SEPARATE ACCOUNT C OF PARAGON LIFE INSURANCE CO
485BPOS, 1997-04-22
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<PAGE>
 
As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on 18 April 1997

                                                       Registration No. 33-67970
                                                                        811-7982

                      SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                            Washington, D.C.  20549

                         POST-EFFECTIVE AMENDMENT NO.4
                                      TO
                                   FORM S-6

                   FOR REGISTRATION UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT
                    OF 1933 OF SECURITIES OF UNIT INVESTMENT
                        TRUSTS REGISTERED ON FORM N-8B-2

             SEPARATE ACCOUNT C OF PARAGON LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
                          (Exact Name of Registrant)

                        PARAGON LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
                         100 South Brentwood Boulevard
                             St. Louis, MO  63105
                    (Address of Principal Executive Office)


                         Matthew P. McCauley, Esquire
                        Paragon Life Insurance Company
                               700 Market Street
                             St. Louis, MO  63101
              (Name and Address of Agent for Service of Process)

                                   Copy to:

                           Stephen E. Roth, Esquire
                         Sutherland, Asbill & Brennan
                         1275 Pennsylvania Ave., N.W.
                         Washington, D.C.  20004-2404

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

          immediately upon filing pursuant to paragraph (b)
   x      on April 31, 1997 pursuant to paragraph (b)
          60 days after filing pursuant to paragraph (a)(i)
          on (      )pursuant to paragraph (a)(i) of Rule 485
          this post-effective amendment designates a new
          effective date for a previously filed post-effective
          amendment.

     The Registrant has registered an indefinite number of its shares under the
Securities Act of l933 pursuant to Rule 24f-2 under the Investment Company Act
of l940.  The Registrant filed the notice required by such rule for the
Registrant's most recent year on February 28, 1997.
<PAGE>
 
                     RECONCILIATION AND TIE BETWEEN ITEMS
                       IN FORM N-8B-2 AND THE PROSPECTUS


Item No. of
Form N-8B-2                   Caption in Prospectus

     1.        Cover Page
     2.        Cover Page
     3.        Not Applicable
     4.        Distribution of the Policies
     5.        The Company and the Separate Account
     6.        The Separate Account
     7.        Not Required
     8.        Not Required
     9.        Legal Proceedings
    10.        Summary; Variable Insurance Products
                Funds; Charges and Deductions; Policy
                Benefits; Policy Rights and Privileges;
                Voting Rights; General Matters Relating
                to the Policy
    11.        Summary; Variable Insurance Products
                Funds
    12.        Summary; Variable Insurance Products
                Funds
    13.        Summary; Charges and Deductions;
                Variable Insurance Products Funds
    14.        Summary; Payment and Allocation of
                Premiums
    15.        Payment and Allocation of Premiums
    16.        Payment and Allocation of Premiums;
                Variable Insurance Products Funds
    17.        Summary; Charges and Deductions; Policy
                Rights and Privileges; Variable
                Insurance Products Funds
    18.        Variable Insurance Products Funds;
                Payment and Allocation of Premiums
    19.        General Matters Relating to the Policy;
                Voting Rights
    20.        Not Applicable
    21.        Policy Rights; General Matters Relating
                to the Policy
    22.        Not Applicable
    23.        Safekeeping of the Separate Account's
                Assets
    24.        General Matters Relating to the Policy
    25.        The Company and the Separate Account
    26.        Not Applicable
    27.        The Company and the Separate Account
    28.        Management of the Company
    29.        The Company and the Separate Account

                                      -i-
<PAGE>
 
    30.        Not Applicable
    31.        Not Applicable
    32.        Not Applicable
    33.        Not Applicable
    34.        Not Applicable
    35.        The Company and the Separate Account
    36.        Not Required
    37.        Not Applicable
    38.        Summary; Distribution of the Policies
    39.        Summary; Distribution of the Policies
    40.        Not Applicable
    41.        The Company and the Separate Account;
                Distribution of the Policies
    42.        Not Applicable
    43.        Not Applicable
    44.        Payment and Allocation of Premiums
    45.        Not Applicable
    46.        Policy Rights and Privileges
    47.        Variable Insurance Products Funds
    48.        Not Applicable
    49.        Not Applicable
    50.        The Separate Account
    51.        Cover Page; Summary; Charges and
                Deductions; Policy Rights and
                Privileges; Policy Benefits; Payment
                and Allocation of Premiums
    52.        Variable Insurance Products Funds
    53.        Federal Tax Matters
    54.        Not Applicable
    55.        Not Applicable
    56.        Not Required
    57.        Not Required
    58.        Not Required
    59.        Not Required

                                     -ii-
<PAGE>
 
                                                 [LOGO - FIDELITY INVESTMENTS]
 
                                                        VARIABLE INSURANCE
                                                        PRODUCTS FUNDS




                        [LOGO - PARAGON LIFE INSURANCE]





              GROUP AND INDIVIDUAL
              FLEXIBLE PREMIUM VARIABLE LIFE
              INSURANCE POLICIES
 
              Prospectus dated May 1, 1997
 
                                                                      50408 Dir
 
 
<PAGE>
 
                              GROUP AND INDIVIDUAL
               FLEXIBLE PREMIUM VARIABLE LIFE INSURANCE POLICIES
 
                                   ISSUED BY
 
                         PARAGON LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
                              100 SOUTH BRENTWOOD
                              ST. LOUIS, MO 63105
                                 (314) 862-2211
 
  This Prospectus describes flexible premium variable life insurance policies
offered by Paragon Life Insurance Company (the "Company") which are designed
for use in employer-sponsored insurance programs. In circumstances where a
Group Contract is issued, Individual Policies or Certificates setting forth or
summarizing the rights of the Owners and/or Insureds, will be issued under the
Group Contract. Individual Policies also can be issued in connection with
employer-sponsored insurance programs in circumstances where a Group Contract
is not issued. The terms of the Certificate and the Individual Policy, whether
or not the Individual Policy is issued under a Group Contract, are
substantially the same and are collectively referred to in this Prospectus as
"Policy" or "Policies."
 
  The Policies are designed to provide lifetime insurance protection to age 95
and at the same time provide flexibility to vary premium payments and change
the level of death benefits payable under the Policies. This flexibility allows
an Owner to provide for changing insurance needs under a single insurance
policy. An Owner also has the opportunity to allocate net premiums among
several investment portfolios with different investment objectives.
 
  The Policy provides for: (1) a Cash Surrender Value that can be obtained by
surrendering the Policy; (2) Policy Loans; and (3) a death benefit payable at
the Insured's death. As long as a Policy remains in force, the death benefit
payable on the Insured's death will not be less than the current Face Amount of
the Policy. The insurance under a Policy will remain in force so long as its
Cash Surrender Value is sufficient to pay certain monthly charges imposed in
connection with the Policy.
 
  The Owner may allocate net premiums to one or more of the Divisions of the
Separate Account C (the "Separate Account"). The duration of the Policy and the
amount of the Cash Value will vary to reflect the investment performance of the
Divisions of the Separate Account selected by the Owner, and, depending on the
death benefit option elected, the amount of the death benefit above the minimum
may also vary with that investment performance. Thus, the Owner bears the
entire investment risk under the Policies; there is no minimum guaranteed Cash
Value.
 
  Each Division of the Separate Account will invest solely in a corresponding
investment portfolio of either Variable Insurance Products Fund, Variable
Insurance Products Fund II, or Variable Insurance Products Fund III investment
companies currently consisting of thirteen separate investment portfolios, or
"Funds": Money Market Portfolio, High Income Portfolio, Equity-Income
Portfolio, Growth Portfolio, Overseas Portfolio, Investment Grade Bond
Portfolio, Asset Manager Portfolio, Index 500 Portfolio, Contrafund Portfolio,
Asset Manager: Growth Portfolio, Growth & Income Portfolio, Balanced Portfolio,
and Growth Opportunities Portfolio. The accompanying prospectuses for Variable
Insurance Products Fund, Variable Insurance Products Fund II, and Variable
Insurance Products Fund III describe the investment objectives and policies,
and the risks of the Portfolios.
 
  It may not be advantageous to purchase a Policy as a replacement for another
type of life insurance or as a means to obtain additional insurance protection
if the purchaser already owns another flexible premium variable life insurance
policy.
 
  This Prospectus Must Be Accompanied Or Preceded By A Current Prospectus For
Variable Insurance Products Fund and Variable Insurance Products Fund II.
 
 THESE SECURITIES HAVE NOT BEEN APPROVED  OR DISAPPROVED BY THE SECURITIES AND
  EXCHANGE  COMMISSION, NOR HAS  THE COMMISSION PASSED  UPON THE ACCURACY  OR
    ADEQUACY OF  THIS PROSPECTUS. ANY  REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY  IS A
     CRIMINAL OFFENSE.
 
  Please Read This Prospectus Carefully And Retain It For Future Reference.
 
                  The Date Of This Prospectus Is May 1, 1997.
 
                                       1
<PAGE>
 
                               TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                            PAGE
                                                                            ----
<S>                                                                         <C>
Definitions................................................................   3
Summary....................................................................   4
The Company and the Separate Account.......................................   9
  The Company..............................................................   9
  The Separate Account.....................................................  10
  Variable Insurance Products Funds........................................  11
  Addition, Deletion, or Substitution of Investments.......................  12
Payment and Allocation of Premiums.........................................  13
  Issuance of a Policy.....................................................  13
  Premiums.................................................................  15
  Allocation of Net Premiums and Cash Value................................  16
  Policy Lapse and Reinstatement...........................................  16
Policy Benefits............................................................  17
  Death Benefit............................................................  17
  Cash Value...............................................................  21
Policy Rights and Privileges...............................................  22
  Exercising Rights and Privileges Under the Policies......................  22
  Loans....................................................................  22
  Surrender and Partial Withdrawals........................................  23
  Transfers................................................................  24
  Right to Examine Policy..................................................  25
  Conversion Right to a Fixed Benefit Policy...............................  25
  Eligibility Change Conversion............................................  26
  Payment of Benefits at Maturity..........................................  26
  Payment of Policy Benefits...............................................  26
Charges and Deductions.....................................................  27
  Premium Expense Charge...................................................  27
  Premium Tax Charge.......................................................  27
  Monthly Deduction........................................................  27
  Partial Withdrawal Transaction Charge....................................  29
  Separate Account Charges.................................................  30
General Matters Relating to the Policy.....................................  30
Distribution of the Policies...............................................  33
General Provisions of the Group Contract...................................  34
Federal Tax Matters........................................................  35
Safekeeping of the Separate Account's Assets...............................  38
Voting Rights..............................................................  38
State Regulation of the Company............................................  39
Management of the Company..................................................  40
Legal Matters..............................................................  41
Legal Proceedings..........................................................  41
Experts....................................................................  41
Additional Information.....................................................  41
Financial Statements.......................................................  41
Appendix A................................................................. A-1
</TABLE>
 
                 THE POLICIES ARE NOT AVAILABLE IN ALL STATES.
 
  THIS PROSPECTUS DOES NOT CONSTITUTE AN OFFERING IN ANY JURISDICTION IN WHICH
SUCH OFFERING MAY NOT BE LAWFULLY MADE. NO DEALER, SALESMAN, OR OTHER PERSON IS
AUTHORIZED TO GIVE ANY INFORMATION OR MAKE ANY REPRESENTATIONS IN CONNECTION
WITH THIS OFFERING OTHER THAN THOSE CONTAINED IN THIS PROSPECTUS, AND, IF GIVEN
OR MADE, SUCH OTHER INFORMATION OR REPRESENTATIONS MUST NOT BE RELIED UPON.
 
                                       2
<PAGE>
 
                                  DEFINITIONS
 
  Attained Age--The Issue Age of the Insured plus the number of completed
Policy Years.
 
  Associated Companies--Those companies listed in a Group Contract's
specifications pages that are under common control through stock ownership,
contract or otherwise, with the Contractholder.
 
  Beneficiary--The person(s) named in an application for Individual Insurance
or by later designation to receive Policy proceeds in the event of the
Insured's death. A Beneficiary may be changed as set forth in the Policy and
this Prospectus.
 
  Cash Value--The total amount that a Policy provides for investment at any
time. It is equal to the total of the amounts credited to the Owner in the
Separate Account and in the Loan Account.
 
  Cash Surrender Value--The Cash Value of a Policy on the date of surrender,
less any Indebtedness.
 
  Certificate--A document issued to Owners of Policies issued under Group
Contracts, setting forth or summarizing the Owner's rights and benefits.
 
  Contractholder--The employer, association, sponsoring organization or trust
that is issued a Group Contract.
 
  Corporate Program--A category of Policies available usually as an Individual
Policy in which the sponsoring employer or its designated trust is generally
Owner of the Policy.
 
  Division--A subaccount of the Separate Account. Each Division invests
exclusively in the shares of a Portfolio of Variable Insurance Products Fund
and Variable Insurance Products Fund II.
 
  Employee--A person who is employed and paid for services by an employer on a
regular basis. To qualify as an employee, a person ordinarily must work for an
employer at least 30 hours per week. The Company may waive or modify this
requirement at its discretion. An employee may also include an independent
contractor acting in many respects as an employee with a sponsoring employer.
An employee may include a partner in a partnership if the employer is a
partnership.
 
  Executive Program--A category of Policies issued under Group Contracts or
employer-sponsored insurance programs that have a maximum Face Amount available
for each Policy generally in excess of $500,000.
 
  Face Amount--The minimum death benefit under the Policy so long as the Policy
remains in force.
 
  Fund--A separate investment portfolio of either Variable Insurance Products
Fund or Variable Insurance Products Fund II, mutual funds in which the Separate
Account's assets are invested.
 
  Group Contract--A group flexible premium variable life insurance contract
issued to the Contractholder by the Company.
 
  Home Office--The service office of the Company, the mailing address of which
is 100 South Brentwood, St. Louis, Missouri 63105.
 
  Indebtedness--The sum of all unpaid Policy Loans and accrued interest charged
on loans.
 
  Individual Insurance--Insurance provided under a Group Contract or under an
Individual Policy issued in connection with an employer-sponsored insurance
program on an employee or an employee's spouse.
 
  Insured--The person whose life is insured under a Policy. The term may
include both an employee and an employee's spouse.
 
  Investment Start Date--The date the initial premium is applied to the
Divisions of the Separate Account. This date is the later of the Issue Date or
the date the initial premium is received at the Company's Home Office.
 
                                       3
<PAGE>
 
  Issue Age--The Insured's Age at his or her last birthday as of the date the
Policy is issued.
 
  Issue Date--The effective date of coverage under a Policy. The Issue Date is
the date from which Policy Anniversaries, Policy Years, and Policy Months are
measured.
 
  Loan Account--The account of the Company to which amounts securing Policy
Loans are allocated. It is a part of the Company's general assets.
 
  Loan Value--The maximum amount that may be borrowed under a Policy after the
first Policy Anniversary.
 
  Maturity Date--The Policy Anniversary on which the Insured reaches Attained
Age 95.
 
  Monthly Anniversary--The same date in each succeeding month as the Issue Date
except that whenever the Monthly Anniversary falls on a date other than a
Valuation Date, the Monthly Anniversary will be deemed the next Valuation Date.
If any Monthly Anniversary would be the 29th, 30th, or 31st day of a month that
does not have that number of days, then the Monthly Anniversary will be the
last day of that month.
 
  Net Premium--The premium less any premium expense charge and any charge for
premium taxes.
 
  Owner--The Owner of a Policy, as designated in the application or as
subsequently changed.
 
  Policy--Either the Certificate or the Individual Policy offered by the
Company and described in this Prospectus. Under Group Contracts, the Policy may
be issued on the employee or on the employee's spouse.
 
  Policy Anniversary--The same date each year as the Issue Date.
 
  Policy Month--A month beginning on the Monthly Anniversary.
 
  Policy Year--A period beginning on a Policy Anniversary and ending on the day
immediately preceding the next Policy Anniversary.
 
  Separate Account--The Separate Account C, a separate investment account
established by the Company to receive and invest the net premiums paid under
the Policy.
 
  Spouse--An employee's legal spouse. The term does not include a spouse who is
legally separated from the employee.
 
  Valuation Date--Each day that the New York Stock Exchange is open for
trading, except on the day after Thanksgiving when the Company is closed.
 
  Valuation Period--The period between two successive Valuation Dates,
commencing at the close of business of a Valuation Date and ending at the close
of business of the next succeeding Valuation Date.
 
  VIP--Collectively defines Variable Insurance Products Fund, Variable
Insurance Products Fund II, and Variable Insurance Products Fund III.
 
                                    SUMMARY
 
  The following summary of Prospectus information should be read in conjunction
with the detailed information appearing elsewhere in this Prospectus. Unless
otherwise indicated, the description of the Policies contained in this
Prospectus assumes that a Policy is in effect and that there is no outstanding
Indebtedness.
 
  The Policy. The Policies (either an Individual Policy or a Certificate)
described in this Prospectus are designed for use in employer-sponsored
insurance programs and are typically issued in two situations. First, Policies
are issued pursuant to Group Contracts entered into between the Company and
Contractholders. (See "General Provisions of the Group Contract.") Second, in
certain circumstances where Group Contracts are not issued, Individual Policies
are issued in connection with the employer-sponsored insurance programs.
Subject to certain restrictions, the Insured under a Policy may be either an
employee of the Contractholder or sponsoring employer, or the employee's
spouse. Generally, only the employee is eligible to be an Insured
 
                                       4
<PAGE>
 
under an Executive Program Policy. Provided there is sufficient Cash Surrender
Value, Individual Insurance under a Group Contract or other employer-sponsored
insurance program will continue should the Group Contract or other program
cease or the employee's employment end. (See "Payment and Allocation of
Premiums--Issuance of a Policy.")
 
  The Policies are life insurance contracts with death benefits, cash values,
surrender rights, policy loan privileges, and other features traditionally
associated with life insurance. On behalf of Owners, the Contractholder will
remit planned premium payments under the Group Contract equal to an amount
authorized by employees to be deducted from their wages. In addition, Owners
may, but are not required to, pay additional premiums. However, the Owner in
Corporate Programs will remit planned and additional premiums. A similar
procedure will apply when an Individual Policy is issued in connection with an
employer-sponsored program where the Group Contract is not issued.
 
  The Policies are "variable" policies because, unlike the fixed benefits under
an ordinary life insurance contract, the Cash Value and, under certain
circumstances, the death benefit under a Policy may increase or decrease
depending upon the investment performance of the Divisions of the Separate
Account to which the Owner has allocated net premium payments. However, so long
as a Policy's Cash Surrender Value continues to be sufficient to pay the
monthly deduction, an Owner is guaranteed a minimum death benefit equal to the
Face Amount of his or her Policy or an accelerated death benefit in a reduced
amount determined in accordance with certain riders available under the Policy.
(See "General Matters Relating to the Policy--Additional Insurance Benefits.")
 
  The Separate Account. The Owner may allocate the net premiums to one or more
Divisions of the Separate Account. The Separate Account currently consists of
thirteen Divisions, each of which invests in shares of a corresponding Fund of
VIP. The thirteen Funds currently available are the Money Market Portfolio,
High Income Portfolio, Equity-Income Portfolio, Growth Portfolio, Overseas
Portfolio, Investment Grade Bond Portfolio, Asset Manager Portfolio, Index 500
Portfolio, Contrafund Portfolio, Asset Manager: Growth Portfolio, Growth &
Income Portfolio, Balanced Portfolio, and Growth Opportunities Portfolio. Each
Fund has a different investment objective. (See "The Separate Account--Variable
Insurance Products Funds.") An Owner may change future allocations of net
premiums at any time by notifying the Company directly.
 
  Subject to certain restrictions, an Owner may transfer Cash Values among the
Divisions of the Separate Account. Currently, no charge is assessed for
transfers. The Company reserves the right to modify the transfer privilege.
(See "Policy Rights and Privileges--Transfers.")
 
  Premiums. An Owner has flexibility concerning the amount and frequency of
premium payments. An initial premium equal to one-twelfth (1/12) of the planned
annual premium set forth in the specifications page of a Policy is necessary to
place a Policy in force. The planned annual premium is an amount specified for
each Policy based on the requested initial Face Amount and certain other
factors. Under Group Contracts and employer-sponsored programs, the initial
premium and subsequent planned premiums generally are remitted by the
Contractholder or sponsoring employer on behalf of the Owner at intervals
agreed to by the Contractholder or employer. In Corporate Programs, the Owner
or its designee will remit premiums generally on a schedule agreed to by the
Company. However, as is discussed below, planned premiums need not be paid so
long as there is sufficient Cash Surrender Value to keep the Policy in force.
Subject to certain limitations, additional premium payments in any amount and
at any frequency may be made directly by the Owner. (See "Payment and
Allocation of Premiums--Issuance of a Policy--Premiums.")
 
  A Policy will lapse (and terminate without value) when the Cash Surrender
Value is insufficient to pay the next monthly deduction and a grace period of
62 days expires without an adequate payment being made by the Owner (see
"Payment and Allocation of Premiums--Policy Lapse and Reinstatement.") The
Policies, therefore, differ in two important respects from conventional life
insurance policies. First, the failure to make planned premium payments
following the initial premium payment will not itself cause a Policy to lapse.
Second, under the circumstances described above, a Policy can lapse even if
planned premiums have been paid. Thus, the payment of premiums in any amount
does not guarantee that the Policy will remain in force until the Maturity
Date. (See "Payment and Allocation of Premiums--Policy Lapse and
Reinstatement.")
 
