MERRILL LYNCH LIFE VARIABLE ANNUITY SEPARATE ACCOUNT B, 485BPOS, 1995-04-26

MERRILL LYNCH LIFE VARIABLE ANNUITY SEPARATE ACCOUNT B
485BPOS, 1995-04-26

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AS FILED WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION ON APRIL 26,
1995 REGISTRATION NO. 33-45379

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

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

POST-EFFECTIVE AMENDMENT NO. 7 /X/

AND

REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE INVESTMENT COMPANY ACT OF 1940 / /

AMENDMENT NO. 7 /X/

(Check appropriate box or boxes)
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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

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

(date)

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

/ / on _________________ 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
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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>

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<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
N-4 ITEM NUMBER AND CAPTION LOCATION
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<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>
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PART A
INFORMATION REQUIRED IN A PROSPECTUS
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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 39 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 FROM 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.
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TABLE OF CONTENTS

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PAGE
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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.............................. 18
Natural Resources Focus Fund........................ 18
American Balanced Fund.............................. 18
Global Strategy Focus Fund.......................... 18
Basic Value Focus Fund.............................. 18
World Income Focus Fund............................. 19
Global Utility Focus Fund........................... 19
International Equity Focus Fund..................... 19
International Bond Fund............................. 19
Intermediate Government Bond Fund................... 19
Developing Capital Markets Focus Fund............... 19
Reserve Assets Fund................................. 20
Reinvestment............................................ 20
Substitution of Investments and Changes to Accounts..... 20
CHARGES AND DEDUCTIONS...................................... 20
Contract Maintenance Charge............................. 20
Mortality and Expense Risk Charge....................... 21
Administration Charge................................... 21
Contingent Deferred Sales Charge........................ 21
Premium Taxes........................................... 22
Other Charges........................................... 23
DESCRIPTION OF THE CONTRACT................................. 23
Ownership of the Contract............................... 23
Issuing the Contract.................................... 24
Ten Day Right to Review................................. 24
Contract Changes........................................ 24
Premiums................................................ 24
Premium Investments..................................... 25
Accumulation Units...................................... 25
Death Benefit........................................... 26
Death of Annuitant...................................... 27
Transfers............................................... 27
Dollar Cost Averaging................................... 28
Withdrawals and Surrenders.............................. 28
</TABLE>

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<TABLE>
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PAGE
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Payments to Contract Owners............................. 30
Annuity Date............................................ 30
Annuity Options......................................... 30
Unisex.................................................. 32
FEDERAL INCOME TAXES........................................ 32
Introduction............................................ 32
Merrill Lynch Life's Tax Status......................... 32
Taxation of Annuities................................... 33
Internal Revenue Service Diversification Standards...... 34
IRA Contracts........................................... 35
Transfers, Assignments, or Exchanges of a Contract...... 35
Withholding............................................. 35
Possible Changes in Taxation............................ 36
Other Tax Consequences.................................. 36
OTHER INFORMATION........................................... 36
Voting Rights........................................... 36
Reports to Contract Owners.............................. 37
Selling the Contract.................................... 37
State Regulation........................................ 38
Legal Proceedings....................................... 38
Experts................................................. 38
Legal Matters........................................... 38
Registration Statements................................. 38
Table of Contents of the Statement of Additional
Information............................................ 39
</TABLE>

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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 25.)

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

ANNUITY DATE: The date on which annuity payments begin. (See page 30.)

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 23.)

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 24.)

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 26.)

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 24.)

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 25.)

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.

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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 27.)

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 24.)

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.

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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 32.)

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

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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 30.

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 27.)

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 21.)
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 28.)

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.

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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 28.)

Withdrawals will decrease the contract value. Withdrawals from either Account A
or Account B are subject to tax and prior to age 59 1/2 may also be subject to a
10% federal penalty tax. (See FEDERAL INCOME TAXES on page 32.)

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 (annuitant when the contract owner is not a natural person) attains age
80, or the date of the contract owner's (annuitant's when the contract owner is
not a natural person) death. For Contracts issued prior to June 1, 1995, and for
Contracts issued on or after that date but before 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
26.)

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 24.)

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 among Separate Account A
subaccounts in a contract year are free. A $25 fee
may be charged on all subsequent transfers. These
rules apply only to transfers among Separate
Account A subaccounts. They do not apply to
transfers from Separate Account A to Separate
Account B. No transfers may be made from Separate
Account B.
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>
Fund Expenses for the Year Ended December 31, 1994
D. (a)(b)(c)
(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% .47% .52% .47% .75% .65% .65%
Other Expenses...... .15% .07% .09% .07% .08% .08% .22%
Total Annual
Operating
Expenses........... .65% .54% .61% .54% .83% .73% .87%

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)(C) FOCUS FOCUS FOCUS FOCUS
- -------------------- ---------- --------- -------------- ---------- ----------- ---------- --------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Investment Advisory
Fees............... .65% .55% .50% .60% .60% .60% .75%
Other Expenses...... .12% .08% .07% .12% .15% .13% .22%
Total Annual
Operating
Expenses........... .77% .63% .57% .72% .75% .73% .97%
</TABLE>

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
MERRILL LYNCH VARIABLE SERIES FUNDS, INC.
(CONT'D)
-----------------------------------------------
DEVELOPING
INTERMEDIATE CAPITAL
INTERNATIONAL GOVERNMENT MARKETS
ANNUAL EXPENSES BOND (A)(B) BOND (A)(B) FOCUS (D)
- ----------------------- -------------- -------------- -------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Investment Advisory
Fees.................. .60% .50% 1.00%
Other Expenses......... .48% .30% .35%
Reimbursement.......... (.06)%
Total Annual Operating
Expenses.............. 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 cumulative 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...................... $91 $114 $141 $238
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 cumulative expenses would be paid on each $1,000 invested,
assuming 5% annual return on assets:

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...................... $21 $64 $111 $238
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 and Examples are 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. 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. 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 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. Premium taxes may be applicable. Refer to the PREMIUM TAXES section in
this Prospectus for further details.

NOTES TO FEE TABLE

(a) The Fee Table does not reflect any fees waived or expenses assumed by MLAM
during the year ended December 31, 1994 with respect to any Fund because
such waivers and assumption of expenses were made on a voluntary basis and
MLAM may discontinue or reduce any such waiver or assumption of expenses at
any time without notice. During the fiscal year ended December 31, 1994,
MLAM waived management fees and reimbursed expenses totaling 0.07% for the
Domestic Money Market Fund, 1.08% for the International Bond Fund and 0.80%
for the Intermediate Government Bond Fund after which each such Fund's total
expense ratio, net of reimbursement, was 0.50% for the Domestic Money Market
Fund, 0.00% for the International Bond Fund and 0.00% for the Intermediate
Government Bond Fund. See also notes (b) and (c).

(b) "Other Expenses" and "Total Annual Operating Expenses" shown for
International Bond and Intermediate Government Bond are based on expenses
estimated for the year ended December 31, 1995.

(c) The Investment Advisory Fee (and therefore the Total Annual Operating
Expenses) shown for the Domestic Money Market Fund is based on the
anticipated advisory fee for the year ended December 31, 1995.

(d) 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 Reimbursement Agreement does not apply
to foreign taxes. This Reimbursement Agreement is expected to remain in
effect for the current year. Pursuant to this Agreement, the Developing
Capital Markets Focus Fund was reimbursed for a portion of its operating
expenses for 1994. Absent the reimbursement, "Other Expenses" for this Fund
would have been .35%. Foreign taxes applicable to the Developing Capital
Markets Focus Fund for 1994, which are not covered by the Reimbursement
Agreement, represented 0.04% of its average net assets. Expenses shown for
all other Funds do not reflect any reimbursement under the Reimbursement
Agreement.

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

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 37) 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 $145.7 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.

MLAM and Merrill Lynch Life have entered into an agreement pursuant to which
MLAM pays to Merrill Lynch Life a fee in an amount equal to a portion of the
annual gross investment advisory fees paid by Funds to MLAM attributable to
contracts issued by Merrill Lynch Life. This agreement reflects administrative
services provided by Merrrill Lynch Life and affiliates.

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

16
<PAGE>
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.

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"). Because investment in such securities entails
relatively greater risk of loss of income or principal, an investment in the
High Current Income Fund may not be appropriate as the exclusive investment to
fund a Contract. In an effort to minimize risk, the Fund will diversify its
holdings among many issuers. However, there can be no assurance that
diversification will protect the Fund from widespread defaults during periods of
sustained economic downturn. 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

17
<PAGE>
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.

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. In
seeking to protect the purchasing power of capital, the Natural Resources Focus
Fund reserves the right, when management anticipates significant economic,
political, or financial instability, such as high inflationary pressures or
upheavel in foreign currency exchange markets, to invest a majority of its
assets in companies that explore for, extract, process or deal in gold or in
asset-based securities indexed to the value of gold bullion. The Natural
Resource Focus Fund will not concentrate its investments in such securities
until it has been advised that no adverse tax consequences will result. Because
investment in the Natural Resources Focus Fund entails relatively greater risk
of loss of income or principal, an investment in the Fund may not be appropriate
as the exclusive investment to fund a Contract. 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.

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<PAGE>
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. The World Income Focus Fund has no established rating
criteria for the securities in which it may invest. In an effort to minimize
risk, the Fund will diversify its holdings among many issuers. However, there
can be no assurance that diversification will protect the Fund from widespread
defaults during periods of sustained economic downturn. Because investment in
the World Income Focus Fund entails relatively greater risk of loss of income or
principal, an investment in the Fund may not be appropriate as the exclusive
investment to fund a Contract. 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.

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. The
Developing Capital Markets Focus Fund has established no rating criteria for the
debt securities in which it may invest, and will rely on the investment
adviser's judgment in evaluating the creditworthiness of an issuer of such
securities. In an effort to minimize the risk, the Fund will diversify

19
<PAGE>

its holdings among may issuers. However, there can be no assurance that
diversification will protect the Fund from widespread defaults during periods of
sustained economic downturn. Because investment in the Developing Capital
Markets Focus Fund entails relatively greater risk of loss of income or
principal, an investment in the Fund may not be appropriate as the exclusive
investment to fund a Contract. 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 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
25 for a discussion of the effect the deduction of this charge

20
<PAGE>
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.

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.

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<PAGE>
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 28 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).

