (411,962)         (459,085)         (184,102)
                                            ----------------- ----------------- ----------------- -----------------

Realized  and Unrealized Gains (Losses):
 Net Realized Gains (Losses)                      10,552,702         2,408,744         2,559,946           561,971
 Net Unrealized Gains (Losses)                   (10,323,182)         (200,742)         (304,097)          215,793
                                            ----------------- ----------------- ----------------- -----------------
  Net Realized and Unrealized Gains (Losses)         229,520         2,208,002         2,255,849           777,764
                                            ----------------- ----------------- ----------------- -----------------

Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets
 Resulting from Operations                           180,722         1,796,040         1,796,764           593,662
                                            ----------------- ----------------- ----------------- -----------------

Changes from Principal Transactions:
 Transfers of Net Premiums                                 0            13,986            50,403            26,415
 Transfers of Policy Loading, Net                    (30,227)         (174,296)         (189,911)          (54,279)
 Transfers Due to Deaths                                   0          (524,140)         (323,562)         (203,070)
 Transfers Due to Other Terminations                (317,078)       (1,139,055)       (1,210,950)         (436,842)
 Transfers Due to Policy Loans                      (115,846)         (497,717)         (589,683)          (19,674)
 Transfers of Cost of Insurance                      110,045          (625,122)         (723,770)         (294,695)
 Transfers of Loan Processing Charges                 29,001           (67,131)          (77,088)          (18,380)
 Transfers Among Investment Divisions            (44,947,474)       (1,378,679)       (1,326,633)          855,990
                                            ----------------- ----------------- ----------------- -----------------
Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets
 Resulting from Principal Transactions           (45,271,579)       (4,392,154)       (4,391,194)         (144,535)
                                            ----------------- ----------------- ----------------- -----------------

Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets                (45,090,857)       (2,596,114)       (2,594,430)          449,127
Net Assets Beginning Balance                      45,090,857        45,324,348        51,083,319        19,835,794
                                            ----------------- ----------------- ----------------- -----------------
Net Assets Ending Balance                   $              0  $     42,728,234  $     48,488,889  $     20,284,921
                                            ================= ================= ================= =================
</TABLE>

<PAGE>
MERRILL LYNCH LIFE VARIABLE LIFE SEPARATE ACCOUNT II
MERRILL LYNCH LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
SUPPLEMENTAL CONSOLIDATING SCHEDULE OF OPERATIONS AND CHANGES IN NET ASSETS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1996
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                     Divisions Investing In
                                            -----------------------------------------------------------------------


                                                   2000              2001              2002              2003
                                                  Trust             Trust             Trust             Trust
                                            ----------------- ----------------- ----------------- -----------------
<S>                                         <C>               <C>               <C>               <C>
Investment Income (Loss):
 Reinvested Dividends                       $              0  $              0  $              0  $              0
 Mortality and Expense Charges                       (98,899)         (265,067)          (42,031)         (230,244)
 Transaction Charges                                 (60,911)         (157,233)          (23,164)         (139,027)
                                            ----------------- ----------------- ----------------- -----------------
  Net Investment Income (Loss)                      (159,810)         (422,300)          (65,195)         (369,271)
                                            ----------------- ----------------- ----------------- -----------------

Realized  and Unrealized Gains (Losses):
 Net Realized Gains (Losses)                         771,962         2,724,905           259,068         2,554,241
 Net Unrealized Gains (Losses)                      (237,828)       (1,734,751)         (169,982)       (2,458,890)
                                            ----------------- ----------------- ----------------- -----------------
  Net Realized and Unrealized Gains (Losses)         534,134           990,154            89,086            95,351
                                            ----------------- ----------------- ----------------- -----------------

Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets
 Resulting from Operations                           374,324           567,854            23,891          (273,920)
                                            ----------------- ----------------- ----------------- -----------------

Changes from Principal Transactions:
 Transfers of Net Premiums                             6,765            82,016            36,197            58,731
 Transfers of Policy Loading, Net                    (51,372)         (164,225)          (19,531)         (122,758)
 Transfers Due to Deaths                             (41,755)         (519,499)                0          (533,222)
 Transfers Due to Other Terminations                (429,247)       (2,340,306)              236        (1,398,336)
 Transfers Due to Policy Loans                      (156,597)         (707,189)          (93,463)         (451,708)
 Transfers of Cost of Insurance                     (291,702)         (660,411)          (92,723)         (543,051)
 Transfers of Loan Processing Charges                (34,099)          (92,350)           (5,866)          (65,519)
 Transfers Among Investment Divisions                292,540               489          (266,017)         (643,586)
                                            ----------------- ----------------- ----------------- -----------------
Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets
 Resulting from Principal Transactions              (705,467)       (4,401,475)         (441,167)       (3,699,449)
                                            ----------------- ----------------- ----------------- -----------------

Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets                   (331,143)       (3,833,621)         (417,276)       (3,973,369)
Net Assets Beginning Balance                      18,105,211        48,806,788         6,975,642        44,305,366
                                            ----------------- ----------------- ----------------- -----------------
Net Assets Ending Balance                   $     17,774,068  $     44,973,167  $      6,558,366  $     40,331,997
                                            ================= ================= ================= =================
</TABLE>

<PAGE>
MERRILL LYNCH LIFE VARIABLE LIFE SEPARATE ACCOUNT II
MERRILL LYNCH LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
SUPPLEMENTAL CONSOLIDATING SCHEDULE OF OPERATIONS AND CHANGES IN NET ASSETS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1996
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                     Divisions Investing In
                                            -----------------------------------------------------------------------


                                                   2004              2005              2006              2007
                                                  Trust             Trust             Trust             Trust
                                            ----------------- ----------------- ----------------- -----------------
<S>                                         <C>               <C>               <C>               <C>
Investment Income (Loss):
 Reinvested Dividends                       $              0  $              0  $              0  $              0
 Mortality and Expense Charges                       (37,601)          (98,982)          (36,944)          (54,310)
 Transaction Charges                                 (22,310)          (61,371)          (20,546)          (32,053)
                                            ----------------- ----------------- ----------------- -----------------
  Net Investment Income (Loss)                       (59,911)         (160,353)          (57,490)          (86,363)
                                            ----------------- ----------------- ----------------- -----------------

Realized  and Unrealized Gains (Losses):
 Net Realized Gains (Losses)                         214,440         1,414,745           466,065           493,764
 Net Unrealized Gains (Losses)                      (168,339)       (1,566,025)         (395,373)         (685,261)
                                            ----------------- ----------------- ----------------- -----------------
  Net Realized and Unrealized Gains (Losses)          46,101          (151,280)           70,692          (191,497)
                                            ----------------- ----------------- ----------------- -----------------

Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets
 Resulting from Operations                           (13,810)         (311,633)           13,202          (277,860)
                                            ----------------- ----------------- ----------------- -----------------

Changes from Principal Transactions:
 Transfers of Net Premiums                               133            89,826            11,938               874
 Transfers of Policy Loading, Net                    (16,566)          (47,479)          (25,595)          (30,603)
 Transfers Due to Deaths                                   0           (36,362)                0          (113,435)
 Transfers Due to Other Terminations                  (5,588)         (396,304)          (88,963)          (54,645)
 Transfers Due to Policy Loans                        34,337          (648,326)          (19,454)         (288,956)
 Transfers of Cost of Insurance                      (94,514)         (272,209)         (101,781)         (136,458)
 Transfers of Loan Processing Charges                 (6,924)          (29,781)          (16,885)          (15,294)
 Transfers Among Investment Divisions              1,524,634           401,129         2,454,361           298,176
                                            ----------------- ----------------- ----------------- -----------------
Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets
 Resulting from Principal Transactions             1,435,512          (939,506)        2,213,621          (340,341)
                                            ----------------- ----------------- ----------------- -----------------

Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets                  1,421,702        (1,251,139)        2,226,823          (618,201)
Net Assets Beginning Balance                       5,622,499        19,019,769         4,295,675        10,194,854
                                            ----------------- ----------------- ----------------- -----------------
Net Assets Ending Balance                   $      7,044,201  $     17,768,630  $      6,522,498  $      9,576,653
                                            ================= ================= ================= =================
</TABLE>

<PAGE>
MERRILL LYNCH LIFE VARIABLE LIFE SEPARATE ACCOUNT II
MERRILL LYNCH LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
SUPPLEMENTAL CONSOLIDATING SCHEDULE OF OPERATIONS AND CHANGES IN NET ASSETS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1996
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                     Divisions Investing In
                                            -----------------------------------------------------------------------


                                                   2008              2009              2010              2011
                                                  Trust             Trust             Trust             Trust
                                            ----------------- ----------------- ----------------- -----------------
<S>                                         <C>               <C>               <C>               <C>
Investment Income (Loss):
 Reinvested Dividends                       $              0  $              0  $              0  $              0
 Mortality and Expense Charges                      (120,996)          (50,808)          (44,183)           (7,788)
 Transaction Charges                                 (70,378)          (30,418)          (24,730)           (4,763)
                                            ----------------- ----------------- ----------------- -----------------
  Net Investment Income (Loss)                      (191,374)          (81,226)          (68,913)          (12,551)
                                            ----------------- ----------------- ----------------- -----------------

Realized  and Unrealized Gains (Losses):
 Net Realized Gains (Losses)                       1,807,273           557,333           448,525            73,132
 Net Unrealized Gains (Losses)                    (2,524,477)         (863,586)         (708,269)         (122,891)
                                            ----------------- ----------------- ----------------- -----------------
  Net Realized and Unrealized Gains (Losses)        (717,204)         (306,253)         (259,744)          (49,759)
                                            ----------------- ----------------- ----------------- -----------------

Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets
 Resulting from Operations                          (908,578)         (387,479)         (328,657)          (62,310)
                                            ----------------- ----------------- ----------------- -----------------

Changes from Principal Transactions:
 Transfers of Net Premiums
 Transfers of Policy Loading, Net                     38,452            42,330            62,527               900
 Transfers Due to Deaths                             (81,762)          (37,828)          (19,742)           (3,497)
 Transfers Due to Other Terminations                 (86,281)         (241,181)           (1,017)          (18,966)
 Transfers Due to Policy Loans                      (629,178)         (145,607)         (536,506)               14
 Transfers of Cost of Insurance                     (415,931)          (97,994)          (43,879)          (11,739)
 Transfers of Loan Processing Charges               (312,779)         (114,443)          (99,938)          (20,237)
 Transfers Among Investment Divisions                (46,530)          (20,311)          (16,765)           (2,730)
                                                    (816,542)            4,281           778,312            25,152
Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets           ----------------- ----------------- ----------------- -----------------
 Resulting from Principal Transactions
                                                  (2,350,551)         (610,753)          122,992           (31,103)
                                            ----------------- ----------------- ----------------- -----------------
Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets
Net Assets Beginning Balance                      (3,259,129)         (998,232)         (205,665)          (93,413)
                                                  23,480,110         9,871,802         7,470,965         1,466,801
Net Assets Ending Balance                   ----------------- ----------------- ----------------- -----------------
                                            $     20,220,981  $      8,873,570  $      7,265,300  $      1,373,388
                                            ================= ================= ================= =================
</TABLE>

<PAGE>
MERRILL LYNCH LIFE VARIABLE LIFE SEPARATE ACCOUNT II
MERRILL LYNCH LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
SUPPLEMENTAL CONSOLIDATING SCHEDULE OF OPERATIONS AND CHANGES IN NET ASSETS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1996
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                   Divisions Investing in           
                                            -----------------------------------


                                                   2013              2014
                                                  Trust             Trust
                                            ----------------- -----------------
<S>                                         <C>               <C>
Investment Income (Loss):
 Reinvested Dividends                       $              0  $              0
 Mortality and Expense Charges                        (6,358)          (90,025)
 Transaction Charges                                  (3,604)          (54,123)
                                            ----------------- -----------------
  Net Investment Income (Loss)                        (9,962)         (144,148)
                                            ----------------- -----------------

Realized  and Unrealized Gains (Losses):
 Net Realized Gains (Losses)                         148,597          (485,433)
 Net Unrealized Gains (Losses)                      (240,740)          154,006
                                            ----------------- -----------------
  Net Realized and Unrealized Gains (Losses)         (92,143)         (331,427)
                                            ----------------- -----------------

Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets
 Resulting from Operations                          (102,105)         (475,575)
                                            ----------------- -----------------

Changes from Principal Transactions:
 Transfers of Net Premiums                             3,136             1,943
 Transfers of Policy Loading, Net                     (6,215)          (55,226)
 Transfers Due to Deaths                                   0           (11,948)
 Transfers Due to Other Terminations                 (27,768)         (599,803)
 Transfers Due to Policy Loans                         2,800          (344,820)
 Transfers of Cost of Insurance                      (18,123)         (267,556)
 Transfers of Loan Processing Charges                 (5,223)          (43,887)
 Transfers Among Investment Divisions               (262,241)        6,171,976
                                            ----------------- -----------------
Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets
 Resulting from Principal Transactions              (313,634)        4,850,679
                                            ----------------- -----------------

Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets                   (415,739)        4,375,104
Net Assets Beginning Balance                       1,453,126        11,216,325
                                            ----------------- -----------------
Net Assets Ending Balance                   $      1,037,387  $     15,591,429
                                            ================= =================
</TABLE>
<PAGE>
MERRILL LYNCH LIFE VARIABLE LIFE SEPARATE ACCOUNT II
MERRILL LYNCH LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
SUPPLEMENTAL CONSOLIDATING SCHEDULE OF OPERATIONS AND CHANGES IN NET ASSETS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1995
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                              Divisions Investing In
                                                              -----------------------------------------------------
                                                                                   Intermediate       Long-Term
                                                  Total             Money           Government        Corporate
                                                 Separate          Reserve             Bond              Bond
                                                 Account          Portfolio         Portfolio         Portfolio
                                            ----------------- ----------------- ----------------- -----------------
<S>                                         <C>               <C>               <C>               <C>
Investment Income (Loss):
 Reinvested Dividends                       $    176,010,284  $     24,822,150  $     13,472,963  $      6,786,063
 Mortality and Expense Charges                   (15,619,292)       (2,520,260)       (1,070,921)         (539,029)
 Transaction Charges                              (1,382,826)                0                 0                 0
                                            ----------------- ----------------- ----------------- -----------------
  Net Investment Income (Loss)                   159,008,166        22,301,890        12,402,042         6,247,034
                                            ----------------- ----------------- ----------------- -----------------

Realized  and Unrealized Gains (Losses):
 Net Realized Gains (Losses)                      43,387,581                 0          (855,010)          146,795
 Net Unrealized Gains (Losses)                   186,601,895                 0        19,621,941        10,523,245
                                            ----------------- ----------------- ----------------- -----------------
  Net Realized and Unrealized Gains              229,989,476                 0        18,766,931        10,670,040
                                            ----------------- ----------------- ----------------- -----------------

Increase in Net Assets
 Resulting from Operations                       388,997,642        22,301,890        31,168,973        16,917,074
                                            ----------------- ----------------- ----------------- -----------------

Changes from Principal Transactions:
 Transfers of Net Premiums                         9,110,961         1,709,166           407,854           232,781
 Transfers of Policy Loading, Net                (14,309,715)       (2,847,538)         (973,723)         (548,353)
 Transfers Due to Deaths                         (28,619,535)       (6,450,303)       (3,766,278)       (1,805,628)
 Transfers Due to Other Terminations             (82,830,969)      (25,664,477)       (4,877,616)       (2,299,581)
 Transfers Due to Policy Loans                   (52,662,381)      (10,281,466)       (2,983,639)       (2,839,173)
 Transfers of Cost of Insurance                  (37,801,248)       (6,710,312)       (2,788,345)       (1,371,116)
 Transfers of Loan Processing Charges             (5,564,758)       (1,323,256)         (358,670)         (210,199)
 Transfers Among Investment Divisions                      0        12,061,983        (4,339,664)         (492,798)
                                            ----------------- ----------------- ----------------- -----------------
Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets
 Resulting from Principal Transactions          (212,677,645)      (39,506,203)      (19,680,081)       (9,334,067)
                                            ----------------- ----------------- ----------------- -----------------

Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets                176,319,997       (17,204,313)       11,488,892         7,583,007
Net Assets Beginning Balance                   2,569,989,270       439,273,471       184,087,478        90,307,495
                                            ----------------- ----------------- ----------------- -----------------
Net Assets Ending Balance                   $  2,746,309,267  $    422,069,158  $    195,576,370  $     97,890,502
                                            ================= ================= ================= =================
</TABLE>

<PAGE>
MERRILL LYNCH LIFE VARIABLE LIFE SEPARATE ACCOUNT II
MERRILL LYNCH LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
SUPPLEMENTAL CONSOLIDATING SCHEDULE OF OPERATIONS AND CHANGES IN NET ASSETS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1995
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                     Divisions Investing In
                                            -----------------------------------------------------------------------

                                                 Capital           Growth            Multiple            High
                                                  Stock             Stock            Strategy           Yield
                                                Portfolio         Portfolio         Portfolio         Portfolio
                                            ----------------- ----------------- ----------------- -----------------
<S>                                         <C>               <C>               <C>               <C>
Investment Income (Loss):
 Reinvested Dividends                       $     14,052,632  $      5,782,691  $     89,162,861  $      7,701,496
 Mortality and Expense Charges                    (1,020,643)         (616,002)       (5,576,347)         (437,421)
 Transaction Charges                                       0                 0                 0                 0
                                            ----------------- ----------------- ----------------- -----------------
  Net Investment Income (Loss)                    13,031,989         5,166,689        83,586,514         7,264,075
                                            ----------------- ----------------- ----------------- -----------------

Realized  and Unrealized Gains (Losses):
 Net Realized Gains (Losses)                        (494,405)       (1,254,980)        3,282,266          (930,995)
 Net Unrealized Gains (Losses)                    19,317,979        26,768,504        60,818,961         4,712,455
                                            ----------------- ----------------- ----------------- -----------------
  Net Realized and Unrealized Gains               18,823,574        25,513,524        64,101,227         3,781,460
                                            ----------------- ----------------- ----------------- -----------------

Increase in Net Assets
 Resulting from Operations                        31,855,563        30,680,213       147,687,741        11,045,535
                                            ----------------- ----------------- ----------------- -----------------

Changes from Principal Transactions:
 Transfers of Net Premiums                         1,329,466           860,299         1,957,795           183,217
 Transfers of Policy Loading, Net                   (807,726)         (544,399)       (5,061,657)         (396,347)
 Transfers Due to Deaths                            (748,695)         (395,812)       (8,914,824)         (688,476)
 Transfers Due to Other Terminations              (4,629,991)       (3,363,433)      (24,446,720)       (1,383,491)
 Transfers Due to Policy Loans                    (3,350,832)       (2,154,820)      (17,508,815)       (1,945,270)
 Transfers of Cost of Insurance                   (2,581,125)       (1,540,036)      (13,021,247)       (1,104,051)
 Transfers of Loan Processing Charges               (341,003)         (284,780)       (1,735,095)         (172,281)
 Transfers Among Investment Divisions             11,208,250        40,269,631        (6,020,911)       10,296,549
                                            ----------------- ----------------- ----------------- -----------------
Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets
 Resulting from Principal Transactions                78,344        32,846,650       (74,751,474)        4,789,850
                                            ----------------- ----------------- ----------------- -----------------

Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets                 31,933,907        63,526,863        72,936,267        15,835,385
Net Assets Beginning Balance                     162,448,409        77,721,729       913,594,108        62,809,861
                                            ----------------- ----------------- ----------------- -----------------
Net Assets Ending Balance                   $    194,382,316  $    141,248,592  $    986,530,375  $     78,645,246
                                            ================= ================= ================= =================
</TABLE>

<PAGE>
MERRILL LYNCH LIFE VARIABLE LIFE SEPARATE ACCOUNT II
MERRILL LYNCH LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
SUPPLEMENTAL CONSOLIDATING SCHEDULE OF OPERATIONS AND CHANGES IN NET ASSETS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1995
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                     Divisions Investing In
                                            -----------------------------------------------------------------------

                                                 Natural           Global
                                                Resources          Strategy         Balanced             1995
                                                Portfolio         Portfolio         Portfolio           Trust
                                            ----------------- ----------------- ----------------- -----------------
<S>                                         <C>               <C>               <C>               <C>
Investment Income (Loss):
 Reinvested Dividends                       $        397,120  $      8,694,293  $      5,138,015  $              0
 Mortality and Expense Charges                      (118,050)         (972,191)         (421,210)         (294,965)
 Transaction Charges                                       0                 0                 0          (185,751)
                                            ----------------- ----------------- ----------------- -----------------
  Net Investment Income (Loss)                       279,070         7,722,102         4,716,805          (480,716)
                                            ----------------- ----------------- ----------------- -----------------

Realized  and Unrealized Gains (Losses):
 Net Realized Gains (Losses)                       1,033,498         2,141,801           805,689        17,529,850
 Net Unrealized Gains (Losses)                       938,120         5,172,778         7,426,310       (13,865,146)
                                            ----------------- ----------------- ----------------- -----------------
  Net Realized and Unrealized Gains                1,971,618         7,314,579         8,231,999         3,664,704
                                            ----------------- ----------------- ----------------- -----------------

Increase in Net Assets
 Resulting from Operations                         2,250,688        15,036,681        12,948,804         3,183,988
                                            ----------------- ----------------- ----------------- -----------------

Changes from Principal Transactions:
 Transfers of Net Premiums                           122,502         1,013,662           739,047            16,054
 Transfers of Policy Loading, Net                   (105,777)         (894,258)         (396,129)         (307,336)
 Transfers Due to Deaths                             (21,772)         (820,668)         (285,619)         (711,542)
 Transfers Due to Other Terminations                  59,974        (5,229,044)       (2,944,348)       (1,918,138)
 Transfers Due to Policy Loans                      (323,604)       (3,945,754)         (661,408)         (791,739)
 Transfers of Cost of Insurance                     (288,104)       (2,125,829)       (1,038,823)         (573,563)
 Transfers of Loan Processing Charges                (39,035)         (298,471)         (145,972)          (48,583)
 Transfers Among Investment Divisions             (2,504,731)      (17,325,015)        6,581,550       (63,064,582)
                                            ----------------- ----------------- ----------------- -----------------
Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets
 Resulting from Principal Transactions            (3,100,547)      (29,625,377)        1,848,298       (67,399,429)
                                            ----------------- ----------------- ----------------- -----------------

Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets                   (849,859)      (14,588,696)       14,797,102       (64,215,441)
Net Assets Beginning Balance                      17,719,391       177,468,177        61,801,342        64,215,441
                                            ----------------- ----------------- ----------------- -----------------
Net Assets Ending Balance                   $     16,869,532  $    162,879,481  $     76,598,444  $              0
                                            ================= ================= ================= =================
</TABLE>

<PAGE>
MERRILL LYNCH LIFE VARIABLE LIFE SEPARATE ACCOUNT II
MERRILL LYNCH LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
SUPPLEMENTAL CONSOLIDATING SCHEDULE OF OPERATIONS AND CHANGES IN NET ASSETS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1995
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                     Divisions Investing In
                                            -----------------------------------------------------------------------


                                                   1996              1997              1998              1999
                                                  Trust             Trust             Trust             Trust
                                            ----------------- ----------------- ----------------- -----------------
<S>                                         <C>               <C>               <C>               <C>
Investment Income (Loss):
 Reinvested Dividends                       $              0  $              0  $              0  $              0
 Mortality and Expense Charges                      (262,167)         (269,377)         (290,687)         (110,537)
 Transaction Charges                                (154,485)         (153,978)         (167,663)          (64,260)
                                            ----------------- ----------------- ----------------- -----------------
  Net Investment Income (Loss)                      (416,652)         (423,355)         (458,350)         (174,797)
                                            ----------------- ----------------- ----------------- -----------------

Realized  and Unrealized Gains (Losses):
 Net Realized Gains (Losses)                       1,665,788         2,408,526         1,661,614         1,319,537
 Net Unrealized Gains (Losses)                     1,679,337         2,209,227         4,634,030         1,585,255
                                            ----------------- ----------------- ----------------- -----------------
  Net Realized and Unrealized Gains                3,345,125         4,617,753         6,295,644         2,904,792
                                            ----------------- ----------------- ----------------- -----------------

Increase in Net Assets
 Resulting from Operations                         2,928,473         4,194,398         5,837,294         2,729,995
                                            ----------------- ----------------- ----------------- -----------------

Changes from Principal Transactions:
 Transfers of Net Premiums                            26,729            24,322            37,544            30,415
 Transfers of Policy Loading, Net                   (220,428)         (229,415)         (259,530)          (85,456)
 Transfers Due to Deaths                             (35,266)         (115,072)         (894,917)       (1,971,355)
 Transfers Due to Other Terminations                (777,348)         (970,980)       (1,022,540)          (57,518)
 Transfers Due to Policy Loans                      (507,835)       (1,415,740)         (866,564)         (188,153)
 Transfers of Cost of Insurance                     (547,879)         (573,469)         (683,950)         (282,772)
 Transfers of Loan Processing Charges                (55,695)          (64,775)          (82,022)          (15,891)
 Transfers Among Investment Divisions               (912,885)          343,360         3,304,329         2,254,350
                                            ----------------- ----------------- ----------------- -----------------
Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets
 Resulting from Principal Transactions            (3,030,607)       (3,001,769)         (467,650)         (316,380)
                                            ----------------- ----------------- ----------------- -----------------

Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets                   (102,134)        1,192,629         5,369,644         2,413,615
Net Assets Beginning Balance                      45,192,991        44,131,719        45,713,675        17,422,179
                                            ----------------- ----------------- ----------------- -----------------
Net Assets Ending Balance                   $     45,090,857  $     45,324,348  $     51,083,319  $     19,835,794
                                            ================= ================= ================= =================
</TABLE>

<PAGE>
MERRILL LYNCH LIFE VARIABLE LIFE SEPARATE ACCOUNT II
MERRILL LYNCH LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
SUPPLEMENTAL CONSOLIDATING SCHEDULE OF OPERATIONS AND CHANGES IN NET ASSETS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1995
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                     Divisions Investing In
                                            -----------------------------------------------------------------------


                                                   2000              2001              2002              2003
                                                  Trust             Trust             Trust             Trust
                                            ----------------- ----------------- ----------------- -----------------
<S>                                         <C>               <C>               <C>               <C>
Investment Income (Loss):
 Reinvested Dividends                       $              0  $              0  $              0  $              0
 Mortality and Expense Charges                       (93,208)         (267,633)          (35,381)         (234,492)
 Transaction Charges                                 (56,945)         (159,429)          (19,497)         (141,487)
                                            ----------------- ----------------- ----------------- -----------------
  Net Investment Income (Loss)                      (150,153)         (427,062)          (54,878)         (375,979)
                                            ----------------- ----------------- ----------------- -----------------

Realized  and Unrealized Gains (Losses):
 Net Realized Gains (Losses)                       1,079,644         2,169,345            84,556         2,188,877
 Net Unrealized Gains (Losses)                     1,750,905         6,911,215         1,118,190         7,969,698
                                            ----------------- ----------------- ----------------- -----------------
  Net Realized and Unrealized Gains                2,830,549         9,080,560         1,202,746        10,158,575
                                            ----------------- ----------------- ----------------- -----------------

Increase in Net Assets
 Resulting from Operations                         2,680,396         8,653,498         1,147,868         9,782,596
                                            ----------------- ----------------- ----------------- -----------------

Changes from Principal Transactions:
 Transfers of Net Premiums                            16,173           110,390            36,390            64,586
 Transfers of Policy Loading, Net                    (65,537)         (243,092)          (21,756)         (162,797)
 Transfers Due to Deaths                             (49,910)         (309,777)                0          (239,034)
 Transfers Due to Other Terminations                (436,010)         (630,758)          (88,487)         (853,586)
 Transfers Due to Policy Loans                      (250,269)         (535,794)           (9,540)         (505,406)
 Transfers of Cost of Insurance                     (242,805)         (605,251)          (83,329)         (507,876)
 Transfers of Loan Processing Charges                (29,760)         (102,886)           (8,902)          (68,515)
 Transfers Among Investment Divisions              3,796,430           264,215         2,540,001          (744,560)
                                            ----------------- ----------------- ----------------- -----------------
Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets
 Resulting from Principal Transactions             2,738,312        (2,052,953)        2,364,377        (3,017,188)
                                            ----------------- ----------------- ----------------- -----------------

Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets                  5,418,708         6,600,545         3,512,245         6,765,408
Net Assets Beginning Balance                      12,686,503        42,206,243         3,463,397        37,539,958
                                            ----------------- ----------------- ----------------- -----------------
Net Assets Ending Balance                   $     18,105,211  $     48,806,788  $      6,975,642  $     44,305,366
                                            ================= ================= ================= =================
</TABLE>

<PAGE>
MERRILL LYNCH LIFE VARIABLE LIFE SEPARATE ACCOUNT II
MERRILL LYNCH LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
SUPPLEMENTAL CONSOLIDATING SCHEDULE OF OPERATIONS AND CHANGES IN NET ASSETS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1995
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                     Divisions Investing In
                                            -----------------------------------------------------------------------


                                                   2004              2005              2006              2007
                                                  Trust             Trust             Trust             Trust
                                            ----------------- ----------------- ----------------- -----------------
<S>                                         <C>               <C>               <C>               <C>
Investment Income (Loss):
 Reinvested Dividends                       $              0  $              0  $              0  $              0
 Mortality and Expense Charges                       (23,510)          (92,226)          (21,182)          (54,451)
 Transaction Charges                                 (13,886)          (57,786)          (12,255)          (31,888)
                                            ----------------- ----------------- ----------------- -----------------
  Net Investment Income (Loss)                       (37,396)         (150,012)          (33,437)          (86,339)
                                            ----------------- ----------------- ----------------- -----------------

Realized  and Unrealized Gains (Losses):
 Net Realized Gains (Losses)                          76,995         1,179,925           547,672           804,931
 Net Unrealized Gains (Losses)                       939,835         3,431,671           497,412         2,083,163
                                            ----------------- ----------------- ----------------- -----------------
  Net Realized and Unrealized Gains                1,016,830         4,611,596         1,045,084         2,888,094
                                            ----------------- ----------------- ----------------- -----------------

Increase in Net Assets
 Resulting from Operations                           979,434         4,461,584         1,011,647         2,801,755
                                            ----------------- ----------------- ----------------- -----------------

Changes from Principal Transactions:
 Transfers of Net Premiums                               133            15,117            12,634               887
 Transfers of Policy Loading, Net                    (12,038)          (76,421)          (18,624)          (24,411)
 Transfers Due to Deaths                                   0           (25,998)                0           (17,239)
 Transfers Due to Other Terminations                  (4,674)         (330,900)          (39,923)          (59,076)
 Transfers Due to Policy Loans                        66,684          (666,457)         (209,895)          (65,074)
 Transfers of Cost of Insurance                      (59,623)         (220,243)          (52,758)         (113,608)
 Transfers of Loan Processing Charges                 (5,739)          (24,379)          (11,413)          (14,451)
 Transfers Among Investment Divisions              1,535,421           795,262           369,986          (681,485)
                                            ----------------- ----------------- ----------------- -----------------
Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets
 Resulting from Principal Transactions             1,520,164          (534,019)           50,007          (974,457)
                                            ----------------- ----------------- ----------------- -----------------

Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets                  2,499,598         3,927,565         1,061,654         1,827,298
Net Assets Beginning Balance                       3,122,901        15,092,204         3,234,021         8,367,556
                                            ----------------- ----------------- ----------------- -----------------
Net Assets Ending Balance                   $      5,622,499  $     19,019,769  $      4,295,675  $     10,194,854
                                            ================= ================= ================= =================
</TABLE>

<PAGE>
MERRILL LYNCH LIFE VARIABLE LIFE SEPARATE ACCOUNT II
MERRILL LYNCH LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
SUPPLEMENTAL CONSOLIDATING SCHEDULE OF OPERATIONS AND CHANGES IN NET ASSETS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1995
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                     Divisions Investing In
                                            -----------------------------------------------------------------------


                                                   2008              2009              2010              2011
                                                  Trust             Trust             Trust             Trust
                                            ----------------- ----------------- ----------------- -----------------
<S>                                         <C>               <C>               <C>               <C>
Investment Income (Loss):
 Reinvested Dividends                       $              0  $              0  $              0  $              0
 Mortality and Expense Charges                      (120,324)          (51,094)          (41,651)           (9,176)
 Transaction Charges                                 (70,339)          (30,692)          (23,311)           (5,475)
                                            ----------------- ----------------- ----------------- -----------------
  Net Investment Income (Loss)                      (190,663)          (81,786)          (64,962)          (14,651)
                                            ----------------- ----------------- ----------------- -----------------

Realized  and Unrealized Gains (Losses):
 Net Realized Gains (Losses)                         884,636           941,985         1,484,526           203,644
 Net Unrealized Gains (Losses)                     5,812,953         2,134,127           964,757           418,302
                                            ----------------- ----------------- ----------------- -----------------
  Net Realized and Unrealized Gains                6,697,589         3,076,112         2,449,283           621,946
                                            ----------------- ----------------- ----------------- -----------------

Increase in Net Assets
 Resulting from Operations                         6,506,926         2,994,326         2,384,321           607,295
                                            ----------------- ----------------- ----------------- -----------------

Changes from Principal Transactions:
 Transfers of Net Premiums
 Transfers of Policy Loading, Net                     39,511            44,508            59,489                 0
 Transfers Due to Deaths                            (104,127)          (27,948)          (25,276)          (17,288)
 Transfers Due to Other Terminations                (123,223)                0           (30,038)          (93,725)
 Transfers Due to Policy Loans                      (521,395)          (73,640)          (56,753)              654
 Transfers of Cost of Insurance                     (242,497)         (121,680)         (169,730)            3,551
 Transfers of Loan Processing Charges               (267,820)         (121,706)          (84,072)          (13,654)
 Transfers Among Investment Divisions                (43,536)          (23,519)          (13,730)           (1,605)
                                                    (150,546)         (482,490)         (786,513)         (993,610)
Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets           ----------------- ----------------- ----------------- -----------------
 Resulting from Principal Transactions
                                                  (1,413,633)         (806,475)       (1,106,623)       (1,115,677)
                                            ----------------- ----------------- ----------------- -----------------
Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets
Net Assets Beginning Balance                       5,093,293         2,187,851         1,277,698          (508,382)
                                                  18,386,817         7,683,951         6,193,267         1,975,183
Net Assets Ending Balance                   ----------------- ----------------- ----------------- -----------------
                                            $     23,480,110  $      9,871,802  $      7,470,965  $      1,466,801
                                            ================= ================= ================= =================
</TABLE>

<PAGE>
MERRILL LYNCH LIFE VARIABLE LIFE SEPARATE ACCOUNT II
MERRILL LYNCH LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
SUPPLEMENTAL CONSOLIDATING SCHEDULE OF OPERATIONS AND CHANGES IN NET ASSETS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1995
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                   Divisions Investing In
                                            -----------------------------------


                                                   2013              2014
                                                  Trust             Trust
                                            ----------------- -----------------
<S>                                         <C>               <C>
Investment Income (Loss):
 Reinvested Dividends                       $              0  $              0
 Mortality and Expense Charges                       (11,340)          (43,817)
 Transaction Charges                                  (6,937)          (26,762)
                                            ----------------- -----------------
  Net Investment Income (Loss)                       (18,277)          (70,579)
                                            ----------------- -----------------

Realized  and Unrealized Gains (Losses):
 Net Realized Gains (Losses)                         557,038         2,723,833
 Net Unrealized Gains (Losses)                       332,611           694,060
                                            ----------------- -----------------
  Net Realized and Unrealized Gains                  889,649         3,417,893
                                            ----------------- -----------------

Increase in Net Assets
 Resulting from Operations                           871,372         3,347,314
                                            ----------------- -----------------

Changes from Principal Transactions:
 Transfers of Net Premiums                             3,999            16,291
 Transfers of Policy Loading, Net                    (39,511)          207,183
 Transfers Due to Deaths                                   0          (104,364)
 Transfers Due to Other Terminations                     855          (212,025)
 Transfers Due to Policy Loans                      (132,678)          (58,784)
 Transfers of Cost of Insurance                      (17,748)         (180,134)
 Transfers of Loan Processing Charges                 (4,108)          (36,487)
 Transfers Among Investment Divisions             (1,399,914)        4,278,387
                                            ----------------- -----------------
Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets
 Resulting from Principal Transactions            (1,589,105)        3,910,067
                                            ----------------- -----------------

Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets                   (717,733)        7,257,381
Net Assets Beginning Balance                       2,170,859         3,958,944
                                            ----------------- -----------------
Net Assets Ending Balance                   $      1,453,126  $     11,216,325
                                            ================= =================
</TABLE>
<PAGE>
MERRILL LYNCH LIFE VARIABLE LIFE SEPARATE ACCOUNT II
MERRILL LYNCH LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
SUPPLEMENTAL CONSOLIDATING SCHEDULE OF OPERATIONS AND CHANGES IN NET ASSETS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1994
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                              Divisions Investing In
                                                              -----------------------------------------------------
                                                                                   Intermediate       Long-Term
                                                  Total             Money           Government        Corporate
                                                 Separate          Reserve             Bond              Bond
                                                 Account          Portfolio         Portfolio         Portfolio
                                            ----------------- ----------------- ----------------- -----------------
<S>                                         <C>               <C>               <C>               <C>
Investment Income (Loss):
 Reinvested Dividends                       $    247,180,360  $     17,480,949  $     22,232,388  $     11,078,761
 Mortality and Expense Charges                   (15,774,764)       (2,517,605)       (1,179,517)         (575,542)
 Transaction Charges                              (1,442,573)                0                 0                 0
                                            ----------------- ----------------- ----------------- -----------------
  Net Investment Income (Loss)                   229,963,023        14,963,344        21,052,871        10,503,219
                                            ----------------- ----------------- ----------------- -----------------