                                       5
<PAGE>
 
  Death Benefit. Death benefit proceeds are payable to the named Beneficiary
when the Insured under a Policy dies or, under certain riders available under
the Policy, to the Owner, prior to the Insured's death under circumstances
described in those riders. (See "General Matters Relating to the Policy--
Additional Insurance Benefits.") Two death benefit options are available. Under
the "Level Type" death benefit, the death benefit is the Face Amount of the
Policy or, if greater, the applicable percentage of Cash Value. Under the
"Increasing Type" death benefit, the death benefit is the Face Amount of the
Policy plus the Cash Value or, if greater, the applicable percentage of Cash
Value. So long as a Policy remains in force, the minimum death benefit under
either option will be at least equal to the current Face Amount. The death
benefit proceeds will be increased by the amount of the cost of insurance for
the portion of the month from the date of death to the end of the month, and
reduced by any outstanding Indebtedness. (See "Policy Benefits--Death
Benefit.")
 
  The minimum initial Face Amount is generally $25,000 under the Company's
current rules. Executive Program Policies generally have a minimum Face Amount
of $100,000. The maximum Face Amount is generally $500,000. However, in
connection with a particular Group Contract, employer-sponsored insurance
program, Executive Program, or Corporate Program the Company may establish a
substantially higher Face Amount for Policies issued under that Contract or
program. The Owner may generally change the Face Amount (subject to the minimum
and maximum amounts applicable to the Policy as issued) and the death benefit
option, but in certain cases evidence of insurability may be required. (See
"Policy Benefits--Death Benefit.")
 
  Additional insurance benefits offered under the Policy by rider may include a
children's insurance rider, an acceleration of death benefits rider, an
accelerated death benefit settlement option rider, an accidental death benefit
rider, and a waiver of monthly deductions rider. Some Group Contracts and
employer-sponsored insurance programs may not provide each of the additional
benefits described above. Generally, Executive Program Policies only have the
acceleration of death benefits rider. Generally, Corporate Program Policies
have none of the additional benefits described above. (See "General Matters
Relating to the Policy--Additional Insurance Benefits.") The cost of these
additional insurance benefits will be deducted from Cash Value as part of the
monthly deduction. (See "Charges and Deductions--Monthly Deduction.")
 
  Benefits under the Policy may be paid in a single sum or under one of the
settlement options set forth in the Policy or an applicable rider. (See "Policy
Benefits--Death Benefit" page 16, and "Policy Rights and Privileges--Payment of
Policy Benefits.")
 
  Cash Value. The Policies provide for a Cash Value equal to the total of the
Policy's Cash Value in the Separate Account and the Loan Account (securing
Policy Loans). A Policy's Cash Value will reflect the amount and frequency of
premium payments, the investment performance of any selected Divisions of the
Separate Account, any Policy Loans, any partial withdrawals, and the charges
imposed in connection with the Policy. (See "Policy Benefits--Cash Value.")
There is no minimum guaranteed Cash Value.
 
  Charges and Deductions. Generally, there are no sales charges under a Policy.
However, a front-end charge will be imposed on Policies that are deemed to be
individual Policies under the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1990
("OBRA"). The charge, which is for federal income taxes measured by premiums,
is equal to 1% of each premium payment, and compensates the Company for a
significantly higher corporate income tax liability resulting from changes made
to the Internal Revenue Code by OBRA.
 
  A charge of 2 percent to cover state premium taxes will be deducted from
premiums paid. However, a charge of 2 1/4 percent to cover state premium taxes
may be deducted from premiums paid in connection with Executive Programs and
Corporate Programs. (See "Charges and Deductions--Premium Tax Charge," page
27.)
 
  A monthly deduction will be made from a Policy's Cash Value in the Divisions
of the Separate Account. The monthly deduction includes an administrative
charge, a cost of insurance charge, and the cost of any
 
                                       6
<PAGE>
 
additional insurance benefits provided by rider. The amount of the
administrative charge will be set forth in the specification pages of the
Policy and will be based on the number of the Insureds covered under a Group
Contract or other employer-sponsored insurance program and the amount of
administrative services provided by the Company. The charge will not exceed
$6.00 per month during the first Policy Year and $3.50 per month during renewal
years.
 
  The cost of insurance charge is calculated on each Monthly Anniversary. (See
"Charges and Deductions--Monthly Deduction--Cost of Insurance.") Monthly cost
of insurance rates will be determined by the Company based upon its
expectations as to future mortality experience. The Company currently
underwrites Policies on either a simplified issue or guaranteed issue basis.
However, the Company does not vary cost of insurance rates based on a
particular Policy's classification as simplified issue or guaranteed issue.
Rather, the rates are based on the Attained Age and rate class of the Insured,
as well as on the gender mix of the group insured, which is the proportion of
men and women covered under a particular Group Contract or employer-sponsored
program. For a discussion of the factors affecting the rate class of the
Insured, see "Charges and Deductions--Monthly Deduction--Cost of Insurance."
 
  Cost of insurance rates are guaranteed not to exceed 125 percent of the
maximum rates that could be charged based on the 1980 Commissioners Standard
Ordinary Mortality Table C ("1980 CSO Table"). The 1980 CSO Table assumes a
blending of sixty percent male and forty percent female. Generally, the rates
currently charged do not exceed 100% of the 1980 CSO Table. However, instances
in which the Company's current rates may exceed 100% of the 1980 CSO Table are
generally limited to particular Policies issued to Insureds in small groups
(i.e. generally less than 750 eligible employees) and/or groups that are
predominantly male. The guaranteed rates are higher than the 1980 CSO Table
because, under both guaranteed and simplified underwriting, the Insured is not
required to submit to a medical or paramedical examination although a blood
test may be required. Because the Company gathers less health information about
these individuals, it is exposed to additional insurance risks. Although the
circumstances in which the Company could raise its current mortality charges
are limited, such an increase is permitted under the Policy. To the extent that
the current cost of insurance rates exceed or are raised so that they exceed
100% of the 1980 CSO Table, the monthly cost of insurance charge would, in
effect, be a substandard risk charge for healthy Insureds.
 
  A daily charge not to exceed .0024547% (an annual rate of .90%) of the net
assets of each Division of the Separate Account will be imposed for the
Company's assumption of certain mortality and expense risks incurred in
connection with the Policies. (See "Charges and Deductions--Separate Account
Charges.")
 
  No charges are currently made from the Separate Account for Federal or state
income taxes. However, if it is determined that such taxes may be incurred,
then the Company may make deductions from the Separate Account to pay these
taxes or to pay any economic burden resulting from the application of the tax
laws that the Company determines to be properly attributable to the Separate
Account or the Policies. (See "Federal Tax Matters.")
 
  The value of the assets of the Divisions of the Separate Account will reflect
the investment advisory fee and other expenses incurred by VIP because the
Separate Account purchases the shares of VIP. (See "Charges and Deductions--
Separate Account Charges.")
 
  The total annual investment advisory fee and fund expenses for the funds
available during the last fiscal year as a percentage of net assets are as
follows: Fidelity Variable Insurance Products Fund, Fidelity Variable Insurance
Products Fund II, or Fidelity Insurance Products Fund III Money Market
Portfolio .30%; High Income Portfolio .71%; Equity-Income Portfolio .58%;
Growth Portfolio .69%; Overseas Portfolio .93%; Investment Grade Bond Portfolio
 .58%; Asset Manager Portfolio .74%; Index 500 Portfolio .28%; Contrafund
Portfolio .74%; Asset Manager: Growth Portfolio .87%; Growth & Income Portfolio
1.00%; Balanced Portfolio .72%; and Growth Opportunities Portfolio .77%.
Fidelity Management & Research Company ("FMR") agreed to reimburse a portion of
Index 500 Portfolio's expenses during the period. Without this reimbursement,
the fund's total expenses would have been .43%.
 
                                       7
<PAGE>
 
  A transaction charge equal to the lesser of $25 or two percent of the amount
withdrawn will be assessed on each partial withdrawal of amounts from the
Separate Account. Currently, there are no transaction charges imposed for
transfers of amounts between Divisions of the Separate Account. In addition,
transfers and withdrawals are subject to restrictions relative to amount and
frequency. (See "Payment and Allocation of Premiums--Allocation of Net Premiums
and Cash Value," and "Policy Rights and Privileges--Surrender and Partial
Withdrawals, Transfers," and "Charges and Deductions--Partial Withdrawal
Transaction Charge.")
 
  Policy Loans. After the first Policy Anniversary an Owner may borrow against
the Cash Value of a Policy. The Loan Value is (a) minus (b), where (a) is 85
percent of the Cash Value of the Policy on the date the Policy Loan is
requested, and (b) is the amount of outstanding Indebtedness. Loan interest is
due and payable in arrears on each Policy Anniversary or on a pro rata basis
for such shorter period as the Policy Loan may exist. All outstanding
Indebtedness will be deducted from proceeds payable at the Insured's death,
upon maturity, or upon surrender.
 
  A Policy Loan will be allocated among the various Divisions of the Separate
Account. A portion of the Policy's Cash Value in each Division of the Separate
Account to which the loan is allocated will be transferred to the Loan Account
as security for the loan. Therefore, a Policy Loan may have a permanent impact
on the Policy's Cash Value even if it is repaid. A Policy Loan may be repaid in
whole or in part at any time while the Policy is in force. (See "Policy Rights
and Privileges--Loans.") Loans taken from, or secured by, a Policy may in
certain circumstances be treated as taxable distributions from the Policy.
Moreover, with certain exceptions, a ten percent additional income tax would be
imposed on the portion of any loan that is included in income. (See "Federal
Tax Matters.")
 
  Surrender and Partial Withdrawals. At any time that a Policy is in effect, an
Owner may elect to surrender the Policy and receive its Cash Surrender Value.
An Owner may also request a partial withdrawal of the Cash Value of the Policy.
When the death benefit under either death benefit option is not based on an
applicable percentage of the Cash Value, a partial withdrawal reduces the death
benefit payable under the Policy by an amount equal to the reduction in the
Policy's Cash Value. (See "Policy Rights and Privileges--Surrender and Partial
Withdrawals.") Surrenders and partial withdrawals may have federal income tax
consequences. (See "Federal Tax Matters.")
 
  Right to Examine Policy. The Owner has a limited right to return a Policy for
cancellation within 20 days after the delivery of the Policy to the Owner,
within 45 days after the Owner signs the application, or within 10 days after
the Company mails a notice of this cancellation right to the Owner whichever is
latest. If a Policy is cancelled within this time period, a refund will be paid
which will equal all premiums paid under the Policy or any different amount
required by law. The Owner also has a right to cancel a requested increase in
Face Amount. Upon cancellation of an increase, the Owner may request that the
Company refund the amount of the additional charges deducted in connection with
the increase, or have the amount of the additional charges added to the Cash
Value. (See "Policy Rights and Privileges--Right to Examine Policy.")
 
  Eligibility Change Conversion. In the event that the Insured is no longer
eligible for coverage under the Group Contract, either because the Group
Contract has terminated or because the employee is no longer employed by the
Contractholder, the Individual Insurance provided by the Policy issued in
connection with the Group Contract will continue unless the Policy is cancelled
or surrendered by the Owner or there is insufficient Cash Surrender Value to
prevent the Policy from lapsing.
 
  If a Certificate was issued in connection with the Group Contract, the
Certificate will be amended automatically to continue in force as an Individual
Policy. The new Individual Policy will provide benefits which are identical to
those provided under the Certificate. If an Individual Policy was issued in
connection with a Group Contract, the Individual Policy will continue in force
following the termination of the Group Contract. (See "Policy Right and
Privileges--Eligibility Change Conversion.")
 
                                       8
<PAGE>
 
  Conversion Right to a Fixed Benefit Policy. During the first 24 Policy Months
following a Policy's Issue Date, the Owner may convert the Policy to a life
insurance policy that provides for benefits that do not vary with the
investment return of the Divisions of the Separate Account. The Owner also has
a similar right with respect to increases in the Face Amount. (See "Policy
Rights and Privileges--Conversion Right to a Fixed Benefit Policy.")
 
  Exercising Rights and Privileges Under the Policies. Owners of Policies
issued under a Group Contract or in connection with an employer-sponsored
insurance program may exercise their rights and privileges under the Policies
(i.e., make transfers, change premium allocations, borrow, etc.) by notifying
the Company in writing at its Home Office. Likewise, the Company will send all
reports and other notices described herein or in the Policy directly to the
Owner. (See "Policy Rights and Privileges--Exercising Rights and Privileges
Under the Policies.")
 
  Illustrations of Death Benefits and Cash Surrender Values. Illustrations on
pages A-1 to A-13 in Appendix A show how death benefits and Cash Surrender
Values may vary based on certain hypothetical rate of return assumptions as
well as assumptions pertaining to the level of the administrative charge and
the level of the sales charges. These illustrations also show how these
benefits compare with amounts which would accumulate if premiums were invested
to earn interest (after taxes) at 5% compounded annually. If a Policy is
surrendered in the early Policy Years, the Cash Surrender Value payable will be
low as compared with premiums accumulated with interest, and consequently the
insurance protection provided prior to surrender will be costly.
 
  Tax Consequences of the Policy. While guidance is limited, the Company
believes that the Policy should be treated as a life insurance contract for
Federal income tax purposes. Assuming that a Policy qualifies as a life
insurance contract for Federal income tax purposes, a Policy Owner should not
be deemed to be in constructive receipt of Cash Surrender Value under a Policy
until there is a distribution from the Policy. Moreover, death benefits payable
under a Policy should be completely excludable from the gross income of the
Beneficiary. As a result, the Beneficiary generally should not be taxed on
these proceeds.
 
  Under certain circumstances, a Policy may be treated as a "modified endowment
contract." If the Policy is a modified endowment contract, then all pre-death
distributions, including Policy loans, will be treated first as a distribution
of taxable income and then as a return of basis or investment in the contract.
In addition, prior to age 59 1/2 any such distributions generally will be
subject to a 10% penalty tax.
 
  If the Policy is not a modified endowment contract, distributions generally
will be treated first as a return of basis or investment in the contract and
then as disbursing taxable income. Loans will not be treated as distributions.
Neither distributions, nor loans from a Policy that is not a modified endowment
contract are subject to the 10% penalty tax. (See "Federal Tax Matters.")
 
  Specialized Uses of the Policy. Because the Policy provides for an
accumulation of Cash Value as well as a death benefit, the Policy can be used
for various individual and business financial planning purposes. Purchasing the
Policy in part for such purposes entails certain risks. For example, if the
investment performance of Divisions to which Cash Value is allocated is poorer
than expected or if sufficient premiums are not paid, the Policy may lapse or
may not accumulate sufficient Cash Value to fund the purpose for which the
Policy was purchased. Partial withdrawals and Policy loans may significantly
affect current and future Cash Value, Cash Surrender Value, or death benefit
proceeds. Depending upon Division investment performance and the amount of a
Policy loan, the loan may cause a Policy to lapse. Because the Policy is
designed to provide benefits on a long-term basis, before purchasing a Policy
for a specialized purpose a purchaser should consider whether the long-term
nature of the Policy is consistent with the purpose for which it is being
considered. Using a Policy for a specialized purpose may have tax consequences.
(See "Federal Tax Matters.")
 
                                       9
<PAGE>
 
                      THE COMPANY AND THE SEPARATE ACCOUNT
 
THE COMPANY
 
  Paragon Life Insurance Company (the "Company") is a stock life insurance
company incorporated under the laws of Missouri. The Company was organized in
1981 as General American Insurance Company and on December 31, 1987, its name
was changed. No change in operations or ownership took place in connection with
the name change. The Company is principally engaged in writing individual and
group life insurance policies and annuity contracts. As of December 31, 1996,
it had assets in excess of $180 million. The Company is admitted to do business
in 49 states and the District of Columbia. The principal offices of the Company
are at 100 South Brentwood, St. Louis, Missouri 63105 ("Home Office").
 
  The Company is a wholly-owned subsidiary of General American Life Insurance
Company (the "Parent Company"), a mutual life insurance company. The Parent
Company has agreed that until March 23, 1999, it will maintain capital and
surplus within the Company sufficient to satisfy the capital requirements of
the states in which the Company is authorized to do business.
 
  In addition, the Parent Company agrees to guarantee that the Company will
have sufficient funds to meet all of its contractual obligations. In the event
a policyholder presents a legitimate claim for payment on a Paragon insurance
policy, the Parent Company will pay such claim directly to the policyholder if
Paragon is unable to make such payment. This guarantee, which does not have a
predetermined termination date, can be modified or ended only as to policies
not yet issued. The guarantee agreement is binding on the Parent Company, its
successor or assignee and shall cease only if the guarantee is assigned to an
organization having a financial rating from Standard & Poor's equal to or
better than the Parent Company's rating. The Parent Company does not intend
this guarantee to be a guarantee with regard to the investment experience or
cash values of the Policy.
 
  The Company may from time to time publish in advertisements, sales
literature, and reports to Owners or Contractholders, the ratings and other
information assigned to it by one or more independent rating organizations such
as A. M. Best Company, Standard & Poor's Corporation, and Duff & Phelps. The
purpose of the ratings is to reflect the financial strength and/or claims
paying ability of the Company and should not be considered as bearing on the
investment performance of assets held in the Separate Account. Each year the A.
M. Best Company reviews the financial status of thousands of insurers,
culminating in the assignment of Best's ratings. These ratings reflect Best's
current opinion of the relative financial strength and operating performance of
an insurance company in comparison to the norms of the life/health insurance
industry. In addition, the claims paying ability of the Company as measured by
Standard & Poor's Insurance Ratings Services or Duff & Phelps may be referred
to in advertisements or sales literature or in reports to Owners or
Contractholders. These ratings are opinions of an operating insurance company's
financial capacity to meet the obligations of its insurance policies in
accordance with their terms. These ratings do not reflect the investment
performance of the Separate Account or the degree of risk associated with an
investment in the Separate Account.
 
  The Company also may include in advertisements and other literature certain
rankings assigned to the Company by the National Association of Insurance
Commissioners ("NAIC"), and the Company's analyses of statistical information
produced by the NAIC. These rankings and analyses of statistical information
may describe, among other things, the Company's growth, premium income,
investment income, capital gains and losses, policy reserves, policy claims,
and life insurance in force. The Company's use of such rankings and statistical
information is not an endorsement by the NAIC.
 
  Advertisements and literature prepared by the Company also may include
discussions of taxable and tax-deferred investment programs (including
comparisons based on selected tax brackets), alternative investment vehicles,
and general economic conditions.
 
                                       10
<PAGE>
 
THE SEPARATE ACCOUNT
 
  Separate Account C (the "Separate Account") was established by the Company as
a separate investment account on August 1, 1993 under Missouri law. The
Separate Account receives and invests the net premiums paid under the Policies.
In addition, the Separate Account may receive and invest net premiums for other
flexible premium variable life insurance policies that might be issued by the
Company.
 
  The Separate Account currently is divided into thirteen Divisions. Each
Division invests exclusively in shares of a single portfolio of VIP. Income and
both realized and unrealized gains or losses from the assets of each Division
of the Separate Account are credited to or charged against that Division
without regard to income, gains, or losses from any other Division of the
Separate Account or arising out of any other business the Company may conduct.
 
  Although the assets of the Separate Account are the property of the Company,
the assets in the Separate Account equal to the reserves and other liabilities
of the Separate Account are not chargeable with liabilities arising out of any
other business which the Company may conduct. The assets of the Separate
Account are available to cover the general liabilities of the Company only to
the extent that the Separate Account's assets exceed its liabilities arising
under the Policies. From time to time, these excess assets may be transferred
out of the Separate Account and included in the Company's general assets.
Before making any such transfers, the Company will consider any possible
adverse impact the transfer may have on the Separate Account.
 
  The Separate Account has been registered with the Securities and Exchange
Commission ("SEC" or "Commission") as a unit investment trust under the
Investment Company Act of 1940 (the "1940 Act") and meets the definition of a
"separate account" under federal securities laws. Registration with the SEC
does not involve supervision of the management or investment practices or
policies of the Separate Account or the Company by the Commission.
 
VARIABLE INSURANCE PRODUCTS FUNDS
 
  The Separate Account invests in shares of Variable Insurance Products Fund,
Variable Insurance Products Fund II, and Variable Insurance Products Fund III
(together referred to as "VIP"), series-type mutual funds registered with the
SEC as open-end, diversified management investment companies. VIP currently has
thirteen separate investment portfolios or "Funds" which are available in the
Policies: Money Market Portfolio, High Income Portfolio, Equity-Income
Portfolio, Growth Portfolio, Overseas Portfolio, Investment Grade Bond
Portfolio, Asset Manager Portfolio, Index 500 Portfolio, Contrafund Portfolio,
Asset Manager: Growth Portfolio, Growth & Income Portfolio, Balanced Portfolio,
and Growth Opportunities Portfolio. The assets of each Fund are held separate
from the assets of the other Funds, and each Fund has investment objectives and
policies which are different from those of the other Funds. Thus, each Fund
operates as a separate investment vehicle, and the income or losses of one Fund
generally have no effect on the investment performance of any other Fund.
 
  The investment objectives and policies of each Fund are summarized below:
 
  Money Market Portfolio seeks to obtain as high a level of current income as
is consistent with preserving capital and providing liquidity. The Portfolio
invests in high quality U.S. dollar denominated money market securities of
domestic and foreign issuers.
 
  High Income Portfolio seeks to obtain a high level of current income by
investing primarily in high-yielding, lower-rated, fixed-income securities,
while also considering growth of capital. Lower-rated securities, commonly
referred to as "junk bonds", involve greater risk of default or price changes
than securities assigned a higher quality rating.
 
  Equity-Income Portfolio seeks reasonable income by investing primarily in
income-producing equity securities. In choosing these securities, the Portfolio
will also consider the potential for capital appreciation. The Portfolio's goal
is to achieve a yield which exceeds the composite yield on the securities
comprising the Standard & Poor's 500 Composite Stock Price Index.
 
