MERRILL LYNCH LIFE VARIABLE ANNUITY SEPARATE ACCOUNT B
485APOS, 1995-02-28
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<PAGE>
   
AS   FILED  WITH  THE  SECURITIES  AND   EXCHANGE  COMMISSION  ON  FEBRUARY  28,
1995                                                   REGISTRATION NO. 33-45379
    
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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

            REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933          / /
                          PRE-EFFECTIVE AMENDMENT NO.                        / /
   
                         POST-EFFECTIVE AMENDMENT NO. 6                      /X/
    

                                      AND

        REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE INVESTMENT COMPANY ACT OF 1940      / /
   
                                AMENDMENT NO. 6                              /X/
    
                        (Check appropriate box or boxes)
                            ------------------------

                      MERRILL LYNCH LIFE VARIABLE ANNUITY
                               SEPARATE ACCOUNT B
                           (Exact Name of Registrant)

                      MERRILL LYNCH LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
                              (Name of Depositor)
                             800 Scudders Mill Road
                          Plainsboro, New Jersey 08536
                                 (609) 282-1429
         (Address and telephone number of 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

                                    COPY TO:
                             Stephen E. Roth, Esq.
                          Sutherland, Asbill & Brennan
                          1275 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW
                          Washington, D.C. 20004-2404
                            ------------------------

   
    The Registrant has registered an indefinite amount of securities pursuant to
Rule 24f-2 under the Investment Company Act  of 1940. The Rule 24f-2 notice  for
fiscal year 1994 was filed on February 24, 1995.
    

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

   
        / / immediately upon filing pursuant to paragraph (b) of Rule 485
    

   
        / / on _________________ pursuant to paragraph (b) of Rule 485
    
                  (date)

   
        / / 60 days after filing pursuant to paragraph (a) of Rule 485
    

   
        /X/ on ___May 1, 1995___ pursuant to paragraph (a) of Rule 485
    
                  (date)

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<PAGE>
                             CROSS REFERENCE SHEET
                (AS REQUIRED BY RULE 495(A) UNDER THE 1933 ACT)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
N-4 ITEM NUMBER AND CAPTION                                                         LOCATION
- --------------------------------------------------------  ------------------------------------------------------------
<C>        <S>                                            <C>
PART A
       1.  Cover Page...................................  Cover Page
       2.  Definitions..................................  Definitions
       3.  Synopsis.....................................  Fee Table
       4.  Condensed Financial Information..............  Accumulation Unit Value Table; Yields and Total Returns
                                                          Part B: Calculation of Yields and Total Returns
       5.  General Description of Registrant, Depositor,
            and Portfolio Companies.....................  Merrill   Lynch  Life   Insurance  Company;   The  Accounts;
                                                           Investments of the Accounts
       6.  Deductions and Expenses......................  Capsule  Summary  of   the  Contract   (Fees  and   Charges;
                                                           Transfers;    Withdrawals);    Charges    and   Deductions;
                                                           Description of the Contract (Accumulation Units; Transfers;
                                                           Withdrawals and Surrenders; Payments to Contract Owners)
       7.  General Description of Variable Annuity
            Contracts...................................  Capsule Summary of  the Contract (The  Accounts; The  Funds;
                                                           Premiums; Annuity Payments; Transfers; Withdrawals, Ten Day
                                                           Review);  The Accounts; Description  of the Contract; Other
                                                           Information (Voting Rights; State Regulation)
       8.  Annuity Period...............................  Capsule  Summary   of  the   Contract  (Annuity   Payments);
                                                           Description of the Contract (Annuity Date; Annuity Options)
       9.  Death Benefit................................  Capsule Summary of the Contract (Death Benefit); Description
                                                           of  the  Contract  (Death  Benefit;  Death  of  Annuitant);
                                                           Federal Income Tax (Taxation of Annuities)
      10.  Purchases and Contract Value.................  Capsule Summary of  the Contract  (The Accounts;  Premiums);
                                                           Description of the Contract (Premiums; Premium Investments;
                                                           Accumulation Units); Other Information (Reports to Contract
                                                           Owners)
                                                          Part B: Other Information (Principal Underwriter)
      11.  Redemptions..................................  Capsule  Summary of  the Contract (Ten  Day Review); Charges
                                                           and Deductions; Description  of the  Contract (Issuing  the
                                                           Contract;   Ten  Day  Right   to  Review;  Withdrawals  and
                                                           Surrenders; Payments to Contract Owners; Annuity Options)
      12.  Taxes........................................  Capsule  Summary  of   the  Contract   (Fees  and   Charges;
                                                           Withdrawals)  Charges and Deductions  (Premium Taxes; Other
                                                           Charges); Description of the Contract (Accumulation  Units;
                                                           Death   Benefit;   Withdrawals   and   Surrenders;  Annuity
                                                           Options); Federal Income Taxes
      13.  Legal Proceedings............................  Other Information (Legal Proceedings)
      14.  Table of Contents of the Statement of
            Additional Information......................  Table of Contents of the Statement of Additional Information

<CAPTION>
PART B
<C>        <S>                                            <C>
      15.  Cover Page...................................  Cover Page
      16.  Table of Contents............................  Table of Contents
</TABLE>

<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
N-4 ITEM NUMBER AND CAPTION                                                         LOCATION
- --------------------------------------------------------  ------------------------------------------------------------
<C>        <S>                                            <C>
      17.  General Information and History..............  Part A: Merrill Lynch Life Insurance Company; The  Accounts;
                                                           Investments of the Accounts
                                                          Part B: Other Information (General Information and History)
      18.  Services.....................................  Part A: Experts
                                                          Part B: Administrative Service Arrangements
      19.  Purchase of Securities Being Offered.........  Part A: Other Information (Selling the Contract)
      20.  Underwriters.................................  Part A: Other Information (Selling the Contract)
                                                          Part B: Other Information (Principal Underwriter)
      21.  Calculation of Performance Data..............  Part A: Yields and Total Returns
                                                          Part B: Calculation of Yields and Total Returns
      22.  Annuity Payments.............................  Part  A: Capsule Summary of the Contract (Annuity Payments);
                                                           Description of the Contract (Annuity Date; Annuity Options)
      23.  Financial Statements.........................  Other   Information   (Financial   Statements);    Financial
                                                           Statements  of Merrill Lynch Life Variable Annuity Separate
                                                           Account A;  Financial  Statements  of  Merrill  Lynch  Life
                                                           Variable  Annuity Separate Account  B; Financial Statements
                                                           of Merrill Lynch Life Insurance Company.

<CAPTION>
PART C
<C>        <S>                                            <C>
Information required to be included in Part C is set forth  under the appropriate item, so numbered in Part C to  this
Registration Statement.
</TABLE>
<PAGE>
                                     PART A
                      INFORMATION REQUIRED IN A PROSPECTUS
<PAGE>
PROSPECTUS
   
MAY 1, 1995
    
             MERRILL LYNCH LIFE VARIABLE ANNUITY SEPARATE ACCOUNT A
                                      AND
             MERRILL LYNCH LIFE VARIABLE ANNUITY SEPARATE ACCOUNT B

         FLEXIBLE PREMIUM INDIVIDUAL DEFERRED VARIABLE ANNUITY CONTRACT
                                 ALSO KNOWN AS
     MODIFIED SINGLE PREMIUM INDIVIDUAL DEFERRED VARIABLE ANNUITY CONTRACT
                                   ISSUED BY
                      MERRILL LYNCH LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY

                    Home Office: Little Rock, Arkansas 72201
                        Service Center: P.O. Box 44222,
                        Jacksonville, Florida 32231-4222
                           4804 Deer Lake Drive East,
                          Jacksonville, Florida 32246
                             Phone: (800) 535-5549

                                OFFERED THROUGH
               MERRILL LYNCH, PIERCE, FENNER & SMITH INCORPORATED

   
The  individual deferred variable annuity  contract described in this Prospectus
(the "Contract")  is designed  to  provide comprehensive  and flexible  ways  to
invest and to create a source of income protection for later in life through the
payment  of  annuity benefits.  The  Contract is  issued  by Merrill  Lynch Life
Insurance Company ("Merrill Lynch Life") both on a nonqualified basis, and as an
Individual Retirement Annuity ("IRA") that is given qualified tax status.
    

   
Premiums will  be allocated  as the  contract  owner directs  into one  or  more
subaccounts  of Merrill Lynch Life Variable Annuity Separate Account A ("Account
A") and/or Merrill Lynch Life Variable Annuity Separate Account B ("Account B"),
(together, the  "Accounts"). The  assets  of each  of  the subaccounts  will  be
invested  in a corresponding mutual fund portfolio of the Merrill Lynch Variable
Series Funds, Inc. (the "Funds").  Currently, there are sixteen Funds  available
to  Account  A  and one  Fund  available  to Account  B.  Other  subaccounts and
corresponding investment options  may be  added in the  future. The  value of  a
contract  owner's  investment  in  each  subaccount  will  vary  with investment
experience, and it is the contract owner who bears the full investment risk with
respect to his or her investments.
    

The Contract provides a choice of fixed annuity payment options. On the  annuity
date,  the  entire contract  value,  after the  deduction  of a  charge  for any
applicable premium taxes, will  be transferred to  Merrill Lynch Life's  general
account,  from which  the annuity  payments will be  made. Prior  to the annuity
date, the contract owner may make transfers among Account A subaccounts, limited
transfers from Account A  into Account B, and  full or partial withdrawals  from
the  Contract to suit investment and liquidity needs. Withdrawals may be taxable
and may be subject to a contingent deferred sales charge.

   
This Prospectus contains information about the Contract and the Accounts that  a
prospective  contract owner should know before investing. Additional information
about the Contract and  the Accounts is contained  in a Statement of  Additional
Information,  dated May 1,  1995, which has  been filed with  the Securities and
Exchange Commission and is  incorporated herein by  reference. The Statement  of
Additional  Information is available on request and without charge by writing to
or calling Merrill Lynch Life at the Service Center address or phone number  set
forth  above. The table of contents  for the Statement of Additional Information
is included on page 37 of this Prospectus.
    

   
THE PURCHASE OF THIS CONTRACT INVOLVES  CERTAIN RISKS. BECAUSE IT IS A  VARIABLE
ANNUITY,  THE VALUE OF  THE CONTRACT REFLECTS THE  INVESTMENT PERFORMANCE OF THE
SELECTED INVESTMENT OPTIONS. INVESTMENT  RESULTS CAN VARY BOTH  UP AND DOWN  AND
CAN  EVEN DECREASE  THE VALUE  OF PREMIUM  PAYMENTS. THEREFORE,  CONTRACT OWNERS
COULD LOSE ALL OR PART OF THE MONEY THEY HAVE INVESTED. MERRILL LYNCH LIFE  DOES
NOT  GUARANTEE  THE VALUE  OF  THE CONTRACT.  RATHER,  CONTRACT OWNERS  BEAR ALL
INVESTMENT RISKS.
    

   
AN ANNUITY IS INTENDED TO BE A LONG TERM INVESTMENT. WITHDRAWALS OR SURRENDER OF
THE CONTRACT PREMATURELY  MAY RESULT IN  SUBSTANTIAL PENALTIES. CONTRACT  OWNERS
SHOULD CONSIDER THEIR INCOME NEEDS BEFORE PURCHASING THE CONTRACT.
    

   
ALL  WITHDRAWALS AND SURRENDER OF THE CONTRACT  ARE SUBJECT TO TAX, AND IF TAKEN
BEFORE AGE 59 1/2 MAY ALSO BE SUBJECT TO A 10% FEDERAL PENALTY TAX.
    

   
THIS CONTRACT PROVIDES A GUARANTEED DEATH BENEFIT THAT IS PAYABLE ONLY UPON  THE
DEATH  OF THE CONTRACT OWNER.  THE 5% GROWTH GUARANTEED  ON CERTAIN PREMIUMS FOR
DEATH BENEFIT  PURPOSES  IS  NOT  A  GUARANTEE OF  CONTRACT  VALUE,  NOR  IS  IT
APPLICABLE TO ANY OTHER FEATURE OF THE CONTRACT.
    

PLEASE  READ THIS PROSPECTUS AND KEEP IT FOR FUTURE REFERENCE. IT IS ATTACHED TO
A CURRENT PROSPECTUS FOR MERRILL LYNCH VARIABLE SERIES FUNDS, INC., WHICH SHOULD
ALSO BE READ AND KEPT FOR REFERENCE.

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.
<PAGE>
                               TABLE OF CONTENTS

   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                 PAGE
                                                                 ----
<S>                                                              <C>
DEFINITIONS.................................................       4
CAPSULE SUMMARY OF THE CONTRACT.............................       5
FEE TABLE...................................................       9
ACCUMULATION UNIT VALUE TABLE...............................      12
YIELDS AND TOTAL RETURNS....................................      13
MERRILL LYNCH LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY........................      15
THE ACCOUNTS................................................      15
INVESTMENTS OF THE ACCOUNTS.................................      15
    Merrill Lynch Variable Series Funds, Inc................      15
        Domestic Money Market Fund..........................      16
        Prime Bond Fund.....................................      17
        High Current Income Fund............................      17
        Quality Equity Fund.................................      17
        Equity Growth Fund..................................      17
        Flexible Strategy Fund..............................      17
        Natural Resources Focus Fund........................      18
        American Balanced Fund..............................      18
        Global Strategy Focus Fund..........................      18
        Basic Value Focus Fund..............................      18
        World Income Focus Fund.............................      18
        Global Utility Focus Fund...........................      18
        International Equity Focus Fund.....................      19
        International Bond Fund.............................      19
        Intermediate Government Bond Fund...................      19
        Developing Capital Markets Focus Fund...............      19
        Reserve Assets Fund.................................      19
    Reinvestment............................................      19
    Substitution of Investments and Changes to Accounts.....      19
CHARGES AND DEDUCTIONS......................................      20
    Contract Maintenance Charge.............................      20
    Mortality and Expense Risk Charge.......................      20
    Administration Charge...................................      21
    Contingent Deferred Sales Charge........................      21
    Premium Taxes...........................................      22
    Other Charges...........................................      22
DESCRIPTION OF THE CONTRACT.................................      22
    Ownership of the Contract...............................      22
    Issuing the Contract....................................      23
    Ten Day Right to Review.................................      23
    Contract Changes........................................      23
    Premiums................................................      24
    Premium Investments.....................................      24
    Accumulation Units......................................      24
    Death Benefit...........................................      25
    Death of Annuitant......................................      26
    Transfers...............................................      26
    Dollar Cost Averaging...................................      27
    Withdrawals and Surrenders..............................      27
</TABLE>
    

                                       2
<PAGE>
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                 PAGE
                                                                 ----
<S>                                                              <C>
    Payments to Contract Owners.............................      29
    Annuity Date............................................      29
    Annuity Options.........................................      29
    Unisex..................................................      31
FEDERAL INCOME TAXES........................................      31
    Introduction............................................      31
    Merrill Lynch Life's Tax Status.........................      32
    Taxation of Annuities...................................      32
    Internal Revenue Service Diversification Standards......      34
    IRA Contracts...........................................      34
    Transfers, Assignments, or Exchanges of a Contract......      35
    Withholding.............................................      35
    Possible Changes in Taxation............................      35
    Other Tax Consequences..................................      35
OTHER INFORMATION...........................................      35
    Voting Rights...........................................      35
    Reports to Contract Owners..............................      36
    Selling the Contract....................................      36
    State Regulation........................................      37
    Legal Proceedings.......................................      37
    Experts.................................................      37
    Legal Matters...........................................      37
    Registration Statements.................................      38
    Table of Contents of the Statement of Additional
     Information............................................      38
</TABLE>
    

                                       3
<PAGE>
                                  DEFINITIONS

ACCOUNTS:  Two segregated  investment accounts  of Merrill  Lynch Life Insurance
Company, named  Merrill  Lynch Life  Variable  Annuity Separate  Account  A  and
Merrill Lynch Life Variable Annuity Separate Account B. (See page 15.)

ACCOUNT VALUE: The value of a contract owner's interest in a particular Account.

   
ACCUMULATION  UNIT: An index used  to compute the value  of the contract owner's
interest in a subaccount prior to the annuity date. (See page 24.)
    

ANNUITANT: The person on whose continuation of life annuity payments may depend.

ANNUITY DATE: The date on which annuity payments begin. (See page 29.)

BENEFICIARY: The  person to  whom payment  is to  be made  on the  death of  the
contract owner.

CONTRACT: The variable annuity offered by this Prospectus.

CONTRACT  ANNIVERSARY:  The same  date each  year as  the date  of issue  of the
Contract.

CONTRACT OWNER: The person entitled to  exercise all rights under the  Contract.
(See page 22.)

CONTRACT VALUE: The value of a contract owner's interest in the Accounts.

   
CONTRACT YEAR: The period from one contract anniversary to the day preceding the
next contract anniversary.
    

DATE  OF ISSUE: The  date on which  an initial premium  is received and required
contract owner information is approved by Merrill Lynch Life. (See page 23.)

   
DUE PROOF  OF DEATH:_A  certified  copy of  the death  certificate,  Beneficiary
Statement, and any additional paperwork necessary to process the death claim.
    

FUNDS:  The  mutual funds,  or separate  investment  portfolios within  a series
mutual fund, designated as eligible investments for the Accounts. (See page 15.)

INDIVIDUAL  RETIREMENT  ACCOUNT  OR  ANNUITY  ("IRA"):  A  Contract  issued   in
connection  with  a retirement  arrangement that  receives favorable  tax status
under Section 408 of the Internal Revenue Code.

MONTHIVERSARY: The same date of each month as the date on which the Contract was
issued.

NET INVESTMENT FACTOR: An index used to measure the investment performance of  a
subaccount from one valuation period to the next. (See page 25.)

NONQUALIFIED  CONTRACT:  A  Contract  issued  in  connection  with  a retirement
arrangement other than a qualified arrangement described under Section 401, 403,
408, 457 or any similar provisions of the Internal Revenue Code.

PREMIUMS: Money paid into the Contract. (See page 23.)

SUBACCOUNT: A division of  each of the  Accounts consisting of  the shares of  a
particular Fund held by that Account.

VALUATION  PERIOD: The interval from one determination of the net asset value of
a subaccount to the  next. Net asset  values are determined as  of the close  of
business on each day the New York Stock Exchange is open. (See page 24.)

VARIABLE  ANNUITY: A contract  with a value  that reflects investment experience
prior to the annuity date, and  provides periodic payments of set amounts  after
the annuity date.

                                       4
<PAGE>
                        CAPSULE SUMMARY OF THE CONTRACT

The  following capsule summary  is intended to  provide a brief  overview of the
Contract. More  detailed information  about the  Contract can  be found  in  the
sections  of this Prospectus that  follow, all of which  should be read in their
entirety.

THE ACCOUNTS

Premiums will  be allocated  to  Merrill Lynch  Life Variable  Annuity  Separate
Account  A ("Account  A") and/ or  Merrill Lynch Life  Variable Annuity Separate
Account  B  ("Account   B")  segregated  investment   accounts  (together,   the
"Accounts"),  as directed by  the contract owner. The  Accounts are divided into
subaccounts corresponding to the Funds in which contract value may be  invested.
Premiums  are not invested  directly in the  underlying Funds. For  the first 14
days following the date of issue, all  premiums directed into Account A will  be
allocated  to the Domestic Money Market Fund Subaccount. Thereafter, the account
value will  be  reallocated  to  the Account  A  subaccounts  selected.  In  the
Commonwealth  of Pennsylvania, all premiums  will be invested as  of the date of
issue in the subaccounts selected by the contract owner. Account A account value
may be periodically transferred among Account A subaccounts, subject to  certain
limitations. The contract value and annuity payments will reflect the investment
performance of the Funds selected. (See THE ACCOUNTS on page 15 and TRANSFERS on
page 26.)

THE FUNDS

   
The  Funds are separate  investment mutual fund portfolios  of the Merrill Lynch
Variable Series Funds, Inc. (the  "Funds"). There are seventeen Funds  available
for  contract  owner investment,  each  with a  different  investment objective:
Domestic Money Market Fund, Prime Bond  Fund, High Current Income Fund,  Quality
Equity Fund, Equity Growth Fund, Flexible Strategy Fund, Natural Resources Focus
Fund,  American Balanced  Fund, Global  Strategy Focus  Fund, Basic  Value Focus
Fund, World Income Focus Fund,  Global Utility Focus Fund, International  Equity
Focus   Fund,  International  Bond  Fund,  Intermediate  Government  Bond  Fund,
Developing Capital Markets Focus Fund, and Reserve Assets Fund. Other investment
options may be added  in the future.  (See INVESTMENTS OF  THE ACCOUNTS on  page
15.)
    

   
Detailed  information about the investment objectives  of the Funds can be found
under INVESTMENTS OF THE ACCOUNTS on page 15 and in the attached prospectus  for
the Funds.
    

PREMIUMS

   
The  Contract generally allows  contract owners the  flexibility to make premium
payments as often  as desired. The  Contract is purchased  by making an  initial
premium  payment of $5,000 or more on a nonqualified Contract and $2,000 or more
on an IRA Contract. Subsequent premium payments must be $300 or more and can  be
made  at any time prior to the annuity date. Maximum annual contributions to IRA
Contracts are limited  by federal  law. Under an  automatic investment  feature,
subsequent  premium payments  can be  systematically made  from a  Merrill Lynch
Pierce, Fenner &  Smith Incorporated brokerage  account. A Financial  Consultant
should  be contacted for additional information. Merrill Lynch Life reserves the
right to refuse to accept subsequent premium payments, if required by law.  (See
PREMIUMS on page 23.)
    