Realized  and Unrealized Gains (Losses):
 Net Realized Gains (Losses)                      37,024,153                 0        (1,019,016)           75,887
 Net Unrealized Gains (Losses)                  (373,279,380)                0       (32,149,004)      (16,813,358)
                                            ----------------- ----------------- ----------------- -----------------
  Net Realized and Unrealized Gains (Losses)    (336,255,227)                0       (33,168,020)      (16,737,471)
                                            ----------------- ----------------- ----------------- -----------------

Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets
 Resulting from Operations                      (106,292,204)       14,963,344       (12,115,149)       (6,234,252)
                                            ----------------- ----------------- ----------------- -----------------

Changes from Principal Transactions:
 Transfers of Net Premiums                        10,401,083         1,953,978           543,078           257,542
 Transfers of Policy Loading, Net                (19,215,408)       (3,150,489)       (1,534,327)         (702,572)
 Transfers Due to Deaths                         (23,345,250)       (4,254,868)       (2,896,949)       (1,177,899)
 Transfers Due to Other Terminations             (71,143,764)      (24,965,885)       (4,994,737)       (1,269,868)
 Transfers Due to Policy Loans                   (51,098,887)      (11,424,065)       (5,810,455)       (2,310,361)
 Transfers of Cost of Insurance                  (37,539,344)       (6,952,022)       (3,039,049)       (1,480,394)
 Transfers of Loan Processing Charges             (4,561,365)         (848,038)          (98,365)         (305,505)
 Transfers Among Investment Divisions                      0        39,266,714       (25,456,948)       (8,356,792)
                                            ----------------- ----------------- ----------------- -----------------
Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets
 Resulting from Principal Transactions          (196,502,935)      (10,374,675)      (43,287,752)      (15,345,849)
                                            ----------------- ----------------- ----------------- -----------------

Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets               (302,795,139)        4,588,669       (55,402,901)      (21,580,101)
Net Assets Beginning Balance                   2,872,784,409       434,684,802       239,490,379       111,887,596
                                            ----------------- ----------------- ----------------- -----------------
Net Assets Ending Balance                   $  2,569,989,270  $    439,273,471  $    184,087,478  $     90,307,495
                                            ================= ================= ================= =================
</TABLE>

<PAGE>
MERRILL LYNCH LIFE VARIABLE LIFE SEPARATE ACCOUNT II
MERRILL LYNCH LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
SUPPLEMENTAL CONSOLIDATING SCHEDULE OF OPERATIONS AND CHANGES IN NET ASSETS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1994
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                     Divisions Investing In
                                            -----------------------------------------------------------------------

                                                 Capital           Growth            Multiple            High
                                                  Stock             Stock            Strategy           Yield
                                                Portfolio         Portfolio         Portfolio         Portfolio
                                            ----------------- ----------------- ----------------- -----------------
<S>                                         <C>               <C>               <C>               <C>
Investment Income (Loss):
 Reinvested Dividends                       $     19,785,866  $     15,147,606  $    143,793,750  $      7,184,948
 Mortality and Expense Charges                      (987,289)         (477,233)       (5,700,441)         (395,789)
 Transaction Charges                                       0                 0                 0                 0
                                            ----------------- ----------------- ----------------- -----------------
  Net Investment Income (Loss)                    18,798,577        14,670,373       138,093,309         6,789,159
                                            ----------------- ----------------- ----------------- -----------------

Realized  and Unrealized Gains (Losses):
 Net Realized Gains (Losses)                       2,104,282       (10,467,665)        5,827,379         1,121,619
 Net Unrealized Gains (Losses)                   (31,128,817)      (11,111,365)     (201,192,744)       (9,538,975)
                                            ----------------- ----------------- ----------------- -----------------
  Net Realized and Unrealized Gains (Losses)     (29,024,535)      (21,579,030)     (195,365,365)       (8,417,356)
                                            ----------------- ----------------- ----------------- -----------------

Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets
 Resulting from Operations                       (10,225,958)       (6,908,657)      (57,272,056)       (1,628,197)
                                            ----------------- ----------------- ----------------- -----------------

Changes from Principal Transactions:
 Transfers of Net Premiums                         1,366,713           872,357         2,169,556           161,144
 Transfers of Policy Loading, Net                 (1,166,265)         (644,809)       (6,725,971)         (538,772)
 Transfers Due to Deaths                          (1,806,297)         (597,117)       (6,374,543)         (693,506)
 Transfers Due to Other Terminations              (3,337,898)       (2,133,792)      (19,513,936)       (1,450,355)
 Transfers Due to Policy Loans                    (3,224,975)         (802,503)      (16,603,103)       (1,088,146)
 Transfers of Cost of Insurance                   (2,399,816)       (1,111,968)      (12,761,402)         (960,536)
 Transfers of Loan Processing Charges               (454,099)         (372,240)       (1,836,110)         (129,456)
 Transfers Among Investment Divisions              9,140,090        (4,430,707)           96,851        (3,702,318)
                                            ----------------- ----------------- ----------------- -----------------
Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets
 Resulting from Principal Transactions            (1,882,547)       (9,220,779)      (61,548,658)       (8,401,945)
                                            ----------------- ----------------- ----------------- -----------------

Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets                (12,108,505)      (16,129,436)     (118,820,714)      (10,030,142)
Net Assets Beginning Balance                     174,556,914        93,851,165     1,032,414,822        72,840,003
                                            ----------------- ----------------- ----------------- -----------------
Net Assets Ending Balance                   $    162,448,409  $     77,721,729  $    913,594,108  $     62,809,861
                                            ================= ================= ================= =================
</TABLE>

<PAGE>
MERRILL LYNCH LIFE VARIABLE LIFE SEPARATE ACCOUNT II
MERRILL LYNCH LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
SUPPLEMENTAL CONSOLIDATING SCHEDULE OF OPERATIONS AND CHANGES IN NET ASSETS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1994
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                     Divisions Investing In
                                            -----------------------------------------------------------------------

                                                 Natural           Global
                                                Resources          Strategy         Balanced             1994
                                                Portfolio         Portfolio         Portfolio           Trust
                                            ----------------- ----------------- ----------------- -----------------
<S>                                         <C>               <C>               <C>               <C>
Investment Income (Loss):
 Reinvested Dividends                       $        373,375  $      6,517,828  $      3,584,889  $              0
 Mortality and Expense Charges                      (106,249)       (1,036,113)         (401,040)         (248,137)
 Transaction Charges                                       0                 0                 0          (159,319)
                                            ----------------- ----------------- ----------------- -----------------
  Net Investment Income (Loss)                       267,126         5,481,715         3,183,849          (407,456)
                                            ----------------- ----------------- ----------------- -----------------

Realized  and Unrealized Gains (Losses):
 Net Realized Gains (Losses)                        (652,997)        3,549,064         1,700,964        18,331,185
 Net Unrealized Gains (Losses)                       118,228       (13,960,659)       (8,315,137)      (16,722,421)
                                            ----------------- ----------------- ----------------- -----------------
  Net Realized and Unrealized Gains (Losses)        (534,769)      (10,411,595)       (6,614,173)        1,608,764
                                            ----------------- ----------------- ----------------- -----------------

Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets
 Resulting from Operations                          (267,643)       (4,929,880)       (3,430,324)        1,201,308
                                            ----------------- ----------------- ----------------- -----------------

Changes from Principal Transactions:
 Transfers of Net Premiums                           138,534         1,470,745           851,040             8,545
 Transfers of Policy Loading, Net                   (127,988)       (1,141,149)         (494,591)         (395,818)
 Transfers Due to Deaths                             (73,158)       (1,175,638)         (432,307)         (876,461)
 Transfers Due to Other Terminations                (276,251)       (2,471,264)       (1,235,045)       (1,199,852)
 Transfers Due to Policy Loans                      (291,716)       (2,123,219)       (1,172,951)       (1,089,958)
 Transfers of Cost of Insurance                     (248,486)       (2,513,574)         (945,522)         (234,486)
 Transfers of Loan Processing Charges                 34,664          (124,430)           18,643            11,363
 Transfers Among Investment Divisions              3,426,457        42,556,919        (2,746,108)      (76,785,156)
                                            ----------------- ----------------- ----------------- -----------------
Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets
 Resulting from Principal Transactions             2,582,056        34,478,390        (6,156,841)      (80,561,823)
                                            ----------------- ----------------- ----------------- -----------------

Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets                  2,314,413        29,548,510        (9,587,165)      (79,360,515)
Net Assets Beginning Balance                      15,404,978       147,919,667        71,388,507        79,360,515
                                            ----------------- ----------------- ----------------- -----------------
Net Assets Ending Balance                   $     17,719,391  $    177,468,177  $     61,801,342  $              0
                                            ================= ================= ================= =================
</TABLE>

<PAGE>
MERRILL LYNCH LIFE VARIABLE LIFE SEPARATE ACCOUNT II
MERRILL LYNCH LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
SUPPLEMENTAL CONSOLIDATING SCHEDULE OF OPERATIONS AND CHANGES IN NET ASSETS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1994
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                     Divisions Investing In
                                            -----------------------------------------------------------------------


                                                   1995              1996              1997              1998
                                                  Trust             Trust             Trust             Trust
                                            ----------------- ----------------- ----------------- -----------------
<S>                                         <C>               <C>               <C>               <C>
Investment Income (Loss):
 Reinvested Dividends                       $              0  $              0  $              0  $              0
 Mortality and Expense Charges                      (346,689)         (253,289)         (258,597)         (269,871)
 Transaction Charges                                (219,971)         (149,211)         (148,229)         (155,967)
                                            ----------------- ----------------- ----------------- -----------------
  Net Investment Income (Loss)                      (566,660)         (402,500)         (406,826)         (425,838)
                                            ----------------- ----------------- ----------------- -----------------

Realized  and Unrealized Gains (Losses):
 Net Realized Gains (Losses)                       2,745,342         2,606,820         1,593,071         1,541,769
 Net Unrealized Gains (Losses)                    (1,622,527)       (2,102,823)       (2,173,169)       (2,974,063)
                                            ----------------- ----------------- ----------------- -----------------
  Net Realized and Unrealized Gains (Losses)       1,122,815           503,997          (580,098)       (1,432,294)
                                            ----------------- ----------------- ----------------- -----------------

Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets
 Resulting from Operations                           556,155           101,497          (986,924)       (1,858,132)
                                            ----------------- ----------------- ----------------- -----------------

Changes from Principal Transactions:
 Transfers of Net Premiums                            13,441            39,603            26,127            81,829
 Transfers of Policy Loading, Net                   (437,011)         (291,829)         (293,815)         (353,160)
 Transfers Due to Deaths                            (896,071)         (238,192)         (379,402)         (501,383)
 Transfers Due to Other Terminations              (1,066,529)       (1,802,108)       (1,263,246)         (911,808)
 Transfers Due to Policy Loans                    (1,143,878)         (446,182)       (1,252,416)          (22,589)
 Transfers of Cost of Insurance                     (922,688)         (523,809)         (524,736)         (585,758)
 Transfers of Loan Processing Charges               (109,634)          (57,329)          (56,303)          (67,587)
 Transfers Among Investment Divisions                118,676         4,124,539         3,517,160         2,082,751
                                            ----------------- ----------------- ----------------- -----------------
Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets
 Resulting from Principal Transactions            (4,443,694)          804,693          (226,631)         (277,705)
                                            ----------------- ----------------- ----------------- -----------------

Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets                 (3,887,539)          906,190        (1,213,555)       (2,135,837)
Net Assets Beginning Balance                      68,102,980        44,286,801        45,345,274        47,849,512
                                            ----------------- ----------------- ----------------- -----------------
Net Assets Ending Balance                   $     64,215,441  $     45,192,991  $     44,131,719  $     45,713,675
                                            ================= ================= ================= =================
</TABLE>

<PAGE>
MERRILL LYNCH LIFE VARIABLE LIFE SEPARATE ACCOUNT II
MERRILL LYNCH LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
SUPPLEMENTAL CONSOLIDATING SCHEDULE OF OPERATIONS AND CHANGES IN NET ASSETS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1994
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                     Divisions Investing In
                                            -----------------------------------------------------------------------


                                                   1999              2000              2001              2002
                                                  Trust             Trust             Trust             Trust
                                            ----------------- ----------------- ----------------- -----------------
<S>                                         <C>               <C>               <C>               <C>
Investment Income (Loss):
 Reinvested Dividends                       $              0  $              0  $              0  $              0
 Mortality and Expense Charges                       (78,338)          (62,149)         (251,092)          (17,766)
 Transaction Charges                                 (44,254)          (38,332)         (149,969)          (10,703)
                                            ----------------- ----------------- ----------------- -----------------
  Net Investment Income (Loss)                      (122,592)         (100,481)         (401,061)          (28,469)
                                            ----------------- ----------------- ----------------- -----------------

Realized  and Unrealized Gains (Losses):
 Net Realized Gains (Losses)                         516,055           501,763         2,166,175           152,585
 Net Unrealized Gains (Losses)                    (1,027,935)       (1,168,467)       (5,279,593)         (372,763)
                                            ----------------- ----------------- ----------------- -----------------
  Net Realized and Unrealized Gains (Losses)        (511,880)         (666,704)       (3,113,418)         (220,178)
                                            ----------------- ----------------- ----------------- -----------------

Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets
 Resulting from Operations                          (634,472)         (767,185)       (3,514,479)         (248,647)
                                            ----------------- ----------------- ----------------- -----------------

Changes from Principal Transactions:
 Transfers of Net Premiums                            21,244             5,958           105,869            23,467
 Transfers of Policy Loading, Net                    (50,621)          (87,059)         (309,468)          (17,837)
 Transfers Due to Deaths                                   0          (190,028)         (225,911)          (73,157)
 Transfers Due to Other Terminations                (197,712)         (456,108)         (664,955)          (55,245)
 Transfers Due to Policy Loans                      (225,787)          (21,720)         (886,085)          138,904
 Transfers of Cost of Insurance                     (231,338)         (174,810)         (513,726)          (54,089)
 Transfers of Loan Processing Charges                 47,120           (22,049)          (17,905)           (6,801)
 Transfers Among Investment Divisions              9,231,769         3,411,401        (1,609,263)          855,396
                                            ----------------- ----------------- ----------------- -----------------
Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets
 Resulting from Principal Transactions             8,594,675         2,465,585        (4,121,444)          810,638
                                            ----------------- ----------------- ----------------- -----------------

Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets                  7,960,203         1,698,400        (7,635,923)          561,991
Net Assets Beginning Balance                       9,461,976        10,988,103        49,842,166         2,901,406
                                            ----------------- ----------------- ----------------- -----------------
Net Assets Ending Balance                   $     17,422,179  $     12,686,503  $     42,206,243  $      3,463,397
                                            ================= ================= ================= =================
</TABLE>

<PAGE>
MERRILL LYNCH LIFE VARIABLE LIFE SEPARATE ACCOUNT II
MERRILL LYNCH LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
SUPPLEMENTAL CONSOLIDATING SCHEDULE OF OPERATIONS AND CHANGES IN NET ASSETS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1994
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                     Divisions Investing In
                                            -----------------------------------------------------------------------


                                                   2003              2004              2005              2006
                                                  Trust             Trust             Trust             Trust
                                            ----------------- ----------------- ----------------- -----------------
<S>                                         <C>               <C>               <C>               <C>
Investment Income (Loss):
 Reinvested Dividends                       $              0  $              0  $              0  $              0
 Mortality and Expense Charges                      (222,798)           (6,328)          (82,723)          (18,872)
 Transaction Charges                                (134,454)           (3,792)          (51,883)          (11,059)
                                            ----------------- ----------------- ----------------- -----------------
  Net Investment Income (Loss)                      (357,252)          (10,120)         (134,606)          (29,931)
                                            ----------------- ----------------- ----------------- -----------------

Realized  and Unrealized Gains (Losses):
 Net Realized Gains (Losses)                       1,720,038            (4,266)          779,904           188,563
 Net Unrealized Gains (Losses)                    (5,382,943)          (17,605)       (2,251,937)         (529,058)
                                            ----------------- ----------------- ----------------- -----------------
  Net Realized and Unrealized Gains (Losses)      (3,662,905)          (21,871)       (1,472,033)         (340,495)
                                            ----------------- ----------------- ----------------- -----------------

Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets
 Resulting from Operations                        (4,020,157)          (31,991)       (1,606,639)         (370,426)
                                            ----------------- ----------------- ----------------- -----------------

Changes from Principal Transactions:
 Transfers of Net Premiums                            43,741               133            10,218            12,632
 Transfers of Policy Loading, Net                   (238,948)            3,413           (93,434)          (34,677)
 Transfers Due to Deaths                            (182,764)                0          (191,171)                0
 Transfers Due to Other Terminations                (375,361)          (46,454)          (28,632)              459
 Transfers Due to Policy Loans                      (554,846)          (25,793)          (64,283)         (158,577)
 Transfers of Cost of Insurance                     (440,510)          (32,097)         (181,280)          (41,992)
 Transfers of Loan Processing Charges                (36,935)           (4,280)          (20,774)           (8,081)
 Transfers Among Investment Divisions             (1,468,172)        3,259,970            41,963            54,352
                                            ----------------- ----------------- ----------------- -----------------
Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets
 Resulting from Principal Transactions            (3,253,795)        3,154,892          (527,393)         (175,884)
                                            ----------------- ----------------- ----------------- -----------------

Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets                 (7,273,952)        3,122,901        (2,134,032)         (546,310)
Net Assets Beginning Balance                      44,813,910                 0        17,226,236         3,780,331
                                            ----------------- ----------------- ----------------- -----------------
Net Assets Ending Balance                   $     37,539,958  $      3,122,901  $     15,092,204  $      3,234,021
                                            ================= ================= ================= =================
</TABLE>

<PAGE>
MERRILL LYNCH LIFE VARIABLE LIFE SEPARATE ACCOUNT II
MERRILL LYNCH LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
SUPPLEMENTAL CONSOLIDATING SCHEDULE OF OPERATIONS AND CHANGES IN NET ASSETS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1994
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                     Divisions Investing In
                                            -----------------------------------------------------------------------


                                                   2007              2008              2009              2010
                                                  Trust             Trust             Trust             Trust
                                            ----------------- ----------------- ----------------- -----------------
<S>                                         <C>               <C>               <C>               <C>
Investment Income (Loss):
 Reinvested Dividends                       $              0  $              0  $              0  $              0
 Mortality and Expense Charges                       (51,878)         (116,499)          (47,163)          (34,197)
 Transaction Charges                                 (30,272)          (68,364)          (28,372)          (19,078)
                                            ----------------- ----------------- ----------------- -----------------
  Net Investment Income (Loss)                       (82,150)         (184,863)          (75,535)          (53,275)
                                            ----------------- ----------------- ----------------- -----------------

Realized  and Unrealized Gains (Losses):
 Net Realized Gains (Losses)                         546,264         1,428,719           794,192          (608,414)
 Net Unrealized Gains (Losses)                    (1,592,369)       (3,897,784)       (1,783,335)           (8,357)
                                            ----------------- ----------------- ----------------- -----------------
  Net Realized and Unrealized Gains (Losses)      (1,046,105)       (2,469,065)         (989,143)         (616,771)
                                            ----------------- ----------------- ----------------- -----------------

Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets
 Resulting from Operations                        (1,128,255)       (2,653,928)       (1,064,678)         (670,046)
                                            ----------------- ----------------- ----------------- -----------------

Changes from Principal Transactions:
 Transfers of Net Premiums                               390            39,379            51,966            69,760
 Transfers of Policy Loading, Net                    (62,092)         (183,199)          (52,927)          (13,802)
 Transfers Due to Deaths                                   0           (77,631)          (22,465)                0
 Transfers Due to Other Terminations                (222,712)         (317,191)         (700,372)         (129,666)
 Transfers Due to Policy Loans                      (117,156)         (179,952)         (141,670)          (99,420)
 Transfers of Cost of Insurance                     (108,096)         (258,534)         (117,050)          (78,631)
 Transfers of Loan Processing Charges                (13,521)          (35,908)          (18,290)          (10,853)
 Transfers Among Investment Divisions               (456,913)       (1,891,494)         (101,158)          981,746
                                            ----------------- ----------------- ----------------- -----------------
Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets
 Resulting from Principal Transactions              (980,100)       (2,904,530)       (1,101,966)          719,134
                                            ----------------- ----------------- ----------------- -----------------

Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets                 (2,108,355)       (5,558,458)       (2,166,644)           49,088
Net Assets Beginning Balance                      10,475,911        23,945,275         9,850,595         6,144,179
                                            ----------------- ----------------- ----------------- -----------------
Net Assets Ending Balance                   $      8,367,556  $     18,386,817  $      7,683,951  $      6,193,267
                                            ================= ================= ================= =================
</TABLE>

<PAGE>
MERRILL LYNCH LIFE VARIABLE LIFE SEPARATE ACCOUNT II
MERRILL LYNCH LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
SUPPLEMENTAL CONSOLIDATING SCHEDULE OF OPERATIONS AND CHANGES IN NET ASSETS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1994
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                            Divisions Investing In
                                            -----------------------------------------------------


                                                   2011              2013              2014
                                                  Trust             Trust             Trust
                                            ----------------- ----------------- -----------------
<S>                                         <C>               <C>               <C>
Investment Income (Loss):
 Reinvested Dividends                       $              0  $              0  $              0
 Mortality and Expense Charges                       (13,735)          (11,206)           (6,619)
 Transaction Charges                                  (8,220)           (6,936)           (4,188)
                                            ----------------- ----------------- -----------------
  Net Investment Income (Loss)                       (21,955)          (18,142)          (10,807)
                                            ----------------- ----------------- -----------------

Realized  and Unrealized Gains (Losses):
 Net Realized Gains (Losses)                         167,451          (249,550)         (133,030)
 Net Unrealized Gains (Losses)                      (512,426)           30,870           201,156
                                            ----------------- ----------------- -----------------
  Net Realized and Unrealized Gains (Losses)        (344,975)         (218,680)           68,126
                                            ----------------- ----------------- -----------------

Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets
 Resulting from Operations                          (366,930)         (236,822)           57,319
                                            ----------------- ----------------- -----------------

Changes from Principal Transactions:
 Transfers of Net Premiums                                86            53,725             8,283
 Transfers of Policy Loading, Net                    (35,384)          (28,951)          (11,856)
 Transfers Due to Deaths                              (8,332)                0                 0
 Transfers Due to Other Terminations                 (54,698)             (710)           (1,833)
 Transfers Due to Policy Loans                       (23,522)           58,884             8,653
 Transfers of Cost of Insurance                      (25,602)          (47,138)          (30,205)
 Transfers of Loan Processing Charges                 (2,081)          (10,611)           (5,970)
 Transfers Among Investment Divisions               (699,655)        1,603,377         3,934,553
                                            ----------------- ----------------- -----------------
Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets
 Resulting from Principal Transactions              (849,188)        1,628,576         3,901,625
                                            ----------------- ----------------- -----------------

Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets                 (1,216,118)        1,391,754         3,958,944
Net Assets Beginning Balance                       3,191,301           779,105                 0
                                            ----------------- ----------------- -----------------
Net Assets Ending Balance                   $      1,975,183  $      2,170,859  $      3,958,944
                                            ================= ================= =================
</TABLE>


















INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' REPORT



The Board of Directors of
Merrill Lynch Life Insurance Company:

We have audited the accompanying balance sheets of Merrill Lynch
Life Insurance Company (the "Company"), a wholly-owned subsidiary
of Merrill Lynch Insurance Group, Inc., as of December 31, 1996
and 1995, and the related statements of earnings, stockholder's
equity, and cash flows for each of the three years in the period
ended December 31, 1996. These financial statements are the
responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is
to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our
audits.

We conducted our audits 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.

In our opinion, such financial statements present fairly, in all
material respects, the financial position of the Company at
December 31, 1996 and 1995, and the results of its operations and
its cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended
December 31, 1996 in conformity with generally accepted
accounting principles.





February 24, 1997
<PAGE>





MERRILL LYNCH LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
(A wholly-owned subsidiary of Merrill Lynch Insurance Group, Inc.)

BALANCE SHEETS
AS OF DECEMBER 31, 1996 AND 1995
(Dollars in Thousands)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                                                         1996                 1995
                                                                                   --------------        --------------
<S>                                                                                <C>                   <C>             
Assets
- ------
INVESTMENTS:                                                                                    
 Fixed maturity securities, at estimated fair value                                             
   (amortized cost: 1996 - $3,232,643; 1995 - $3,648,983)                           $  3,301,588          $  3,807,870
 Equity securities, at estimated fair value                                                     
   (cost: 1996 - $32,988; 1995 - $19,683)                                                 35,977                21,433
 Mortgage loans                                                                           70,503               121,248
 Real estate held-for-sale                                                                28,851                 5,874
 Policy loans on insurance contracts                                                   1,092,071             1,039,267
                                                                                   --------------        --------------
   Total Investments                                                                   4,528,990             4,995,692
                                                                                   --------------        --------------
                                                                                                
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS                                                                 94,991                48,924
ACCRUED INVESTMENT INCOME                                                                 86,186                91,942
DEFERRED POLICY ACQUISITION COSTS                                                        366,461               372,418
FEDERAL INCOME TAXES - DEFERRED                                                                -                 2,222
REINSURANCE RECEIVABLES                                                                    2,642                 1,552
OTHER ASSETS                                                                              42,861                54,900
SEPARATE ACCOUNTS ASSETS                                                               7,615,362             6,834,353
                                                                                   --------------        --------------
TOTAL ASSETS                                                                        $ 12,737,493          $ 12,402,003
                                                                                   ==============        ==============
</TABLE>











See notes to financial statements.
<PAGE>

MERRILL LYNCH LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
(A wholly-owned subsidiary of Merrill Lynch Insurance Group, Inc.)

BALANCE SHEETS
AS OF DECEMBER 31, 1996 AND 1995
(continued)(Dollars in Thousands)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                                                        1996                 1995
                                                                                   --------------        --------------
<S>                                                                                <C>                   <C>       
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDER'S EQUITY
- ------------------------------------
LIABILITIES:                                                                                    
 POLICY LIABILITIES AND ACCRUALS:                                                               
   Policyholders' account balances                                                  $  4,480,048          $  4,851,718
   Claims and claims settlement expenses                                                  39,666                29,812
                                                                                   --------------        --------------
          Total policy liabilities and accruals                                        4,519,714             4,881,530

 OTHER POLICYHOLDER FUNDS                                                                 19,420                13,607
 LIABILITY FOR GUARANTY FUND ASSESSMENTS                                                  18,773                21,144
 FEDERAL INCOME TAXES - DEFERRED                                                           6,714                     -
 FEDERAL INCOME TAXES - CURRENT                                                           20,968                 7,033
 AFFILIATED PAYABLES - NET                                                                 6,164                 2,429
 OTHER LIABILITIES                                                                        50,726                53,566
 SEPARATE ACCOUNTS LIABILITIES                                                         7,605,194             6,825,857
                                                                                   --------------        --------------
          Total Liabilities                                                           12,247,673            11,805,166
                                                                                   --------------        --------------
STOCKHOLDER'S EQUITY:                                                                           
 Common stock, $10 par value - 200,000 shares                                                   
   authorized, issued and outstanding                                                      2,000                 2,000
 Additional paid-in capital                                                              402,937               501,455
 Retained earnings                                                                        79,387                76,482
 Net unrealized investment gain on investment securities                                   5,496                16,900
                                                                                   --------------        --------------
          Total Stockholder's Equity                                                     489,820               596,837
                                                                                   --------------        --------------
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDER'S EQUITY                                          $ 12,737,493          $ 12,402,003
                                                                                   ==============        ==============
</TABLE>
<PAGE>
MERRILL LYNCH LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
(A wholly-owned subsidiary of Merrill Lynch Insurance Group, Inc.)

STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1996, 1995 AND 1994
(Dollars in Thousands)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                                         1996               1995                1994
                                                                      -----------       -----------         -----------
<S>                                                                   <C>               <C>                 <C> 
REVENUES:                                                                                                            
 Investment revenue:                                                                                                 
   Net investment income                                               $ 336,661          $ 376,166          $ 433,536
   Net realized investment gains (losses)                                  8,862              4,525            (14,543)
 Policy charge revenue                                                   158,829            141,722            126,284
                                                                      -----------        -----------        -----------
        Total Revenues                                                   504,352            522,413            545,277
                                                                      -----------        -----------        -----------
BENEFITS AND EXPENSES:                                                                                               
 Interest credited to policyholders' account balances                    235,255            261,760            313,585
 Market value adjustment expense                                           6,071              5,805              6,307
 Policy benefits (net of reinsurance recoveries: 1996 - $8,317;                                                      
   1995 - $6,482; 1994 - $6,338)                                          21,052             19,374             16,858
 Reinsurance premium ceded                                                15,582             13,896             13,909
 Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs                        62,036             58,669             69,662
 Insurance expenses and taxes                                             47,077             44,124             35,073
                                                                      -----------        -----------        -----------
        Total Benefits and Expenses                                      387,073            403,628            455,394
                                                                      -----------        -----------        -----------
        Earnings Before Federal Income Tax Provision                     117,279            118,785             89,883
                                                                      -----------        -----------        -----------
FEDERAL INCOME TAX PROVISION:                                                                                        
 Current                                                                  22,814             38,335             22,503
 Deferred                                                                 15,078              3,968              1,375
                                                                      -----------        -----------        -----------
        Total Federal Income Tax Provision                                37,892             42,303             23,878
                                                                      -----------        -----------        -----------
                                                                                                                     
NET EARNINGS                                                           $  79,387          $  76,482          $  66,005
                                                                      ===========        ===========        ===========
</TABLE>








See notes to financial statements.
<PAGE>
MERRILL LYNCH LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
(A wholly-owned subsidiary of Merrill Lynch Insurance Group, Inc.)

STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDER'S EQUITY
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1996, 1995 AND 1994
(Dollars in Thousands)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                                                                        Net                  
                                                             Additional                              unrealized            Total
                                            Common            paid-in              Retained          investment        stockholder's
                                            stock             capital              earnings          gain (loss)           equity
                                        ------------        ------------        ------------        ------------       -------------
<S>                                     <C>                 <C>                 <C>                 <C>                <C>
BALANCE, JANUARY 1, 1994                 $    2,000          $  637,590          $   47,860          $     (395)         $  687,055
                                                                                                                                   
 Dividend to Parent                                            (102,140)            (47,860)                               (150,000)
 Net earnings                                                                        66,005                                  66,005
 Net unrealized investment loss                                                                         (43,489)            (43,489)
                                        ------------        ------------        ------------        ------------        ------------

BALANCE, DECEMBER 31, 1994                    2,000             535,450              66,005             (43,884)            559,571
                                                                                                                              
 Dividend to Parent                                             (33,995)             (66,005)                              (100,000)
 Net earnings                                                                         76,482                                 76,482
 Net unrealized investment gain                                                                          60,784              60,784
                                        ------------        ------------        -------------       ------------        ------------

BALANCE, DECEMBER 31, 1995                    2,000             501,455               76,482             16,900             596,837
                                                                                                                               
 Dividend to Parent                                             (98,518)             (76,482)                              (175,000)
 Net earnings                                                                         79,387                                 79,387
 Net unrealized investment loss                                                                         (11,404)            (11,404)
                                        ------------        ------------        -------------       ------------        ------------

BALANCE, DECEMBER 31, 1996               $    2,000          $  402,937           $   79,387         $    5,496          $  489,820
                                        ============        ============        =============       ============        ============
</TABLE>
















See notes to financial statements.
<PAGE>
MERRILL LYNCH LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
(A wholly-owned subsidiary of Merrill Lynch Insurance Group, Inc.)

STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1996, 1995 AND 1994
(Dollars in Thousands)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                                          1996               1995               1994
                                                                      -----------        -----------        -----------
<S>                                                                   <C>                <C>                <C>  
OPERATING ACTIVITIES:                                                                                                
 Net earnings                                                          $  79,387          $  76,482          $  66,005
   Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to net cash and                                                             
    cash equivalents provided (used) by operating activities:                                                      
     Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs                    62,036             58,669             69,662
     Capitalization of policy acquisition costs                          (43,668)           (54,014)          (108,829)
     Amortization, (accretion) and depreciation of investments            (4,836)            (6,763)            (4,516)
     Net realized investment (gains) losses                               (8,862)            (4,525)            14,543
     Interest credited to policyholders' account balances                235,255            261,760            313,585
     Provision for deferred Federal income tax                            15,078              3,968              1,375
     Changes in operating assets and liabilities:                                                                    
      Accrued investment income                                            5,756              3,191             25,204
      Affiliated payables - net                                            3,735              5,542             (2,324)
      Claims and claims settlement expenses                                9,854              3,635              5,882
      Federal income taxes - current                                      13,935              4,759             (7,848)
      Other policyholder funds                                             5,813             (7,614)            (7,547)
      Liability for guaranty fund assessments                             (2,371)            (3,630)            (3,309)
     Policy loans on insurance contracts                                 (52,804)           (54,054)           (60,634)
     Trading investment securities                                             -                  -             11,352
     Other, net                                                            8,106             (9,296)           (39,206)
      Net cash and cash equivalents provided                          -----------        -----------         ----------
        by operating activities                                          326,414            278,110            273,395
                                                                      -----------        -----------         ----------
</TABLE>













(Continued)
<PAGE>

MERRILL LYNCH LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
(a wholly-owned subsidiary of Merrill Lynch Insurance Group, Inc.)

STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1996, 1995 AND 1994
(Continued) (Dollars In Thousands)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                           1996                1995                  1994
                                                                      -------------        -------------        -------------
<S>                                                                   <C>                  <C>                  <C>        
INVESTING ACTIVITIES:                                                                                                
 Sales of available-for-sale securities                                $   834,120          $   633,824          $   864,095
 Maturities of available-for-sale securities                               536,449              570,923            1,323,705
 Purchases of available-for-sale securities                               (954,368)            (832,519)            (678,974)
 Mortgage loans principal payments received                                 22,789               30,767               32,341
 Purchases of mortgage loans                                                     -               (3,608)                   -
 Sales of real estate held-for-sale                                          5,407                9,710               25,346
 Improvements to real estate held-for-sale - improvements acquired               -                 (683)              (1,060)
 Recapture of investment in Separate Accounts                                8,829                6,559                    -
 Investment in Separate Accounts                                           (10,063)                (377)             (15,212)
                                                                      -------------        -------------        -------------

      Net cash and cash equivalents provided by investing activities       443,163              414,596            1,550,241
                                                                      -------------        -------------        -------------
                                                                                                                     
FINANCING ACTIVITIES:                                                                                                
 Dividends paid to parent                                                 (175,000)            (100,000)            (150,000)
 Policyholders' account balances:                                                                                    
   Deposits                                                                542,062              567,430              966,861
   Withdrawals (net of transfers to/from Separate Accounts)             (1,090,572)          (1,250,299)          (2,623,628)
                                                                      -------------         ------------         ------------

      Net cash and cash equivalents used by financing activities          (723,510)            (782,869)          (1,806,767)
                                                                      -------------         ------------         ------------

NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH AND                                                                                  
 CASH EQUIVALENTS                                                           46,067              (90,163)              16,869
                                                                                                                     
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS                                                                                            
 Beginning of year                                                          48,924              139,087              122,218
                                                                      -------------         ------------         ------------

 End of year                                                           $    94,991           $   48,924           $  139,087
                                                                      =============         ============         ============
Supplementary Disclosure of Cash Flow Information:                                                                   
 Cash paid to affiliates for:                                                                                        
   Federal income taxes                                                $     8,880           $   33,576           $   30,351
   Intercompany interest                                                       988                1,310                  679

</TABLE>




See notes to financial statements.
<PAGE>
MERRILL LYNCH LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
(a wholly-owned subsidiary of Merrill Lynch Insurance Group, Inc.)

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 (Dollars in Thousands)


NOTE 1:  SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

 Basis of Reporting: Merrill Lynch Life Insurance Company (the
 "Company") is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Merrill Lynch
 Insurance Group, Inc. ("MLIG"). The Company is an indirect
 wholly-owned subsidiary of Merrill Lynch & Co., Inc. ("Merrill
 Lynch & Co.").
 
 The Company sells non-participating life insurance and annuity
 products which comprise one business segment. The primary
 products that the Company currently markets are immediate
 annuities, market value adjusted annuities, variable life
 insurance and variable annuities. The Company is currently
 licensed to sell insurance in forty-nine states, the District
 of Columbia, the U.S. Virgin Islands and Guam. The Company
 markets its products solely through the retail network of
 Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith, Incorporated ("MLPF&S"),
 a wholly-owned subsidiary of Merrill Lynch & Co.
 
 The accompanying financial statements have been prepared in
 conformity with generally accepted accounting principles and
 prevailing industry practices, both of which require management
 to make estimates that affect the reported amounts and
 disclosure of contingencies in the financial statements. Actual
 results could differ from those estimates.
 
 Revenue Recognition: Revenues for the Company's interest-
 sensitive life, interest-sensitive annuity, variable life and
 variable annuity products consist of policy charges for the
 cost of insurance, deferred sales charges, policy
 administration charges and/or withdrawal charges assessed
 against policyholders' account balances during the period.
 
 Policyholders' Account Balances: Liabilities for the Company's
 universal life type contracts, including its life insurance and
 annuity products, are equal to the full accumulation value of
 such contracts as of the valuation date plus deficiency
 reserves for certain products. Interest-crediting rates for the
 Company's fixed-rate products are as follows:
 
 Interest-sensitive life products                 4.00% - 5.75%
 Interest-sensitive deferred annuities            3.20% - 8.77%
 Immediate annuities                              3.00% - 10.00%
 
 These rates may be changed at the option of the Company,
 subject to minimum guarantees, after initial guaranteed rates
 expire.
 