                                       11
<PAGE>
 
  Growth Portfolio seeks to achieve capital appreciation. The Portfolio
normally purchases common stocks, although its investments are not restricted
to any one type of security. Capital appreciation may also be found in other
types of securities, including bonds and preferred stocks.
 
  Overseas Portfolio seeks long term growth of capital primarily through
investments in foreign securities. Overseas Portfolio provides a means for
investors to diversify their own portfolios by participating in companies and
economies outside of the United States.
 
  Investment Grade Bond Portfolio seeks as high a level of current income as is
consistent with the preservation of capital. Under normal conditions, at least
65% of the Portfolio's total assets are invested in investment-grade fixed-
income securities. The Portfolio will maintain a dollar-weighted average
portfolio maturity of ten years or less.
 
  Asset Manager Portfolio seeks high total return with reduced risk over the
long-term by allocating its assets among domestic and foreign stocks, bonds and
short-term fixed-income instruments.
 
  Index 500 Portfolio seeks to provide investment results that correspond to
the total return (i.e., the combination of capital changes and income) of
common stocks publicly traded in the United States as represented by the
Standard & Poor's 500 Composite Stock Price Index while keeping transaction
costs and other expenses low. The Portfolio is designed as a long-term
investment option.
 
  Contrafund Portfolio seeks long-term capital appreciation by investing in
companies that are undergoing positive changes but are currently unpopular,
undervalued or overlooked by the market.
 
  Asset Manager: Growth Portfolio seeks to maximize long-term total return with
less risk than a pure stock investment.
 
  Growth & Income Portfolio seeks high total return through a combination of
current income and capital appreciation by investing mainly in equity
securities. These equity securities may be domestic or foreign with a focus on
those that pay current dividends and show potential earnings growth. The
Portfolio may also invest in debt securities not paying dividends, but which
offer prospects for capital appreciation or future income.
 
  Balanced Portfolio seeks both income and growth of capital by investing in a
diversified portfolio of equity and fixed-income securities with income, growth
of income, and capital appreciation potential. The Portfolio is managed to
maintain a balance between stocks and bonds, but may vary from this balance if
it is believed stocks or bonds offer more favorable opportunities.
 
  Growth Opportunities Portfolio seeks to provide capital growth by investing
primarily in common stocks and securities convertible into common stocks. The
Portfolio has the ability to purchase preferred stock and bonds that may
produce capital growth, and also can invest in foreign securities without
limitation.
 
  There is no assurance that any of the Funds will achieve its stated
objective. More detailed information, including a description of risks, is in
the prospectuses for VIP, which must accompany or precede this Prospectus and
which should be read carefully.
 
  Fidelity Management & Research Company ("FMR") provides investment advisory
services to VIP in accordance with the terms of the current prospectuses for
VIP. The Funds pay investment management fees to FMR as part of their expenses.
See the VIP prospectuses for details regarding these fees.
 
  Resolving Material Conflicts. All of the Funds of VIP are also available to
registered separate accounts of other insurance companies offering variable
annuity and variable life insurance products. As a result, there is a
possibility that a material conflict may arise between the interests of Owners
of Policies and of owners of policies whose cash values are allocated to other
separate accounts investing in the Funds. In the event a material conflict
arises, the Company will take any necessary steps, including removing the
assets of the Separate Account from one or more of the Funds, to resolve the
matter. See the VIP prospectuses for further details.
 
                                       12
<PAGE>
 
ADDITION, DELETION, OR SUBSTITUTION OF INVESTMENTS
 
  The Company reserves the right, subject to compliance with applicable law, to
make additions to, deletions from, or substitutions for the shares that are
held by the Separate Account or that the Separate Account may purchase. The
Company reserves the right to eliminate the shares of any of the Funds of VIP
and to substitute shares of another Fund of VIP or of another registered open-
end investment company, if the shares of a Fund are no longer available for
investment, or if in the Company's judgment further investment in any Fund
becomes inappropriate in view of the purposes of the Separate Account. The
Company will not substitute any shares attributable to an Owner's interest in a
Division of the Separate Account without notice to the Owner and prior approval
of the SEC, to the extent required by the 1940 Act or other applicable law.
Nothing contained in this Prospectus shall prevent the Separate Account from
purchasing other securities for other series or classes of policies, or from
permitting a conversion between series or classes of policies on the basis of
requests made by Owners.
 
  The Company also reserves the right to establish additional Divisions of the
Separate Account, each of which would invest in a new Fund of VIP, or in shares
of another investment company, with a specified investment objective. New
Divisions may be established when, in the sole discretion of the Company,
marketing needs or investment conditions warrant, and any new Division will be
made available to existing Owners on a basis to be determined by the Company.
To the extent approved by the SEC, the Company may also eliminate or combine
one or more Divisions, substitute one Division for another Division, or
transfer assets between Divisions if, in its sole discretion, marketing, tax,
or investment conditions warrant.
 
  In the event of a substitution or change, the Company may, if it considers it
necessary, make such changes in the Policy by appropriate endorsement. The
Company will notify all Owners of any such changes.
 
  If deemed by the Company to be in the best interests of persons having voting
rights under the Policy, and to the extent any necessary SEC approvals or Owner
votes are obtained, the Separate Account may be: (a) operated as a management
company under the 1940 Act; (b) deregistered under that Act in the event such
registration is no longer required; or (c) combined with other separate
accounts of the Company. To the extent permitted by applicable law, the Company
may also transfer the assets of the Separate Account associated with the Policy
to another separate account.
 
  The Company cannot guarantee that the shares of VIP will always be available.
VIP sells shares to the Separate Account in accordance with the terms of a
participation agreement between VIP and the Company. Should this agreement
terminate or should shares become unavailable for any other reason, the
Separate Account will not be able to purchase VIP shares. Should this occur,
the Company will be unable to honor Owner requests to allocate their cash
values or premium payments to the Divisions of the Separate Account investing
in shares of VIP. In the event that VIP is no longer available, the Company
will, of course, take reasonable steps to obtain alternative investment
options.
 
                       PAYMENT AND ALLOCATION OF PREMIUMS
 
ISSUANCE OF A POLICY
 
  The Company will generally issue a Group Contract to employers whose
employees and/or their spouses may become Owners and/or Insureds thereunder so
long as the employee is within the class of employees eligible to be included
in the Group Contract. The class(es) of employees covered by a particular Group
Contract are set forth in that Group Contract's specifications pages. The Group
Contract will be issued upon receipt of an application for a Group Contract
signed by a duly authorized officer of the employer and acceptance by a duly
authorized officer of the Company at its Home Office. (See "General Provisions
of the Group Contract--Issuance.") Individuals (i.e., eligible employees or
their spouses) wishing to purchase a Policy, whether under a Group Contract or
an employer-sponsored insurance program, must complete the appropriate
application for Individual Insurance and submit it to an authorized
representative of the
 
                                       13
<PAGE>
 
Company or to the Company's Home Office. The Company will issue to each
Contractholder either a Certificate or an Individual Policy to give to each
Owner. Individual Policies, rather than Certificates, will be issued (i) to
independent contractors of the employer; (ii) to persons who wish to continue
coverage after a Group Contract has terminated; (iii) to persons who wish to
continue coverage after they no longer are employed by the Group
Contractholder; (iv) if state law restrictions make issuance of a Group
Contract impracticable; or (v) if the employer chooses to use an employer-
sponsored insurance program that does not involve a Group Contract.
 
  Corporate Programs will generally involve Individual Policies. Policies will
be issued on the lives of eligible Insureds, generally employees of a
sponsoring employer, and the Owner will generally be the sponsoring employer or
its designee.
 
  A Policy generally will be issued only to Insureds of Issue Ages 17 through
70 who supply evidence of insurability satisfactory to the Company. The Company
may, at its sole discretion, issue Policies to individuals falling outside
those Issue Ages or decline to issue Policies to individuals within those Issue
Ages.
 
  In order for an individual employee to be eligible to be an Insured under a
Policy, the employee must be actively at work at the time the application for
Individual Insurance is signed. In addition, there may be specific classes to
which the employee must belong to be eligible to be an Insured under a Policy.
Actively at work means that the employee must work for the Contractholder or
sponsoring employer at the employee's usual place of work or such other places
as required by the Contractholder or sponsoring employer in the course of such
work for the full number of hours and the full rate of pay, as set by the
employment practices of the employer. Ordinarily the time worked per week must
not be less than 30 hours. However, the Company reserves the right to waive or
modify the actively at work requirement at its discretion. In addition, the
Contractholder or sponsoring employer may require that, to be eligible to
purchase a Policy, an employee must be employed by the employer as of a certain
date or for a certain period of time. This date or time period will be set
forth in the Group Contract specifications pages. Employees of any Associated
Companies of the Contractholder will be considered employees of the
Contractholder. The Company may also allow an individual who is an independent
contractor working primarily for the sponsoring employer to be considered an
eligible employee. As an independent contractor, he may receive an Individual
Policy rather than a Certificate depending upon state law applicable to the
contracts. An employee may include a partner in a partnership if the employer
is a partnership.
 
  In other than Executive Programs or Corporate Programs, the first time an
employee is given the opportunity to purchase a Policy, the Company may issue
the Policy and any spouse or children's insurance rider applied for by the
employee pursuant to its guaranteed issue procedure. Under this procedure the
employee is required to answer qualifying questions in the application for
Individual Insurance, but is not required to submit to a medical or paramedical
examination. The maximum Face Amount that an employee can generally apply for
under the guaranteed issue procedure ("Guaranteed Issue Amount") is three times
the employee's salary up to a ceiling that is based on the number of eligible
employees under a Group Contract or other employer-sponsored insurance program.
Guaranteed issue may be available with Executive Programs or Corporate Programs
depending upon number of eligible employees or if other existing coverage is
cancelled.
 
  Where the Face Amount exceeds the guaranteed issue limits, where the Policy
has been offered previously to the employee, where the guaranteed issue
requirements set forth in the application for Individual Insurance are not met,
or in connection with certain programs that may be offered without guaranteed
issue, the employee must submit to a simplified underwriting procedure which
requires the employee to respond satisfactorily to certain health questions in
the application. A blood test may be required. This requirement is generally
applicable only to Executive Programs or Corporate Programs. Similarly, such
questions must be answered if, in connection with the issuance of any
children's rider, if the employee is not eligible for guaranteed issue
underwriting, or, even when the employee is eligible, if the child does not
satisfy the guaranteed issue requirements set forth in the application for
Individual Insurance. However, regardless of
 
                                       14
<PAGE>
 
which underwriting procedure is used, acceptance of an application is subject
to the Company's underwriting rules, and the Company reserves the right to
reject an application for any reason.
 
  If a Policy is to be issued to a spouse of an employee who is eligible to
purchase a Policy under a Group Contract or an employer-sponsored insurance
program, the appropriate application for Individual Insurance must be supplied.
The spouse will be subject to the simplified underwriting procedure described
above. Guaranteed issue is not available. Spouse coverage is generally not
available under Executive Program Policies or Corporate Program Policies.
 
  The Issue Date is the effective date for all coverage provided in the
original application for Individual Insurance. The Issue Date is used to
determine Policy Anniversaries, Policy Years, and Policy Months. A Policy will
not take effect until the appropriate application for Individual Insurance is
signed, the initial premium has been paid prior to the Insured's death, the
Insured is eligible for it, and the information in the application is
determined to be acceptable to the Company. However, prior to the actual
issuance of a Policy which is being underwritten on a guaranteed issue basis,
interim insurance in the amount of insurance applied for up to the Guaranteed
Issue Amount may be available and, if so, will start as of the date of the
application. Interim insurance ends on the earliest of the following dates: (a)
the date insurance begins on the Policy applied for; (b) the date a Policy
other than the Policy applied for is offered to the applicant; (c) the date the
Company notifies the applicant that the application for any proposed Insured is
declined; (d) 60 days from the date of application; or (e) termination of
employment with the Contractholder or sponsoring employer.
 
PREMIUMS
 
  The initial premium is due on the Issue Date, and usually will be remitted by
the Contractholder or employer on behalf of the Owner. In Corporate Programs,
the Owner or its designated payor will remit premiums. The Company requires
that the initial premium for a Policy be at least equal to one-twelfth ( 1/12)
of the planned annual premium for the Policy set forth in the specifications
pages. The planned annual premium is an amount specified for each Policy based
on the requested initial Face Amount, the Issue Age of the Insured and the
charges under the Policy. (See "Charges and Deductions.") However, the Owner is
not required to pay premiums equal to the planned annual premium.
 
  Premiums remitted by a Contractholder or sponsoring employer or designated
payor shall be applied to a Policy when received by the Company. Should
supporting documentation to enable the determination of the amount of premium
per Policy not be received prior to or coincident with the cash premium, the
premiums shall be promptly returned to the entity remitting such premiums.
 
  Following the initial premium, subject to the limitations described below,
premiums may be paid in any amount and at any interval. Under Group Contracts
and Individual Policies issued in connection with other employer-sponsored
insurance programs, the planned annual premium usually will be remitted by the
Contractholder or sponsoring employer on behalf of the Owner pursuant to a
planned premium payment schedule which will provide for premium payments in a
level amount at fixed intervals agreed to by the Contractholder or employer and
the Company (usually monthly). The amount of the premiums remitted by the
sponsoring employer or Contractholder will be that amount authorized to be
deducted by the employee. For Corporate Programs, the Owner or its designated
payor shall remit any scheduled and unscheduled premium payments. The Owner may
skip planned premium payments. Failure to pay one or more planned premium
payments will not cause the Policy to lapse until such time as the Cash
Surrender Value is insufficient to cover the next Monthly Deduction. (See
"Payment and Allocation of Premiums--Policy Lapse and Reinstatement.")
 
  In addition to any planned payments made, an Owner may make unscheduled
premium payments at any time in any amount, subject to the minimum and maximum
premium limitations described below. The payment of an unscheduled premium
payment may have Federal income tax consequences. (See "Federal
 
                                       15
<PAGE>
 
Tax Matters.") Moreover, as mentioned above, an Owner may also skip planned
premium payments. Therefore, unlike conventional insurance policies, a Policy
does not obligate the Owner to pay premiums in accordance with a rigid and
inflexible premium schedule.
 
  Failure of the Contractholder to remit the planned premium payments
authorized by its employees may cause the Group Contract to terminate. (See
"General Provisions of the Group Contract--Termination.") Nonetheless, provided
that there is sufficient Cash Surrender Value to prevent the Policy from
lapsing, the Individual Insurance provided will automatically continue in the
event of such termination. (See "Policy Rights and Privileges--Eligibility
Change Conversion.") Individual Insurance will also continue if the employee's
employment with the Contractholder or sponsoring employer terminates. In either
circumstance, an Owner of an Individual Policy (or a Certificate converted by
amendment to an Individual Policy) will establish a new schedule of planned
premiums which will have the same planned annual premium, but ordinarily the
payment intervals will be no more frequent than quarterly. In Corporate
Programs, there will generally be no change in planned or scheduled premiums
upon the discontinuing employment of an Insured.
 
  Premium Limitations. Every premium payment remitted by or on behalf of an
Owner must be at least $20. In no event may the total of all premiums paid
under a Policy in any Policy Year exceed the current maximum premium
limitations for that year established by Federal tax laws. The maximum premium
limitation for a Policy Year is the most premium that can be paid in that
Policy Year such that the sum of the premiums paid under the Policy will not at
any time exceed the guideline premium limitations referred to in section
7702(c) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, or any successor provision. If at
any time a premium is paid which would result in total premiums exceeding the
current maximum premium limitation, the Company will accept only that portion
of the premium which will make total premiums equal the maximum. Any part of
the premium in excess of that amount will be returned directly to the Owner
within 60 days of the end of the Policy Year in which payment is received or
applied as otherwise agreed and no further premiums will be accepted until
allowed by the current maximum premium limitations prescribed by Federal tax
law. See "Federal Tax Matters" for a further explanation of premium
limitations. Section 7702A creates an additional premium limitation, which, if
exceeded, can change the tax status of a Policy to that of a "modified
endowment contract." A modified endowment contract is a life insurance
contract, withdrawals from which are, for tax purposes, treated first as a
distribution of any taxable income under the contract, and then as a
distribution of nontaxable investment in the contract. Additionally, such
withdrawals may be subject to a 10% federal income tax penalty. The Company has
adopted administrative steps designed to notify an Owner when it is believed
that a premium payment will cause a Policy to become a modified endowment
contract. The Company has administrative procedures to prevent a modified
endowment contract by monitoring premium limits. The Owner will be given a
limited amount of time to request that the premium be reversed in order to
avoid the Policy's being classified as a modified endowment contract. (See
"Federal Tax Matters.")
 
ALLOCATION OF NET PREMIUMS AND CASH VALUE
 
  Net Premiums. The net premium equals the premium paid less the premium
expense charge less any charge to compensate the Company for anticipated higher
corporate income taxes resulting from the sale of a policy less the premium tax
charge. (See "Charges and Deductions--Premium Expense.")
 
  Allocation of Net Premiums. In the application for a Policy, the Owner
indicates how net premiums are to be allocated among the Divisions of the
Separate Account. Beginning with the initial premium payment, all premiums will
be allocated in accordance with the Owner's instructions upon receipt of the
premiums at the Company's Home Office. However, the minimum percentage, other
than zero ("0"), that may be allocated to a Division is 10 percent of the net
premium, and fractional percentages may not be used.
 
  The allocation for future net premiums may be changed without charge at any
time by providing notice in writing directly to the Company. Any change in
allocation will take effect immediately upon receipt by the Company of the
written notification. No charge is imposed for changing the allocations of
future net premiums.
 
                                       16
<PAGE>
 
  The Policy's Cash Value also may be transferred between the Divisions of the
Separate Account. (See "Policy Rights and Privileges--Transfers.")
 
  The value of amounts allocated to Divisions of the Separate Account will vary
with the investment performance of the chosen Divisions and the Owner bears the
entire investment risk. This will affect the Policy's Cash Value, and may
affect the death benefit as well. Owners should periodically review their
allocations of premiums and values in light of market conditions and overall
financial planning requirements.
 
POLICY LAPSE AND REINSTATEMENT
 
  Lapse. Unlike conventional life insurance policies, the failure to make a
premium payment following the initial premium will not itself cause a Policy to
lapse. Lapse will occur only when the Cash Surrender Value is insufficient to
cover the monthly deduction, and a grace period expires without a sufficient
payment being made. (See also "General Provisions of the Group Contract--Grace
Period--Termination.")
 
  The grace period, which is 62 days, begins on the Monthly Anniversary on
which the Cash Surrender Value becomes insufficient to meet the next monthly
deduction. The Company will notify the Owner at the beginning of the grace
period by mail addressed to the last known address on file with the Company.
The notice will specify the amount of premium required to keep the Policy in
force and the date the payment is due. Subject to minimum premium requirements,
the amount of the premium required to keep the Policy in force will be the
amount of the current monthly deduction. (See "Charges and Deductions," page
26.) If the Company does not receive the required amount within the grace
period, the Policy will lapse and terminate without Cash Value. If the Insured
dies during the grace period, any overdue monthly deductions will be deducted
from the death benefit otherwise payable.
 
  Reinstatement. The Owner may reinstate a lapsed Policy by written application
any time within five years after the date of lapse and before the Maturity
Date. The right to reinstate a lapsed Policy will not be affected by the
termination of a Group Contract or the termination of an employee's employment
during the reinstatement period. Reinstatement is subject to the following
conditions:
 
    1. Evidence of the insurability of the Insured satisfactory to the
  Company (including evidence of insurability of any person covered by a
  rider to reinstate the rider).
    2. Payment of a premium that, after the deduction of any premium expense
  charge and any premium tax charge, is large enough to cover: (a) the
  monthly deductions due at the time of lapse, and (b) two times the monthly
  deduction due at the time of reinstatement.
    3. Payment or reinstatement of any Indebtedness. Any Indebtedness
  reinstated will cause a Cash Value of an equal amount also to be
  reinstated. Any loan paid at the time of reinstatement will cause an
  increase in Cash Value equal to the amount of the repaid loan.
    4. The Policy cannot be reinstated if it has been surrendered.
 
The amount of Cash Value on the date of reinstatement will be equal to the
amount of any Indebtedness reinstated, increased by the net premiums paid at
reinstatement and any loans paid at the time of reinstatement.
 
  The effective date of reinstatement will be the date of approval by the
Company of the application for reinstatement. There will be a full monthly
deduction for the Policy Month that includes that date.
 
                                POLICY BENEFITS
 
DEATH BENEFIT
 
  As long as the Policy remains in force, the Company will, upon proof of the
Insured's death, pay the death benefit proceeds of a Policy in accordance with
the death benefit option in effect at the time of the Insured's death. Payment
of death benefit proceeds will not be affected by termination of the Group
Contract or employer-sponsored insurance program or by termination of an
employee's employment.
 
                                       17
<PAGE>
 
  If a rider permitting the accelerated payment of death benefit proceeds has
been added to the Policy, the death benefit may be paid in a single sum prior
to the death of the Insured and may be less than otherwise would be paid upon
the death of the Insured. (See "General Matters Relating to the Policy--
Additional Insurance Benefits.")
 
  The amount of the death benefit proceeds payable will be determined at the
end of the Valuation Period during which the Insured's death occurred. The
proceeds may be paid in a single sum or under one or more of the settlement
options set forth in the Policy. (See "Policy Rights and Privileges--Payment of
Policy Benefits.") Death benefit proceeds will be paid to the surviving
Beneficiary or Beneficiaries specified in the application or as subsequently
changed.
 
  The Policy provides two death benefit options: a "Level Type" death benefit
("Option A") and an "Increasing Type" death benefit ("Option B"). Option B
generally will be the only option presented. The death benefit under either
option will never be less than the current Face Amount of the Policy as long as
the Policy remains in force. (See "Payment and Allocation of Premiums--Policy
Lapse and Reinstatement.") The minimum Face Amount currently is $25,000. The
maximum Face Amount is generally $500,000. However, in connection with a
particular Group Contract, employer sponsored insurance program, Executive
Program or Corporate Program, the Company may establish a substantially higher
Face Amount for Policies issued under that Contract or program.
 