FEES AND CHARGES

A  charge  is made  to  reimburse Merrill  Lynch  Life for  expenses  related to
maintenance of the Contract. A $40 contract maintenance charge will be  deducted
from  the contract value on each contract anniversary that occurs on or prior to
the annuity date. It will also be deducted when the Contract is surrendered,  if
it  is surrendered on  any date other  than a contract  anniversary. This charge
will be waived on all Contracts with  a contract value equal to or greater  than
$50,000  on the date the charge would  otherwise be deducted. It is not deducted
after the annuity date.

                                       5
<PAGE>
A mortality and expense risk charge is imposed on the Accounts. It equals  1.25%
annually  for Account A and  0.65% annually for Account  B and is deducted daily
from the net asset  value of the  Accounts. Of this  amount, 0.75% annually  for
Account  A and 0.35% annually  for Account B is  attributable to mortality risks
assumed by  Merrill  Lynch  Life  for the  annuity  payment  and  death  benefit
guarantees  made under the Contract. The remainder, 0.50% annually for Account A
and 0.30% annually for  Account B, is attributable  to expense risks assumed  by
Merrill Lynch Life should the contract maintenance and administration charges be
insufficient to cover all Contract maintenance and administration expenses.

An  administration  charge is  made to  reimburse Merrill  Lynch Life  for costs
associated with the establishment and  administration of the Contract. A  charge
of  0.10%  annually will  be deducted  daily only  from the  net asset  value of
Account A. No administration charge is imposed on the assets of Account B.

A contingent deferred sales charge may be imposed on withdrawals and  surrenders
from  Account A. The maximum  contingent deferred sales charge  is 7% of premium
withdrawn during the  first year after  that premium is  paid, decreasing by  1%
annually  to 0% after  year seven. No  contingent deferred sales  charge will be
imposed on withdrawals or surrenders from Account B. In addition, no  contingent
deferred  sales  charge  will  be  imposed  on  withdrawals  or  surrenders from
Contracts purchased by employees of Merrill Lynch Life or its affiliates or from
Contracts purchased by the employees' spouses or dependents, where permitted  by
state regulation.

A  charge for any premium  taxes imposed by a state  or local government will be
deducted from the  contract value on  the annuity date.  Premium tax rates  vary
from  jurisdiction to jurisdiction and  currently range from 0%  to 5%. In those
jurisdictions that  do not  allow an  insurance company  to reduce  its  current
taxable  premium  income by  the amount  of any  withdrawal, surrender  or death
benefit paid, Merrill Lynch Life  will also deduct a  charge for these taxes  on
any withdrawal, surrender or death benefit effected under the Contract.

Merrill  Lynch  Life reserves  the right,  subject  to any  necessary regulatory
approval, to charge for assessments or  federal premium taxes or federal,  state
or  local excise,  profits or  income taxes measured  by or  attributable to the
receipt of premiums. Merrill Lynch Life  also reserves the right to deduct  from
the  Accounts  any  taxes imposed  on  the Accounts'  investment  earnings. (See
MERRILL LYNCH LIFE'S TAX STATUS on page 31.)

Detailed information about fees and charges imposed on the Contract can be found
under CHARGES AND DEDUCTIONS on page 20.

ANNUITY PAYMENTS

The Contract provides a choice of fixed annuity payment options. On the  annuity
date,  the entire  contract value  will be  transferred to  Merrill Lynch Life's
general account, from  which the annuity  payments will be  made. The amount  of
each payment is predetermined.

The  contract owner  selects an annuity  date when annuity  payments will begin.
Contract owners may change the  annuity date up to 30  days prior to that  date.
However,  the annuity date for nonqualified Contracts  may not be later than the
annuitant's 85th birthday. The annuity date for IRA Contracts will not be  later
than  when the  owner/annuitant reaches  the age of  70 1/2  unless the contract
owner selects a later annuity date.

If the contract value on the annuity date after the deduction of any  applicable
premium taxes is less than $5,000 (or a different minimum amount, if required by
state  law), Merrill  Lynch Life  may pay  the annuity  benefits in  a lump sum,
rather than as periodic payments. If any annuity payment would be less than  $50
(or  a different minimum amount,  if required by state  law), Merrill Lynch Life
may change the frequency of

                                       6
<PAGE>
payments so  that all  payments will  be at  least $50  (or the  minimum  amount
required by state law). All annuity payments will be directly transferred to the
contract  owner's designated Merrill Lynch,  Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated
brokerage account, unless otherwise specified.

Details about the  annuity options  available under  the Contract  can be  found
under ANNUITY OPTIONS on page 29.

TRANSFERS

Once  each contract year, contract owners may transfer from Account A to Account
B an amount equal to any gain in account value and/or any premium not subject to
a contingent deferred sales  charge. Where permitted  by state regulation,  once
each contract year, contract owners may transfer all or a portion of the greater
of  that amount or 10% of premiums subject to a contingent deferred sales charge
(minus any  of that  premium already  withdrawn or  transferred).  Additionally,
where  permitted by state regulation, periodic transfers  of all or a portion of
the greater  amount, determined  at  the time  of  each periodic  transfer,  are
permitted, on a monthly, quarterly, semi-annual or annual basis.

This  is the only  amount which may be  transferred from Account  A to Account B
during that contract year. There  is no charge imposed  on the transfer of  this
amount. No transfers are permitted from Account B to Account A.

Prior  to their annuity date, contract owners  may transfer all or part of their
Account A value among the subaccounts of Account A up to six times per  contract
year  without charge.  Additional transfers among  Account A  subaccounts may be
made at a charge of $25 per  transfer. In addition, contract owners may elect  a
Dollar  Cost Averaging feature in which Account A value invested in the Domestic
Money Market  Subaccount  may  be systematically  transferred  among  the  other
Account  A subaccounts  on a  monthly basis  without charge,  subject to certain
limitations. (See TRANSFERS on page 26.)

WITHDRAWALS

Contract owners may make  up to six withdrawals  from the Contract per  contract
year.  Value  withdrawn from  Account  A is  generally  subject to  a contingent
deferred sales  charge.  (See CONTINGENT  DEFERRED  SALES CHARGE  on  page  20.)
However,  a contingent deferred  sales charge will  not be applied  to the first
withdrawal in  any  contract year  out  of Account  A  to the  extent  that  the
withdrawal  consists of gain  and/or any premium  not subject to  such a charge.
Where permitted by state regulation, a contingent deferred sales charge will not
be applied  to that  portion  of the  first withdrawal  from  Account A  in  any
contract  year that  does not exceed  the greater  of any gain  in account value
and/or any premium not subject to a contingent deferred sales charge and 10%  of
premiums  subject  to a  contingent  deferred sales  charge  (minus any  of that
premium already transferred out of Account A). Additionally, where permitted  by
state  regulation, the amount withdrawn may be  elected to be paid on a monthly,
quarterly, semi-annual or annual basis.

The first withdrawal of the  contract year out of Account  A will be treated  as
withdrawing  gain in account value  first, followed by premium  not subject to a
contingent deferred sales  charge, then followed  by premium subject  to such  a
charge.  If the amount withdrawn is paid on a monthly, quarterly, semi-annual or
annual basis, all such payments will be treated in the same way. All  subsequent
withdrawals   in  a  contract  year  will  be  treated  as  withdrawing  premium
accumulated the longest first. (See WITHDRAWALS AND SURRENDERS on page 27.)

Value withdrawn from Account B is  not subject to any contingent deferred  sales
charge.  In addition,  no contingent  deferred sales  charge will  be imposed on
withdrawals from Contracts purchased by employees  of Merrill Lynch Life or  its
affiliates  or from Contracts purchased by the employees' spouses or dependents,
where permitted by state regulation.

                                       7
<PAGE>
In addition to the  six withdrawals permitted each  contract year, the value  in
Account  B may be automatically withdrawn  on a monthly, quarterly, semi-annual,
or annual basis. These automatic withdrawals  are not subject to any  contingent
deferred sales charge. (See WITHDRAWALS AND SURRENDERS on page 27.)

Withdrawals  will decrease the contract value. Withdrawals from either Account A
or Account B  may be  taxable and  subject to a  10% tax  penalty. (See  FEDERAL
INCOME TAXES on page 31.)

DEATH BENEFIT

   
The Contract provides a death benefit feature that guarantees a death benefit if
the  contract owner  dies prior  to the  annuity date,  regardless of investment
experience. A Contract's death benefit is equal to the greater of (a) the sum of
the excess, if any, of premiums paid  into Account A with interest on them  from
the  date received at  an interest rate  compounded daily to  yield 5% annually,
over transfers to Account B and withdrawals from Account A multiplied by a  rate
compounded  daily from the date of transfer  or withdrawal to yield 5% annually,
plus the value of Account B; or (b) the contract value. There are limits on  the
period  during which interest will accrue  for purposes of this calculation. For
Contracts issued  beginning  June 1,  1995  (or  later as  state  approvals  are
obtained),  interest shall accrue only until the earliest of the last day of the
20th contract year,  the last day  of the  contract year in  which the  contract
owner  attains age 80, or the date  of the contract owner's death. For Contracts
issued before June  1, 1995  and until  state approvals  are obtained,  interest
shall  accrue only until the last day of the 20th contract year. If the contract
owner dies prior to the annuity date, Merrill Lynch Life will pay the Contract's
death benefit to the owner's beneficiary. (See DEATH BENEFIT on page 25.)
    

TEN DAY REVIEW

When the contract owner receives the  Contract, it should be reviewed  carefully
to  make sure  it is  what the contract  owner intended  to purchase. Generally,
within 10  days  after the  contract  owner receives  the  Contract, it  may  be
returned  for a refund. Some states allow a  longer period of time to return the
Contract. The Contract must be delivered to Merrill Lynch Life's Service  Center
or  to the  Financial Consultant who  sold it for  a refund to  be made. Merrill
Lynch Life will then refund  to the contract owner  the greater of all  premiums
paid  into the  Contract or the  contract value as  of the date  the Contract is
returned. For  contracts issued  in the  Commonwealth of  Pennsylvania,  Merrill
Lynch  Life  will refund  the  contract value  as of  the  date the  Contract is
returned. The Contract will then be deemed void. (See TEN DAY RIGHT TO REVIEW on
page 23.)

                                       8
<PAGE>
                                   FEE TABLE

<TABLE>
<S>  <C>  <C>                                       <C>
A.   Contract Owner Transaction Expenses
     1.   Sales Load Imposed on Premium...........  None
     2.   Contingent Deferred Sales Charge
</TABLE>

   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
   COMPLETE YEARS ELAPSED SINCE       CONTINGENT DEFERRED SALES CHARGE AS A
        PAYMENT OF PREMIUM               PERCENTAGE OF PREMIUM WITHDRAWN
- -----------------------------------  ---------------------------------------
<S>                                  <C>
                    0 years                              7.00%
                     1 year                              6.00%
                    2 years                              5.00%
                    3 years                              4.00%
                    4 years                              3.00%
                    5 years                              2.00%
                    6 years                              1.00%
            7 or more years                              0.00%
</TABLE>
    

<TABLE>
<S>  <C>  <C>                                       <C>
     3.   Transfer Fee............................  $25
     The first 6 transfers in a contract year are free.
     A fee may be charged on all subsequent transfers.
     This is applicable to Separate Account A only.
B.   Annual Contract Maintenance Charge...........  $40
     The Contract Maintenance Charge will be assessed
     annually on each contract anniversary, only if the
     contract value is less than $50,000.
C.   Separate Account Annual Expenses (as a percentage
     of account value)
</TABLE>

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                             SEPARATE ACCT A        SEPARATE ACCT B
                                             ----------------      -----------------
<S>                                          <C>                   <C>
Mortality and Expense Risk Charge.......           1.25%                   .65%
Administration Charge...................            .10%                   .00%
                                                                            --
                                                    ---
Total Separate Account Annual
 Expenses...............................           1.35%                   .65%
</TABLE>

   
<TABLE>
<S>  <C>  <C>                                       <C>
D.   Fund Expenses for the Year Ended December 31, 1994
     (as a percentage of each Fund's net assets)
</TABLE>
    
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                  MERRILL LYNCH VARIABLE SERIES FUNDS, INC.
                         -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                     HIGH                                                NATURAL
                          RESERVE       PRIME       CURRENT      QUALITY       EQUITY     FLEXIBLE      RESOURCES
ANNUAL EXPENSES            ASSETS       BOND        INCOME        EQUITY       GROWTH     STRATEGY        FOCUS
- -----------------------  ----------   ---------   -----------   ----------   ----------- ----------   --------------
<S>                      <C>          <C>         <C>           <C>          <C>         <C>          <C>
Investment Advisory
 Fees..................        .50%        .50%          .55%         .50%          .75%       .65%             .65%
Other Expenses (after
 reimbursement)........        .15%        .04%          .06%         .04%          .08%       .08%             .22%
Total Annual Operating
 Expenses (net of
 reimbursement)........        .65%        .54%          .61%         .54%          .83%       .73%             .87%

<CAPTION>

                                             MERRILL LYNCH VARIABLE SERIES FUNDS, INC. (CONT'D)
                         -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                           GLOBAL                  DOMESTIC       BASIC         WORLD      GLOBAL     INTERNATIONAL
                          STRATEGY    AMERICAN       MONEY        VALUE        INCOME     UTILITY         EQUITY
ANNUAL EXPENSES            FOCUS      BALANCED    MARKET (A)      FOCUS         FOCUS      FOCUS          FOCUS
- -----------------------  ----------   ---------   -----------   ----------   ----------- ----------   --------------
<S>                      <C>          <C>         <C>           <C>          <C>         <C>          <C>
Investment Advisory
 Fees..................        .65%        .55%          .50%         .60%          .60%       .60%             .75%
Other Expenses (after
 reimbursement)........        .12%        .08%         0   %         .12%          .15%       .13%             .22%
Total Annual Operating
 Expenses (net of
 reimbursement)........        .77%        .63%          .50%         .72%          .75%       .73%             .97%
</TABLE>
    

   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                            MERRILL LYNCH VARIABLE SERIES FUNDS, INC.
                                            (CONT'D)
                         -----------------------------------------------
                                                            DEVELOPING
                                           INTERMEDIATE       CAPITAL
                         INTERNATIONAL      GOVERNMENT        MARKETS
ANNUAL EXPENSES             BOND (B)         BOND (B)        FOCUS (C)
- -----------------------  --------------   --------------   -------------
<S>                      <C>              <C>              <C>             <C>         <C>          <C>
Investment Advisory
 Fees..................            .60%             .50%           1.00%
Other Expenses (after
 reimbursement)........            .48%             .30%            .29%
Total Annual Operating
 Expenses (net of
 reimbursement)........           1.08%             .80%           1.29%
</TABLE>
    

                                       9
<PAGE>
EXAMPLES OF CHARGES

If the Contract is surrendered at the end of the applicable time period:

    The following expenses would  be paid on each  $1,000 invested, assuming  5%
    annual return on assets:

   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                    1 YEAR   3 YEARS   5 YEARS   10 YEARS
                                                    ------   -------   -------   --------
<S>                                                 <C>      <C>       <C>       <C>
Separate Account B subaccount investing in:
  Reserve Assets Fund.............................   $14      $ 45      $ 78       $170
Separate Account A subaccount investing in:
  Prime Bond Fund.................................   $91      $114      $139       $235
  High Current Income Fund........................   $91      $116      $143       $243
  Quality Equity Fund.............................   $91      $114      $139       $235
  Equity Growth Fund..............................   $94      $123      $154       $266
  Flexible Strategy Fund..........................   $93      $119      $149       $255
  Natural Resources Focus Fund....................   $94      $124      $156       $270
  Global Strategy Focus Fund......................   $93      $121      $151       $259
  American Balanced Fund..........................   $91      $116      $144       $245
  Domestic Money Market Fund......................   $90      $112      $137       $231
  Basic Value Focus Fund..........................   $92      $119      $148       $254
  World Income Focus Fund.........................   $93      $120      $150       $257
  Global Utility Focus Fund.......................   $93      $119      $149       $255
  International Equity Focus Fund.................   $95      $127      $161       $280
  International Bond Fund.........................   $96      $130      $167       $291
  Intermediate Government Bond Fund...............   $93      $122      $153       $263
  Developing Capital Markets Focus Fund...........   $98      $137      $178       $312
</TABLE>
    

If  the Contract is annuitized, or not surrendered, at the end of the applicable
time period:

    The following expenses would  be paid on each  $1,000 invested, assuming  5%
    annual return on assets:

   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                    1 YEAR   3 YEARS   5 YEARS   10 YEARS
                                                    ------   -------   -------   --------
<S>                                                 <C>      <C>       <C>       <C>
Separate Account B subaccount investing in:
  Reserve Assets Fund.............................   $14       $45      $ 78       $170
Separate Account A subaccount investing in:
  Prime Bond Fund.................................   $21       $64      $109       $235
  High Current Income Fund........................   $21       $66      $113       $243
  Quality Equity Fund.............................   $21       $64      $109       $235
  Equity Growth Fund..............................   $24       $73      $124       $266
  Flexible Strategy Fund..........................   $23       $69      $119       $255
  Natural Resources Focus Fund....................   $24       $74      $126       $270
  Global Strategy Focus Fund......................   $23       $71      $121       $259
  American Balanced Fund..........................   $21       $66      $114       $245
  Domestic Money Market Fund......................   $20       $62      $107       $231
  Basic Value Focus Fund..........................   $22       $69      $118       $254
  World Income Focus Fund.........................   $23       $70      $120       $257
  Global Utility Focus Fund.......................   $23       $69      $119       $255
  International Equity Focus Fund.................   $25       $77      $131       $280
  International Bond Fund.........................   $26       $80      $137       $291
  Intermediate Government Bond Fund...............   $23       $72      $123       $263
  Developing Capital Markets Focus Fund...........   $28       $87      $148       $312
</TABLE>
    

                                       10
<PAGE>
The  preceding Fee  Table is intended  to assist investors  in understanding the
costs and expenses that a contract owner will bear, directly or indirectly.  The
Fee  Table and Examples include expenses and  charges of the Accounts as well as
the Merrill Lynch  Variable Series Funds,  Inc. See the  CHARGES AND  DEDUCTIONS
section  in  this Prospectus  and  the INVESTMENT  ADVISER  section in  the Fund
prospectus for a further discussion of fees and charges.

   
The Examples  set forth  above  assume the  reinvestment  of all  dividends  and
distributions,  no transfers  among subaccounts  or between  Accounts, and  a 5%
annual rate  of  return  as  mandated  by  Securities  and  Exchange  Commission
regulations.  The Examples also  reflect the $40  contract maintenance charge as
..089% of  assets,  determined by  dividing  the  total amount  of  such  charges
collected  by  the total  average net  assets of  the subaccounts.  THE EXAMPLES
SHOULD NOT BE CONSIDERED A REPRESENTATION  OF PAST OR FUTURE EXPENSES OR  ANNUAL
RATES  OF RETURN OF ANY FUND. ACTUAL EXPENSES  AND ANNUAL RATES OF RETURN MAY BE
MORE OR LESS THAN THOSE ASSUMED FOR THE PURPOSE OF THE EXAMPLES.
    

The Fee Table and Examples do not include charges to contract owners for premium
taxes. Refer  to  the PREMIUM  TAXES  section  in this  Prospectus  for  further
details.

NOTES TO FEE TABLE

   
(a) The  Investment  Advisory  Fee  (and therefore  the  Total  Annual Operating
    Expenses) shown is based on the anticipated advisory fee for the year  ended
    December  31, 1995.  For the  year ended  December 31,  1994, the Investment
    Adviser voluntarily waived 53%  of its 0.50% advisory  fee for the  Domestic
    Money Market Fund so that the advisory fee paid for that year was 0.24%.
    

   
(b)  "Other Expenses" and  "Total Annual Operating Expenses"  shown are based on
    expenses estimated for the year ended December 31, 1995.
    
   
(c) Annualized from May 1, 1994 to December 31, 1994. The Investment Adviser and
    Merrill Lynch Life Agency, Inc. have entered into a Reimbursement  Agreement
    that  limits the  operating expenses paid  by each  Fund in a  given year to
    1.25% of  its  average  net  assets.  This  limitation  does  not  apply  to
    applicable foreign taxes. Foreign taxes applicable to the Developing Capital
    Markets Focus Fund for 1994 represented 0.04% of its average net assets. The
    "Other  Expenses" for  the Developing Capital  Markets Focus  Fund reflect a
    reimbursement  for  a  portion  of   its  operating  expenses.  Absent   the
    reimbursement, "Other Expenses" for this Fund would be .35%.
    