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 28 and ACCUMULATION
UNITS on page 25 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 25
for a discussion of the effect the deduction of this charge will have on the
number of accumulation

22
<PAGE>
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 27.)

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 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. If the annuitant is changed on a contract owned by other than a
natural person, the change will be treated as the death of the contract owner
for purposes of the Internal Revenue Code. Merrill Lynch Life will then pay to
the owner's beneficiary the contract value, less any applicable fees and
charges.

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 32.)

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.

23
<PAGE>
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
25.

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. Such changes may have tax consequences. See FEDERAL INCOME TAXES
on page 32. See also OWNERSHIP OF THE CONTRACT on page 23.

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.

24
<PAGE>
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.

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.

25
<PAGE>

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 23).

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 (annuitant when the contract owner is not a natural person) attains age
80, or the date of the contract owner's (annuitant's when the contract owner is
not a natural person) death. For Contracts issued prior to June 1, 1995, and for
Contracts issued on or after that date but before 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 30.) 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 32.)

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.

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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 death benefit will be paid.

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. 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

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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 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

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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 are subject to tax and prior to age 59 1/2 may also be subject to a
10% federal penalty tax. (See PENALTY TAXES on page 34.)

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 21.)

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 34.) Withdrawals may be taxable and subject to a 10%
tax penalty. (See PENALTY TAXES on page 34.)

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.

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.)

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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.

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

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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.

- - *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

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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.

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

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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.

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.

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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.

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.

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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.

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

35
<PAGE>
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 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

36
<PAGE>
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
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.

37
<PAGE>
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 for 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.

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.

38
<PAGE>
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

39
<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......... 27

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF MERRILL LYNCH LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY........................... 33
</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 $59,172,764 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 $44.2 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 6.23%
High Current Income 10.09%
American Balanced 3.54%
World Income Focus 8.44%
International Bond 6.20%
Intermediate Government Bond 3.64%
</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 -12.03%
High Current Income -10.93%
Quality Equity -8.74%
Equity Growth -14.30%
Flexible Strategy -11.49%
Natural Resources Focus -6.31%
American Balanced -11.48%
Global Strategy Focus -8.97%
Basic Value Focus -5.47%
World Income Focus -11.50%
Global Utility Focus -15.44%
International Equity Focus -7.13%
</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 -10.95%
Intermediate Government Bond -8.80%
Developing Capital Markets -18.62%
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).
(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).
(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).
</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.
(f) Merrill Lynch Life Insurance Company Endorsement.
(g) Merrill Lynch Life Insurance Company Individual Variable Annuity Contract
(ML-VA-001)
(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)
</TABLE>

C-1
<PAGE>

<TABLE>
<C> <C> <S>
(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)
(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
(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)
(27) Financial Data Schedule
</TABLE>

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
</TABLE>

C-2
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
NAME PRINCIPAL BUSINESS ADDRESS POSITION WITH DEPOSITOR*
- ----------------------------- -------------------------------- ---------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C>
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>

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. appears below.

C-3

<PAGE>
MLCOSUBO395

SUBSIDIARIES OF THE REGISTRANT

The following are subsidiaries of ML & Co. as of March 24, 1995 and the
states or jurisdictions in which they are organized. Indentation indicates the
principal parent of each subsidiary. Except as otherwise specified, in each case
ML & Co. owns, directly or indirectly, at least 99% of the voting securities of
each subsidiary. The names of particular subsidiaries have been omitted because,
considered in the aggregate as a single subsidiary, they would not constitute,
as of the end of the year covered by this report, a "significant subsidiary" as
that term is defined in Rule 1.02(v) of Regulation S-X under the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
STATE OR
JURISDICTION
NAME OR ENTITY
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- --------------------------
<S> <C>
Merrill Lynch & Co., Inc. ............................................................ Delaware
Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated(1)............................... Delaware
Broadcort Capital Corp. .......................................................... Delaware
Merrill Lynch & Co., Canada Ltd. ................................................. Ontario
Merrill Lynch Canada Incorporated/Incorporee.................................... Nova Scotia
Merrill Lynch Life Agency Inc.(2)................................................. Washington
Merrill Lynch Princeton Incorporated.............................................. Delaware
ROC Denver, Inc. ................................................................. Delaware
R.O.C. Florida, Inc. ............................................................. Florida
ROC Texas, Inc. .................................................................. Texas
Wagner Stott Clearing Corp.(3).................................................... Delaware
Green Equity, Inc. ................................................................. New Jersey
Merrill Lynch Bank & Trust Co. ..................................................... New Jersey
Merrill Lynch Capital Services, Inc. ............................................... Delaware
Merrill Lynch Derivative Products, Inc.(4).......................................... Delaware
Merrill Lynch Government Securities Inc. ........................................... Delaware
Merrill Lynch Government Securities of Puerto Rico S.A. .......................... Delaware
Merrill Lynch Money Markets Inc. ................................................. Delaware
Merrill Lynch Group, Inc. .......................................................... Delaware
HQ North Company, Inc. ........................................................... New York
Investor Protection Insurance Company............................................. Vermont
Merrill Lynch Capital Partners, Inc. ............................................. Delaware
Merrill Lynch Fiduciary Services, Inc. ........................................... New York
Merrill Lynch Futures Inc. ....................................................... Delaware
Merrill Lynch, Hubbard Inc.(5).................................................... Delaware
Merrill Lynch Insurance Group, Inc. .............................................. Delaware
Merrill Lynch Life Insurance Company............................................ Arkansas
ML Life Insurance Company of New York........................................... New York
Merrill Lynch International Finance Corporation................................... New York
Merrill Lynch International Bank Limited........................................ England
Merrill Lynch Bank (Suisse) S.A. ............................................. Switzerland
Merrill Lynch Trust Company (Jersey) Limited.................................. Jersey,
Channel Islands
Merrill Lynch L.P. Holdings, Inc. ................................................ Delaware
Merrill Lynch MBP Inc. ........................................................... Delaware
Merrill Lynch Mortgage Capital Inc. .............................................. Delaware
Merrill Lynch National Financial.................................................. Utah
Merrill Lynch Private Capital Inc.(6)............................................. Delaware
Merrill Lynch Trust Company....................................................... New Jersey
Merrill Lynch Business Financial Services Inc. ................................. Delaware
Merrill Lynch Credit Corporation................................................ Delaware
Merrill Lynch Home Equity Acceptance, Inc. ................................... Delaware
</TABLE>

<PAGE>

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
STATE OR
JURISDICTION
NAME OR ENTITY
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- --------------------------
<S> <C>
Merrill Lynch & Co., Inc.
Merrill Lynch International Incorporated (cont'd)
Merrill Lynch Trust Company....................................................... Florida
Merrill Lynch Trust Company of America............................................ Illinois
Merrill Lynch Trust Company of California......................................... California
Merrill Lynch Trust Company of Texas.............................................. Texas
Merrill Lynch/WFC/L, Inc. ........................................................ New York
ML Futures Investment Partners Inc. .............................................. Delaware
ML IBK Positions Inc. ............................................................ Delaware
Merrill Lynch Capital Corporation(7)............................................ Delaware
ML Leasing Equipment Corp.(8)..................................................... Delaware
Merlease Leasing Corp. ......................................................... Delaware
Merrill Lynch Venture Capital Inc. ............................................. Delaware
Princeton Services, Inc.(9)....................................................... Delaware
Merrill Lynch International Incorporated............................................ Delaware
Merrill Lynch GFX, Inc. .......................................................... Delaware
Merrill Lynch International (Australia) Limited................................... New South Wales
Merrill Lynch International Bank.................................................. United States
Merrill Lynch International Holdings Inc. ........................................ Delaware
Merrill Lynch Bank (Austria) Aktiengesellschaft A.G. ........................... Austria
Merrill Lynch Bank and Trust Company (Cayman) Limited........................... Cayman Islands,
British West Indies
Merrill Lynch International & Co.(10)......................................... Netherlands Antilles
Merrill Lynch Capital Markets A.G. ............................................. Switzerland
Merrill Lynch Europe Limited.................................................... England
Merrill Lynch International Limited........................................... England
Merrill Lynch Capital Markets PLC............................................. England
Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith (Brokers & Dealers) Limited............. England
Merrill Lynch Europe Ltd. ...................................................... Cayman Islands,
British West Indies
Merrill Lynch Holding GmbH(11).................................................. Fed. Rep. of Germany
Merrill Lynch Bank A.G. ...................................................... Fed. Rep. of Germany
Merrill Lynch GmbH............................................................ Fed. Rep. of Germany
Merrill Lynch Holding S.A.F. ................................................... France
Merrill Lynch Capital Markets (France) S.A. .................................. France
Merrill Lynch Hong Kong Securities Limited...................................... Hong Kong
Merrill Lynch Japan Incorporated.................................................. Delaware
Merrill Lynch Specialists Inc. ..................................................... Delaware
<FN>
- ------------------------
(1) MLPF&S also conducts business as "Merrill Lynch & Co."
(2) Similarly named affiliates and subsidiaries that engage in the sale of life
insurance and annuity products are incorporated in various other
jurisdictions.
(3) The preferred stock of the corporation is owned by an unaffiliated group of
investors.
(4) ML & Co. owns 100% of this corporation's outstanding common voting stock.
100% of the outstanding preferred voting stock is held by outside parties.
The board of directors consist of 10 members, 9 of which are ML & Co.
employees and 1 of which represents outside parties.
(5) This corporation has more than 30 direct or indirect subsidiaries operating
in the United States and serving as either general partners or associate
general partners of real estate limited partnerships.
(6) This corporation has 12 subsidiaries which have engaged in direct principal
lending and investment management.
</TABLE>

<PAGE>

<TABLE>
<S> <C>
(7) This company has 10 subsidiaries holding or having a direct or indirect
interest in specific investments on its behalf.
(8) This corporation has more than 45 direct or indirect subsidiaries operating
in the United States and serving as either general partners or associate
general partners of limited partnerships.
(9) This corporation is the general partner of Merrill Lynch Asset Management,
L.P. (whose limited partner is ML & Co.).
(10) A partnership among subsidiaries of ML & Co.
(11) ML & Co. holds a 50% interest in this corporation, with the remaining 50%
interest held by an outside party.
</TABLE>

<PAGE>
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>

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,
certifies that this Post-Effective Amendment meets all the requirements for
effectiveness under paragraph (b) of Rule 485, and accordingly, has caused this
Amendment to be signed on its behalf, in the City of Plainsboro, State of New
Jersey, on the 26th day of April, 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)

As required by the Securities Act of 1933, this Post-Effective Amendment No.
7 to the Registration Statement has been signed below by the following persons
in the capacities indicated on April 26, 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>
(4)(e) Individual Variable Annuity Contract (revised) issued by Merrill Lynch Life Insurance
Company (ML-VA-002).................................................................... C-
(4)(f) Merrill Lynch Life Insurance Company Endorsement (ML008)................................ C-
(4)(g) Merrill Lynch Life Insurance Company Individual Variable Annuity Contract (ML-VA-001)...
(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-
(10)(b) Written Consent of Deloitte & Touche LLP, independent auditors.......................... C-
27 Financial Data Schedule.................................................................
</TABLE>

C-7

<PAGE>
MERRILL LYNCH LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY

Home Office: Little Rock, Arkansas
Service Center: P.O. Box 44222
Jacksonville, Florida 32231-4222

MERRILL LYNCH LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY will make monthly annuity payments for the
life of the Annuitant or as otherwise provided in this Contract. Payments will
be made to the Owner starting on the Annuity Date.