  Option A. Under Option A, the death benefit is the current Face Amount of the
Policy or, if greater, the applicable percentage of Cash Value on the date of
death. The applicable percentage is 250 percent for an Insured Attained Age 40
or below on the Policy Anniversary prior to the date of death. For Insureds
with an Attained Age over 40 on that Policy Anniversary, the percentage is
lower and declines with age as shown in the Applicable Percentage Table below.
Accordingly, under Option A the death benefit will remain level at the Face
Amount unless the applicable percentage of Cash Value exceeds the current Face
Amount, in which case the amount of the death benefit will vary as the Cash
Value varies. Owners who prefer to have favorable investment performance
reflected in higher Cash Value for the same Face Amount, rather than increased
death benefit, generally should select Option A.
 
                          APPLICABLE PERCENTAGE TABLE
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                         APPLICABLE
ATTAINED AGE             PERCENTAGE
- ------------             ----------
<S>                      <C>
40 or younger...........    250%
41......................    243
42......................    236
43......................    229
44......................    222
45......................    215
46......................    209
47......................    203
48......................    197
49......................    191
50......................    185
51......................    178
52......................    171
53......................    164
54......................    157
55......................    150
56......................    146
57......................    142
58......................    138
59......................    134
60......................    130
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                    APPLICABLE
                         ATTAINED AGE               PERCENTAGE
                         ------------               ----------
                         <S>                        <C>
                         61........................    128%
                         62........................    126
                         63........................    124
                         64........................    122
                         65........................    120
                         66........................    119
                         67........................    118
                         68........................    117
                         69........................    116
                         70........................    115
                         71........................    113
                         72........................    111
                         73........................    109
                         74........................    107
                         75 to 90..................    105
                         91........................    104
                         92........................    103
                         93........................    102
                         94........................    101
                         95 or older...............    100
 
</TABLE>
 
                                       18
<PAGE>
 
   The applicable percentages in the foregoing table are based on Federal tax
law requirements described in Section 7702(d) of the Code. The Company reserves
the right to alter the applicable percentage to the extent necessary to comply
with changes to Section 7702(d) or any successor provision thereto.
 
  Option B. Under Option B, the death benefit is equal to the current Face
Amount plus the Cash Value of the Policy or, if greater, the applicable
percentage of the Cash Value on the date of death. The applicable percentage is
the same as under Option A: 250 percent for an Insured with an Attained Age of
40 or below on the Policy Anniversary prior to the date of death, and for
Insureds with an Attained Age over 40 on that Policy Anniversary the percentage
declines as shown in the Applicable Percentage Table above. Accordingly, under
Option B the amount of the death benefit will always vary as the Cash Value
varies (but will never be less than the Face Amount). Owners who prefer to have
favorable investment performance reflected in higher death benefits for the
same Face Amount generally should select Option B. All other factors equal, for
the same premium dollar, Option B provides lower initial Face Amount resulting
in earlier cash accumulation.
 
  Change in Death Benefit Option. After the first Policy Anniversary, the Owner
may change the death benefit option in effect. The Company reserves the right
to limit the number of changes in death benefit options to one each Policy
Year. A request for change must be made directly to the Company in writing. The
effective date of such a change will be the Monthly Anniversary on or following
the date the Company receives the change request.
 
  If the death benefit option is changed from Option A to Option B, the Face
Amount after the change will equal the Face Amount before the change less the
Cash Value on the effective date of the change. Satisfactory evidence of
insurability must be submitted directly to the Company in connection with a
request for a change from Option A to Option B. This change may not be made if
it would result in a Face Amount of less than $25,000.
 
  If the death benefit option is changed from Option B to Option A, the Face
Amount after the change will equal the Face Amount before the change plus the
Cash Value on the effective date of change.
 
  A change in death benefit option will not in itself result in an immediate
change in the amount of a Policy's death benefit or Cash Value. No charges will
be imposed upon a change from death benefit Option B to Option A. Changing from
Option A to Option B, however, will result in a decrease in the Face Amount. In
addition, if, prior to or accompanying a change in the death benefit option,
there has been an increase in the Face Amount, the cost of insurance charge may
be different for the increased amount. (See "Charges and Deductions--Monthly
Deduction--Cost of Insurance.")
 
  No change in death benefit option will be permitted that results in the death
benefit under a Policy being included in gross income due to not satisfying the
requirements of Federal tax law. (See "Federal Tax Matters.")
 
  Change in Face Amount. Subject to certain limitations set forth below, an
Owner may increase or decrease the Face Amount of a Policy (without changing
the death benefit option) after the first Policy Anniversary. A written request
for a change in the Face Amount must be sent directly to the Company. A change
in Face Amount may affect the cost of insurance rate and the net amount at
risk, both of which affect an Owner's cost of insurance charge. (See "Charges
and Deductions--Monthly Deduction--Cost of Insurance.") In addition, a change
in Face Amount may have Federal income tax consequences. (See "Federal Tax
Matters.")
 
  Any decrease in the Face Amount will become effective on the Monthly
Anniversary on or following receipt of the written request by the Company. The
amount of the requested decrease must be at least $5,000 and the Face Amount
remaining in force after any requested decrease may not be less than the
minimum amount Face Amount, generally $25,000. If, following a decrease in Face
Amount, the Policy would not comply with the maximum premium limitations
required by Federal tax law (see "Payment and Allocation
 
                                       19
<PAGE>
 
of Premiums."), the decrease may be limited or Cash Value may be returned to
the Owner (at the Owner's election), to the extent necessary to meet these
requirements. A decrease in the Face Amount will reduce the Face Amount in the
following order:
 
    (a) The Face Amount provided by the most recent increase;
 
    (b) The next most recent increases successively; and
 
    (c) The initial Face Amount.
 
This order of reduction will be used to determine the amount of subsequent cost
of insurance charges (see "Charges and Deductions--Monthly Deduction--Cost of
Insurance.")
 
  For an increase in the Face Amount, the Company requires that satisfactory
evidence of insurability be submitted. If approved, the increase will become
effective on the Monthly Anniversary on or following receipt of the
satisfactory evidence of insurability. In addition, the Insured must have an
Attained Age of not greater than 80 on the effective date of the increase. The
amount of the increase may not be less than $5,000. The Face Amount may not be
increased more than the maximum Face Amount for that Policy, generally
$500,000. However, in connection with a particular Group Contract or employer-
sponsored insurance program, the Company may establish a substantially higher
Face Amount for Policies issued under that Contract or program. Although an
increase need not necessarily be accompanied by an additional premium (unless
it is required to meet the next monthly deduction), the Cash Surrender Value in
effect immediately after the increase must be sufficient to cover the next
monthly deduction. (See "Charges and Deductions-- Monthly Deduction.") An
increase in the Face Amount may result in certain additional charges. (See
"Charges and Deductions.")
 
  An increase in Face Amount may be cancelled within the later of 20 days from
the date the Owner received the new Policy specifications page for the
increase, within 10 days of mailing the right to cancellation notice to the
Owner, or within 45 days after the application for an increase was signed. Upon
cancellation, any additional charges, which would not have been assessed
without the increase, will be refunded to the Owner if requested. If a request
for a refund is not made, the charges will be restored to the Policy's Cash
Value and allocated to Divisions of the Separate Account in the same manner as
they were deducted. Premiums paid following an increase in Face Amount and
prior to the time the right to cancel the increase expires will become part of
the Policy's Cash Value and will not be subject to refund. (See "Policy Rights
and Privileges--Right to Examine Policy.")
 
  Methods of Affecting Insurance Protection. An Owner may increase or decrease
the pure insurance protection provided by a Policy--the difference between the
death benefit and the Cash Value--in several ways as insurance needs change.
These ways include increasing or decreasing the Face Amount, changing the level
of premium payments, and, to a lesser extent, making partial withdrawals from
the Policy. Although the consequences of each of these methods will depend upon
the individual circumstances, they may be generally summarized as follows:
 
    (a) A decrease in the Face Amount will, subject to the applicable
  percentage limitations (see "Policy Benefits--Death Benefit"), decrease the
  pure insurance protection and the cost of insurance charges under the
  Policy without reducing the Cash Value.
 
    (b) An increase in the Face Amount may increase the amount of pure
  insurance protection, depending on the amount of Cash Value and the
  resultant applicable percentage limitation. If the insurance protection is
  increased, the Policy charges generally will increase as well.
 
    (c) An increased level of premium payments will reduce the pure insurance
  protection if Option A is in effect. However, when the applicable
  percentage of Cash Value exceeds either the Face Amount (if Option A is in
  effect) or the Cash Value plus the Face Amount (if Option B is in effect),
  increased
 
                                       20
<PAGE>
 
  premium payments will increase the pure insurance protection. Increased
  premiums should also increase the amount of funds available to keep the
  Policy in force.
 
    (d) A reduced level of premium payments generally will increase the
  amount of pure insurance protection, depending on the applicable percentage
  limitations. If the reduced level of premium payments is insufficient to
  cover monthly deductions or to offset negative investment performance, Cash
  Value may also decrease, which in turn will increase the possibility that
  the Policy will lapse. (See "Payment and Allocation of Premiums--Policy
  Lapse and Reinstatement.")
 
    (e) A partial withdrawal will reduce the death benefit. (See "Policy
  Rights and Privileges--Surrender and Partial Withdrawals.") However, it
  only affects the amount of pure insurance protection and cost of insurance
  charges if the death benefit before or after the withdrawal is based on the
  applicable percentage of Cash Value, because otherwise the decrease in the
  death benefit is offset by the amount of Cash Value withdrawn. The primary
  use of a partial withdrawal is to withdraw Cash Value.
 
  Payment of Death Benefit Proceeds. Death benefit proceeds under the Policy
ordinarily will be paid within seven days after the Company receives all
documentation required for such a payment at its Home Office. Payment may,
however, be postponed in certain circumstances. (See "General Matters Relating
to the Policy--Postponement of Payments.") The Owner may decide the form in
which the proceeds will be paid. During the Insured's lifetime, the Owner may
arrange for the death benefit proceeds to be paid in a single sum or under one
or more of the optional methods of settlement described below. The death
benefit will be increased by the amount of the monthly cost of insurance for
the portion of the month from the date of death to the end of the month, and
reduced by any outstanding Indebtedness. (See "General Matters Relating to the
Policy--Additional Insurance Benefits," and "Charges and Deductions.")
 
  When no election for an optional method of settlement is in force at the
death of the Insured, the Beneficiary may select one or more of the optional
methods of settlement at any time before death benefit proceeds are paid. (See
"Policy Rights and Privileges--Payment of Policy Benefits.")
 
  An election or change of method of settlement must be in writing. A change in
Beneficiary revokes any previous settlement election. Once payments have begun,
the settlement option may not be changed.
 
CASH VALUE
 
  The Cash Value of the Policy is equal to the total of the Policy's Cash Value
in the Separate Account and the Loan Account. The Policy's Cash Value in the
Separate Account will reflect the investment performance of the chosen
Divisions of the Separate Account, the frequency and amount of net premiums
paid, transfers, partial withdrawals, Policy Loans, and the charges assessed in
connection with the Policy. An Owner may at any time surrender the Policy and
receive the Policy's Cash Surrender Value. (See "Policy Rights and Privileges--
Surrender and Partial Withdrawals.") There is no guaranteed minimum Cash Value.
 
  Determination of Cash Value. Cash Value is determined on a daily basis. On
the Investment Start Date, the Cash Value in a Division will equal the portion
of any net premium allocated to the Division, reduced by the portion of the
monthly deductions due from the Issue Date through the Investment Start Date
allocated to that Division. Depending upon the length of time between the Issue
Date and the Investment Start Date, this amount may be more than the amount of
one monthly deduction. (See "Payment and Allocation of Premiums.") Thereafter,
on each Valuation Date, the Cash Value in a Division of the Separate Account
will equal:
 
  (1) The Cash Value in the Division on the preceding Valuation Date,
      multiplied by the Division's Net Investment Factor (defined below) for
      the current Valuation Period; plus
 
  (2) Any net premium payments received during the current Valuation Period
      which are allocated to the Division; plus
 
  (3) Any loan repayments allocated to the Division during the current
      Valuation Period; plus
 
                                       21
<PAGE>
 
  (4) Any amounts transferred to the Division from another Division during
      the current Valuation Period; plus
 
  (5) That portion of the interest credited on outstanding Policy Loans which
      is allocated to the Division during the current Valuation Period; minus
 
  (6) Any amounts transferred from the Division during the current Valuation
      Period plus transfer charges if any; minus
 
  (7) Any partial withdrawals plus any partial withdrawal transaction charge,
      from the Division during the current Valuation Period; minus
 
  (8) If a Monthly Anniversary occurs during the current Valuation Period,
      the portion of the monthly deduction allocated to the Division during
      the current Valuation Period to cover the Policy Month which starts
      during that Valuation Period. (See "Charges and Deductions.")
 
The Policy's Cash Value in the Separate Account equals the sum of the Policy's
Cash Values in each Division.
 
  Net Investment Factor. The Net Investment Factor measures the investment
performance of a Division during a Valuation Period. The Net Investment Factor
for each Division for a Valuation Period is calculated as follows:
 
  (1) The value of the assets at the end of the preceding Valuation Period;
      plus
 
  (2) The investment income and capital gains--realized or unrealized--
      credited to the assets in the Valuation Period for which the Net
      Investment Factor is being determined; minus
 
  (3) The capital losses, realized or unrealized, charged against those
      assets during the Valuation Period; minus
 
  (4) Any amount charged against each Division for taxes or other economic
      burden resulting from the application of tax laws, determined by the
      Company to be properly attributable to the Divisions of the Separate
      Account or the Policy, or any amount set aside during the Valuation
      Period as a reserve for taxes attributable to the operation or
      maintenance of each Division; minus
 
  (5) A charge not to exceed .0024547% of the net assets for each day in the
      Valuation Period. This corresponds to 0.90% per year for mortality and
      expense risks; divided by
 
  (6) The value of the assets at the end of the preceding Valuation Period.
 
  The Company may use an equivalent method to determine Cash Value in each
Division on each Valuation Date in lieu of the Net Investment Factor method.
This method directly determines the units of Cash Value in each Division and
the corresponding unit value. Unit value is obtained as follows:
 
  (1) The value of assets in a Division are obtained by multiplying shares
      outstanding by the net asset value as of the Valuation Date; minus
 
  (2) A reduction based upon a charge not to exceed .0024547% of the net
      assets for each day in the Valuation Period is made (This corresponds
      to 0.90% per year for mortality and expense risk charge); divided by
 
  (3) Aggregate units outstanding in the Division at the end of the preceding
      Valuation Period.
 
                          POLICY RIGHTS AND PRIVILEGES
 
EXERCISING RIGHTS AND PRIVILEGES UNDER THE POLICIES
 
  Owners of Policies issued under a Group Contract or in connection with an
employer-sponsored insurance program may exercise their rights and privileges
under the Policies (i.e., make transfers, change premium allocations, borrow,
etc.) by directly notifying the Company in writing at its Home Office. The
Company will send all reports and other notices described herein or in the
Policy directly to the Owner.
 
                                       22
<PAGE>
 
LOANS
 
  Loan Privileges. After the first Policy Anniversary, the Owner may, by
written request directly to the Company, borrow an amount up to the Loan Value
of the Policy, with the Policy serving as sole security for such loan. The Loan
Value is equal to (a) minus (b), where (a) is 85 percent of the Cash Value of
the Policy on the date the Policy Loan is requested and (b) is the amount of
any outstanding Indebtedness. Loan interest is due and payable in arrears on
each Policy Anniversary or on a pro rata basis for such shorter period as the
loan may exist. The minimum amount that may be borrowed is $100. The loan may
be completely or partially repaid at any time while the Insured is living. Any
amount due to an Owner under a Policy Loan ordinarily will be paid within seven
days after the Company receives the loan request at its Home Office, although
payments may be postponed under certain circumstances. (See "General Matters
Relating to the Policy--Postponement of Payments.")
 
  When a Policy Loan is made, Cash Value equal to the amount of the loan will
be transferred to the Loan Account as security for the loan. Unless the Owner
requests a different allocation, amounts will be transferred from the Divisions
of the Separate Account in the same proportion that the Policy's Cash Value in
each Division bears to the Policy's total Cash Value, less the Cash Value in
the Loan Account, at the end of the Valuation Period during which the request
for a Policy Loan is received. This will reduce the Policy's Cash Value in the
Separate Account. These transactions will not be considered transfers for
purposes of the limitations on transfers between Divisions.
 
  Loan Account Interest Rate Credited. Cash Value transferred to the Loan
Account to secure a Policy Loan will accrue interest daily at an annual rate
not less than five percent. The rate is declared by action of Company
management as authorized by the Board of Directors of the Company. The Loan
Account interest credited will be transferred to the Divisions of the Separate
Account: (1) each Policy Anniversary; (2) when a new loan is made; (3) when a
loan is partially or fully repaid; and (4) when an amount is needed to meet a
monthly deduction.
 
  Interest Rate Charged for Policy Loans. The interest rate charged will be at
an annual rate of eight percent. Interest charged will be due and payable
annually in arrears on each Policy Anniversary or for such shorter period as
the Policy Loan may exist. If the Owner does not pay the interest charged when
it is due, an amount of Cash Value equal to that which is due will be
transferred to the Loan Account. (See "Effect of Policy Loans," below.) The
amount transferred will be deducted from the Divisions of the Separate Account
in the same proportion that the portion of the Cash Value in each Division
bears to the total Cash Value of the Policy minus the Cash Value in the Loan
Account.
 
  Effect of Policy Loans. A loan taken from, or secured by, a Policy may have
Federal income tax consequences. (See "Federal Tax Matters.")
 
  Whether or not a Policy Loan is repaid, it will permanently affect the Cash
Value of a Policy, and may permanently affect the amount of the death benefit,
even if the loan is repaid. This is because the collateral for the Policy Loan
(the amount held in the Loan Account) does not participate in the performance
of the Separate Account while the loan is outstanding. If the Loan Account
interest credited is less than the investment performance of the selected
Division, the Policy values will be lower as a result of the loan. Conversely,
if the Loan Account interest credited is higher than the investment performance
of the Division, the Policy values may be higher.
 
  In addition, if the Indebtedness exceeds the Cash Value on any Monthly
Anniversary, the Policy may lapse, subject to a grace period. (See "Charges and
Deductions.") A sufficient payment must be made within the later of the grace
period of 62 days from the Monthly Anniversary immediately before the date
Indebtedness exceeds the Cash Value, or 31 days after notice that the Policy
will terminate without a sufficient payment has been mailed, or the Policy will
lapse and terminate without value. A lapsed Policy, however, may later be
reinstated. (See "Payment and Allocation of Premiums--Policy Lapse and
Reinstatement.")
 
 
                                       23
<PAGE>
 
  All outstanding Indebtedness will be deducted from the proceeds payable upon
the death of the Insured, surrender, or the maturity of the Policy.
 
  Repayment of Indebtedness. A Policy Loan may be repaid in whole or in part at
any time prior to the death of the Insured and as long as a Policy is in
effect. All repayments should be made directly to the Company at its Home
Office. Amounts paid while a Policy Loan is outstanding will be treated as
premiums unless the Owner requests in writing that they be treated as repayment
of Indebtedness. When a loan repayment is made, an amount securing the
Indebtedness in the Loan Account equal to the loan repayment will be
transferred to the Divisions of the Separate Account in the same proportion
that Cash Value in the Loan Account bears to the Cash Value in each Loan
Subaccount. A Loan Subaccount exists for each Division of the Separate Account.
Amounts transferred to the Loan Account to secure Indebtedness are allocated to
the appropriate Loan Subaccount to reflect their origin.
 
SURRENDER AND PARTIAL WITHDRAWALS
 
  At any time during the lifetime of the Insured and while a Policy is in
force, the Owner may surrender, or make a partial withdrawal under, the Policy
by sending a written request to the Company. The amount available upon
surrender is the Cash Surrender Value (described below) at the end of the
Valuation Period during which the surrender request is received at the
Company's Home Office. Amounts payable upon surrender or a partial withdrawal
ordinarily will be paid within seven days of receipt of the written request.
(See "General Matters Relating to the Policy--Postponement of Payments.")
Surrenders and partial withdrawals may have Federal income tax consequences.
(See "Federal Tax Matters.")
 
  Surrender. To effect a surrender, the Policy itself must be returned to the
Company along with the request, or the request must be accompanied by a
completed affidavit of lost policy, which is available from the Company. Upon
surrender, the Company will pay the Cash Surrender Value to the Owner. The Cash
Surrender Value equals the Cash Value on the date of surrender, less any
Indebtedness. Surrender proceeds will be paid in a single sum. If the request
is received on a Monthly Anniversary, the monthly deduction otherwise
deductible will be included in the amount paid. Coverage under a Policy will
terminate as of the date of surrender.
 
  Partial Withdrawals. After the first Policy Year, an Owner may make up to one
partial withdrawal each Policy Month from the Separate Account. The minimum
amount of a partial withdrawal, net of any transaction charges, is at least
$500. The minimum amount that can be withdrawn from a Division is $50, or the
Policy's Cash Value in a Division, if smaller. The maximum amount that may be
withdrawn, including the partial withdrawal transaction charge, is the Loan
Value. The partial withdrawal transaction charge is equal to the lesser of $25
or two percent of the amount withdrawn. The Owner may allocate the amount
withdrawn, subject to the above conditions, among the Divisions of the Separate
Account. If no allocation is specified, then the partial withdrawal will be
allocated among the Divisions of the Separate Account in the same proportion
that the Policy's Cash Value in each Division bears to the total Cash Value of
the Policy, less the Cash Value in the Loan Account, on the date the request
for the partial withdrawal is received.
 