 Liabilities for unpaid claims equal the death benefit for those
 claims which have been reported to the Company and an estimate
 based upon prior experience for those claims which are
 unreported.
 
 Reinsurance: In the normal course of business, the Company
 seeks to limit its exposure to loss on any single insured life
 and to recover a portion of benefits paid by ceding reinsurance
 to other insurance enterprises or reinsurers under indemnity
 reinsurance agreements, primarily excess coverage and
 coinsurance agreements. The maximum amount of mortality risk
 retained by the Company is approximately $500 on a single life.
 
 Indemnity reinsurance agreements do not relieve the Company
 from its obligations to policyholders. Failure of reinsurers to
 honor their obligations could result in losses to the Company.
 The Company regularly evaluates the financial condition of its
 reinsurers so as to minimize its exposure to significant losses
 from reinsurer insolvencies. The Company holds collateral under
 reinsurance agreements in the form of letters of credit and
 funds withheld totaling $576 that can be drawn upon for
 delinquent reinsurance recoverables.
 
 As of December 31, 1996, the Company had life insurance in-
 force that was ceded to other life insurance companies of
 $2,511,780.
 
 Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs: Policy acquisition costs for
 life and annuity contracts are deferred and amortized based on
 the estimated future gross profits for each group of contracts.
 These future gross profit estimates are subject to periodic
 evaluation by the Company, with necessary revisions applied
 against amortization to date. It is reasonably possible that
 estimates of future gross profits could be reduced in the
 future, resulting in a material reduction in the carrying
 amount of deferred policy acquisition costs.
 
 Policy acquisition costs are principally commissions and a
 portion of certain other expenses relating to policy
 acquisition, underwriting and issuance, that are primarily
 related to and vary with the production of new business.
 Certain costs and expenses reported in the statements of
 earnings are net of amounts deferred. Policy acquisition costs
 can also arise from the acquisition or reinsurance of existing
 in-force policies from other insurers. These costs include
 ceding commissions and professional fees related to the
 reinsurance assumed. The deferred costs are amortized in
 proportion to the estimated future gross profits over the
 anticipated life of the acquired insurance contracts utilizing
 an interest methodology.
 
 The Company has entered into an assumption reinsurance
 agreement with an unaffiliated insurer. The acquisition costs
 relating to this agreement are being amortized over a twenty-
 year period using an effective interest rate of 9.01%. This
 reinsurance agreement provides for payment of contingent ceding
 commissions based upon the persistency and mortality experience
 of the insurance contracts assumed. Any payments made for the
 contingent ceding commissions will be capitalized and amortized
 using an identical methodology as that used for the initial
 acquisition costs. The following is a reconciliation of the
 acquisition costs related to the reinsurance agreement for the
 years ended December 31:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION> 
                                                                          1996               1995               1994
                                                                      -----------        -----------        -----------
<S>                                                                   <C>                <C>                <C>
 Beginning balance                                                     $ 124,833          $ 133,388          $ 139,647
 Capitalized amounts                                                       5,077             13,708             12,517
 Interest accrued                                                         10,669             11,620             12,582
 Amortization                                                            (28,330)           (33,883)           (31,358)
                                                                      -----------        -----------        -----------
 Ending balance                                                        $ 112,249          $ 124,833          $ 133,388
                                                                      ===========        ===========        ===========
</TABLE>

 The following table presents the expected amortization, net of
 interest accrued, of these deferred acquisition costs over the
 next five years. The amortization may be adjusted based on
 periodic evaluation of the expected gross profits on the
 reinsured policies.
                    
                    1997      $12,547
                    1998        8,958
                    1999        8,474
                    2000        8,142
                    2001        7,811
 
 Investments: The Company's investments in fixed maturity and
 equity securities are classified as available-for-sale
 securities, which are carried at estimated fair value with
 unrealized gains and losses included in stockholder's equity.
 If a decline in value of a security is determined by management
 to be other-than-temporary, the carrying value is adjusted to
 the estimated fair value at the date of this determination and
 recorded in theas net realized investment gains (losses).
    
 During 1994, the Company classified certain of its investments
 as trading securities, which were carried at estimated fair
 value with unrealized gains and losses included in the
 statements of earnings. All securities that were classified as
 trading securities on November 1, 1994 were transferred to the
 available-for-sale classification at their respective estimated
 fair values on that date. The difference between the market
 value at November 1, 1994 and par value is being amortized into
 income based on the Company's premium amortization and discount
 accretion policies.
 
 For fixed maturity securities, premiums are amortized to the
 earlier of the call or maturity date, discounts are accreted to
 the maturity date, and interest income is accrued daily. For
 equity securities, dividends are recognized on the ex-dividend
 date. Realized gains and losses on the sale or maturity of the
 investments are determined on the basis of identified cost.
 
 Fixed maturity securities may contain securities which are
 considered non-investment grade. The Company defines non-
 investment grade fixed maturity securities as unsecured 
 corporate debt obligations that do not have a rating equivalent 
 to Standard and Poor's (or similar rating agency) BBB or higher 
 and are not guaranteed by an agency of the Federal government.
 
 The Company has outstanding certain interest rate swap
 contracts that are carried at estimated fair value and recorded
 as a component of fixed maturity securities. Interest income
 and realized and unrealized gains and losses are recorded on
 the same basis as fixed maturity securities available-for-sale.
 
 Mortgage loans are stated at unpaid principal balances, net of
 valuation allowances. Such valuation allowances are based on
 the decline in value expected to be realized on mortgage loans
 that may not be collectible in full. In establishing valuation
 allowances, management considers, among other things, the
 estimated fair value of the underlying collateral.
 
 The Company recognizes income from mortgage loans based on the
 cash payment interest rate of the loan, which may be different
 from the accrual interest rate of the loan for certain
 outstanding mortgage loans. The Company will recognize a
 realized gain at the date of the satisfaction of the loan at
 contractual terms for loans where there is a difference between
 the cash payment interest rate and the accrual interest rate.
 For all loans the Company stops accruing income when an
 interest payment default either occurs or is probable.
 Impairments of mortgage loans are established as valuation
 allowances and recorded to net realized investment gains or
 losses.
 
 The Company has previously made commercial mortgage loans
 collateralized by real estate. The return on and the ultimate
 recovery of these loans are generally dependent on the
 successful operation, sale or refinancing of the real estate.
 The Company monitors the effects of current and expected real
 estate market conditions and other factors when assessing the
 collectibility of mortgage loans. When, in management's
 judgment, these assets are impaired, appropriate losses are
 recorded. Such estimates necessarily include assumptions, which
 may include anticipated improvements in selected market
 conditions for real estate, which may or may not occur. The
 more significant assumptions management considers involve
 estimates of the following: lease absorption and sales rate;
 real estate values and rates of return; operating expenses;
 required capital improvements; inflation; and sufficiency of
 any collateral independent of the real estate. Management
 believes that the carrying value approximates the fair value of
 these investments.
 
 Real estate held-for-sale, is stated at cost less valuation
 allowances and estimated selling costs.
 
 Policy loans on insurance contracts are stated at unpaid
 principal balances.
 
 Income Taxes: The results of operations of the Company are
 included in the consolidated Federal income tax return of
 Merrill Lynch & Co. The Company has entered into a tax-sharing
 agreement with Merrill Lynch & Co. whereby the Company will
 calculate its current tax provision based on its operations.
 Under the agreement, the Company periodically remits to Merrill
 Lynch & Co. its current Federal tax liability.
 
 The Company uses the asset and liability method in providing
 income taxes on all transactions that have been recognized in
 the financial statements.  The asset and liability method
 requires that deferred taxes be adjusted to reflect the tax
 rates at which future taxable amounts will be settled or
 realized.  The effects of tax rate changes on future deferred
 tax liabilities and deferred tax assets, as well as other
 changes in income tax laws, are recognized in net earnings in
 the period such changes are enacted.  Valuation allowances are
 established when necessary to reduce deferred tax assets to the
 amounts expected to be realized.
 
 Insurance companies are generally subject to taxes on premiums
 and in substantially all states are exempt from state income
 taxes.
 
 Separate Accounts: Separate Accounts are established in
 conformity with Arkansas State Insurance law, the Company's
 domiciliary state, and are generally not chargeable with
 liabilities that arise from any other business of the Company.
 Separate Accounts assets may be subject to general claims of
 the Company only to the extent the value of such assets exceeds
 Separate Accounts liabilities.
 
 Assets and liabilities of Separate Accounts, representing net
 deposits and accumulated net investment earnings less fees,
 held primarily for the benefit of policyholders, are shown as
 separate captions in the balance sheets.
 
 Statements of Cash Flows: For the purpose of reporting cash
 flows, cash and cash equivalents include cash on hand and on
 deposit and short-term investments with original maturities of
 three months or less.
 
 Reclassifications: To facilitate comparisons with the current
 year, certain amounts in the prior years have been
 reclassified.
<PAGE>
NOTE 2.   ESTIMATED FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
 
 Financial instruments are carried at fair value or amounts that
 approximate the fair value.  The carrying value of financial
 instruments as of December 31 were:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                        1996                   1995
                                                                                   --------------        --------------
<S>                                                                                <C>                   <C>    
  Assets:
   Fixed maturity securities:                                                                
    Securities (1)                                                                  $  3,301,858          $  3,807,310
    Interest rate swaps (2)                                                                 (270)                  560
                                                                                   --------------        --------------
      Total fixed maturity securities                                                  3,301,588             3,807,870
                                                                                   --------------        --------------

   Equity securities (1)                                                                  35,977                21,433
   Mortgage loans (3)                                                                     70,503               121,248
   Policy loans on insurance contracts (4)                                             1,092,071             1,039,267
   Cash and cash equivalents (5)                                                          94,991                48,924
   Separate Accounts assets (6)                                                        7,615,362             6,834,353
                                                                                   --------------       ---------------
 
  Total financial instruments recorded as assets                                    $ 12,210,492         $  11,873,095
                                                                                   ==============       ===============
</TABLE> 

 (1)  For publicly traded securities, the estimated fair value
      is determined using quoted market prices. For securities
      without a readily ascertainable market value, the Company
      has determined an estimated fair value using a discounted
      cash flow model, including provision for credit risk,
      based upon the assumption that such securities will be
      held to maturity. Such estimated fair values do not
      necessarily represent the values for which these
      securities could have been sold at the dates of the
      balance sheets. At December 31, 1996 and 1995, securities
      without a readily ascertainable market value, having an
      amortized cost of $338,515, and $425,469, had an estimated
      fair value of $348,066, and $448,785, respectively.
 
 (2)  Estimated fair values for the Company's interest rate
      swaps are based on a discounted cash flow model.
 
 (3)  The estimated fair value of mortgage loans approximates
      the carrying value. See Note 1 for a discussion of the
      Company's valuation process.
 
 (4)  The Company estimates the fair value of policy loans as
      equal to the book value of the loans. Policy loans are
      fully collateralized by the account value of the
      associated insurance contracts, and the spread between the
      policy loan interest rate and the interest rate credited
      to the account value held as collateral is fixed.
 
 (5)  The estimated fair value of cash and cash equivalents
      approximates the carrying value.
 
 (6)  Assets held in Separate Accounts are carried at quoted
      market values.
<PAGE>
NOTE 3.   INVESTMENTS
 
 The amortized cost and estimated fair value of investments in
 fixed maturity securities and equity securities as of December
 31 were:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                                                     1996
                                                  ------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                       Cost /              Gross             Gross             Estimated
                                                     Amortized           Unrealized        Unrealized            Fair
                                                       Cost                Gains             Losses              Value
                                                  --------------      --------------     --------------     --------------
<S>                                               <C>                 <C>                <C>                <C>     
  Fixed maturity securities:
   Corporate debt securities                       $  2,652,225        $     67,590       $     11,765       $  2,708,050
   Mortgage-backed securities                           503,997              12,447              1,948            514,496
   U.S. Government and agencies                          54,386               2,303                158             56,531
   Foreign governments                                   18,111                 182                140             18,153
   Municipals                                             3,924                 434                  -              4,358
                                                  --------------      --------------     --------------     --------------

      Total fixed maturity securities              $  3,232,643        $     82,956       $     14,011       $  3,301,588
                                                  ==============      ==============     ==============     ==============

                                                                                                                                 
  Equity securities:                                                                                                             
   Non-redeemable preferred stocks                 $     30,554        $      2,983       $         85       $     33,452
   Common stocks                                          2,434                  91                  -              2,525
                                                 ---------------      --------------     --------------     --------------

      Total equity securities                      $     32,988        $      3,074       $         85       $     35,977
                                                 ===============      ==============     ==============     ==============

                                                                                                                   
                                                                                                                       
                                                                                     1995
                                                  ------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                       Cost /              Gross             Gross            Estimated
                                                     Amortized           Unrealized        Unrealized           Fair
                                                       Cost                Gains             Losses             Value
                                                  --------------      --------------     --------------     --------------

  Fixed maturity securities:                                                                                    
   Corporate debt securities                       $  2,917,628        $    138,159       $      7,526       $  3,048,261
   Mortgage-backed securities                           625,866              22,098                717            647,247
   U.S. Government and agencies                          95,002               6,061                  -            101,063
   Foreign governments                                    6,210                 280                  -              6,490
   Municipals                                             4,277                 532                  -              4,809
                                                  --------------      --------------     --------------     --------------

      Total fixed maturity securities              $  3,648,983        $    167,130       $      8,243       $  3,807,870
                                                  ==============      ==============     ==============     ==============

  Equity securities:                                                                                                      
   Non-redeemable preferred stocks                 $     16,937        $      1,428       $        113       $     18,252
   Common stocks                                          2,746                 498                 63              3,181
                                                  --------------      --------------     --------------     --------------

      Total equity securities                      $     19,683        $      1,926       $        176       $     21,433
                                                  ==============      ==============     ==============     ==============
</TABLE>
<PAGE>
 The amortized cost and estimated fair value of fixed maturity
 securities at December 31, 1996 by contractual maturity were:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                             Estimated
                                                                         Amortized              Fair
                                                                           Cost                 Value
                                                                       -------------      -------------
<S>                                                                    <C>                <C>     
  Fixed maturity securities:                                                                  
   Due in one year or less                                              $   270,571        $   271,303
   Due after one year through five years                                  1,486,819          1,521,334
   Due after five years through ten years                                   763,475            781,372
   Due after ten years                                                      207,781            213,083
                                                                       -------------      -------------
                                                                          2,728,646          2,787,092
   Mortgage-backed securities                                               503,997            514,496
                                                                       -------------      -------------

    Total fixed maturity securities                                     $ 3,232,643        $ 3,301,588
                                                                       =============      =============
</TABLE>

 Fixed maturity securities not due at a single maturity date
 have been included in the preceding table in the year of final
 maturity. Expected maturities may differ from contractual
 maturities because borrowers may have the right to call or
 prepay obligations with or without call or prepayment
 penalties.
 
 The amortized cost and estimated fair value of fixed maturity
 securities at December 31, 1996 by rating agency equivalent
 were:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                             Estimated
                                                                          Amortized             Fair
                                                                            Cost                Value
                                                                       -------------      -------------
<S>                                                                    <C>                <C>  
  AAA                                                                   $   716,749        $   730,513
  AA                                                                        181,962            185,000
  A                                                                         910,355            932,417
  BBB                                                                     1,245,457          1,272,901
  Non-investment grade                                                      178,120            180,757
                                                                       -------------      -------------

    Total fixed maturity securities                                     $ 3,232,643        $ 3,301,588
                                                                       =============      =============
</TABLE>
<PAGE>
 The Company has recorded certain adjustments to deferred policy
 acquisition costs and policyholders' account balances in
 connection with investments classified as available-for-sale.
 The Company adjusts those assets and liabilities as if the
 unrealized investment gains or losses from securities
 classified as available-for-sale had actually been realized,
 with corresponding credits or charges reported directly to
 stockholder's equity. The following reconciles the net
 unrealized investment gain on investment securities classified
 as available-for-sale as of December 31:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION> 
                                                                             1996              1995        
                                                                       -------------      -------------
<S>                                                                    <C>                <C>               
  Assets:                                                                                                
   Fixed maturity securities                                            $    68,945        $   158,887
   Equity securities                                                          2,989              1,750
   Deferred policy acquisition costs                                         (4,630)           (17,041)
   Federal income taxes - deferred                                           (2,959)            (9,100)
   Separate Accounts assets                                                     168               (164)
                                                                       -------------      -------------
                                                                             64,513            134,332 
                                                                       -------------      -------------
                                                                                                      
  Liabilities:                                                                                        
   Policyholders' account balances                                           59,017            117,432 
                                                                       -------------      -------------

  Stockholder's equity:                                                                            
   Net unrealized investment gain on investment securities              $     5,496        $    16,900
                                                                       =============      =============
</TABLE>

 The Company has entered into interest rate swap contracts for
 the purpose of minimizing exposure to fluctuations in interest
 rates related to specific investment securities held.
 The notional amount of such swaps outstanding at December 31,
 1996 and 1995 was approximately $9,000 and $30,000,
 respectively. The swaps were transacted with investment
 grade counterparties. As of December 31, 1996, the Company's
 interest rate swap contract was in a $270 unrealized loss
 position. There were no outstanding interest rate swaps in a
 loss position at December 31, 1995.  During 1994, net realized
 investment gains of $470 were recorded in connection with
 interest rate swap activity.  During  1996 and 1995, there 
 were no realized investment gains or losses recorded.
 
 Proceeds and gross realized investment gains and losses from
 the sale of available-for-sale securities for the years ended
 December 31 were:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION> 
                                                       1996               1995               1994
                                                  ------------        -----------        -----------
<S>                                               <C>                 <C>                <C>  
  Proceeds                                         $  834,120          $ 633,824          $ 864,095
  Gross realized investment gains                      19,078             14,196             11,091
  Gross realized investment losses                     10,749             10,813             11,026

</TABLE>
 
 During 1994, $7,285 of unrealized holding losses from 
 investment trading securities were recorded in net realized
 investment gains (losses).
 
 The Company owned investment securities with a carrying
 value of $27,726 and $28,166 that were deposited with 
 insurance regulatory authorities at December 31, 1996 and
 1995, respectively.
 
 At December 31, 1996 and 1995, the Company had invested
 $10,168 and $8,496 in Separate Accounts, including unrealized
 gains (losses) of $168 and $(164), respectively. The
 investments in Separate Accounts are for the purpose of
 providing original funding of certain mutual fund portfolios
 available as investment options to variable life and annuity
 policyholders.
 
 The Company's investment in mortgage loans are principally
 collateralized by commercial real estate. The largest
 concentrations of commercial real estate mortgage loans at
 December 31, 1996, as measured by the outstanding principal
 balance, are for properties located in Illinois ($27,877 or
 32%), Rhode Island ($19,291 or 22%) and California ($11,953 or
 14%).
 
 The carrying value and established valuation allowances of
 impaired mortgage loans on real estate as of December 31, 1996
 and 1995 are:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION> 
                                                  1996              1995
                                              -----------       -----------
<S>                                           <C>               <C>
  Carrying value                               $  44,239         $  88,068
  Valuation allowance                             17,652            35,881
 
</TABLE>

 Additional information on impaired loans for the years ended
 December 31 follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                 1996               1995             1994
                                              -----------       -----------      ------------
<S>                                           <C>               <C>              <C>  
  Average investment in impaired loans         $   61,891        $ 123,949        $  112,043
  Interest income recognized (cash-basis)           4,848            5,482             6,542
</TABLE>
 
 For the years ended December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994, $28,555,
 $1,300 and $4,652, respectively, of real estate held-for-sale
 was acquired in satisfaction of debt.
<PAGE>
 
 Net investment income arose from the following sources for the
 years ended December 31:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                  1996              1995             1994
                                               -----------      -----------      ------------ 
<S>                                            <C>              <C>              <C>  
  Fixed maturity securities                     $ 266,916        $ 305,648        $  368,023
  Equity securities                                 1,876            1,329             2,408
  Mortgage loans                                    9,764           12,250            15,014
  Real estate held-for-sale                           563              153               406
  Policy loans on insurance contracts              56,512           53,576            50,232
  Cash and cash equivalents                         6,710            8,463             5,936
  Other                                               899            1,753              (447)
                                               -----------      -----------      ------------

  Gross investment income                         343,240          383,172           441,572
  Less investment expenses                         (6,579)          (7,006)           (8,036)
                                               -----------      -----------      ------------

  Net investment income                         $ 336,661        $ 376,166        $  433,536
                                               ===========      ===========      ============
</TABLE>

 Net realized investment gains (losses), including changes in
 valuation allowances for the years ended December 31:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION> 
                                                   1996            1995              1994
                                               -----------      -----------      ------------
<S>                                            <C>              <C>              <C>  
  Fixed maturity securities                     $   4,690        $   1,908        $  (13,314)
  Equity securities                                 3,639            1,475               910
  Investment in Separate Accounts                     106             (369)                -
  Mortgage loans                                      599              334            (4,967)
  Real estate held-for-sale                          (171)           1,177             2,828
  Cash and cash equivalents                            (1)               -                 -
                                               -----------      -----------       -----------

  Net realized investment gains (losses)        $   8,862        $   4,525         $ (14,543)
                                               ===========      ===========       ===========
</TABLE>

 The following is a reconciliation of the change in valuation
 allowances that have been recorded to reflect other-than-
 temporary declines in estimated fair value of mortgage loans 
 and real estate held-for-sale for the years ended December 31:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                    Balance at         Additions                             Balance at
                                                    Beginning          Charged to           Write -             End
                                                     of Year           Operations           Downs             of Year
                                                  ------------        ------------       -----------        -----------
<S>                                               <C>                 <C>                <C>                <C> 
  Mortgage loans:                                                                                           
       1996                                        $   35,881          $       -          $  18,229          $  17,652
       1995                                            40,070                  -              4,189             35,881
       1994                                            45,924              4,966             10,820             40,070
                                                                                                            
  Real estate held-for-sale:                                                                              
       1996                                            2,200                   -                  -              2,200
       1995                                            5,766                   -              3,566              2,200
       1994                                            7,628                   -              1,862              5,766
</TABLE>
<PAGE>
 
 The Company held investments at December 31, 1996 of $1,182
 which have been non-income producing for the preceding twelve
 months.
 
 During 1994, the Company committed to participate in a limited
 partnership that invests in leveraged transactions. As of
 December 31, 1996, $2,027 has been advanced towards the
 Company's $10,000 commitment to the limited partnership.
 
NOTE 4.   FEDERAL INCOME TAXES
 
 The following is a reconciliation of the provision for income
 taxes based on earnings before income taxes, computed using the
 Federal statutory tax rate, with the provision for income taxes
 for the years ended December 31:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION> 
                                                                           1996              1995               1994
                                                                      -----------        -----------        -----------
<S>                                                                   <C>                <C>                <C>  
  Provision for income taxes computed at Federal statutory rate        $  41,048          $  41,575          $  31,459
                                                                                                               
  Increase (decrease) in income taxes resulting from:                                                          
    Release of policyholders' surplus                                          -              1,991                  -
    Tax deductible interest                                                    -               (718)                 -
    Dividend received deduction                                           (3,135)              (532)            (7,363)
    Other                                                                    (21)               (13)              (218)
                                                                      -----------        -----------        -----------

  Federal income tax provision                                         $  37,892          $  42,303          $  23,878
                                                                      ===========        ===========        ===========
</TABLE>

 The Federal statutory rate for each of the three years in the
 period ended December 31, 1996 was 35%.
 
 The Company provides for deferred income taxes resulting from
 temporary differences that arise from recording certain
 transactions in different years for income tax reporting
 purposes than for financial reporting purposes. The sources of
 these differences and the tax effect of each are as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                          1996               1995               1994
                                                                      -----------        -----------        -----------
<S>                                                                   <C>                <C>                <C>   
  Deferred policy acquisition costs                                    $  (5,770)         $  (2,179)         $   6,416
  Policyholders' account balances                                         15,004                 66              5,322
  Liability for guaranty fund assessments                                    760                249               (153)
  Investment adjustments                                                   5,122              5,563              3,276
  Other                                                                      (38)               269            (13,486)
                                                                      ------------       -----------        -----------

  Deferred Federal income tax provision                                $   15,078         $   3,968          $   1,375
                                                                      ============       ===========        ===========
</TABLE>
<PAGE>
Deferred tax assets and liabilities as of December 31 are
determined as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                          1996               1995
                                                                      -----------        -----------
<S>                                                                   <C>                <C>   
  Deferred tax assets:                                                                        
   Policyholders' account balances                                     $  79,083          $  94,087
   Investment adjustments                                                  5,671             10,793
   Liability for guaranty fund assessments                                 6,571              7,331
                                                                      -----------        -----------

      Total deferred tax assets                                           91,325            112,211
                                                                      ===========        ===========

  Deferred tax liabilities:                                                                   
   Deferred policy acquisition costs                                      91,092             96,862
   Net unrealized investment gain on investment securities                 2,959              9,100
   Other                                                                   3,988              4,027
                                                                      -----------        -----------

      Total deferred tax liabilities                                      98,039            109,989
                                                                      -----------        -----------

      Net deferred tax asset (liability)                               $  (6,714)         $   2,222
                                                                      ===========        ===========
</TABLE>

 The Company anticipates that all deferred tax assets will be
 realized; therefore no valuation allowance has been provided.
<PAGE>
NOTE 5.   RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
 
 The Company and MLIG are parties to a service agreement whereby
 MLIG has agreed to provide certain accounting, data processing,
 legal, actuarial, management, advertising and other services to
 the Company. Expenses incurred by MLIG in relation to this
 service agreement are reimbursed by the Company on an allocated
 cost basis. Charges billed to the Company by MLIG pursuant to
 the agreement were $43,515, $41,729 and $43,497 for the years
 ended December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994, respectively. The
 Company is allocated interest expense on its accounts payable
 to MLIG which approximates the daily Federal funds rate. Total
 intercompany interest paid was $988, $1,310 and $679 for 1996,
 1995 and 1994, respectively.
 
 The Company and Merrill Lynch Asset Management, L.P. ("MLAM")
 are parties to a service agreement whereby MLAM has agreed to
 provide certain invested asset management services to the
 Company. The Company pays a fee to MLAM for these services
 through the MLIG service agreement. Charges attributable to
 this agreement and allocated to the Company by MLIG were
 $2,279, $2,635 and $2,732 for 1996, 1995 and 1994,
 respectively.
 
 MLAM and MLIG have entered into an agreement with respect to
 administrative services for the Merrill Lynch Series Fund, Inc.
 ("Series Fund") and Merrill Lynch Variable Series Funds, Inc.
 ("Variable Series Funds"). The Company invests in the various
 mutual fund portfolios of the Series Fund and the Variable
 Series Funds in connection with the variable life and annuities
 the Company has in-force. Under this agreement, MLAM pays
 compensation to MLIG in an amount equal to a portion of the
 annual gross investment advisory fees paid by the Series Fund
 and the Variable Series Funds to MLAM. The Company received
 from MLIG its allocable share of such compensation in the
 amount of $16,514, $13,293 and $12,600 during 1996, 1995 and
 1994, respectively.
 
 The Company has a general agency agreement with Merrill Lynch
 Life Agency Inc. ("MLLA") whereby registered representatives of
 MLPF&S, who are the Company's licensed insurance agents,
 solicit applications for contracts to be issued by the Company.
 MLLA is paid commissions for the contracts sold by such agents.
 Commissions paid to MLLA were $42,639, $43,984 and $84,231 for
 1996, 1995 and 1994, respectively. Substantially all of these
 commissions were capitalized as deferred policy acquisition
 costs and are being amortized in accordance with the policy
 discussed in Note 1.
 
 The Company has entered into interest rate swap contracts with
 Merrill Lynch Capital Services, Inc. ("MLCS") with a guarantee
 from Merrill Lynch & Co. As of December 31, 1996 and 1995, the
 notional amount of such interest rate swap contracts
 outstanding was $9,000 and $10,000, respectively. During 1994,
 the Company and MLCS terminated certain interest rate swap
 contracts resulting in the Company paying a net consideration
 of $2,043. Net interest received from these interest rate swap
 contracts was $(117), $256, and $782 for 1996, 1995 and 1994,
 respectively.
 
<PAGE>
 
NOTE 6.   STOCKHOLDER'S EQUITY AND STATUTORY REGULATIONS
 
 During 1996, 1995, and 1994 the Company paid dividends of
 $175,000, $100,000, and $150,000, respectively, to MLIG. Of
 these stockholder's dividends, $175,000, $73,757, and $112,779,
 respectively, were extraordinary dividends as defined by
 Arkansas Insurance Law and were paid pursuant to approval
 granted by the Arkansas Insurance Commissioner.
 
 At December 31, 1996 and 1995, approximately $24,970 and
 $30,195, respectively, of stockholder's equity was available
 for distribution to MLIG. Statutory capital and surplus at
 December 31, 1996 and 1995, was $251,697 and $303,950,
 respectively.
 
 Applicable insurance department regulations require that the
 Company report its accounts in accordance with statutory
 accounting practices. Statutory accounting practices primarily
 differ from the principles utilized in these financial
 statements by charging policy acquisition costs to expense as
 incurred, establishing future policy benefit reserves using
 different actuarial assumptions, not providing for deferred
 income taxes, and valuing securities on a different basis. The
 Company's statutory net income for 1996, 1995 and 1994 was
 $93,532, $121,451 and $42,382, respectively.
 
 The National Association of Insurance Commissioners ("NAIC")
 utilizes the Risk Based Capital ("RBC") adequacy monitoring
 system. The RBC calculates the amount of adjusted capital which
 a life insurance company should have based upon that company's
 risk profile. As of December 31, 1996 and 1995, based on the
 RBC formula, the Company's total adjusted capital level was
 403% and 395%, respectively, of the minimum amount of capital
 required to avoid regulatory action.
 
NOTE 7.   COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
 
 State insurance laws generally require that all life insurers
 who are licensed to transact business within a state become
 members of the state's life insurance guaranty association.
 These associations have been established for the protection of
 policyholders from loss (within specified limits) as a result
 of the insolvency of an insurer. At the time an insolvency
 occurs, the guaranty association assesses the remaining members
 of the association an amount sufficient to satisfy the
 insolvent insurer's policyholder obligations (within specified
 limits). During 1991, and to a lesser extent 1992, there were
 certain highly publicized life insurance insolvencies. The
 Company has utilized public information to estimate what future
 assessments it will incur as a result of these insolvencies. At
 December 31, 1996 and 1995, the Company has established an
 estimated liability for future guaranty fund assessments of
 $18,773 and $21,144, respectively. The Company regularly
 monitors public information regarding insurer insolvencies and
 will adjusts its estimated liability as appropriate.
 
 In the normal course of business, the Company is subject to
 various claims and assessments. Management believes the
 settlement of these matters would not have a material effect on
 the financial position or results of operations of the Company.
 
                          * * * * * *
 
 



<PAGE>   54
 
                           PART II. OTHER INFORMATION
                          UNDERTAKING TO FILE REPORTS
 
     Subject to the terms and conditions of Section 15(d) of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934, the undersigned Registrant hereby undertakes to file with
the Securities and Exchange Commission such supplementary and periodic
information, documents and reports as may be prescribed by any rule or
regulation of the Commission heretofore or hereafter duly adopted pursuant to
authority conferred in that section.
 
                              RULE 484 UNDERTAKING
 
     Merrill Lynch Life Insurance Company's By-Laws provide, in Article VI, as
follows:
 
     SECTION 1.  ACTIONS OTHER THAN BY OR IN THE RIGHT OF THE CORPORATION.  The
Corporation shall 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 he
is or was a director, officer or employee of the Corporation, against expenses
(including attorneys' fees), judgments, fines and amounts paid in settlement
actually and reasonably incurred by him in connection with such action, suit or
proceeding if he acted in good faith and in a manner he 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 his
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 he 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 his conduct
was unlawful.
 
     SECTION 2.  ACTIONS BY OR IN THE RIGHT OF THE CORPORATION.  The Corporation
shall 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
he is or was a director, officer or employee of the Corporation, against
expenses (including attorneys' fees) actually and reasonably incurred by him in
connection with the defense or settlement of such action or suit if he acted in
good faith and in a manner he 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.
 
     SECTION 3.  RIGHT TO INDEMNIFICATION.  To the extent that a director,
officer or employee of the Corporation has been successful on the merits or
otherwise in defense of any action, suit or proceeding referred to in Sections 1
and 2 of this Article, 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.
 
     SECTION 4.  DETERMINATION OF RIGHT TO INDEMNIFICATION.  Any indemnification
under Sections 1 and 2 of this Article (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, or employee is proper in the
circumstances because he has met the applicable standard of conduct set forth in
Sections 1 and 2 of this Article. Such determination shall be made (i) by the
board of directors by a majority vote of a quorum consisting of directors who
were not parties to such action, suit or proceeding, or (ii) if such a quorum is
not obtainable, or, even if obtainable, a quorum of disinterested directors so
directs, by independent legal counsel in a written opinion, or (iii) by the
stockholders.
 
     Any persons serving as an officer, director or trustee of a corporation,
trust, or other enterprise, including the Registrant, at the request of Merrill
Lynch & Co., Inc. are entitled to indemnification from Merrill Lynch & Co. Inc.,
to the fullest extent authorized or permitted by law, for liabilities with
respect to actions taken or omitted by such persons in any capacity in which
such persons serve Merrill Lynch & Co., Inc. or such other corporation, trust,
or other enterprise. Any action initiated by any such person for which
indemnification is provided shall be approved by the Board of Directors of
Merrill Lynch & Co., Inc. prior to such initiation.
 
                                      II-1
<PAGE>   55
 
DIRECTORS' AND OFFICERS' INSURANCE
 
     Merrill Lynch & Co., Inc. has purchased from Corporate Officers' and
Directors' Assurance Company directors' and officers' liability insurance
policies which cover, in addition to the indemnification described above,
liabilities for which indemnification is not provided under the By-Laws. The
Company will pay an allocable portion of the insurance premium paid by Merrill
Lynch & Co., Inc. with respect to such insurance policy.
 
ARKANSAS BUSINESS CORPORATION LAW
 
     In addition, Section 4-26-814 of the Arkansas Business Corporation Law
generally provides that a corporation has the power to indemnify a director or
officer of the corporation, or a person serving at the request of the
corporation as a director or officer of another corporation or other enterprise
against any judgements, amounts paid in settlement, and reasonably incurred
expenses in a civil or criminal action or proceeding if the director or officer
acted in good faith in a manner he or she reasonably believed to be in or not
opposed to the best interests of the corporation (or, in the case of a criminal
action or proceeding, if he or she in addition had no reasonable cause to
believe that his or her conduct was unlawful).
 
     Insofar as indemnification for liability arising under the Securities Act
of 1933 (the "Act") may be permitted to directors, officers and controlling
persons of the Registrant pursuant to the foregoing provisions, or otherwise,
the Registrant has been advised that in the opinion of the Securities and
Exchange Commission such indemnification is against public policy as expressed
in the Act and is, therefore, unenforceable. In the event that a claim for
indemnification against such liabilities (other than the payment by the
registrant of expenses incurred or paid by a director, officer or controlling
person of the Registrant in the successful defense of any action, suit or
proceeding) is asserted by such director, officer or controlling person in
connection with the securities being registered, the Registrant will, unless in
the opinion of its counsel the matter has been settled by controlling precedent,
submit to a court of appropriate jurisdiction the question 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.
 
   
                    REPRESENTATION PURSUANT TO SECTION 26(e)
    
 
   
     Merrill Lynch Life Insurance Company hereby represents that the fees and
charges deducted under the Policy, in the aggregate, are reasonable in relation
to the services rendered, the expenses expected to be incurred, and the risks
assumed by Merrill Lynch Life Insurance Company.
    
 
                                      II-2
<PAGE>   56
 
                       CONTENTS OF REGISTRATION STATEMENT
 
This Registration Statement comprises the following papers and documents:
 
     The facing sheet.
 
   
     The Prospectus consisting of 87 pages.
    
 
     The undertaking to file reports.
 
     Rule 484 Undertaking.
 
   
     Representation Pursuant to Section 26(e).
    
 
     The signatures.
 
     Written Consents of the following persons:
 
         1. Barry G. Skolnick, Esq.
 
         2. Joseph E. Crowne, Jr., F.S.A.
 
         3. Deloitte & Touche LLP, Independent Auditors
 
     The following exhibits:
 
   
<TABLE>
<S>     <C>     <C>
 1.A.5  (a)     Modified Single Premium Variable Life Insurance Policy.
 1.A.5  (b1)    Guarantee of Insurability Rider.
 1.A.5  (b2)    Death Benefit Proceeds Rider.
 1.A.5  (b3)    Single Premium Immediate Annuity Rider.
 1.A.5  (b4)    Change of Insured Rider.
 1.A.5  (b5)    Partial Withdrawal Rider.
 1.A.5  (b6)    Special Allocation Rider.
 1.A.5  (b7)    Backdating Endorsement.
 1.A.5  (b8)    Additional Payment Endorsement.
 1.A.5  (c)     Certificate of Assumption.
 1.A.5  (d)     Company Name Change Endorsement.
 1.A.9  (a)     Amended form of terminated Service Agreement between Merrill Lynch Life Insurance
                Company and Monarch Life Insurance Company.
 1.A.9  (b)     Board Resolution for Merger and Combination of Accounts.
 1.A.9  (c)     Plan and Agreement of Merger between Tandem Insurance Group, Inc. and Merrill Lynch
                Life Insurance Company.
 1.A.10         Application form for Modified Single Premium Variable Life Insurance Policy.
 6.             Opinion and Consent of Joseph E. Crowne, Jr., F.S.A.
 8.     (a)     Written Consent of Barry G. Skolnick, Esq.
 8.     (b)     Written Consent of Joseph E. Crowne, Jr., F.S.A. See Exhibit 6.
 8.     (c)     Written Consent of Deloitte & Touche LLP, Independent Auditors.
27.             Financial Data Schedule.
</TABLE>
    
 
                                      II-3
<PAGE>   57
 
                                   SIGNATURES
 
   
     Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the Registrant,
Merrill Lynch Life Variable Life Separate Account II, hereby certifies that this
Post-Effective Amendment No. 7 meets all of the requirements for effectiveness
pursuant to paragraph (b) of Rule 485 under the Securities Act of 1933, and has
duly caused this Post-Effective Amendment No. 7 to the Registration Statement to
be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized, and its
seal to be hereunto affixed and attested, all in the City of Plainsboro and the
State of New Jersey, on the 21st day of April, 1997.
    