This is a legal Contract between you and us. PLEASE READ THE CONTRACT CAREFULLY.

EXCEPT FOR FIXED ANNUITY PAYMENTS, VALUES PROVIDED BY THIS CONTRACT ARE BASED ON
THE INVESTMENT EXPERIENCE OF SEPARATE ACCOUNTS, ARE VARIABLE AND ARE NOT
GUARANTEED AS TO FIXED-DOLLAR AMOUNT.

TEN DAY RIGHT TO REVIEW CONTRACT: You may cancel this Contract within ten days
after its receipt. Simply return or mail it to us or your Financial Consultant.
We will refund the greater of the Contract Value or all of your Premiums.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

<S> <C>
TABLE OF CONTENTS

SECTION PAGE
<S> <C>
Definitions.......................................................................... 2
Contract Schedule.................................................................... 3
1. General Provisions............................................................... 4
2. Premiums......................................................................... 6
3. The Variable Accounts............................................................ 6
4. Charges and Deductions........................................................... 7
5. Transfers........................................................................ 8
6. Withdrawals From Contract........................................................ 9
7. Payment at Death................................................................. 10
8. Annuity Provisions............................................................... 11
9. Annuity Options.................................................................. 12
10. Annuity Option Tables............................................................ 14

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Merrill Lynch Life Insurance Company is a stock life insurance company.
</TABLE>

<TABLE>
<S> <C>
/s/ANTHONY J. VESPA /s/BARRY G. SKOLNICK
President Secretary
</TABLE>

Individual Variable Annuity Contract
Flexible Premiums -- Nonparticipating

ML-VA-002
<PAGE>
DEFINITIONS

1. ACCUMULATION UNIT: An index used to compute the value of your interest in
the Variable Accounts prior to the Annuity Date.

2. ANNUITANT: Annuity payments may depend upon the continuation of a person's
life. That person is called an annuitant.

3. ANNUITY DATE: The date on which annuity payments are to start.

4. COMPANY: Merrill Lynch Life Insurance Company. Also referred to as "we" or
"us".

5. CONTRACT VALUE: The sum of the value of your interest in the Variable
Accounts.

6. DATE OF ISSUE: The date shown on the Contract Schedule as the date the
Contract was issued.

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

8. INDIVIDUAL RETIREMENT ACCOUNT OR ANNUITY ("IRA"): A retirement arrangement
meeting the requirements of Section 408 of the Internal Revenue Code under
which any appreciation is tax deferred.

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

10. OWNER: The person entitled to exercise all rights under the Contract. In
this Contract, "you" means Owner.

11. PREMIUMS: The money you pay us for this Contract.

12. VARIABLE ACCOUNTS: This Contract is funded by two separate accounts of the
Company called Merrill Lynch Life Variable Annuity Separate Account A and
Merrill Lynch Life Variable Annuity Separate Account B (together the
"Variable Accounts"). Variable Account A has multiple subaccounts as shown
in the Contract Schedule. Variable Account B has one subaccount also shown
in the Contract Schedule.

13. 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.

-2-
<PAGE>
CONTRACT SCHEDULE

<TABLE>
<S> <C> <C>
MERRILL LYNCH LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY Contract Number: ML-940123456
Service Center Date of Issue: APRIL 1, 1995
P.O. Box 44222 Current Date: APRIL 5, 1995
Jacksonville, FL 32231-4222
1-800-535-5549
</TABLE>

<TABLE>
<S> <C> <C>
OWNER INFORMATION ANNUITANT INFORMATION
Owner Name: JOHN Q. CLIENT Annuitant: JOHN Q. CLIENT
Owner Age: 55 Age: 55 Sex: M
Co-Owner Name: JANE M. CLIENT Co-Annuitant: JANE M. CLIENT
Address: 123 MAPLE STREET Age: 55 Sex: F
SUITE 1234 Annuity Date: SEPTEMBER 1, 2004
ANYTOWN, US 12345-6789

Owner's Beneficiary: MARY A. CLIENT
CONTRACT INFORMATION
Contract Type: FLEXIBLE PREMIUM INDIVIDUAL VARIABLE ANNUITY
Variable Accounts Expense and Mortality Risk Charges: Variable Account A: 1.25%
Variable Account B: 0.65%
Variable Account A Administration Charge: 0.10%
Initial Premium: $100,000.00
Premium Allocation:
SEPARATE ACCOUNT A Premium: $50,000.00
Invested In:
% Domestic Money Market Fund % Global Utility Focus Fund
25% Prime Bond Fund % Internat'l Equity Focus Fund
50% High Current Income Fund % World Income Focus Fund
% Quality Equity Fund % Basic Value Focus Fund
% Equity Growth Fund % International Bond Fund
% Flexible Strategy Fund % Intermediate Govt Bond Fund
25% American Balanced Fund % Develpng Cap Mkts Focus Fund
% Natural Resources Focus Fund
% Global Strategy Focus 100% TOTAL
SEPARATE ACCOUNT B Premium: $50,000.00
Invested In:
100% Allocated to Reserve Assets
Financial Consultant: JOE BROKER
</TABLE>

-3-
<PAGE>
1. GENERAL PROVISIONS

1.1 BENEFICIARY: A beneficiary is the person designated by you in writing to
receive payment under Section 7, on death of the Owner.

You may change the beneficiary while you are alive.

You may name a beneficiary irrevocably. If you do so, a change can be made
later only with the beneficiary's written consent.

If a beneficiary does not survive you, the estate or heirs of such
beneficiary have no rights under this Contract. However, if a beneficiary
survives you but dies before the Contract is distributed, the estate or
heirs of such beneficiary is entitled to that portion of the Contract's
proceeds that would otherwise have been paid to such beneficiary. If no
beneficiary survives you, payment will be made to your estate.

1.2 OWNERSHIP OF CONTRACT: Unless another Owner is named by the purchaser, the
purchaser is the Owner.

Upon notice to us you may assign the Contract to a new Owner. The
assignment terminates all prior beneficiary designations. A new Owner's age
must be less than 85 years.

Only spouses may be co-owners. The beneficiary of the co-owner spouses must
be the surviving spouse. The age of the oldest co-owner must be less than
85 years. Ownership rights must be exercised by the co-owners jointly.
Co-owners are deemed to be joint tenants with right of survivorship unless
they indicate otherwise.

1.3 ANNUITANT: The Annuitant may be changed at any time prior to Annuity Date.
When an annuity option is elected, the amount payable as of the Annuity
Date is based on the age (and sex where permissible) of the Annuitant, as
well as the option selected and the Contract Value. The Annuitant's age
must be less than age 85 at issue or when a new Annuitant is named.

1.4 NOTICES, CHANGES AND CHOICES: To be effective, all notices, changes and
choices you may make under this Contract must be in writing, signed and
received by us at our service center, except that account transfers and
premium allocations may be made by telephone by you or your representative
if authorized by you in writing. If acceptable to us, notices, changes, and
choices relating to beneficiaries, ownership, Annuitants, and Annuity Date
will take effect as of the date signed unless we have already acted in
reliance on the prior status. We are not responsible for their validity.

1.5 RESTRICTIONS ON IRAS: If this Contract is issued as or as part of an IRA,
it may not be assigned, pledged, or transferred unless permitted by law.

1.6 MISSTATEMENT OF AGE OR SEX: If the age or sex of the Annuitant is
misstated, annuity payments will be adjusted to reflect the correct age and
sex. Any amount we have overpaid as the result of such misstatement will be
deducted from the next payments made by us under this Contract. Interest on
the overpayment will be charged at the rate of 6% per year. Any amount we
have underpaid will be paid in full with the next payment made by us under
this Contract. We will pay interest on the underpayment at the rate of 6%
per year. If the age of the Owner is misstated, any death benefit payable
under this Contract will be adjusted to reflect the correct age.

1.7 PROOF OF AGE, SEX, OR SURVIVAL: We may require satisfactory proof of age,
sex, or survival of any person on whose continued life any payment under
this Contract depends.

1.8 INCONTESTABILITY: We will not contest this Contract.

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<PAGE>
1.9 THE CONTRACT: This Contract, and any endorsements or riders are the entire
Contract. It is issued in consideration of the payment of the first
Premium.

Only our President, a Vice President, Secretary, or Assistant Secretary may
change the Contract. Any change must be in writing.

At any time we may make such changes in this Contract as are required to
make it conform with any law, regulation, or ruling issued by a government
agency.

1.10 NONPARTICIPATING: This Contract is nonparticipating. It does not share in
our surplus.

1.11 DATES: Contract years and anniversaries are measured from the Date of
Issue.

1.12 CONTRACT PAYMENTS: All sums payable to or by us are payable at our service
center. We may require return of this Contract prior to making payment.
Paid-up annuity benefits, Contract withdrawal values and death benefits are
not less than the minimum required by any statute of the state in which the
Contract is delivered.

1.13 PROTECTION OF PROCEEDS: Payments under this Contract may not be assigned
by the payee prior to their due dates. To the extent allowed by law,
payments are not subject to legal process for debts of a payee.