  A partial withdrawal will decrease the Face Amount in two situations. First,
if the death benefit Option A is in effect and the death benefit equals the
Face Amount then the partial withdrawal will decrease the Face Amount, and,
thus, the death benefit by an amount equal to the partial withdrawal plus the
partial withdrawal transaction charge. Second, if the death benefit equals a
percentage of Cash Value (whether Option A or Option B is in effect), then a
partial withdrawal will decrease the Face Amount by the amount that the partial
withdrawal plus the partial withdrawal transaction charge exceeds the
difference between the death benefit and the Face Amount. The death benefit
also will be reduced in this circumstance. If Option B is in effect and the
death benefit equals the Face Amount plus the Cash Value, the partial
withdrawal will not reduce the Face Amount, but it will reduce the Cash Value
and, thus, the death benefit by the amount of the partial withdrawal plus the
partial withdrawal transaction charge. The Face Amount will be decreased in the
following order: (1) the Face Amount at issue; and (2) any increases in the
same order in which they were issued.
 
                                       24
<PAGE>
 
  Generally, the partial withdrawal transaction charge will be allocated among
the Divisions of the Separate Account in the same proportion as the partial
withdrawal is allocated. If, following a partial withdrawal, insufficient funds
remain in a Division to pay the partial withdrawal transaction charge allocated
to a Division, the unpaid charges will be allocated equally among the remaining
Divisions. In addition, an Owner may request that the partial withdrawal
transaction charge be paid from the Owner's Cash Value in another Division.
 
  The Face Amount remaining in force after a partial withdrawal may not be less
than $25,000. Any request for a partial withdrawal that would reduce the Face
Amount below this amount will not be executed.
 
  Partial withdrawals may affect the way in which the cost of insurance charge
is calculated and the amount of pure insurance protection afforded under a
Policy. (See "Policy Benefits--Death Benefit--Methods of Affecting Insurance
Protection.")
 
TRANSFERS
 
  Under the Company's current rules, a Policy's Cash Value, except amounts
credited to the Loan Account, may be transferred among the Divisions of the
Separate Account. Requests for transfers from or among Divisions of the
Separate Account must be made in writing directly to the Company and may be
made once each Policy Month. Transfers must be in amounts of at least $250 or,
if smaller, the Policy's Cash Value in a Division. The Company will effectuate
transfers and determine all values in connection with transfers as of the end
of the Valuation Period during which the transfer request is received.
 
  All requests received on the same Valuation Day will be considered a single
transfer request. Each transfer must meet the minimum requirement of $250 or
the entire Cash Value in a Division. Where a single transfer request calls for
more than one transfer, and not all of the transfers would meet the minimum
requirements, the Company will effectuate those transfers that do meet the
requirements. Transfers resulting from Policy Loans will not be counted for
purposes of the limitations on the amount or frequency of transfers allowed in
each month or year.
 
  Although the Company currently intends to continue to permit transfers for
the foreseeable future, the Policy provides that the Company may modify the
transfer privilege, by changing the minimum amount transferable, by altering
the frequency of transfers, by imposing a transfer charge, by prohibiting
transfers, or in such other manner as the Company may determine at its
discretion.
 
RIGHT TO EXAMINE POLICY
 
  The Owner may cancel a Policy within 20 days after receiving it, within 45
days after the Owner signed the application, or within 10 days of mailing a
notice of the cancellation right to the Owner, whichever is latest. If a Policy
is cancelled within this time period, a refund will be paid. The refund will
equal all premiums paid under the Policy.
 
  To cancel the Policy, the Owner should mail or deliver the Policy directly to
the Company. A refund of premiums paid by check may be delayed until the check
has cleared the Owner's bank. (See "General Matters Relating to the Policy--
Postponement of Payments.")
 
  A request for an increase in Face Amount (see "Policy Benefits--Death
Benefit,") also may be cancelled. The request for cancellation must be made
within the latest of 20 days from the date the Owner received the new Policy
specifications pages for the increase, 10 days of mailing the right to
cancellation notice to the Owner, or 45 days after the Owner signed the
application for the increase.
 
  Upon cancellation of an increase, the Owner may request that the Company
refund the amount of the additional charges deducted in connection with the
increase. This will equal the amount by which the monthly deductions since the
increase went into effect exceeded the monthly deductions which would have
 
                                       25
<PAGE>
 
been made absent the increase (see "Charges and Deductions--Monthly
Deduction.") If no request is made, the Company will increase the Policy's Cash
Value by the amount of these additional charges. This amount will be allocated
among the Divisions of the Separate Account in the same manner as it was
deducted.
 
CONVERSION RIGHT TO A FIXED BENEFIT POLICY
 
  Once during the first 24 Policy Months following the Issue Date of the
Policy, the Owner may, upon written request, convert a Policy still in force to
a life insurance policy that provides for benefits that do not vary with the
investment return of the Divisions of the Separate Account. In the event a
Certificate has been amended to operate as an Individual Policy following an
Insured's change in eligibility under a Group Contract, the conversion right
will be measured from the Issue Date of the original Certificate. (See "Policy
Rights and Privileges--Eligibility Change Conversion.") No evidence of
insurability will be required when this right is exercised. However, the
Company will require that the Policy be in force and that the Owner repay any
existing Indebtedness. At the time of the conversion, the new Policy will have,
at the Owner's option, either the same death benefit or the same net amount at
risk as the original Policy. The new Policy will also have the same Issue Date
and Issue Age as the original Policy. The premiums for the new Policy will be
based on the Company's rates in effect for the same Issue Age and rate class as
the original Policy.
 
ELIGIBILITY CHANGE CONVERSION
 
  If an Insured's eligibility under a Group Contract or employer-sponsored
insurance program ends due to its termination or due to the termination of the
employee's employment, the Insured's coverage will continue unless the Policy
is no longer in force. Even if the Policy is not in force due to lapse, the
right to reinstate and thus to convert a lapsed Policy will not be affected by
the change in the employee's eligibility during the reinstatement period.
 
  If a Certificate was issued under the Group Contract, the Certificate will be
amended automatically so that it will continue in force as an Individual
Policy. The rights, benefits, and guaranteed charges will not be altered by
this amendment. The amendment will be mailed to the Owner within 31 days after
the Company receives written notice that (a) the employee's employment ended or
(b) after the termination of the Group Contract. If, at the time the conversion
occurs, the Policy is in a grace period (see "Payment and Allocation of
Premiums--Policy Lapse and Reinstatement"), any premium necessary to prevent
the Policy from lapsing must be paid to the Company at its Home Office before
the new Individual Policy will be mailed. A new planned premium schedule will
be established which will have the same planned annual premium utilized under
the Group Contract, but, ordinarily, the planned payment intervals will be no
more frequent than quarterly. The Company may allow payment of planned premium
through periodic (usually monthly) authorized electronic funds transfer. Of
course, unscheduled premium payments can be made at any time. (See "Payment and
Allocation of Premiums--Premiums.")
 
  If an Individual Policy was issued under the Group Contract or other
employer-sponsored insurance program including a Corporate Program or Executive
Program, the Policy will continue in force following the change in eligibility.
The rights, benefits, and guaranteed charges under the Policy will remain the
same following this change in eligibility.
 
  When an employee's spouse is the Insured under a Policy, the spouse's
insurance coverage also will continue in the event the employee is no longer
eligible. If a Certificate was originally issued to the employee's spouse, the
Certificate will be amended automatically as described above. If an Individual
Policy was originally issued, the Individual Policy will continue as described
above. In addition, if an Associated Company ceases be to under common control
with the Contractholder, the Insureds of the Associated Company (i.e.,
employees of the Associated Company and their spouses) may continue their
insurance in the
manner described above.
 
                                       26
<PAGE>
 
PAYMENT OF BENEFITS AT MATURITY
 
  If the Insured is living and the Policy is in force, the Company will pay the
Cash Surrender Value of the Policy to the Owner on the Maturity Date. An Owner
may elect to have amounts payable on the Maturity Date paid in a single sum or
under a settlement option. (See "Policy Rights and Privileges--Payment of
Policy Benefits.") Amounts payable on the Maturity Date ordinarily will be paid
within seven days of that date, although payment may be postponed under certain
circumstances. (See "General Matters Relating to the Policy--Postponement of
Payments.") A Policy will mature if and when the Insured reaches Attained Age
95.
 
PAYMENT OF POLICY BENEFITS
 
  A lump sum payment will be made. Provisions for settlement of proceeds
different from a lump sum payment may only be made upon written agreement with
the Company.
 
  Settlement Options. The Company may offer settlement options that apply to
the payment of death benefit proceeds, as well as to benefits payable at
maturity. Once a settlement option is in effect, there will no longer be value
in the Separate Account.
 
  Accelerated Death Benefits. The Company offers certain riders which permit
the Owner to elect to receive an accelerated payment of the Policy's death
benefit in a reduced amount under certain circumstances. (See "General Matters
Relating to the Policy--Additional Insurance Benefits.")
 
                             CHARGES AND DEDUCTIONS
 
  Charges will be deducted in connection with the Policies to compensate the
Company for providing the insurance benefits set forth in the Policies and any
additional benefits added by rider, administering the Policies, incurring
expenses in distributing the Policies, and assuming certain risks in connection
with the Policies.
 
PREMIUM EXPENSE CHARGE
 
  Generally, there are no sales charges applicable to the Policies. However,
there may be a front-end charge applied to premium payments ("premium expense
charge") to certain Policies that would be categorized as individual contracts
under OBRA.
 
  Prior to allocation of net premiums among the Divisions of the Separate
Account, premium payments will be reduced by any premium expense charge. The
premium expense charge is equal to a percentage of each premium paid as set
forth on the specifications pages of the Policy. The charge will either be zero
("0") or one percent, depending on whether the Policy is determined to be a
group or individual contract under OBRA. Among other possible employer-
sponsored programs, Corporate Program Policies are deemed to be individual
contracts. As a result of OBRA, insurance companies are generally required to
capitalize and amortize certain policy acquisition expenses over a ten year
period rather than currently deducting such expenses. A higher capitalization
expense applies to the deferred acquisition expenses of Policies that are
deemed to be individual contracts under OBRA and will result in a significantly
higher corporate income tax liability for the Company in early Policy Years.
Thus, under Policies that are deemed to be individual contracts under OBRA, the
Company makes a premium expense charge of 1% of each premium payment to
compensate the Company for the anticipated higher corporate income taxes that
result from the sale of such a Policy.
 
  The premium payment less the premium expense charge less any charge to
compensate the Company for anticipated higher corporate income taxes resulting
from the sale of a Policy less the premium tax charge (see "Charges and
Deductions--Premium Tax Charge," below) equals the net premium.
 
 
                                       27
<PAGE>
 
PREMIUM TAX CHARGE
 
  Various states and subdivisions impose a tax on premiums received by
insurance companies. Premium taxes vary from jurisdiction to jurisdiction.
Generally, to cover these premium taxes the Company deducts a charge of 2
percent from all Policies. However, the Company may impose a charge of 2 1/4
percent for premium taxes on premiums remitted in connection with Policies
issued under an Executive Program or a Corporate Program.
 
MONTHLY DEDUCTION
 
  Charges will be deducted monthly from the Cash Value of each Policy ("monthly
deduction") to compensate the Company for (a) certain administrative costs; (b)
insurance underwriting and acquisition expenses in connection with issuing a
Policy; (c) the cost of insurance; and (d) the cost of optional benefits added
by rider. The monthly deduction will be deducted on the Investment Start Date
and on each succeeding Monthly Anniversary. It will be allocated among each
Division of the Separate Account in the same proportion that a Policy's Cash
Value in each Division bears to the total Cash Value of the Policy, less the
Cash Value in the Loan Account, on the date the deduction is made. Because
portions of the monthly deduction, such as the cost of insurance, can vary from
month to month, the monthly deduction itself will vary in amount from month to
month.
 
  Monthly Administrative Charge. The Company has responsibility for the
administration of the Policies and the Separate Account. Administrative
expenses include premium billing and collection, recordkeeping, processing
death benefit claims, cash surrenders, partial withdrawals, Policy changes,
reporting and overhead costs, processing applications, and establishing Policy
records. As reimbursement for administrative expenses related to the
maintenance of each Policy and the Separate Account, the Company assesses a
monthly administration charge from each Policy. The amount of this charge is
set forth in the specifications pages of the Policy and depends on the number
of employees eligible to be covered at issue of a Group Contract or an
employer-sponsored insurance program. The following table sets forth the
general range of monthly administrative charges under the Policy:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
     ELIGIBLE EMPLOYEES             FIRST YEAR                     SUBSEQUENT YEARS
     ------------------             ----------                     ----------------
     <S>                            <C>                            <C>
     250-499....................... $5.00.........................      $2.50
     500-999....................... $4.75.........................      $2.25
     1000+......................... $4.50.........................      $2.00
</TABLE>
 
For Group Contracts or other employer-sponsored insurance programs with fewer
than 250 eligible employees, those with additional administrative costs, or
those that are offered as Executive Programs or Corporate Programs the monthly
administrative charge may be higher, but will not exceed $6.00 per month during
the first Policy Year and $3.50 per month in renewal years.
 
  These charges, once established at the time a Policy is issued, are
guaranteed not to increase over the life of the Policy. Nor will the
administrative charge change in the event that the Insured is no longer
eligible for group coverage, but continues coverage on an individual basis. In
addition, where the Company believes that lower administrative costs will be
incurred in connection with a particular Group Contract or employer-sponsored
insurance program due to the number of eligible employees or administrative
support provided by the employer, the Company may modify the above schedule for
that Group Contract or other employer-sponsored insurance program. The amount
of the administrative charge applicable to a particular Policy will be set
forth in specifications pages for that Policy.
 
  Cost of Insurance. The cost of insurance is deducted on each Monthly
Anniversary for the following Policy Month. Because the cost of insurance
depends upon a number of variables, the cost will vary for each Policy Month.
The cost of insurance is determined separately for the initial Face Amount and
for any subsequent increases in Face Amount. The Company will determine the
monthly cost of insurance charge by multiplying the applicable cost of
insurance rate or rates by the net amount at risk for each Policy Month.
 
                                       28
<PAGE>
 
  The cost of insurance rates are determined at the beginning of each Policy
Year for the initial Face Amount and each increase in Face Amount. The current
cost of insurance rates will be determined by the Company based on its
expectations as to future mortality experience. The Company currently issues
the Policies on a guaranteed issue or simplified underwriting basis without
regard to the sex of the Insured. Whether a Policy is issued on a guaranteed
issue or simplified underwriting basis does not affect the cost of insurance
charge determined for that Policy.
 
  The current cost of insurance rates will be based on the Attained Age of the
Insured, the rate class of the Insured, and possibly the gender mix (i.e., the
proportion of men and women covered under a particular Group Contract or
employer-sponsored program). The cost of insurance rates generally increase as
the Insured's Attained Age increases. An Insured's rate class is generally
based on the number of eligible employees as well as other factors that may
affect the mortality risks assumed by the Company in connection with a
particular Group Contract or employer-sponsored insurance program. All other
factors being equal, the cost of insurance rates generally decrease by rate
class as the number of eligible employees in the rate class increase. The
Company reserves the right to change criteria on which a rate class will be
based in the future.
 
  If gender mix is a factor, the Company will estimate the gender mix of the
pool of Insureds under a Group Contract or employer-sponsored insurance program
upon issuance of the Contract. Each year on the Group Contract or employer-
sponsored insurance program's anniversary, the Company may adjust the rate to
reflect the actual gender mix for the particular group. In the event that the
Insured's eligibility under a Group Contract (or other employer-sponsored
insurance program) ceases, the cost of insurance rate will continue to reflect
the gender mix of the pool of Insureds at the time the Insured's eligibility
ceased. However, at some time in the future, the Company reserves the right to
base the gender mix and rate class on the group consisting of those Insureds
who are no longer under a Group Contract or employer-sponsored program.
 
  The current cost of insurance rates will not be greater than the guaranteed
cost of insurance rates set forth in the Policy. These guaranteed rates are 125
percent of the maximum rates that could be charged based on the 1980
Commissioners Standard Ordinary Mortality Table C ("1980 CSO Table"). The
guaranteed rates are higher than 100 percent of the maximum rates in the 1980
CSO Table because the Company uses guaranteed or simplified underwriting
procedures whereby the insured is not required to submit to a medical
or paramedical examination. The current cost of insurance rates are generally
lower than 100 percent of the 1980 CSO Table. Any change in the actual cost of
insurance rates, except those changes made to adjust for changes in the gender
mix of the pool of Insureds under a particular Group Contract or employer-
sponsored insurance program, will apply to all persons of the same Attained Age
and rate class whose initial Face Amounts or increases in Face Amount have been
in force for the same length of time. (For purposes of computing guideline
premiums under Section 7702 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended,
the Company will use 100 percent of the 1980 CSO Table.)
 
  The net amount at risk for a Policy Month is (a) the death benefit at the
beginning of the Policy Month divided by 1.0040741 (which reduces the net
amount at risk, solely for purposes of computing the cost of insurance, by
taking into account assumed monthly earnings at an annual rate of five
percent), less (b) the Cash Value at the beginning of the Policy Month.
 
  The net amount at risk may be affected by changes in the Cash Value or
changes in the Face Amount of the Policy. If there is an increase in the Face
Amount and the rate class applicable to the increase is different from that for
the initial Face Amount, the net amount at risk will be calculated separately
for each rate class. If Option A is in effect, for purposes of determining the
net amounts at risk for each rate class, Cash Value will first be considered a
part of the initial Face Amount. If the Cash Value is greater than the initial
Face Amount, the excess Cash Value will then be considered a part of each
increase in order, starting with the first increase. If Option B is in effect,
the net amount at risk for each rate class will be determined by the Face
Amount associated with that rate class. In calculating the cost of insurance
charge, the cost of insurance rate for a Face Amount is applied to the net
amount at risk for the corresponding rate class.
 
                                       29
<PAGE>
 
  Because the calculation of the net amount at risk is different under Option A
and Option B when more than one rate class is in effect, a change in the death
benefit option may result in a different net amount at risk for each rate class
than would have occurred had the death benefit option not been changed. Since
the cost of insurance is calculated separately for each rate class, any change
in the net amount at risk resulting from a change in the death benefit option
may affect the total cost of insurance paid by the Owner.
 
  Partial withdrawals and decreases in Face Amount will affect the manner in
which the net amount at risk for each rate class is calculated. (See "Policy
Benefits--Death Benefit," page 16, and "Policy Rights and Privileges--Surrender
and Partial Withdrawals.")
 
  Additional Insurance Benefits. The monthly deduction will include charges for
any additional benefits provided by rider. (See "General Matters Relating to
the Policy--Additional Insurance Benefits.")
 
PARTIAL WITHDRAWAL TRANSACTION CHARGE
 
   A transaction charge which is the lesser of $25 or two percent of the amount
withdrawn will be assessed on each partial withdrawal, to cover administrative
costs incurred in processing the partial withdrawal.
 
SEPARATE ACCOUNT CHARGES
 
  Mortality and Expense Risk Charge. The Company will deduct a daily charge
from the Separate Account at a rate not to exceed .0024547% of the net assets
of each Division of the Separate Account, which equals an annual rate of .90%
of those net assets. The Company may realize a profit from this charge.
 
  The mortality risk assumed by the Company is that Insureds may die sooner
than anticipated and that therefore the Company will pay an aggregate amount of
death benefits greater than anticipated. The expense risk assumed is that
expenses incurred in issuing and administering the Policy will exceed the
amounts realized from the administrative charges assessed against the Policy.
 
  Federal Taxes. Currently no charge is made to the Separate Account for
Federal income taxes that may be attributable to the Separate Account. The
Company may, however, make such a charge in the future. Charges for other
taxes, if any, attributable to the Account may also be made. (See "Federal Tax
Matters.")
 
  Expenses of VIP. The value of the net assets of the Separate Account will
reflect the investment advisory fee and other expenses incurred by VIP. (See
"Variable Insurance Products Funds.")
 
                     GENERAL MATTERS RELATING TO THE POLICY
 
POSTPONEMENT OF PAYMENTS
 
  Payment of any amount due from the Separate Account upon surrender, partial
withdrawals, election of an accelerated death benefit under a rider, death of
the Insured, or the Maturity Date, as well as payments of a Policy loan and
transfers, may be postponed whenever: (i) the New York Stock Exchange is closed
other than customary weekend and holiday closings, or trading on the New York
Stock Exchange is restricted as determined by the SEC; (ii) the SEC by order
permits postponement for the protection of Owners; or (iii) an emergency
exists, as determined by the SEC, as a result of which disposal of securities
is not reasonably practicable or it is not reasonably practicable to determine
the value of the Separate Account's net assets.
 
  Payments under the Policy of any amounts derived from premiums paid by check
may be delayed until such time as the check has cleared the Owner's bank.
 
THE CONTRACT
 
  The Policy, the attached application, any riders, endorsements, any
application for an increase in Face Amount, and any application for
reinstatement constitute the entire contract between the Owner and the Company.
Apart from the rights and benefits described in the Certificate or Individual
Policy and incorporated by reference into the Group Contract, the Owner has no
rights under the Group Contract. All statements made by the Insured in the
application are considered representations and not warranties, except in the
case of fraud. Only statements in the application and any supplemental
applications can be used to
 
                                       30
<PAGE>
 
contest a claim or the validity of the Policy. Any change to the Policy must be
approved in writing by the President, a Vice President, or the Secretary of the
Company. No agent has the authority to alter or modify any of the terms,
conditions, or agreements of the Policy or to waive any of its provisions.
 