 
              MERRILL LYNCH LIFE VARIABLE LIFE SEPARATE ACCOUNT II
                                  (Registrant)
 
                    By: MERRILL LYNCH LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
                                  (Depositor)
 
<TABLE>
<S>                                                <C>
 
Attest: /s/ TERRY L. RAPP                          By: /s/ BARRY G. SKOLNICK
       ----------------------------------------        ---------------------------------------
       Terry L. Rapp                                   Barry G. Skolnick
       Assistant Secretary                             Senior Vice President
</TABLE>
 
   
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this Post-Effective
Amendment No. 7 to the Registration Statement has been signed below by the
following persons in the capacities indicated on April 21, 1997.
    
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                  SIGNATURE                                          TITLE
- ---------------------------------------------    ---------------------------------------------
<S>                                            <C>
 
*                                                Chairman of the Board, President and Chief
- ---------------------------------------------    Executive Officer
Anthony J. Vespa
 
*                                                Director, Senior Vice President, Chief
- ---------------------------------------------    Financial Officer, Chief Actuary and
Joseph E. Crowne, Jr.                            Treasurer
 
*                                                Director, Senior Vice President and Chief
- ---------------------------------------------    Investment Officer
David M. Dunford
 
*                                                Director and Senior Vice President
- ---------------------------------------------
Gail R. Farkas
 
/s/ BARRY G. SKOLNICK                          * In his own capacity as Director, Senior
- ---------------------------------------------    Vice President, General Counsel, Secretary
Barry G. Skolnick                                and as Attorney-In-Fact
</TABLE>
 
                                      II-4
<PAGE>   58
 
                                 EXHIBIT INDEX
 
   
 1.A.  (1) Resolutions of the Board of Directors of Merrill Lynch Life Insurance
           Company establishing the Separate Account. Incorporated by Reference
           to Post-Effective Amendment No. 7 to the Registration Statement filed
           by the Registrant on Form S-6 (File No. 33-43057).
    
 
       (2) Not applicable.
 
       (3) Distributing Contracts.
 
   
            (a)  Distribution Agreement between Merrill Lynch Life Insurance
                 Company and Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated.
                 Incorporated by Reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 8 to
                 the Registration Statement filed by Merrill Lynch Variable Life
                 Separate Account on Form S-6 (File No. 33-55472).
    
 
   
            (b)  Amended Sales Agreement between Merrill Lynch Life Insurance
                 Company and Merrill Lynch Life Agency, Inc. Incorporated by
                 Reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 8 to the Registration
                 Statement filed by Merrill Lynch Variable Life Separate Account
                 on Form S-6 (File No. 33-55472).
    
 
   
            (c)  Schedule of Sales Commissions. See Exhibit A (3)(b).
    
 
        (4) Not applicable.
 
   
        (5) (a)  Modified Single Premium Variable Life Insurance Policy.
    
 
   
        (5) (b1) Guarantee of Insurability Rider.
    
 
   
        (5) (b2) Death Benefit Proceeds Rider.
    
 
   
        (5) (b3) Single Premium Immediate Annuity Rider.
    
 
   
        (5) (b4) Change of Insured Rider.
    
 
   
        (5) (b5) Partial Withdrawal Rider.
    
 
   
        (5) (b6) Special Allocation Rider.
    
 
   
        (5) (b7) Backdating Endorsement.
    
 
   
        (5) (b8) Additional Payment Endorsement.
    
 
   
        (5) (c)  Certificate of Assumption.
    
 
   
        (5) (d)  Company Name Change Endorsement.
    
 
   
        (6) (a)  Articles of Amendment, Restatement, and Redomestication of the
                 Articles of Incorporation of Merrill Lynch Life Insurance
                 Company. Incorporated by Reference to Post-Effective Amendment
                 No. 8 to the Registration Statement filed by Merrill Lynch
                 Variable Life Separate Account on Form S-6 (File No. 33-55472).
    
 
   
            (b)  Amended and Restated By-Laws of Merrill Lynch Life Insurance
                 Company. Incorporated by Reference to Post-Effective Amendment
                 No. 8 to the Registration Statement filed by Merrill Lynch
                 Variable Life Separate Account on Form S-6 (File No. 33-55472).
    
 
        (7) Not applicable.
 
   
        (8) (a)  Agreement between Merrill Lynch Life Insurance Company and
                 Merrill Lynch Series Fund, Inc. Incorporated by Reference to
                 Post-Effective Amendment No. 8 to the Registration Statement
                 filed by Merrill Lynch Variable Life Separate Account on Form
                 S-6 (File No. 33-55472).
    
 
   
            (b)  Agreement between Merrill Lynch Life Insurance Company and
                 Merrill Lynch Funds Distributor, Inc. Incorporated by Reference
                 to Post-Effective Amendment No. 8 to the Registration Statement
                 filed by Merrill Lynch Variable Life Separate Account on Form
                 S-6 (File No. 33-55472).
    
 
   
            (c)  Agreement between Merrill Lynch Life Insurance Company and
                 Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated.
                 Incorporated by Reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 8 to
                 the Registration Statement filed by Merrill Lynch Variable Life
                 Separate Account on Form S-6 (File No. 33-55472).
    
 
                                      II-5
<PAGE>   59
 
            (d)  Participation Agreement among Merrill Lynch Life Insurance
                 Company, ML Life Insurance Company of New York, and Monarch
                 Life Insurance Company. Incorporated by Reference to
                 Post-Effective Amendment No. 3 to the Registration Statement
                 filed by Merrill Lynch Variable Life Separate Account on Form
                 S-6 (File No. 33-55472).
 
   
            (e)  Form of Participation Agreement among Merrill Lynch Life
                 Insurance Company, ML Life Insurance Company of New York and
                 Family Life Insurance Company. Incorporated by reference to
                 Post-Effective Amendment No. 4 to the Registration Statement
                 filed by the Registrant on Form S-6 (File No. 33-43058).
    
 
   
            (g)  Form of Participation Agreement Among Merrill Lynch Life
                 Insurance Company, Alliance Capital Management L.P., and
                 Alliance Fund Distributors, Inc. Incorporated by Reference to
                 Merrill Lynch Life Variable Annuity Separate Account A's
                 Post-Effective Amendment No. 10 to the Registration Statement
                 filed on Form N-4 (File No. 33-43773).
    
 
   
            (h)  Form of Participation Agreement Among MFS Variable Insurance
                 Trust, Merrill Lynch Life Insurance Company, and Massachusetts
                 Financial Services Company. Incorporated by Reference to
                 Merrill Lynch Life Variable Annuity Separate Account A's
                 Post-Effective Amendment No. 10 to the Registration Statement
                 filed on Form N-4 (File No. 33-43773).
    
 
   
            (i)  Participation Agreement By and Among AIM Variable Insurance
                 Funds, Inc., AIM Distributors, Inc., and Merrill Lynch Life
                 Insurance Company. Incorporated by Reference to Merrill Lynch
                 Life Variable Annuity Separate Account A's Post-Effective
                 Amendment No. 11 to the Registration Statement filed on Form
                 N-4 (File No. 33-43773).
    
 
   
        (9) (a)  Amended form of terminated Service Agreement between Merrill
                 Lynch Life Insurance Company and Monarch Life Insurance
                 Company.
    
 
   
            (b)  Board Resolution for Merger and Combination of Accounts.
    
 
   
            (c)  Plan and Agreement of Merger between Tandem Insurance Group,
                 Inc. and Merrill Lynch Life Insurance Company.
    
 
   
            (d)  Service Agreement among Merrill Lynch Life Insurance Company,
                 Family Life Insurance Company and Merrill Lynch Insurance
                 Group, Inc. Incorporated by reference to Post-Effective
                 Amendment No. 4 filed by the Registrant on Form S-6 (File No.
                 33-43058).
    
 
   
       (10) Application form for Modified Single Premium Variable Life Insurance
            Policy.
    
 
   
       (11) (a)  Memorandum describing Merrill Lynch Life Insurance Company's
                 Issuance, Transfer and Redemption Procedures. Incorporated by
                 reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 4 filed by the
                 Registrant on Form S-6 (File No. 33-43058).
    
 
   
       (11) (b)  Supplement to Memorandum describing Merrill Lynch Life
                 Insurance Company's Issuance, Transfer and Redemption
                 Procedures. Incorporated by Reference to Registrant's
                 Post-Effective Amendment No. 8 to the Registration Statement
                 filed on Form S-6 (File No. 33-55472).
    
 
 2.   See 1.A.(5).
 
   
 3.   Opinion and Consent of Barry G. Skolnick, Esq. as to the legality of the
      securities being registered. Incorporated by Reference to Post-Effective
      Amendment No. 6 to the Registration Statement filed by the Registrant on
      Form S-6 (File No. 33-43058).
    
 
 4.   Not applicable.
 
 5.   Not applicable.
 
 6.   Opinion and Consent of Joseph E. Crowne, Jr., F.S.A. as to actuarial
      matters pertaining to the securities being registered.
 
   
 7.   (a) Power of Attorney of Joseph E. Crowne, Jr. Incorporated by Reference
          to Post-Effective Amendment No. 2 to the Registration Statement filed
          by Merrill Lynch Variable Life Separate Account on Form S-6 (File No.
          33-55472).
    
 
                                      II-6
<PAGE>   60
 
   
      (b) Power of Attorney of David E. Dunford. Incorporated by Reference to
          Post-Effective Amendment No. 2 to the Registration Statement filed by
          Merrill Lynch Variable Life Separate Account on Form S-6 (File No.
          33-55472).
    
 
   
      (c) Power of Attorney of Gail R. Farkas. Incorporated by Reference to
          Post-Effective Amendment No. 6 to the Registration Statement filed by
          Merrill Lynch Variable Life Separate Account on Form S-6 (File No.
          33-55472).
    
 
   
      (d) Power of Attorney of John C.R. Hele. Incorporated by Reference to
          Post-Effective Amendment No. 2 to the Registration Statement filed by
          Merrill Lynch Variable Life Separate Account on Form S-6 (File No.
          33-55472).
    
 
   
      (e)  Power of Attorney of Allen N. Jones. Incorporated by Reference to
          Post-Effective Amendment No. 2 to the Registration Statement filed by
          Merrill Lynch Variable Life Separate Account on Form S-6 (File No.
          33-55472).
    
 
   
      (f)  Power of Attorney of Barry G. Skolnick. Incorporated by Reference to
           Post-Effective Amendment No. 2 to the Registration Statement filed by
           Merrill Lynch Variable Life Separate Account on Form S-6 (File No.
           33-55472).
    
 
   
      (g) Power of Attorney of Anthony J. Vespa. Incorporated by Reference to
          Post-Effective Amendment No. 2 to the Registration Statement filed by
          Merrill Lynch Variable Life Separate Account on Form S-6 (File No.
          33-55472).
    
 
   
 8.   (a) Written Consent of Barry G. Skolnick, Esq.
    
 
      (b) Written Consent of Joseph E. Crowne, Jr., F.S.A. See Exhibit 6.
 
      (c) Written Consent of Deloitte & Touche LLP, Independent Auditors.
 
27.       Financial Data Schedule.
 
                                      II-7

<PAGE>   1
                                                             EXHIBIT 1.A.(5)(a)

[LOGO]     MONARCH LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY            VARIABLE LIFE
           A stock company located                   SERVICE CENTER
           in Springfield, Massachusetts             146 CHESTNUT STREET
                                                     SPRINGFIELD, MA 01103
          ---------------------------------------------------------------------

                  INSURED Richard Roe            ISSUE AGE/SEX 35 Male
           SINGLE PREMIUM $100,000               FACE AMOUNT   $369,443
               ISSUE DATE January 1, 1986        POLICY DATE   January 1, 1986
            POLICY NUMBER Specimen               UNDERWRITING  Standard-Medical
                                                 CLASS

                 MODIFIED SINGLE PREMIUM VARIABLE LIFE INSURANCE POLICY

                 This policy is a legal contract between its owner and us.
                 PLEASE READ IT CAREFULLY. In this policy, the word YOU refers
                 to the insured shown in the Policy Schedule. WE refers to
                 Monarch Life Insurance Company.

- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
DEATH BENEFIT    We will pay the death benefit proceeds to the beneficiary
PROVIDED BY      when we receive proof of your death. For details on death 
THIS POLICY      benefit proceeds and the Guarantee Period see INSURANCE
                 BENEFITS.

                 During the first policy processing period, the death benefit
                 equals this policy's face amount. Afterwards, the death
                 benefit may increase or decrease on each policy processing
                 date, depending on the policy's investment results. During the
                 Guarantee Period it will never be less than the policy's face
                 amount.

- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CASH VALUE       During your lifetime while this policy is in effect, we 
BENEFITS         provide cash value benefits and other important rights as 
PROVIDED         described in this policy. Subject to our rules, the owner     
BY THIS POLICY   may make additional payments under this policy.  See          
                 ADDITIONAL PAYMENT OPTION for details.                        
                 
                 The cash value may increase or decrease on any day, depending
                 on the investment results for this policy. No minimum amount
                 is guaranteed. See POLICY BENEFITS FOR THE OWNER for
                 information on cash values.

- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
INVESTMENT       The owner can allocate this policy's total investment base
RESULTS FOR      among investment divisions.  Each division invests in a
THIS POLICY      designated investment portfolio.  Cash values and death
                 benefits increase or decrease depending on the investment 
                 experience of the divisions, the allocation of the policy's 
                 investment base among the divisions and the timing and
                 amount of any additional payments. See HOW VARIABLE LIFE
                 INSURANCE WORKS for details.

SP86
                                     - 1 -

<PAGE>   2



                 

- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
RIGHT TO EXAMINE This policy may be returned on or before the end of the FREE
THIS POLICY      LOOK PERIOD. That period ends on the later of:

                 - 10 days after the owner receives the policy; or
                 - 45 days after the owner completes part 1 of the
                   application.

                 Mail or deliver the policy to us or to the agent who sold it.
                 The returned policy will be treated as if we never issued it.
                 We'll promptly pay the sum of (a) the difference between the
                 single premium paid and the amount allocated to the separate
                 account and (b) the policy's total investment base as of the
                 date we receive the policy. Or, if required in the applicable
                 state, we'll promptly return the single premium paid.

   

                 /s/ RAYMOND A. TERFERA                 /s/ BRUCE BROWN
                 -----------------------                -----------------------
                     Raymond A. Terfera                     Bruce Brown
                               Secretary                              President
    

- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
MODIFIED SINGLE  Variable life insurance payable upon death of insured.
PREMIUM VARIABLE Death benefit subject to guaranteed minimun during Guar-
LIFE INSURANCE   antee Period.  Guaranteed minimun is policy's face amount.
POLICY           Single premium Additional payment option.  Non-
                 participating.  Investment results reflected in policy
                 benefits.


SP86
                                     - 2 -

<PAGE>   3



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

                 POLICY CONTENTS

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

                 POLICY SCHEDULES

                       POLICY FACTS                         Policy Schedule 1

                       CHARGES AND FEES FOR THIS POLICY                     2

                       TABLE OF NET SINGLE PREMIUM FACTORS                  3

                       TABLE OF GUARANTEED MAXIMUM MORTALITY RATES          4

                       THE SEPARATE ACCOUNT                                 5

                       INTRODUCTION TO THIS POLICY                     Page 3

                       HOW VARIABLE LIFE INSURANCE WORKS                    4

                       POLICY BENEFITS FOR THE OWNER                        8

                       INSURANCE BENEFITS                                  11

                       CHOOSING AN INCOME PLAN                             13

                       OTHER IMPORTANT INFORMATION                         16

                       A copy of the application(s) and any additional
                       benefit riders and endorsements are at the back of
                       this policy.
















- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
POLICY SCHEDULES The Policy Schedules come right after this page. They give 
                 specific facts about this policy and its coverage. Please refer
                 to them while reading this policy.


<PAGE>   4



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

                 Policy Schedule 1

                  INSURED Richard Roe            ISSUE AGE/SEX 35 Male
           SINGLE PREMIUM $100,000               FACE AMOUNT   $369,443
               ISSUE DATE January 1, 1986        POLICY DATE   January 1, 1986
            POLICY NUMBER Specimen               UNDERWRITING  Standard-Medical
                                                 CLASS

                 POLICY FACTS

- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
OWNER            Owner of this policy on the issue date is Mary Roe.

- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
POLICY           Policy processing dates are the policy date and the days
PROCESSING       when we deduct charges and recalculate death benefits and
DATE             are on the same day of the month as the policy date at the end
                 of each successive 3 month period.
POLICY           A policy processing period is the period between successive 
PROCESSING       policy processing dates.
PERIOD

- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
INVESTMENT       Maximum number of divisions to be allocated at any one time: 5
BASE-            Allocation of total investment base on policy date is as
ALLOCATION       follows:
INFORMATION        Money Reserve  $25,000           1990 Trust  $10,000
                   1991 Trust     $20,000           1993 Trust  $20,000
                   1995 Trust     $25,000           Total      $100,000
                 Maximum number of allocation changes per policy year: 5

- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
MATURITY DATE    On the maturity date of an investment division, amounts in 
OF AN INVEST-    that division will be allocated to the Money Reserve 
MENT DIVISION    Division, unless otherwise specified by the owner.

- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ADDITIONAL       Maximum attained age of insured is 80
PAYMENT OPTION   Payment permitted per policy processing period:  1
                 Minimum payment is $1,000
                 Maximum payment is $25,000

- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
POLICY LOAN      Minimum loan amount is $1,000 (except when used to pay 
                 premiums on another Monarch Variable Life Insurance Policy) 
                 Minimum repayment amount is $1,000 
                 Loan interest rate is 4.75% per year

- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
GUARANTEE        The Guarantee Period is for the life of the insured.
PERIOD

- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
GRACE PERIOD     The Grace Amount is 3 times the charges which were due on the 
                 policy processing date on which we determined that the cash 
                 value was insufficient.


<PAGE>   5



- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
INTEREST RATE   Computations of cash values, tabular values, present values,
AND MORTALITY   net single premiums and net single premium factors are based
TABLE USED IN   on:
OUR COMPUTA-    -   1980 CSO Mortality Table (Male)
TIONS           -   interest at 4% per year

- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
POLICY RIDERS,  Special Allocation Rider
IF ANY          -   designated division is Money Reserve
                -   Base Amount is $1,000

- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SCH1(86)-S                                                   Policy Schedule 1


<PAGE>   6



- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                 Policy Schedule 2

                  INSURED   Richard Roe        ISSUED AGE/SEX  35 Male
           SINGLE PREMIUM   $100,000           FACE AMOUNT     $369,443
              ISSUED DATE   January 1, 1986    POLICY DATE     January 1, 1986
            POLICY NUMBER   Specimen           UNDERWRITING    Standard-Medical
                                               CLASS

                 CHARGES AND FEES FOR THIS POLICY

- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PREMIUM LOADING  Single Premium:
DEDUCTED BEFORE  -  none
ALLOCATION       Additional Payments:
                 -  none

- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
BASIC POLICY     Mortality Cost:
CHARGES AND      -  guaranteed maximum mortality rates per $1,000 are
FEES DEDUCTED       shown in Policy Schedule 4
FROM THE
INVESTMENT BASE  Administrative Fees:
                 -  none

                 Transaction Fees:
                 -  none

                 Annual Recovery of Deferred Policy Loading:
                 -  .70% of single premium deducted annually on the first
                    through tenth policy anniversaries
                 -  .65% of each additional payment deducted
                    annually on the first through tenth policy
                    anniversaries following receipt and acceptance
                    of the payment.

                 Loan Charge:
                 -  maximum of .75% of policy debt deducted annually

- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CHARGES          Asset Charge:
DEDUCTED FROMS   -  daily charge of .001373% (equivalent to .50% annually in
DIVISIONS           advance) deducted from Money Reserve Division 
IN SEPARATE 
ACCOUNT          -  daily charge of .001649% (equivalent to .60% annually in
                    advance) deducted from all divisions other than Money
                    Reserve Division

                 Trust Charge:
                 -  daily charge of .00686% (equivalent to .25% annually in
                    advance)

                    We reserve the right to increase the Trust Charge, but in
                    no event above .001373% (equivalent to .50% annually in
                    advance).

- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Rider Charges    None



- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SCH1(86)-S                                                   Policy Schedule 2


<PAGE>   7



- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SCH1(86)-S                                                   Policy Schedule 2


<PAGE>   8



                               Policy Schedule 2
                                  (Continued)

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

DEFERRED POLICY  The amount of Deferred Policy Loading applicable during a
LOADING          policy year is deducted from this policy's investment base
                 in calculating its cash value.

                 -  Single Premium
                    The amount of the Deferred Policy Loading
                    attributable to the single premium is:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                 During                       During
                 Policy       As % of         Policy      As % of Single
                  Year     Single Premium      Year          Premium
                -------    --------------    -------      ---------------
                 <S>          <C>             <C>             <C>             
                   1           7.00%            6              3.50%      
                   2           6.30             7              2.80       
                   3           5.60             8              2.10       
                   4           4.90             9              1.40       
                   5           4.20            10               .70       
                                               11+                0       
</TABLE>
                                                             
                 Policy year is measured from the Policy Date.

                 -  Additional Payment
                    The increase in the amount of the Deferred  Policy Loading 
                    attributable to an additional payment is:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                 During    As $ of Each      During        As % of Each
                 Policy     Additional       Policy         Additional
                  Year       Payment         Year           Premium
                -------    ------------      ------       -------------
                 <S>          <C>             <C>             <C>             

                   1           6.50%            6              3.25%         
                   2           5.85             7              2.60          
                   3           5.20             8              1.95          
                   4           4.55             9              1.30          
                   5           3.90            10               .65          
                                               11+                0          
</TABLE>
                                                              
                 Policy year is measured from the date we receive
                 and accept an additional payment.

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


SCH2(86)-S                                                   Policy Schedule 2




<PAGE>   9



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

                               Policy Schedule 3

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

                   TABLE OF NET SINGLE PREMIUM FACTORS (MALE)
                 (Attained Age Factors Per $1.00 of Cash Value)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

Attained                Attained              Attained               Attained
  Age        Factor        Age     Factor       Age       Factor       Age        Factor 
- --------     -------    -------    --------    -------    ------      ------      -------
<S>          <C>           <C>      <C>          <C>       <C>          <C>      <C>
   0         11.49954      25       5.50509      50        2.47280       75      1.35450
   1         11.55535      26       5.33504      51        2.40079       76      1.33241
   2         11.23469      27       5.16769      52        2.33165       77      1.31168
   3         10.91107      28       5.00375      53        2.26536       78      1.29216
   4         10.59210      29       4.84355      54        2.20187       79      1.27361
   5         10.27644      30       4.68735      55        2.14114       80      1.25595
   6          9.96314      31       4.53535      56        2.08303       81      1.23914
   7          9.65251      32       4.38789      57        2.02741       82      1.22318
   8          9.34405      33       4.24484      58        1.97410       83      1.20815
   9          9.04077      34       4.10644      59        1.92297       84      1.19413
  10          8.74432      35       3.97251      60        1.87389       85      1.18111
  11          8.45451      36       3.84320      61        1.82682       86      1.16906
  12          8.17528      37       3.71858      62        1.78174       87      1.15789
  13          7.90826      38       3.59842      63        1.73865       88      1.14745
  14          7.65521      39       3.48286      64        1.69753       89      1.13738
</TABLE>      
<PAGE>   10
<TABLE>
<S>          <C>           <C>      <C>          <C>       <C>          <C>      <C>
  15          7.41620      40       3.37166      65        1.65835       90      1.12783
  16          7.19114      41       3.26477      66        1.62103       91      1.11802
  17          6.97837      42       3.16226      67        1.58549       92      1.10832
  18          6.77599      43       3.06363      68        1.55152       93      1.09816
  19          6.58198      44       2.96886      69        1.51904       94      1.08730
  20          6.39386      45       2.87778      70        1.48796       95      1.07444
  21          6.21002      46       2.79033      71        1.45828       96      1.06049
  22          6.02991      47       2.70629      72        1.43002       97      1.04937
  23          5.85240      48       2.62543      73        1.40327       98      1.03093
  24          5.67762      49       2.54758      74        1.37811       99      1.01510
                                                                        100      1.00000

</TABLE>

Factors shown are based on the insured's attained age as of each policy
anniversary.

The Net Single Premium Factor on a date during a policy year is determined by
interpolating between the factors for the policy anniversaries immediately
preceding and immediately following that date.

SCH3(86)-S                                                   Policy Schedule 3


<PAGE>   11



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

                               Policy Schedule 4

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

               TABLE OF GUARANTEED MAXIMUM MORTALITY RATES (MALE)
        (Attained Age Quarterly Rates per $1,000 of Net Amount at Risk)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Attained                Attained              Attained               Attained
  Age        Factor        Age     Factor       Age       Factor       Age        Factor 
- --------     -------    -------    --------    -------    ------      ------      -------
<S>          <C>           <C>      <C>          <C>       <C>          <C>      <C>
   0         1.05          25       0.44         50        1.68         75       16.72
   1         0.27          26       0.43         51        1.83         76       18.45
   2         0.25          27       0.43         52        2.00         77       20.27
   3         0.25          28       0.43         53        2.19         78       22.15
   4         0.24          29       0.43         54        2.40         79       24.15
   5         0.23          30       0.43         55        2.63         80       26.36
   6         0.21          31       0.44         56        2.89         81       28.84
   7         0.20          32       0.46         57        3.15         82       31.67
   8         0.19          33       0.48         58        3.43         83       34.91
   9         0.19          34       0.50         59        3.73         84       38.50
  10         0.18          35       0.53         60        4.06         85       42.37
  11         0.19          36       0.56         61        4.43         86       46.45
  12         0.21          37       0.60         62        4.86         87       50.72
  13         0.25          38       0.65         63        5.34         88       55.16
  14         0.29          39       0.70         64        5.87         89       59.79
</TABLE>

<PAGE>   12

<TABLE>
<S>          <C>           <C>      <C>          <C>       <C>          <C>      <C>
  15         0.33          40       0.76         65         6.46        90       64.68
  16         0.38          41       0.82         66         7.09        91       69.95
  17         0.42          42       0.89         67         7.76        92       75.82
  18         0.45          43       0.97         68         8.47        93       82.63
  19         0.47          44       1.05         69         9.25        94       91.64
  20         0.48          45       1.14         70        10.13        95      105.27
  21         0.48          46       1.23         71        11.13        96      129.03
  22         0.47          47       1.33         72        12.28        97      177.60
  23         0.47          48       1.44         73        13.61        98      307.77
  24         0.46          49       1.56         74        15.10        99      333.33
</TABLE>

Rates shown are based on the insured's attained age as of each policy
anniversary. They do not change during a year.















SCH4(86)-S                                                 Policy Schedule 4


<PAGE>   13



                 Policy Schedule 5

                 THE SEPARATE ACCOUNT
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Separate     The Separate Account is Variable Account A which is
Account          organized in and governed by the laws of the Commonwealth
                 of Massachusetts, our state of domicile.  The Separate
                 Account is divided into investment divisions.

- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Investment       Each investment division listed below invests in shares of 
Divisions        the mutual fund portfolio designated. Each portfolio is a 
Investing in     part of the Merrill Lynch Series Fund, Inc., managed by 
Shares of a      Merrill Lynch Asset Management, Inc., which is a subsidiary 
Mutual Fund      of Merrill Lynch & Co., Inc.

MONEY RESERVE    MONEY RESERVE PORTFOLIO
DIVISION         Objective   -  Preservation of capital, liquidity and a high 
                                level of current income consistent with these
                                objectives.
                 Investments -  Money market instruments including: short
                                term U.S. government securities, government
                                agency securities, bank money instruments,
                                prime commercial paper and high grads short
                                term corporate obligations.
                 Term        -  Substantially all issues maturing in less 
                                than 1 year.
GOVERNMENT       INTERMEDIATE GOVERNMENT BOND PORTFOLIO
BOND DIVISION    Objective   -  Highest possible income while protecting 
                                capital.
                 Investments -  Debt securities of the U.S. government or its
                                agencies.
                 Term        -  Generally securities maturing in an average
                                of 6 to 8 years.  Maximum maturity will not
                                exceed 15 years.
CORPORATE        LONG TERM CORPORATE BOND PORTFOLIO
BOND DIVISION    Objective   -  High current income.
                 Investments -  Primarily high quality fixed income corporate
                                bonds.
                 Term        -  Generally corporate bonds maturing in more
                                than 15 years.
HIGH YIELD       HIGH YIELD PORTFOLIO
DIVISION         Objective   -  Highest current income.
                 Investments -  Primarily fixed income securities rated in
                                the lower categories of the established
                                rating services.
CAPITAL STOCK    CAPITAL STOCK PORTFOLIO
DIVISION         Objective   -  Long term growth of capital and income, plus
                                reasonable current income.
                 Investments -  Common stocks of good or improving quality
                                thought to be undervalued.  Cash reserves
                                including government and money market
                                securities will be used as management
                                considers appropriate.
GROWTH STOCK     GROWTH STOCK PORTFOLIO


<PAGE>   14



DIVISION         Objective   -  Above average long term growth of capital.
                                Current income not major consideration.
                 Investments -  Primarily common stocks of aggressive growth
                                companies considered to have special growth
                                potential.























SCH5A(86)-SAF                                                Policy Schedule 5
                                                                        (5/88)


<PAGE>   15



                               Policy Schedule 5
                                  (Continued)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
GLOBAL STRATEGY  GLOBAL STRATEGY PORTFOLIO
DIVISION         Objective    -  High total investment return.


                 Investments  -  Primarily a diversified portfolio of equity
                                 and fixed income securities of U.S. and
                                 foreign issuers.
MULTIPLE         MULTIPLE STRATEGY PORTFOLIO
STRATEGY         Objective    -  Highest total investment return consistent
DIVISION                         with prudent risk through fully managed
                                 investment policy.
                 Investments  -  May, at any given time, be substantially
                                 invested in equity securities, bonds and
                                 notes or money market securities.
NATURAL          NATURAL RESOURCES PORTFOLIO
RESOURCES        Objective    -  Long term growth and protection of
DIVISION                         capital.
                 Investments  -  Equity securities of domestic and foreign
                                 companies with substantial natural resource 
                                 assets.
BALANCED         BALANCED PORTFOLIO
DIVISION         Objective    -  Current income as well as capital
                                 appreciation.
                 Investments  -  Balanced portfolio of fixed income and equity 
                                 securities.

- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Investment       Each investment division listed below invests in units of a
Divisions        unit investment trust. Each trust is a part of The Merrill 
Investing in     Lynch Fund of Stripped ("Zero") U.S. Treasury Securities, 
Units of a Unit  Series A through E, and is sponsored by Merrill Lynch, 
Investment Trust Pierce, Fenner & Smith Inc., which is a subsidiary of
                 Merrill Lynch & Co., Inc.

                 The objective and investments listed below apply to all
                 trusts.  The maturity date is specified for each.
                 Objective    -  To provide safety of capital and a high yield
                                 to maturity.
                 Investments  -  Bearer debt obligations of the United States
                                 of America which have been stripped of their
                                 unmatured interest coupons, coupons stripped
                                 from debt obligations of the United States of
                                 America and receipts and certificates for
                                 such stripped debt obligations and stripped
                                 coupons.
                 Maturity     -  The Divisions have the following fixed 
                 Date            maturity dates.

                                          DIVISION      MATURITY DATE
                                         ----------    --------------- 
                                         1988 TRUST    August 15, 1988
                                         1989 TRUST    February 15, 1989
                                         1990 TRUST    November 15, 1990


<PAGE>   16
                                         1991 TRUST    August 15, 1991
                                         1992 TRUST    May 15, 1992
                                         1993 TRUST    November 15, 1993
                                         1994 TRUST    August 15, 1994
                                         1995 TRUST    November 15, 1995
                                         1996 TRUST    February 15, 1996
                                         1997 TRUST    February 15, 1997
                                         1998 TRUST    February 15, 1998
                                         2001 TRUST    February 15, 2001
                                         2003 TRUST    August 15, 2003
                                         2005 TRUST    February 15, 2005
                                         2006 TRUST    February 15, 2006
                                         2007 TRUST    February 15, 2007
                                         2008 TRUST    February 15, 2008

NOTE: PLEASE REFER TO THE PROSPECTUSES FOR THE POLICY, THE MERRILL LYNCH
      SERIES FUND, INC., AND THE MERRILL LYNCH FUND OF STRIPPED ("ZERO") U.S.
      TREASURY SECURITIES, SERIES A THROUGH E, FOR MORE DETAILS.

SCH5A(86)-SAF                                                Policy Schedule 5
                                                                        (5/88)


<PAGE>   17



                 
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                 INTRODUCTION TO THIS POLICY 
                 This policy insures your life. You are also the owner of this
                 policy unless another owner has been named in the application.
                 The owner is shown in Policy Schedule 1. If someone else is
                 named as owner, that person has the rights and options
                 described in this policy.

- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
THIS POLICY IS A This policy is a contract between its owner and us. We 
CONTRACT         provide insurance coverage and other benefits as stated in 
                 this policy. We do this in return for a completed 
                 application and payment of a single premium.
                 Whenever we use the word POLICY, we mean the entire 
                 contract.  The entire contract consists of: 
                       -  the basic policy; 
                       -  the attached copy of the initial application; 
                       -  all subsequent applications to change the basic 
                          policy; and 
                       -  any riders or endorsements. 
                 RIDERS and ENDORSEMENTS add provisions or change the terms 
                 of the basic policy.

- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
DATES AND AGES   The following dates and the issue age are shown in Policy 
REFERRED TO IN   Schedule 1. 
THIS POLICY      DATE OF ISSUE
                 This is the date this policy is issued at our Service 
                 Center.  The contestable and suicide periods are measured 
                 from this date. 
                 POLICY DATE 
                 This date is used to determine policy processing dates, 
                 policy years and anniversaries. The policy date may or may 
                 not be the same as the date of issue. 
                 ISSUE AGE 
                 This is the age we use to determine the single premium for 
                 this policy. It is your age on your birthday nearest the 
                 policy date. 
                 ATTAINED AGE
                 This is your issue age plus the number of full years 
                 elapsed since the policy date.

- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
RIGHT TO NAME A  If you are not the owner, the owner may name a contingent 
CONTINGENT OWNER owner. The owner may want to do this in case he or she 
                 dies before you. Ownership of this policy would then pass 
                 to the contingent owner. If there's no contingent owner, 
                 ownership would pass to the deceased owner's estate.

- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
THE BENEFICIARY  The beneficiary is the person to whom we pay the proceeds 
                 upon your death. We pay the proceeds to the primary 
                 beneficiary. If the primary beneficiary (whether or not
                 irrevocable) has died, the proceeds are paid to any
                 contingent beneficiary. If there is no surviving
                 beneficiary, we pay the proceeds to your estate.  Two or
SP86
                                     - 17 -

<PAGE>   18



                               
                 more persons may be named as primary beneficiaries or
                 contingent beneficiaries. In that case we will assume the
                 proceeds are to be paid in equal shares to the surviving
                 beneficiaries. The owner can specify other than equal shares.
                 The owner reserves the right to change beneficiaries unless
                 the designation of the primary beneficiary has been made
                 irrevocable. If an irrevocable beneficiary has been
                 designated, the owner and irrevocable beneficiary must act
                 together to exercise the rights and options under this policy.

- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CHANGE OF OWNER  During your lifetime the owner can transfer ownership of 
OR BENEFICIARY   this policy and change the beneficiary. To do this, the 
                 owner must send us written notice of the change in a form 
                 satisfactory to us. The change will take effect as of the 
                 day the notice is signed. But the change will not affect 
                 any payment made or action taken by us before receipt of 
                 the notice of the change at our Service Center.

- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SENDING NOTICE   Any written notices or requests should be sent to our 
TO US            Service Center. The address is shown on the front of this 
                 policy. Please include your name, policy number, and,
                 if another owner has been named, the name of the owner.

SP86
                                     - 18 -

<PAGE>   19



- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                       HOW VARIABLE LIFE INSURANCE WORKS

- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
THE SEPARATE     The variable life insurance benefits under this policy are
ACCOUNT          provided through investments we make in the separate
                 account designated in Policy Schedule 5.  This account is
                 kept separate from our general account and any other
                 separate accounts we may have.  It is used to support
                 variable life insurance policies and may be used for other
                 purposes permitted by applicable laws and regulations.  We
                 own the assets in the separate account.  Assets equal to
                 the reserves and other liabilities of the account won't be
                 charged with liabilities that arise from any other business
                 we conduct.  But we may transfer to our general account
                 assets which exceed the reserves and other liabilities of
                 the separate account.
                 The separate account will invest in mutual funds, unit
                 investment trusts and other investment portfolios which we
                 determine to be suitable for this policy's purposes.  The
                 separate account is treated as a unit investment trust
                 under Federal securities laws.  It is registered with the
                 Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) under the 
                 Investment Company Act of 1940. 
                 The separate account is also governed by state laws as
                 designated in Policy Schedule 5. Income, realized and 
                 unrealized gains or losses from assets in the separate account 
                 are credited to or charged against the account 
                 without regard to other income, gains or losses in our 
                 other investment accounts.

- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
INVESTMENT       The separate account is divided into investment divisions.
DIVISIONS        Each investment division invests in a designated investment
                 portfolio. The divisions and the investment portfolios in
                 which they invest are specified in Policy Schedule 5. Some 
                 of the portfolios designated may be managed by a separate
                 investment adviser. Such adviser is registered under the
                 Investment Advisers Act of 1940.
                 Each investment division will be valued at the end of each
                 valuation period. A VALUATION PERIOD is each business day
                 together with any non-business days before it. A BUSINESS 
                 DAY for a division is any day the New York Stock Exchange 
                 (NYSE) is open for trading, or any day in which the SEC 
                 requires request that the mutual funds, unit investment 
                 trusts or other investment portfolios be valued.

- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CHANGES WITHIN   We may from time to time make additional investment
THE SEPARATE     divisions available to you.  These divisions will invest in
ACCOUNT          investment portfolios we find suitable for this policy.  We
                 also have the right to eliminate investment divisions from 
                 the separate account, to combine two or more investment 
                 divisions, or to substitute a new portfolio for the
                 portfolio in which an investment division invests. A 
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<PAGE>   20



                 substitution may become necessary if, in our judgment, a
                 portfolio no longer suits the purposes of this policy. This
                 may happen due to a change in laws or regulations, or a change
                 in a portfolio's investment objectives or restrictions, or
                 because the portfolio is no longer available for investment,
                 or for some other reason. We would get prior approval from the
                 insurance department of our state of domicile before making
                 such a substitution. This approval process is on file with the
                 insurance department of the jurisdiction in which this policy
                 is delivered. We would also get prior approval from the SEC
                 and any other required approvals before making such a
                 substitution.

                 We reserve the right to transfer assets of the separate
                 account, which we determine to be associated with the class of
                 policies to which this policy belongs, to another separate
                 account.

                 When permitted by law, we reserve the right to:
                       -  deregister the separate account under the Investment
                          Company Act of 1940;
                       -  operate the separate account as a management company
                          under the Investment Company Act of 1940;
                       -  restrict or eliminate any voting rights of
                          policyowners, or other persons who have voting
                          rights as to the separate account; and
                       -  combine the separate account with other separate
                          accounts.

                 RIGHT TO EXCHANGE POLICY
                 The owner may exchange this policy for a policy with benefits
                 that do not vary with the investment results of a separate
                 account if: 
                       -  there is a change in an investment adviser of
                          any portfolio; or 
                       -  there is a material change in the investment 
                          objectives or restrictions of any portfolio in
                          which the investment divisions invest.

                 We will notify the owner if there is any such change.  The
                 owner will be able to exchange this policy within 60 days
                 after our notice or the effective date of the change,
                 whichever is later.  No evidence of insurability is
                 required on exchange.

- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL INVESTMENT The TOTAL INVESTMENT BASE is the amount that this policy
BASE             provides for investment at any time.  It is the sum of the
                 investment base in each of the investment divisions.  The
                 owner selects the divisions to which to allocate the total
                 investment base. The maximum number of divisions to which 
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                                     - 20 -

<PAGE>   21



                 the total investment base may be allocated at any one time is
                 shown in Policy Schedule 1.

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                                     - 21 -

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- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
INVESTMENT BASE  ON THE POLICY DATE
IN EACH          On the policy date, the total investment base is allocated 
INVESTMENT       among the divisions as shown in Policy Schedule 1.
DIVISION
                 ON EACH SUBSEQUENT POLICY PROCESSING DATE 
                 As of each subsequent policy processing date, the 
                 investment base in each division is an amount calculated as 
                 follows:
                 (1)  We take the investment base in the division on the
                      preceding policy processing date.
                 (2)  We multiply (1) by the division's net rate of return
                      for the period.
                 (3)  We add (1) and (2).
                 (4)  We subtract from (3) the amounts allocated to that
                      division for:
                      (a) mortality cost;
                      (b) any administrative fees;
                      (c) any other fees we describe in Policy Schedule 2;
                          and
                      (d) the cost of any benefits provided by riders to
                          this policy.
                      If a policy processing date is on a policy
                      anniversary, we also subtract:
                      (a) any annual recovery of deferred policy loading;
                          and
                      (b) any net loan cost.
                      All amounts in (4) will be allocated to each division 
                      in the proportion that (3) bears to the total investment
                      base.
                 (5)  If the charges in (4) exceed the amount in (3), we 
                      will set the investment base in each division to zero. 
                      Such excess will be considered as an overdue charge as 
                      of such policy processing date.

                 DURING A POLICY PROCESSING PERIOD
                 On a date during a policy processing period, the investment
                 base in each division is determined as follows:
                 (1)  We take the investment base in that division on the
                      preceding policy processing date.
                 (2)  We multiply (1) by that division's net rate of return
                      for the period from the preceding policy processing
                      date to the date of the calculation.
                 (3)  We add (1) and (2).

- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CHARGES DEDUCTED MORTALITY COST
FROM INVESTMENT  We will determine the mortality cost on each policy 
BASE ON EACH     processing date after the policy date as follows: 
POLICY           (1)  We determine the policy's NET AMOUNT AT RISK as of the 
PROCESSING            previous policy processing date, which is equal to: 
DATE AFTER            (a) the death benefit as of such previous policy
THE POLICY DATE           processing date, less

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<PAGE>   23




                      (b) the cash value as of such previous policy
                          processing date.
                 (2)  We adjust (1) for interest at the rate used in our
                      computations which is shown in Policy Schedule 1 to
                      reflect that:
                      (a) we assume claims are paid immediately upon the
                          death of the insured, and
                      (b) we deduct the mortality cost at the end of a
                           policy processing period.
CHARGES DEDUCTED (3)  We divide (2) by $1,000.
FROM INVESTMENT  (4)  We determine the CURRENT MORTALITY RATE per $1,000
BASE ON EACH POLICY   based on the insured's sex, attained age, underwriting
PROCESSING DATE       class and the value of (3) above.
AFTER THE POLICY (5)  We multiply (3) by (4).
(CONTINUED)           In no event, will (5) be greater than the amount 
                      determined by substituting the tabular value as of the 
                      previous policy processing date for the amount of cash 
                      value in (1)(b) above and the guaranteed maximum 
                      mortality rate per $1,000 for the current mortality 
                      rate per $1,000 in (4).

                      We may change the current mortality rates per $1,000 from
                      time to time. Any change in the current rates will be as
                      described in CHANGES IN POLICY COST FACTORS. They will
                      never be more than the guaranteed maximum mortality rate
                      per $1,000 shown in Policy Schedule 4.

                 OTHER DEDUCTIONS 
                 Administrative and other fees and the annual recovery of
                 deferred policy loading are shown in Policy Schedule 2. The
                 annual recovery of deferred policy loading will be increased
                 if additional payments are made. See ADDITIONAL PAYMENT
                 OPTION. The net loan cost is described in the POLICY LOAN
                 provision. The cost of any benefits from riders is shown in
                 Policy Schedule 2.

- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
POLICY LOANS     A policy loan reduces the total investment base, while 
AND              repayment of a policy loan or any additional payment will 
ADDITIONAL       cause an increase in the total investment base. Policy 
PAYMENTS         loans or additional payments will be allocated to 
WILL CHANGE      investment divisions in accordance with the owner's 
OUR              instructions. See POLICY BENEFITS FOR THE OWNER for details 
CALCULATIONS     on CALCULATIONS policy loans and additional payments. 
                 The amounts allocated to an investment division during a
                 policy processing period will be credited with or charged with
                 the division's net rate of return from the date of allocation
                 to the next policy processing date.

- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
OWNER'S RIGHT    The owner can change the allocation of the total investment 
TO CHANGE        base among the investment divisions. The number of changes
ALLOCAITON OF    each year that we will allow is shown in Policy Schedule 1. 
TOTAL            To make a change, the owner must provide us with satisfactory 

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<PAGE>   24



INVESTMENT BASE  notice at our Service Center. The change will take effect when
                 we receive the notice. Our calculations will reflect the
                 change.

- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
WHAT HAPPENS ON  If part of the investment base is allocated to an investment 
THE MATURITY     division that has a maturity date, then, unless otherwise 
DATE OF AN       specified by the owner, the amounts in that division as of 
INVESTMENT       the maturity date will be allocated to the investment 
DIVISION         division designated for that purpose in Policy Schedule 1. 
                 We will notify the owner 30 days in advance of the maturity
                 date. To elect an allocation to other than the division
                 designated in Policy Schedule 1, the owner must provide
                 satisfactory notice to us at least 7 days prior to the
                 maturity date. The allocation on a maturity date will not be
                 considered a change in the allocation of the investment base
                 for purposes of the number of changes permitted.

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<PAGE>   25



- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
MEASUREMENT OF   The investment experience of an investment division is
INVESTMENT       determined at the end of each division's valuation period.
EXPERIENCE
                 INDEX OF INVESTMENT EXPERIENCE
                 We use an INDEX to measure changes in each investment
                 division's experience during a valuation period. We set the
                 index at $10 when the first investments in that division were
                 made. The index for a current valuation period equals the
                 index for the preceding valuation period multiplied by the
                 experience factor for the current period.

                 HOW WE DETERMINE THE EXPERIENCE FACTOR
                 The EXPERIENCE FACTOR for an investment division's valuation
                 period reflects the investment experience of the portfolio in
                 which the division invests as well as the charges assessed
                 against the division. The factor is calculated as follows: 
                 (1)     We take the net asset value as of the end of the 
                         current valuation period of the portfolio in which 
                         the division invests. 
                 (2)     We add to (1) the amount of any dividend or
                         capital gains distribution declared during the current
                         valuation period for the investment portfolio. We 
                         subtract from that amount a charge for our taxes, if
                         any. 
                 (3)     We divide (2) by the net asset value of the portfolio 
                         at the end of the preceding valuation period. 
                 (4)     We subtract a charge not to exceed the daily Asset 
                         Charge shown in Policy Schedule 2 for each day in the
                         valuation period. This charge is to cover expense, 
                         mortality and minimum death benefit guarantee risks
                         that we are assuming. 
                 (5)     For divisions investing in unit investment trusts 
                         only, we subtract an additional charge not to exceed 
                         the daily Trust Charge shown in Policy Schedule 2
                         for each day in the valuation period. This charge is 
                         to cover the actual costs incurred in the purchase or
                         sale of units of the trusts.

                 Calculations for divisions investing in the mutual fund
                 portfolios are made on a per share basis.  Calculations for
                 divisions investing in unit investment trusts are on a per
                 unit basis.

- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NET RATE OF      Here's how we find an investment division's NET RATE OF
RETURN FOR AN    RETURN for a policy processing period:
INVESTMENT       (1)   We determine the change in the division's index from
DIVISION               the policy processing date at the beginning of the
                       period to the policy processing date at the beginning
                       of the next period.
                 (2)   We divide this by the index as of the policy processing
                       date at the beginning of the period.
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<PAGE>   26




                  We follow a consistent method for less than a full policy
                  processing period.

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<PAGE>   27



                 
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                 POLICY BENEFITS FOR THE OWNER

                 There are important rights and benefits that are available to
                 the owner of this policy during your lifetime. We discuss some
                 of these rights and benefits in this section.

- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ADDITIONAL       The owner may make additional payments under this policy
PAYMENT OPTION   after the end of the free look period.  To make a payment,
                 the owner must provide us with satisfactory notice at our
                 Service Center. This may be subject to evidence of
                 insurability based on our underwriting rules. Restrictions on
                 additional payments, such as your attained age and the timing
                 and amount of each payment, are shown in Policy Schedule 1. We
                 reserve the right to defer acceptance of or to return any
                 additional payments. Unless otherwise specified by the owner,
                 additional payments will be used first to repay any policy
                 debt and treated as a loan repayment. See POLICY LOAN.

                 When an additional payment is to be treated as a
                 premium, here is what happens as of the date we
                 receive and accept the additional payment: 
                 -      The total investment base will increase by the amount
                        of the payment less any premium loading shown in Policy
                        Schedule 2.
                 -      The increase in the total investment base will be
                        allocated among the investment divisions in accordance
                        with instructions from the owner. If no such
                        instructions are received by us, allocation will be
                        among the investment divisions in proportion to the
                        investment base in each division as of the date we
                        receive and accept the additional payment.
                 -      The deferred policy loading in the policy year of
                        payment will increase. Such increase will be recovered
                        in level installments from this policy's investment
                        base. See Policy Schedule 2 for details.

                 As of the policy processing date on or next following the
                 date of receipt and acceptance of the additional payment:
                 -      The guaranteed benefits will increase.  See HOW WE
                        DETERMINE THE GUARANTEE PERIOD AND FACE AMOUNT.
                 -      The Variable Insurance Amount will reflect the
                        additional payment.

                 If you die prior to the policy processing date on or next
                 following the date of receipt and acceptance of any additional
                 payment, we will return the full amount of any additional
                 payments received during the policy processing period together
                 with the death benefit proceeds determined without taking into
                 account the additional payment.

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<PAGE>   28




                 A confirmation of receipt of the additional payment will
                 normally be sent within 7 days of receipt.

- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
CASH VALUE       CASH VALUE 
BENEFITS         We calculate the cash value as follows:

                 ON THE POLICY DATE 
                 The cash value equals the total investment base plus any
                 policy debt less the deferred policy loading for the first
                 policy year.

                 ON EACH SUBSEQUENT POLICY PROCESSING DATE
                 The cash value equals the total investment base plus the
                 policy debt, less the deferred policy loading for the current
                 policy year. On a policy processing date other than a policy
                 anniversary, we also subtract the pro-rata net loan cost since
                 the last policy anniversary (or since the policy date if
                 during the first policy year).

                 ON A DATE DURING A POLICY PROCESSING PERIOD
                 The cash value equals the total investment base plus the
                 policy debt as of such date, less the pro-rata net loan cost
                 since the last policy anniversary (or since the policy date if
                 during the first policy year), less the deferred policy
                 loading for the current policy year, less the pro-rata
                 mortality cost since the last policy processing date, and less
                 any administrative and other fees which would otherwise be
                 deducted on the next policy processing date.

                 SURRENDERING TO RECEIVE THE NET CASH VALUE
                 The owner can surrender this policy at any time and receive
                 its net cash value. The net cash value may be paid in cash or
                 under one or more income plans. See CHOOSING AN INCOME PLAN.
                 The NET CASH VALUE is the cash value minus any policy debt. To
                 surrender this policy, the owner must return it to our Service
                 Center with a signed request for surrender in a form
                 satisfactory to us. The surrender will take effect on the date
                 this policy and the request are sent to us. The net cash value
                 will vary daily. We will determine the net cash value as of
                 the date we receive this policy and the signed request at our
                 Service Center. We'll usually pay the net cash value within 7
                 days. But we may delay payment when we are not able to
                 determine the amount because: 
                 -   the NYSE is closed for trading; or 
                 -   the SEC determines that a state of emergency exists.

- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
POLICY LOAN      The owner may borrow money from us. This policy will be the
                 only security we require for the loan. A loan may be taken any
                 time this policy is in effect. The owner may repay all or part
                 of the loan at any time while you are living.

                 LOAN VALUE
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                 The loan value is:
                 -  75% of the cash value during the first 3 policy years; or 
                 -  90% of the cash value after the first 3 policy years.

                 The amount of the loan may not exceed the loan value. Any
                 existing policy debt will be deducted from a new loan. The
                 minimum permissible amount of any loan and repayment are shown
                 in Policy Schedule 1.

                 INTEREST
                 The loan interest rate is shown in Policy Schedule 1. 
                 Interest accrues (builds up) each day. Interest payments are
                 due at the end of each policy year. If interest isn't paid
                 when due, it will be added to the amount of the loan. The sum
                 of all outstanding loans plus accrued interest is called the
                 POLICY DEBT.

                 If the policy debt exceeds the larger of the cash value and
                 the tabular value, we will terminate this policy. We will not
                 do this, however, until 61 days after we mail notice of our
                 intent to terminate. We'll notify, at their last known

- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
POLICY LOAN      addresses, the owner and anyone who holds this policy as
(CONTINUED)      collateral.

                 EFFECT OF A LOAN
                 A loan will be transferred out of the separate account, and a
                 repayment will be transferred in. Loans and repayments will be
                 allocated among the investment divisions in accordance with
                 instructions given by the owner. The owner may change that
                 allocation by sending satisfactory notice to us. If no such
                 instructions are on record, the loan or repayment will be
                 allocated in proportion to the investment base in each
                 division as of the date of the loan or repayment.

- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                 A loan, WHETHER OR NOT REPAID, will have a PERMANENT EFFECT on
                 the cash values and may have a permanent effect on the death
                 benefits. See HOW VARIABLE LIFE INSURANCE WORKS. If not
                 repaid, the policy dept will reduce the amount of death
                 benefit proceeds and cash value benefits.

                 NET LOAN COST
                 The net loan cost will be calculated as follows:
                 (1)   We determine the policy debt as of the previous policy
                       anniversary.
                 (2)   We multiply (1) by the loan charge shown in Policy
                       Schedule 2.

                 Loans and repayments during a policy year will affect our
                 calculations.


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<PAGE>   30



                 WHEN WE WILL MAKE THE LOAN
                 We'll usually loan the money within 7 days after we receive a
                 request satisfactory to us. But we may delay making the loan
                 when we are not able to determine the loan value because: 
                 -   the NYSE is closed for trading; or 
                 -   the SEC determines that a state of emergency exists.

                 If the loan is to be used to pay premiums on another Variable
                 Life Insurance Policy offered by us, we'll make the loan
                 immediately.

- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ASSIGNMENT-USING The owner can assign this policy as collateral security for
THIS POLICY AS   a loan or other obligation.  This does not change the
COLLATERAL       ownership.  But the owner's rights and any beneficiary's
SECURITY         rights are subject to the terms of the assignment.  To make
                 or release an assignment, we must receive written notice,
                 satisfactory to us, at our Service Center.  We're not
                 responsible for the validity of any assignment.

- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
RIGHT TO         The owner may exchange this policy for a policy with 
EXCHANGE FOR     benefits that do not vary with the investment results of a 
FIXED LIFE       separate account. The exchange must be elected within 18 
INSURANCE        months from the date of issue. No evidence of insurability
                 will be required.

                 The owner may also exchange this policy under other
                 circumstances. See CHANGES WITHIN THE SEPARATE ACCOUNT. 
                 We'll issue the new policy on your life after we receive:
                 -   a proper written request; and
                 -   this policy.


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- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
RIGHT TO         OTHER FACTS ABOUT THE NEW POLICY 
EXCHANGE FOR     The new policy's owner and beneficiary will be the same as 
FIXED LIFE       those of this policy as of the date of the exchange. The new 
INSURANCE        policy will have the same issue age, issue date, face amount, 
(CONTINUED)      cash value and underwriting class as this policy. Any policy
                 debt under this policy will be carried over to the new
                 policy.

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- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                              INSURANCE BENEFITS

- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
VARIABLE         The Variable Insurance Amount on the policy date equals the
INSURANCE AMOUNT cash value as of such date multiplied by the net single
                 premium factor for your issue age. Thereafter, the Variable
                 Insurance Amount will vary on each policy processing date
                 based on the investment results and any additional payments
                 made. The Variable Insurance Amount will be determined as of
                 each policy processing date and will remain constant for the
                 following policy processing period. It will be determined as
                 follows:
                 (1)    We determine the cash value of the policy as of such
                        date; and
                 (2)    We multiply (1) by the net single premium factor for
                        your attained age as of such date.

                 In no event will the Variable Insurance Amount on such policy
                 processing date be less than that required to keep this policy
                 qualified as life insurance under the Federal income tax laws.
                 The table of net single premium factors is shown in Policy
                 Schedule 3.

- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
HOW WE DETERMINE ON THE POLICY DATE
THE GUARANTEE    The Guarantee Period and face amount on the policy date are
PERIOD AND FACE  shown in Policy Schedule 1. The Guarantee Period and face
AMOUNT           amount are not affected by investment results nor the
                 allocation of the total investment base among the investment
                 divisions. They will change as described below as a result of
                 additional payments.

                 WHEN AN ADDITIONAL PAYMENT IS MADE 
                 (1)    We take the immediate increase in cash value resulting
                        from the additional payment.
                 (2)    We add to (1) interest at the rate used in our
                        computations shown in Policy Schedule 1 for the period
                        from the date we receive and accept the additional
                        payment as a premium to the policy processing date on
                        or next following such date. This is the GUARANTEE
                        ADJUSTMENT AMOUNT.
                 (3)    If the Guarantee Period prior to payment is less than
                        for life; The total of the guarantee adjustment amount
                        and the tabular value will be used to calculate a new
                        Guarantee Period. Any part of such total in excess of
                        the amount required to increase the Guarantee Period to
                        the whole of life will be applied as in (4) below.
                 (4)    If the Guarantee Period is for life; The guarantee
                        adjustment amount or excess amount from (3) above will
                        be applied as a net single premium for the whole of
                        life to increase the face amount of this policy.

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<PAGE>   33



- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
HOW WE DETERMINE TABULAR VALUE
THE GUARANTEE    The tabular value at issue of this policy equals this 
PERIOD AND FACE  policy's cash value. Thereafter, the tabular value equals 
AMOUNT           the present value of future death benefits from the date of 
(CONTINUED)      calculation to the end of the Guarantee Period. For the
                 purpose of this calculation, the death benefit used is this
                 policy's face amount as of the date of calculation.

                 All calculations will be based on the mortality table and
                 interest rate used in our computations shown in Policy
                 Schedule 1.

- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PROCEEDS         We will pay the death benefit proceeds to the beneficiary
PAYABLE TO       upon your death.  The proceeds may be paid in cash or under
THE BENEFICIARY  one or more income plans.  See CHOOSING AN INCOME PLAN.

                 DEATH BENEFIT PROCEEDS
                 Death benefit proceeds are determined as follows:
                 (1)    We determine this policy's death benefit, which is the
                        larger of the face amount and the Variable Insurance
                        Amount.
                 (2)    We subtract from (1) any policy debt.
                 (3)    We add to (2) any amounts due from riders.

                 We will subtract from (3) any overdue charges if you die
                 during the grace period.

                 The values above will be those as of your date of death. The
                 death benefit as of the date of death will never be less than
                 that required to keep this policy qualified as life insurance
                 under the Federal income tax laws.

                 HOW TO CLAIM DEATH BENEFIT PROCEEDS
                 The beneficiary should contact our Service Center for
                 instructions. We'll usually pay the proceeds within 7 days
                 after we receive proof of your death, and any other
                 requirements. We may delay payment of all or part of the death
                 benefit if we have not been able to determine this policy's
                 cash value as of the last policy processing date because: 
                 -  the NYSE is closed for trading; or 
                 -  the SEC determines that a state of emergency exists.

                 If a delay is necessary and death occurs prior to the end of
                 the Guarantee Period or during a grace period, we may delay
                 payment of any excess of the death benefit over the face
                 amount. After the Guarantee Period and as long as this policy
                 is not in the grace period, we may delay payment of the entire
                 death benefit. We will add interest to the death benefit
                 proceeds at an annual rate of at least 4% from the
                 date of death to the date of payment. Interest added to

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<PAGE>   34




                 death benefit proceeds will not be less than that required by
                 any applicable law.

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- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                 CHOOSING AN INCOME PLAN

                 The owner may choose one or more income plans for the payment
                 of death benefit proceeds during your lifetime. If, at the
                 time of your death, no plan has been chosen for paying death
                 benefit proceeds, the beneficiary may choose a plan within one
                 year. The owner may also elect an income plan on surrender of
                 the policy for its net cash value. For each plan we'll issue a
                 separate written agreement putting the plan into effect.

                 Our approval is needed for any plan where:
                 -   the person named to receive payment is other than the owner
                     or beneficiary; or
                 -   the person named is not a natural person, such as a
                     corporation; or 
                 -   any income payment would be less than $100.

- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
THE INCOME PLANS There are six income plans to choose from.  They are:

                 PLAN 1.  INCOME FOR A FIXED PERIOD
                 Payment is made in equal installments for a fixed number of
                 years. We guarantee each monthly payment will be at least the
                 amount shown in the following table. Values for annual,
                 semi-annual or quarterly payments are available on request.

<TABLE>                                                                     
<CAPTION>                                                                   
                       Table of Income for a Fixed Period                   
                       (Payments for Each $1,000 Applied)                   
                 ---------------------------------------------------------  
                       Fixed Period  Monthly    Fixed Period   Monthly      
                         of Years    Income       of Years     Income       
                        ----------   ------     ------------   ------       
                           <S>       <C>           <C>         <C>          
                             1       $84.47        16          $6.53        
                             2        42.86        17           6.23        
                             3        28.99        18           5.96        
                             4        22.06        19           5.73        
                             5        17.91        20           5.51        
                             6        15.14        21           5.32        
                             7        13.16        22           5.15        
                             8        11.68        23           4.99        
                             9        10.53        24           4.84        
                            10         9.61        25           4.71        
                            11         8.86        26           4.59        
                            12         8.24        27           4.47        
                            13         7.71        28           4.37        
                            14         7.26        29           4.27        
                            15         6.87        30           4.18        
                 ---------------------------------------------------------  
</TABLE>                                        

                 PLAN 2. INCOME FOR LIFE
                 Payment is made to the person named in equal monthly
                 installments and guaranteed for at least a period certain.
                 The period certain can be 10 or 20 years. Other periods

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                                     - 35 -

<PAGE>   36



                 certain are available on request. A refund certain may be
                 chosen instead. Under this arrangement, income is guaranteed
                 until payments equal the amount applied. If the person named
                 lives beyond the guaranteed payments, payments continue until
                 his or her death.

                 We guarantee each payment will be at least the amount shown in
                 the following table. By age we mean the named person's age on
                 his or her birthday nearest the plan's effective date. Amounts
                 for ages not shown are available on request.

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                                     - 36 -

<PAGE>   37



- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
THE INCOME                  Tables for Income for Life
PLANS            (Monthly Payments for Each $1,000 Applied)
(CONTINUED)

<TABLE> 
<CAPTION>

                 --------------------------------------------------------------------- 
                                          Payments to a Male                           
                                                                                       
                 Age       10 Years Certain      20 Years Certain      Refund Certain  
                 ---       ----------------      ----------------      --------------  
<S>              <C>             <C>                  <C>                 <C>          
                 0-10            $3.24                $3.23               $3.22        
                 15               3.32                 3.31                3.30        
                 20               3.41                 3.40                3.39        
                 25               3.52                 3.51                3.50        
                 30               3.66                 3.64                3.63        
                 35               3.84                 3.81                3.79        
                 40               4.07                 4.00                3.99        
                 45               4.36                 4.23                4.24        
                 50               4.71                 4.50                4.54        
                 55               5.14                 4.79                4.92        
                 60               5.68                 5.10                5.39        
                 65               6.35                 5.38                6.01        
                 70               7.17                 5.60                6.83        
                 75               8.07                 5.72                7.94        
                 80               8.93                 5.75                9.48        
                 85 & over        9.54                 5.75                 --         
                 --------------------------------------------------------------------- 
<CAPTION>
                                                                                       
                 --------------------------------------------------------------------- 
                                           Payments to a Female                        
                                                                                       
                 Age       10 Years Certain     20 Years Certain      Refund Certain   
                 ---       ----------------     ----------------      --------------   
<S>              <C>             <C>                  <C>                 <C>          
                 0-10            $3.17                $3.16               $3.15        
                 15               3.23                 3.22                3.21        
                 20               3.30                 3.29                3.28        
                 25               3.39                 3.38                3.37        
                 30               3.50                 3.49                3.48        
                 35               3.64                 3.62                3.61        
                 40               3.81                 3.78                3.77        
                 45               4.04                 3.99                3.98        
                 50               4.33                 4.23                4.24        
                 55               4.70                 4.53                4.57        
                 60               5.17                 4.87                4.99        
                 65               5.80                 5.22                5.55        
                 70               6.63                 5.51                6.32        
                 75               7.64                 5.68                7.39        
                 80               8.64                 5.74                8.85        
                 85 & over        9.33                 5.75                 --         
                 --------------------------------------------------------------------- 
</TABLE>

                 PLAN 3. INTEREST PAYMENT
                 Amounts can be left with us to earn interest at an annual rate
                 of at least 3%. Interest payments can be made annually,
                 semi-annually, quarterly or monthly.

                 PLAN 4. INCOME OF A FIXED AMOUNT
SP86
                                     - 37 -

<PAGE>   38


THE INCOME       Payments of an agreed fixed amount are made annually, semi- 
PLANS            annually, quarterly or monthly. The fixed amount per year 
(CONTINUED)      must be at least $60 for each $1,000 of the amount applied.
                 The amount applied will earn interest at an annual rate of at
                 least 3%. Payments will continue until the amount applied and
                 interest are fully paid.

                 PLAN 5. JOINT LIFE INCOME
                 This plan is available if there are two persons named to
                 receive payments. At least one of the persons named must be
                 either the owner or beneficiary of this policy. Monthly
                 payments are made as long as at least one of the named persons
                 is living. We guarantee the payments will be at least the
                 amount shown in the following table while both named persons
                 are alive. When one dies, we guarantee to continue paying the
                 other at least two-thirds of the amount shown. By age we mean
                 the named person's age on his or her birthday nearest the
                 plan's effective date. Amounts for two males, two females, or
                 for ages not shown in the table below are available on
                 request.


                           Table of Joint Life Income
                   (Monthly Payments for Each $1,000 Applied)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                   Female Age

                             55        60      65       70      75
                          --------------------------------------------
<S>                    <C>   <C>      <C>     <C>      <C>     <C>  
                       50    $4.55    $4.76   $4.99    $5.26   $5.56

                       55     4.75     4.99    5.27     5.59    5.95

                       60     4.96     5.25    5.59     5.98    6.42

Male Age               65     5.18     5.53    5.94     6.43    6.99

                       70     5.43     5.84    6.33     6.94    7.66

                       75     5.69     6.16    6.73     7.49    8.41
                           -------------------------------------------
</TABLE>

                 PLAN 6. ANNUITY PLAN
                 An amount can be used to buy any single premium annuity we
                 offer on the plan's effective date. However, the annuity can
                 be bought at a rate 3% less than the rate new applicants pay.
                 Annuities combine features of guaranteed income and payment
                 similar to plans 2 and 5.

- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PAYMENTS         WHEN When the person named to receive payments dies, we 
NAMED PERSON     will pay any amount still due as provided by the plan 
DIES             agreement. The amounts still due are determined as follows:

                 - For plans 1, 2, or 4, any remaining guaranteed payments will
                   be continued. Under plan 4, any unpaid proceeds with 
SP86
                                      - 38 -

<PAGE>   39



                 any accrued interest may be paid in a single sum. Under plans
                 1 and 2, the discounted values of the remaining guaranteed
                 payments may be paid in a single sum. This means we deduct the
                 amount of the interest each remaining guaranteed payment would
                 have earned had it not been paid out early. The discount
                 interest rate is 3% for plan 1 and 3 1/2% for plan 2. But we
                 will use the interest rate we used to calculate the payment
                 for plans 1 and 2, if they were not based on the table in this
                 policy.
                 -   For plan 3, we'll pay the amount left with us and any
                     accrued interest.
                 -   For plan 5, no amounts are payable after both named 
                     persons have died.
                 -   For plan 6, the annuity agreement will state the amount 
                     due, if any.

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

                 OTHER IMPORTANT INFORMATION

- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
LIMITS ON OUR    We rely on the statements made in the applications.
CONTESTING       Legally, they are considered representations, not
THIS POLICY      warranties.  We can contest the validity of this policy if
                 any material misstatements are made in the
                 initial application, a copy of which is attached.
                 We can also contest any amount of death benefit
                 which would not be payable except for the fact
                 that an additional payment was made if any
                 material misstatements are made in any
                 application required with the additional payment.

                 We won't contest the validity of this policy
                 after this policy has been in effect during your
                 lifetime for two years from the date of issue.
                 Nor will we contest any amount of death benefit
                 attributable to an additional payment after it
                 has been in effect during your lifetime for two
                 years from the date of such payment.

                 If this policy is reinstated this provision will
                 be measured from the effective date of the
                 reinstated policy.

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

WHEN WE WILL     At any time before the end of the Guarantee Period, we will
TERMINATE THIS   terminate this policy only if the policy debt exceeds the 
POLICY           larger of the cash value and the tabular value. See POLICY
                 LOAN provision. At any time after the end of the Guarantee
                 Period, we will terminate this policy if the net cash value as
                 of a policy processing date less the overdue charges as of
                 such date is negative.  We will not do this, however, until
                 the end of the grace period.

WHEN WE WILL     GRACE PERIOD

SP86
                                     - 39 -

<PAGE>   40


TERMINATE THIS   The grace period will end 61 days after we mail a notice 
POLICY           that we may terminate this policy because of insufficient cash
                 value. To avoid termination, the owner must pay us at least
                 the grace amount shown in Policy Schedule 1. This amount will
                 be specified on the notice we send. If you die during the
                 grace period, we will pay the beneficiary the death benefit
                 proceeds in effect immediately prior to the grace period
                 reduced by any overdue charges.

                 REINSTATEMENT
                 If we have terminated this policy at the end of the grace
                 period, the owner may reinstate it by making an additional
                 payment while you are alive if:
                 -  The owner asks for reinstatement within three (3) years
                    after the end of the grace period;
                 -  We receive satisfactory evidence of your insurability; and
                 -  The Guarantee Period after reinstatement is at least 5 years
                    from the effective date of the reinstated policy.

                 The effective date of the reinstated policy will be the policy
                 processing date on or next following the date we approve your
                 reinstatement application.

- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
QUARTERLY REPORT We will send the owner a report four (4) times a policy year
                 within 31 days after the end of each policy quarter. The
                 report will show the death benefit, cash value, and policy
                 debt as of the end of the policy quarter. The report will also
                 show the allocation of the total investment base as of such
                 date and the amounts deducted from or added to the total
                 investment base since the last quarterly report. the report
                 will also include any other information that may be currently
                 required by the insurance supervisory official of the
                 jurisdiction in which this policy is delivered.

- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CHANGING THIS    This policy or any benefit riders may be changed to another
POLICY           plan of insurance according to our rules at the time of the
                 change.

- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
POLICY CHANGES - For you and the owner to receive the tax treatment
APPLICABLE TAX   accorded to life insurance under Federal law, this
LAW              policy must qualify initially and continue to qualify as life
                 insurance under the Internal Revenue Code or successor law.
                 Therefore, to assure this qualification, we have reserved in
                 this policy the right to defer acceptance of or to return any
                 additional payments that would cause the policy to fail to
                 qualify as life insurance under applicable tax law as
                 interpreted by us. Further, we reserve the right to make
                 changes in this policy or its riders or to make distributions

SP86
                                     - 40 -

<PAGE>   41


                 from the policy to the extent we deem it necessary to continue
                 to qualify this policy as life insurance. Any such changes
                 will apply uniformly to all policies that are affected. The
                 owner will be given advance written notice of such changes.

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

ERROR IN AGE     If an age or sex as stated in the application is wrong, it
OR SEX           could mean the face amount, Guarantee Period, or any other
                 policy benefit is wrong. Therefore, amounts
                 payable under this policy or its riders will be
                 what the premium paid would have bought at the
                 true age or sex.

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

SUICIDE          If you commit suicide within two years from the date of 
                 issue, while sane or insane, the death benefit will be limited
                 to the amount of the single premium paid.

                 If you commit suicide, while sane or insane, within two years
                 of any date we receive and accept an additional payment, any
                 amount of death benefit which would not be payable except for
                 the fact that the additional payment was made will be limited
                 to the amount of the additional payment.

                 The death benefit WE will pay will be reduced by any policy
                 debt.

- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CLAIMS OF        The proceeds of this policy will be free from creditors' 
CREDITORS        claims to the extent allowed by law.

- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NON-PARTICIPATING   This policy does not participate in the divisible surplus 
                    of Monarch.

- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AUTHORITY TO     All agreements made by us must be signed by our president
MAKE AGREEMENTS  or a vice president and by our secretary or an assistant
                 secretary.  No other person, including an insurance agent or
                 broker, can:
                 -  change any of this policy's terms;
                 -  extend the time for paying premiums; or
                 -  make any agreement binding on us.

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

CHANGES IN POLICY   Changes in policy cost factors (expense charges, current
COST FACTORS        mortality rates, net loan costs) will be by class and based
                    upon changes in future expectations for such elements as:
                    mortality, persistency, expenses and taxes. Any change in
                    policy cost factors will be determined in accordance with
                    procedures and standards on file, if 
SP86

                                     - 41 -

<PAGE>   42


                    required, with the insurance supervisory official of the
                    jurisdiction in which this policy is delivered

- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
REQUIRED NOTE ON Our computations of reserves, cash values, tabular values, 
OUR COMPUTATIONS net single premiums, and net single premium factors are based
                 on interest at the rate shown in Policy Schedule 1. Our
                 computations are based on the mortality table shown in Policy
                 Schedule 1. When making our computations, we assume that death
                 claims are paid immediately. Mortality and expense risks of
                 Monarch shall not adversely affect the dollar amount of
                 insurance benefits or cash values.

                 We have filed a detailed statement of our computations with
                 the insurance supervisor of the state or jurisdiction where
                 this policy is delivered. All policy values equal or exceed
                 those required by the law of that state or jurisdiction. Any
                 benefit provided by an attached rider will not increase these
                 values unless stated in that rider.