                                       11
<PAGE>
                            ACCUMULATION UNIT VALUES

                       (CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION)
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                      SUBACCOUNTS
                                   ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                     DOMESTIC MONEY MARKET             PRIME BOND             HIGH CURRENT INCOME
                                   --------------------------  --------------------------  --------------------------
                                      1/1/94        1/1/93        1/1/94        1/1/93        1/1/94        1/1/93
                                        TO            TO            TO            TO            TO            TO
                                     12/31/94      12/31/93      12/31/94      12/31/93      12/31/94      12/31/93
                                   ------------  ------------  ------------  ------------  ------------  ------------
<S>        <C>                     <C>           <C>           <C>           <C>           <C>           <C>
(1)        Accumulation unit
            value at beginning
            of period............         $10.37        $10.20        $11.94        $10.80        $12.80        $11.01
(2)        Accumulation unit
            value at end of
            period...............         $10.64        $10.37        $11.21        $11.94        $12.18        $12.80
(3)        Number of
            accumulation units
            outstanding at end
            of period............  32,396,626.50 15,662,277.00 29,135,349.60 20,094,427.00 18,784,994.70 10,628,528.50

<CAPTION>

                                         QUALITY EQUITY              EQUITY GROWTH             FLEXIBLE STRATEGY
                                   --------------------------  --------------------------  --------------------------
                                      1/1/94        1/1/93        1/1/94        1/1/93        1/1/94        1/1/93
                                        TO            TO            TO            TO            TO            TO
                                     12/31/94      12/31/93      12/31/94      12/31/93      12/31/94      12/31/93
                                   ------------  ------------  ------------  ------------  ------------  ------------
<S>        <C>                     <C>           <C>           <C>           <C>           <C>           <C>
(1)        Accumulation unit
            value at beginning
            of period............         $11.67        $10.33        $10.82         $9.31        $11.87        $10.39
(2)        Accumulation unit
            value at end of
            period...............         $11.38        $11.67         $9.90        $10.82        $11.22        $11.87
(3)        Number of accumulation
            units outstanding at
            end of period........  33,600,288.00 19,415,425.10 14,844,233.70  7,108,268.00 18,841,816.90 10,396,852.30
<CAPTION>

                                       AMERICAN BALANCED        NATURAL RESOURCES FOCUS      GLOBAL STRATEGY FOCUS
                                   --------------------------  --------------------------  --------------------------
                                      1/1/94        1/1/93        1/1/94        1/1/93        1/1/94        1/1/93
                                        TO            TO            TO            TO            TO            TO
                                     12/31/94      12/31/93      12/31/94      12/31/93      12/31/94      12/31/93
                                   ------------  ------------  ------------  ------------  ------------  ------------
<S>        <C>                     <C>           <C>           <C>           <C>           <C>           <C>
(1)        Accumulation unit
            value at beginning of
            period...............         $11.86        $10.60        $11.29        $10.36        $12.12        $10.15
(2)        Accumulation unit
            value at end of
            period...............         $11.21        $11.86        $11.30        $11.29        $11.78        $12.12
(3)        Number of accumulation
            units outstanding at
            end of period........  12,253,488.10  7,844,224.70  3,158,540.00  1,052,692.50 40,759,049.20 20,198,586.70
<CAPTION>

                                          BASIC VALUE                 WORLD INCOME
                                             FOCUS                       FOCUS                GLOBAL UTILITY FOCUS
                                   --------------------------  --------------------------  --------------------------
                                      1/1/94       7/1/93*        1/1/94       7/1/93*        1/1/94       7/1/93*
                                        TO            TO            TO            TO            TO            TO
                                     12/31/94      12/31/93      12/31/94      12/31/93      12/31/94      12/31/93
                                   ------------  ------------  ------------  ------------  ------------  ------------
<S>        <C>                     <C>           <C>           <C>           <C>           <C>           <C>
(1)        Accumulation unit
            value at beginning of
            period...............         $10.88        $10.00        $10.52        $10.00        $10.61        $10.00
(2)        Accumulation unit
            value at end of
            period...............         $10.98        $10.88         $9.94        $10.52         $9.58        $10.61
(3)        Number of accumulation
            units outstanding at
            end of period........  13,875,148.90  3,847,716.50  6,989,051.90  4,305,872.90 12,374,137.90  8,953,967.10
</TABLE>
    

                                       12
<PAGE>

   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                         INTERNATIONAL
                                          EQUITY FOCUS               RESERVE ASSETS
                                   --------------------------  --------------------------
                                      1/1/94       7/1/93*        1/1/94        1/1/93
                                        TO            TO            TO            TO
                                     12/31/94      12/31/93      12/31/94      12/31/93
                                   ------------  ------------  ------------  ------------
<S>        <C>                     <C>           <C>           <C>           <C>           <C>           <C>
(1)        Accumulation unit
            value at beginning of
            period...............         $10.96        $10.00        $10.43        $10.22
(2)        Accumulation unit
            value at end of
            period...............         $10.87        $10.96        $10.76        $10.43
(3)        Number of accumulation
            units outstanding at
            end of period........  21,157,145.10  6,329,646.20  1,286,558.60  1,173,856.50
</TABLE>
    

   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                          DEVELOPING
                                    INTERNATIONAL      INTERMEDIATE         CAPITAL
                                        BOND         GOVERNMENT BOND     MARKETS FOCUS
                                  -----------------  ----------------  -----------------
                                      5/16/94*           5/16/94*          5/16/94*
                                         TO                 TO                TO
                                      12/31/94           12/31/94          12/31/94
                                  -----------------  ----------------  -----------------
<S>        <C>                    <C>                <C>               <C>                <C>           <C>
(1)        Accumulation unit
            value at beginning
            of period...........          $10.00             $10.00             $10.00
(2)        Accumulation unit
            value at end of
            period..............           $9.93             $10.08              $9.38
(3)        Number of
            accumulation units
            outstanding at end
            of period...........      464,604.10       1,484,500.10       2,702,530.70
</TABLE>
    

- ------------------------------
   
* Commencement of business
    

                            YIELDS AND TOTAL RETURNS

From  time to time,  Merrill Lynch Life may  advertise yields, effective yields,
and total returns for  the Account A subaccounts  and the Account B  subaccount.
THESE  FIGURES ARE BASED ON  HISTORICAL EARNINGS AND DO  NOT INDICATE OR PROJECT
FUTURE PERFORMANCE. Merrill  Lynch Life  also from  time to  time may  advertise
performance  of  the subaccounts  relative to  certain performance  rankings and
indices.  More  detailed  information  as  to  the  calculation  of  performance
information,  as well as  comparisons with unmanaged  market indices, appears in
the Statement of Additional Information.

Effective yields and total returns for a subaccount are based on the  investment
performance  of the  corresponding Fund. A  Fund's performance  in part reflects
that Fund's expenses. The investment adviser and Merrill Lynch Life Agency, Inc.
(see SELLING  THE  CONTRACT  on  page 35)  have  entered  into  a  Reimbursement
Agreement  that limits the operating expenses paid  by each Fund in a given year
to 1.25% of its average net assets.

The yields  of the  Domestic  Money Market  Subaccount  and the  Reserve  Assets
Subaccount  refer to  the annualized income  generated by an  investment in each
subaccount over a specified  7-day period. The yield  is calculated by  assuming
that  the income generated for that 7-day  period is generated each 7-day period
over a  52-week period  and is  shown as  a percentage  of the  investment.  The
effective  yield is calculated similarly but, when annualized, the income earned
by an investment in the subaccount or  Account is assumed to be reinvested.  The
effective  yield  will  be  slightly  higher  than  the  yield  because  of  the
compounding effect of this assumed reinvestment.

The yield  of an  Account A  subaccount (other  than the  Domestic Money  Market
Subaccount)  refers to the  annualized income generated by  an investment in the
subaccount over a specified 30-day or one-month period. The yield is  calculated
by  assuming that the income  generated by the investment  during that 30-day or
one-month period is generated each period over a 12-month period and is shown as
a percentage of the investment.

                                       13
<PAGE>
The average annual  total return  of a  subaccount refers  to return  quotations
assuming  an investment under a Contract has been held in each subaccount for 1,
5 and 10 years, or for a shorter period, if applicable. The average annual total
return quotations represent the  average compounded rates  of return that  would
equate  an initial investment of $1,000 under a Contract to the redemption value
of that investment as of  the last day of each  of the periods for which  return
quotations  are  provided. Average  annual  total return  information  shows the
average percentage  change  in  the  value of  an  investment  in  a  subaccount
(including  any contingent  deferred sales charge  that would apply  if an owner
terminated the Contract at the end  of each period indicated, but excluding  any
deductions for premium taxes).

Merrill  Lynch Life may, in addition, advertise or present yield or total return
performance information  computed on  different bases.  Merrill Lynch  Life  may
present  total return information computed on the same basis as described above,
except the information will not reflect a deduction for the contingent  deferred
sales  charge. This presentation assumes that an investment in the Contract will
persist beyond the  period when  the contingent deferred  sales charge  applies,
consistent  with  the  long-term  investment and  retirement  objectives  of the
Contract. Merrill  Lynch  Life  may  also  advertise  total  return  performance
information  for the Funds,  but this information will  always be accompanied by
average annual total  returns for the  corresponding subaccounts. Merrill  Lynch
Life  may also present  total return performance  information for a hypothetical
Contract assuming allocation of the initial premium to more than one  subaccount
or  assuming  monthly transfers  from the  Domestic  Money Market  Subaccount to
designated subaccounts under a dollar  cost averaging program. This  information
will reflect the performance of the affected subaccounts for the duration of the
allocation  under the hypothetical Contract. It  also will reflect the deduction
of charges described above except for the contingent deferred sales charge. This
information may also be compared to various indices.

   
Advertising and  sales  literature  for  the  Contracts  may  also  compare  the
performance  of the subaccounts  and Funds to the  performance of other variable
annuity issuers in general or to the performance of particular types of variable
annuities investing in mutual funds, or series of mutual funds, with  investment
objectives similar to each of the Funds corresponding to the subaccounts.
    

Performance  information may also be based on rankings by services which monitor
and rank  the performance  of variable  annuity  issuers in  each of  the  major
categories  of investment objectives  on an industry-wide  basis. Some services'
rankings include variable  life insurance  issuers as well  as variable  annuity
issuers,   while  others'  rankings  compare   only  variable  annuity  issuers.
Performance analysis prepared by services may rank such issuers on the basis  of
total  return, assuming  reinvestment of  distributions, but  do not  take sales
charges, redemption fees or certain  expense deductions at the separate  account
level  into consideration. In addition, some such services prepare risk-adjusted
rankings, which consider the effect of market risk on total return  performance.
This  type of ranking provides data as  to which funds provide the highest total
return within various categories of funds defined by the degree of risk inherent
in their investment objectives. Ranking services  Merrill Lynch Life may use  as
sources   of  performance   comparison  are   Lipper,  VARDS,  CDA/Weisenberger,
Morningstar, MICROPAL, and Investment Company Data, Inc.

Advertising and  sales  literature  for  the  Contracts  may  also  compare  the
performance  of the  subaccounts to  the Standard &  Poor's Index  of 500 Common
Stocks, the Morgan Stanley EAFE Index, the Russell 2000 Index and the Dow  Jones
Indices,  all widely used measures of  stock market performance. These unmanaged
indices assume the reinvestment of dividends, but do not reflect any "deduction"
for the expense of operating or managing an investment portfolio. Other  sources
of  performance comparison that Merrill Lynch  Life may use are Chase Investment
Performance Digest, Money,  Forbes, Fortune, Business  Week, Financial  Services
Weekly,  Kiplinger Personal  Finance, Wall  Street Journal,  USA Today, Barrons,
U.S. News  &  World Report,  Strategic  Insight, Donaghues,  Investors  Business
Daily, and Ibbotson Associates.

Advertising  and sales literature for the Contracts may also contain information
on the effect of tax deferred  compounding on subaccount investment returns,  or
returns in general, which may be illustrated by graphs,

                                       14
<PAGE>
charts or otherwise and which may include a comparison at various points in time
of  the return  from an investment  in a Contract  (or returns in  general) on a
tax-deferred basis  (assuming  one or  more  tax rates)  with  the return  on  a
currently taxable basis.

                      MERRILL LYNCH LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY

Merrill  Lynch Life  Insurance Company  ("Merrill Lynch  Life") 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. Merrill
Lynch Life is an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of Merrill Lynch & Co.,  Inc.,
a corporation whose common stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange.

Merrill  Lynch  Life's financial  statements can  be found  in the  Statement of
Additional Information  and should  only be  considered in  the context  of  its
ability to meet any obligations it may have under the Contract.

All  communications concerning the Contract should be addressed to Merrill Lynch
Life's Service  Center  at  the  address  printed on  the  first  page  of  this
Prospectus.

                                  THE ACCOUNTS

Contract  owners may direct  their premiums into  one or both  of two segregated
investment accounts  available to  the Contract  (the "Accounts").  The  Merrill
Lynch Life Variable Annuity Separate Account A ("Account A") offers a variety of
investment  options,  each with  a different  investment objective,  through its
subaccounts.  The  Merrill  Lynch  Life  Variable  Annuity  Separate  Account  B
("Account B") offers a money market investment through its subaccount.

The  Accounts  were  established  on  August  6,  1991,  as  separate investment
accounts. They are  registered with  the Securities and  Exchange Commission  as
unit  investment trusts  pursuant to the  Investment Company Act  of 1940. Their
registration does not  involve any  supervision by the  Securities and  Exchange
Commission  over  the  investment policies  or  practices of  the  Accounts. The
Accounts each  meet the  definition  of a  separate  account under  the  federal
securities  laws. The Accounts' assets are  segregated from all of Merrill Lynch
Life's other assets.

Obligations to contract owners and  beneficiaries that arise under the  Contract
are obligations of Merrill Lynch Life. Merrill Lynch Life owns all of the assets
in  the  Accounts. With  respect  to each  Account,  income, gains,  and losses,
whether or  not  realized,  from  assets  allocated  to  that  Account  are,  in
accordance  with  the  Contracts, credited  to  or charged  against  the Account
without regard  to other  income, gains  or  losses of  Merrill Lynch  Life.  As
required,  the  assets in  each Account  will always  be at  least equal  to the
reserves and other liabilities of the Account. If the assets exceed the required
reserves and other Contract liabilities (which will always be at least equal  to
the  aggregate contract  value allocated  to the  Account under  the Contracts),
Merrill Lynch  Life  may  transfer  the excess  to  its  general  account.  Each
Account's  assets, to  the extent  of its reserves  and liabilities,  may not be
charged with liabilities arising  out of any other  business Merrill Lynch  Life
conducts nor may the assets of either Account be charged with any liabilities of
the other Account.

   
There  are sixteen subaccounts in Account A and one subaccount in Account B. All
subaccounts invest in a corresponding mutual fund portfolio of the Merrill Lynch
Variable Series Funds, Inc. Additional subaccounts may be added in the future.
    

   
The Accounts' financial statements can be  found in the Statement of  Additional
Information.
    

                          INVESTMENTS OF THE ACCOUNTS

MERRILL LYNCH VARIABLE SERIES FUNDS, INC.

   
The  Merrill Lynch Variable Series Funds,  Inc. (the "Funds") is registered with
the Securities  and Exchange  Commission as  an open-end  management  investment
company.  It currently offers the Accounts  seventeen of its separate investment
mutual fund portfolios. The Reserve Assets Fund is available only to Account B.
    

                                       15
<PAGE>
   
The  sixteen remaining Funds  are available only to  Account A. Other investment
options may be added in the future. The Funds' shares are currently sold only to
separate accounts of Merrill Lynch Life,  ML Life Insurance Company of New  York
(an  indirect wholly owned subsidiary of Merrill  Lynch & Co., Inc.), and Family
Life Insurance Company (an insurance  company not affiliated with Merrill  Lynch
Life  or Merrill Lynch  & Co., Inc.)  (collectively the "Participating Insurance
Companies") to fund benefits  under certain variable  annuity and variable  life
insurance contracts. The Domestic Money Market Fund, Global Strategy Focus Fund,
Basic  Value Focus  Fund, World  Income Focus  Fund, Global  Utility Focus Fund,
International  Equity  Focus   Fund,  International   Bond  Fund,   Intermediate
Government Bond Fund, and Developing Capital Markets Focus Fund are only offered
to  Merrill  Lynch Life  and  ML Life  Insurance  Company of  New  York separate
accounts.
    

It is  conceivable that  material conflicts  could  arise as  a result  of  both
variable  annuity and variable life insurance separate accounts investing in the
Funds. Although no material conflicts are foreseen, the Participating  Insurance
Companies  will  monitor  events in  order  to identify  any  material conflicts
between  variable  annuity  and  variable  life  insurance  contract  owners  to
determine  what action, if any, should be taken. Material conflicts could result
from such things as (1) changes in  state insurance law, (2) changes in  federal
income  tax law or (3) differences between voting instructions given by variable
annuity and  variable life  insurance  contract owners.  If a  conflict  occurs,
Merrill  Lynch Life  may be  required to  eliminate one  or more  subaccounts of
Separate Account A  or Separate  Account B or  substitute a  new subaccount.  In
responding  to any conflict,  Merrill Lynch Life  will take the  action which it
believes necessary to protect its contract owners.

The Accounts  will  purchase  and redeem  shares  of  the Funds  to  the  extent
necessary  to provide benefits under the Contract  or for such other purposes as
may be  consistent with  the Contract.  The Accounts  will purchase  and  redeem
shares  of the Funds at net asset  value. Fund distributions to the Accounts are
automatically reinvested in additional shares of the Funds at net asset value.

   
Merrill Lynch Asset Management, L.P. ("MLAM")  is the investment adviser to  the
Funds.  MLAM is a  worldwide mutual fund  leader with more  than $___ billion in
assets under management.  It is registered  as an investment  adviser under  the
Investment Advisers Act of 1940. MLAM is an indirect subsidiary of Merrill Lynch
&  Co.,  Inc.  MLAM's principal  business  address  is 800  Scudders  Mill Road,
Plainsboro, New Jersey 08536.  As the investment adviser,  MLAM is paid fees  by
the  Funds for its services. The fees charged to each of the Funds are set forth
in the summary of investment objectives below.
    

Details about  the Funds,  including  their investment  objectives,  management,
policies,  restrictions, their  expenses and  risks associated  with investments
therein (including  any risks  associated with  investment in  the High  Current
Income  Fund), and all other aspects of the Funds' operation can be found in the
attached  prospectus  for  the  Funds  and  in  their  Statement  of  Additional
Information,  which should also be read  carefully before investing. There is no
guarantee that  any  Fund  will  meet  its  investment  objective.  Meeting  the
objectives  depends  upon how  well the  Funds' management  anticipates changing
economic conditions.

DOMESTIC MONEY MARKET FUND

This Fund seeks  preservation of  capital, liquidity, and  the highest  possible
current  income  consistent  with  the  foregoing  objectives  by  investing  in
short-term money market securities. The Fund invests in short-term United States
government  securities;  government  agency  securities;  bank  certificates  of
deposit  and bankers' acceptances; short-term  corporate debt securities such as
commercial paper and  variable amount  master demand notes;  and repurchase  and
reverse  repurchase agreements. MLAM  receives from the Fund  an advisory fee at
the annual rate of 0.50% of the average daily net assets of the Fund.

                                       16
<PAGE>
PRIME BOND FUND

This Fund seeks to  obtain as high  a level of current  income as is  consistent
with  prudent  investment management,  and  capital appreciation  to  the extent
consistent with the  foregoing objective,  by investing  primarily in  long-term
corporate  bonds rated A or better by established rating services. MLAM receives
from the Fund  an advisory fee  at the annual  rate of 0.50%  of the first  $250
million  of the combined average daily nets  assets of the Fund and High Current
Income Fund; 0.45% of the next $250 million; 0.40% of the next $250 million; and
0.35% of the combined average  daily net assets in  excess of $750 million.  The
reduction  of the advisory fee applicable to the Fund is determined on a uniform
percentage basis as described in the Statement of Additional Information for the
Funds.

HIGH CURRENT INCOME FUND

This Fund seeks to  obtain as high  a level of current  income as is  consistent
with  prudent  investment management,  and  capital appreciation  to  the extent
consistent  with   the  foregoing   objective,  by   investing  principally   in
fixed-income  securities that  are rated in  the lower rating  categories of the
established rating  services  or in  unrated  securities of  comparable  quality
(commonly known as "junk bonds"). MLAM receives from the Fund an advisory fee at
the annual rate of 0.55% of the first $250 million of the combined average daily
net  assets of  the Fund and  Prime Bond Fund;  0.50% of the  next $250 million;
0.45% of the  next $250 million;  and 0.40%  of the combined  average daily  net
assets  in excess of $750 million. The  reduction of the advisory fee applicable
to the Fund  is determined on  a uniform  percentage basis as  described in  the
Statement of Additional Information for the Funds.

QUALITY EQUITY FUND

This  Fund seeks to  attain the highest total  investment return consistent with
prudent  risk  through  a  fully  managed  investment  policy  utilizing  equity
securities,  primarily common stocks of  large-capitalization companies, as well
as investment grade debt and convertible securities. Management of the Fund will
shift the emphasis  among investment  alternatives for  capital growth,  capital
stability,  and income as market  trends change. MLAM receives  from the Fund an
advisory fee at the annual  rate of 0.50% of the  first $250 million of  average
daily  net  assets; 0.45%  of  the next  $50 million;  0.425%  of the  next $100
million; and 0.40% of the average daily net assets in excess of $400 million.

EQUITY GROWTH FUND

This Fund seeks to attain long-term growth of capital by investing primarily  in
common stocks of relatively small companies that management of the Fund believes
have  special investment value and 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.  MLAM receives from  the Fund an  advisory fee at  the annual rate of
0.75% of the average  daily net assets of  the Fund. This is  a higher fee  than
that  of many  other mutual  funds, but  management of  the Fund  believes it is
justified by the high degree of care that must be given to the initial selection
and continuous supervision  of the types  of portfolio securities  in which  the
Fund invests.

FLEXIBLE STRATEGY FUND

This  Fund's objective is to seek a high total investment return consistent with
prudent risk. The Fund seeks its objective through a flexible investment  policy
using  equity securities, intermediate and long-term debt obligations, and money
market securities. MLAM  receives from the  Fund an advisory  fee at the  annual
rate of 0.65% of the average daily net assets of the Fund.