1.14 PERIODIC REPORTS: At least once a year prior to the Annuity Date we will
furnish you with a report of your Contract Value. It will show the current
number of Accumulation Units, the value per Accumulation Unit and the total
Variable Account(s) value. To the extent that a person has voting rights in
the Variable Accounts that person will be furnished reports required by the
Investment Company Act of 1940.

1.15 PAYMENTS UNDER THE CONTRACT: Payment generally will be made within seven
days, but we may defer payment if:

(a)
The New York Stock Exchange is closed;

(b)
Trading on the New York Stock Exchange is restricted;

(c)
An emergency exists such that it is not reasonably practical to dispose
of securities in the applicable Variable Account or to determine the
value of its 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 pay a Premium which has not
cleared through the banking system.

Conditions (b) and (c) will be decided by or in accordance with rules of
the Securities and Exchange Commission. Transfers also may be deferred upon
the occurrence of any of the events described above.

1.16 TAX QUALIFICATION: This Contract is intended to qualify as an annuity
contract for federal income tax purposes. To that end, the provisions of
this Contract are to be interpreted to ensure or maintain such tax
qualification, notwithstanding any other provisions to the contrary.
Distributions under this Contract shall be made in a time and manner
necessary to maintain such qualification under the applicable provisions of
the Internal Revenue Code including, in the case of an Owner who is a
non-natural person, the requirement to distribute the entire interest in
the Contract upon any change of the Annuitant. For this purpose, the entire
interest in the Contract is the Contract Value less any charges under
Sections 4.1, 4.4 and 4.5. We reserve the right to amend this Contract to
reflect any clarifications that may be needed or are appropriate to
maintain such qualification or to conform this Contract to any applicable
changes in the tax qualification requirements.

-5-
<PAGE>
2. PREMIUMS

2.1 ADDITIONAL PREMIUMS: The minimum additional Premium is $300. Premiums may
be paid at any time prior to the Annuity Date without prior notice to us.
We reserve the right to refuse to accept a Premium.

2.2 PREMIUM ALLOCATION: Your Premiums will be allocated to the subaccounts of
the Variable Accounts as you direct. However, for the first 14 days
following the Date of Issue, all Premiums will be allocated to the money
market subaccounts of the Variable Accounts. If allocation instructions are
not given with subsequent Premiums received, we will allocate those
Premiums according to the allocation instructions last received from you.

3. THE VARIABLE ACCOUNTS

3.1 THE VARIABLE ACCOUNTS: The Variable Accounts are named in the Definitions
Section of this Contract. They are separate investment accounts of Merrill
Lynch Life Insurance Company. With respect to each Variable Account,
income, gains, and losses, whether or not realized, from assets allocated
to that Variable Account are credited to or charged against the Variable
Account without regard to other income, gains, or losses of the Company.
Assets allocated to the Variable Accounts remain our property but are
separate from our general account and any other separate accounts we may
have and may not be charged with liabilities from any other business we
conduct.

3.2 ELIGIBLE INVESTMENTS: Current eligible investments are shown on the
Contract Schedule. We reserve the right to limit the number of subaccounts
in which you may invest.

3.3 CHANGES TO THE VARIABLE ACCOUNTS: We may make additional subaccounts
available. We reserve the right, subject to obtaining any necessary regulatory
approvals; to eliminate subaccounts; to substitute a new portfolio for the
portfolio in which a subaccount invests; to deregister either or both of
the Accounts under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (the "1940 Act"); to
make any changes required by the 1940 Act; to operate either or both
Accounts as a managed investment company under the 1940 Act or any other
form permitted by law; to transfer all or a portion of the assets of a
subaccount or variable account to another subaccount or variable account
pursuant to a combination or otherwise; and to create new variable
accounts.

3.4 NUMBER OF ACCUMULATION UNITS: For each subaccount of the Variable
Accounts, the number of your Accumulation Units is the sum of:

Each Premium or transfer allocated to the subaccount

Divided by

The value of an Accumulation Unit for that subaccount for the
valuation period in which we received the Premium or transfer.

The number will be adjusted for transfers from each subaccount, withdrawals
and charges. Adjustments will be made as of the valuation period in which
we receive all requirements for the transaction, as appropriate.

3.5 VALUE OF EACH ACCUMULATION UNIT: For each subaccount of the Variable
Accounts, the value of an Accumulation Unit was arbitrarily set at $10 when
the subaccount was established. The value may increase or decrease from one
valuation period to the next. For any valuation period the value is:

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<PAGE>
The value of an Accumulation Unit for the last prior valuation period

Multiplied by

The Net Investment Factor for that subaccount for the current
valuation period.

3.6 NET INVESTMENT FACTOR: This is an index used to measure the investment
performance of a subaccount of the Variable Accounts 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 (if applicable), mortality
and expense charges.

We may adjust the Net Investment Factor to make provision for any change in
tax law that requires us to pay tax on capital gains in the Variable
Accounts and any charge that may be assessed against the Accounts 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.

3.7 VALUATION PERIOD: This is 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.

3.8 VARIABLE ACCOUNT VALUE: This is the sum of the value of the Accumulation
Units allocated to your Contract in each subaccount of a Variable Account.

4. CHARGES AND DEDUCTIONS

4.1 CONTRACT MAINTENANCE CHARGE: A charge of $40 will be deducted on each
Contract anniversary that occurs on or prior to the Annuity Date. It will
also be deducted when the Contract Value is withdrawn in full if withdrawal
is not on a Contract anniversary. This charge will never increase. We will
waive this charge for Contracts with Contract Values of $50,000 or more at
the time the deduction would otherwise be made.

4.2 VARIABLE ACCOUNTS EXPENSE AND MORTALITY RISK CHARGES: These charges are
made to compensate us for guaranteeing that the Contract maintenance charge
and Variable Account A administration charge will never increase and for
the mortality guarantees we make under this Contract. On an annual basis,
they equal the percentage of the daily net asset value of Variable Account
A and Variable Account B shown on your Contract Schedule.

4.3 VARIABLE ACCOUNT A ADMINISTRATION CHARGE: This charge compensates us for
expenses we incur in the establishment and administration of Variable
Account A. On an annual basis it equals the percentage of the daily net
asset value of Variable Account A shown on your Contract Schedule.

4.4 CONTINGENT DEFERRED SALES CHARGE: A charge will be made at withdrawal from
Variable Account A prior to the Annuity Date. The contingent deferred sales
charge is calculated separately for each Premium. The first withdrawal from
Variable Account A in a Contract year is made under Section 6.2. For other
withdrawals, Premium payments are withdrawn on a "first-in, first-out"
(FIFO) basis, and all Premiums are withdrawn before earnings are withdrawn.

Contingent deferred sales charges are calculated as a percentage of the
Premiums withdrawn but not to exceed the value of your interest in Variable
Account A. This percentage is based on the number of complete years elapsed
from the date the Premium is paid to the date of the surrender or
withdrawal as shown in the following schedule:

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<PAGE>

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Number of Complete Years Elapsed Percent
- --------------------------------- -------
<S> <C>
0 7%
1 6%
2 5%
3 4%
4 3%
5 2%
6 1%
7 0%
</TABLE>

4.5 TAXES, FEES AND ASSESSMENTS: Any charges made by us attributable to
premium taxes imposed by a state or other government will be deducted at
the Annuity Date. We may also deduct a 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. We also reserve the
right to deduct from the Variable Accounts any taxes imposed on the
Variable Accounts' earnings.

4.6 PAYMENT OF DEDUCTIONS: The mortality and expense risk charge and
administration charge will be computed and deducted from each subaccount of
the applicable Variable Account for each day the Contract is in force. The
transfer charge described in Section 5.2 will be deducted pro rata from the
subaccounts from which Variable Account A value is being transferred. The
contingent deferred sales charge will be deducted from Variable Account A
subaccounts in the same proportion as the withdrawal from each subaccount
is to the total withdrawal. Other applicable charges will be deducted from
each subaccount of the Variable Accounts in the ratio of your interest in
each subaccount to your Contract Value.

5. TRANSFERS

5.1 TRANSFERS FROM VARIABLE ACCOUNT A TO VARIABLE ACCOUNT B: Once each
Contract year upon notice to us you may transfer from Variable Account A to
Variable Account B an amount not to exceed the greater of (a) or (b) where:

(a) is the lesser of (i) 10% of total Premiums paid into
Variable Account A that are subject to a contingent deferred
sales charge determined as of the date of the request less
any prior amount withdrawn from Variable Account A in the
Contract year and (ii) your Variable Account A value and

(b) is your gain in Variable Account A plus Premiums allocated
to Variable Account A that are not subject to a contingent
deferred sales charge.

The amount may be transferred from Variable Account A to Variable Account B
as one lump sum. You may transfer all or part of the amount available by
indicating what percent, called the "percentage factor," of the current
year total amount available you wish to transfer. If an amount less than
the available amount is transferred as a lump sum, the remaining amount
cannot be transferred pursuant to this section.

Alternatively, you may have the amount transferred automatically on a
monthly, quarterly, semi-annual, or annual basis. According to the interval
selected, the amount transferred will equal the excess, if any, of (c)
minus (d), with such excess multiplied by (e) and divided by (f) where:

(d) is the total amount of any previous transfers in the same
Contract year divided by the percentage factor,

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(e) is the percentage factor, and

(f) is the number of periodic transfers remaining in the
Contract year.

You may stop the automatic transfers at any time upon notice to us. Once
the transfers are stopped, you may not begin them again until the next
Contract year.

Amounts available for transfer cannot be carried over to subsequent
Contract years. The minimum amount which may be transferred is $300. No
other transfers may be made from Variable Account A to Variable Account B
during the Contract year.

Transfers made under this Section 5.1 will be deducted from each subaccount
of Variable Account A in the ratio of your interest in each subaccount to
the total value of your interest in Variable Account A.

The gain in Variable Account A is the excess, if any, of (ii) over (i),
where (i) is the sum of all your Premiums paid into Variable Account A,
less any prior withdrawals or transfers from Variable Account A of these
Premiums, and (ii) is your Contract's Variable Account A value at the time
we receive notice of the transfer.

5.2 TRANSFERS AMONG SUBACCOUNTS OF VARIABLE ACCOUNT A: Six times per
Contract year you may transfer all or part of your Variable Account A value
among the Variable Account A subaccounts without a charge. For additional
transfers, we will charge $25 for each transfer. The minimum amount which
may be transferred from any subaccount in any transaction is $300 or your
entire interest, if less.