                 We also use the mortality table shown in Policy Schedule 1 as
                 the basis for our computations of the maximum mortality costs.
                 Our computations reflect the insured's attained age, sex and
                 underwriting class.

SP86
                                     - 42 -

<PAGE>   43



[LOGO]           MONARCH LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY  SPRINGFIELD, MASSACHUSETTS
                 APPLICATION FOR MODIFIED SINGLE PREMIUM VARIABLE LIFE
                 INSURANCE

- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
INFORMATION ABOUT    [X] Mr. [ ] Mrs. [ ] Miss [ ] Ms. [ ] Other: ________
THE PROPOSED     Marital status:Married
INSURED
                 Last name  ROE        First RICHARD            Middle
                 --------------------------------------------------------------

                 Street address (permanent residence) 80 Any Street
                 --------------------------------------------------------------

                 City SPRINGFIELD       State MASS.           Zip Code 01133
                 --------------------------------------------------------------

                 Telephone (413)555-1111   Soc. Sec. or tax ID no.000-00-0000
                 --------------------------------------------------------------

                 Date                   Place                     Age nearest
                 of birth 1  / 1 / 51   of birth MASS  Sex M      birthday 35
                 --------------------------------------------------------------

                 Height 5'11" Weight 170 Occupation and duties Management
                 --------------------------------------------------------
                 Consultant
                 ----------
                           
                 During the past FIVE YEARS, has the proposed insured:

                 (1)   had heart, liver, lung or kidney trouble, high blood
                       pressure, stroke, diabetes, cancer or nervous disorder?
                       [ ] Yes [X] No

                 (2)   been hospitalized or received medical or surgical 
                       treatment or advice for any ailment, sickness or injury 
                       other than colds, minor viral infection, minor injuries
                       and normal pregnancies? [ ] Yes [ ] No

IF ANSWER TO     Condition(s)                                   Date(s)
QUESTION 1 OR 2  --------------------------------------------------------------
IS YES, PLEASE   Treatment or advice
GIVE DETAILS     --------------------------------------------------------------
HERE.            Physician/Hospital                  Address
                 --------------------------------------------------------------
                 (3)   Has the proposed insured smoked any cigarettes within
                       the last 12 months? [X] Yes [ ] No

ATTACH ADDITIONAL(4)   Has the proposed insured ever been refused life
PAGE IF MORE           insurance, been offered a modified or rated policy, or
SPACE IS NEEDED.       had an insurance company postpone, cancel or withdraw
                       an application for life insurance? [ ] Yes [X] No

IF ANSWER TO     (5)   Does the proposed insured now perform his/her usual
QUESTIONS              occupational duties full-time? [ ] Yes [ ] No
4, 5 OR 6        (6)   Has the proposed insured engaged in hang gliding,
IS YES, EXPLAIN        skydiving or motor vehicle racing in the past year, or
IN REMARKS.            plan to engage in these activities within the next two
                       years? [ ] Yes [X] No


APP86-5
                                       1

<PAGE>   44



                 (7)   Has the proposed insured flown other than as a
                       passenger in the past 24 months? [ ] Yes [X] No
                       Hours last 12 months: ___
                       Hours previous 12 months: ___
                       Type of license: _______________________

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

INFORMATION ABOUT      Name(s) MARY ROE
THE OWNER              --------------------------------------------------------
(IF DIFFERENT FROM     Street address 80 Any Street    Telephone (413)555-1111
PROPOSED INSURED)      --------------------------------------------------------
                       City  SPRINGFIELD   State      MASS.     Zip Code 00113
                       --------------------------------------------------------
                       Relationship to                 Soc. Sec. or
                       proposed insured  WIFE          tax ID no. 000-00-0000
                       --------------------------------------------------------
                       Contingent owner NONE
                       --------------------------------------------------------

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

INFORMATION      Basic cover: $100,000        Single premium and/or
ABOUT THE PLAN                ---------------
APPLIED FOR      $____________ Face amount
                 IF YOU DO NOT SPECIFY BOTH, YOU MUST SPECIFY EITHER:
                 [ ] Guarantee Period for Life (maximum investment)
                 [ ] Minimum Guarantee Period (maximum face amount)

                 IMMEDIATE ANNUITY RIDER: $_________ Single premium or $
                 _________ income per ___________
                 [ ] Ten year certain [ ] Other (as limited by our rules),
                 SPECIFY: ____________________________________________

                 OPTIONAL RIDERS (CHARGES DEDUCTED FROM INVESTMENT BASE):
                 [ ] Guarantee of insurability
                 [ ] Other, specify: ________________
                 [ ] Other, specify: ________________

                 AMOUNT SUBMITTED WITH APPLICATION (MAKE CHECK PAYABLE TO
                 MONARCH LIFE):
                 Basic cover $______________
                 Immediate Annuity Rider $_________________
                 Total $________________

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

INFORMATION ON   The applicant has received a copy of Edition No. 1
THE INVESTMENT'S                                                  --
SUITABILITY      of the prospectus, and understands ___

                   (8)  the  policy's cash value may increase or decrease
                        depending on the investment results and the cash
                        value on surrender may be less than the policy's
                        investment base?
                        [ ] Yes [ ] No

IF ANSWER TO       (9)  the death benefit (exclusive of optional
QUESTION 11 IS YES,     benefits) may increase or decrease depending
LIST ALL COMPANIES      on the investment results, but will never be
AND POLICY NUMBERS      less than the guaranteed minimum during the
IN REMARKS.             Guarantee Period?  [ ] Yes [ ] No

APP86-5
                                       2

<PAGE>   45


                   (10) the policy is a long-term commitment to meet
                        insurance needs and financial goals?
                        [x] Yes [ ] No

                   (11) Will this policy replace or change an existing
                        insurance policy or annuity?  [ ] Yes [X] No

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

INFORMATION ON THE  DIVISION                    VARIABLE ACCOUNT A
INITIAL INVESTMENT  (SPECIFY BY NAME)           (SPECIFY BY LETTER
ALLOCATION                                      DESIGNATION)
(BASIC COVERAGE
ONLY)               Money   100% or $____
                            ---
                    Reserve
                    -------
                    _______ ___% or $____       Note: Allocation of initial
SHOW THE AMOUNT     _______ ___% or $____       investment base to other than
IN DOLLARS OR       _______ ___% or $____       a money market division is
PERCENTAGES (IN     _______ ___% or $____       subject to the provisions of
WHOLE NUMBERS).     Total   ___% or $____       the prospectus and Monarch
                                                Life Insurance Company's rules
                                                and limits.  Any change in
                                                allocation prior to the
                                                issuance of the policy must
                                                requested by the applicant
                                                in  writing.

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

INFORMATION ABOUT   BENEFICIARY(IES):           CONTINGENT BENEFICIARY(IES):
THE BENEFICIARY
                    --------------------------  -----------------------------
SHOW NAME(S) AND    --------------------------  -----------------------------
RELATIONSHIP(S)     --------------------------  -----------------------------
TO PROPOSED
INSURED.            The owner reserves the right to change the beneficiary 
                    unless indicated above.

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

REMARKS
(ATTACH             -----------------------------------------------------------
ADDITIONAL PAGE     -----------------------------------------------------------
IF NECESSARY)       -----------------------------------------------------------

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

IMPORTANT           Upon request, illustration of death benefits and cash
INFORMATION         values comparing the policy applied for and fixed life
                    insurance policy for the same premium will be furnished.

                    The death benefit under a policy may increase or decrease
                    on each policy processing date, depending upon the
                    investment results of the policy. Regardless of investment
                    results, the death benefit can never be less than the
                    guaranteed minimum

APP86-5
                                       3

<PAGE>   46


                    during the Guarantee Period. The policy's cash value may
                    increase or decrease on any day, depending upon the
                    investment results. No minimum cash value is guaranteed.

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

AGREEMENT AND       By signing below, you acknowledge the explanation above and
SIGNATURES          agree that to the best of your knowledge, all statements and
                    answers in this application are complete and true and may
                    be relied upon in determining whether to issue the policy.
                    Your answers will form a part of any policy to be issued,
                    and no medical examiner or registered representative has
AGREEMENT AND       authority to modify this agreement or waive any of Monarch's
SIGNATURES          rights or requirements.

                    You also understand that no policy will take effect unless
                    while the insured is living, the single premium is paid and
                    the policy is delivered to and accepted by the owner and
                    unless answers and statements in this application continue
                    to be complete and true at the time of such payment and
                    delivery.

                    Proposed insured RICHARD ROE            Applicant MARY ROE
                    --------------------------------        ------------------
                    Agent/Witness JOHN Q. AGENT             Agent/Witness 
                    --------------------------------        ------------------
                    Date of application 1/1/86     City Springfield  State MA 
                    -----------------------------------------------------------
                    Print name of 
                    Registered Representative JOHN Q. AGENT 
                    -----------------------------------------------------------
                    Soc. Sec. no.000-00-0000 
                    -----------------------------------------------------------
                    Broker-Dealer SPRINGFIELD EQUITIES Branch office SPRINGFIELD
                    ------------------------------------------------------------

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

MODIFIED SINGLE         Variable life insurance payable upon death of insured.
PREMIUM VARIABLE        Death benefit subject to guaranteed minimum during
LIFE INSURANCE POLICY   Guarantee Period.  Guaranteed minimum is policy's face
                        amount. Single premium. Additional payment option.
                        Non-participating. Investment results reflected in
                        policy benefits.

APP86-5
                                       4


<PAGE>   1
                                                           EXHIBIT 1.A.(5)(b1)

           --------------------------------------------------------------------
           [LOGO]  MONARCH LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY    SPRINGFIELD, MASSACHUSETTS



           --------------------------------------------------------------------
           GUARANTEE OF INSURABILITY RIDER

           This rider gives the owner the right to make additional payments at
           specified times under the Additional Payment Option of this policy,
           without our requiring a medical examination or other proof that you
           are still insurable. This right is called a Guaranteed Option.

- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
GUARANTEED OPTIONS - While this rider is in effect, the owner has a
                     Guaranteed Option on each of the first five policy
                     anniversaries.
                   - The owner may extend the Guaranteed Options to include a
                     maximum of the next five policy anniversaries by
                     submitting evidence of insurability which is satisfactory
                     to us at least 30 days before the sixth policy
                     anniversary. In no event will we allow a Guaranteed Option
                     after the policy anniversary nearest the maximum age
                     specified for purposes of this rider in Policy Schedule 1.
                   - If requested by the owner, we will send a notice
                     reminding the owner of each Guaranteed Option.

- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
REQUIREMENT FOR    - We must receive satisfactory notice and the
USING A GUARANTEED   additional payment while you are alive and not more
OPTION               than 30 days before or 30 days after the policy
                     anniversary.
                   - If the owner does not exercise the Guaranteed Option
                     within the period indicated, this rider will end.
                   - The amount of the additional payment must be at least
                     $1,000, but not more than the maximum stated for purposes
                     of this rider in Policy Schedule 1.

- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ABOUT THE          - The premium loading and deferred policy loading
ADDITIONAL PAYMENT   will be as shown for an additional payment in Policy 
                     Schedule 2.
                   - The additional payment that we accept will increase the
                     policy values and will be allocated among the investment
                     divisions as provided for under the Additional Payment
                     Option of this policy.

- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CHARGE FOR THIS   The charge, if any, for this rider is shown in Policy 
RIDER             Schedule 2. This charge will be deducted from the
                  investment base on the policy processing dates after the
                  policy date while this rider is in effect.

- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
GI086-S

<PAGE>   2



- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
WHEN THIS RIDER  This rider will end on the earliest of the following: 
ENDS             -  Upon written request from the owner;
                 -  30 days after the policy anniversary nearest the maximum
                    age specified for purposes of this rider in Policy Schedule
                    1; 
                 -  The sixth policy anniversary if the owner has not extended
                    the Guaranteed Options;
                 -  The tenth policy anniversary if the owner has extended the
                    Guaranteed Options;
                 -  The failure to exercise a Guaranteed Option; or 
                 -  The date this policy ends.

- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
       This rider is part of the policy to which it's attached.




                     Secretary                               President

                                     - 2 -
GI086-S

 




<PAGE>   1

                                                             EXHIBIT 1.A.(5)(b2)


<TABLE>
<S>                       <C>
                          -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
          [LOGO]          MONARCH LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY                                 SPRINGFIELD, MASSACHUSETTS

                          -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                          DEATH BENEFIT PROCEEDS PAYMENT RIDER

                          This rider gives the owner the right to apply under the Additional Payment Option of
                          this policy all or part of the death benefit proceeds payable to you as beneficiary
                          under another variable life insurance policy issued by us.

                          In this rider, the phrase OTHER POLICY refers to the variable life insurance policy
                          issued by us under which you are to receive the death benefit proceeds in a single
                          sum as the sole beneficiary.


- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
REQUIREMENTS FOR          -    A satisfactory written request must be received by us within 90 days of the
PAYMENT                        death of the insured of the other policy while you are alive.

                          -    We will not require evidence of insurability if the amount of additional
                               payment is less than the maximum amount shown in Policy Schedule 1.


                          -    You must be the owner of this policy or become the owner of this policy upon
                               the death of the insured under the other policy.


                          -    You must not be less than 20 years of age nor more than 75 years of age on the
                               date of the additional payment under this policy.

                          -    You must be the spouse of the insured and beneficiary under the other policy.

                          -    You must have been the beneficiary under the other policy for the lesser of
                               three years or the period from the policy date of the other policy.


- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ABOUT THE ADDITIONAL      -   The premium loading and deferred policy Payment loading will be as shown for an
PAYMENT                       additional payment in Policy Schedule 2.

                          -   The additional payment that we accept will increase the policy values and will
                              be allocated among the investment divisions as provided for under the Additional
                              Payment Option of this policy.


- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
WHEN THIS                 This rider will end on the earliest of the following:
RIDER ENDS

                          -   Upon written request form the owner;
                          -   The policy anniversary nearest your 75th birthday;
</TABLE>
<PAGE>   2
<TABLE>
     <S>                  <C>
                          -   90 days after the death of the insured of the other policy; or

                          -   The date this policy ends.

- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                       This rider is part of the policy to which it's attached.




                          Secretary                                   President
</TABLE>

DBP86-S

<PAGE>   1

                                                          EXHIBIT 1.A.(5)(b3)

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

[LOGO]                            MONARCH LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY SPRINGFIELD,
                                                                 MASSACHUSETTS

                  --------------------------------------------------------------
                  SINGLE PREMIUM IMMEDIATE ANNUITY RIDER

                                                                               
                  This rider provides income payments to the owner for a fixed
                  period. Policy Schedule R shows when payments start and end,
                  how often payments will be made and the amount of each
                  payment.
                                                                               
                  In this rider, the Policy Schedule R is Policy Schedule
                  R-SPIA. In this rider, as in the basic policy, the word YOU
                  refers to the insured shown in Policy Schedule R.

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

SINGLE            Policy Schedule R shows the single premium which is payable
PREMIUM           for this rider.

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

RIDER DATE OF     This rider's date of issue is the same as this policy's unless
ISSUE             a later date is shown in Policy Schedule R.   This rider takes
                  effect on its date of issue or when the singe premium is paid,
                  whichever is later:

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

RIDER DATE        The rider date is used to determine rider payment dates, rider
                  years and anniversaries. It is the same as the policy date, 
                  unless a later date is shown in Policy Schedule R.

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

RIDER VALUE       The rider value at the end of each rider year is shown in
                  Policy Schedule R. For any date other than a rider
                  anniversary, the rider value is adjusted for the lapse of
                  time and income payments made since the last rider
                  anniversary. Values for dates not shown are available on
                  request.



SPIAC86-S
<PAGE>   2
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

DEATH BENEFIT     If we receive proof that you have died and you are the owner
                  of this policy, we will pay the rider value in a lump sum to
                  the beneficiary designated under the basic policy. If you are
                  not the owner of this policy, see IF THIS POLICY ENDS.

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

INCOME PAYMENTS   The income payments designated in Policy Schedule R represent
TO THE OWNER      the payments which are guaranteed.  We may from time to time
                  pay amounts in excess of those guaranteed.

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

RIDER BENEFITS    During your lifetime, the owner can surrender for
THE OWNER         this rider to receive the rider value under one of
                  the income plans described below. We'll issue a separate
                  written agreement putting the income plan into effect.

                  INCOME FOR A FIXED PERIOD

                  The owner may elect to receive the rider value in
                  installments over a specified period of years. The frequency
                  of payments and the specified period are shown in Policy
                  Schedule R. The interest rate that we use in our calculations
                  will be that in effect at the date of surrender as declared
                  by us from time to time.

                  INCOME FOR LIFE

                  The owner may elect an income payable over the owner's
                  lifetime. Payment will be made to the owner in equal monthly
                  installments and guaranteed for at least 10 years. If the
                  owner lives beyond the period certain, payments will continue
                  while the owner is alive.

                  We guarantee each payment will be at least the amount shown
                  in the following table. By age, we mean the owner's age on
                  the owner's birthday nearest the plan's effective date.
                  Amounts for ages not show are available on request.


SPIAC86-S
<PAGE>   3

                                        Tables for Income for Life
                               (Monthly Payments for Each $1,000 Applied)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                       10 Years Certain                10 Years Certain
                       ----------------                ----------------

                 Age      Male       Female        Age       Male     Female
                ----     -----       ------       ----       ----     ------
                <S>       <C>        <C>            <C>       <C>       <C>        
                 0-10     $3.24       3.17           50        4.71     $4.33
                                  
                  15       3.32       3.23           55        5.14      4.70
                                  
                  20       3.41       3.30           60        5.68      5.17
                                  
                  25       3.52       3.39           65        6.35      5.80
                                  
                  30       3.66       3.50           70        7.17      6.63
                                  
                  35       3.84       3.64           75        8.07      7.64
                                  
                  40       4.07       3.81           80        8.93      8.64
                                  
                  45       4.36       4.04        85 & over    9.54      9.33
</TABLE>
                         


                  LOAN VALUE

                  This rider has no loan value and has no effect on the loan
                  values under the basic policy.

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

IF THIS POLICY    During your lifetime, if this policy is terminated by us,
ENDS              surrendered by the owner for its net cash value, this rider
                  will end. If you die and you are not the owner of this
                  policy, this rider will also end. Unless the owner instructs
                  us to apply the rider value under one of the income plans
                  described above, we will continue the terms of this rider
                  under a separate written agreement.

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
DEATH OF OWNER    If you are not the owner of this policy and the owner dies
OTHER THAN        before all amounts payable under this rider have been
INSURED           distributed, the remaining payments will be continued to the
                  new owner of this policy in accordance with the method and
                  timing of payments being used as of the date of the owner's
                  death.

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

REQUIRED NOTE     Our computation of rider values is based on interest at the
ON OUR            annual rate fixed by us as of the rider date of issue, but 
COMPUTATIONS      will not be more than the                                  



SPIAC86-S
<PAGE>   4

                 maximum allowed by the insurance laws and regulations in the
                 state of jurisdiction.

                 We have filed a detailed statement of our computations with
                 the insurance supervisor of the state of jurisdiction where
                 this policy is delivered. The values equal or exceed those
                 required by the law of that state or jurisdiction.

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

WHEN THIS RIDER  This rider will end on the earliest of the 
ENDS             following:
                    - All payments due under this rider have been made; 
                    - You die prior to the date the last payment is due; or 
                    - The date this policy ends.

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

                  This rider is part of the policy to which it's 
                  attached.




                  Secretary             President



SPIAC86-S
<PAGE>   5

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

          POLICY SCHEDULE R-SPIA

                   INSURED  Richard Roe
                     OWNER  Richard Roe
          RIDER DATE OF ISSUE  September 10, 1985       ISSUE AGE/SEX  35 Male
                RIDER DATE  September 10, 1985          SINGLE PREMIUM $10,000

          SINGLE PREMIUM IMMEDIATE ANNUITY RIDER

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

INCOME PAYMENTS TO  This rider provides income payments to the owner 
THE OWNER           as follows:
                    - The fixed period is 10 years.
                    - Payments begin on December 10, 1985 and will be made on
                      the 10th day of the month each three month period 
                      thereafter.
                    - The last payment is due on September 10, 1995.
                    - The guaranteed income payments are: 
                      - $385.60 during the first five (5) years of the fixed
                        period, and 
                      - $366.32 during the next five (5) years of the
                        fixed period.

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

RIDER VALUE         The rider value on the rider date is $9,450.

                    The rider value at the end of each rider years is:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                      End of          Rider        End of       Rider
                    Rider Year        Value      Rider Year     Value
                    ----------      --------     ----------     ------  
                       <S>            <C>           <C>         <C>     
                        1             8,690          6          4,729

                        2             8,041          7          3,725

                        3             7,321          8          2,611

                        4             6,521          9          1,373

                        5             5,634          10          -0-
</TABLE>


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

INCOME FOR A        The owner may elect to receive the rider value in 
FIXED PERIOD        equal installments as follows:
                    - Installments will be made quarterly. 
                    - Fixed period will be five (5) years.




SCH(86)-S                                                 POLICY SCHEDULE R-SPIA

<PAGE>   1
                                                            EXHIBIT 1.A.(5)(b4)

                   -------------------------------------------------------------
      [LOGO]       MONARCH LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY   SPRINGFIELD, MASSACHUSETTS
                   
                   -------------------------------------------------------------
                   CHANGE OF INSURED RIDER
                   
                   This rider gives the owner the right to change the insured
                   under this policy once each policy year as of a policy
                   processing date.
                   
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
REQUIREMENTS       We will change the insured under this policy if:
FOR CHANGE         - We are satisfied that under our rules the new insured
                     qualifies in a standard underwriting class for the face
                     amount of insurance determined below.
                   - This policy is in force and there is no assignment on file
                     with us.
                   - There is an insurable interest between the owner of this
                     policy and the new insured.
                   - The attained ages as of the effective date of change of
                     the original and new insureds are not less than 21 nor
                     more than 75.
                   - The new insured was born prior to the policy date of this
                     policy.
                   - The new insured is alive on the effective date of change.
                   - The new Guarantee Period is not less than the minimum
                     period for which we would then issue this policy under our
                     rules, as measured from the effective date of change.
                   - Any policy debt is repaid before the change goes into
                     effect.
                   - There has been no other change of insured under this
                     policy during the current policy year.

- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
REQUESTING A       The owner and the new insured must provide us with
CHANGE             satisfactory notice at our Service Center and evidence of
                   insurability for the new insured which is acceptable to us.
                   If the request for change is approved by us, insurance on
                   the new insured will take effect on the policy processing
                   date on or next following the date of approval if the new
                   insured is then living. This is the EFFECTIVE DATE OF
                   CHANGE.

- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
POLICY AFTER       As of the effective date of change this policy will be
CHANGE             changed as follows: 
                   - The issue age for the new insured will be the new
                     insured's age as of the birthday nearest the policy date.
                   - The guaranteed maximum mortality rates will be those in
                     effect on the policy date for a person with the same issue
                     age, sex, and underwriting class as the new insured.
                   - The change of insured charge shown in Policy Schedule 2
                     will be deducted from the investment base.



CIR86-S
<PAGE>   2
                   - The guaranteed benefits will change as follows: 
                     (1) We determine the tabular value of this policy as of
                         the effective date of change immediately before the
                         change.
                     (2) We subtract from (1) the change of insured charge.
                         This is the tabular value of this policy as of the
                         effective date of change immediately after the change.
                     (3) We determine the face amount of coverage that the
                         amount in (2) would support for the whole of life at
                         the new insured's attained age based on the mortality
                         table and interest rate used in our computations as
                         shown in Policy Schedule 1.
                     (4) If the amount in (3) is greater than or equal to the
                         face amount of this policy immediately before the
                         change, the face amount will equal the amount in (3)
                         and the Guarantee Period will equal the whole of life.
                     (5) If the amount in (3) is less than the face amount of
                         this policy immediately before the change, the face
                         amount will equal the amount in (3) but we will solve
                         for a new Guarantee Period.
                   - The Variable Insurance Amount will be recalculated as of
                     the effective date of change. 
                   - The issue date of this policy will be changed to the
                     effective date of change.

- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NOTICE             If the change takes effect, we will send the owner:
                   - A confirmation that we have changed the insured under
                     this policy; and
                   - New Policy Schedule pages reflecting the changes
                     above.

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                   This rider is part of the policy to which it's attached.



                              Secretary                        President

                                     - 2 -





CIR86-S

<PAGE>   1
                                                             EXHIBIT 1.A.(5)(b5)

<TABLE>
<S>                       <C>
                          -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
              [LOGO]      MONARCH LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY     SPRINGFIELD, MASSACHUSETTS

                          -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                          PARTIAL WITHDRAWAL RIDER

                          This rider gives the owner the right to make partial withdrawals of the net cash
                          value of this policy after the first policy year.  The amount of a partial
                          withdrawal may be applied under one or more income plans, subject to the
                          requirements in this policy.  See Choosing AN Income Plan in the basic policy.


- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                 
REQUIREMENTS FOR          Each partial withdrawal is subject to the following requirements:
EACH PARTIAL     
WITHDRAWAL                -   A partial withdrawal will not be permitted during the first policy year.

                          -   The minimum amount of a partial withdrawal and the frequency at which
                              withdrawals are permitted are shown in Policy Schedule 1.

                          -   The amount of a partial withdrawal may not exceed the loan value as of the
                              effective date of a partial withdrawal, less any existing policy debt as of such
                              date.

                          -   The maximum amount of a partial withdrawal is further limited by the minimum
                              face amount and Guarantee Period requirements.  See EFFECT OF A PARTIAL
                              WITHDRAWAL ON GUARANTEED BENEFITS.

                          -   A partial withdrawal may not be repaid.

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

REQUESTING A              The request for a partial withdrawal must be in a form satisfactory to us.  The  
PARTIAL                   EFFECTIVE DATE of such withdrawal will be the date the request is received at our
WITHDRAWAL                Service Center.                                                                  
</TABLE>


PWTH86-S


<PAGE>   2

<TABLE>
<S>                      <C>
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

EFFECT OF A               As of the effective date of a partial withdrawal:                                   
PARTIAL                                                                                                       
WITHDRAWAL ON             -   The total investment base of this policy will be reduced by the sum of the      
INVESTMENT BASE AND           partial withdrawal and the partial withdrawal charge shown in Policy Schedule 2.
DEATH BENEFIT                                                                                                 
                          -   We may recover a portion of the deferred policy loading. The total investment
                              base of this policy will also be reduced by the amount of such recovery.  See
                              EFFECT OF A PARTIAL WITHDRAWAL ON DEFERRED POLICY LOADING.

                          -   The reduction in the total investment base will be allocated among the
                              investment divisions in accordance with the owner's instructions.  If no such
                              instructions are received by us, allocation will be among the investment
                              divisions in proportion to the investment base in each division as of the
                              effective date of the partial withdrawal.

                          -   Any amounts paid upon your death under the SUICIDE provision of this policy will
                              be reduced by the amount of partial withdrawals and partial withdrawal charges.

                          As of the policy processing date on or next following the effective date of a
                          partial withdrawal:

                          -   The Variable Insurance Amount will reflect the partial withdrawal.

                          -   The guaranteed benefits may decrease.  See EFFECT OF A PARTIAL WITHDRAWAL ON
                              GUARANTEED BENEFITS.

                          If you die prior to the policy processing date on or next following the effective
                          date of a partial withdrawal, we will deduct the partial withdrawal plus the partial
                          withdrawal charge from the death benefit proceeds determined without taking into
                          account the partial withdrawal.

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

EFFECT OF A PARTIAL       The change, if any, in the fact amount and Guarantee Period as of the policy
WITHDRAWAL ON             processing date on or next following the effective date of a partial withdrawal will
GUARANTEED BENEFITS       be calculated as follows:
                          (1)     We determine the tabular value as of the effective date of the partial
                                  withdrawal immediately before the partial withdrawal.
                          (2)     We multiply (1) by 110%.
                          (3)     We determine the cash value as of the effective date of the partial
                                  withdrawal immediately before the partial withdrawal.
</TABLE>




                                            - 2 -
PWTH86-S
<PAGE>   3
<TABLE>
<S>                       <C>
                          (4)     We subtract the amount of the partial withdrawal from (3).
                          (5)     We subtract (4) from (2).

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

EFFECT OF A PARTIAL       (6)     If the amount in (5) is zero or negative, the guaranteed benefits will not
WITHDRAWAL ON                     be reduced.
GUARANTEED BENEFITS       (7)     If the amount if (5) is positive, we add to (5) interest at the rate used in
(CONTINUED)                       our computations shown in Policy Schedule 1 for the period from the
                                  effective date of the partial withdrawal to the policy processing date on or
                                  next following such date.  This is the GUARANTEED BENEFITS REDUCTION AMOUNT.
                                  The guaranteed benefits will be reduced as follows:

                                  -        The guaranteed benefits reduction amount will first be applied as a
                                           net single premium for the Guarantee Period to reduce the face
                                           amount of this policy.  In no event will we allow the fact amount
                                           to be reduced below the minimum for which we would then issue this
                                           policy under our rules. Any remaining guaranteed benefits reduction
                                           amount will be applied as described below.

                                  -        The guaranteed benefits reduction amount or excess amount from
                                           above will next be applied to reduce the Guaranteed Period.  In no
                                           event will we allow a partial withdrawal that will reduce the
                                           Guarantee Period, as measured from the policy processing date on or
                                           next following the effective date of the partial withdrawal, below
                                           the minimum for which we would then issue this policy under our
                                           rules.

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

EFFECT OF A PARTIAL       If the amount in (5) above is positive, we will recover the deferred policy loading
WITHDRAWAL ON             attributable to such amount, reducing the total investment base accordingly, as of
DEFERRED POLICY           the effective date of the partial withdrawal.  It will be treated as a negative
LOADING                   additional payment for this purpose and will cancel deferred policy loading
                          otherwise determined, starting with the deferred policy loading most recently
                          established and taking into account the annual recovery deferred policy loading that
                          has already occurred.

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

Notice                    We will send you a notice of how your policy benefits are affected by a partial
                          withdrawal.

- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                          This rider is part of the policy to which its attached



                                        Secretary                                           President

</TABLE>




                                    - 3 -

PWTH86-S

<PAGE>   1
                                                              EXHIBIT 1.A(5)(b6)

<TABLE>
<S>                              <C>
                                 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
[LOGO]                           MONARCH LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY                        SPRINGFIELD, MASSACHUSETTS


                                 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                 SPECIAL ALLOCATION RIDER

                                 This rider provides for the allocation of all charges to a designated investment
                                 division.  This rider modifies paragraphs (4) and (5) of the ON EACH POLICY
                                 PROCESSING DATE section of the INVESTMENT BASE IN EACH INVESTMENT DIVISION provision
                                 of the basic policy.

- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
HOW THE SPECIAL                  -     All charges deducted on a policy processing date will be allocated to the
ALLOCATION WORKS                       designated division referred to in Policy Schedule 1.
                                 -     On the policy date, the investment base in the designated division must be at
                                       least equal to the charges that will be deducted as of the next policy
                                       processing date plus the Base Amount shown in Policy Schedule 1.  If the funds
                                       allocated to the designated division are less than those required, sufficient
                                       funds will be transferred into the division to bring the amount in the division
                                       up to the amount required.
                                 -     On any policy processing date after the policy date, if the investment base in
                                       the designated division is inadequate to cover all charges due on such date, an
                                       amount equal to the sum of (a) the additional amount required to cover the
                                       charges due, (b) the charges that will be deducted as of the next policy
                                       processing date, and (c) the Base Amount shown in Policy Schedule 1 will be
                                       transferred into the designated division.
                                 -     The amount required to be transferred into the designated division either on
                                       the policy date or on subsequent policy processing dates will be allocated to
                                       each other investment division in the proportion that such division's
                                       investment base bears to the total investment base, exclusive of the investment
                                       base in the designated division.

- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SUSPENSION OF                    The owner of this policy may, upon proper written request to Monarch, elect to have
SPECIAL ALLOCATION               the provisions of this rider no longer apply.  The written request must be received
                                 at our Service Center at least seven days prior to a policy processing date in order
                                 for the election to take effect as of that policy processing date.  Once such an
                                 election has been made, the owner cannot request that the provisions of the rider be
                                 put back into effect until after a period of three years.

- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                 This rider is part of the policy to which its attached.



                                 /S/ RAYMOND A. TERFERA                           
                                 ---------------------------     -----------------
                                     Raymond A. Terfera
                                          Secretary                   President


</TABLE>




SPAL86-SAF

<PAGE>   1
                                                             EXHIBIT 1.A.(5)(b7)



<TABLE>
<S>                             <C>
                                 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
[LOGO]                            MONARCH LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY  
                                  SPRINGFIELD, MASSACHUSETTS



                                 ==================================================================================
                                  BACKDATING ENDORSEMENT
                                 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

ENDORSEMENT DATA                  Insured:

                                  Policy Number:

                                  Policy Date:

                                  Endorsement Effective Date:
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                  Endorsed on This Policy on its Date of Issue:

                                  For the policy processing period beginning on the policy date we will
                                  calculate the net rate of return for an investment division as follows:
                                           (1)     For the period from the policy date to the Endorsement
                                                   Effective Date we will credit interest at the rate used
                                                   in our computations shown in Policy Schedule 1.
                                           (2)     For the period from the Endorsement Effective Date to
                                                   the next policy processing date, we will credit the
                                                   division's net rate of return for such period.



                                /S/ RAYMOND A. TERFERA                                 
                                ------------------------         ----------------------
                                   Raymond A. Terfera
                                    Secretary                           President



</TABLE>


BKDAT86-S

<PAGE>   1
                                                             EXHIBIT 1.A.(5)(b8)




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

MONARCH LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY SPRINGFIELD, MASSACHUSETTS

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

Additional Payments Endorsement

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

The fourth paragraph in the ADDITIONAL PAYMENT OPTION provision of the basic
policy is amended to read as follows:

        If you die prior to the policy processing date following the dates of
        receipt and acceptance of any additional payments, we will pay the
        beneficiary the larger of:

        -       the death benefit calculated as of the policy processing date
                prior to the dates of receipt and acceptance of the additional
                payments plus the amount of the additional payments, and;

        -       the cash value as of the date of receipt and acceptance of the
                last additional payment made prior to the death of the insured
                multiplied by the net single premium factor for such date.

        We will reduce the amount paid to the beneficiary by any policy debt
        and increase it by any amounts due from riders.  If you die during the
        grace period, we will also reduce this amount by any overdue charges.

The PROCEEDS PAYABLE TO THE BENEFICIARY provision of the basic policy is
modified to add the following paragraph at the end of the DEATH BENEFIT
PROCEEDS section:

        The amount paid to the beneficiary on your death will be greater when
        we have received and accepted any additional payments during a policy
        processing period and the insured dies prior to the policy processing
        date following such payments.  See ADDITIONAL PAYMENT OPTION.

<PAGE>   1
                                                              EXHIBIT 1.A.(5)(c)

                            CERTIFICATE OF ASSUMPTION


          This is to certify that, pursuant to an assumption reinsurance
agreement with Monarch Life Insurance Company, Tandem Insurance Group, Inc. has
assumed, effective as of January 1, 1991, all of the obligations and liabilities
of Monarch Life Insurance Company under the policies of insurance described in
the assumption reinsurance agreement, including Policy 1.D0011901 which has been
issued to you.

          THIS CERTIFICATE OF ASSUMPTION FORMS A PART OF YOUR POLICY AND SHOULD
BE ATTACHED TO IT.

          All premiums or annuity considerations now or hereafter due on this
policy are payable to Tandem Insurance Group, Inc. at its Variable Life Service
Center, P.O. Box 9025, Springfield, Massachusetts 01102.

          IN WITNESS WHEREOF, Tandem Insurance Group, Inc. has caused this
Certificate of Assumption to be executed this 1st day of January, 1991. 


                                        TANDEM INSURANCE GROUP, INC. 
                                        800 Scudders Mill Road 
                                        Plainsboro, New Jersey 08536

                                        By: /s/ THOMAS H. PATRICK
                                            --------------------------------
                                            Thomas H. Patrick
                                            Chairman of the Board, President
                                              Chief Executive Officer

Lloyd Y. Kong
North Oaks
#6 High Trees Road
Reigate Surrey England RH27EJ

MCA






<PAGE>   1

                                                            EXHIBIT 1.A.(5)(d)


                      MERRILL LYNCH LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
                       Home Office: Little Rock, Arkansas
                     Administrative Office: P.O. Box 44223,
                        Jacksonville, Florida 32231-4223
                                 1-800-535-5549





                               COMPANY NAME CHANGE
                                   ENDORSEMENT



          Effective ________________________________, Tandem Insurance Group,
Inc. merged into Merrill Lynch Life Insurance Company. Merrill Lynch Life
Insurance Company is the surviving company. Accordingly, all references in the
policy to the name Tandem Insurance Group, Inc. are replaced with the name
Merrill Lynch Life Insurance Company as of such date.

          All other provisions of the policy remain unchanged.



                                            ----------------------------------
                                                             Secretary




IMPORTANT:                  This endorsement becomes a part of your policy.
                            It should be attached to and kept with your
                            policy.


Form #             (___/91)



<PAGE>   1
                                                              EXHIBIT 1.A.(9)(a)

                    FIRST AMENDMENT TO THE SERVICE AGREEMENT

                 This FIRST AMENDMENT to the Service Agreement dated as of
December 31, 1990, by and between TANDEM INSURANCE GROUP, INC., an Illinois
insurance corporation with offices at 800 Scudders Mill Road, Plainsboro, New
Jersey 08536 ("Tandem") and MONARCH LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY, a Massachusetts
life insurance company with offices at One Monarch Place, Springfield,
Massachusetts 01144 ("Monarch").
                                  WITNESSETH:
                 WHEREAS, the parties have entered into a Service Agreement,
dated as of November 14, 1990 (the "Service Agreement"); and

                 WHEREAS, the parties desire to amend the terms and conditions
of the Service Agreement as set forth herein;

                 NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual promises and
other terms and conditions herein set forth, MLIC and Monarch agree as follows:

                 1.          DEFINITIONS

                 Any terms capitalized but not defined herein shall have the
meaning set forth in the Service Agreement.