CONTROL OF POLICY
 
  The Owner of the Policy is the entity named as the Owner in the application.
Ownership may be changed, however, as described below. The Owner is entitled to
all rights provided by the Policy, prior to its Maturity Date. After the
Maturity Date, the Owner cannot change the payee nor the mode of payment,
unless otherwise provided in the Policy. Any person whose rights of ownership
depend upon some future event will not possess any present rights of ownership.
If there is more than one Owner at a given time, all must exercise the rights
of ownership. If the Owner should die, and the Owner is not the Insured, the
Owner's interest will go to his or her estate unless otherwise provided.
 
BENEFICIARY
 
  The Beneficiary(ies) is (are) the person(s) specified in the application or
by later designation. Unless otherwise stated in the Policy, the Beneficiary
has no rights in a Policy before the death of the Insured. If there is more
than one Beneficiary at the death of the Insured, each will receive equal
payments unless otherwise provided by the Owner. If no Beneficiary is living at
the death of the Insured, the proceeds will be payable to the Owner or, if the
Owner is not living, to the Owner's estate.
 
CHANGE OF OWNER OR BENEFICIARY
 
  The Owner may change the ownership and/or Beneficiary designation by written
request in a form acceptable to the Company at any time during the Insured's
lifetime. The Company may require that the Policy be returned for endorsement
of any change. The change will take effect as of the date the request is
signed, whether or not the Insured is living when the request is received at
the Company's Home Office. The
Company will not be liable for any payment made or action taken before the
Company received the written request for change. If the Owner is also a
Beneficiary of the Policy at the time of the Insured's death, the Owner may,
within 60 days of the Insured's death, designate another person to receive the
Policy proceeds.
 
POLICY CHANGES
 
  The Company reserves the right to limit the number of Policy changes to one
per Policy Year and to restrict such changes in the first Policy Year.
Currently, no change may be made during the first Policy Year. For this
purpose, changes include increases or decreases in Face Amount and changes in
the death benefit option. No change will be permitted that would result in the
death benefit under a Policy being included in gross income due to not
satisfying the requirements of Section 7702 of the Internal Revenue Code or any
applicable successor provision.
 
CONFORMITY WITH STATUTES
 
  If any provision in a Policy is in conflict with the laws of the state
governing the Policy, the provision will be deemed to be amended to conform to
such laws.
 
CLAIMS OF CREDITORS
 
  To the extent permitted by law, neither the Policy nor any payment thereunder
will be subject to the claims of creditors or to any legal process.
 
INCONTESTABILITY
 
  The Policy is incontestable after it has been in force for two years from the
Issue Date during the lifetime of the Insured. An increase in Face Amount or
addition of a rider after the Issue Date is incontestable after such increase
or addition has been in force for two years from its effective date during the
lifetime of the Insured. Any reinstatement of a Policy is incontestable, except
for nonpayment of premiums, only after it has been in force during the lifetime
of the Insured for two years after the effective date of the reinstatement.
 
                                       31
<PAGE>
 
ASSIGNMENT
 
  The Company will be bound by an assignment of a Policy only if: (a) it is in
writing; (b) the original instrument or a certified copy is filed with the
Company at its Home Office; and (c) the Company sends an acknowledged copy to
the Owner. The Company is not responsible for determining the validity of any
assignment. Payment of Policy proceeds is subject to the rights of any assignee
of record. If a claim is based on an assignment, the Company may require proof
of the interest of the claimant. A valid assignment will take precedence over
any claim of a Beneficiary.
 
SUICIDE
 
  Suicide within two years of the Issue Date is not covered by the Policy. If
the Insured dies by suicide, while sane or insane, within two years from the
Issue Date (or within the maximum period permitted by the laws of the state in
which the Policy was delivered, if less than two years), the amount payable
will be limited to premiums paid, less any partial withdrawals and outstanding
Indebtedness. If the Insured, while sane or insane, dies by suicide within two
years after the effective date of any increase in Face Amount, the death
benefit for that increase will be limited to the amount of the monthly
deductions for the increase.
 
  If the Insured is a Missouri citizen when the Policy is issued, this
provision does not apply on the Issue Date of the Policy, or on the effective
date of any increase in Face Amount, unless the Insured intended suicide at the
time of application for the Policy or any increase in Face Amount.
 
MISSTATEMENT OF AGE AND CORRECTIONS
 
  If the age of the Insured has been misstated in the application, the amount
of the death benefit will be that which the most recent cost of insurance
charge would have purchased for the correct age.
 
  Any payment or Policy changes made by the Company in good faith, relying on
its records or evidence supplied with respect to such payment, will fully
discharge the Company's duty. The Company reserves the right to correct any
errors in the Policy.
 
ADDITIONAL INSURANCE BENEFITS
 
  Subject to certain requirements, one or more of the following additional
insurance benefits may be added to a Policy by rider. However, some Group
Contracts, employer-sponsored insurance programs, Executive Programs, or
Corporate Programs may not offer each of the additional benefits described
below. Certain riders may not be available in all states. In addition, should
it be determined that the tax status of a Policy as life insurance is adversely
affected by the addition of any of these riders, the Company will cease
offering such riders. The descriptions below are intended to be general; the
terms of the Policy riders providing the additional benefits may vary from
state to state, and the Policy should be consulted. The cost of any additional
insurance benefits will be deducted as part of the monthly deduction. (See
"Charges and Deductions--Monthly Deduction.")
 
  Waiver of Monthly Deductions Rider. Provides for the waiver of the monthly
deductions while the Insured is totally disabled, subject to certain
limitations described in the rider. The Insured must have become disabled
before age 65.
 
  Accidental Death Benefit Rider. Provides additional insurance if the
Insured's death results from accidental bodily injury, as defined in the rider.
Under the terms of the rider, the additional benefits provided in the Policy
will be paid upon receipt of proof by the Company that death resulted directly
from accidental injury and independently of all other causes; occurred within
120 days from the date of injury; and occurred before the Policy Anniversary
nearest age 70 of the Insured.
 
  Children's Life Insurance Rider. Provides for term insurance on the Insured's
children, as defined in the rider. To be eligible for insurance under the
rider, the child to be insured must not be confined in a hospital at the time
the application is signed. Under the terms of the rider, the death benefit will
be payable to the named Beneficiary upon the death of any insured child. Upon
receipt of proof of the Insured's death before the rider terminates, the rider
will be continued on a fully paid-up term insurance basis.
 
                                       32
<PAGE>
 
  HIV Acceleration of Death Benefits Rider. Provides for the Owner's election
for the Company to make an accelerated payment, prior to the death of the
Insured upon receipt of satisfactory evidence that the Insured has tested
seropositive for the human immunodeficiency virus ("HIV") after both the Policy
and rider are issued. The Company will pay the Policy's death benefit (less any
Indebtedness and any term insurance added by riders), calculated on the date
that the Company receives satisfactory evidence that the Insured has tested
seropositive for HIV, reduced by a $100 administrative processing fee. The
Company will pay the accelerated benefit to the Owner in a single payment in
full settlement of the Company's obligations under the Policy. The rider may be
added to the Policy only after the Insured satisfactorily meets certain
underwriting requirements which will generally include a negative HIV test
result to a blood or other screening test acceptable to the Company.
 
  The Federal income tax consequences associated with (i) adding the HIV
Acceleration of Death Benefit Rider or (ii) receiving the benefit provided
under the rider are uncertain. Accordingly, we urge you to consult a tax
adviser about such consequences before adding the HIV Acceleration of Death
Benefit Rider to your Policy or requesting a benefit under the rider.
 
  Accelerated Death Benefit Settlement Option Rider. Provides for the
accelerated payment of a portion of death benefit proceeds in a single sum to
the Owner if the Insured is terminally ill or permanently confined to a nursing
home. Under the rider, which is available at no additional cost, the Owner may
make a voluntary election to completely settle the Policy in return for the
Company's accelerated payment of a reduced death benefit. The Owner may make
such an election under the rider if the Insured (1) has a life expectancy of 12
months or less or (2) is permanently confined to a qualified nursing home and
is expected to remain there until death. Any irrevocable beneficiary and
assignees of record must provide written authorization in order for the Owner
to receive the accelerated benefit. The Accelerated Death Benefit Settlement
Option Rider is not available with Corporate Programs.
 
  The amount of the death benefit payable under the rider will equal the cash
surrender value under the Policy on the date the Company receives satisfactory
evidence of either (1) or (2), above, (less any Indebtedness and any term
insurance added by other riders) plus the product of the applicable "benefit
factor" multiplied by the difference of (a) minus (b), where (a) equals the
Policy's death benefit proceeds, and (b) equals the Policy's cash surrender
value. The "benefit factor", in the case of terminal illness, is 0.85 and, in
the case of permanent nursing home confinement, is 0.70.
 
  The Federal income tax consequences associated with (i) adding the
Accelerated Death Benefit Settlement Option Rider or (ii) receiving the
benefits provided under such rider are uncertain. Accordingly, we urge you to
consult a tax adviser about such consequences before adding the Accelerated
Death Benefit Settlement Option Rider to your Policy or requesting a benefit
under the rider.
 
RECORDS AND REPORTS
 
  The Company will maintain all records relating to the Separate Account and
will mail to the Owner once each Policy Year, at the last known address of
record, a report which shows the current Policy values, premiums paid,
deductions made since the last report, and any outstanding Policy Loans. The
Owner will also be sent without comment periodic reports for the Fidelity
Variable Funds and a list of the portfolio securities held in each Fund.
Receipt of premium payments directly from the Owner, transfers, partial
withdrawals, Policy Loans, loan repayments, changes in death benefit options,
increases or decreases in Face Amount, surrenders and reinstatements will be
confirmed promptly following each transaction.
 
  An Owner may request in writing a projection of illustrated future Cash
Surrender Values and death benefits. This projection will be furnished by the
Company for a nominal fee.
 
                                       33
<PAGE>
 
                          DISTRIBUTION OF THE POLICIES
 
  Walnut Street Securities, Inc. ("Walnut Street") acts as principal
underwriter of the Policies pursuant to an Underwriting Agreement with the
Company. Walnut Street is a wholly-owned subsidiary of General American Holding
Company, which is an affiliate of the Company. Walnut Street is registered with
the SEC under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 as a broker-dealer and is a
member of the National Association of Securities Dealers. The Policies are
distributed by the Company on behalf of Walnut Street or through broker-dealers
who have entered into written sales agreements with Walnut Street. No
commissions are paid for distribution of the Policies.
 
                    GENERAL PROVISIONS OF THE GROUP CONTRACT
 
ISSUANCE
 
  The Group Contract will be issued upon receipt of a signed application for
Group Insurance signed by a duly authorized officer of the employer and
acceptance by a duly authorized officer of the Company at its Home Office.
 
PREMIUM PAYMENTS
 
  The Contractholder will remit planned premium payments for Insureds of the
Contractholder or an Associated Company in an amount authorized by the employee
to be deducted from his wages. All planned premiums under a Group Contract must
be remitted in advance to the Company. The planned premium payment interval is
agreed to by the Contractholder and the Company. Prior to each planned payment
interval, the Company will furnish the Contractholder with a statement of the
planned premium payments to be made under the Group Contract or such other
notification as has been agreed to by the Contractholder and the Company.
 
GRACE PERIOD
 
  If the Contractholder does not remit planned premium payments in a timely
fashion, the Group Contract will be in default. A grace period of 31 days
begins on the date that the planned premiums were scheduled to be remitted. If
the Contractholder does not remit premiums prior to the end of the grace
period, the Group Contract will terminate. However, the Individual Insurance
will continue following the Group Contract's termination, provided such
insurance is not surrendered or cancelled by the Owner. (See "Policy Rights and
Privileges--Eligibility Change Conversion.")
 
TERMINATION
 
  Except as described in "Grace Period" above, the Group Contract will be
terminated immediately upon default. In addition, the Company may end a Group
Contract or any of its provisions on 31 days notice. If the Group Contract
terminates, any Policies in effect will remain in force on an individual basis,
unless such insurance is surrendered or cancelled by the Owner. New Policies
will be issued as described in "Policy Rights and Privileges--Eligibility
Change Conversion."
 
RIGHT TO EXAMINE GROUP CONTRACT
 
  The Contractholder may terminate the Group Contract within 20 days after
receiving it, within 45 days after the application was signed or within 10 days
of mailing a notice of the cancellation right, whichever is latest. To cancel
the Group Contract, the Contractholder should mail or deliver the Group
Contract to the Company.
 
                                       34
<PAGE>
 
ENTIRE CONTRACT
 
  The Group Contract, with the attached copy of the Contractholder's
application and other attached papers, if any, is the entire contract between
the Contractholder and the Company. All statements made by the Contractholder,
any Owner or any Insured will be deemed representations and not warranties.
Misstatements will not be used in any contest or to reduce claim under the
Group Contract, unless it is in writing. A copy of the application containing
such misstatement must have been given to the Contractholder or to the Insured
or to his Beneficiary, if any.
 
INCONTESTABILITY
 
  The Company cannot contest the Group Contract after it has been in force for
two years from the date of issue.
 
OWNERSHIP OF GROUP CONTRACT
 
  The Contractholder owns the Group Contract. The Group Contract may be changed
or ended by agreement between the Company and the Contractholder without the
consent of, or notice to, any person claiming rights or benefits under the
Group Contract. However, the Contractholder does not have any ownership
interest in the Policies issued under the Group Contract. The rights and
benefits under the Policies inure to the benefit of the Owners, Insureds, and
Beneficiaries as set forth herein and in the Policies.
 
                              FEDERAL TAX MATTERS
 
INTRODUCTION
 
  The following summary provides a general description of the Federal income
tax considerations associated with the Policy and does not purport to be
complete or to cover all situations. This discussion is not intended as tax
advice. Counsel or other competent tax advisers should be consulted for more
complete information. This discussion is based upon the Company's understanding
of the present Federal income tax laws as they are currently interpreted by the
Internal Revenue Service. No representation is made as to the likelihood of
continuation of the present Federal income tax laws or of the current
interpretations by the Internal Revenue Service.
 
TAXATION OF THE POLICY
 
  Section 7702 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code")
sets forth a definition of a life insurance contract for Federal tax purposes.
Although the Secretary of the Treasury (the "Treasury") is authorized to
prescribe regulations implementing Section 7702, while proposed regulations and
other interim guidance has been issued, final regulations have not been
adopted. In short, guidance as to how Section 7702 is to be applied is limited.
The Company nonetheless believes (largely in reliance on IRS Notice 88-128 and
the proposed regulations under Section 7702, issued on July 5, 1991) that the
Policy should meet the Section 7702 definition of a life insurance contract. If
a Policy were determined not to be a life insurance contract for purposes of
Section 7702, such Policy would not provide the tax advantages normally
provided by a life insurance policy. Therefore, if it is subsequently
determined that a Policy does not satisfy section 7702, the Company will take
whatever steps are appropriate and necessary to attempt to cause such Policy to
comply with section 7702, including possibly refunding any premiums paid that
exceed the limitations allowable under section 7702 (together with interest or
other earnings on any such premiums refunded as required by law). For these
reasons, the Company reserves the right to modify the Policy as necessary to
attempt to qualify it as a life insurance contract under section 7702.
 
  Section 817(h) of the Code authorizes the Treasury to set standards by
regulation or otherwise for the investments of each Division of the Separate
Account to be "adequately diversified" in order for the Policy to be treated as
a life insurance contract for Federal tax purposes. Although the Company does
not control VIP or its investments, VIP has represented that it intends to
comply with the diversification requirements
 
                                       35
<PAGE>
 
prescribed by the Treasury in Reg. section 1.817-5. Thus, the Company believes
that each Division of the Separate Account, through VIP, will be in compliance
with the requirements prescribed by the Treasury.
 
  The IRS has stated in published rulings that a variable contract owner will
be considered the owner of separate account assets, for federal income tax
purposes, if the contract owner possesses incidents of ownership in those
assets, such as the ability to exercise investment control over the assets. If
that were to be determined to be the case, income and gains from the separate
account assets would be includible in the variable contract owner's gross
income. The Treasury Department has also announced, in connection with the
issuance of regulations concerning diversification, that those regulations "do
not provide guidance concerning the circumstances in which investor control of
the investments of a segregated asset account may cause the investor (i.e., the
Owner), rather than the insurance company, to be treated as the owner of the
assets in the account." This announcement also stated that guidance would be
issued by way of regulations or rulings on the "extent to which policyholders
may direct their investments to particular subaccounts without being treated as
owners of the underlying assets."
 
  The ownership rights under the Policy are similar to, but different in
certain respects from those described by the IRS in rulings in which it was
determined that policy owners were not owners of separate account assets. For
example, the Owner has additional flexibility in allocating Premium payments
and Policy Values. These differences could result in an Owner being treated as
the owner of a pro rata portion of the assets of the Separate Account. In
addition, the Company does not know what standards will be set forth, if any,
in the regulations or rulings which the Treasury Department has stated it
expects to issue. The Company therefore reserves the right to modify the Policy
as necessary to attempt to prevent an Owner from being considered the owner of
a pro rata share of the assets of the Separate Account.
 
  The following discussion assumes that the Policy will qualify as a life
insurance contract for Federal income tax purposes.
 
TAX TREATMENT OF POLICY BENEFITS
 
  1. IN GENERAL. As a life insurance contract, the proceeds and cash value
increases of a Policy should be treated in a manner consistent with a fixed-
benefit life insurance policy for Federal income tax purposes. Thus, the death
benefit under the Policy should be excludable from the gross income of the
Beneficiary under section 101(a)(1) of the Code.
 
  The exchange of a Policy, a change in the Policy's death benefit option
(e.g., a change from Option B to Option A), a change in the Policy's Face
Amount, a conversion to a fixed policy, an exchange, a Policy loan, an
unscheduled premium payment, a Policy lapse with an outstanding loan, a partial
withdrawal, a surrender, or an assignment of the Policy may have Federal income
tax consequences depending on the circumstances. In addition, Federal estate
and state and local estate, inheritance, and other tax consequences of
ownership or receipt of Policy proceeds depend on the circumstances of each
Policy owner or Beneficiary. A competent tax adviser should be consulted for
further information.
 
  The Federal income tax consequences associated with (i) adding either the HIV
Acceleration of Death Benefit Rider or the Accelerated Death Benefit Settlement
Option Rider (the "Riders") or (ii) receiving the benefits provided under these
Riders are uncertain. Accordingly, we urge you to consult a tax adviser before
adding either Rider to your Policy or requesting a benefit under such Riders.
 
  The Policies may be used in various arrangements, such as nonqualified
deferred compensation or salary continuance plans, split dollar insurance
plans, executive bonus plans, retiree medical benefit plans and others. The tax
consequences of such plans may vary depending on the particular facts and
circumstances of each individual arrangement. Therefore, if you are
contemplating the use of such Policies in any arrangement the value of which
depends in part on its tax consequences, you should be sure to consult a
qualified tax advisor regarding the tax attributes of the particular
arrangement.
 
 
                                       36
<PAGE>
 
  Generally, the Owner will not be deemed to be in constructive receipt of the
cash value, including increments thereof, under the Policy until there is a
distribution. The tax consequences of distributions from, and loans taken from
or secured by, a Policy depend on whether the Policy is classified as a
"modified endowment contract". Whether a Policy is or is not classified as a
modified endowment contract, upon a complete surrender or lapse of the Policy
or when benefits are paid at the maturity date, if the amount received plus the
amount of indebtedness exceeds the total investment in the Policy, the excess
will generally be treated as ordinary income subject to tax.
 
  2. POLICIES CLASSIFIED AS MODIFIED ENDOWMENT CONTRACTS. In general, a Policy
will be a modified endowment contract if the accumulated premiums paid at any
time during the first seven policy years exceeds the sum of the net level
premiums which would have been paid on or before such time if the Policy
provided for paid-up future benefits after the payment of seven level annual
premiums. Further, a Policy that is not otherwise a modified endowment contract
may become a modified endowment contract if it is "materially changed." The
determination whether a Policy will be a modified endowment contract after a
material change generally depends upon the relationship of the death benefit
and the cash value at the time of such change and the additional premiums paid
in the seven years following the material change.
 
  Due to the Policy's flexibility, classification as a modified endowment
contract will depend on the individual circumstances of each Policy. Moreover,
the rules relating to whether a Policy will be treated as a modified endowment
contract are extremely complex. Therefore, a current or prospective Policy
owner is strongly advised to retain and consult with a competent advisor before
purchasing a Policy, making an unscheduled premium payment on an existing
Policy or making any change in an existing Policy, to determine whether the
Policy will be treated as a modified endowment contract.
 
  The Company has adopted administrative steps designed to protect a
Policyowner against inadvertently having the Policy become a modified endowment
contract. Although the Company cannot provide complete assurance at this time
that a Policy will not inadvertently become a modified endowment contract, it
is continuing its efforts to enhance its administrative systems to monitor
potential modified endowment classifications automatically.
 
  3. DISTRIBUTIONS FROM POLICIES CLASSIFIED AS MODIFIED ENDOWMENT CONTRACTS.
Policies classified as modified endowment contracts will be subject to the
following tax rules: First, all distributions, including distributions upon
surrender and benefits paid at maturity, from such a Policy are treated as
ordinary income subject to tax up to the amount equal to the excess (if any) of
the cash value immediately before the distribution over the investment in the
Policy (described below) at such time. Second, loans taken from, or secured by,
such a Policy (as well as due but unpaid interest that is added to the loan
amount) are treated as distributions from such a Policy and taxed accordingly.
Third, a 10 percent additional income tax is imposed on the portion of any
distribution from, or loan taken from or secured by, such a Policy that is
included in income except where the distributions or loan is made on or after
the Policy owner attains age 59 1/2, is attributable to the Policy owner's
becoming disabled, or is part of a series of substantially equal periodic
payments for the life (or life expectancy) of the Policy owner or the joint
lives (or joint life expectancies) of the Policy owner and the Policy owner's
Beneficiary.
 