5.3 DOLLAR COST AVERAGING: You may transfer all or part of your interest in
the money market subaccount in Variable Account A to one or more of the
other Variable Account A subaccounts, pursuant to a Dollar Cost Averaging
Plan. To participate in such a Plan, you must transfer a minimum of $1000
per month for 12 to 36 months. When participation begins, your Contract's
interest in the money market subaccount in Variable Account A must be at
least equal to the amount you wish to transfer each month times the number
of months elected. Allocations to a subaccount must be in 10% increments of
each amount transferred. Transfers will take place each month on the same
date of each month as the date on which your Contract was issued. For
example, if your Contract was issued on the 15th day of the month,
transfers will take place on the 15th day of each month for which transfers
are to be made. There is no charge for Dollar Cost Averaging transfers.
Dollar Cost Averaging transfers are in addition to those permitted in
Section 5.2.

5.4 TRANSFERS FROM VARIABLE ACCOUNT B TO VARIABLE ACCOUNT A: Transfers from
Variable Account B to Variable Account A are not permitted.

6. WITHDRAWALS FROM CONTRACT

6.1 WITHDRAWALS FROM VARIABLE ACCOUNTS: Up to six times in a Contract year,
you may withdraw all or part of your Contract Value. Notice must be
received by us prior to the Annuity Date. For full withdrawal, this
Contract must be surrendered to our service center. For partial
withdrawals, the withdrawal must be at least $300, and the remaining
Contract Value must be at least $2,000.

6.2 SPECIAL WITHDRAWAL FROM VARIABLE ACCOUNT A: The contingent deferred sales
charge described in Section 4.4 will not be applied to that portion of the
first withdrawal from Variable Account A in any Contract year which does
not exceed the greater of (a) or (b) where:

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<PAGE>
(a)
is 10% of total Premiums paid into Variable Account A that are subject to
a contingent deferred sales charge determined as of the date of request
less any prior amount transferred from Variable Account A to Variable
Account B in the Contract year and

(b)
is your gain in Variable Account A, as defined in Section 5.1, plus
Premiums allocated to Variable Account A that are not subject to a
contingent deferred sales charge.

The first withdrawal from Variable Account A in any Contract year will be
effected as if gain is withdrawn first, followed by Premium on a "first-in,
first-out" (FIFO) basis. The remaining Contract Value must be at least
$2,000. This withdrawal shall count as one of the six permitted by Section
6.1.

6.3 AUTOMATIC WITHDRAWAL PROGRAM: You may have automatic withdrawals of a
specified dollar amount made monthly, quarterly, semi-annually, or annually from
your interest in Variable Account B. Such withdrawals must be deposited
directly into a Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Inc. brokerage
account specified by you and acceptable to the Company. You may change the
specified dollar amount or stop automatic withdrawals at any time upon
notice to us. Once automatic withdrawals are stopped, you may not begin
them again until the next Contract year. Each automatic withdrawal must be
at least $300, and the remaining Contract Value must be at least $2,000.
Automatic withdrawals are in addition to other withdrawals permitted from
the Contract.

You may have automatic withdrawals of the amounts transferred from Variable
Account A to Variable Account B as permitted by Section 5.1 of this
contract made at the same time as the transfers and subject to the other
terms of this section.

All automatic withdrawals elected under this section must be made
simultaneously.

6.4 PAYMENT OF WITHDRAWALS: Unless you notify us otherwise, partial
withdrawals will be deducted from each subaccount of the applicable
Variable Account from which you are making a withdrawal in the ratio of
your interest in each subaccount to the total value of that Variable
Account. Withdrawals, other than automatic withdrawals, will be based on
values for the valuation period in which the notice (and Contract if
required) is received at our service center. Automatic withdrawals will be
based on values for the valuation period of the date of each withdrawal.

7. PAYMENT AT DEATH

7.1 DEATH OF OWNER
(Including an Annuitant who is also an Owner)

7.1.1DEATH PRIOR TO ANNUITY DATE: On the death of an Owner prior to the Annuity
Date, we will pay to the beneficiary the death benefit representing the
entire interest in the Contract, unless Section 7.1.3 is chosen. The death
benefit is the greater of:

(a)
The sum of (i) the excess, if any, of (a) your Premiums paid into
Variable Account A with interest on them from the date received at an
interest rate compounded daily to yield 5% annually, over (b) transfers
to Variable Account B and withdrawals from Variable Account A, both with
an interest rate on them to yield 5% annually when compounded daily from
the date of transfer or withdrawal; plus, (ii) the value of your interest
in Variable Account B; or,

(b)
The Contract Value, determined as of the date we receive at our service
center Due Proof of Death.

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<PAGE>
Unless Section 7.1.2 or Section 7.1.3 is chosen within 60 days following
our receipt of the Owner's certified death certificate, Due Proof of Death
will be deemed to have been received by us on the 60th day, and payment
will be made in a lump sum. For purposes of the calculation in "(a),"
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 (Annuitant if the Contract Owner is a non-natural person) attains age
80, or the date of the Contract Owner's (Annuitant's if the Contract Owner
is a non-natural person) death. No interest shall accrue thereafter.

7.1.2CONTRACT CONTINUATION OPTION: If the surviving spouse of the deceased
Owner is the beneficiary, such spouse may choose to continue this Contract
in force on the same terms as before such Owner's death, and the spouse
shall thereafter become the "new" Owner and the beneficiary until a new
beneficiary is named.

7.1.3ANNUITY OPTION: If the beneficiary is the surviving spouse of the deceased
Owner, he or she may choose to receive payments under any of the annuity
options of this Contract. For any other beneficiary, only those options are
available that provide for full payment of such Owner's interest in the
Contract:

(a)
Within five years of the date of such Owner's death;

(b)
Over the lifetime of such beneficiary of this Contract; or

(c)
Over a period that does not exceed the life expectancy, as defined by
Internal Revenue Service regulations, of such beneficiary of this
Contract.

Subparagraphs (b) and (c) apply only to individuals, and such payments must
start within one year of the date of such Owner's death. For IRAs, any
annuity option chosen must meet the requirements of the Internal Revenue
Code.

7.1.4DEATH AFTER ANNUITY DATE: See Section 9.

7.2 DEATH OF ANNUITANT WHO IS NOT AN OWNER

7.2.1If the Annuitant dies prior to the Annuity Date and the Annuitant is not
the Owner, the Owner may designate a new Annuitant. If one is not
designated, the Owner will be the Annuitant provided the Owner is a natural
person. If the Owner is a non-natural person, the death of the Annuitant
shall be treated as the death of the Owner.

8. ANNUITY PROVISIONS

8.1 ANNUITY DATE: The Annuity Date may not be later than the Annuitant's 85th
birthday. If you have not chosen an Annuity Date, it will be the date of
the Annuitant's 85th birthday. For an IRA, if you have not chosen an
Annuity Date, it will be the date the Annuitant reaches age 70 1/2. You may
change the Annuity Date up to 30 days prior to the Annuity Date.

8.2 AMOUNT OF ANNUITY PAYMENTS: Charges made by us for premium taxes will be
deducted from your Contract Value at the Annuity Date. The remaining value will
be transferred to our general account and applied to the annuity option
chosen at our then current annuity purchase rates, which will be furnished
on request. The annuity purchase rates will assume interest of not less
than 3%. They will not be less favorable than those shown in the annuity
tables in this Contract. The tables show the minimum guaranteed amount of
each monthly payment for each $1,000 so applied, according to the sex
(where permissible) and age at the Annuity Date of the Annuitant. The
tables are based on the 1983 Table "a" projected forward to 1995 for
Individual Annuity Valuation with interest at 3%.

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<PAGE>
8.3 ANNUITY OPTIONS: If you have not chosen an annuity option described in
Section 9, Option 4 will apply with a 10-year guarantee period. You may
change options only up to 30 days prior to the Annuity Date. An option not
set forth in the Contract may be chosen if acceptable to us.

8.4 MINIMUM ANNUITY PAYMENT: If the Contract Value to be applied at the
Annuity Date is less than $5,000, we may pay such amount in a lump sum. If
any payment would be less than $50, we may change the frequency so payments
are at least $50 each.

9. ANNUITY OPTIONS

9.1 OPTION 1 -- PAYMENTS OF A FIXED AMOUNT: Equal payments in the amount
chosen will be made until the amount of your Contract Value transferred to
our general account adjusted for interest credited of at least 3% is
exhausted. The term over which such payments are made must be at least five
years.

9.2 OPTION 2 -- PAYMENTS FOR A FIXED PERIOD: Payments will be made for the
period chosen. The period must be at least 5 years.

9.3 OPTION 3 -- LIFE ANNUITY: Payments will be made for the life of the
Annuitant. Payments will cease with the last payment due prior to the
Annuitant's death.

9.4 OPTION 4 -- LIFE ANNUITY WITH PAYMENTS GUARANTEED FOR 10 or 20 YEARS:
Payments will be made for the guaranteed period chosen (10 or 20 years) and
as long thereafter as the Annuitant lives.

9.5 OPTION 5 -- LIFE ANNUITY WITH GUARANTEED RETURN OF CONTRACT VALUE:
Payments will be made until the sum of the annuity payments equals the
amount of your Contract Value transferred to our general account at the
Annuity Date, and as long thereafter as the Annuitant lives.

9.6 OPTION 6 -- JOINT AND SURVIVOR LIFE ANNUITY: Payments will be made during
the lifetimes of the Annuitant and a designated second person. The amount
of such payments will not change by reason of the death of the first joint
Annuitant to die.

9.7 OPTION 7 -- IRA: This option is available only for IRAs. Annuity payments
may be based on (a) the life expectancy of the Annuitant, (b) the joint
life expectancy of the Annuitant and his or her spouse, or (c) the life
expectancy of the surviving spouse if the Annuitant dies before the Annuity
Date. Payments will be made annually. Each annual payment will be equal to
the remaining value on that January 1, divided by the applicable current
life expectancy, as defined by Internal Revenue Service regulations. Each
subsequent payment will be made on the anniversary of the Annuity Date.
Interest will be credited at our current rate for this option. The rate
will not be less than 3%. On the death of the measuring life or lives prior
to full distribution of the remaining value, the remaining value will be
paid to the beneficiary in a lump sum.