                 2.          AMENDMENTS TO WHEREAS CLAUSES.
<PAGE>   2
                 2.1         In the second WHEREAS clause in line 6 after the
word "certain" insert "office furniture, fixtures,".  In line 7 after the word
"systems" insert "and certain copies of software installed in the equipment".

                 2.2         In the second WHEREAS clause in line 12 delete the
word "facility" and insert "service center (the "Service Center")".  In the
second WHEREAS clause in line 13 delete the word "agreements" and insert the
word "agreement".  In the second WHEREAS clause in line 14 delete the word
"Agreements" and insert "Agreement".

                 2.3         In the fourth WHEREAS clause, in line one, after
the word "WHEREAS" insert "Monarch and" and after "Royal Tandem Life Insurance
Company" insert ("RTLIC")".

                 2.4         In the fourth WHEREAS clause in line 8 after
"policies" insert ", including all riders and endorsements associated
therewith,".

                 2.5         The fifth WHEREAS clause shall become the sixth
WHEREAS clause and the following clause shall be inserted as the fifth WHEREAS
clause:

                             "WHEREAS, Monarch and Tandem wish to assure that
                             the use of facilities and all charges for services
                             incurred hereunder are reasonable and in
                             accordance





                                       2
<PAGE>   3
                             with the requirements of applicable state
                             regulations; and"

                 3.          AMENDMENTS TO SECTION 2.5

                 3.1         In the second line of Section 2.5 after the word
"Date" insert "(as defined in Section 13.1 below)".

                 3.2         In Section 2.5(I) in the second line, delete the
word "facility" and insert "Service Center".

                 3.3         In Section 2.5(ii) in the third line delete the
word "facility" and insert "Service Center".

                 3.4         In Section 2.5(iii) in the third line delete the
word "Facility" and insert "Service Center".

                 3.5         Insert at the beginning of Section 2.5(iv) "Except
as otherwise contemplated herein,".  In addition, in line 3 delete "SDC" and
insert "MFSI".

                 3.6         In Section 2.5(v), on the third line delete the
word "purchasing" and insert the word "packaging" and on the fifth line, delete
"service center" and insert "Service Center".

                 4.          AMENDMENTS TO SECTION 3.1.

                 On line 10 before the word "fee" insert the words "one-time".
In addition, in line 11 after the word  "to" delete the word "the" and insert
the word "each".  Also, in line 11, after the words "issuance of" delete the
word "each" and insert the word "a".

                 5.          AMENDMENTS TO SECTION 3.2.





                                       3
<PAGE>   4
                 In line 10, after the words "Monarch a" insert "one-time".  In
addition in line 10, after the word "each" insert "issuance of a".

                 6.          AMENDMENT TO SECTION 4.

                 In line 8 after the word "party" delete ", whether" and in
line 9 delete "or otherwise".

                 7.          AMENDMENT TO SECTION 6.

                 In line 23, delete "Each" and insert "Notwithstanding the
foregoing provisions of this Section 6, with respect to the duplication of
existing records of any Covered Policy in force on the Reinsurance Closing
Date, each".  In line 15, after the word "receive" insert the word "extra".

                 8.          AMENDMENT TO SECTION 7.

                 In line 3, insert the word "as" after the word "only".  In
line 12, delete "Monarch" and insert "TANDEM".

                 9.          AMENDMENT TO SECTION 8.1.

                 9.1         In Section 8.1(I), first line, delete
"corporation" and insert "Massachusetts insurance company".

                 9.2         In Section 8.1(vi), at the beginning of that
paragraph insert "except as otherwise contemplated by this Agreement,".





                                       4
<PAGE>   5
                 9.3         In Paragraph 8.1(viii), in the first line, delete
the word "the".  In the second line, delete "New York" and insert "Illinois".

                 9.4         In Section 8.2, in the heading delete "Crown" and
insert "TANDEM".

                 9.5         In Section 8.2(I), first line, delete "a
corporation" and insert "an Illinois insurance company".

                 10.         AMENDMENT TO SECTION 10.

                 In the second line delete "Monarch" and insert "the other".

                 11.         AMENDMENT TO SECTION 11.1

                 In line 14 delete "SDC" and insert "MFSI" and after
"available" insert "following the implementation of the plan as contemplated by
Section 11.2 below."  In line 16 delete the word "provision" and insert the
word "provisions".

                 12.         AMENDMENT TO SECTION 11.2.

                 In line 2 delete the word "establish" and insert the word
"implement" and delete "60" and insert "180".

                 13.         AMENDMENTS TO SECTION 13.2.

                 13.1        In Section 13.2(b), in the last line after "(ii)"
insert ")".

                 13.2        In Section 13.2(g) in the last line delete "or".





                                       5
<PAGE>   6
                 13.3        In addition, in Section 13.2(h), in the second
line, delete "applies" and insert "apply."

                 13.4        In Section 13.2(I) in the first line, delete
"Landlord" and insert "MFSI" and before "Lease" insert "Holyoke".  In the
second line delete "the provision of such Lease" and insert "Section 2.5
above".

                 14.         AMENDMENTS TO SECTION 13.2(c).

                 14.1        Beginning in the second line delete "its failure
to perform the Services pursuant to the terms of this Agreement and in strict
compliance with the standards set forth in the Exhibit C and D" and insert "a
default under Section 13.2(a) or (b) of this Agreement".

                 In addition, beginning in line 12 delete "fails to perform the
Services in accordance with Exhibits C and D" and insert "defaults under
Section 13.2(a) or (b) of this Agreement".

                 14.2        In addition, Section 13.3(C) should end on line 13
after the word "Agreement" and a new Section 13.3(d) should begin with the
words "In the event that an order for relief" on line 13.

                 15.         AMENDMENT TO SECTION 13.4.

                 In line 6 delete "by either party thereto by Monarch or
otherwise or by" and insert "or".

                 16.         AMENDMENT TO SECTION 14.

                 In line 9 delete "Tandem" and insert "RTLIC".





                                       6
<PAGE>   7
                 17.         AMENDMENT TO SECTION 15.1.

                 Section 15.1 should be deleted in its entirety and a new
Section 15.1 should read as follows:

                 "15.1  TRANSITION.  If this Agreement is terminated by 
                 either party pursuant to any Section of this Agreement or the
                 Agreement expires by its own terms, each of the parties will
                 cooperate with the other in all reasonable respects to ensure
                 that, at all times during and after the Transition Period,
                 each shall be able to continue to perform its obligations to
                 others without interruption as a result of the termination of
                 this agreement and in any event, for a period of one year
                 following any such termination, neither party shall take any
                 action whatsoever with respect to assets owned, leased, or
                 licensed by it (including, without limitation, the Monarch
                 leased IBM mainframe computer and iciest to such mainframe) or
                 with respect to any of its personnel which would in any way
                 hinder or prevent Monarch or RTLIC from performing their
                 respective obligations to others as a result of the
                 termination of this Agreement."

                 18.  AMENDMENT TO SECTION 15.5.

                 At the end of Section 15.5 add ", the applicable provisions of
this Agreement being deemed to survive to the extent necessary for this
purpose".

                 19.  AMENDMENT TO SECTION 16.

                 In line 3 delete "processing data" and insert "data
processing".  In addition, in line 14, delete "particular".

                 20.  AMENDMENT TO SECTION 18.2.

                 At the end of Section 18.2 insert ", which approval shall not
be unreasonably withheld".

                 21.  AMENDMENT TO SECTION 18.5.





                                       7
<PAGE>   8
                 In section 18.5(b) in line 6 delete "Copies" and insert "With
a copy".  In line 9 delete "Copies" and insert "With a copy".

                 22.  AMENDMENT TO 18.6.

                 In the first line insert a comma after the word "Agreement".
In line 3 delete "Agreements" and insert "Agreement".

                 23.  AMENDMENT TO 18.7.

                 In line 3 insert "and Audit" after "Inspection".  In line 8
insert "of Policyholders" after "Non-Solicitation".

                 24.  AMENDMENT TO "IN WITNESS WHEREOF" CLAUSE.

                 In line 3 delete "and their respective corporate seals to be
affixed hereto,".

                 25.  AMENDMENT TO EXHIBITS TO THE SERVICE AGREEMENTS.

                 The Exhibits to the Service Agreements are hereby replaced in
their entirety by the Exhibits annexed to this First Amendment Agreement.

                 26.  SUBLEASE AND TERMINATION OF HOLYOKE LEASE.

                 The Holyoke Lease referred to in the Service Agreement has
been terminated effective December 31, 1990 and ML Group and MFSI have entered
into an Agreement of Sublease dated as of December 31, 1990 (the "Sublease")
relating to the same space at the Service Center as in Holyoke Lease and for
purposes of the Service Agreement, any reference to the Holyoke Lease shall be
deemed to mean the Sublease.





                                       8
<PAGE>   9
                 27.  OTHER TERMS AND CONDITIONS.

                 All other terms and conditions of the Service Agreement shall
remain in full force and effect.

                 28.  COUNTERPARTS.

                 This First Amendment to the Service Agreement may be executed
in separate counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original, but all of
which together shall constitute one and the same instrument.

                 IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this First
Amendment Agreement to be executed by their respective officers duly authorized
to do so as of the date first above written.

                              TANDEM INSURANCE GROUP, INC.
                              
                              By: /s/ THOMAS H. PATRICK       
                                 -----------------------------
                                 Name: Thomas H. Patrick
                                 Title:  Attorney-In-Fact
                              
                              MONARCH LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
                              
                              By: /s/ BRUCE BROWN             
                                 -----------------------------
                                 Name: Bruce Brown
                                 Title:  President






                                      9
<PAGE>   10
                                   EXHIBIT A

                        DESCRIPTION OF THE SERVICES FOR

                        INSURER*/ VARIABLE LIFE PRODUCTS

Monarch shall provide the following Services using reasonable diligence.  In
the course of performing such Services, with respect to information which is
not furnished to Monarch by third parties, Monarch shall provide materially
correct information to Tandem and its Policyholders:

I.       SELECTION, UNDERWRITING, AND ISSUANCE SERVICES

         A.      Application handling - Receive application or copy of
                 application and evidence of premium payment, including amount
                 and date of payment; enter information into computer system.

         B.      Based on Tandem underwriting requirements as communicated to
                 Monarch from time to time, request information from marketing
                 firm, agent, applicant, doctor, or inspection company and pay
                 all applicable fees for such information requests.

         C.      Furnish underwriting support and advisory services, which
                 include reviewing policy applications in an advisory capacity
                 (including M.I.B. medical review) using Tandem underwriting
                 standards, and recommend decisions to Tandem for Tandem's
                 final determination; promptly upon receipt of Tandem's final
                 determination, enter decision into computer system.

         D.      If application must be declined or closed out, forward
                 explanatory letter and arrange for refund drawn on an Insurer
                 bank account and notify Tandem of such results.

         E.      Assembly and mailing





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

*/  For Covered Policies other than Assumed Policies, the term "Insurer," for
purposes of this Exhibit A only, shall mean Monarch.  For Assumed Policies and
Direct Issue Policies, the term "Insurer," for purposes of this Exhibit A only,
shall mean Tandem.

                                       1
<PAGE>   11
                 1.          Assemble computer-printed Insurer policies with
                             materials pertinent to Insurer and to the product
                             (wallets, issue letters, identification cards,
                             illustrations, etc.)

                 2.          Forward mailing package to policyholder or to
                             general agent for delivery.

                 3.          Send coy of policy face sheet to Insurer and
                             Indemnify Reinsurer**/

         F.      Correspondence and forms

                 Use Insurer's forms and stationary in all correspondence
                 related to underwriting and policy issue.

         G.      Documents and reports

                 Provide Insurer and Indemnity Reinsurer at least once a month
                 with copies of all selection, underwriting, and issuance
                 documents and reports processed and produced by Monarch in
                 support of Insurer, in either original paper document form or
                 microfiche form, as deemed appropriate by Insurer or Indemnity
                 Reinsurer under the circumstances.  All original documents and
                 reports are the property of Insurer.  The Indemnity Reinsurer
                 shall have the right to retain all copies of such documents.

         H.      To the extent there are newly issued policies for which
                 reinsurance applies, take customary ministerial steps
                 necessary for reinsurance by third parties to cover risks
                 under Direct Issue Policies pursuant to the terms of
                 applicable automatic or facultative reinsurance treaties or
                 agreements.

II.  POLICY SERVICE

     Monarch will be responsible for arranging for the handling of such
     requests and for maintaining all records related to them.





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

**/  The term "Indemnity Reinsurer" shall mean Tandem to the extent it is
providing indemnity reinsurance for Covered Policies under the Reinsurance and
Assumption Agreement.

                                       2
<PAGE>   12
         A.      Be prepared to provide on request on a daily basis a record
                 for each policyholder summarizing the name and address of the
                 policyholder, policy number, investment base, allocation among
                 the various investment divisions of the investment base.  Such
                 records shall be delivered to Insurer or Indemnity Reinsurer
                 promptly upon request.

         B.      Billing

                 1.          Send to the contract owner premium notices and
                             return envelopes bearing Insurer's name and, at
                             direction of Insurer, Insurer's or its lock box
                             mailing address.

                 2.          Implement automatic bank withdrawals, wire
                             transfers or similar transfers for deposit in
                             Insurer bank accounts or as otherwise required by
                             the Reinsurance and Assumption Agreement.

                 3.          Update records based on notices and accompanying
                             payments.

                 4.          Provide services as needed for clarification and
                             maintenance of billing records.

                 5.          Transfer to an Insurer bank account or as
                             otherwise required by the Reinsurance and
                             Assumption Agreement the amount of any premium
                             sent in error to Monarch.

         C.      Distribute to policyholders quarterly and annual reports and
                 prospectuses.

         D.      Follow standards in Prospectus with regard to surrender and
                 policyholder loans.

         E.      Communication, correspondence and forms

                 There will be an 800 number, or similar telephone made
                 available, for communication between policyholders and
                 Monarch.  Insurer's forms and stationery will be used in al
                 correspondence related to policy services.  Any 800 number
                 will be answered in the name of Merrill Lynch Insurance Group,
                 by personnel trained by Monarch to response to any questions
                 from policyholders relating to





                                       3
<PAGE>   13
                 their variable life policies with Insurer, or by means of a
                 voice response system designed to answer in another name not
                 identifying any insurer and to direct callers to such
                 personnel or provide information directly to callers.  All
                 correspondence, other than that addressed to Insurer's lock
                 box or as otherwise required by the Reinsurance and Assumption
                 Agreement, will use a return address of Insurer in its home
                 state.

         F.      Documents and reports

                 Provide Insurer and Indemnity Reinsurer at least once a month
                 with copies of all policy service documents and reports
                 processed and produced by Monarch in support of Insurer, in
                 either original paper document form or microfiche form, as
                 deemed appropriate by Insurer or Indemnity Reinsurer under the
                 circumstance.  All documents and reports are the property of
                 Insurer.

         G.      With respect to in force policies for which third party
                 reinsurance applies, take customary ministerial steps
                 necessary to provide the policy services described above for
                 such policies.

III.     CLAIMS

         Claims service will originate with Tandem, who will authorize Monarch
         to assume responsibility for supporting all functions related to the
         receipt, processing and payment of Tandem's policy claims.

         A.      Identify the insured.

         B.      Investigate and process claims based upon Tandem's claims
                 guidelines, and make a recommendation to Tandem as to the
                 disposition of the claim.

         C.      Give prompt notice by facsimile transmission to Insurer and
                 Tandem of each claim with respect to a benefit payment under
                 any of its policies and a recommendation as to disposition of
                 such claim.  If requested by Tandem within five business days
                 of receipt of a notice of claim, promptly provide the file, or
                 a copy thereof, to Tandem.  Tandem shall instruct Monarch
                 whether to contest





                                       4
<PAGE>   14
                 such claim within five business days of receipt of such file
                 or copy thereof.

         D.      Subject to Tandem's prior approval, pay all claims, whether
                 settled or adjudicated.

         E.      Adjudicate claims based upon Tandem's claims guidelines,
                 PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that Tandem reserves the rights to assume
                 the defense of any claims.

         F.      Audit claims processed.

         G.      If requested by Insurer, send Insurer drafts and/or
                 correspondence to payee or to policyholders.

         H.      Send daily record of claim activity via facsimile transmission
                 to Insurer and Indemnity Reinsurer.

                 1.          Maintain copies of all original claims on
                             microfiche for any future claim processing.

                 2.          Maintain computer system records of claims
                             information.

         I.      Provide reports, perform maintenance, and assure all records
                 are accurate and balanced to the appropriate accounting
                 records.

         J.      Communication, Correspondence and Forms.

                 1.          Maintain telephone service area to respond to any
                             claims questions or provide current status of
                             claims.

                 2.          Insurer will authorize the use of an 800 number
                             for communication between policyholders and
                             Monarch.

                 3.          Use Insurer's forms and stationery in all
                             correspondence related to policy claims.

         K.      Documents and reports

                 Provide Insurer and Indemnity Reinsurer at least once a month
                 upon Tandem's request with copies of all policy





                                       5
<PAGE>   15
                 claims documents and reports processed and produced by Monarch
                 in support of Insurer, in either original paper document form
                 or microfiche form, as deemed appropriate by Insurer or
                 Indemnity Reinsurer under the circumstances.  All documents
                 and reports are the property of Insurer.

         L.      With respect to in force policies under which automatic or
                 facultative reinsurance treaties or agreements apply, collect
                 amounts due on any claims on behalf of the Insurer and
                 Indemnity Reinsurer.

IV.      CASH ACCOUNTING

         All cash received at Monarch will be deposited into Insurer's account
         or at Insurer's lock box which may be maintained by Monarch.  If cash
         is received at Insurer, copies of original documents such as
         applications, deposit slips, etc. will be forwarded to Monarch for
         records processing.  If cash is received at Insurer's lock box, copies
         of original documents such as applications, deposit slips, and copies
         of the checks, if applicable, will be forwarded to Monarch for records
         processing.

         All bank statements and deposit slips are to be received directly by
         Monarch, which will promptly send copies thereof to Insurer as
         instructed.  Unless otherwise designated by Insurer, all disbursements
         checks must have the signature of an officer of Insurer and satisfy
         other requirements contained in the Reinsurance and Assumption
         Agreement.

         In the event Insurer maintains the lock box account, Insurer will be
         responsible for all aspects of maintaining such lock box, including
         reconciling all accounts, and will forward copies of all applicable
         documentation, including checks, to Monarch.

         A.      Monitor transfer of funds to: (I) verify that all monies due
                 Insurer are deposited in Insurer's bank accounts and (ii)
                 verify that all monies payable by Monarch on behalf of Insurer
                 through these accounts have been disbursed.

         B.      Obtain information where available regarding all receipts and
                 disbursements flowing through Insurer's bank accounts





                                       6
<PAGE>   16
                 so that Insurer may make proper accounting entries on its
                 books.

         C.      Obtain where available bank statements from Insurer's banks
                 for reconciliation and processing.

         D.      Commission

                 Handle all commission processing and payment for Insurer and
                 maintain all commission records customarily maintained by
                 Monarch.

         E.      With respect to in force policies for which third party
                 reinsurance applies, take customary ministerial steps to
                 perform the cash accounting services described above.

         F.      Provide lock box facility services.

V.       ACCOUNTING

         Provide the following accounting services to Insurer and Indemnity
         Reinsurer:

         A.      Corporate Records

                 1.          Maintain a complete set of Insurer's and Indemnity
                             Reinsurer's records relating to the variable life
                             insurance policies reflecting the Services
                             provided hereunder.

                 2.          maintain general ledger, premium receipts journal,
                             cash receipts and disbursements journals,
                             investment records, commission records, chart of
                             accounts, financial reports, and any other records
                             and information necessary to support accounting
                             and responsibilities for Insurer and Indemnity
                             Reinsurer as identified by Insurer.

                 3.          Maintain, and provide to Insurer and Indemnity
                             Reinsurer on a monthly basis, all accounting
                             records necessary for the preparation and timely
                             filing of Insurer's and Indemnity Reinsurer's
                             financial statements as required for compliance
                             with applicable laws and regulations promulgated





                                       7
<PAGE>   17
                             thereunder and under generally accepted accounting
                             principles as identified by Insurer and/or
                             Indemnity Reinsurer (i.e., for both internal and
                             external reporting purposes).

                 4.          Assist Insurer and Indemnity Reinsurer in the
                             preparation of all accounting-related forms and
                             special filings (including premium taxes) required
                             by Insurer's and Indemnity Reinsurer's home state
                             and any other regulatory bodies.

         B.      Reporting

                 Provide to Insurer and Indemnity Reinsurer sufficient
                 information to meet the requirements of its home state's
                 Insurance Department, and any other state's laws and
                 regulations, and enable any examinations to be conducted and
                 fully completed within the home state.

         C.      At Insurer's and Indemnity Reinsurer's request, provide
                 management information services, including, but not limited
                 to, loss ratios, mortality experiences, regional sales,
                 regional lapse rates, reports and such other information as
                 Insurer and Indemnity Reinsurer reasonably deem necessary for
                 the management of their respective businesses.

         D.      Provide actuarial valuation services.

         E.      Provide assistance to Insurer and Indemnity Reinsurer in
                 connection with any filings or other compliance activities
                 required by any state insurance department, the Securities and
                 Exchange commission or any other governmental agency.

         F.      Correspondence and forms

                 use Insurer's or Indemnity Reinsurer's forms and stationery
                 (or those of the insurance group to which Insurer belongs),
                 where appropriate, in all correspondence related to
                 accounting.

         G.      Documents and reports





                                       8
<PAGE>   18
                 Provide Insurer and Indemnity Reinsurer at least once a month
                 with copies of all accounting documents and reports processed
                 and produced by Monarch in support of Insurer or Indemnity
                 Reinsurer, in either original paper document form or
                 microfiche form, as deemed appropriate by Insurer or Indemnity
                 Reinsurer under the circumstances.  All documents and reports
                 are the property of Insurer.

VI.      PURCHASING, PRINTING, AND MAIL SUPPORT

         A.      Prepare and produce all forms, stationery and other printed
                 material for Insurer and Indemnity Reinsurer consistent with
                 forms currently provided using Merrill Lynch logos or service
                 marks.

         B.      Submit all forms and stationery prepared for Insurer and
                 Indemnity Reinsurer to Insurer and Indemnity Reinsurer for
                 approval prior to use.

         C.      Maintain separate purchasing records.

         D.      Maintain a unique Identification Number System (form numbers)
                 to facilitate management of a separate inventory.
 
         E.      Prepare, handle and process all mailings associated with the
                 day to day administration of variable life products for
                 Insurer and Indemnity Reinsurer.

         F.      Correspondence and forms

                 Use Insurer's or Indemnity Reinsurer's forms and stationery,
                 where appropriate, in all correspondence related to
                 purchasing, printing, and mail support.

         G.      Documents and reports

                 Provide Insurer and Indemnity Reinsurer at least once a month
                 with copies of all purchasing, printing, and mail support
                 documents and reports processed and produced by Monarch in
                 support of Insurer or Indemnity Reinsurer, in either original
                 paper document form or microfiche form, as deemed appropriate
                 by Insurer or Indemnity Reinsurer under the circumstances.
                 All documents and reports are the property of Insurer.





                                       9
<PAGE>   19
VII.     DATA PROCESSING AND SOFTWARE DEVELOPMENT

         A.      Maintain a distinct data processing code for Insurer as it
                 relates to the Agreement.

         B.      COMPUTER SOFTWARE AND HARDWARE

                 Insurer shall have rights to all updates, enhancements and
                 modifications of the computer software and of hardware and to
                 all releases relating to the services provided hereunder.

         C.      Computer Software Development - Discretionary Development

                 In the event that Tandem has particular needs for certain
                 software development, Monarch, upon Tandem's request, shall
                 submit a proposal for developing new software or a derivative
                 of existing software.  Tandem requests for software
                 development shall be handled in accordance with procedures set
                 forth below.

                 1.          Phase I - Tandem shall send a written request for
                             software development to Monarch identifying
                             specific business needs.

                 2.          Phase II - Tandem and Monarch will jointly develop
                             the scope and expectations of the project.
                             Monarch will develop a plan outline and high level
                             cost estimate.

                 3.          Phase III - Monarch and Tandem will jointly
                             develop detailed business requirements.  Monarch
                             will produce a projected plan with a total
                             estimated cost.

                 4.          If the project plan, projected start date and
                             total estimated costs are unacceptable to Tandem,
                             Tandem shall have the right to develop the
                             software itself or approach an independent third
                             party to perform such development work.

                 5.          Monarch has the right to retain consultants in
                             order to satisfy Tandem requirements.





                                       10
<PAGE>   20
         D.      Provide computer-produced reports necessary to support
                 Insurer's and Indemnity Reinsurer's variable life business.

         E.      Correspondence and forms

                 Use Insurer's and Indemnity Reinsurer's forms and stationery,
                 where appropriate, in all correspondence related to data
                 processing.

         F.      Documents and reports

                 Provide Insurer and Indemnity Reinsurer at least once a month
                 with copies of all data processing documents and reports
                 processed and produced by Monarch in support of Insurer or
                 Indemnity Reinsurer, in either original paper document form or
                 microfiche form, as deemed appropriate by Insurer or Indemnity
                 Reinsurer under the circumstances.  All documents and reports
                 are the property of Insurer.

VIII.    ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES

         Perform the following administrative services in accordance with the
         Performance Standards:

         A.      Effect written confirmation of transactions and prepare
                 quarterly statements of transactions

         B.      Effect reallocations for policyholders

         C.      Prepare policy histories including a complete accounting for
                 policyholders

         D.      Effect loans and partial withdrawals, surrenders and premium
                 refunds of policies, including delivery of conservation kits,
                 where appropriate

         E.      Effect beneficiary and ownership changes in all policies

         F.      Respond to customer complaints

         G.      Effect death claims

         H.      Prepare general correspondence





                                       11
<PAGE>   21
         I.      Effect processing for all declined, withdrawn and incompleted 
                 cases

         J.      Inspect all policy forms for accuracy

IX.      RECORDKEEPING SYSTEMS

                 Prepare the following transaction files, forms and reports in
form and substance satisfactory to Insurer and Indemnity Reinsurer:

                                  DAILY OUTPUT

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
#            Name                      Contents
<S>          <C>                       <C>
1            Job 4                     All daily financial activity, payments, withdrawals, etc. for each
                                       fund

2            Job 2                     master file update error report
             Micro Batch
             error report

3            UV cacl system            Daily price report

4            Job 4                     All transactions processed against each investment vehicle

5            Job 3                     Maintenance Journals
             Micro After Batch
             Report

6            SV1DP150                  Gains, Losses and activity by contract.  (Only Vantage lists gains
                                       and losses by contract)
7            Manually Produced         List Bill activity

8            Job 0                     Daily Batch Balance (No Units on our report)

9            Job 2                     Unprocessed transactions
             Micro Batch Error
             Report

10           Microlink register        Daily Check withdrawal register
</TABLE>





                                      12
<PAGE>   22
<TABLE>
<S>                                    <C>
11           Microlink report          Daily Check reconciliation register, currently available daily, but
                                       only printed monthly

12           Job 4                     Daily transaction journal by policy
             Micro Batch report
             SV1DP151

13           ADBEVAN1                  Agent Maintenance journal

14           CWA Logs                  New cash recap report

15           ACF/2 Maintenance         Security Maintenance Report N/A for LAN maintenance

16           ACF/2 Violation           Security Violation Report N/A for LAN violations

MONTHLY OUTPUT

A            General Acct Journal      Monthly Production activity report

B            RHFMP852                  Monthly Reserve Report

C            RAMIS Extract             Premium Tax Report

D            General Acct Journal      Cash Recap Report
</TABLE>


CUSTOM FORM OUTPUT

All sent to Client on a daily basis

1.       Confirmation statements

2.       Contract Specification Page

3.       Contract Delivery Letter

4.       Commission Statements (Weekly B/D)

5.       Commission Checks (Weekly to B/D)

6.       Distribution Checks

X.       OTHER SERVICES

         A.      Product Development Services

                 Monarch will make recommendations to Insurer and Indemnity
                 Reinsurer from time to time with respect to new services which
                 will enhance Insurer's variable life business.  Such
                 recommendations will only be adopted with





                                       13
<PAGE>   23
                 the prior written consent of Tandem.  Tandem shall have the
                 right to acquire rights to sue any new products developed by
                 Monarch or its affiliates at a price to be mutually agreed
                 upon by the parties in good faith.

         B.      Marketing Services

                 Upon Tandem's request, assist Insurer in reviewing promotional
                 literature and advertising materials for the marketing and
                 promotion of Insurer's variable life business.





                                     14
<PAGE>   24
                                   EXHIBIT B

                                SYSTEM SERVICES

                 It is the intent that Monarch shall be responsible for
managing, operating and maintaining all physical and environmental facilities
(space, electrical power, steam, HVAC, cooling water, lighting, fire safety,
etc.)  ("Physical and Environmental Facilities"), all physical technological
devices (processors, input and output devices, storage devices, networks,
communications devices, media, etc.)  ("Physical Technological Devices"), all
logical technological components systems, report generators, interface
software, etc.)  ("Logical Technological Components"), all application specific
logic components and all data assets pertinent to Tandem's products
("Application Specific Logic").

                 1.          Physical and Environmental Facilities

                             A.   Physical and Environmental Facilities shall
                                  at all times be in accordance with current or
                                  future engineering, building or other codes
                                  as required by applicable regulatory
                                  authorities.

                             B.   Physical and Environmental Facilities shall
                                  at all times satisfy the specifications
                                  issued by the vendors of any Physical
                                  Technological Devices employed in providing
                                  system services to Tandem.

                             C.   If Physical and Environmental Facilities fail
                                  at any time to meet the requirements of
                                  applicable regulatory authorities or the
                                  specifications of present or future vendors
                                  of Physical Technological Devices employed in
                                  providing system services to Tandem, Monarch
                                  will use its best efforts to make such
                                  changes as are necessary to the Physical and
                                  Environmental Facilities.

                 2.          Physical Technological Devices

                             A.   Monarch will supply sufficient types and
                                  numbers of devices as are necessary to meet
                                  the system services Performance Standards set
                                  forth in Exhibit D of this Agreement.





                                       1
<PAGE>   25
                             B.   All devices will be operated by trained
                                  experienced personnel in the manner approved
                                  by the vendors of each device.

                             C.   Monarch will establish and maintain a regular
                                  schedule of preventive maintenance on all
                                  equipment employed in providing system
                                  services to Tandem using a maintenance
                                  service provider authorized by the
                                  manufacturer of the equipment or Monarch will
                                  maintain the equipment itself.

                             D.   Monarch will maintain an appropriate level of
                                  spares and backup devices as necessary to
                                  meet the system services Performance
                                  Standards set forth in Exhibit D of this
                                  Agreement.

                             E.   Failed devices will be repaired or replaced 
                                  as promptly as possible.

                             F.   Monarch will promptly notify Tandem if any 
                                  major device failure exists for over eight 
                                  hours.

                 3.          Logical Technological Components

                             A.   Monarch will establish and maintain a
                                  software maintenance agreement with the
                                  software owner or authorized representative
                                  for all Logical Technological Components
                                  employed in providing system services to
                                  Tandem or Monarch will maintain the software
                                  itself.

                             B.   Monarch will provide Tandem with a
                                  responsibilities chart listing all Logical
                                  Technological Components and maintenance of
                                  not less than two staff member who are
                                  trained in and capable of providing support
                                  services for the component.

                             C.   Monarch will notify Tandem of any
                                  implementation of fixes and new releases
                                  relating to the Logical Technological
                                  Components.





                                       2
<PAGE>   26
                 4.          Application Specific Logic

                             A.   Monarch will maintain at least two
                                  application programmers who are knowledgeable
                                  and experienced in the application logic of
                                  each application system pertinent to Tandem's
                                  product.

                             B.   Monarch will timely resolve any logical or
                                  data exception which interferes with the
                                  execution of Tandem's applications in the
                                  production environment.  The appropriate
                                  resolution staff (application programmers,
                                  special software support teams, coverage
                                  programmers, etc.) will be accessible at all
                                  times each application is to be executed
                                  whether scheduled or unscheduled.

                             C.   Monarch will implement change and maintenance
                                  control following accepted system practice
                                  for applications software or such other
                                  system practices as are otherwise reasonably
                                  required by Tandem at all times.

                             D.   Monarch will provide Tandem with an up to
                                  date copy of all requisite documentation and
                                  program libraries for archival purposes.
                                  Monarch will provide a copy of all emergency
                                  and scheduled changes as they are applied to
                                  production libraries.

                 5.          Data Assets

                             A.   Monarch will maintain appropriate on-site
                                  data set backups on an ongoing basis to
                                  ensure the ability to timely recover any
                                  failed execution of an application without
                                  loss or duplication of records and/or
                                  erroneous results.

                             b.   Monarch will maintain appropriate off-site
                                  data set backups on an ongoing basis to
                                  ensure the ability to restore the subject
                                  data files to their status at close of
                                  business on the preceding day.





                                       3
<PAGE>   27
                 6.          General

                             A.   Monarch will maintain an appropriate
                                  infrastructure (hot lines, call lists,
                                  trouble reports, change notices, etc.) such
                                  that any unplanned service interruption can
                                  be timely reported and addressed.

                             B.   Monarch will follow good practice in
                                  implementing changes such that reversion to
                                  the previous operation is expeditiously
                                  performed if the results of changes are
                                  unexpected or such other practices as are
                                  otherwise reasonably requested by Tandem.

                             C.   Monarch will follow accepted security
                                  practice with regard to Tandem's programs,
                                  logic, documentation and data, exercising a
                                  standard of care at least equal to that
                                  employed with Monarch's own similar
                                  materials, or such other security practices
                                  as are otherwise reasonably requested by
                                  Tandem.





                                      4
<PAGE>   28
                                   EXHIBIT C

                             ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICE

                             PERFORMANCE STANDARDS

                 Monarch shall meet the administrative service Performance
Standards set forth in the table below and will provide performance reports
satisfactory to table below and will provide performance reports satisfactory
to Tandem in form and substance comparing actual results to the standards
described below.  The measurement period for each standard set forth below with
respect to each type of Service shall be monthly.  The reports will be issued
monthly not more than six business days following the end of each calendar
month.  Monarch will submit a proposed form of report to Tandem for its
approval on or before the Reinsurance Closing Date.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
TYPE OF SERVICE                                             STANDARD
<S>                                               <C>
Incoming customer calls via 800                    70% without going into queue
numbers including Periphonics

Average daily queue for incoming                   70 seconds
calls via 800 numbers

Abandoned calls                                    Not more than 5% of total ACD and Periphonics calls

Written Confirmations of                           Mailed within 24 hours of
Transactions and Quarterly                         completion of transaction
Statements                                         or processing close of Quarter

Reallocations                                      98% of instructions received prior to 4:00 PM will be processed same day and
                                                   confirmed in writing within 24 hours; 100% of instructions will be processed and
                                                   confirmed in writing within 48 hours; 98% of instructions received after 4:00 PM
                                                   will be processed next day and confirmed in writing within 24 hours; 100% of
                                                   instructions received after 4:00 PM will be processed and
</TABLE>





                                       1
<PAGE>   29
                                        confirmed in writing within 48 hours.




                                      
                                      2
<PAGE>   30
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
TYPE OF SERVICE                                             STANDARD
<S>                                       <C>
Policy Histories (Complete                 Confirm request within three
Accounting for Policyholders)              business days and include 
                                           estimated completion date

Loans/Partial Withdrawals                  98% processed on same day of
                                           request; 100% processed by
                                           second day; all money sent
                                           within seven calendar days                              

Beneficiary and Ownership                  10 calendar days after
Changes                                    receipt of signed request

Surrenders and premium                     98% processed on day of

refunds                                    request; 100% processed by
                                           second day; all money sent
                                           within seven calendar days

Free look refunds                          98% processed on day of 
                                           request; 100% processed by
                                           second day; all money sent
                                           within  seven calendar days

Address Changes                            Five calendar days from 
                                           receipt of request

Customer Complaints                        Acknowledged within two
                                           calendar days

Death Claims                               98% acknowledged with "claim
                                           kit" within one business day;
                                           100% acknowledged by second
                                           day; 98% of noncontestable
                                           claims paid within one
                                           business day after receipt of
                                           approval from Tandem; 100% of
                                           non-contestable claims paid
                                           by second business day after
                                           receipt of approval from
                                           Tandem

General                                    Respond within 14 calendar
Correspondence                             days
</TABLE>





                                       3
<PAGE>   31
<TABLE>
<S>                                       <C>
Enter Submitted Applications               98% on same date of receipt;
with cash into system                      100% submitted by second day

Enter Submitted Applications               Second day of receipt
without cash into system
</TABLE>





                                      4
<PAGE>   32
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
TYPE OF SERVICE                                             STANDARD
<S>                                       <C>
Receipt of Application to                  Seven calendar days from
Underwriting Decision -                    receipt
Nonmedical Cases

Medical Cases

- - Phase I - Pre-Underwriting               Five calendar days from
  Support and initial review               receipt of application in good order

- - Phase II - Review all medical            Four calendar days from
  requirements and issue and               receipt of last underwriting
  deliver to Tandem for final              requirement
  approval

Issues                                     Three calendar days from
                                           underwriting approval

Inspection and Mailing                     Two calendar days
of Policies

Processing Declined,                       Three calendar days from
Withdrawn, Incompleted and                 dates of action
Not Taken Cases

CMA Link to                                Three calendar days from
Products                                   receipt of request

Requests for Policyholder                  Mailed three calendar days
Services Forms                             from receipt of request

Marketing Services incoming                70% without going into
producer calls via 800 numbers             queue

Average Daily Queue for                    45 seconds
Marketing Services Incoming
Calls via 800 numbers
</TABLE>





                                      5
<PAGE>   33
                                   EXHIBIT D
                                SYSTEM SERVICES
                             PERFORMANCE STANDARDS

         Monarch will submit to Tandem for its approval a detailed description
of application systems and each of the System Services, report i.e., Daily
Reports, Weekly Reports, etc.) and contents of transmission and transfer filed
listed in the chart on the following page.