                                       17
<PAGE>
NATURAL RESOURCES FOCUS FUND

This  Fund seeks  to attain  long-term growth of  capital and  protection of the
purchasing power  of capital  by  investing primarily  in equity  securities  of
domestic  and foreign companies  with substantial natural  resource assets. MLAM
receives from  the Fund  an advisory  fee at  the annual  rate of  0.65% of  the
average daily net assets of the Fund.

Merrill  Lynch Life and Account A reserve the right to suspend the sale of units
of the  Natural Resources  Focus Subaccount  in response  to conditions  in  the
securities markets or otherwise.

AMERICAN BALANCED FUND

This Fund 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 is normally available from  an
investment  solely in  debt securities by  investing in a  balanced portfolio of
fixed income and equity securities. MLAM receives from the Fund an advisory  fee
at the annual rate of 0.55% of the average daily net assets of the Fund.

GLOBAL STRATEGY FOCUS FUND

This  Fund  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. The Fund seeks to achieve its objective
by  investing primarily in  securities of issuers located  in the United States,
Canada, Western Europe and the Far East. MLAM receives from the Fund an advisory
fee at the annual rate of 0.65% of the average daily net assets of the Fund.

BASIC VALUE FOCUS FUND

This Fund  seeks to  attain  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 which  provide  an above-average
dividend return and sell at a below-average price-earnings ratio. MLAM  receives
from  the Fund an advisory fee at the  annual rate of 0.60% of the average daily
net assets of the Fund.

WORLD INCOME FOCUS FUND

This Fund  seeks  to  achieve high  current  income  by investing  in  a  global
portfolio   of  fixed  income  securities  denominated  in  various  currencies,
including multinational currency units. The Fund may invest in United States and
foreign government and corporate fixed income securities, including high  yield,
high  risk,  lower rated  and  unrated securities.  The  Fund will  allocate its
investments among  different types  of fixed  income securities  denominated  in
various  currencies. MLAM receives from  the Fund an advisory  fee at the annual
rate of 0.60% of the average daily net assets of the Fund.

GLOBAL UTILITY FOCUS FUND

This 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. MLAM receives from the Fund an  advisory fee at the annual rate of  0.60%
of the average daily net assets of the Fund.

                                       18
<PAGE>
INTERNATIONAL EQUITY FOCUS FUND

This Fund seeks to obtain capital appreciation through investment in securities,
principally  equities, of  issuers 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. MLAM  receives from the Fund  an advisory fee at the
annual rate of 0.75% of the average daily net assets of the Fund.

INTERNATIONAL BOND FUND

   
This Fund seeks  to achieve a  high total  investment return by  investing in  a
non-U.S.  international  portfolio of  debt  instruments denominated  in various
currencies and  multinational currency  units. MLAM  receives from  the Fund  an
advisory  fee at an annual rate of 0.60%  of the average daily net assets of the
Fund.
    

INTERMEDIATE GOVERNMENT BOND FUND

   
This Fund seeks to achieve the  highest possible current income consistent  with
the  protection  of capital.  It  invests in  intermediate-term  debt securities
issued  or  guaranteed  by  the  United  States  Government,  its  agencies   or
instrumentalities with a maximum maturity not to exceed fifteen years. Depending
on  market conditions, an average maturity of six to eight years is anticipated.
MLAM receives from the Fund  an advisory fee at an  annual rate of 0.50% of  the
average daily net assets of the Fund.
    

DEVELOPING CAPITAL MARKETS FOCUS FUND

   
This  Fund  seeks  to achieve  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.  Currently,  these  four
countries are Japan, the  United Kingdom, the United  States, and Germany.  MLAM
receives from the Fund an advisory fee at an annual rate of 1.00% of the average
daily net assets of the Fund.
    

RESERVE ASSETS FUND

This  Fund seeks  preservation of capital,  liquidity, and  the highest possible
current  income  consistent  with  the  foregoing  objectives  by  investing  in
short-term money market securities. The Fund invests in short-term United States
government  securities;  government  agency  securities;  bank  certificates  of
deposit and bankers' acceptances; short-term  corporate debt securities such  as
commercial  paper and  variable amount master  demand notes;  and repurchase and
reverse repurchase agreements. MLAM  receives from the Fund  an advisory fee  at
the  annual rate of 0.50% of the first  $500 million of the Fund's average daily
net assets; 0.425% of the  next $250 million; 0.375%  of the next $250  million;
0.35%  of the next $500  million; 0.325% of the next  $500 million; 0.30% of the
next $500 million; and 0.275% of the average daily net assets in excess of  $2.5
billion.

REINVESTMENT

Fund  distributions to the  Accounts are automatically  reinvested in additional
Fund shares at net asset value.

SUBSTITUTION OF INVESTMENTS AND CHANGES TO ACCOUNTS

Merrill Lynch Life may substitute a  different investment option for any of  the
current   Funds.  Substitution  may  be  made  with  respect  to  both  existing
investments   and   the   investment    of   future   premiums.   However,    no

                                       19
<PAGE>
such  substitution will be made without any necessary approval of the Securities
and Exchange  Commission and  applicable state  insurance departments.  Contract
owners  will be notified of any substitutions. Additional investment options may
be added in the future as eligible investments through the Accounts.

In addition, Merrill  Lynch Life  may make additional  subaccounts available  to
either  Account, eliminate subaccounts  in either Account,  deregister either or
both of the Accounts under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (the "1940  Act"),
make  any changes required by the 1940 Act, operate either or both Accounts as a
managed investment company  under the 1940  Act or any  other form permitted  by
law,  transfer all  or a  portion of the  assets of  a subaccount  or account to
another subaccount or Account pursuant to a combination or otherwise, and create
new accounts. No such changes will be made without any necessary approval of the
Securities and Exchange Commission  and applicable state insurance  departments.
Contract owners will be notified of any changes.

                             CHARGES AND DEDUCTIONS

CONTRACT MAINTENANCE CHARGE

A  charge  is made  to  reimburse Merrill  Lynch  Life for  expenses  related to
maintenance  of  the  Contract.   These  expenses  include  issuing   Contracts,
maintaining  records,  and  performing  accounting,  regulatory  compliance, and
reporting functions.  This $40  maintenance  charge will  be deducted  from  the
contract  value on  each contract  anniversary that  occurs on  or prior  to the
annuity date. It will also be deducted when the Contract is surrendered if it is
surrendered on  any  date  other  than  a  contract  anniversary.  The  contract
maintenance  charge  will  be  deducted  on a  pro  rata  basis  from  among all
subaccounts in which contract value is invested. (See ACCUMULATION UNITS on page
24 for a discussion of the effect the deduction of this charge will have on  the
number of accumulation units credited to a Contract.) This charge will be waived
on  all Contracts with a contract value equal  to or greater than $50,000 on the
date the  charge would  otherwise be  deducted.  It is  not deducted  after  the
annuity date. Merrill Lynch Life does not expect to profit from this charge. The
contract maintenance charge will never increase.

MORTALITY AND EXPENSE RISK CHARGE

A  mortality and expense risk charge is imposed on the Accounts. It equals 1.25%
annually for Account A and 0.65% annually for Account B deducted daily from  the
net  asset value of the  Accounts. Of this amount,  0.75% annually for Account A
and 0.35% annually for Account B  is attributable to mortality risks assumed  by
Merrill  Lynch Life  for the annuity  payment and death  benefit guarantees made
under the Contract. These guarantees include making annuity payments  unaffected
by  mortality  experience  and  providing  a  minimum  death  benefit  under the
Contract.

Additionally, of the total mortality and expense risk charge, 0.50% annually for
Account A and  0.30% annually  for Account B  is attributable  to expense  risks
assumed by Merrill Lynch Life should the contract maintenance and administration
charges  be insufficient  to cover  all Contract  maintenance and administration
expenses.

The mortality and expense risk charge is greater for Account A than for  Account
B  because  a  greater  death benefit  and  higher  administrative  expenses are
attributable to  Account  A.  If  the  mortality  and  expense  risk  charge  is
inadequate   to  cover  the  actual  expenses  of  mortality,  maintenance,  and
administration, Merrill Lynch Life will bear the loss. If the charge exceeds the
actual expenses, the excess  will be added to  Merrill Lynch Life's profit.  The
mortality and expense risk charge will never increase.

                                       20
<PAGE>
ADMINISTRATION CHARGE

An  administration  charge is  made to  reimburse Merrill  Lynch Life  for costs
associated with the establishment and  administration of Account A. This  charge
covers  such expenses as optional contract transactions (for example, processing
transfers and Dollar Cost  Averaging transactions). A  charge of 0.10%  annually
will be deducted daily only from the net asset value of Account A. Merrill Lynch
Life  does not expect to profit from this charge. The administration charge will
never increase.

CONTINGENT DEFERRED SALES CHARGE

A contingent deferred sales charge may be imposed on withdrawals and  surrenders
from  Account A. This charge reimburses Merrill Lynch Life for expenses relating
to the  sale  of  the  Contract,  such  as  commissions,  preparation  of  sales
literature,  and  other  promotional activity.  The  charge is  imposed  only on
premium withdrawn or  surrendered from  Account A that  was held  for less  than
seven  years. However, where  permitted by state  regulation, up to  10% of this
premium will not be subject  to such a charge  if withdrawn or surrendered  from
Account  A during the first  withdrawal of the contract  year, whether paid in a
lump sum or elected to  be paid on a  monthly, quarterly, semi-annual or  annual
basis.  In addition, where permitted by state regulation, no contingent deferred
sales charge  will be  imposed  on any  premium  withdrawn or  surrendered  from
Contracts purchased by employees of Merrill Lynch Life or its affiliates or from
Contracts purchased by the employees' spouses or dependents.

The  maximum contingent  deferred sales  charge is  7% of  the premium withdrawn
during the first year after that premium  is paid, decreasing by 1% annually  to
0% after year seven, as shown below.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
   NUMBER OF COMPLETE YEARS
ELAPSED SINCE PREMIUM WAS PAID     CONTINGENT DEFERRED SALES CHARGE
- ------------------------------  --------------------------------------
<S>                             <C>
              0                                      7%
              1                                      6%
              2                                      5%
              3                                      4%
              4                                      3%
              5                                      2%
              6                                      1%
              7                                      0%
</TABLE>

Contingent  deferred sales charges are calculated on total premiums withdrawn or
surrendered from Account A, but not to exceed the account value. Gain in account
value is never subject to a contingent deferred sales charge. (See page 27 for a
discussion of the rules  for determining whether a  withdrawal is considered  to
come  from premiums or gain for  contingent deferred sales charge purposes.) For
example, if a  contract owner made  a $5,000  premium payment to  Account A  and
withdrew the entire $5,000 three years later when there had been no gain or loss
on  that premium, a 4% contingent deferred  sales charge would be imposed on the
$5,000 withdrawal. If that contract owner  had made a $5,000 premium payment  to
Account  A and  due to  negative investment  experience only  $4,500 remained in
Account A when the contract owner withdrew it three years later, a 4% contingent
deferred sales charge would be imposed  only on $4,500 of the original  premium.
If  instead the $5,000 premium payment the contract owner made to Account A grew
to $5,500 due to positive investment experience, and the contract owner withdrew
$200 of gain in  account value as  the first withdrawal  three years later,  and
thereafter  withdrew the remaining  $5,300 in a  subsequent withdrawal that same
year, no contingent  deferred sales charge  would be imposed  on the $200  first
withdrawn  (as it  represents gain in  account value  and not premium)  and a 4%
contingent deferred sales charge would be  imposed only on $5,000 of the  $5,300
subsequent withdrawal (as $300 of that amount represents gain in account value).

                                       21
<PAGE>
When  imposed, the contingent  deferred sales charge  will be deducted  on a pro
rata basis from among the subaccounts in which the contract owner has  invested,
on  the basis of the contract owner's interest in each subaccount to the Account
A account value.  (See WITHDRAWALS AND  SURRENDERS on page  27 and  ACCUMULATION
UNITS  on page 24  for a discussion of  the effect the  deduction of this charge
will have on the number of accumulation units credited to a Contract.)

To the extent that the contingent deferred sales charge is inadequate to recover
all sales expenses associated with the  Contract, the deficiency will be met  by
Merrill Lynch Life's surplus, which may be partly derived from the mortality and
expense risk charge on the Contract.

No contingent deferred sales charge will be imposed on withdrawals or surrenders
from Account B.

PREMIUM TAXES

Various  states and municipalities impose a premium tax on annuity premiums when
they are received by an insurance company. In other jurisdictions, a premium tax
is paid on the contract value on the annuity date.

Premium tax rates  vary from  jurisdiction to jurisdiction  and currently  range
from  0% to 5%. Merrill Lynch  Life will pay these taxes  when due, and a charge
for any premium taxes imposed  by a state or  local government will be  deducted
from  the contract value on the annuity date. (See ACCUMULATION UNITS on page 24
for a discussion of  the effect the  deduction of this charge  will have on  the
number  of accumulation  units credited to  a Contract.)  In those jurisdictions
that do not  allow an insurance  company to reduce  its current taxable  premium
income by the amount of any withdrawal, surrender or death benefit paid, Merrill
Lynch  Life  will  also deduct  a  charge  for these  taxes  on  any withdrawal,
surrender or death benefit effected under the Contract.

Premium tax rates are subject to change by law, administrative  interpretations,
or  court decisions. Premium tax amounts will depend on, among other things, the
contract owner's state  of residence,  Merrill Lynch Life's  status within  that
state, and the premium tax laws of that state.

OTHER CHARGES

Contract  owners may make  up to six  transfers among Account  A subaccounts per
contract year without charge. Additional transfers may be permitted at a  charge
of $25 per transfer. (See TRANSFERS on page 26.)

Merrill  Lynch  Life reserves  the right,  subject  to any  necessary regulatory
approval, to charge for assessments or  federal premium taxes or federal,  state
or  local excise,  profits or  income taxes measured  by or  attributable to the
receipt of premiums. Merrill Lynch Life  also reserves the right to deduct  from
the  Accounts  any  taxes imposed  on  the Accounts'  investment  earnings. (See
MERRILL LYNCH LIFE'S TAX STATUS on page 31.)

Merrill Lynch Variable Series Funds, Inc.,  in calculating the net asset  values
of  the Funds, deducts advisory  fees and operating expenses  from the assets of
each Fund.  Information  about those  fees  and expenses  can  be found  in  the
attached   prospectus  for  the  Funds  and   in  its  Statement  of  Additional
Information.

                          DESCRIPTION OF THE CONTRACT

OWNERSHIP OF THE CONTRACT

The contract owner is entitled to exercise all rights under the Contract. Unless
otherwise specified, the purchaser of the  Contract will be the contract  owner.
The contract owner may designate a beneficiary. The

                                       22
<PAGE>
beneficiary  will receive all  outstanding Contract benefits  if the owner dies.
The contract owner may also designate an annuitant. The annuitant may be changed
at any time prior to the annuity date. If no annuitant is selected, the contract
owner will be the annuitant.

   
The Contract  may be  assigned to  another owner  upon notice  to Merrill  Lynch
Life's  Service Center. The  Contract may only  be assigned to  another owner in
full, not in part. An  assignment to a new  owner cancels all prior  beneficiary
designations except for those prior beneficiary designations that have been made
irrevocably.  Assignment of  the Contract  may have  tax consequences  or may be
prohibited on certain IRA Contracts, so the contract owner should consult with a
qualified tax adviser before assigning  the Contract. (See FEDERAL INCOME  TAXES
on page 31.)
    

Only  spouses may be co-owners of  the Contract. When co-owners are established,
they exercise all rights under the Contract jointly unless they elect otherwise.
Co-owner spouses must each be designated as beneficiary for the other. Co-owners
may also designate a beneficiary to receive benefits on the surviving co-owner's
death. IRA Contracts may not have co-owners.

ISSUING THE CONTRACT

A nonqualified Contract may generally be issued to contract owners who are  less
than  85 years of  age. Annuitants on  nonqualified Contracts must  also be less
than age 85 at issue. For IRA  Contracts owned by natural persons, the  contract
owner  and annuitant  must be  the same  person. Therefore,  contract owners and
annuitants on IRA Contracts must be less than age 70 1/2 at issue.

Before issuing the  Contract, Merrill  Lynch Life  requires certain  information
from  the  prospective contract  owner. Once  that  information is  reviewed and
approved, and  the prospective  contract  owner submits  an initial  premium,  a
Contract  will  be  issued.  Generally,  this  review  and  approval  process is
completed and  the  premium  invested  within two  business  days,  but  if  any
necessary  information has not been obtained  within five business days, Merrill
Lynch Life will offer to return the  premium and no Contract will be  processed.
If the prospective contract owner instead consents, Merrill Lynch Life will hold
the  premium until all  necessary information is obtained,  and will then invest
the premium  within  two business  days  after obtaining  the  information.  The
initial  premium will be  invested as described  under PREMIUM INVESTMENTS, page
24.

The date of issue will be the date the required information and initial  premium
are received at Merrill Lynch Life's Service Center.

TEN DAY RIGHT TO REVIEW

When  the contract owner receives the  Contract, it should be reviewed carefully
to make sure  it is  what the contract  owner intended  to purchase.  Generally,
within  10 days after  the contract owner  receives the Contract,  he or she may
return it for a refund. Some states allow a longer period of time to return  the
Contract.  The Contract must be delivered to Merrill Lynch Life's Service Center
or to the  Financial Consultant who  sold it for  a refund to  be made.  Merrill
Lynch  Life will then refund  to the contract owner  the greater of all premiums
paid into the  Contract or the  contract value as  of the date  the Contract  is
returned.  For  contracts issued  in the  Commonwealth of  Pennsylvania, Merrill
Lynch Life  will refund  the  contract value  as of  the  date the  Contract  is
returned. The Contract will then be deemed void.

CONTRACT CHANGES

Requests  to  change the  owner, beneficiary,  annuitant, or  annuity date  of a
Contract will  take effect  as of  the  date such  a request  is signed  by  the
contract  owner, unless Merrill Lynch Life has  already acted in reliance on the
prior status.

                                       23
<PAGE>
PREMIUMS

   
Initial premium payments must be $5,000  or more on a nonqualified Contract  and
$2,000  or more on an IRA Contract.  Subsequent premium payments must be $300 or
more and can be made at any time  prior to the annuity date. Merrill Lynch  Life
reserves  the right to refuse to accept subsequent premium payments, if required
by law. Premium payments can be made  directly by the contract owner or  debited
from  his or  her Merrill Lynch,  Pierce, Fenner &  Smith Incorporated brokerage
account and must be  transmitted to Merrill Lynch  Life's Service Center at  the
address  printed on the cover of  this Prospectus. Under an automatic investment
feature, premium  payments  can  also  be  made  systematically  on  a  monthly,
quarterly,  semi-annual or  annual basis from  a Merrill Lynch  Pierce, Fenner &
Smith Incorporated brokerage account. A Financial Consultant should be contacted
for additional information. The automatic investment feature may be canceled  by
the  contract owner at  any time. Once  canceled, it can  not be activated again
until the next contract year. Maximum annual contributions to IRA Contracts  are
limited by federal law.
    

PREMIUM INVESTMENTS

For  the first 14 days  following the date of  issue, all premiums directed into
Account A will be held in the Domestic Money Market Subaccount. Thereafter,  the
account  value will be reallocated to the Account A subaccounts selected. In the
Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, all  premiums will be invested  as of the date  of
issue  in the  subaccounts selected by  the contract  owner. Subsequent premiums
allocated to Account A will be directly placed in the subaccounts selected as of
the end of  the valuation period  in which  they are received  at Merrill  Lynch
Life's  Service Center. Premiums directed into Account B will be directly placed
in the  Reserve  Assets  Subaccount  on  the  issue  date.  Subsequent  premiums
allocated  to Account B will be directly placed in its Reserve Assets Subaccount
as of the  end of the  valuation period in  which they are  received at  Merrill
Lynch Life's Service Center. Currently, a contract owner may allocate his or her
premium  among as many subaccounts as desired as long as allocations are made in
increments that  are  even multiples  of  10%. For  example,  10% of  a  premium
received  may be  allocated to the  Prime Bond  Fund, 40% allocated  to the High
Current Income Fund, and  50% allocated to the  Quality Equity Fund. However,  a
contract  owner may not allocate 33  1/3% to the Prime Bond  Fund and 66 2/3% to
the High Current  Income Fund.  If allocation  instructions are  not given  with
subsequent  premiums received, Merrill  Lynch Life will  allocate those premiums
according to the allocation instructions last received from the contract  owner.
Merrill  Lynch Life  reserves the  right to limit  the number  of subaccounts to
which future allocations may be made.

ACCUMULATION UNITS

Each subaccount has a  distinct value, called the  accumulation unit value.  The
accumulation  unit value varies daily, as described below. This value is used to
determine the number of subaccount accumulation units represented by a  contract
owner's  investment in a subaccount. When a  contract owner invests a premium or
transfers an amount to a subaccount,  accumulation units in that subaccount  are
purchased  and  credited  to the  Contract.  Conversely, when  a  contract owner
withdraws contract value or transfers an amount from a subaccount,  accumulation
units  credited to the Contract in that subaccount are redeemed. Similarly, when
a deduction is made  under a Contract for  the contract maintenance charge,  any
contingent  deferred sales  charges, any transfer  charge and  any premium taxes
due, accumulation  units  credited  to  the  Contract  in  the  subaccounts  are
redeemed. (See CHARGES AND DEDUCTIONS on page 20 for a discussion concerning the
allocation  of charges  to subaccounts.) The  number of accumulation  units in a
subaccount so purchased or redeemed for a Contract is based on the  subaccount's
accumulation  unit value as of the end  of the valuation period during which the
purchase or redemption is made. It is determined by dividing the dollar value of
the amount of  the purchase  or redemption allocated  to the  subaccount by  the
value  of one accumulation unit for that  subaccount for the valuation period in
which the  transfer  is effected.  The  number  of accumulation  units  in  each
subaccount  credited to a Contract will  therefore increase or decrease as these
transactions are effected.