9.8 DEATH OF ANNUITANT: On the death of the Annuitant while guaranteed amounts
remain unpaid under Option 1,2,4, or 5, the Owner may choose either:

(a)
To have payments continue for the amount or period guaranteed; or

(b)
To receive the present value of the remaining guaranteed payments in a
lump sum.

If an Owner dies while guaranteed amounts remain unpaid, the present value
may be paid in a lump sum to the beneficiary, if the beneficiary so elects.

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Present values will be computed at the interest rate that was used to
compute the amount of the initial annuity payment.

9.9 PAYMENT: Except for Option 7, payment will be made on the Annuity Date,
but prior to the Annuity Date you may choose a less frequent payment
interval instead. The amount of each payment on an annual, semiannual, or
quarterly basis will be not less than the monthly payment computed from the
annuity tables in this Contract multiplied by the appropriate factor:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Annual Semiannual Quarterly
- --------- ----------- ---------
<S> <C> <C>
11.839 5.963 2.993
</TABLE>

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<PAGE>
10. ANNUITY OPTION TABLES
MINIMUM GUARANTEED MONTHLY ANNUITY PAYMENT FOR EACH $1,000 APPLIED UNDER OPTION

OPTION 2 (Payments for a Fixed Period)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Years Each Years Each Years Each Years Each
Payable Payment Payable Payment Payable Payment Payable Payment
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
5 17.91 9 10.53 13 7.71 17 6.23
6 15.14 10 9.61 14 7.26 18 5.96
7 13.16 11 8.86 15 6.87 19 5.73
8 11.68 12 8.24 16 6.53 20 5.51
</TABLE>

OPTION 3 (Life Annuity), OPTION 4 (Life Annuity with 10 or 20 Years Guaranteed)
and OPTION 5 (Return of Contract Value Guaranteed)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
*Adjusted Life 10 Years 20 Years Return of Net *Adjusted Life 10 Years 20 Years
Male Age Annuity Guaranteed Guaranteed Contract Value Female Age Annuity Guaranteed Guaranteed
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
56 4.62 4.56 4.34 4.37 56 4.19 4.16 4.06
57 4.72 4.65 4.41 4.45 57 4.27 4.24 4.12
58 4.83 4.75 4.47 4.53 58 4.35 4.32 4.19
59 4.94 4.85 4.54 4.61 59 4.44 4.40 4.25
60 5.06 4.95 4.60 4.70 60 4.54 4.49 4.32
61 5.19 5.07 4.67 4.80 61 4.64 4.58 4.39
62 5.33 5.19 4.73 4.90 62 4.74 4.68 4.46
63 5.47 5.31 4.80 5.00 63 4.86 4.79 4.53
64 5.63 5.44 4.86 5.11 64 4.98 4.90 4.60
65 5.80 5.58 4.92 5.23 65 5.11 5.01 4.67
66 5.98 5.72 4.98 5.35 66 5.25 5.14 4.74
67 6.17 5.86 5.04 5.48 67 5.40 5.27 4.82
68 6.37 6.02 5.10 5.61 68 5.55 5.40 4.89
69 6.59 6.18 5.15 5.75 69 5.72 5.55 4.95
70 6.82 6.34 5.20 5.90 70 5.91 5.70 5.02
71 7.07 6.50 5.24 6.06 71 6.11 5.86 5.08
72 7.34 6.67 5.28 6.22 72 6.32 6.03 5.14
73 7.62 6.85 5.32 6.39 73 6.58 6.20 5.19
74 7.92 7.02 5.35 6.57 74 6.81 6.38 5.24
75 8.24 7.20 5.38 6.76 75 7.08 6.57 5.29
76 8.58 7.38 5.40 6.97 76 7.37 6.76 5.33
77 8.95 7.55 5.42 7.17 77 7.69 6.96 5.36
78 9.35 7.72 5.44 7.39 78 8.03 7.16 5.39
79 9.77 7.89 5.46 7.63 79 8.40 7.36 5.41
80 10.22 8.06 5.47 7.87 80 8.80 7.56 5.44
81 10.71 8.22 5.48 8.13 81 9.23 7.75 5.45
82 11.22 8.37 5.49 8.40 82 9.70 7.94 5.47
83 11.77 8.51 5.50 8.68 83 10.21 8.13 5.48
84 12.35 8.65 5.50 8.97 84 10.76 8.30 5.49
85 12.97 8.77 5.50 9.29 85 11.35 8.46 5.50

<CAPTION>
*Adjusted Return of Net
Male Age Contract Value
<S> <C> <C>
56 4.05
57 4.12
58 4.19
59 4.26
60 4.34
61 4.42
62 4.50
63 4.59
64 4.69
65 4.79
66 4.89
67 5.00
68 5.12
69 5.25
70 5.38
71 5.52
72 5.66
73 5.82
74 5.99
75 6.16
76 6.35
77 6.55
78 6.75
79 6.98
80 7.21
81 7.45
82 7.71
83 7.98
84 8.27
85 8.57
</TABLE>

OPTION 6 (Joint and Survivor Life Annuity)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
*Adjusted Male Age
*Adjusted *Adjusted
Female Female
Age 50 55 60 65 70 75 80 85 Age
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
50 3.52 3.60 3.66 3.71 3.74 3.76 3.78 3.78 50
55 3.65 3.77 3.87 3.95 4.01 4.05 4.08 4.09 55
60 3.78 3.94 4.10 4.23 4.34 4.41 4.46 4.49 60
65 3.88 4.10 4.33 4.54 4.72 4.86 4.96 5.02 65
70 3.96 4.23 4.54 4.85 5.15 5.40 5.59 5.72 70
75 4.02 4.34 4.72 5.14 5.59 6.01 6.37 6.64 75
80 4.06 4.41 4.85 5.38 5.99 6.63 7.24 7.76 80
85 4.09 4.46 4.94 5.55 6.30 7.17 8.11 9.01 85
</TABLE>

Information for ages not shown will be furnished on request.
*"Adjusted Age" means attained age at last birthday adjusted as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
ANNUITY DATE ADJUSTED AGE
- ---------------- ----------------------------------
<S> <C>
Before 2000 Actual Age
2000-2008 Subtract 1 year from actual age
2010-2019 Subtract 2 years from actual age
2020-2029 Subtract 3 years from actual age
2030 and after Subtract 4 years from actual age
</TABLE>

-14-

<PAGE>
MERRILL LYNCH LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY

ENDORSEMENT

SECTION 5.1 OF THE CONTRACT IS AMENDED IN ITS ENTIRETY TO READ AS FOLLOWS:

(a)
is the lesser of (i) 10% of total Premiums paid into Variable Account A
that are subject to a contingent deferred sales charge determined as of
the date of the request less any prior amount withdrawn from Variable
Account A in the Contract year and (ii) your Variable Account A value and

(b)
is your gain in Variable Account A plus Premiums allocated to Variable
Account A that are not subject to a contingent deferred sales charge.

(d)
is the total amount of any previous transfers in the same Contract year
divided by the percentage factor,

(e)
is the percentage factor, and

(f)
is the number of periodic transfers remaining in the Contract year.

You may stop the automatic transfers at any time upon notice to us. Once
the transfers are stopped, you may not begin them again until the next
Contract year.

ML008 C-
<PAGE>
SECTION 6.2 IS AMENDED IN ITS ENTIRETY TO READ AS FOLLOWS:

(a)
is 10% of total Premiums paid into Variable Account A that are subject to
a contingent deferred sales charge determined as of the date of request
less any prior amount transferred from Variable Account A to Variable
Account B in the Contract year and

(b)
is your gain in Variable Account A, as defined in Section 5.1, plus
Premiums allocated to Variable Account A that are not subject to a
contingent deferred sales charge.

SECTION 6.3 IS AMENDED AS FOLLOWS:

The clause, "If you are age 59 1/2 or more," is deleted.

The following paragraphs are added:

All automatic withdrawals elected under this section must be made
simultaneously.

This endorsement controls over any contrary provisions of the Contract or
previous endorsements.

MERRILL LYNCH LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY

By: _________/s/_BARRY G. SKOLNICK_________
SECRETARY

C-

<PAGE>
MERRILL LYNCH LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY

Home Office: Little Rock, Arkansas
Service Center: P.O. Box 44222
Jacksonville, Florida 32231-4222

This is a legal Contract between you and us. PLEASE READ THE CONTRACT CAREFULLY.

EXCEPT FOR FIXED ANNUITY PAYMENTS, VALUES PROVIDED BY THIS CONTRACT ARE BASED ON
THE INVESTMENT EXPERIENCE OF SEPARATE ACCOUNTS, ARE VARIABLE AND ARE NOT
GUARANTEED AS TO FIXED-DOLLAR AMOUNT.

<TABLE>
<S> <C>
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Section Page
Definitions....................................................................................... 2
Contract Schedule................................................................................. 3
1. General Provisions............................................................................ 4
2. Premiums...................................................................................... 5
3. The Variable Accounts......................................................................... 6
4. Charges and Deductions........................................................................ 7
5. Transfers..................................................................................... 8
6. Withdrawals From Contract..................................................................... 9
7. Payment at Death.............................................................................. 9
8. Annuity Provisions............................................................................ 10
9. Annuity Options............................................................................... 11
10. Annuity Option Tables......................................................................... 12
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Merrill Lynch Life Insurance Company is a stock life insurance company.
</TABLE>

<TABLE>
<S> <C>
/s/ Anthony J. Vespa /s/ Barry G. Skolnick
President Secretary
</TABLE>

Individual Variable Annuity Contract
Flexible Premiums - Nonparticipating
<PAGE>
DEFINITIONS

1. ACCUMULATION UNIT: An index used to compute the value of your interest in
the Variable Accounts prior to the Annuity Date.

2. ANNUITANT: Annuity payments may depend upon the continuation of a person's
life. That person is called an annuitant.

3. ANNUITY DATE: The date on which annuity payments are to start.

4. COMPANY: Merrill Lynch Life Insurance Company. Also referred to as "we" or
"us."

5. CONTRACT VALUE: The sum of the value of your interest in the Variable
Accounts.

6. DATE OF ISSUE: The date shown on the Contract Schedule as the date the
Contract was issued.

7. INDIVIDUAL RETIREMENT ACCOUNT OR ANNUITY ("IRA"): A retirement arrangement
meeting the requirements of Section 408 of the Internal Revenue Code under
which any appreciation is tax deferred.