                                       1
<PAGE>   34
                               SYSTEM SERVICES
                            PERFORMANCE STANDARDS

                 Monarch will provide system services at a minimum level which
meet the standards described in the table below.  Performance reports
satisfactory to Tandem in form and substance comparing actual results to such
standards will be issued monthly not more than six business days following the
end of each calendar month.  Monarch will submit a proposed form of report to
Tandem for its approval on or before the Reinsurance Closing Date.





                                      2
<PAGE>   35
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                            Avail-
Service                      Schedule                       bility           Response
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                          <C>                           <C>               <C>
Mainframe                    7:30AM - 6:30PM                98%              Five seconds for 95%
On Line                      Monday - Friday                                 of transactions
System

Microcomputer                7:30AM - 5:30PM                98%              N/A
Administrative               Monday - Friday
Systems

Accounting &                 7:30AM - 7:00PM                98%              Five seconds for 95%
Accounts                     Monday - Friday                                 of transactions
Payable On
Line Systems

CEO                          7:00AM - 8:00PM                98%              RT transaction
On Line                      Monday - Friday                                 execution will complete in 
                                                                             five seconds or less 95% of
                                                                             the time

Problem                      24 hours per day               95%              N/A
Help Desk                    Monday - Friday

IBX Switching                24 hours per day               100%             Resolution of problem
reports                                                                      not Equipment requiring vendor 
                                                                             support within eight business 
                                                                             hours from problem report

                                                                             Substitute problem is still 
                                                                             unresolved within 48 hours
                                                                             from problem report

Telecommunication            Upon request                   98%              Seven business days turnaround

Work Orders

Telecommunication            8:00AM - 5:00PM                98%              On-site response within two

Systems Problem              Monday - Friday                                 hours of problem report

Weekday                      24 hours prior                 98%              As per System (See Note 2)

Extensions                   notice

Weekend or                   36 hours prior                 98%              As per System (See Note 2)

Holiday
Extensions
</TABLE>





                                      3
<PAGE>   36
<TABLE>
<S>                          <C>                           <C>               <C>
File Transfers               Start within 2                 98%              N/A
                             file availability


Office Automation            On request as                  98%              On-site response within two
Systems                      agreed                                          hours of problem report; 48 hour 
                                                                             turnaround of work requests and 
                                                                             establishing new terminal connections 
                                                                             or operation ID's

Microfiche                   9:00AM                         98%              N/A
Tapes Available              Monday - Friday
for Courier

Daily Reports                7:30AM                         90%              N/A
Early Group                  Monday - Friday

Daily Reports                10:00AM                        95%              N/A
Early Group                  Monday - Friday

Weekly Reports               7:30AM                         98%              N/A
Early Group                  Monday

Weekly Reports               10:00AM                        98%              N/A
Later Group                  Monday

Monthly Reports              7:30AM 2nd                     98%              N/A
Early Group                  business day of
                             month

Monthly Reports              10:00 2nd
Later Group                  business day of                98%              N/A
                             month

On Request                   next day                       95%              N/A
Critical Group

Transmit Daily               6:00AM                         98%              N/A
Transaction File             Monday - Friday

Transmit                     9:00PM                         98%              N/A
Monthly Statement            Monday - Friday
File                         (See Note 4)
</TABLE>

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NOTE:    1.      All times shall refer to Eastern Standard Time.

         2.      All system services will be made available to Tandem, Monday
                 through Friday and not an weekends or any of the following
                 nationally recognized holidays:  New Year's Day, President's
                 Day, Good Friday, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor





                                       4
<PAGE>   37
                 Day, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day subject to the
                 following sentence.  As indicated above, system services will
                 be made available on weekends and holidays upon providing
                 Monarch with 36 hours prior notice of such extended service
                 requirements.

         3.      Monarch will provide Tandem with three days prior notice of
                 any scheduled system maintenance activities or any other
                 events which will not permit routine availability or extended
                 weekday, weekend or holiday system services performance.

         4.      Dependent upon Monarch receiving prior day's processed
                 transaction file from CMA no later than 10 AM on statement
                 transmission dates.





                                       5
<PAGE>   38
                                   EXHIBIT E

                             DISASTER RECOVERY PLAN

                 Within 90 days following execution of this Agreement, Monarch
shall provide Tandem with a disaster recovery plan prepared in consultation
with and approved by Tandem which protects Monarch's ability to process the
Tandem work as described below and shall implement the plan and cause the
disaster recovery facilities to become fully operational by not later than 90
days from the date the disaster recovery plan is approved by Tandem.  The plan
shall also provide that Monarch shall use facilities owned and/or operated by
Tandem or a Tandem affiliate or third party facilities designated by Monarch
that are acceptable to Tandem in Tandem's sole discretion.  The parties
acknowledge and agree that time is of the essence in finalizing the terms of a
Disaster Recovery Plan and implementing the plan.

         A.      BUSINESS REQUIREMENTS:

                 The plan shall be predicated on recovery and restoration of
                 all client functional capabilities required to conduct
                 Tandem's business in or more than 24 hours following cessation
                 of the Services.

         B.      SCOPE OF INITIAL RECOVERY CAPABILITY:

                 The plan will provide for the immediate initial recovery of
                 the following client services described in Exhibit A of this
                 Agreement at the performance standards described in Exhibit C
                 of this Agreement:

                             Section I     -       A, B, C, D, E and F

                             Section II    -       A, B, C, D

                             Section III   -       A, B, C, D, E, G

                             Section IV    -       A, B, C, D and E

                             Section VI    -       D, E

                             Section VIII  -       all subdivisions

                 The extent of "disaster" shall not be limited to destruction
                 or denial of access to the occupied space in which Tandem's
                 business or dependent functions are





                                       1
<PAGE>   39
                 conducted, but shall extend to interruption of services vital
                 to the conduct of Tandem's business such as telephone
                 communications or environmental facilities.

         C.      RESTORATION OF NORMAL PERFORMANCE LEVEL:

                 The plan will provide for augmenting the initial recovery of
                 facilities to provide full functional capabilities (except for
                 software development) as set forth in Exhibit A within not
                 more than 72 hours following cessation of the Services.  The
                 Services shall be restored to the extent practicable under the
                 circumstances to perform in accordance with the Performance
                 Standards described in Exhibits C and D.

         D.      DURATION OF EMERGENCY OPERATION:

                 The plan will provide for operation on a continuing basis out
                 of the emergency facilities for a minimum period of at least
                 60 days to the extent practicable under the circumstances.

         E.      MAINTENANCE OF DISASTER RECOVERY PLAN:

                 Monarch will maintain the Disaster Recovery Plan to reflect
                 updates in technological hardware, peripherals and/or software
                 and will provide Tandem with a copy of such updated plan on an
                 annual basis commencing one year from the date of Tandem's
                 approval of the disaster recovery plan.

         F.      SOFTWARE INSTALLATION AND PERFORMANCE:

                 Provided that the hardware and related software environment
                 have been approved by Monarch, such approval not to be
                 unreasonably withheld or delayed, Monarch will take all steps
                 necessary to ensure that all software licensed pursuant to the
                 Software License Agreement will operate on the hardware at the
                 disaster recovery site to the complete satisfaction of Tandem
                 permitting, to the extent practicable under the circumstances,
                 performance of all of the Services in conformance with the
                 Performance Standards set forth in Exhibits C and D.





                                       2
<PAGE>   40
                                   EXHIBIT F

                          TRANSITION PERIOD ASSISTANCE

It is the intent that Monarch shall assist Tandem in effecting a transition
from Monarch to an operation supported by Tandem or its designee without
interruption in any of the Services provided under this Agreement.  The parties
acknowledge and agree that time is of the essence in connection with the
performance of their respective obligations during the Transition Period.
Monarch will specifically assist Tandem in a timely fashion as follows:

A.       PHYSICAL FACILITIES

         1.      Provide type, quantity, physical and environmental information
                 for all physical devices of the systems necessary for
                 continuous support of Tandem's products.

         2.      Provide detailed connection diagrams for all physical 
                 components of the systems necessary for support of Tandem's 
                 products.

         3.      Provide technical expertise to Tandem as needed to install the
                 requisite equipment as necessary to replicate Monarch's
                 equipment operation servicing Tandem.

B.       SOFTWARE

         1.      Provide current copies of owned or transferrable software
                 presently active in the Monarch system to Tandem and to the
                 extent possible, the most up to date version of the source
                 code of such software.

         2.      Provide detailed identification and ordering information,
                 i.e., sources of supply, for all non-transferrable software
                 required by Tandem to replicate Monarch's software
                 environment.

         3.      Provide technical expertise to Tandem as needed to install the
                 requisite software as necessary to replicate the Monarch
                 software operation servicing Tandem.

         4.      Provide Tandem with detailed information describing the change
                 history of all software.





                                       1
<PAGE>   41
C.       DATA

         1.      Provide Tandem with the most recent back-up of all data files
                 required by the systems supporting Tandem's products.

         2.      Provide Tandem with transaction journals of all transactions
                 which updated data files used by Monarch to provide the
                 Services to Tandem hereunder from the point at which the most
                 recent back-up was performed until the point at which Tandem
                 assumed system responsibilities.

         3.      Provide technical expertise and requisite assistance to Tandem
                 in applying journal transactions to the back-up files and
                 reconciling Tandem's files to Monarch's files at the start of
                 the parallel period (the "Parallel Period").

D.       PARALLEL PERIOD

         1.      Assist Tandem in operating Tandem's system on a parallel basis
                 with Monarch's system for a minimum two week period which
                 shall cross over from the end of one month to the beginning of
                 the next to ensure that Tandem's monthly processing services
                 during the Parallel Period are completely operational.

         2.      Provide technical assistance and expertise in applying
                 Monarch's journal transactions to Tandem's data and
                 reconciling the results of Tandem's operations to the results
                 of Monarch's operations.

         3.      Tandem will assume responsibility for ongoing operation of the
                 system upon satisfactory conclusion of the Parallel Period.

E.       RECORDS

         1.      Provide Tandem with all records relating to the system and its
                 management.

         2.      Provide technical expertise in interpreting all such records
                 as requested by Tandem.

F.       TRAINING AND EDUCATION





                                       2
<PAGE>   42
         1.      Provide Tandem with training and education which Tandem deems
                 to be adequate for each clerical employee, systems employee,
                 operations employee and technical employee engaged by Tandem
                 to operate the system and provide requisite services.

         2.      Provide Tandem with copies of all training programs, manuals
                 and materials used or prepared by Monarch for all system
                 services.

G.       CUTOVER COVERAGE

         During the period following the end of the Transition Period, provide
tandem with one on-site individual qualified in each area of specialty services
(computer operations, terminal operations, new business issuance, policyholder
service, balancing and reconciliation, reporting, etc.) for the first 25
business days of operation following Tandem's assumption of system
responsibilities.





                                       3

<PAGE>   1
                                                              EXHIBIT 1.A.(9)(b)


                     WAIVER OF NOTICE AND UNANIMOUS CONSENT
                                       OF
                             THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
                                       OF
                          TANDEM INSURANCE GROUP, INC.


                 We, the undersigned, being all the directors of Tandem
Insurance Group, Inc. (the "Company"), an Illinois insurance corporation, do
hereby waive all notice of a special meeting of the Board of Directors of the
Company whether provided by statute or otherwise and do hereby unanimously
consent to the following actions being taken without a meeting and adopt and
approve the following resolutions:

                 RESOLVED, that the Board of Directors of the Company does
                 hereby approve and adopt the Plan and Agreement of Merger (the
                 "Agreement") between the Company and Merrill Lynch Life
                 Insurance Company ("Merrill Lynch Life"), which is attached
                 hereto as Exhibit A, whereby the Company would merge with and
                 into Merrill Lynch Life (the "Merger"), resulting in the
                 acquisition of all assets and liabilities of the Company by
                 Merrill Lynch Life and the termination of the Company's
                 separate corporate existence upon the effectiveness of the
                 Merger and upon the further terms and conditions set forth in
                 the Agreement;

                 FURTHER RESOLVED, that the officers of the Company are hereby
                 authorized and directed to submit the Agreement to the
                 Company's sole shareholder for approval at a meeting to be
                 held for that purpose and, upon its approval, to submit the
                 Agreement to the Arkansas Insurance Department and the
                 Illinois Department of Insurance for approval in the manner
                 required by law;

                 FURTHER RESOLVED, that the directors and the officers of the
                 Company be and they hereby are authorized to perform such
                 further acts and execute and deliver to the proper authorities
                 such documents as the same may be necessary to cause the
                 Merger to become effective and to carry out all transactions
                 contemplated thereby, including any amendments to the
                 Agreement that may be necessary in order to comply with the
                 requirements of regulatory authorities.
<PAGE>   2

                 This consent may be executed in any number of counterparts,
and each of such counterparts shall for all purposes be deemed to be an
original, but all of which shall constitute one instrument.

                 DATED this _______ day of _______________, 1991.

                                           BOARD OF DIRECTORS:
                                           
                                           
                                           --------------------------------
                                           David M. Dunford
                                           

                                           --------------------------------
                                           Charles R. Hall
                                           
                                           
                                           --------------------------------
                                           Kenneth W. Kaczmarek
                                           
                                           
                                           --------------------------------
                                           Nicholas F. McClanahan
                                           
                                           
                                           --------------------------------
                                           Thomas H. Patrick
                                           
                                           
                                           --------------------------------
                                           Barry G. Skolnick
                                           
                                           
                                           --------------------------------
                                           John A. Zwald
                                           








                                     - 2 -

<PAGE>   1
                                                              EXHIBIT 1.A.(9)(c)


                          PLAN AND AGREEMENT OF MERGER



         THIS PLAN AND AGREEMENT OF MERGER ("Agreement"), is entered into on
this the ______ day of _____________, 1991, by and between MERRILL LYNCH LIFE
INSURANCE COMPANY, an Arkansas life insurance corporation with it home office
in Arkansas located at 320 West Capitol Avenue, Suite 1000, Little Rock,
Arkansas 72201 (hereinafter sometimes referred to as "MLLIC" or the "Surviving
Corporation"), and TANDEM INSURANCE GROUP, INC., an Illinois life insurance
corporation with its home office in Illinois located at 10 South LaSalle
Street, Chicago, Illinois, (hereinafter sometimes referred to as "Tandem")
(said life insurance corporations being hereinafter sometimes collectively
referred to as the "Constituent Corporations").

                                    RECITALS

         1.      MLLIC is a corporation duly organized and existing under the
laws of the state of Arkansas, having been originally incorporated on January
27, 1986, and has on the date hereof an authorized capital consisting of
1,000,000 shares of common stock of the par value of $10.00 per share, of
which, on the date hereof, 200,000 shares are issued and outstanding, all of
which shares are
<PAGE>   2
owned legally and beneficially by Merrill Lynch Insurance Group, Inc. ("MLIG").

         2.      Tandem is a corporation duly organized and existing under the
laws of the state of Illinois, having been originally incorporated on August
11, 1952, and has on the date hereof an authorized capital consisting of
5,000,000 shares of common stock of the par value of $1.10 per share, of which,
on the date hereof, 1,100,000 shares are issued and outstanding, all of which
shares are owned legally and beneficially by MLIG.

         3.      The Board of Directors of each of the Constituent Corporations
deems it advisable and in the best interest of said corporations that Tandem be
merged into MLLIC as provided herein and has approved of this Agreement.

         In consideration of the premises and the mutual agreements herein
contained, the parties hereto, in accordance with the applicable provisions of
the laws of the state of Arkansas and the state of Illinois, do hereby agree as
follows:

         1.      MERGER.  Tandem shall be merged with and into MLLIC.  On and
after the effective date of this contemplated merger:

                 (a)      MLLIC shall be the Surviving Corporation and shall
continue to exist as a domestic stock life insurance company under the laws of
the state of Arkansas.  As the Surviving Corporation,





                                     - 2 -
<PAGE>   3
MLLIC shall possess all rights, privileges, powers, franchises, and immunities
of a public as well as of a private nature and be subject to all the
liabilities and duties of each of the Constituent Corporations so merged, and
all, and singular, of the rights, privileges, powers, franchises, and
immunities of each of the Constituent Corporations and all property, real,
personal, and mixed, and all debts owing on whatever account and all other
things in action of or belonging to each of the Constituent Corporations shall
be transferred to and vested in the Surviving Corporation without further act
or deed.  All property, rights, privileges, powers, franchises, and immunities
and all and every other interest shall be thereafter the property of the
Surviving Corporation as effectually as they were of the several and respective
Constituent Corporations.  In particular, without limiting the foregoing, each
separate account duly established by each of the Constituent Corporations prior
to the effective date of the contemplated merger shall, on and after the
effective date of the contemplated merger, be a duly established separate
account of the Surviving Corporation as though it had been originally
established by the Surviving Corporation.  However, all rights of creditors and
all liens upon the property of any of the Constituent Corporations shall be
preserved unimpaired, limited in lien to the property affected by





                                     - 3 -
<PAGE>   4
the lien at the time of the merger.  All debts, liabilities, and duties of the
respective Constituent Corporations shall thenceforth attach to the Surviving
Corporation and may be enforced against it to the same extent as if the debts,
liabilities, and duties had been incurred or contracted by it.

                 (b)      Tandem, as a Constituent Corporation, pursuant to the
Illinois Insurance Code and the Arkansas Insurance Code, shall cease to exist,
and its property and obligations shall become the property and obligations of
MLLIC as the Surviving Corporation.

         2.      NAME AND STATE OF DOMICILE OF SURVIVING CORPORATION.  Upon the
effectiveness of the merger, the name of the Surviving Corporation shall remain
Merrill Lynch Life Insurance Company and the state of domicile shall remain the
state of Arkansas.

         3.      ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION; BYLAWS.  The Articles of
Incorporation as amended and Bylaws as amended of MLLIC shall continue as the
Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws of the Surviving Corporation.

         4.      DIRECTORS.  The members of the Board of Directors of MLLIC
shall be the members of the Board of Directors of the Surviving Corporation
until their successors are duly elected and qualified under the Bylaws of the
Surviving Corporation.





                                     - 4 -
<PAGE>   5

         5.      SHARES OF SURVIVOR.  Each share of the common stock of MLLIC
outstanding on the effective date of the merger shall thereupon, without
further action, be one share of the common stock of the Surviving Corporation,
without the issuance or exchange of new shares or share certificates, and no
additional shares of the Surviving Corporation shall be issued.

         6.      CANCELLATION OF TANDEM SHARES.  All authorized and outstanding
shares of the common stock of Tandem, such shares being owned in their entirety
by MLIG, and all rights in respect thereof, shall be cancelled forthwith on the
effective date of the merger, and the certificates representing such shares
shall be surrendered and cancelled, and no shares of the Surviving Corporation
shall be issued in lieu thereof.

         7.      APPROVALS.  This Agreement shall be submitted for adoption or
approval to (1) the shareholder of MLLIC, (2) the shareholder of Tandem, (3)
the Insurance Commissioner for the state of Arkansas, (4) the Director of
Insurance for the state of Illinois, and (5) the insurance regulatory
authorities of other states, if any, which may require such submission. If and
when all such required adoptions and approvals are obtained, the officers of
each of the Constituent Corporations shall, and are hereby authorized and
directed to, perform all such further acts, and





                                     - 5 -
<PAGE>   6
execute and deliver to the proper authorities for filing all documents, as may
be necessary or proper to render effective the merger contemplated by this
Agreement.

         8.      ABANDONMENT OF AGREEMENT.  Notwithstanding any of the
provision of this Agreement, the Board of Directors of MLLIC, at any time
before or after approval by shareholders of either or both corporations, and
prior to the effective date of the merger herein contemplated, and for any
reason they may deem sufficient and proper, shall have the power and authority
to abandon and refrain from making effective the contemplated merger as set
forth herein; in which case this Agreement shall thereby be cancelled and
become null and void.

         9.      EFFECTIVE DATE AND TIME.  The effective date and time for the
merger contemplated herein shall be at the close of the business day on the
date on which all filings required in the states of Arkansas and Illinois to
effect the proposed merger have been completed.

         IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Board of Directors of each of the Constituent
Corporations, pursuant to a resolution unanimously adopted by written consent
has caused this Agreement to be executed as of the day and year first above
written.





                                     - 6 -
<PAGE>   7
               DIRECTORS OF MERRILL LYNCH LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY,
                             Surviving Corporation:





- -------------------------------
        David M. Dunford



- -------------------------------
     Kenneth W. Kaczmarek



- -------------------------------
      Thomas H. Patrick



- -------------------------------
        John C.R. Hele



- -------------------------------
       Barry G. Skolnick




ATTEST:


- -------------------------------
         Secretary


( S E A L )





                                     - 6A -
<PAGE>   8
                   DIRECTORS OF TANDEM INSURANCE GROUP, INC.





- -------------------------------
       David M. Dunford


- -------------------------------
       Charles R. Hall



- -------------------------------
     Kenneth W. Kaczmarek



- -------------------------------
    Nicholas F. McClanahan



- -------------------------------
      Thomas H. Patrick



- -------------------------------
       Barry G. Skolnick



- -------------------------------
       John A. Zwald




ATTEST:


- -------------------------------
          Secretary


( S E A L )





                                     - 6B -

<PAGE>   1


                                                                EXHIBIT 1.A.(10)



MONARCH LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY                        SPRINGFIELD, MASSACHUSETTS
APPLICATION FOR MODIFIED SINGLE PREMIUM VARIABLE LIFE INSURANCE

<TABLE>
<S>                         <C>
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Information about the       [ ]  Mr.   [ ]  Mrs.   [ ]  Miss.   [ ]  Ms.   [ ]  Other:_________    Marital Status:_________________
Proposed Insured                                      

                            Last name                         First                             Middle
                           ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                            Street address (permanent residence)
                           ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                            City                              State                             Zip code
                           ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                            Telephone (       )               Soc. Sec. or tax ID no.
                           ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                            Date                              Place                                     Age nearest
                            of birth      /      /            of birth                 Sex              birthday
                           ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                            Height           Weight           Occupation and duties
                           ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                            During the past five years, has the proposed insured:

                            (1)   had heart, liver, lung or kidney trouble, high blood pressure, stroke, diabetes, cancer or
                                  nervous disorder?        [ ] Yes          [ ] No

                            (2)   been hospitalized or received medical or surgical treatment or advice for any ailment,
                                  sickness or injury other than colds, minor viral infection, minor injuries and normal
                                  pregnancies?             [ ] Yes          [ ] No

If answer to Question 1     Condition(s)                                       Date(s)
or 2 is yes, please give   ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
details here.  Attach       Treatment or advice                                                                                     
additional page if more    ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
space is needed.            Physician/Hospital                                 Address
                           ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                            (3)   Has the proposed insured smoked any cigarettes within the last 12 months?  [ ] Yes   [ ] No

                            (4)   Has the proposed insured ever been refused life insurance, been offered a modified or rated
                                  policy, or had an insurance company postpone, cancel or withdraw an application for life
                                  insurance?   [ ] Yes      [ ] No
If answer to Questions
4, 5 or 6 is yes,           (5)   Has the proposed insured now perform his/her usual occupational duties full-time?  [ ] Yes  [ ] No
explain in Remarks.               
                            (6)   Has the proposed insured engaged in hang gliding, skydiving or motor vehicle racing in the
                                  past year, or plan to engage in these activities within the next two years?  [ ] Yes   [ ] No

                            (7)   Has the proposed insured flown other than as a passenger in the past 24 months?  [ ] Yes   [ ] No
                                  Hours last 12 months:_______   Hours previous 12 months:_______  Type of license:____________
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Information about the       Name(s)
Owner (if different from   ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
proposed insured)           Street Address                                             Telephone (     )                 
                           ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                            City                              State                    Zip Code
                           ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                            Relationship to                                            Soc. Sec. or
                            proposed insured                                           tax ID no.
                           ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                            Contingent Owner
                           ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Information about the       Basic Coverage:$_________________   Single premium and/or $_________________   Face amount
Plan Applied For
                           ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                            If you do not specify both, you must specify either:
                            [ ] Guaranteed Period for Life (maximum investment)        [ ] Minimum Guarantee Period (maximum
                                                                                           face amount)
                           ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                            Immediate annuity rider:$________   Single Premium or $_____________________   income per___________
                            [ ] Ten year certain     [ ] Other (as limited by our rules), specify:_______________________________

- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                            Optional riders (charges deducted from investment base):
                            [ ] Guarantee of insurability     [ ] Other, specify:______________         [ ] Other, specify:________
                           ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                            Amount submitted with application (make check payable to Monarch Life):
                            Basic coverage: $________________   Immediate Annuity Rider $_________________   Total $__________

- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
<PAGE>   2
<TABLE>
<S>                         <C>
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Information on the          The applicant has received a copy of Edition No. _______ of the prospectus, and understands that:
Investment's Suitability
                            (8)   the policy's cash value may increase or decrease on the investment results and the cash value
                                  on surrender may be less than the policy's investment base?  [ ] Yes     [ ] No

If answer to Question 11    (9)   the death benefit (exclusive of optional benefits) may increase or decrease depending on the
is yes, list all                  investment results, but will never be less than the guaranteed minimum during the Guarantee
companies and policy              Period?  [ ] Yes       [ ] No
numbers in Remarks
                            (10)  the policy is a long-term commitment to meet insurance needs and financial goals? [ ] Yes  [ ] No

                            (11)  Will this policy replace or change an existing insurance policy or annuity?  [ ] Yes   [ ] No

- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Information on the          Division (specify by name)
Initial Investment                                                                Variable Account _________ (specify by letter
Allocation (Basic           __________________   ___________% or $____________                               designation)
coverage only)
                            __________________   ___________% or $____________    Note:   Allocation of initial investment base
                                                                                          to other than a money market division
                            __________________   ___________% or $____________            is subject to the provisions of the
                                                                                          prospectus and Monarch Life Insurance
                            __________________   ___________% or $____________            Company's rules and limits.  Any
Show the amount in                                                                        change in allocation prior to the
dollars or percentages      __________________   ___________% or $____________            issuance of the policy must be
(in whole numbers)                                                                        requested by the applicant in
                                         Total   ___________% or $____________            writing.

- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Information about the       Beneficiary(ies):                                      Contingent Beneficiary(ies):
Beneficiary                                                                   
                            --------------------------------------------------     -----------------------------------------------
Show name(s) and
relationship(s) to          --------------------------------------------------     -----------------------------------------------
proposed insured.                                                                
                            --------------------------------------------------     -----------------------------------------------

                            The owner reserves the right to change the beneficiary unless indicated above.

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

Remarks (attach
additional page if          ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
necessary)                   
                            ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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

Important Information       Upon request, illustration of death benefits and cash values comparing the policy applied for and a
                            fixed life insurance policy for the same premium will be furnished.

                            The death benefit under a policy may increase or decrease on each policy processing date, depending
                            upon the investment results of the policy.  Regardless of investment results, the death benefit can
                            never be less than the guaranteed minimum during the Guarantee Period.  The policy's cash value may
                            increase or decrease on any day depending upon the investment results.  No minimum cash value is
                            guaranteed.

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

Agreement and Signatures    By signing below, you acknowledge the explanation above and agree that to the best of your
                            knowledge, all statements and answers in this application are complete and true and may be relied
                            upon in determining whether to issue the policy.  Your answers will form a part of any policy to be
                            issued, and no medical examiner or registered representative has authority to modify this agreement
                            or waive any of Monarch's right or requirements.

                            You also understand that no policy will take effect unless while the insured is living, the single
                            premium is paid and the policy is delivered to and accepted by the owner and unless answers and
                            statements in this application continue to be complete and true at the time of such payment and
                            delivery.


                            Proposed insured                                      Application
                           ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

                            Agent/Witness                                         Agent/Witness
                           ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

                            Date of application                                   City                  State
                           ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

                            Print name of
                            Registered Representative                             Soc. Sec. no.
                           ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

                            Broker-Dealer                                         Branch office
                           ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
<PAGE>   3
<TABLE>
<S>                         <C>
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

                                               AUTHORIZATION BY PROPOSED INSURED

- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Authorization               To help determine insurability, you authorize:

                            -  any physician, hospital, other medical practitioner or facility, insurance company and the
                               Medical Information Bureau (see Notice Below) to release to Monarch and its reinsurers
                               information about your health or the health of any of your minor children who are to be insured.
                            -  any employer, business associate, financial institution, consumer reporting agency, government
                               unit, and the Medical Information Bureau (see Notice below) to release to Monarch and its
                               reinsurers any information about your occupation, avocation, finances, driving record, character
                               and reputation or that of your minor children who are to be insured.
                            -  Monarch to obtain investigative consumer reports, if appropriate; and
                            -  Monarch to report information about the insurability of you or any of your minor children to its
                               reinsurers and to the Medical Information Bureau, as described in the statement of Monarch's
                               underwriting procedures.  See notice below.

                            You understand that you have the right to learn the content and receive a copy of any such report.
                            You agree that a photographic copy of this authorization is as valid as the original.  You
                            acknowledge receipt of the Fair Credit Report Act and Medical Information Bureau Notices.  You
                            agree this authorization is valid for two and one-half years from the date signed.

- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Signature
                            Proposed insured                                                            Date
                           ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

                            Applicant Owner                                                             Date
                           ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Notice to the Proposed      Medical Information Bureau Notice.  Information on your insurability will be treated as
Insured                     confidential.  However, we may make a brief report on our conclusions to the Medical Information
                            Bureau, a non-profit membership organization of life insurance companies, which operates an
                            information exchange on behalf of its members.  If you apply to another Bureau member company for
                            life or health insurance coverage, or submit a claim for benefits to such a company, that company
                            may request the Bureau to provide information in your file.

                            If you ask, the Bureau will provide your physician with any information it has on you.  If you
                            believe the information is accurate, you may contact the Bureau and seek a correction in accordance
                            with procedures similar to those set forth in the Federal Fair Credit Reporting Act.  The address
                            of the Bureau's information office is:

                            Post Office Box 105
                            Essex Station
                            Boston, MA  02112

                            The telephone number is (617) 426-3660.

                            We may also release information in our files to our reinsurers and to other life insurance
                            companies to whom you may apply for life or health insurance or to whom you may submit a claim.

                            Fair Credit Reporting Act Notice.  In connection with our underwriting of this application, we may
                            conduct an investigative consumer report on the proposed insured.  This report, if requested, will
                            contain information on your character, general reputation, personal characteristics, and mode of
                            living.  This information may be obtained through personal interviews with you, your neighbors,
                            friends and acquaintances, or through telephone interviews with you or a member of your household.
                            You may ask to be interviewed in connection with this report.

                            Any information obtained in this report would be for business purposes only.  No information will
                            be revealed to any person contacted for the purpose of completing the report.  You may request and
                            receive a copy of this investigation, we will be pleased to provide it to you.  Send your written
                            request to:

                            Monarch Life Insurance Company
                            Underwriting Department
                            146 Chestnut Street
                            Springfield, Massachusetts  01103

                            Please be sure to include your full name, date of birth and any applicable policy numbers.
</TABLE>

<PAGE>   1
 
                                                                       EXHIBIT 6
 
   
[MERRILL LYNCH LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY]
    
 
   
                                      April 23, 1997
    
 
Board of Directors
Merrill Lynch Life Insurance Company
800 Scudders Mill Road
Plainsboro, New Jersey 08536
To The Board of Directors:
 
   
     This opinion is furnished in connection with the filing of Post-Effective
Amendment No. 7 to the Registration Statement on Form S-6 (as so amended, the
"Registration Statement") (File No. 33-43058) which covers premiums received
under the single premium variable life insurance policies ("Policies" or
"Policy") issued by Merrill Lynch Life Insurance Company (the "Company").
    
 
     The Prospectus included in the Registration Statement describes Policies
which are issued by the Company. The Policy forms were reviewed under my
direction, and I am familiar with the Registration Statement and Exhibits
thereto. In my opinion:
 
   
     1. The illustrations of death benefits, investment base, cash surrender
        values and accumulated premiums included in the Registration Statement
        for the Policy and based on the assumptions stated in the illustrations,
        are consistent with the provision of the Policy. The rate structure of
        the Policies has not been designed so as to make the relationship
        between premiums and benefits, as shown in the illustrations, appear
        more favorable to a prospective purchaser of a Policy for the ages and
        sexes shown, than to prospective purchasers of a Policy for other ages
        and sex.
    
 
   
     2. The table of illustrative net single premium factors included in the
        "Death Benefit" section is consistent with the provisions of the
        Policies.
    
 
     I hereby consent to the use of this opinion as an exhibit to the
Registration Statement and to the use of my name relating to actuarial matters
under the heading "Experts" in the Prospectus.
 
                                      Very truly yours,
 
   
                                      /s/ JOSEPH E. CROWNE, JR.
    
                                      Joseph E. Crowne, Jr., FSA
                                      Senior Vice President & Chief Financial
                                      Officer

<PAGE>   1
                                                                Exhibit 8(a)
[MERRILL LYNCH LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY]




                                    CONSENT




I hereby consent to the reference to my name under the heading "Legal Matters"
in the prospectus included in Post-Effective Amendment No. 7 to the
Registration Statement on Form S-6 for certain variable life insurance
contracts issued through Merrill Lynch Life Variable Life Separate Account II
of Merrill Lynch Life Insurance Company (File No. 33-43058).



                         /s/ Barry G. Skolnick                                 
                         -----------------------------------------
                         Barry G. Skolnick, Esq.
                         Senior Vice President and General Counsel




April 23, 1997

<PAGE>   1
                                                              Exhibit 8(c)
                         INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' CONSENT




We consent to the use in this Post-Effective Amendment No. 7 to the
Registration Statement No. 33-43058 of Merrill Lynch Life Variable Life
Separate Account II on Form S-6 of our reports on (i) Merrill Lynch Life
Insurance Company dated February 24, 1997, and (ii) Merrill Lynch Life Variable
Life Separate Account II dated January 31, 1997, appearing in the Prospectus,
which is a part of such Registration Statement, and to the reference to us
under the heading "Experts" in such Prospectus.



                                        /s/  DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP

New York, New York
April 28, 1997
      



<TABLE> <S> <C>

<ARTICLE> 6
<MULTIPLIER> 1,000
       
<S>                             <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   12-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          DEC-31-1996
<PERIOD-END>                               DEC-31-1996
<INVESTMENTS-AT-COST>                    2,593,784,916
<INVESTMENTS-AT-VALUE>                   2,808,806,546
<RECEIVABLES>                                        0
<ASSETS-OTHER>                                       0
<OTHER-ITEMS-ASSETS>                                 0
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                           2,808,806,546
<PAYABLE-FOR-SECURITIES>                             0
<SENIOR-LONG-TERM-DEBT>                              0
<OTHER-ITEMS-LIABILITIES>                   23,889,047
<TOTAL-LIABILITIES>                         23,889,047
<SENIOR-EQUITY>                                      0
<PAID-IN-CAPITAL-COMMON>                             0
<SHARES-COMMON-STOCK>                                0
<SHARES-COMMON-PRIOR>                                0
<ACCUMULATED-NII-CURRENT>                            0
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-NII>                               0
<ACCUMULATED-NET-GAINS>                              0
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-GAINS>                             0
<ACCUM-APPREC-OR-DEPREC>                             0
<NET-ASSETS>                             2,784,917,499
<DIVIDEND-INCOME>                          227,773,709
<INTEREST-INCOME>                                    0
<OTHER-INCOME>                                       0
<EXPENSES-NET>                            (17,127,179)
<NET-INVESTMENT-INCOME>                    210,646,530
<REALIZED-GAINS-CURRENT>                    49,679,613
<APPREC-INCREASE-CURRENT>                  (9,165,154)
<NET-CHANGE-FROM-OPS>                      251,160,989
<EQUALIZATION>                                       0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-INCOME>                            0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-GAINS>                             0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OTHER>                                0
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-SOLD>                              0
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-REDEEMED>                          0
<SHARES-REINVESTED>                                  0
<NET-CHANGE-IN-ASSETS>                      38,608,232
<ACCUMULATED-NII-PRIOR>                              0
<ACCUMULATED-GAINS-PRIOR>                            0
<OVERDISTRIB-NII-PRIOR>                              0
<OVERDIST-NET-GAINS-PRIOR>                           0
<GROSS-ADVISORY-FEES>                                0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                                   0
<GROSS-EXPENSE>                                      0
<AVERAGE-NET-ASSETS>                                 0
<PER-SHARE-NAV-BEGIN>                                0
<PER-SHARE-NII>                                      0
<PER-SHARE-GAIN-APPREC>                              0
<PER-SHARE-DIVIDEND>                                 0
<PER-SHARE-DISTRIBUTIONS>                            0
<RETURNS-OF-CAPITAL>                                 0
<PER-SHARE-NAV-END>                                  0
<EXPENSE-RATIO>                                      0
<AVG-DEBT-OUTSTANDING>                               0
<AVG-DEBT-PER-SHARE>                                 0
        

</TABLE>


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