                                       24
<PAGE>
The number of  subaccount accumulation  units credited  to a  Contract will  not
change  as a result of  investment experience or the  deduction of mortality and
expense risk and administration charges.  Instead, these charges and  investment
experience will be reflected in the accumulation unit value.

   
For  each subaccount, the value  of an accumulation unit  was arbitrarily set at
$10 when it was established. Accumulation  unit values may increase or  decrease
from  one valuation period to the next.  A valuation period is the interval from
one determination of the net asset value  of a subaccount to the next,  measured
from  the time each day the Funds are  valued. The Funds are valued at the close
of business on each  day the New  York Stock Exchange  is open. An  accumulation
unit   value  for  any  valuation  period   is  determined  by  multiplying  the
accumulation unit  value  for  the  last  prior  valuation  period  by  the  net
investment  factor  for the  subaccount for  the  current valuation  period. The
Funds' investment  performance,  expenses,  and  the  deduction  of  asset-based
charges affect the accumulation unit value.
    

The net investment factor is an index used to measure the investment performance
of  a subaccount from one valuation period  to the next. For any subaccount, the
net investment factor is determined by dividing  the value of the assets of  the
subaccount  for  that  valuation  period  by the  value  of  the  assets  of the
subaccount for the preceding valuation  period, and subtracting from the  result
the  valuation period equivalent of the  annual administration and mortality and
expense risk charges. Merrill Lynch Life may adjust the net investment factor to
make provisions for any change in the law that requires it to pay tax on capital
gains in  the  Accounts or  for  any assessments  or  federal premium  taxes  or
federal,  state  or  local  excise,  profits  or  income  taxes  measured  by or
attributable to the receipt of premiums. (See OTHER CHARGES on page 22).

The net investment factor may be greater or less than one. Therefore, the  value
of an accumulation unit may increase or decrease.

DEATH BENEFIT

   
Prior  to the annuity date,  the Contract provides a  death benefit feature that
guarantees a death benefit if the contract owner dies, regardless of  investment
experience. A Contract's death benefit is equal to the greater of (a) the sum of
the  excess, if any, of premiums paid into  Account A with interest on them from
the date received  at an interest  rate compounded daily  to yield 5%  annually,
over  transfers to Account B and withdrawals from Account A multiplied by a rate
compounded daily from the date of  transfer or withdrawal to yield 5%  annually,
plus  the value of Account B; or (b) the contract value. There are limits on the
period during which interest will accrue  for purposes of this calculation.  For
Contracts  issued  beginning  June 1,  1995  (or  later as  state  approvals are
obtained), interest shall accrue only until the earliest of the last day of  the
20th  contract year,  the last day  of the  contract year in  which the contract
owner attains age 80, or the date  of the contract owner's death. For  Contracts
issued  before June  1, 1995  and until  state approvals  are obtained, interest
shall accrue only until the last day of the 20th contract year. If the  contract
owner dies prior to the annuity date, Merrill Lynch Life will pay the Contract's
death  benefit  to  the owner's  beneficiary.  Unless the  beneficiary  has been
irrevocably designated, the  contract owner  may change the  beneficiary at  any
time prior to the annuity date.
    

If  the owner's beneficiary is his or her surviving spouse, the spouse may elect
to continue the Contract  in force on  the same terms  as applicable before  the
owner's  death,  and the  spouse will  then  become the  contract owner  and the
beneficiary until a new beneficiary is named.

The death benefit will be paid in  a lump sum unless the beneficiary chooses  an
annuity  payment option  available under the  Contract. (See  ANNUITY OPTIONS on
page 29.) However, if the contract  owner dies before the annuity date,  federal
tax  law generally requires  the entire contract value  to be distributed within
five years  of the  date of  death. Special  rules may  apply to  the  surviving
spouse. (See FEDERAL INCOME TAXES on page 31.)

                                       25
<PAGE>
   
The  death benefit is determined as of  the date Merrill Lynch Life receives due
proof of death at its Service Center. Due  proof of death is received as of  the
date  Merrill Lynch Life receives a certified copy of the contract owner's death
certificate, the Beneficiary  Statement, and  any other  paperwork necessary  to
process  the death claim. If other documents  have not been received by the 60th
day following receipt  of the certified  death certificate, due  proof of  death
will  be deemed to  have been received and  the death benefit will  be paid in a
lump sum.
    

DEATH OF ANNUITANT

   
If the annuitant dies prior  to the annuity date, and  the annuitant is not  the
contract  owner, the owner may designate a  new annuitant. If a new annuitant is
not designated, the contract owner will become the annuitant unless the owner is
not a natural  person. If the  contract owner is  not a natural  person, no  new
annuitant  may be  named and  the contract value,  less any  applicable fees and
charges, must be paid out within five years of the annuitant's death.
    

If the annuitant dies  after the annuity date,  while guaranteed amounts  remain
unpaid,  the contract owner may either (a) have payments continue for the amount
or period  guaranteed;  or  (b)  receive the  present  value  of  the  remaining
guaranteed  payments in a lump sum. If  the contract owner dies while guaranteed
amounts remain  unpaid, his  or her  beneficiary may  either (a)  have  payments
continue  for the amount or period guaranteed;  or (b) receive the present value
of the remaining guaranteed payments in a lump sum.

TRANSFERS

Once each contract year, contract owners may transfer from Account A to  Account
B an amount equal to any gain in account value and/or any premium not subject to
a  contingent deferred sales  charge, determined as  of the date  the request is
received. Where permitted by state regulation, once each contract year, contract
owners may transfer from Account A to Account B all or a portion of the  greater
of  that amount or 10% of premiums subject to a contingent deferred sales charge
determined as of the  date the request  is received (minus  any of that  premium
already  withdrawn  or  transferred).  Additionally,  where  permitted  by state
regulation, periodic  transfers of  all  or a  portion  of the  greater  amount,
determined  at the time of each periodic  transfer, are permitted, on a monthly,
quarterly, semi-annual or annual  basis. Periodic transfers  may be canceled  by
the  contract owner at any time. Once  canceled, they can not be activated again
until the next contract year.

Generally, the amount  transferred will  be deducted on  a pro  rata basis  from
among  the affected Account A subaccounts, on  the basis of the contract owner's
interest in each subaccount to the Account A account value, unless the  contract
owner  requests  otherwise. However,  if  the amount  will  be transferred  on a
monthly, quarterly, semi-annual or  annual basis, it must  be deducted on a  pro
rata  basis. This is the only amount which  may be transferred from Account A to
Account B during that contract year. There is no charge imposed on the  transfer
of this amount. No transfers are permitted from Account B to Account A.

Prior  to the annuity  date, contract owners  may transfer all  or part of their
Account A value among the subaccounts of Account A up to six times per  contract
year  without charge.  Additional transfers among  Account A  subaccounts may be
made at  a  charge of  $25  per transfer.  Currently,  there is  no  charge  for
additional  transfers. The transfer charge will be  deducted on a pro rata basis
from among  the  subaccounts from  which  account value  is  being  transferred.
Merrill  Lynch  Life  reserves the  right  to  change the  number  of additional
transfers permitted each contract year, as appropriate.

Transfers among  subaccounts may  be made  in specific  dollar amounts  or as  a
percentage  of Account A value. Requests to  transfer dollar amounts must be for
at   least   $300   or   the   total   value   of   a   subaccount,   if   less.

                                       26
<PAGE>
Requests  to transfer a percentage of Account A value are also subject to a $300
minimum, with allocations  in increments  that are  even multiples  of 10%.  For
example,  20%  of the  $1,500 Account  A value  in  the Prime  Bond Fund  may be
transferred to the High Current Income Fund, but 15 1/2% may not.

Contract owners may  make transfer  requests in  writing or  by telephone,  once
Merrill  Lynch Life  receives proper telephone  transfer authorization. Transfer
requests may also  be made through  a Merrill Lynch  Financial Consultant,  once
Merrill  Lynch Life receives proper authorization. Transfers will take effect as
of the  end of  the valuation  period on  the date  the request  is received  at
Merrill  Lynch Life's Service Center. Telephone transfer requests received after
4:00 p.m. (ET) will be deemed to have been received the following business day.

DOLLAR COST AVERAGING

The Contract offers an additional  optional transfer feature called Dollar  Cost
Averaging.  This feature  allows contract  owners to  reallocate value  from the
Account A Domestic  Money Market Subaccount  to any of  the remaining Account  A
investment  options.  Amounts will  be  transferred monthly  to  the subaccounts
specified by the contract owner. Amounts of $1,000 or more must be allotted  for
transfer  each month in  the Dollar Cost Averaging  feature. Allocations must be
designated in percentage increments that are even multiples of 10%. No  specific
dollar amount designations may be made. Merrill Lynch Life reserves the right to
change these minimums.

Contract  owners may  apply for  the Dollar Cost  Averaging feature  at any time
prior to the  annuity date.  Dollar Cost  Averaging transfers  may continue  for
anywhere  from 12 to 36 months (or to  the annuity date, if earlier), subject to
availability of Domestic Money  Market Subaccount value  for this purpose.  When
the Dollar Cost Averaging feature is elected, an amount equal to the total to be
transferred  during the term  of the feature  must have been  deposited into the
Domestic Money Market Subaccount.  Should the owner's  interest in the  Domestic
Money Market Subaccount drop below the selected monthly transfer amount, Merrill
Lynch  Life will  notify the contract  owner that an  additional premium payment
will be necessary  in that  subaccount if  he or she  wants to  continue in  the
Dollar Cost Averaging feature.

The  first  Dollar  Cost  Averaging  transfer  will  be  effected  on  the first
monthiversary date  after  Merrill  Lynch Life  receives  the  contract  owner's
election  at its Service Center. Subsequent Dollar Cost Averaging transfers will
take effect as  of the end  of the valuation  period on each  of the  Contract's
monthiversary dates.

The  main objective of the Dollar Cost Averaging feature is to shield investment
from short term price fluctuations. Since the same dollar amount is  transferred
to  selected subaccounts each month, more  accumulation units are purchased in a
subaccount when their value  is low and fewer  accumulation units are  purchased
when  their value is  high. Therefore, a  lower than average  cost of purchasing
accumulation units may be  achieved over the long  term. This plan of  investing
allows  contract owners to  take advantage of  investment fluctuations, but does
not assure a profit or protect against a loss in declining markets.

There is no charge imposed on  Dollar Cost Averaging transfers. These  transfers
are  in  addition  to the  annual  transfers  permitted under  the  Contract, as
described above.

Dollar Cost  Averaging is  an  investment strategy  and  does not  guarantee  an
investment  gain, nor  will it protect  against an investment  loss when markets
have declined.

WITHDRAWALS AND SURRENDERS

Withdrawals may be  made from the  Contract up  to six times  per contract  year
prior  to the annuity date. The first  withdrawal from Account A in any contract
year  will   be   effected  as   if   gain   in  account   value   and   premium

                                       27
<PAGE>
not  subject to a contingent deferred  sales charge is withdrawn first, followed
by premium on a "first-in, first-out" basis. A contingent deferred sales  charge
will  not be applied to the first withdrawal in any contract year out of Account
A to the  extent that the  withdrawal consists  of gain and/or  any premium  not
subject  to such  a charge.  Where permitted  by state  regulation, a contingent
deferred sales  charge  will  not  be  applied to  that  portion  of  the  first
withdrawal  from Account A in any contract year that does not exceed the greater
of (a) or (b) where (a)  is 10% of total premiums  paid into Account A that  are
subject  to a  contingent deferred  sales charge determined  as of  the date the
request is received, less any prior amount withdrawn or transferred from Account
A to Account  B in the  contract year,  and (b) is  the gain in  Account A  plus
premiums  allocated to Account A as of the date the request is received that are
not subject to a contingent deferred sales charge. Additionally, where permitted
by state regulation, the amount withdrawn  may be paid on a monthly,  quarterly,
semi-annual or annual basis, if the contract owner so elects. Withdrawals may be
taxable and subject to a 10% tax penalty. (See PENALTY TAXES on page 33.)

All  subsequent withdrawals  from Account  A in the  same contract  year will be
effected as if premium is withdrawn on a "first-in, first-out" basis before  any
gain  in account value is withdrawn.  Therefore, premium accumulated the longest
will be withdrawn first. These withdrawals are subject to a contingent  deferred
sales charge. (See CONTINGENT DEFERRED SALES CHARGE on page 20.)

There  are no contingent deferred sales  charges imposed on any withdrawals from
Account B. In addition, no contingent  deferred sales charge will be imposed  on
withdrawals  from Account A  on a Contract  purchased by an  employee of Merrill
Lynch  Life  or  its  affiliates  or  purchased  by  the  employee's  spouse  or
dependents, where permitted by state regulation.

In  addition, the contract owner may  request monthly, quarterly, semiannual, or
annual automatic withdrawals from Account B. This optional automatic  withdrawal
program  can be activated or  canceled by the contract  owner once each contract
year. Once  canceled, the  program can  not be  activated again  until the  next
contract  year. Withdrawal  amounts may be  increased or decreased  at any time,
once Merrill Lynch Life receives a  proper request at its Service Center.  There
are  no contingent deferred sales charges  imposed on automatic withdrawals from
Account B. These withdrawals are in addition to the annual withdrawals permitted
under the Contract, as described above. Automatic withdrawals may be included in
the contract owner's gross  income in the year  in which the withdrawal  occurs.
(See  DISTRIBUTIONS on page 32.) Withdrawals may be taxable and subject to a 10%
tax penalty. (See PENALTY TAXES on page 33.)

If the contract owner  has elected both the  automatic withdrawal program and  a
withdrawal  from Account A on a monthly, quarterly, semi-annual or annual basis,
both forms of withdrawal must be paid out on the same date(s).

The minimum amount that may be withdrawn is $300. At least $2,000 must remain in
the Contract after a withdrawal is  made. Merrill Lynch Life reserves the  right
to  change these  minimums. Withdrawals will  be effected  as of the  end of the
valuation period on  the date the  request is received  at Merrill Lynch  Life's
Service  Center. Unless  otherwise directed  by the  contract owner, withdrawals
will be taken from  subaccounts in the same  proportion as the owner's  contract
value  bears to  the subaccounts  of the Accounts  from which  the withdrawal is
made. A withdrawal  may be effected  by telephone, once  a proper  authorization
form  is  submitted  to  Merrill  Lynch Life's  Service  Center,  if  the amount
withdrawn  is  to  be  paid  into  a  Merrill  Lynch,  Pierce,  Fenner  &  Smith
Incorporated   brokerage  account.  Otherwise,  a  withdrawal  request  must  be
submitted by  the contract  owner in  writing to  Merrill Lynch  Life's  Service
Center.  Telephone withdrawal  requests received  after 4:00  p.m. (ET)  will be
deemed to have been received the following business day.

                                       28
<PAGE>
The  Contract  may be  surrendered at  any time  prior to  the annuity  date. To
surrender the Contract through a full withdrawal, the Contract must be delivered
to Merrill Lynch Life's Service Center. The surrender will be effected as of the
end of the  valuation period on  the date  the Contract is  received at  Merrill
Lynch  Life's Service  Center. The amount  payable on surrender  is the contract
value as of the end of the valuation period when the surrender is effected, less
any applicable contingent deferred sales  charge, less the contract  maintenance
charge  if the contract value is less  than $50,000 and that valuation period is
not a contract anniversary, less any  applicable charge for premium taxes.  (See
CHARGES AND DEDUCTIONS on page 20.)

Withdrawals  will decrease the contract value. Withdrawals from either Account A
or Account B  may be  taxable and  subject to a  10% tax  penalty. (See  FEDERAL
INCOME TAXES on page 31.)

PAYMENTS TO CONTRACT OWNERS

Merrill Lynch Life will generally pay the amount of any withdrawal or surrender,
any  annuity payment  or death  benefit, minus  any applicable  charges, premium
taxes or tax withholding, within  seven days of receipt  of a proper request  at
its  Service Center. However,  Merrill Lynch Life  may delay the  payment of any
withdrawal, surrender,  or  death benefit,  or  the processing  of  any  annuity
payment  or transfer request if (a) the New York Stock Exchange is closed, other
than for a  customary weekend  or holiday;  (b) trading  on the  New York  Stock
Exchange  is  restricted  by the  Securities  and Exchange  Commission;  (c) the
Securities and Exchange Commission declares  that an emergency exists such  that
it is not reasonably practical to
dispose  of securities held in  the Accounts or to  determine the value of their
assets; (d) the Securities and Exchange  Commission by order so permits for  the
protection  of security holders; or (e) payment  is derived from a check used to
make a premium payment which has not cleared through the banking system.

ANNUITY DATE

The contract owner selects an annuity date when the Contract is applied for. The
annuity date may be  changed up to  30 days prior to  that date. Generally,  the
annuity  date for nonqualified  Contracts may not be  later than the annuitant's
85th birthday. For IRA Contracts,  the annuity date may  not be later than  when
the  owner/annuitant reaches the age of 70 1/2 unless the contract owner selects
a later  annuity date.  If no  annuity date  is chosen,  the annuity  date  will
automatically  be the date on  which the annuitant reaches age  85 or 70 1/2, as
outlined above.

The first annuity payment will  be made on the  annuity date, and payments  will
continue thereafter according to the schedule of the annuity option selected.

Contract  owners may select from a variety  of fixed annuity payment options, as
outlined below in ANNUITY OPTIONS.

ANNUITY OPTIONS

The Contract provides a choice of  fixed annuity payment options. If an  annuity
option   is  not  chosen  by  the   contract  owner,  Merrill  Lynch  Life  will
automatically effect  the Life  Annuity with  Payments Guaranteed  for 10  Years
annuity  option when the  contract owner reaches age  85 (age 70  1/2 for an IRA
Contract). The annuity option may be changed up to 30 days prior to the  annuity
date.  Merrill Lynch Life reserves the  right to limit annuity options available
to IRA contract owners to comply with provisions of the Internal Revenue Code or
regulations thereunder. On the annuity date, the entire contract value, after  a
deduction  for the cost of any applicable  premium taxes, will be transferred to
Merrill Lynch Life's general  account, from which the  annuity payments will  be
made. The amount of each payment is predetermined.

                                       29
<PAGE>
The dollar amount of annuity payments is determined by the contract value on the
annuity  date, applied  to Merrill  Lynch Life's  then current  annuity purchase
rates. These rates will be  furnished on request. The  rates will never be  less
favorable than those shown in the Contract.

If  the age  and/or sex of  the annuitant  was misstated to  Merrill Lynch Life,
resulting in an incorrect calculation of annuity payments on a Contract,  future
annuity  payments on that Contract  will be adjusted to  reflect the correct age
and/or sex.  Any  amount  Merrill  Lynch  Life  overpaid  as  the  result  of  a
misstatement  will  be deducted  from future  payments  with 6%  annual interest
charges. Any amount Merrill Lynch Life underpaid as the result of a misstatement
will be  paid  in full  with  the next  payment  made with  6%  annual  interest
credited.

If  the contract value on the annuity date,  after the deduction for the cost of
any applicable  premium taxes,  is  less than  $5,000  (or a  different  minimum
amount,  if  required by  state law),  Merrill  Lynch Life  may pay  the annuity
benefits in a lump sum, rather than as periodic payments. If any annuity payment
would be less  than $50 (or  a different  minimum amount, if  required by  state
law),  the frequency of payments may be changed  so that all payments will be at
least $50 (or the minimum amount required by state law). Otherwise, the contract
owner has the following annuity payment options. Merrill Lynch Life reserves the
right to permit additional annuity payment options.

- -    PAYMENTS OF  A FIXED  AMOUNT--Equal payments  in an  amount chosen  by  the
     contract  owner will  be guaranteed until  the sum of  all annuity payments
     equals the  contract  value transferred  to  Merrill Lynch  Life's  general
     account on the annuity date, adjusted for interest credited as shown in the
     Contract.  The amount  chosen must provide  for payments for  at least five
     years. Payments are guaranteed irrespective of the annuitant's life. If the
     annuitant dies before the end of  the guarantee period, the contract  owner
     may elect to receive the present value of the remaining guaranteed payments
     in  a lump sum. If the contract  owner dies while guaranteed amounts remain
     unpaid, his or her  beneficiary may elect to  receive the present value  of
     the remaining guaranteed payments in a lump sum.

- -    PAYMENTS  FOR A  FIXED PERIOD--Payments  will be made  for five  years or a
     longer period if selected  by the contract  owner. Payments are  guaranteed
     irrespective  of the annuitant's life. If the annuitant dies before the end
     of the  guarantee period,  the  contract owner  may  elect to  receive  the
     present  value of the remaining  guaranteed payments in a  lump sum. If the
     contract owner  dies while  guaranteed amounts  remain unpaid,  his or  her
     beneficiary  may  elect  to  receive the  present  value  of  the remaining
     guaranteed payments in a lump sum.

- -    *LIFE ANNUITY--Payments  will  be  made  for the  life  of  the  annuitant.
     Payments will cease with the last payment due before the annuitant's death.