  If a Policy becomes a modified endowment contract after it is issued,
distributions made during the policy year in which it becomes a modified
endowment contract, distributions in any subsequent policy year and
distributions within two years before the Policy becomes a modified endowment
contract will be subject to the tax treatment described above. This means that
a distribution from a Policy that is not a modified endowment contract could
later become taxable as a distribution from a modified endowment contract.
 
  4. DISTRIBUTIONS FROM POLICIES NOT CLASSIFIED AS MODIFIED ENDOWMENT
CONTRACTS. Distributions from a Policy that is not a modified endowment
contract, and which is not materially changed, or, if materially changed, is
not classified as a modified endowment contract after such material change, are
generally treated as first recovering the investment in the Policy (described
below) and then, only after the return of all such
 
                                       37
<PAGE>
 
investment in the Policy, as distributing taxable income. An exception to this
general rule occurs in the case of a decrease in the Policy's death benefit
(e.g., partial withdrawal or a change from Option B to Option A) or any other
change that reduces benefits under the Policy in the first 15-years after the
Policy is issued and that results in a cash distribution to the Policy owner in
order for the Policy to continue complying with the section 7702 definitional
limits. Such a cash distribution will be taxed in whole or in part as ordinary
income (to the extent of any gain in the Policy) under rules prescribed in
section 7702.
 
  Loans from, or secured by, a Policy that is not a modified endowment contract
are not treated as distributions. Instead, such loans are treated as
indebtedness of the Owner.
 
  Finally, neither distributions (including distributions upon surrender or
lapse) nor loans from, or secured by, a Policy that is not a modified endowment
contract are subject to the 10 percent additional income tax.
 
  5. POLICY LOAN INTEREST. If there is any borrowing against a Policy, the
interest paid on the loan generally will not be tax deductible. A Policyowner
should consult a qualified tax adviser before deducting interest on a policy
loan.
 
  6. INVESTMENT IN THE POLICY. Investment in the Policy means (i) the aggregate
amount of any premiums or other consideration paid for a Policy, minus (ii) the
aggregate amount received under the Policy which is excluded from gross income
of the Policy owner (except that the amount of any loan from, or secured by, a
Policy that is a modified endowment contract, to the extent such amount is
excluded from gross income, will be disregarded), plus (iii) the amount of any
loan from, or secured by, a Policy that is a modified endowment contract to the
extent that such amount is included in the gross income of the Owner.
 
  7. MULTIPLE POLICIES. All modified endowment contracts that are issued by the
Company (or its affiliates) to the same Policy owner during any calendar year
are treated as one modified endowment contract for purposes of determining the
amount includible in gross income.
 
POSSIBLE CHARGE FOR TAXES
 
  At the present time, the Company makes no charge to the Separate Account for
any Federal, state or local taxes the Company incurs that may be attributable
to the Separate Account or to the Policies. The Company, however, reserves the
right in the future to make a charge for any such tax or other economic burden
resulting from the application of the tax laws that it determines to be
properly attributable to the Separate Account or to the Policies.
 
                  SAFEKEEPING OF THE SEPARATE ACCOUNT'S ASSETS
 
  The Company holds the assets of the Separate Account. The assets are kept
physically segregated and held separate and apart from the Company's general
assets. The Company maintains records of all purchases and redemptions of VIP
shares by each of the Divisions. Additional protection for the assets of the
Separate Account is afforded by a blanket fidelity bond issued by Reliance
Insurance Company in the amount of $5 million, covering all officers and
employees of the Company who have access to the assets of the Separate Account.
 
                                 VOTING RIGHTS
 
  To the extent required by law, the Company will vote the shares of VIP held
in the Separate Account at regular and special shareholder meetings of VIP in
accordance with instructions received from persons having voting interests in
the corresponding Divisions of the Separate Account. If, however, the 1940 Act
or any regulation thereunder should be amended or if the present interpretation
thereof should change, and as a result the Company determines that it is
permitted to vote shares of VIP in its own right, it may elect to do so.
 
                                       38
<PAGE>
 
  The Owners of Policies ordinarily are the persons having a voting interest in
the Divisions of the Separate Account. The number of votes which an Owner has
the right to instruct will be calculated separately for each Division. The
number of votes which each Owner has the right to instruct will be determined
by dividing a Policy's Cash Value in a Division by the net asset value per
share of the corresponding Fund in which the Division invests. Fractional
shares will be counted. The number of votes of the Fund which the Owner has
right to instruct will be determined as of the date coincident with the date
established by that Fund for determining shareholders eligible to vote at the
meeting of VIP. Voting instructions will be solicited by written communications
prior to such meeting in accordance with procedures established by VIP.
 
  Because the Funds of VIP serve as investment vehicles for this Policy as well
as for other variable life insurance policies sold by insurers other than the
Company and funded through other separate investment accounts, persons owning
the other policies will enjoy similar voting rights. The Company will vote Fund
shares held in the Separate Account for which no timely voting instructions are
received and Fund shares that it owns as a consequence of accrued charges under
the Policies, in proportion to the voting instructions which are received with
respect to all Policies participating in a Fund. Each person having a voting
interest in a Division will receive proxy material, reports, and other
materials relating to the appropriate Fund.
 
  Disregard of Voting Instructions. The Company may, when required by state
insurance regulatory authorities, disregard voting instructions if the
instructions require that the shares be voted so as to cause a change in the
subclassification or investment objective of or one or more of the Funds or to
approve or disapprove an investment advisory contract for a Fund. In addition,
the Company itself may disregard voting instructions in favor of changes
initiated by an Owner in the investment policy or by the investment adviser or
sub-adviser of a Fund of VIP if the Company reasonably disapproves of such
changes. A proposed change would be disapproved only if the proposed change is
contrary to state law or prohibited by state regulatory authorities, or the
Company determined that the change would have an adverse effect on its general
assets in that the proposed investment policy for a Fund may result in overly
speculative or unsound investments. In the event the Company does disregard
voting instructions, a summary of that action and the reasons for such action
will be included in the next annual report to Owners.
 
                        STATE REGULATION OF THE COMPANY
 
  The Company, a stock life insurance company organized under the laws of
Missouri, is subject to regulation by the Missouri Division of Insurance. An
annual statement is filed with the Director of Insurance on or before March 1
each year covering the operations and reporting on the financial condition of
the Company as of December 31 of the preceding year. Periodically, the Director
of Insurance examines the liabilities and reserves of the Company and the
Separate Account and certifies their adequacy, and a full examination of the
Company's operations is conducted by the National Association of Insurance
Commissioners at least once every three years.
 
  In addition, the Company is subject to the insurance laws and regulations of
other states within which it is licensed or may become licensed to operate.
Generally, the insurance departments of other states apply the laws of the
state of domicile in determining permissible investments.
 
                                       39
<PAGE>
 
                           MANAGEMENT OF THE COMPANY
 
     NAME                                PRINCIPAL OCCUPATION(S)
                                         DURING PAST FIVE YEARS*
EXECUTIVE OFFICERS**
 
  Carl H. Anderson@        President and Chief Executive Officer since June,
                           1986, and Vice President, New Ventures, since June
                           1986, General American Life Insurance Co., St.
                           Louis, Mo. (GenAm).
 
  Mathew K. Duffy          Vice President and Chief Financial Officer since
                           July, 1996. Formerly, Director of Accounting,
                           Prudential Insurance Company of America, March,
                           1987-June, 1996.
 
  E. Thomas Hughes, Jr.@   Treasurer since December, 1994. Corporate Actuary
  General American Life    and Treasurer, GenAm since October, 1994. Executive
   Insurance Company       Vice President--Group Pensions, GenAm January,
  700 Market Street        1990-October, 1994.
  St. Louis, MO 63101
 
  Matthew P. McCauley@     Vice President and General Counsel since 1984. Sec-
  General American Life    retary since August, 1981. Vice President and Asso-
   Insurance Company       ciate General Counsel, GenAm, since December 30,
  700 Market Street        1995.
  St. Louis, MO 63101
 
  Craig K. Nordyke@        Executive Vice President and Chief Actuary since
                           November, 1996. Vice President and Chief Actuary,
                           August, 1990-November, 1996. Second Vice President
                           and Chief Actuary, May, 1987-August, 1990.
 
  George E. Phillips       Vice President--Operations and System Development
                           since January, 1995. Formerly, Senior Vice Presi-
                           dent, Fortis, Inc. July, 1991-August, 1994. Vice
                           President, Mutual Benefit prior to July, 1991.
 
 
DIRECTORS***
 
  Richard A. Liddy         Chairman, President, and Chief Executive Officer
                           GenAm, since May, 1992. President and Chief Operat-
                           ing Officer, GenAm, May, 1988-May, 1992.
 
  Leonard M. Rubenstein    Chairman and Chief Executive Officer--Conning Cor-
                           poration and Conning Asset Management Company since
                           January, 1997. Executive Vice President--Invest-
                           ments, GenAm, February, 1991-January, 1997.
 
  Warren J. Winer          Executive Vice President--Group, GenAm, since Sep-
                           tember, 1995. Formerly, Managing Director, Wm. M.
                           Mercer, July, 1993-August, 1995; President, W F
                           Corrosion, September, 1990-July, 1993.
 
  Bernard H Wolzenski      Executive Vice President--Individual, GenAm, since
                           November, 1991. Vice President--Life Product Man-
                           agement, GenAm, May, 1989-November, 1991.
 
  A. Greig Woodring        President, Reinsurance Group of America, Inc.,
                           since May, 1993. Formerly, Executive Vice Presi-
                           dent--Reinsurance, GenAm, since January, 1990.
- --------
*All positions listed are with the Company unless otherwise indicated.
 
**The principal business address of each person listed is Paragon Life
   Insurance Company, 100 South Brentwood, St. Louis, Missouri 63105 unless
   otherwise noted.
 
***The principal business address of each person listed is General American
   Life Insurance Company, 700 Market Street, St. Louis, MO 63101, except A.
   Greig Woodring--Reinsurance Group of America, 660 Mason Ridge Center Drive,
   St. Louis, MO 63141.
 
@Indicates Executive Officers who are also Directors.
 
 
                                       40
<PAGE>
 
                                 LEGAL MATTERS
 
  Sutherland, Asbill & Brennan of Washington, D.C. has provided advice on
certain legal matters relating to aspects of Federal securities laws. All
matters of Missouri law pertaining to the Policies, including the validity of
the Policies and the Company's right to issue the Policies and the Group
Contract under Missouri insurance law, and all legal matters relating to the
Parent Company's resolution concerning policies issued by Paragon have been
passed upon by Matthew P. McCauley, Esquire, General Counsel of Paragon Life
Insurance Company.
 
                               LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
 
  There are no legal proceedings to which the Separate Account is a party or to
which the assets of the Separate Account are subject. The Company is not
involved in any litigation that is of material importance in relation to its
total assets or that relates to the Separate Account.
 
                                    EXPERTS
 
  The financial statements of the Company and the Separate Account included in
this Prospectus and in the registration statement have been included in
reliance upon the reports of KPMG Peat Marwick LLP, independent certified
public accountants, and on the authority of said firm as experts in accounting
and auditing.
 
  Actuarial matters included in this Prospectus have been examined by Craig K.
Nordyke, FSA, MAAA, Executive Vice President and Chief Actuary of the Company,
as stated in the opinion filed as an exhibit to the registration statement.
 
                             ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
 
  A registration statement has been filed with the Securities and Exchange
Commission, under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, with respect to the
Policies offered hereby. This Prospectus does not contain all the information
set forth in the registration statement and the amendments and exhibits to the
registration statement, to all of which reference is made for further
information concerning the Separate Account, the Company and the Policy offered
hereby. Statements contained in this Prospectus as to the contents of the
Policy and other legal instruments are summaries. For a complete statement of
the terms thereof reference is made to such instruments as filed.
 
                              FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
  The financial statements of the Company which are included in this Prospectus
should be distinguished from the financial statements for the Separate Account
included in this Prospectus, and should be considered only as bearing on the
ability of the Company to meet its obligations under the Policy. They should
not be considered as bearing on the investment performance of the assets held
in the Separate Account.
 
                                       41
<PAGE>
 
[LETTERHEAD OF KPMG PEAT MARWICK LLP]
 
                          INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' REPORT
 
The Board of Directors
Paragon Life Insurance Company:
 
  We have audited the accompanying balance sheets of Paragon Life Insurance
Company as of December 31, 1996 and 1995, and the related statements of
operations, stockholder's equity, and cash flows for each of the years in the
three-year period ended December 31, 1996. These financial statements are the
responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express
and opinion on these financial statements based on our audits.
 
  We conducted our audits in accordance with generally accepted auditing
standards. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain
reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of
material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence
supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit
also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant
estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial
statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis
for our opinion.
 
  In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in
all material respects, the financial position of Paragon Life Insurance Company
as of December 31, 1996 and 1995, and the results of its operations and its
cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31,
1996, in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles.
 
                                          KPMG Peat Marwick LLP
 
February 21, 1997
 
                                      F-1
<PAGE>
 
                         PARAGON LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
 
                                 BALANCE SHEETS
                           DECEMBER 31, 1996 AND 1995
                           (IN THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                1996    1995
                                                              -------- -------
<S>                                                           <C>      <C>
                           ASSETS
Bonds, at fair value......................................... $ 65,472  59,518
Policy loans.................................................    9,564   7,206
Cash and cash equivalents....................................    9,106   7,056
                                                              -------- -------
    Total cash and invested assets...........................   84,142  73,780
Reinsurance receivables:
  Future policy benefits.....................................    6,141   5,761
  Policy and contract claims.................................      774   1,183
Accrued investment income....................................    1,298   1,041
Deferred policy acquisition costs............................   15,776  13,006
Federal income tax recoverable...............................      --      114
Other assets.................................................    1,508     375
Separate account assets......................................   76,995  50,195
                                                              -------- -------
    Total assets............................................. $186,634 145,455
                                                              ======== =======
            LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDER'S EQUITY
Reserve for future policy benefits...........................   78,120  67,485
Policy and contract claims...................................    1,108   1,096
Federal income taxes payable.................................      811     --
Other liabilities and accrued expenses.......................    2,704   1,963
Payable to affiliates........................................    2,289   1,892
Due to separate account......................................       95     203
Deferred tax liability.......................................    2,781   2,845
Separate account liabilities.................................   76,995  50,195
                                                              -------- -------
    Total liabilities........................................ $164,903 125,679
                                                              ======== =======
Commitments and contingencies
Stockholder's equity:
  Common stock, par value $25; 100,000 shares authorized;
   82,000 shares issued and outstanding......................    2,050   2,050
  Additional paid-in capital.................................   17,950  17,950
  Net unrealized gain on investments, net....................      322   1,583
  Retained earnings (deficit)................................    1,409  (1,807)
                                                              -------- -------
    Total stockholder's equity............................... $ 21,731  19,776
                                                              -------- -------
    Total liabilities and stockholder's equity............... $186,634 145,455
                                                              ======== =======
</TABLE>
 
                See accompanying notes to financial statements.
 
                                      F-2
<PAGE>
 
                         PARAGON LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
 
                            STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
                  YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1996, 1995 AND 1994
                           (IN THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                           1996    1995   1994
                                                          ------- ------ ------
<S>                                                       <C>     <C>    <C>
Revenues:
  Policy contract charges................................ $13,719  9,931  7,692
  Net investment income..................................   5,663  4,888  4,117
  Commissions and expenses allowances on reinsurance ced-
   ed....................................................     114     96    119
  Realized investment gains..............................      72      1     44
                                                          ------- ------ ------
    Total revenues.......................................  19,568 14,916 11,972
                                                          ======= ====== ======
Benefits and expenses:
  Policy benefits........................................   3,326  2,873  2,754
  Interest credited......................................   4,126  3,833  3,065
  Commissions, net of capitalized costs..................      79     57     73
  General and administration expenses, net of capitalized
   costs.................................................   6,798  5,528  4,282
  Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs......     285    369    164
                                                          ------- ------ ------
    Total benefits and expenses..........................  14,614 12,660 10,338
                                                          ======= ====== ======
    Gain from operations before federal income tax ex-
     pense...............................................   4,954  2,256  1,634
Federal income tax expense...............................   1,738    781    576
                                                          ------- ------ ------
Net income............................................... $ 3,216  1,475  1,058
                                                          ======= ====== ======
</TABLE>
 
 
 
                See accompanying notes to financial statements.
 
                                      F-3
<PAGE>
 
                         PARAGON LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
 
                       STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDER'S EQUITY
                 YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1996, 1995, AND 1994
                           (IN THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                           NET UNREALIZED
                                ADDITIONAL GAIN (LOSS) ON RETAINED      TOTAL
                         COMMON  PAID-IN    INVESTMENTS,  EARNINGS  STOCKHOLDER'S
                         STOCK   CAPITAL    NET OF TAXES  (DEFICIT)    EQUITY
                         ------ ---------- -------------- --------- -------------
<S>                      <C>    <C>        <C>            <C>       <C>
Balance at December 31,
 1993................... $2,050   17,950        1,100      (4,340)     16,760
  Net income............    --       --           --        1,058       1,058
  Change in net
   unrealized gain
   (loss) on
   investments, net.....    --       --        (2,924)        --       (2,924)
                         ------   ------       ------      ------      ------
Balance at December 31,
 1994................... $2,050   17,950       (1,824)     (3,282)     14,894
  Net income............    --       --           --        1,475       1,475
  Change in net
   unrealized gain
   (loss) on
   investments, net.....    --       --         3,407         --        3,407
                         ------   ------       ------      ------      ------
Balance at December 31,
 1995................... $2,050   17,950        1,583      (1,807)     19,776
  Net income............    --       --           --        3,216       3,216
  Change in net
   unrealized gain
   (loss) on
   investments, net.....    --       --        (1,261)        --       (1,261)
                         ------   ------       ------      ------      ------
Balance at December 31,
 1996................... $2,050   17,950          322       1,409      21,731
                         ======   ======       ======      ======      ======
</TABLE>
 
 
 
                See accompanying notes to financial statements.
 
                                      F-4
<PAGE>
 
                         PARAGON LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
 
                            STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
                  YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1996, 1995 AND 1994
                           (IN THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                      1996     1995     1994
                                                    --------  -------  -------
<S>                                                 <C>       <C>      <C>
Cash flows from operating activities:
  Net income....................................... $  3,216    1,475    1,058
  Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash
   provided by (used in) operating activities:
    Change in:
      Reinsurance receivables......................       29      158   (1,775)
      Accrued investment income....................     (257)    (156)     (79)
      Deferred policy acquisition costs, net.......   (2,770)  (1,894)  (2,148)
      Federal income tax recoverable/payable.......      925      (23)     (91)
      Other assets.................................   (1,133)    (122)      11
      Policy and contract claims...................       12      387     (281)
      Other liabilities and accrued expenses.......      741      313      286
      Payable to affiliates........................      397      526      690
      Due to separate account......................     (108)     (14)     217
  Deferred tax expense.............................      615      897      669
  Interest credited................................    4,126    3,833    3,065
  Net gain on sales and calls of investments.......      (72)      (1)     (44)
                                                    --------  -------  -------
Net cash provided by operating activities..........    5,721    5,379    1,578
                                                    ========  =======  =======
Cash flows from investing activities:
  Purchase of investments..........................  (15,248)  (8,462) (11,613)
  Sale or maturity of investments..................    6,860    3,082    4,751
  Increase in policy loans, net....................   (2,358)  (1,788)  (1,785)
                                                    --------  -------  -------
Net cash used in investing activities..............  (10,746)  (7,168)  (8,827)
                                                    --------  -------  -------
Cash flows from financing activities:
  Gross policyholder account deposits on life con-
   tracts..........................................   45,433   35,202   29,046
  Net transfers to separate account for variable
   life contracts..................................  (38,358) (29,399) (20,323)
                                                    --------  -------  -------
Net cash provided by financing activities..........    7,075    5,803    8,723
                                                    --------  -------  -------
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents..........    2,050    4,014    1,474
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year.....    7,056    3,042    1,568
                                                    --------  -------  -------
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year........... $  9,106    7,056    3,042
                                                    ========  =======  =======
Income taxes received (paid)....................... $   (198)      93        2
                                                    ========  =======  =======
</TABLE>
 
                See accompanying notes to financial statements.
 
                                      F-5
<PAGE>
 
                         PARAGON LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
 
                         NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
                           DECEMBER 31, 1996 AND 1995
 
(1) SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
 
  Paragon Life Insurance Company (Paragon or the Company) is a wholly owned
subsidiary of General American Life Insurance Company (General American or the
Parent). Paragon markets Universal Life and Variable Universal Life Insurance
products through the sponsorship of major companies and organizations. Paragon
is licensed to do business in the District of Columbia and all states except
New York.
 
  General American has guaranteed that Paragon will have sufficient funds to
meet all of its contractual obligations. In the event a policyholder presents a
legitimate claim for payment on a Paragon insurance policy, General American
will pay such claim directly to the policyholder if Paragon is unable to make
such payment. The guarantee agreement is binding on General American, its
successor or assignee and shall cease only if the guarantee is assigned to an
organization having a financial rating from Standard & Poor's equal to or
better than General American's rating.
 
  The accompanying financial statements are prepared on the basis of generally
accepted accounting principles. The preparation of financial statements
requires the use of estimates by management which affect the amounts reflected
in the financial statements. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
 
  The significant accounting policies of the Company are as follows:
 
 (a) Recognition of Policy Revenue and Related Expenses
 
  Revenues for universal life products consist of policy charges for the cost
of insurance, administration and surrender charges during the period. Revenues
for variable universal life products also include policy charges for mortality
and expense risks assumed by Paragon. Policy benefit expenses include interest
credited to policy account balances on universal life products and death
benefit payments made in excess of policy account balances.
 