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

9. OWNER: The person entitled to exercise all rights under the Contract. In
this Contract, "you" means Owner.

10. PREMIUMS: The money you pay us for this Contract.

11. VARIABLE ACCOUNTS: This Contract is funded by two separate accounts of the
Company called Merrill Lynch Life Variable Annuity Separate Account A and
Merrill Lynch Life Variable Annuity Separate Account B (together the
"Variable Accounts"). Variable Account A has multiple subaccounts as shown
in the Contract Schedule. Variable Account B has one subaccount also shown
in the Contract Schedule.

12. 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.

-2-
<PAGE>
CONTRACT SCHEDULE

<TABLE>
<S> <C> <C>
MERRILL LYNCH LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY Contract Number: M950937209
Service Center: Date of Issue: MARCH 13, 1995
P.O. Box 44222 Current Date: MARCH 14, 1995
Jacksonville, FL 32231-4222
1-800-535-5549
</TABLE>

<TABLE>
<S> <C> <C>
OWNER INFORMATION ANNUITANT INFORMATION
Owner Name: JANE DOE Annuitant: JANE DOE
Owner Age: 69 Age: 69 Sex: F
Co-Owner Name: Co-Annuitant:
Address: 1234 MERRILL LYNCH BLVD. Age: Sex:
LITTLE ROCK, AK 12345-1111 Annuity Date: JUNE 1, 2010

Owner's Beneficiary: DOE JOHN
JAMES DOE SON 50%
SHANNON DOE DAUGHTER 50%
CONTRACT INFORMATION
Contract Type: FLEXIBLE PREMIUM INDIVIDUAL VARIABLE ANNUITY
Initial Premium: $250,000.00
Premium Allocation:

SEPARATE ACCOUNT A Premium: $200,000.00
Invested In:
50 % Domestic Money Market Fund % Global Utility Focus Fund
% Prime Bond Fund % Internat'l Equity Focus Fund
20 % High Current Income Fund % World Income Focus Fund
% Quality Equity Fund % Basic Value Focus Fund
10 % Equity Growth Fund % International Bond Fund
% Flexible Strategy Fund 10 % Intermediate Govt Bond Fund
10 % American Balanced Fund % Develpng Cap Mkts Focus Fund
% Natural Resources Focus Fund
% Global Strategy Focus Fund 100 % TOTAL
SEPARATE ACCOUNT B Premium: $50,000.00
Invested In:
100% Allocated to Reserve Assets
Financial Consultant: BRANCH MANAGER
</TABLE>

-3-
<PAGE>
1. GENERAL PROVISIONS

1.1 BENEFICIARY: A beneficiary is the person designated by you in writing to
receive payment under Section 7, on death of the Owner.

You may change the beneficiary while you are alive.

You may name a beneficiary irrevocably. If you do so, a change can be made
later only with the beneficiary's written consent.

If a beneficiary does not survive you, the estate or heirs of such
beneficiary have no rights under this Contract. If no beneficiary survives
you, payment will be made to your estate.

1.2 OWNERSHIP OF CONTRACT: Unless another Owner is named by the purchaser, the
purchaser is the Owner.

Upon notice to us you may assign the Contract to a new Owner. The
assignment terminates all prior beneficiary designations. A new Owner's age
must be less than 85 years.

1.5 RESTRICTIONS ON IRAS: If this Contract is issued as or as part of an IRA,
it may not be assigned, pledged, or transferred unless permitted by law.

1.7 PROOF OF AGE, SEX, OR SURVIVAL: We may require satisfactory proof of age,
sex, or survival of any person on whose continued life any payment under
this Contract depends.

1.8 INCONTESTABILITY: We will not contest this Contract.

1.9 THE CONTRACT: This Contract, and any endorsements or riders are the entire
Contract. It is issued in consideration of the payment of the first
Premium.

Only our President, a Vice President, Secretary, or Assistant Secretary may
change the Contract. Any change must be in writing.

At any time we may make such changes in this Contract as are required to
make it conform with any law, regulation, or ruling issued by a government
agency.

-4-
<PAGE>
1.10 NONPARTICIPATING: This Contract is nonparticipating. It does not share in
our surplus.

1.11 DATES: Contract years and anniversaries are measured from the Date of
Issue.

1.15 PAYMENTS UNDER THE CONTRACT: Payment generally will be made within seven
days, but we may defer payment if:

(a)The New York Stock Exchange is closed;

(b)Trading on the New York Stock Exchange is restricted;

(c)An emergency exists such that it is not reasonably practical to dispose
of securities in the applicable Variable Account or to determine the
value of its 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 pay a Premium which has not
cleared through the banking system.

2. PREMIUMS

-5-
<PAGE>
3. THE VARIABLE ACCOUNTS

3.2 ELIGIBLE INVESTMENTS: Current eligible investments are shown on the
Contract Schedule. We reserve the right to limit the number of subaccounts
in which you may invest.

3.3 CHANGES TO THE VARIABLE ACCOUNTS: We may make additional subaccounts
available. We reserve the right, subject to obtaining any necessary
regulatory approvals; to eliminate subaccounts; to substitute a new
portfolio for the portfolio in which a subaccount invests; to deregister
either or both of the Accounts under the Investment Company Act of 1940
(the "1940 Act"); to make any changes required by the 1940 Act; to operate
either or both Accounts as a managed investment company under the 1940 Act
or any other form permitted by law; to transfer all or a portion of the
assets of a subaccount or variable account to another subaccount or
variable account pursuant to a combination or otherwise; and to create new
variable accounts.

3.4 NUMBER OF ACCUMULATION UNITS: For each subaccount of the Variable
Accounts, the number of your Accumulation Units is the sum of:

Each Premium or transfer allocated to the subaccount

Divided by

The value of an Accumulation Unit for that subaccount for
the valuation period in which we received the Premium or
transfer.

The value of an Accumulation Unit for the last prior valuation
period

Multiplied by

The Net Investment Factor for that subaccount for the current
valuation period.

-6-
<PAGE>
We may adjust the Net Investment Factor to make provision for any change in
tax law that requires us to pay tax on capital gains in the Variable
Accounts and any charge that may be assessed against the Accounts 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.

3.8 VARIABLE ACCOUNT VALUE: This is the sum of the value of the Accumulation
Units allocated to your Contract in each subaccount of a Variable Account.

4. CHARGES AND DEDUCTIONS

4.2 VARIABLE ACCOUNTS EXPENSE AND MORTALITY RISK CHARGES: These charges are
made to compensate us for guaranteeing that the Contract maintenance charge
and Variable Account A administration charge will never increase and for
the mortality guarantees we make under this Contract. On an annual basis,
they equal 1.25% of the daily net asset value of Variable Account A and
0.65% of Variable Account B.

4.3 VARIABLE ACCOUNT A ADMINISTRATION CHARGE: This charge compensates us for
expenses we incur in the establishment and administration of Variable
Account A. On an annual basis it equals 0.10% of the daily net asset value
of Variable Account A.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Number of Complete Years Elapsed Percent
- ----------------------------------- --------------
<S> <C>
0 7%
1 6%
2 5%
3 4%
4 3%
5 2%
6 1%
7 0%
</TABLE>

-7-
<PAGE>
4.5 TAXES, FEES AND ASSESSMENTS: Any charges made by us attributable to
premium taxes imposed by a state or other government will be deducted at
the Annuity Date. We may also deduct a 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. We also reserve the
right to deduct from the Variable Accounts any taxes imposed on the
Variable Accounts' earnings.

5. TRANSFERS

5.1 TRANSFERS FROM VARIABLE ACCOUNT A TO VARIABLE ACCOUNT B: Once each
Contract year upon notice to us you may transfer from Variable Account A to
Variable Account B all or part of your gain in Variable Account A plus
Premiums allocated to Variable Account A that are not subject to a
contingent deferred sales charge. The minimum amount which may be
transferred is $300. No other transfers may be made from Variable Account A
to Variable Account B.

Unless you notify us otherwise, transfers made under this Section 5.1 will
be deducted from each subaccount of Variable Account A in the ratio of your
interest in each subaccount to the total value of your interest in Variable
Account A.

5.2 TRANSFERS AMONG SUBACCOUNTS OF VARIABLE ACCOUNT A: Six times per Contract
year you may transfer all or part of your Variable Account A value among
the Variable Account A subaccounts without a charge. For additional
transfers, we will charge $25 for each transfer. The minimum amount which
may be transferred from any subaccount in any transaction is $300 or your
entire interest, if less.

5.4 TRANSFERS FROM VARIABLE ACCOUNT B TO VARIABLE ACCOUNT A: Transfers from
Variable Account B to Variable Account A are not permitted.

-8-
<PAGE>
6. WITHDRAWALS FROM CONTRACT

6.2 SPECIAL WITHDRAWAL FROM VARIABLE ACCOUNT A: The first withdrawal from
Variable Account A in any Contract year will be a withdrawal of all or part
of the gain in Variable Account A, as defined in Section 5.1, before
withdrawal of Premium as described in Section 4.4. The remaining Contract
Value must be at least $2,000. This withdrawal shall count as one of the
six permitted by Section 6.1.

6.3 AUTOMATIC WITHDRAWAL PROGRAM: If you are age 59 1/2 or more, you may have
automatic withdrawals of a specified dollar amount made monthly, quarterly,
semi-annually, or annually from your interest in Variable Account B. Such
withdrawals must be deposited directly into a Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner
& Smith Inc. brokerage account specified by you and acceptable to the
Company. You may change the specified dollar amount or stop automatic
withdrawals at any time upon notice to us. Once automatic withdrawals are
stopped, you may not begin them again until the next Contract year. Each
automatic withdrawal must be at least $300, and the remaining Contract
Value must be at least $2,000. Automatic withdrawals are in addition to
other withdrawals permitted from the Contract.

7. PAYMENT AT DEATH

7.1 DEATH OF OWNER
(Including an Annuitant who is also an Owner)

(a)The sum of (i) the excess, if any, of (a) your Premiums paid into
Variable Account A with interest on them from the date received at an
interest rate compounded daily to yield 5% annually, over (b) transfers
to Variable Account B, and withdrawals from Variable Account A with an
interest rate on them to yield 5% annually when compounded daily from
the date of transfer or withdrawal; plus, (ii) the value of your
interest in Variable Account B; or,

(b)The Contract Value.