- -    LIFE  ANNUITY WITH PAYMENTS GUARANTEED FOR 10 OR 20 YEARS--Payments will be
     made for the life of the annuitant. In addition, even if the annuitant dies
     before the guarantee period ends, payments will be guaranteed for either 10
     or 20 years as selected by the contract owner. If the annuitant dies before
     the end of the  guarantee period, the contract  owner may elect to  receive
     the  present value of the  remaining guaranteed payments in  a lump sum. If
     the contract owner dies while guaranteed amounts remain unpaid, his or  her
     beneficiary  may  elect  to  receive the  present  value  of  the remaining
     guaranteed payments in a lump sum.

- -    LIFE ANNUITY WITH  GUARANTEED RETURN  OF CONTRACT  VALUE--Payments will  be
     made for the life of the annuitant. In addition, even if the annuitant dies
     beforehand,  payments  will  be guaranteed  until  the sum  of  all annuity
     payments equals  the contract  value transferred  to Merrill  Lynch  Life's
     general  account on  the annuity  date, adjusted  for interest  credited as
     shown in the Contract.

                                       30
<PAGE>
- -    *JOINT AND SURVIVOR LIFE  ANNUITY--Payments will be made  for the lives  of
     the  annuitant and  a designated second  person. Payments  will continue as
     long as either one is living.

- -    INDIVIDUAL RETIREMENT  ACCOUNT ANNUITY--This  annuity option  is  available
     only to IRA contract owners. Payments will be made annually based on either
     (a)  the  life  expectancy of  the  owner/  annuitant; (b)  the  joint life
     expectancy of the owner/annuitant  and his or her  spouse; or (c) the  life
     expectancy  of the surviving spouse if  the owner/annuitant dies before the
     annuity date. Each annual payment will  be equal to the remaining  contract
     value  transferred to Merrill Lynch Life's  general account, divided by the
     then current life expectancy chosen, as defined by Internal Revenue Service
     regulations. Payments will be made on each anniversary of the annuity date.
     If the measuring  life or lives  dies before the  remaining value has  been
     distributed, that value will be paid to the contract owner in a lump sum.

*These  options are life annuities.  Therefore, it is possible  for the payee to
receive only  one annuity  payment if  the  person (or  persons) on  whose  life
(lives)  payment is  based dies after  only one  payment or to  receive only two
annuity payments if that  person (those persons) dies  after only two  payments,
etc.

UNISEX

Generally,  the Contract  provides for  sex-distinct annuity  purchase rates for
life  annuities.  However,  in  those  states  that  have  adopted   regulations
prohibiting  sex-distinct rates, blended unisex  annuity purchase rates for life
annuities will  be applied,  whether the  annuitant is  male or  female.  Unisex
annuity purchase rates will provide the same annuity payments for male or female
annuitants that are the same age on their annuity dates.

Employers  and employee organizations considering purchasing the Contract should
consult with their legal  adviser to determine  whether purchasing the  Contract
based on sex-distinct annuity purchase rates is consistent with Title VII of the
Civil  Rights Act of 1964 or other  applicable law. Merrill Lynch Life may offer
such contract owners Contracts based on unisex annuity purchase rates.

                              FEDERAL INCOME TAXES

INTRODUCTION

The Contracts are designed for use in connection with retirement plans that  are
not  qualified plans under the provisions of  the Internal Revenue Code and also
Individual Retirement Annuities  (IRAs). The ultimate  effect of federal  income
taxes on contract value, on annuity payments, and on the economic benefit to the
contract owner, depends on the type of retirement plan for which the Contract is
purchased,  on whether  the investments  of the  Accounts meet  Internal Revenue
Service diversification standards (discussed below) and on the tax status of the
individual concerned. The following discussion is  general in nature and is  not
intended  as tax  advice. This  discussion is  not intended  to address  the tax
consequences resulting from all situations in which a person may by entitled  to
or may receive a distribution under the Contract. Contract owners should consult
a  competent tax adviser  before initiating any  transaction. This discussion is
based on  the Company's  understanding of  current federal  income tax  laws  as
currently  interpreted by  the Internal Revenue  Service and  generally does not
discuss or consider any applicable state or other tax laws. No representation is
made as to the likelihood of continuation of current federal income tax laws  or
of  the current interpretations  by the Internal  Revenue Service. MERRILL LYNCH
LIFE DOES NOT MAKE ANY GUARANTEE REGARDING THE TAX STATUS OF ANY CONTRACT OR ANY
TRANSACTION INVOLVING THE CONTRACTS.

                                       31
<PAGE>
MERRILL LYNCH LIFE'S TAX STATUS

Merrill Lynch  Life is  taxed as  a life  insurance company  under the  Internal
Revenue  Code. The Accounts are not a separate entity and for tax purposes their
operations are part of the Company's. Therefore, the Company will be liable  for
any  taxes attributable to  the Accounts. Under existing  federal income tax law
the investment  income of  the Accounts  is includable  in the  Company's  gross
income.  Merrill Lynch  Life currently  incurs no  income taxes  on this income.
Merrill Lynch Life reserves the right, however, to deduct from the Accounts  any
such  taxes which are imposed on the investment earnings or taxes measured by or
attributable to the receipt of premium.

TAXATION OF ANNUITIES

IN GENERAL

Section 72  of  the Internal  Revenue  Code  governs taxation  of  annuities  in
general.  With respect to contracts held  by natural persons, Merrill Lynch Life
believes that the contract owner is not  taxed on increases in the value of  the
Contract  until distribution occurs,  either in the  form of a  withdrawal or as
annuity payments under  the annuity  option elected.  The taxable  portion of  a
distribution  (in the form of a single sum  payment or an annuity) is taxable as
ordinary income. Additionally,  certain transfers  of a Contract  for less  than
full  consideration, such as a  gift, will trigger tax on  the excess of the net
contract value over the contract owner's investment in the Contract.

REQUIRED DISTRIBUTIONS

In order to be treated as an  annuity contract for federal income tax  purposes,
section 72(s) of the Code requires any nonqualified Contract to provide that (a)
if  any contract owner dies on or  after the annuity commencement date but prior
to the  time the  entire interest  in  the Contract  has been  distributed,  the
remaining  portion of such interest  will be distributed at  least as rapidly as
under the method  of distribution being  used as  of the date  of that  contract
owner's  death;  and  (b)  if  any contract  owner  dies  prior  to  the annuity
commencement date,  the entire  interest  in the  Contract will  be  distributed
within  five  years  after  the  date  of  the  contract  owner's  death.  These
requirements will be  considered satisfied  as to  any portion  of the  contract
owner's  interest  which is  payable  to or  for  the benefit  of  a "designated
beneficiary" and  which  is  distributed  over  the  life  of  such  "designated
beneficiary"  or over a period not extending  beyond the life expectancy of that
beneficiary, provided  that such  distributions begin  within one  year of  that
owner's death. The contract owner's "designated beneficiary" (referred to herein
as the "Owner's Beneficiary") is the person designated by such contract owner as
a  beneficiary and to whom  ownership of the Contract  passes by reason of death
and must  be a  natural person.  However, if  the contract  owner's  "designated
beneficiary"  is the surviving spouse of the contract owner, the Contract may be
continued with the  surviving spouse as  the new owner.  Solely for purposes  of
applying  the  provisions  of  Section  72(s)  of  the  Code,  when nonqualified
Contracts are held by other than a  natural person, the death of, or change  of,
the annuitant is treated as the death of the contract owner.

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

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<PAGE>
NON-NATURAL OWNERS

Nonqualified contracts held  by other than  a natural person  generally are  not
treated  as annuities, and  the contract owner generally  must include in income
any increase  in the  excess of  the contract  value over  the contract  owner's
investment  in the Contract. This is not  applicable to trusts or other entities
acting as an agent for a natural person, and there are certain other  exceptions
to  this rule.  Prospective contract owners  who are not  natural persons should
consult a competent tax adviser.

DISTRIBUTIONS

   
The taxable portion  of annuity payments  is generally determined  by a  formula
that  establishes the  ratio that the  cost basis  of the contract  bears to the
expected return under the contract. After such time as the sum of the nontaxable
portion of  annuity  payments  received  equals  the  sum  of  premium  payments
(adjusted  for  any withdrawals  or outstanding  loans), all  subsequent annuity
payments are  fully taxable  as ordinary  income. With  respect to  nonqualified
Contracts,  partial withdrawals of contract value  are treated as taxable income
to the extent  that the contract  value just before  the withdrawal exceeds  the
investment  in the Contract. The assignment or pledge (or agreement to assign or
pledge) of  any portion  of the  value of  the Contract  shall be  treated as  a
withdrawal  subject to this rule. Full withdrawals are treated as taxable income
under section 72(e)  of the Internal  Revenue Code  to the extent  that the  net
amount  received exceeds the investment in  the Contract. (For the tax treatment
of any premium paid  prior to August 14,  1982, under another annuity  contract,
which  contract has been exchanged for this Contract, consult your tax adviser.)
Amounts may be distributed from  a Contract because of  the death of the  owner.
Generally,  such  amounts  are includable  in  the  income of  the  recipient as
follows: (1) if  distributed in  a lump  sum, the amount  is taxed  in the  same
manner  as a full withdrawal; or (2)  if distributed under a payment option, the
amounts are taxed in the same  manner as annuity payments. For both  withdrawals
and  annuity payments  under IRAs, there  may be  no cost basis  in the contract
within the meaning of  Section 72 of  the Internal Revenue  Code, and the  total
amount received may be taxable as ordinary income.
    

MULTIPLE ANNUITY CONTRACTS

All  nonqualified annuity contracts entered into after October 21, 1988 that are
issued by Merrill Lynch Life  (or its affiliates) to  the same owner during  any
calendar  year are treated  as one annuity contract  for purposes of determining
the amount  includable in  gross  income under  Section  72(e) of  the  Internal
Revenue  Code. In  addition, the Treasury  Department has  specific authority to
issue regulations that prevent the avoidance of Section 72(e) through the serial
purchase of annuity contracts or otherwise. Congress has also indicated that the
Treasury Department may have authority to  treat the combination purchase of  an
immediate  annuity contract and a separate deferred annuity contract as a single
annuity contract  under its  general  authority to  prescribe  rules as  may  be
necessary to enforce the income tax laws.

PENALTY TAXES

   
A  penalty tax may  be imposed equal to  10% of the taxable  income portion of a
withdrawal. The penalty  tax applies  to both nonqualified  Contracts and  IRAs,
with   different  exceptions  for  each.   The  exceptions  applicable  to  both
nonqualified Contracts and IRAs include (a)  distributions made at or after  the
contract  owner  attains age  59 1/2,  (b)  distributions made  on or  after the
contract owner's death, (c) distributions  attributable to the contract  owner's
disability,  and  (d) substantially  equal  periodic payments  for  the contract
owner's life or life expectancy (or joint  life or joint life expectancy of  the
contract  owner and a second designated person). In certain circumstances, other
exceptions may apply.  Other tax  penalties may apply  to certain  distributions
loans and other transactions under IRAs.
    

                                       33
<PAGE>
INTERNAL REVENUE SERVICE DIVERSIFICATION STANDARDS

The   Internal   Revenue   Service   has   published   regulations   prescribing
diversification standards to be met  by nonqualified variable annuity  contracts
as  a condition  to being taxed  as annuities  under Section 72  of the Internal
Revenue Code. The  standards provide  that investments  of a  subaccount of  the
Accounts  are adequately diversified if no more than (a) 55% of the value of its
assets is represented by any one investment,  (b) 70% is represented by any  two
investments,  (c) 80% is  represented by any  three investments, and  (d) 90% is
represented by any  four investments. It  is Merrill Lynch  Life's opinion  that
each  subaccount of the Accounts will meet the diversification standards imposed
by the Internal Revenue Service.

The Treasury Department  has announced that  the diversification regulations  do
not  provide guidance concerning the extent  to which contract owners may direct
their investments to particular subaccounts of a separate account. Such guidance
will be included in regulations or  Revenue Rulings under Section 817(d) of  the
Internal  Revenue Code relating to the definition  of a variable contract. It is
unknown what standards will be adopted in such regulations. Merrill Lynch  Life,
however,  believes that according to current law the Contract will be treated as
an annuity  for  federal income  tax  purposes and  that  the Company,  not  the
contract owner, will be treated as the owner of the contract investments.

The ownership rights under the Contract are similar to, but different in certain
respects  from, those  described by the  Internal Revenue Service  in rulings in
which it determined that the owners were not owners of separate account  assets.
For  example, the owner of the Contract has additional flexibility in allocating
premium payments and account values. These differences could result in the owner
being treated as the  owner of the  assets of the  Accounts. Merrill Lynch  Life
reserves  the right to modify the Contract  as necessary to prevent the contract
owner from being considered the owner of the assets of the Accounts for  federal
tax  purposes. Any such changes will apply uniformly to affected contract owners
and will be made  with such notice  to affected contract  owners as is  feasible
under the circumstances.

IRA CONTRACTS

   
Section  408  of  the  Internal Revenue  Code  permits  eligible  individuals to
contribute to an individual retirement program known as an Individual Retirement
Annuity ("IRA").  IRAs  are  subject  to  limits  on  the  amount  that  may  be
contributed,  the contributions  that may be  deducted from  taxable income, the
persons who may be eligible, and on the time when distributions may commence and
the duration  of those  distributions. Also,  distributions from  certain  other
types  of qualified plans may  be "rolled over" on  a tax-deferred basis into an
IRA. The ultimate effect of federal  income taxes on the amounts contributed  to
and  held under a Contract, on annuity  payments, and on the economic benefit to
the contract owner,  the annuitant, or  the beneficiary depends  on the tax  and
employment  status of the  individual concerned and on  Merrill Lynch Life's tax
status. In addition, certain requirements must be satisfied in purchasing an IRA
with proceeds from a tax  qualified retirement plan and receiving  distributions
from an IRA in order to continue receiving favorable tax treatment. Sales of the
Contract  for use with IRAs may be subject to special disclosure requirements of
the Internal Revenue Service. Purchasers of the Contract for use with IRAs  will
be  provided  with supplemental  information  required by  the  Internal Revenue
Service or other  appropriate agency.  Such purchasers  will have  the right  to
revoke the Contract within seven days of the earlier of the establishment of the
IRA or the purchase of the Contract. Purchasers should seek competent tax advice
as  to the suitability of the  Contract for use with or  as an IRA. The Internal
Revenue Service has not reviewed the  Contract for qualification as an IRA,  and
has  not addressed in a ruling of  general applicability whether a death benefit
provision such as the provision in the Contract comports with IRA  qualification
requirements.
    

                                       34
<PAGE>
TRANSFERS, ASSIGNMENTS, OR EXCHANGES OF A CONTRACT

A  transfer of ownership of the Contract, the designation of an annuitant who is
not also the owner, or  the exchange of the Contract  may result in certain  tax
consequences  to the  contract owner that  are not discussed  herein. A contract
owner contemplating any such transfer, assignment, or exchange should contact  a
competent  tax  adviser with  respect to  the  potential tax  effects of  such a
transaction.

WITHHOLDING

Unless the contract  owner elects to  the contrary, the  taxable portion of  any
amounts  received  under the  Contract will  be subject  to withholding  to meet
federal and state  income tax obligations.  The rate of  withholding on  annuity
payments   will  generally  be  determined  on  the  basis  of  the  withholding
certificate filed by  the contract  owner with Merrill  Lynch Life.  If no  such
certificate  is  filed, the  contract  owner will  be  treated, for  purposes of
determining the withholding rate, as a married person with three exemptions.

The rate of withholding on all other  payments made under the Contract, such  as
amounts  received upon withdrawals, will generally be 10%. Thus, if the contract
owner fails  to elect  that there  be no  withholding, Merrill  Lynch Life  will
withhold  from every withdrawal or annuity payment the appropriate percentage of
the amount of the payment that is  taxable. Merrill Lynch Life will provide  the
contract owner with forms and instructions concerning the right to elect that no
amount  be withheld from  payments. Generally, there will  be no withholding for
taxes until payments are actually received under the Contract.

   
POSSIBLE CHANGES IN TAXATION
    

   
In past years, legislation has been proposed that would have adversely  modified
the  federal taxation of certain annuities. For example, one such proposal would
have changed the  tax treatment  of non-qualified  annuities that  did not  have
"substantial  life  contingencies" by  taxing income  as it  is credited  to the
annuity. Although, as of the date  of this prospectus, Congress is not  actively
considering any legislation regarding the taxation of annuities, there is always
the  possibility that the tax treatment of annuities could change by legislation
or other means (such  as IRS regulations,  revenue rulings, judicial  decisions,
etc.).  Moreover, it is also possible that any change could be retroactive (that
is, effective prior to the date of the change).
    

OTHER TAX CONSEQUENCES

Merrill Lynch Life does not make any  guarantee regarding the tax status of  the
Contract  or  any  transaction  regarding  the  Contract.  As  noted  above, the
foregoing discussion of the  income tax consequences under  the Contract is  not
exhaustive  and special rules are provided  with respect to other tax situations
not discussed in the Prospectus. Further, the income tax consequences  discussed
herein  reflect  the Company's  understanding  of current  law  and the  law may
change. Federal estate and  state and local estate,  inheritance, and other  tax
consequences  of ownership or receipt of distributions under the Contract depend
on the  individual circumstances  of each  contract owner  or recipient  of  the
distribution.   A  competent  tax  adviser   should  be  consulted  for  further
information.

                               OTHER INFORMATION

VOTING RIGHTS

Merrill Lynch Life is the legal owner  of all Fund shares held in the  Accounts.
As  the owner, it has the right to vote  on any matter put to vote at the Funds'
shareholder meetings.  However, Merrill  Lynch Life  will vote  all Fund  shares
attributable  to  Contracts  according to  instructions  received  from contract
owners. Shares

                                       35
<PAGE>
attributable to Contracts for which no voting instructions are received will  be
voted  in the same proportion as shares  in the respective subaccounts for which
instructions are received.  Shares not  attributable to Contracts  will also  be
voted  in the same proportion as shares  in the respective subaccounts for which
instructions are received.  If any  federal securities laws  or regulations,  or
their  present interpretation, change to permit  Merrill Lynch Life to vote Fund
shares in its own right, it may elect to do so.

Contract owners have voting  rights prior to their  annuity date. They may  give
voting  instructions  concerning  (1)  the  election  of  the  Funds'  Board  of
Directors; (2) ratification of the  Funds' independent accountant; (3)  approval
of  the investment advisory  agreement for a Fund  corresponding to the contract
owner's selected  subaccounts;  (4) any  change  in the  fundamental  investment
policy of a Fund corresponding to the contract owner's selected subaccounts; and
(5)  any other matter requiring a vote of the Funds' shareholders. The number of
shares for which  a contract  owner may give  voting instructions  prior to  the
annuity  date  is determined  by  dividing the  contract  owner's interest  in a
subaccount by  the net  asset value  per share  of the  corresponding Fund.  The
number  of shares for which contract owners may give voting instructions will be
determined as of a  record date chosen  by Merrill Lynch  Life. The record  date
will be no earlier than 90 days prior to the shareholders meeting.

After  the annuity  date, contract  owners no  longer have  voting rights, since
their contract value has then been moved out of the Funds.

Contract owners will  receive periodic reports  relating to the  Funds in  which
they have an interest including proxy material and voting instruction forms.

REPORTS TO CONTRACT OWNERS

At least once each contract year prior to the annuity date, contract owners will
be  sent a statement that provides  information pertinent to their own Contract.
The statement  will  outline all  Contract  transactions during  the  year,  the
Contract's  current number of accumulation units, the value of each accumulation
unit, and the total contract value.

Contract owners will also be sent  an annual and a semiannual report  containing
financial  statements  and  a list  of  portfolio  securities of  the  Funds, as
required by the Investment Company Act of 1940.

SELLING THE CONTRACT

Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated is the principal  underwriter
of  the  Contract. It  was organized  in 1958  under  the laws  of the  state of
Delaware and is registered as a broker-dealer under the Securities Exchange  Act
of  1934. It is a member of the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc.
("NASD").  Merrill  Lynch,  Pierce,  Fenner  &  Smith  Incorporated's  principal
business address is World Financial Center, 250 Vesey Street, New York, New York
10281.

Contracts  are  sold by  registered  representatives (Financial  Consultants) of
Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated who are also licensed through
various Merrill Lynch Life Agencies as insurance agents for Merrill Lynch  Life.
Merrill Lynch Life has entered into a distribution agreement with Merrill Lynch,
Pierce,  Fenner &  Smith Incorporated  and companion  sales agreements  with the
Merrill Lynch Life Agencies through which agreements the Contracts are sold  and
the  Financial Consultants are compensated by Merrill Lynch Life Agencies and/or
Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated. The maximum commission  paid
to  the  Financial Consultant  is  2.0% of  each  premium allocated  to Separate
Account A.  In addition,  on the  annuity date,  the Financial  Consultant  will
receive  compensation of no  more than 1.4%  of contract value  not subject to a
contingent deferred sales charge. Additional annual compensation of no more than

                                       36
<PAGE>
0.50% of contract value may also be paid to the Financial Consultant. Commission
may be paid in the form of non-cash compensation. No commission or annuity  date
compensation  will be paid on Contracts  purchased by employees of Merrill Lynch
Life or  its affiliates  or Contracts  purchased by  the employees'  spouses  or
dependents.

The  maximum commission Merrill Lynch Life  will pay to the applicable insurance
agency to be used to  pay commissions to Financial  Consultants is 5.0% of  each
premium allocated to Separate Account A.

Merrill  Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated may arrange for sales of the
Contract by  other  broker-dealers  who  are  registered  under  the  Securities
Exchange  Act of 1934 and are members of the NASD. Registered representatives of
these other broker-dealers may be compensated on a different basis than  Merrill
Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated registered representatives.

STATE REGULATION

Merrill  Lynch Life is subject to  the laws of the State  of Arkansas and to the
regulations of the  Arkansas Insurance  Department. It  is also  subject to  the
insurance  laws and regulations of all jurisdictions  in which it is licensed to
do business.

An annual  statement  in  the  prescribed  form  is  filed  with  the  insurance
departments  of jurisdictions where Merrill  Lynch Life does business disclosing
the Company's operations for the preceding  year and its financial condition  as
of  the  end of  that year.  Insurance  department regulation  includes periodic
examination to  verify  Contract  liabilities  and  reserves  and  to  determine
solvency  and compliance with all insurance  laws and regulations. Merrill Lynch
Life's books and  accounts are  subject to  insurance department  review at  all
times.  A  full  examination of  Merrill  Lynch Life's  operations  is conducted
periodically by the Arkansas Insurance Department and under the auspices of  the
National Association of Insurance Commissioners.

LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

There are no legal proceedings to which the Accounts are a party or to which the
assets  of  the Accounts  are  subject. Merrill  Lynch  Life and  Merrill Lynch,
Pierce, Fenner &  Smith Incorporated  are engaged  in various  kinds of  routine
litigation that, in the Company's judgment, is not material to its total assets.
No litigation relates to the Accounts.

EXPERTS

   
The  financial statements of Merrill Lynch Life as of December 31, 1994 and 1993
and for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 1994 and of the
Accounts as  of December  31, 1994  and each  of the  periods presented  in  the
Statement  of Additional Information have been audited by Deloitte & Touche LLP,
independent auditors,  as stated  in their  reports appearing  therein, and  are
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 10281-1420.
    

LEGAL MATTERS

The organization of the  Company, its authority to  issue the Contract, and  the
validity of the form of the Contract have been passed upon by Barry G. Skolnick,
Merrill  Lynch  Life's Senior  Vice President  and General  Counsel. Sutherland,
Asbill & Brennan  of Washington,  D.C. has  provided advice  on certain  matters
relating to federal securities laws.

                                       37
<PAGE>
REGISTRATION STATEMENTS

Registration  statements  have  been  filed  with  the  Securities  and Exchange
Commission under the Securities  Act of 1933 and  the Investment Company Act  of
1940  that relate  to the Contract  and its investment  options. This Prospectus
does not  contain all  of  the information  in  the registration  statements  as
permitted  by  Securities  and  Exchange  Commission  regulations.  The  omitted
information can  be  obtained  from the  Securities  and  Exchange  Commission's
principal office in Washington, D.C., upon payment of a prescribed fee.

TABLE OF CONTENTS OF THE STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

The contents of the Statement of Additional Information for the Contract include
the following:

     OTHER INFORMATION
     Principal Underwriter
     Financial Statements
     Administrative Services Arrangements
     CALCULATION OF YIELDS AND TOTAL RETURNS
     FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF MERRILL LYNCH LIFE VARIABLE ANNUITY
       SEPARATE ACCOUNT A
     FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF MERRILL LYNCH LIFE VARIABLE ANNUITY
       SEPARATE ACCOUNT B
     FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF MERRILL LYNCH LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY

                                       38
<PAGE>
                                     PART B
                      INFORMATION REQUIRED IN A STATEMENT
                           OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
<PAGE>
   
STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
MAY 1, 1995
    

             MERRILL LYNCH LIFE VARIABLE ANNUITY SEPARATE ACCOUNT A
                                      AND
             MERRILL LYNCH LIFE VARIABLE ANNUITY SEPARATE ACCOUNT B

         FLEXIBLE PREMIUM INDIVIDUAL DEFERRED VARIABLE ANNUITY CONTRACT
                                 ALSO KNOWN AS
                  MODIFIED SINGLE PREMIUM INDIVIDUAL DEFERRED
                           VARIABLE ANNUITY CONTRACT
                                   ISSUED BY
                      MERRILL LYNCH LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY

                    HOME OFFICE: LITTLE ROCK, ARKANSAS 72201
                        SERVICE CENTER: P.O. BOX 44222,
                        JACKSONVILLE, FLORIDA 32231-4222
                           4804 DEER LAKE DRIVE EAST,
                          JACKSONVILLE, FLORIDA 32246
                             PHONE: (800) 535-5549

                                OFFERED THROUGH
               MERRILL LYNCH, PIERCE, FENNER & SMITH INCORPORATED

This  individual deferred variable annuity contract (the "Contract") is designed
to provide comprehensive and flexible ways to  invest and to create a source  of
income  protection for later in life through the payment of annuity benefits. An
annuity is  intended  to be  a  long  term investment.  Contract  owners  should
consider  their need  for deferred  income before  purchasing the  Contract. The
Contract is  issued by  Merrill  Lynch Life  Insurance Company  ("Merrill  Lynch
Life")  both on  a nonqualified basis,  and as an  Individual Retirement Annuity
("IRA") that is given qualified tax status.

   
This Statement of Additional Information is not a Prospectus and should be  read
together with the Contract's Prospectus dated May 1, 1995, which is available on
request  and without charge by  writing to or calling  Merrill Lynch Life at the
Service Center address or phone number set forth above.
    
<PAGE>
                               TABLE OF CONTENTS

<TABLE>
<S>                                                                                      <C>
OTHER INFORMATION......................................................................          3

Principal Underwriter..................................................................          3

Financial Statements...................................................................          3

Administrative Services Arrangements...................................................          3

CALCULATION OF YIELDS AND TOTAL RETURNS................................................          3

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF MERRILL LYNCH LIFE VARIABLE ANNUITY SEPARATE ACCOUNT A.........          8

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF MERRILL LYNCH LIFE VARIABLE ANNUITY SEPARATE ACCOUNT B.........         26

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF MERRILL LYNCH LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY...........................         32
</TABLE>

                                       2
<PAGE>
                               OTHER INFORMATION

PRINCIPAL UNDERWRITER

   
Merrill  Lynch, Pierce,  Fenner &  Smith Incorporated,  an affiliate  of Merrill
Lynch  Life,  performs  all  sales  and  distribution  functions  regarding  the
Contracts  and may  be deemed  the principal  underwriter of  Merrill Lynch Life
Variable Annuity  Separate Account  A and  Merrill Lynch  Life Variable  Annuity
Separate  Account B (the  "Accounts") under the Investment  Company Act of 1940.
The offering is  continuous. For  the years ended  December 31,  1994 and  1993,
Merrill  Lynch,  Pierce, Fenner  &  Smith Incorporated  received  $_________ and
$51,981,943 respectively,  in commissions  in connection  with the  sale of  the
Contracts.
    
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

The  financial statements  of Merrill Lynch  Life included in  this Statement of
Additional Information should be distinguished from the financial statements  of
the  Accounts  and should  be considered  only  as bearing  upon the  ability of
Merrill Lynch Life to meet any obligations it may have under the Contract.

ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES ARRANGEMENTS

   
Merrill Lynch Life has entered into a Service Agreement with its parent, Merrill
Lynch Insurance Group, Inc.  ("MLIG") pursuant to which  Merrill Lynch Life  can
arrange  for MLIG  to provide directly  or through  affiliates certain services.
Pursuant to this agreement, Merrill Lynch Life has arranged for MLIG to  provide
administrative  services for the Accounts and  the Contracts, and MLIG, in turn,
has arranged  for a  subsidiary, Merrill  Lynch Insurance  Group Services,  Inc.
("MLIG  Services"), to provide these  services. Compensation for these services,
which will be  paid by  Merrill Lynch  Life, will be  based on  the charges  and
expenses  incurred  by MLIG  Services, and  will  reflect MLIG  Services' actual
costs. For the years ended December 31, 1994, 1993 and 1992, Merrill Lynch  Life
paid  administrative  services fees  of $___  million,  $55.8 million  and $63.3
million respectively.
    

                    CALCULATION OF YIELDS AND TOTAL RETURNS

MONEY MARKET YIELDS

From time to  time, Merrill  Lynch Life may  quote in  advertisements and  sales
literature the current annualized yield for the Domestic Money Market Subaccount
of  Account A and the Reserve Assets Subaccount  of Account B for a 7-day period
in a manner  that does not  take into consideration  any realized or  unrealized
gains  or  losses on  shares  of the  underlying  Funds or  on  their respective
portfolio  securities.  The  current  annualized  yield  is  computed  by:   (a)
determining  the net change (exclusive of realized gains and losses on the sales
of securities and unrealized  appreciation and depreciation) at  the end of  the
7-day  period in the value  of a hypothetical account  under a Contract having a
balance of 1 unit at the beginning  of the period, (b) dividing such net  change
in  account value by the value of the  account at the beginning of the period to
determine the base period return; and (c) annualizing this quotient on a 365-day
basis. The net change in  account value reflects: (1)  net income from the  Fund
attributable to the hypothetical account; and (2) charges and deductions imposed
under  the  Contract which  are attributable  to  the hypothetical  account. The
charges and deductions include the per unit charges for the hypothetical account
for: (1) the mortality and expense risk charge; (2) the administration charge in
the case of the  Domestic Money Market Subaccount;  and (3) the annual  contract
maintenance  charge. For purposes of calculating  current yields for a Contract,
an average per  unit contract maintenance  charge is used,  as described  below.
Current yield will be calculated according to the following formula:

                     Current Yield = ((NCF-ES/UV) X (365/7)

Where:

<TABLE>
<S>        <C>        <C>
NCF            =      the net change in the value of the Fund (exclusive of realized gains and losses
                      on the sale of securities and unrealized appreciation and depreciation) for the
                      7-day period attributable to a hypothetical account having a balance of 1 unit.
ES             =      per unit expenses for the hypothetical account for the 7-day period.
UV             =      the unit value on the first day of the 7-day period.
</TABLE>

                                       3
<PAGE>
Merrill  Lynch Life  also may  quote the effective  yield of  the Domestic Money
Market Subaccount or the  Reserve Assets Subaccount for  the same 7-day  period,
determined  on  a  compounded  basis.  The  effective  yield  is  calculated  by
compounding the  unannualized  base period  return  according to  the  following
formula:

                 Effective Yield = (1 + ((NCF-ES)/UV))365/7 -1

Where:

<TABLE>
<S>        <C>        <C>
NCF            =      the net change in the value of the Fund (exclusive of realized gains and losses
                      on the sale of securities and unrealized appreciation and depreciation) for the
                      7-day period attributable to a hypothetical account having a balance of 1 unit.
ES             =      per unit expenses of the hypothetical account for the 7-day period.
UV             =      the unit value for the first day of the 7-day period.
</TABLE>

   
The  effective  yield for  the Domestic  Money Market  subaccount for  the 7-day
period ended December  31, 1994 was  ___%. The effective  yield for the  Reserve
Assets subaccount for the 7-day period ended December 31, 1994 was ___%.
    
Because  of the charges and deductions imposed under the Contract, the yield for
the Domestic Money Market Subaccount and  the Reserve Assets Subaccount will  be
lower than the yield for the corresponding underlying Fund.

The  yields  on amounts  held in  the  Domestic Money  Market Subaccount  or the
Reserve Assets Subaccount normally will  fluctuate on a daily basis.  Therefore,
the  disclosed  yield  for  any  given  past  period  is  not  an  indication or
representation of future yields or rates  of return. The actual yield for  those
subaccounts is affected by changes in interest rates on money market securities,
average  portfolio maturity of  the underlying Fund, the  types and qualities of
portfolio securities held by the Fund and the Fund's operating expenses.  Yields
on  amounts  held in  the Domestic  Money Market  Subaccount and  Reserve Assets
Subaccount may also be presented for periods other than a 7-day period.

OTHER SUBACCOUNT YIELDS

From time  to  time,  Merrill  Lynch  Life may  quote  in  sales  literature  or
advertisements  the current  annualized yield  of one or  more of  the Account A
subaccounts (other than the Domestic Money Market Subaccount) for a contract for
30-day or one-month  periods. The  annualized yield  of a  subaccount refers  to
income  generated by the subaccount over a specified 30-day or one-month period.
Because the yield is  annualized, the yield generated  by the subaccount  during
the  30-day or one-month  period is assumed  to be generated  each period over a
12-month period.  The yield  is computed  by: (1)  dividing the  net  investment
income of the Fund attributable to the subaccount units less subaccount expenses
for  the period; by (2) the  maximum offering price per unit  on the last day of
the period times the daily average  number of units outstanding for the  period;
then  (3) compounding that yield for a  6-month period; and then (4) multiplying
that result by 2. Expenses attributable to the subaccount include the  mortality
and  expense  risk charge,  the administration  charge  and the  annual contract
maintenance charge. For purposes of  calculating the 30-day or one-month  yield,
an  average  contract maintenance  charge per  dollar of  contract value  in the
subaccount is used  to determine the  amount of the  charge attributable to  the
subaccount for the 30-day or one-month period; as described below. The 30-day or
one-month yield is calculated according to the following formula:

                   Yield = 2 X ((((NI-ES)/(U X UV)) + 1)6 -1)
Where:

<TABLE>
<S>        <C>        <C>
NI             =      net  investment  income  of  the  Fund  for  the  30-day  or  one-month  period
                      attributable to the subaccount's units.
ES             =      expenses of the subaccount for the 30-day or one-month period.
U              =      the average number of units outstanding.
UV             =      the unit value at the close of the last day in the 30-day or one-month period.
</TABLE>

                                       4
<PAGE>
   
Currently, Merrill  Lynch  Life may  quote  yields on  bond  subaccounts  within
Account  A. The yield for those subaccounts for the 30-day period ended December
31, 1994 was:
    

   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
NAME OF SUBACCOUNT               YIELD
- ------------------------------  --------
<S>                             <C>
Prime Bond                             %
High Current Income                    %
American Balanced                      %
World Income Focus                     %
</TABLE>
    

Because of the charges and deductions imposed under the contracts, the yield for
an Account A subaccount will be lower than the yield for the corresponding Fund.

The yield  on  the amounts  held  in the  Account  A subaccounts  normally  will
fluctuate over time. Therefore, the disclosed yield for any given past period is
not  an indication  or representation  of future  yields or  rates of  return. A
subaccount's actual yield  is affected  by the  types and  quality of  portfolio
securities held by the corresponding Fund, and its operating expenses.

Yield  calculations do not  take into account  the declining contingent deferred
sales charge under the  Contract of amounts surrendered  or withdrawn under  the
Contract  deemed to consist of premiums paid within the preceding seven years. A
contingent deferred sales charge will not be imposed on the first withdrawal  in
any Contract year to the extent that it is deemed to consist of gain on premiums
paid  during the preceding  seven contract years and/or  premiums not subject to
such a charge.

TOTAL RETURNS

   
From time to  time, Merrill Lynch  Life also  may quote in  sales literature  or
advertisements, total returns, including average annual total returns for one or
more  of  the subaccounts  for  various periods  of  time. Average  annual total
returns will be  provided for  a subaccount  for 1,  5 and  10 years,  or for  a
shorter  period, if  applicable. For the  year ended December  31, 1994, returns
were:
    

   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
NAME OF SUBACCOUNT               RETURN
- ------------------------------  --------
<S>                             <C>
Prime Bond                             %
High Current Income                    %
Quality Equity                         %
Equity Growth                          %
Flexible Strategy                      %
Natural Resources Focus                %
American Balanced                      %
Global Strategy Focus                  %
Basic Value Focus                      %
World Income Focus                     %
Global Equity Focus                    %
International Equity Focus             %
</TABLE>
    

   
For those subaccounts  in operation  only since May  16, 1994,  returns for  the
period from May 16, 1994 to December 31, 1994 were:
    

   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
NAME OF SUBACCOUNT               RETURN
- ------------------------------  --------
<S>                             <C>
International Bond
Intermediate Government Bond
Developing Capital Markets
Focus
</TABLE>
    

Total  returns assume  the Contract  was surrendered  at the  end of  the period
shown, and are not indicative of performance if the Contract were continued  for
a longer period.

                                       5
<PAGE>
Average  annual total returns  for other periods  of time may  also be disclosed
from time to  time. For example,  average annual total  returns may be  provided
based on the assumption that a subaccount had been in existence and had invested
in  the corresponding underlying  Fund for the same  period as the corresponding
Fund had been in operation. The Funds commenced operations as indicated below:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                  COMMENCED
FUND                                                              OPERATIONS
- ----------------------------------------------  ----------------------------------------------
<S>                                             <C>
Prime Bond                                      April 20, 1982
High Current Income                             April 20, 1982
Quality Equity                                  April 20, 1982
Equity Growth                                   April 20, 1982
Flexible Strategy                               May 1, 1986
Natural Resources Focus                         June 1, 1988
American Balanced                               June 1, 1988
Global Strategy Focus                           February 14, 1992
Basic Value Focus                               July 1, 1993
World Income Focus                              July 1, 1993
Global Utility Focus                            July 1, 1993
International Equity Focus                      July 1, 1993
International Bond                              May 1, 1994
Intermediate Government Bond                    May 1, 1994
Developing Capital Markets Focus                May 1, 1994
</TABLE>

Average annual total returns  represent the average  annual compounded rates  of
return that would equate an initial investment of $1,000 under a contract to the
redemption  value or that investment as of the  last day of each of the periods.
The ending date for each period  for which total return quotations are  provided
will  be for  the most  recent month-end  practicable, considering  the type and
media of the communication and will be stated in the communication.

Average annual  total  returns  are  calculated  using  subaccount  unit  values
calculated  on each valuation day based  on the performance of the corresponding
underlying Fund, the deductions for the  mortality and expense risk charge,  the
administration  charge (in the case of  Account A subaccounts), and the contract
maintenance charge, and assume  a surrender of  the Contract at  the end of  the
period  for the return quotation. Total returns therefore reflect a deduction of
the contingent deferred sales  charge for any period  of less than seven  years.
For  purposes  of  calculating  total return,  an  average  per  dollar contract
maintenance charge attributable to  the hypothetical account  for the period  is
used,  as described below. The total return  is then calculated according to the
following formula:

                              TR = ((ERV/P)1/N)-1
Where:

<TABLE>
<S>        <C>        <C>
TR             =      the average  annual  total return  net  of subaccount  recurring  charges (such  as  the
                      mortality  and expense risk  charge, administration charge,  if applicable, and contract
                      maintenance charge).
ERV            =      the ending redeemable value (net of any applicable contingent deferred sales charge)  at
                      the end of the period of the hypothetical account with an initial payment of $1,000.
P              =      a hypothetical initial payment of $1,000.
N              =      the number of years in the period.
</TABLE>

From  time to  time, Merrill Lynch  Life also  may quote in  sales literature or
advertisements, total returns that do not reflect the contingent deferred  sales
charge.  These are calculated  in exactly the  same way as  average annual total
returns described  above,  except  that  the  ending  redeemable  value  of  the
hypothetical  account for the  period is replaced  with an ending  value for the
period that does not take into  account any contingent deferred sales charge  on
surrender of the Contract.

From  time to  time, Merrill Lynch  Life also  may quote in  sales literature or
advertisements total returns or other performance information for a hypothetical
Contract assuming the initial premium is  allocated to more than one  subaccount
or  assuming monthly transfers from the  Domestic Money Market Subaccount to one
or

                                       6
<PAGE>
more designated subaccounts under a dollar cost averaging program. These returns
will reflect the performance  of the affected subaccount(s)  for the amount  and
duration  of the  allocation to each  subaccount for  the hypothetical Contract.
They also will reflect the deduction  of charges described above except for  the
contingent  deferred sales charge.  For example, total  return information for a
Contract with a dollar cost averaging program for a 12-month period will  assume
commencement  of the program at the beginning of the most recent 12-month period
for which average annual total return information is available. This information
will assume  an  initial  lump-sum  investment  in  the  Domestic  Money  Market
Subaccount at the beginning of that period and monthly transfers of a portion of
the  contract value from that subaccount  to designated subaccount(s) during the
12-month period. The  total return  for the  Contract for  this 12-month  period
therefore  will reflect  the return  on the portion  of the  contract value that
remains invested in the  Domestic Money Market Subaccount  for the period it  is
assumed  to be so invested, as affected  by monthly transfers, and the return on
amounts transferred to the  designated subaccounts for  the period during  which
those amounts are assumed to be invested in those subaccounts. The return for an
amount  invested  in a  subaccount  will be  based  on the  performance  of that
subaccount for the  duration of  the investment,  and will  reflect the  charges
described  above other  than the  contingent deferred  sales charge. Performance
information for a dollar  cost-averaging program also may  show the returns  for
various  periods for a  designated subaccount assuming  monthly transfers to the
subaccount, and  may  compare  those  returns to  returns  assuming  an  initial
lump-sum investment in that subaccount. This information also may be compared to
various  indices, such as the  Merrill Lynch 91-day Treasury  Bills index or the
U.S. Treasury  Bills  index  and  may  be  illustrated  by  graphs,  charts,  or
otherwise.