Payment will be made in a lump sum unless Section 7.1.2 or Section 7.1.3 is
chosen. For purposes of the calculation in "(a)," interest shall accrue
during the first 20 Contract years only. No interest shall accrue
thereafter.

-9-
<PAGE>
7.1.3ANNUITY OPTION: If the beneficiary is the surviving spouse of the deceased
Owner, he or she may choose to receive payments under any of the annuity
options of this Contract. For any other beneficiary, only those options are
available that provide for full payment of such Owner's interest in the
Contract:

(a)Within five years of the date of such Owner's death;

(b)Over the lifetime of such beneficiary of this Contract; or

(c)Over a period that does not exceed the life expectancy, as defined by
Internal Revenue Service regulations, of such beneficiary of this
Contract.

7.1.4DEATH AFTER ANNUITY DATE: See Section 9.

7.2 DEATH OF ANNUITANT WHO IS NOT AN OWNER

8. ANNUITY PROVISIONS

8.2 AMOUNT OF ANNUITY PAYMENTS: Charges made by us for premium taxes will be
deducted from your Contract Value at the Annuity Date. The remaining value
will be transferred to our general account and applied to the annuity
option chosen at our then current annuity purchase rates, which will be
furnished on request. The annuity purchase rates will assume interest of
not less than 3%. They will not be less favorable than those shown in the
annuity tables in this Contract. The tables show the minimum guaranteed
amount of each monthly payment for each $1,000 so applied, according to the
sex (where permissible) and age at the Annuity Date of the Annuitant. The
tables are based on the 1983 Table "a" projected forward to 1995 for
Individual Annuity Valuation with interest at 3%.

8.3 ANNUITY OPTIONS: If you have not chosen an annuity option described in
Section 9, Option 4 will apply with a 10-year guarantee period. You may
change options only up to 30 days prior to the Annuity Date. An option not
set forth in the Contract may be chosen if acceptable to us.

-10-
<PAGE>
9. ANNUITY OPTIONS

9.1 OPTION 1--PAYMENTS OF A FIXED AMOUNT: Equal payments in the amount chosen
will be made until the amount of your Contract Value transferred to our
general account adjusted for interest credited of at least 3% is exhausted.
The term over which such payments are made must be at least five years.

9.2 OPTION 2--PAYMENTS FOR A FIXED PERIOD: Payments will be made for the
period chosen. The period must be at least 5 years.

9.3 OPTION 3--LIFE ANNUITY: Payments will be made for the life of the
Annuitant. Payments will cease with the last payment due prior to the
Annuitant's death.

9.4 OPTION 4--LIFE ANNUITY WITH PAYMENTS GUARANTEED FOR 10 or 20 YEARS:
Payments will be made for the guaranteed period chosen (10 or 20 years) and
as long thereafter as the Annuitant lives.

9.5 OPTION 5--LIFE ANNUITY WITH GUARANTEED RETURN OF CONTRACT VALUE:
Payments will be made until the sum of the annuity payments equals the
amount of your Contract Value transferred to our general account at the
Annuity Date, and as long thereafter as the Annuitant lives.

9.6 OPTION 6--JOINT AND SURVIVOR LIFE ANNUITY: Payments will be made during
the lifetimes of the Annuitant and a designated second person. The amount
of such payments will not change by reason of the death of the first joint
Annuitant to die.

9.7 OPTION 7--IRA: This option is available only for IRAs. Annuity payments
may be based on (a) the life expectancy of the Annuitant, (b) the joint
life expectancy of the Annuitant and his or her spouse, or (c) the life
expectancy of the surviving spouse if the Annuitant dies before the Annuity
Date. Payments will be made annually. Each annual payment will be equal to
the remaining value on that January 1, divided by the applicable current
life expectancy, as defined by Internal Revenue Service regulations. Each
subsequent payment will be made on the anniversary of the Annuity Date.
Interest will be credited at our current rate for this option. The rate
will not be less than 3%. On the death of the measuring life or lives prior
to full distribution of the remaining value, the remaining value will be
paid to the beneficiary in a lump sum.

9.8 DEATH OF ANNUITANT: On the death of the Annuitant while guaranteed amounts
remain unpaid under Option 1,2,4, or 5, the Owner may choose either:

(a)To have payments continue for the amount or period guaranteed; or

(b)To receive the present value of the remaining guaranteed payments in a
lump sum.

If an Owner dies while guaranteed amounts remain unpaid, the present value
may be paid in a lump sum to the beneficiary, if the beneficiary so elects.

Present values will be computed at the interest rate that was used to
compute the amount of the initial annuity payment.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Annual Semiannual Quarterly
- --------- ------------ ----------
<S> <C> <C>
11.839 5.963 2.993
</TABLE>

-11-
<PAGE>
10. ANNUITY OPTION TABLES
MINIMUM GUARANTEED MONTHLY ANNUITY PAYMENT FOR EACH $1,000 APPLIED UNDER OPTION

OPTION 2 (Payments for a Fixed Period)

OPTION 3 (Life Annuity), OPTION 4 (Life Annuity with 10 or 20 Years Guaranteed)
and OPTION 5 (Return of Contract Value Guaranteed)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Return of
*Adjusted Life 10 Years 20 Years Net Contract *Adjusted Life 10 Years
Male Age Annuity Guaranteed Guaranteed Value Female Age Annuity Guaranteed
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
56 4.62 4.56 4.34 4.37 56 4.19 4.16
57 4.72 4.65 4.41 4.45 57 4.27 4.24
58 4.83 4.75 4.47 4.53 58 4.35 4.32
59 4.94 4.85 4.54 4.61 59 4.44 4.40
60 5.06 4.95 4.60 4.70 60 4.54 4.49

61 5.19 5.07 4.67 4.80 61 4.64 4.58
62 5.33 5.19 4.73 4.90 62 4.74 4.68
63 5.47 5.31 4.80 5.00 63 4.86 4.79
64 5.63 5.44 4.86 5.11 64 4.98 4.90
65 5.80 5.58 4.92 5.23 65 5.11 5.01

66 5.88 5.72 4.88 5.35 66 5.25 5.14
67 6.17 5.86 5.04 5.48 67 5.40 5.27
68 6.37 6.02 5.10 5.61 68 5.55 5.40
69 6.59 6.18 5.15 5.75 69 5.72 5.55
70 6.82 6.34 5.20 5.90 70 5.91 5.70

71 7.07 6.50 5.24 6.06 71 6.11 5.86
72 7.34 6.67 5.28 6.22 72 6.32 6.03
73 7.62 6.85 5.32 6.39 73 6.58 6.20
74 7.92 7.02 5.35 6.57 74 6.81 6.38
75 8.24 7.20 5.38 6.76 75 7.08 6.57

76 8.58 7.38 5.40 6.97 76 7.37 6.76
77 8.95 7.55 5.42 7.17 77 7.69 6.96
78 9.35 7.72 5.44 7.39 78 8.03 7.16
79 9.77 7.89 5.46 7.63 79 8.40 7.36
80 10.22 8.06 5.47 7.87 80 8.80 7.56

81 10.71 8.22 5.48 8.13 81 9.23 7.75
82 11.22 8.37 5.49 8.40 82 9.70 7.94
83 11.77 8.51 5.50 8.68 83 10.21 8.13
84 12.35 8.65 5.50 8.97 84 10.78 8.30
85 12.97 8.77 5.50 9.29 85 11.35 8.46

<CAPTION>
Return of
*Adjusted 20 Years Net Contract
Male Age Guaranteed Value
<S> <C> <C> <C>
56 4.06 4.05
57 4.12 4.12
58 4.19 4.19
59 4.25 4.26
60 4.32 4.34
61 4.39 4.42
62 4.46 4.50
63 4.53 4.59
64 4.60 4.69
65 4.67 4.79
66 4.74 4.89
67 4.82 5.00
68 4.89 5.12
69 4.95 5.25
70 5.02 5.38
71 5.08 5.52
72 5.14 5.66
73 5.19 5.82
74 5.24 5.99
75 5.29 6.16
76 5.33 6.35
77 5.36 6.55
78 5.39 6.75
79 5.41 6.98
80 5.44 7.21
81 5.45 7.45
82 5.47 7.71
83 5.48 7.98
84 5.49 8.27
85 5.50 8.57
</TABLE>

OPTION 6 (Joint and Survivor Life Annuity)

70 3.96 4.23 4.54 4.85 5.15 5.40 5.59 5.72 70

75 4.02 4.34 4.72 5.14 5.59 6.01 6.37 6.64 75
80 4.06 4.41 4.85 5.38 5.99 6.63 7.24 7.76 80
85 4.09 4.46 4.94 5.55 6.30 7.17 8.11 9.01 85
</TABLE>

Information for ages not shown will be furnished on request.
*"Adjusted Age" means attained age at last birthday adjusted as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
ANNUITY DATE ADJUSTED AGE
- --------------- ----------------------------------
<S> <C>
Before 2000 Actual Age
2000-2009 Subtract 1 year from actual age
2010-2019 Subtract 2 years from actual age
2020-2029 Subtract 3 years from actual age
2030 and after Subtract 4 years from actual age
</TABLE>

-12-

<PAGE>
April 25, 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 Company has been duly organized under the laws of the State of
Arkansas and is a validly existing corporation.

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 Accounts are duly created and validly existing as separate accounts
of the Company pursuant to Arkansas law.

4. 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

<PAGE>
April 26, 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. 7 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

/s/ Stephen E. Roth
By ___________________________________
Stephen E. Roth

<PAGE>
INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' CONSENT

We consent to the use in this Post-Effective Amendment No. 7 to Registration
Statement No. 33-45379 of Merrill Lynch Life Variable Annuity Separate Account B
on Form N-4 of our reports on (i) Merrill Lynch Life Insurance Company dated
February 27, 1995, and (ii) Merrill Lynch Life Variable Annuity Separate Account
B dated February 8, 1995, appearing in the Statement of Additional Information,
which is a part of such Registration Statement, and to the reference to us under
the heading "Experts" in the Prospectus, which is a part of such Registration
Statement.

/s/ Deloitte & Touche LLP

New York, New York
April 25, 1995

<PAGE>
<ARTICLE> 6
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<NAME> MERRILL LYNCH VARIABLE ANNUITY SEPARATE ACCOUNT B

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