                                       7
<PAGE>
                                     PART C
                               OTHER INFORMATION
<PAGE>
ITEM 24.  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND EXHIBITS

(a)  Financial Statements

   
<TABLE>
<C>  <C>  <S>
 (1)      Financial  Statements of Merrill Lynch Life  Variable Annuity Separate Account A
           as of December 31, 1994 and for the  two years ended December 31, 1994 and  the
           Notes  relating thereto appear in the Statement of Additional Information (Part
           B of the Registration Statement). (To be Filed by Amendment)
 (2)      Financial Statements of Merrill Lynch  Life Variable Annuity Separate Account  B
           as  of December 31, 1994 and for the  two years ended December 31, 1994 and the
           Notes relating thereto appear in the Statement of Additional Information  (Part
           B of the Registration Statement). (To be Filed by Amendment)
 (3)      Financial Statements of Merrill Lynch Life Insurance Company for the three years
           ended  December 31, 1994 and the Notes relating thereto appear in the Statement
           of Additional Information (Part B of the Registration Statement). (To be  Filed
           by Amendment)
</TABLE>
    

(b)  Exhibits

   
<TABLE>
<C>  <C>  <S>
 (1)      Resolution  of the  Board of Directors  of Merrill Lynch  Life Insurance Company
           establishing the Merrill  Lynch Life  Variable Annuity Separate  Account A  and
           Merrill  Lynch  Life  Variable  Annuity  Separate  Account  B  (Incorporated by
           Reference to Registrant's Form N-4 Registration No. 33-45379 Filed January  29,
           1992)
 (2)      Not Applicable
 (3)      Underwriting  Agreement Between Merrill Lynch Life Insurance Company and Merrill
           Lynch, Pierce,  Fenner  &  Smith Incorporated  (Incorporated  by  Reference  to
           Registrant's Form N-4 Registration No. 33-45379 Filed January 29, 1992)
 (4)  (a) Individual  Variable  Annuity Contract  issued by  Merrill Lynch  Life Insurance
           Company (Incorporated by  Reference to Registrant's  Form N-4 Registration  No.
           33-45379 Filed January 29, 1992)
      (b) Merrill  Lynch Life  Insurance Company  Contingent Deferred  Sales Charge Waiver
           Endorsement (Incorporated by  Reference to Registrant's  Form N-4  Registration
           No. 33-45379 Filed January 29, 1992)
      (c) Individual   Retirement  Annuity  Endorsement   (Incorporated  by  Reference  to
           Registrant's Form N-4 Registration No. 33-45379 Filed January 29, 1992)
      (d) Merrill Lynch Life Insurance Company  Endorsement (Incorporated by Reference  to
           Registrant's Form N-4 Registration No. 33-45379 Filed April 28, 1993)
      (e) Individual  Variable  Annuity Contract  (revised) issued  by Merrill  Lynch Life
           Insurance Company. (To be Filed by Amendment)
 (5)      Not Applicable
 (6)  (a) Articles of  Amendment,  Restatement  and Redomestication  of  the  Articles  of
           Incorporation   of  Merrill  Lynch  Life  Insurance  Company  (Incorporated  by
           Reference to Registrant's Form N-4 Registration No. 33-45379 Filed January  29,
           1992)
      (b) Amended   and  Restated  By-laws   of  Merrill  Lynch   Life  Insurance  Company
           (Incorporated by Reference to Registrant's  Form N-4 Registration No.  33-45379
           Filed January 29, 1992)
 (7)      Not Applicable
 (8)  (a) Amended General Agency Agreement (Incorporated by Reference to Registrant's Form
           N-4 Registration No. 33-45379 Filed April 28, 1994)
      (b) Indemnity  Agreement Between  Merrill Lynch  Life Insurance  Company and Merrill
           Lynch Life Agency,  Inc. (Incorporated  by Reference to  Registrant's Form  N-4
           Registration No. 33-45379 Filed January 29, 1992)
      (c) Management  Agreement Between Merrill  Lynch Life Insurance  Company and Merrill
           Lynch Asset Management,  Inc. (Incorporated by  Reference to Registrant's  Form
           N-4 Registration No. 33-45379 Filed January 29, 1992)
      (d) Agreement  Between  Merrill  Lynch  Life  Insurance  Company  and  Merrill Lynch
           Variable Series Funds, Inc.  Relating to Maintaining  Constant Net Asset  Value
           for the Reserve Assets Fund (Incorporated by Reference to Registrant's Form N-4
           Registration No. 33-45379 Filed January 29, 1992)
      (e) Agreement  Between  Merrill  Lynch  Life  Insurance  Company  and  Merrill Lynch
           Variable Series Funds, Inc.  Relating to Maintaining  Constant Net Asset  Value
           for  the Domestic Money Market Fund  (Incorporated by Reference to Registrant's
           Form N-4 Registration No. 33-45379 Filed January 29, 1992)
      (f) Agreement Between  Merrill  Lynch  Life  Insurance  Company  and  Merrill  Lynch
           Variable  Series  Funds, Inc.  Relating  to Valuation  and  Purchase Procedures
           (Incorporated by Reference to Registrant's  Form N-4 Registration No.  33-45379
           Filed January 29, 1992)
</TABLE>
    

                                      C-1
<PAGE>
   
<TABLE>
<C>  <C>  <S>
      (g) Amended  Service  Agreement Between  Merrill  Lynch Life  Insurance  Company and
           Merrill Lynch Insurance Group, Inc. (Incorporated by Reference to  Registrant's
           Form N-4 Registration No. 33-45379 Filed April 28, 1994)
      (h) Reimbursement Agreement Between Merrill Lynch Asset Management, Inc. and Merrill
           Lynch   Life  Agency  (Incorporated  by  Reference  to  Registrant's  Form  N-4
           Registration No. 33-45379 Filed April 28, 1993)
 (9)      Opinion of Barry G. Skolnick, Esq. and Consent to its use as to the legality  of
           the securities being registered
(10)  (a) Written Consent of Sutherland, Asbill & Brennan
      (b) Written  Consent of Deloitte & Touche LLP,  independent auditors (To be Filed by
           Amendment)
(11)      Not Applicable
(12)      Not Applicable
(13)      Schedule for Computation of Performance Quotations (Incorporated by Reference to
           Registrant's Form N-4 Registration No. 33-45379 Filed May 17, 1993)
(14)  (a) Power  of  Attorney  from  Joseph  E.  Crowne  (Incorporated  by  Reference   to
           Registrant's Form N-4 Registration No. 33-45379 Filed March 2, 1994)
      (b) Power   of  Attorney  from  David  M.  Dunford  (Incorporated  by  Reference  to
           Registrant's Form N-4 Registration No. 33-45379 Filed March 2, 1994)
      (c) Power of Attorney from John C.R. Hele (Incorporated by Reference to Registrant's
           Form N-4 Registration No. 33-45379 Filed March 2, 1994)
      (d) Power of Attorney from Allen N. Jones (Incorporated by Reference to Registrant's
           Form N-4 Registration No. 33-45379 Filed March 2, 1994)
      (e) Power  of  Attorney  from  Barry  G.  Skolnick  (Incorporated  by  Reference  to
           Registrant's Form N-4 Registration No. 33-45379 Filed March 2, 1994)
      (f) Power   of  Attorney  from  Anthony  J.  Vespa  (Incorporated  by  Reference  to
           Registrant's Form N-4 Registration No. 33-45379 Filed March 2, 1994)
</TABLE>
    

                                      C-2
<PAGE>
ITEM 25.  DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS OF THE DEPOSITOR*

   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
            NAME                  PRINCIPAL BUSINESS ADDRESS            POSITION WITH DEPOSITOR*
- -----------------------------  --------------------------------  ---------------------------------------
<S>                            <C>                               <C>
Joseph E. Crowne               800 Scudders Mill Road            Director, Senior Vice President, Chief
                               Plainsboro, NJ 08536               Financial Officer, Chief Actuary and
                                                                  Treasurer.
David M. Dunford               800 Scudders Mill Road            Director, Senior Vice President and
                               Plainsboro, NJ 08536               Chief Investment Officer.
John C.R. Hele                 800 Scudders Mill Road            Director and Senior Vice President.
                               Plainsboro, NJ 08536
Allen N. Jones                 250 Vesey Street                  Director.
                               New York, NY 10281
Barry G. Skolnick              800 Scudders Mill Road            Director, Senior Vice President,
                               Plainsboro, NJ 08536               General Counsel and Secretary.
Anthony J. Vespa               800 Scudders Mill Road            Director, Chairman of the Board,
                               Plainsboro, NJ 08536               President and Chief Executive Officer.
Deborah Adler                  800 Scudders Mill Road            Vice President and Actuary.
                               Plainsboro, NJ 80536
Robert J. Boucher              1414 Main Street                  Senior Vice President, Variable Life
                               Springfield, MA 01102              Administration.
Michael P. Cogswell            800 Scudders Mill Road            Vice President and Senior Counsel.
                               Plainsboro, NJ 08536
Edward W. Diffin, Jr.          800 Scudders Mill Road            Vice President and Senior Counsel
                               Plainsboro, NJ 08536
Eileen P. Dyson                4804 Deer Lake Drive East         Vice President and Assistant Secretary.
                               Jacksonville, FL 32246
Francis X. Ervin, Jr.          800 Scudders Mill Road            Vice President and Controller
                               Plainsboro, NJ 08536
Karen P. Klein                 800 Scudders Mill Road            Vice President and Senior Compliance
                               Plainsboro, NJ 08536               Officer
Peter P. Massa                 800 Scudders Mill Road            Vice President.
                               Plainsboro, NJ 08536
Kelly A. O'Dea                 800 Scudders Mill Road            Vice President and Senior Compliance
                               Plainsboro, NJ 08536               Officer
Shelley K. Parker              1414 Main Street                  Vice President.
                               Springfield, MA 01102
Julia Raven                    800 Scudders Mill Road            Vice President.
                               Plainsboro, NJ 08536
Frederick H. Steele            800 Scudders Mill Road            Vice President.
                               Plainsboro, NJ 08536
Thomas J. Thatcher             4804 Deer Lake Drive East         Vice President and Assistant Secretary.
                               Jacksonville, FL 32246
Robert J. Viamari              1414 Main Street                  Vice President and Assistant Secretary.
                               Springfield, MA 01102
Denis G. Wuestman              800 Scudders Mill Road            Vice President.
                               Plainsboro, NJ 08536
<FN>
- ------------------------
*     Each director  is  elected to  serve  until the  next  annual  shareholder
      meeting or until his or her successor is elected and shall have qualified.
</TABLE>
    

                                      C-3
<PAGE>
ITEM 26.  PERSONS CONTROLLED BY OR UNDER COMMON CONTROL WITH THE DEPOSITOR OR
REGISTRANT

    Merrill  Lynch Life Insurance Company is an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary
of Merrill Lynch & Co., Inc.

   
    A list  of  subsidiaries of  Merrill  Lynch &  Co.,  Inc. (To  be  Filed  by
Amendment)
    
ITEM 27.  NUMBER OF CONTRACTS

   
    The number of contracts in force as of January 28, 1995 was 57,485.
    

ITEM 28.  INDEMNIFICATION

    There  is no  indemnification of  the principal  underwriter, Merrill Lynch,
Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated, with respect to the Contract.

    The  indemnity  agreement  between  Merrill  Lynch  Life  Insurance  Company
("Merrill  Lynch  Life")  and  its affiliate  Merrill  Lynch  Life  Agency, Inc.
("MLLA"), with respect to  MLLA's general agency  responsibilities on behalf  of
Merrill Lynch Life and the Contract, provides:

        Merrill  Lynch Life  will indemnify and  hold harmless  MLLA and all
    persons associated with MLLA as such term is defined in Section 3(a)(21)
    of the  Securities Exchange  Act  of 1934  against all  claims,  losses,
    liabilities and expenses, to include reasonable attorneys' fees, arising
    out of the sale by MLLA of insurance products under the above-referenced
    Agreement,  provided  that  Merrill Lynch  Life  shall not  be  bound to
    indemnify or hold harmless  MLLA or its  associated persons for  claims,
    losses,  liabilities and  expenses arising  directly out  of the willful
    misconduct or negligence of MLLA or its associated persons.

    Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities  Act
of  1933 may be permitted to directors,  officers and controlling persons of the
Registration 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.

ITEM 29.  PRINCIPAL UNDERWRITERS

   
    (a) Merrill  Lynch,  Pierce,  Fenner  &  Smith  Incorporated  also  acts  as
principal  underwriter for the  following additional funds:  CBA Money Fund; CMA
Government Securities Fund; CMA  Money Fund; CMA  Tax-Exempt Fund; CMA  Treasury
Fund;  CMA  Multi-State Municipal  Series Trust;  Corporate Income  Fund; Equity
Income Fund; The Fund  of Stripped ("Zero") U.S.  Treasury Securities; The  GNMA
Investment  Accumulation Program; Government Security Income Fund; International
Bond Fund;  The  Liberty Street  Trust  Municipal Monthly  Payment  Series;  The
Merrill  Lynch Fund of Stripped ("Zero") U.S. Treasury Securities; Merrill Lynch
Trust for Government Securities; Municipal Income Fund; and Municipal Investment
Trust Fund.
    

    Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner  & Smith Incorporated  also acts as  principal
underwriter  for the following additional  accounts: Merrill Lynch Life Variable
Annuity Separate Account A; Merrill  Lynch Life Variable Life Separate  Account;
Merrill  Lynch  Life  Variable  Life Separate  Account  II;  Merrill  Lynch Life
Variable Annuity  Separate  Account;  ML  of New  York  Variable  Life  Separate
Account;  ML  of New  York Variable  Life Separate  Account II;  ML of  New York
Variable Annuity  Separate Account;  ML of  New York  Variable Annuity  Separate
Account A; and ML of New York Variable Annuity Separate Account B.

                                      C-4
<PAGE>
    (b)  The directors,  president, treasurer  and executive  vice presidents of
Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated are as follows:

   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
       NAME AND PRINCIPAL
        BUSINESS ADDRESS              POSITIONS AND OFFICES WITH UNDERWRITER
- ---------------------------------  ---------------------------------------------
<S>                                <C>
Herbert M. Allison, Jr.*           Director and Executive Vice President
Barry S. Friedberg*                Director and Executive Vice President
Edward L. Goldberg*                Director and Executive Vice President
Stephen L. Hammerman*              Director, Chairman and General Counsel
Jerome P. Kenney*                  Director and Executive Vice President
David H. Komansky*                 Director, President and Chief Executive
                                    Officer
Theresa Lang*                      Senior Vice President and Treasurer
Daniel T. Napoli*                  Director and Senior Vice President
Thomas H. Patrick*                 Director and Executive Vice President
Winthrop H. Smith, Jr.*            Director and Executive Vice President
John L. Steffens*                  Director and Executive Vice President
Daniel P. Tully*                   Director
Roger M. Vasey*                    Director and Executive Vice President
Arthur H. Zeikel**                 Director and Executive Vice President
<FN>
- ------------------------
 *    World Financial Center, 250 Vesey Street, New York, NY 10281

**    800 Scudders Mill Road, Plainsboro, New Jersey 08536
</TABLE>
    

    (c) Not Applicable

ITEM 30.  LOCATION OF ACCOUNTS AND RECORDS

    All accounts, books, and records required to be maintained by Section  31(a)
of  the 1940  Act and  the rules  promulgated thereunder  are maintained  by the
depositor at  the  principal  executive  offices  at  800  Scudders  Mill  Road,
Plainsboro,  New Jersey 08  536 and the  Service Center at  4804 Deer Lake Drive
East, Jacksonville, Florida 32246.

ITEM 31.  Not Applicable

ITEM 32.  UNDERTAKINGS

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

    (b)  Registrant undertakes to include either  (1) as part of any application
to purchase a contract offered by the prospectus, a space that an applicant  can
check  to request a  statement of additional  information, or (2)  a postcard or
similar written communications affixed to or included in the prospectus that the
applicant can remove to send for a statement of additional information.

    (c) Registrant undertakes to deliver any statement of additional information
and any  financial statements  required to  be made  available under  this  Form
promptly upon written or oral request.

                                      C-5
<PAGE>
                                   SIGNATURES

   
    As  required by the Securities Act of 1933 and the Investment Company Act of
1940, the Registrant, Merrill  Lynch Life Variable  Annuity Separate Account  B,
has  caused this Registration Statement to be  signed on its behalf, in the City
of Plainsboro, State of New Jersey, on the 28th day of February, 1995.
    

   
<TABLE>
<S>                                            <C>
                                               Merrill Lynch Life Variable Annuity
                                                Separate Account B
                                                --------------------------------------------
                                                               (Registrant)

Attest: /s/ SANDRA K. KELLY                    By: /s/ BARRY G. SKOLNICK
       --------------------------------------  ------------------------------------------
       Sandra K. Kelly                            Barry G. Skolnick
       Assistant Vice President                   Senior Vice President of
                                                    Merrill Lynch Life Insurance Company

                                                   Merrill Lynch Life Insurance Company
                                                 ----------------------------------------
                                                                (Depositor)

Attest: /s/ SANDRA K. KELLY                    By: /s/ BARRY G. SKOLNICK
       --------------------------------------  ------------------------------------------
       Sandra K. Kelly                            Barry G. Skolnick
       Assistant Vice President                   Senior Vice President
</TABLE>
    

   
    As required by the Securities Act of 1933, this Post-Effective Amendment No.
6 to the Registration Statement has  been signed below by the following  persons
in the capacities indicated on February 28, 1995.
    

   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                       SIGNATURE                                                   TITLE
- --------------------------------------------------------  --------------------------------------------------------

<C>                                                       <S>
                     *                                    Chairman of the Board, President and Chief Executive
- --------------------------------------------               Officer
Anthony J. Vespa

                     *                                    Director, Senior Vice President, Chief Financial
- --------------------------------------------               Officer, Chief Actuary and Treasurer
Joseph E. Crowne

                     *                                    Director, Senior Vice President, and Chief Investment
- --------------------------------------------               Officer
David M. Dunford

                     *
- --------------------------------------------              Director and Senior Vice President
John C.R. Hele

                     *
- --------------------------------------------              Director
Allen N. Jones

*By:   /s/ BARRY G. SKOLNICK                              In his own capacity as Director, Senior Vice President
    -------------------------------------------            and General Counsel and as Attorney-In-Fact
    Barry G. Skolnick
</TABLE>
    

                                      C-6
<PAGE>
                                 EXHIBIT INDEX

   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
   EXHIBIT                                            DESCRIPTION                                           PAGE
- --------------  ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------  ---------
<C>             <S>                                                                                       <C>
        (9)     Opinion  of Barry G.  Skolnick, Esq. and  Consent to its  use as to  the legality of the
                 securities being registered............................................................         C-
       (10)(a)  Written Consent of Sutherland, Asbill & Brennan.........................................         C-
</TABLE>
    

                                      C-7
<PAGE>
   
                                                                     EXHIBIT (9)
    

   
February 28, 1995
    

   
Board of Directors
Merrill Lynch Life Insurance Company
800 Scudders Mill Road
Plainsboro, New Jersey 08536
    

   
To The Board Of Directors:
    

   
    In my capacity as  General Counsel of Merrill  Lynch Life Insurance  Company
(the   "Company"),  I  have  supervised  the  preparation  of  the  registration
statements of the  Merrill Lynch Life  Variable Annuity Separate  Account A  and
Merrill  Lynch Life Variable  Annuity Separate Account B  (the "Accounts") to be
filed by  the Company  with the  Securities and  Exchange Commission  under  the
Securities Act of 1933 and the Investment Company Act of 1940. Such registration
statements  describe certain  individual variable  annuity contracts  which will
participate in the Accounts.
    

   
    I am of the following opinion:
    

   
       (1) The Accounts are separate  accounts of the  Company duly created  and
           validly existing under Arkansas law.
    

   
       (2) The  individual variable annuity contracts, when issued in accordance
           with  the  prospectus   contained  in   the  aforesaid   registration
    statements  and upon compliance with applicable local law, will be legal and
    binding obligations of the Company in accordance with their terms.
    

   
       (3) The assets  held in  the Accounts  equal to  the reserves  and  other
           contract  liabilities  with  respect  to  the  Accounts  will  not be
    chargeable with liabilities arising  out of any  other business the  Company
    may conduct.
    

   
    In  arriving at the foregoing  opinion, I have made  such examination of law
and examined such records and other documents as in my judgment are necessary or
appropriate.
    

   
    I hereby  consent  to the  filing  of this  opinion  as an  exhibit  to  the
aforesaid  registration statements and to the  reference to me under the caption
"Legal Matters" in the prospectus contained in said registration statements.
    

   
                                          Very truly yours,
    

   
                                          /s/ Barry G. Skolnick
    
   

                                          Barry G. Skolnick
                                          Senior Vice President and
                                          General Counsel
    

                                      C-8
<PAGE>
   
                                                                   EXHIBIT 10(a)
    

   
February 28, 1995
    

   
Board of Directors
Merrill Lynch Life Insurance Company
800 Scudders Mill Road
Plainsboro, New Jersey 08536
    

   
Gentlemen:
    

   
    We hereby consent  to the  reference to our  name under  the caption  "Legal
Matters"  in the Prospectus filed  as part of Post-Effective  Amendment No. 6 to
Form N-4 (File No.  33-45379) for Merrill Lynch  Life Variable Annuity  Separate
Account B of Merrill Lynch Life Insurance Company. In giving this consent, we do
not admit that we are in the category of persons whose consent is required under
Section 7 of the Securities Act of 1933.
    

   
                                          Very truly yours,
    

   
                                          SUTHERLAND, ASBILL & BRENNAN
    

   
                                          By_/s/_STEPHEN E. ROTH________________
    
   

                                          --------------------------------------
                                            Stephen E. Roth
    

                                      C-9


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