  Policy acquisition costs, such as commissions and certain costs of policy
issuance and underwriting, are deferred and amortized in relation to the
present value of expected gross profits over the estimated life of the policies
which is assumed to be 20 years.
 
 (b) Invested Assets
 
  Investment securities are accounted for at fair value. At December 31, 1996
and 1995, all long-term securities are classified as available-for-sale and are
carried at fair value with the unrealized gain or loss, net of taxes, being
reflected as a separate component of stockholder's equity. Short-term
investments are carried at amortized cost which approximates market value.
Policy loans are valued at aggregate unpaid balances. The fair value of policy
loans is assumed to approximate the carrying value as the loans have no fixed
maturity date and, therefore, it is not practical to determine fair value.
 
  Realized gains or losses on the sale of securities are determined on the
basis of specific identification and include the impact of any related
amortization of premiums or accretion of discounts which is generally computed
consistent with the interest method.
 
 (c) Reserve for Future Policy Benefits
 
  Liabilities for future benefits on life policies are carried at their
accumulated account values. Certain interest sensitive life policies allow
policyholders to move accumulated assets from the variable rate separate
accounts to a fixed-interest general account. The fixed-interest general
account guaranteed policyholders minimum crediting rates of 4.0% in 1996 and
1995 and 5.5% in 1994.
 
                                      F-6
<PAGE>
 
                         PARAGON LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
 
                   NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
 
 (d) Federal Income Taxes
 
  The Company establishes deferred taxes under the asset and liability method,
and deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax
consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement
carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax
bases. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates
expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary
differences are expected to be recovered or settled. Under SFAS No. 109, the
effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is
recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date.
 
  The Company files its federal income tax return on a consolidated basis with
its Parent and other subsidiaries. In accordance with a tax allocation
agreement between Paragon and General American, taxes are computed as if
Paragon was filing its own income tax return, and tax expense (benefit) is paid
to, or received from, General American. Paragon recognizes a tax benefit to the
extent that its tax losses are utilized by other members of the General
American consolidated tax group.
 
 (e) Reinsurance
 
  Reinsurance activities are accounted for consistent with terms of risk
transfer reinsurance contracts. Premiums ceded to other companies have been
reported as a reduction of policy contract charges. Amounts applicable to
reinsurance ceded for future policy benefits and claim liabilities have been
reported as assets for these items, and commissions and expense allowances
received in connection with reinsurance ceded have been accounted for in income
as earned. Reinsurance does not relieve the Company from its primary
responsibility to meet claim obligations.
 
 (f) Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs
 
  The costs of acquiring new business which vary with, and are primarily
related to, the production of new business have been deferred to the extent
that such costs are deemed recoverable from future gross profits. Such costs
include commissions, premium taxes, as well as certain costs of policy issuance
and underwriting. The Company deferred approximately $2,447,000, $2,263,000 and
$2,313,000 in policy acquisition costs and recognized amortization of deferred
policy acquisition costs of approximately $285,000, $369,000 and $164,000 in
1996, 1995 and 1994 respectively. In addition, the Company recognizes the
impact on deferred policy acquisition costs related to unrealized gains
(losses) on investments underlying the business. In 1996, 1995 and 1994 the
Company recognized a direct charge (benefit) to stockholder's equity of
approximately ($17,000), $624,000 and ($719,000) respectively.
 
 (g) Separate Account Business
 
  The assets and liabilities of the separate accounts represent segregated
funds administered and invested by the Company for purposes of funding variable
life insurance contracts for the exclusive benefit of variable life insurance
contract holders. The Company charges the separate accounts for risks it
assumes in issuing a policy and retains varying amounts of withdrawal charges
to cover expenses in the event of early withdrawals by contract holders. The
assets and liabilities of the separate account are carried at market value.
 
 (h) Fair Market Disclosures
 
  Fair value estimates are made at a specific point in time, based on relevant
market information and information about the financial instrument. These
estimates do not reflect any premium or discount that could result from
offering for sale at one time the Company's entire holdings of a particular
financial instrument.
 
                                      F-7
<PAGE>
 
                         PARAGON LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
 
                   NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
Although fair value estimates are calculated using assumptions that management
believes are appropriate, changes in assumption could significantly affect the
estimates and such estimates should be used which care. The following
assumptions were used to estimate the fair market value of each class of
financial instrument for which it was practicable to estimate fair value:
 
    Investment securities--Fixed maturities are valued using quoted market
  prices, if available. If quoted market prices are not available, fair value
  is estimated using quoted market prices of similar securities.
 
    Policy loans--Policy loans are carried at the carrying value which
  approximates fair value.
 
    Separate account assets and liabilities--The separate account assets and
  liabilities are carried at market value as determined by quoted market
  prices.
 
    Cash and short-term investments--The carrying amount is reasonable
  estimate of fair value.
 
 (i) Cash and Cash Equivalents
 
  For purposes of reporting cash flows, cash and cash equivalents represent
demand deposits and highly liquid short-term investments, which include U.S.
Treasury bills, commercial paper, and repurchase agreements with original or
remaining maturities of 90 days or less when purchased.
 
(2) INVESTMENTS
 
  Market value is based upon market prices obtained from independent pricing
services which approximate fair value. The amortized cost and estimated market
value of bonds at December 31, 1996 and 1995 are as follows (000's):
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                        1996
                                      -----------------------------------------
                                                  GROSS      GROSS    ESTIMATED
                                      AMORTIZED UNREALIZED UNREALIZED  MARKET
                                        COST      GAINS      LOSSES     VALUE
                                      --------- ---------- ---------- ---------
      <S>                             <C>       <C>        <C>        <C>
      U.S. Treasury securities.......  $ 4,410      129         (5)     4,534
      U.S. government agency obliga-
       tions.........................    3,597       70        (20)     3,647
      Corporate securities...........   55,007    1,208       (844)    55,371
      Mortgage-backed securities.....    1,945       65        (90)     1,920
                                       -------    -----       ----     ------
                                       $64,959    1,472       (959)    65,472
                                       =======    =====       ====     ======
<CAPTION>
                                                        1995
                                      -----------------------------------------
                                                  GROSS      GROSS    ESTIMATED
                                      AMORTIZED UNREALIZED UNREALIZED  MARKET
                                        COST      GAINS      LOSSES     VALUE
                                      --------- ---------- ---------- ---------
      <S>                             <C>       <C>        <C>        <C>
      U.S. Treasury securities.......  $ 4,608      281         (1)     4,888
      U.S. government agency obliga-
       tions.........................    4,920      173        --       5,093
      Corporate securities...........   42,842    2,842       (438)    45,246
      Mortgage-backed securities.....    4,088      203        --       4,291
                                       -------    -----       ----     ------
                                       $56,458    3,499       (439)    59,518
                                       =======    =====       ====     ======
</TABLE>
 
                                      F-8
<PAGE>
 
                         PARAGON LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
 
                   NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
 
  The amortized cost and estimated market value of bonds at December 31, 1996,
by contractual maturity, are shown below (000's). Expected maturities may
differ from contractual maturities because borrowers may have the right to call
or prepay obligations with or without call or prepayment penalties.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                          AMORTIZED  ESTIMATED
                                                            COST    MARKET VALUE
                                                          --------- ------------
      <S>                                                 <C>       <C>
      Due in one year or less............................  $ 3,248      3,273
      Due after one year through five years..............    9,685      9,980
      Due after five years through ten years.............   22,144     22,248
      Due after ten years through twenty years...........   27,937     28,051
      Mortgage-backed securities.........................    1,945      1,920
                                                           -------     ------
                                                           $64,959     65,472
                                                           =======     ======
</TABLE>
 
  Proceeds from sales of investments in bonds during 1996, 1995 and 1994 were
$4,129,254, $264,750 and $495,666 respectively. Gross gains of $71,604, $1,338
and $44,095 were realized on those sales in 1996, 1995 and 1994, respectively.
 
  The sources of net investment income follow (000s):
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                           1996    1995   1994
                                                          -------  -----  -----
      <S>                                                 <C>      <C>    <C>
      Bonds.............................................. $ 4,626  4,109  3,685
      Short-term investments.............................     449    338    113
      Policy loans and other.............................     680    480    347
                                                          -------  -----  -----
      Investment expenses................................   5,755  4,927  4,145
                                                              (92)   (39)   (28)
                                                          -------  -----  -----
          Net investment income.......................... $ 5,663  4,888  4,117
                                                          =======  =====  =====
</TABLE>
 
  The Company has bonds on deposit with various state insurance departments
with an amortized cost of approximately $3,909,000 and $3,868,000 at December
31, 1996 and 1995, respectively.
 
(3) REINSURANCE
 
  The Company reinsures certain risks with other insurance companies above a
maximum retention amount (currently $50,000) to help reduce the loss on any
single policy.
 
  Premiums and related reinsurance amounts for the years ended December 31,
1996, 1995 and 1994 as they relate to transactions with affiliates are
summarized as follows (000's):
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                              1996   1995  1994
                                                             ------- ----- -----
      <S>                                                    <C>     <C>   <C>
      Reinsurance transactions with affiliates:
        Reinsurance premiums ceded.......................... $10,715 9,126 7,136
        Policy benefits ceded...............................   6,274 6,881 4,960
        Commissions and expenses ceded......................     114    94   130
</TABLE>
 
  Ceded premiums and benefits to nonaffiliates for 1996, 1995 and 1994 were
insignificant.
 
                                      F-9
<PAGE>
 
                         PARAGON LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
 
                   NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
 
(4) FEDERAL INCOME TAXES
 
  The Company is taxed as a life insurance company. A summary of Federal income
tax expense is as follows (000s):
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                               1996  1995  1994
                                                              ------ ----  ----
      <S>                                                     <C>    <C>   <C>
      Current tax (benefit) expense.......................... $1,123 (116) (93)
      Deferred tax expense...................................    615  897  669
                                                              ------ ----  ---
      Federal income tax expense............................. $1,738  781  576
                                                              ====== ====  ===
</TABLE>
 
  A reconciliation of the Company's "expected" federal income tax expense,
computed by applying the federal U.S. corporate tax rate of 35% to gain from
operations before federal income tax, is a follows (000s):
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                1996  1995  1994
                                                               ------ ----  ----
      <S>                                                      <C>    <C>   <C>
      Computed "expected" tax expense......................... $1,734 790   572
      Other, net..............................................      4  (9)    4
                                                               ------ ---   ---
      Federal income tax expense.............................. $1,738 781   576
                                                               ====== ===   ===
</TABLE>
 
  The tax effects of temporary differences that give rise to significant
portions of deferred tax assets and liabilities at December 31, 1996 and 1995
are presented below (000's):
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                     1996  1995
                                                                    ------ -----
      <S>                                                           <C>    <C>
      Deferred tax assets:
        Unearned reinsurance allowances............................ $  153   153
        Reserve for future policy benefits.........................  1,305 1,604
        Tax capitalization of acquisition costs....................  1,386 1,067
        Other, net.................................................     69    54
                                                                    ------ -----
          Total deferred tax assets................................ $2,913 2,878
                                                                    ====== =====
      Deferred tax liabilities:
        Unrealized gain on investments............................. $  173 1,071
        Deferred policy acquisition costs..........................  5,521 4,552
        Other, net.................................................    --    100
                                                                    ------ -----
          Total gross deferred tax liabilities..................... $5,694 5,723
                                                                    ====== =====
      Net deferred tax liabilities................................. $2,781 2,845
                                                                    ====== =====
</TABLE>
 
  The Company believes that a valuation allowance with respect to the
realization of the total gross deferred tax asset is not necessary. In
assessing the realization of deferred tax assets, the Company considers whether
it is more likely than not that the deferred tax assets will be realized. The
ultimate realization of deferred tax assets is dependent upon the generation of
future taxable income during the periods in which those temporary differences
become deductible. The Company files a consolidated tax return with its Parent.
Realization of the gross tax asset will not be dependent solely on the
Company's ability to generate its own taxable income. General American has a
proven history of earnings and it appears more likely than not that the
Company's gross deferred tax asset will ultimately be fully realized.
 
(5) RELATED-PARTY TRANSACTIONS
 
  Paragon purchases certain administrative services from General American.
Charges for services performed are based upon personnel and other costs
involved in providing such service. Charges for services during 1996, 1995 and
1994 were $1,250,396, $1,103,028 and $651,472, respectively.
 
                                      F-10
<PAGE>
 
                         PARAGON LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
 
                   NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
 
(6) PENSION PLAN
 
  Associates of Paragon participate in a non-contributory multi-employer
defined benefit pension plan jointly sponsored by Paragon and General American.
The benefits are based on years if service and compensation level. No pension
expense was recognized in 1996, 1995 or 1994 due to overfunding of the plan.
 
  In addition, Paragon has adopted an associate incentive plan applicable to
full-time salaried associates with at least one year of service. Contributions
to the plan are determined annually by General American and are based on
salaries of eligible associates. Full vesting occurs after five years of
continuous service. Total expenses to the company for the incentive plan were
$80,434, $149,747 and $37,533 for 1996, 1995 and 1994, respectively.
 
  Paragon provides for certain health care and life insurance benefits for
retired employees. The Company accounts for these benefits in accordance with
SFAS No. 106--Employer's Accounting for Postretirement Benefits Other Than
Pensions. SFAS No. 106 requires the Company to accrue the estimated cost of
retiree benefit payments during the years the employee provides services.
 
  SFAS No. 106 allows recognition of the cumulative effect of the liability in
the year of the adoption or the amortization of the transition obligation over
a period of up to 20 years. The Company has elected to recognize the initial
post-retirement benefit obligation of approximately $73,000 over a period of 20
years. The unrecognized initial post retirement benefit obligation was
approximately $58,391 and $61,782 at December 31, 1996 and 1995, respectively.
Net periodic post-retirement benefit costs for the years ended December 31,
1996, 1995 and 1994 were approximately $30,000, $35,000 and $26,000,
respectively. This included expected costs of benefits for newly eligible or
vested employees, interest costs, gains and losses from differences between
actuarial and actual experience, and amortization of the initial post-
retirement benefit obligation. The accumulated post-retirement benefit
obligation was approximately $116,000 and $118,000 at December 31, 1996 and
1995. The discount rate used in determining the accumulated post-retirement
benefit obligation was 7.25 percent. The health care cost trend rates were 9%
for the Indemnity Plan, 8% for the HMO Plan, and 9% for the Dental Plan. These
rates were graded to 5.25% over the next 13 years. A one percentage point
increase in the assumed health care cost trend rates would increase the
December 31, 1996 accumulated post-retirement obligation by 12.9%, and the
estimated service cost and interest cost components of the net periodic post-
retirement benefit cost for 1996 by 16.0%.
 
(7) STATUTORY FINANCIAL INFORMATION
 
  The Company is subject to financial statement filing requirements of the
State of Missouri Department of Insurance, its state of domicile, as well as
the states in which it transacts business. Such financial statements, generally
referred to as statutory financial statements, are prepared on a basis of
accounting which varies in some respects from generally accepted accounting
principles (GAAP). Statutory accounting principles include: (1) charging of
policy acquisition costs to income as incurred; (2) establishment of a
liability for future policy benefits computed using required valuation
standards which may vary in methodology utilized; (3) nonprovision of deferred
federal income taxes resulting from temporary differences between financial
reporting and tax bases of assets and liabilities; (4) recognition of statutory
liabilities for asset impairments and yield stabilization on fixed maturity
dispositions prior to maturity with asset valuation reserves based on statutory
determined formulae and interest stabilization reserves designed to level
yields over their original purchase maturities; and (5) valuation of
investments in bonds at amortized cost.
 
  The stockholder's equity (surplus) and net income (loss) of the Company at
December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994, as determined using statutory accounting
practices, is summarized as follows (000's):
 
 
                                      F-11
<PAGE>
 
                         PARAGON LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
 
                   NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                        1996    1995    1994
                                                       ------- ------  ------
      <S>                                              <C>     <C>     <C>
      Statutory surplus as reported to regulatory au-
       thorities...................................... $10,751 10,778  11,821
      Net income (loss) as reported to regulatory au-
       thorities...................................... $   982   (920)   (950)
</TABLE>
 
(8) DIVIDEND RESTRICTIONS
 
  Dividend payments by Paragon are restricted by state insurance laws as to the
amount that may be paid without prior notice or approval of the Missouri
Department of Insurance. The maximum amount of dividends which can be paid
without prior approval of the insurance commissioner is limited to the maximum
of (1) 10% of statutory surplus or (2) net gain from operations. The maximum
dividend distribution that can be paid by Paragon during 1997 without prior
notice or approval is $1,075,000. Paragon did not pay dividends in 1996, 1995
or 1994.
 
(9) RISK-BASED CAPITAL
 
  The insurance departments of various states, including the Company's
domiciliary state of Missouri, impose risk-based capital (RBC) requirements on
insurance enterprises. The RBC calculation serves as a benchmark for the
regulation of life insurance companies by state insurance regulators. The
requirements apply various weighted factors to financial balances or activity
levels based on their perceived degree of risk.
 
  The RBC guidelines define specific capital levels where action by the Company
or regulators is required based on the ratio of a company's actual total
adjusted capital to control levels determined by the RBC formula. At December
31, 1996, the Company's actual total adjusted capital was in excess of minimum
levels which would require action by the Company or regulatory authorities
under the RBC formula.
 
(10) COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
 
  The Company leases certain of its facilities under noncancellable leases
which expire March 2001. The future minimum lease obligations under the terms
of the leases are summarized as follows (000s):
 
<TABLE>
             <S>                                <C>
             YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31:
               1997............................ $  510
               1998............................    480
               1999............................    472
               2000............................    468
               2001............................    445
                                                ------
                                                $2,375
                                                ======
</TABLE>
 
  Rent expense totaled $388,976, $256,631 and $239,967 in 1996, 1995 and 1994,
respectively.
 
                                      F-12
<PAGE>
 
 
LOGO
 
                          INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' REPORT
 
The Board of Directors
Paragon Life Insurance Company and
 Policyholders of Separate Account C:
 
  We have audited the accompanying statements of net assets, including the
schedule of investments, of the Money Market, High Income, Growth, Equity-
Income, Overseas, Investment Grade Bond, Asset Manager, Index 500, Contrafund,
and Asset Manager Growth Divisions of Paragon Separate Account C as of December
31, 1996, and related statements of operations and changes in net assets for
the periods presented. These financial statements are the responsibility of
Paragon Separate Account C's management. Our responsibility is to express an
opinion on these financial statements based on our audits.
 
  We conducted our audits in accordance with generally accepted auditing
standards. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain
reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of
material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence
supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our
procedures included confirmation of investments owned at December 31, 1996 by
correspondence with the Fidelity Investments Variable Insurance Products Funds.
An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant
estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial
statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis
for our opinion.
 
  In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in
all material respects, the financial position of the Money Market, High Income,
Growth, Equity-Income, Overseas, Investment Grade Bond, Asset Manager, Index
500, Contrafund, and Asset Manager Growth Divisions of Paragon Separate Account
C as of December 31, 1996, and the results of their operations and changes in
their net assets for the periods presented in conformity with generally
accepted accounting principles.
 
                                          KPMG Peat Marwick LLP
 
April 4, 1997
 
                                      F-13
<PAGE>
 
                           PARAGON SEPARATE ACCOUNT C
 
                            STATEMENTS OF NET ASSETS
                               DECEMBER 31, 1996
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                                ASSET
                     MONEY     HIGH               EQUITY             INVESTMENT   ASSET                        MANAGER
                     MARKET   INCOME    GROWTH    INCOME   OVERSEAS  GRADE BOND  MANAGER  INDEX 500 CONTRAFUND  GROWTH
                    DIVISION DIVISION  DIVISION  DIVISION  DIVISION   DIVISION  DIVISION  DIVISION   DIVISION  DIVISION
                    -------- --------- --------- --------- --------- ---------- --------- --------- ---------- --------
<S>                 <C>      <C>       <C>       <C>       <C>       <C>        <C>       <C>       <C>        <C>
NET ASSETS:
Investments in Fi-
 delity Invest-
 ments, at Market
 Value (See Sched-
 ule of Invest-
 ments)...........  $627,022 1,249,496 5,993,027 3,197,082 2,325,048  517,113   3,378,406 1,512,749  757,529   277,052
Receivable (pay-
 able) from/to
 Paragon Life In-
 surance Company..     1,658     1,002     4,391     2,036     2,114       14       2,703     1,873      (53)    2,262
                    -------- --------- --------- --------- ---------  -------   --------- ---------  -------   -------
 Total Net Assets.   628,680 1,250,498 5,997,418 3,199,118 2,327,162  517,127   3,381,109 1,514,622  757,476   279,314
                    ======== ========= ========= ========= =========  =======   ========= =========  =======   =======
TOTAL NET ASSETS
 REPRESENTED BY:
Group Variable
 Universal Life
 Cash Value In-
 vested in Sepa-
 rate Account.....   628,680 1,250,498 5,997,418 3,199,118 2,327,162  517,127   3,381,109 1,514,622  757,476   279,314
                    -------- --------- --------- --------- ---------  -------   --------- ---------  -------   -------
                    $628,680 1,250,498 5,997,418 3,199,118 2,327,162  517,127   3,381,109 1,514,622  757,476   279,314
                    ======== ========= ========= ========= =========  =======   ========= =========  =======   =======
Total Units Held..   553,037    79,233   172,300   128,402   122,407   38,844     179,021    16,221   45,352    19,414
Net Asset Value
 Per Unit.........  $   1.14     15.78     34.81     24.91     19.01    13.31       18.89     93.38    16.70     14.39
Cost of Invest-
 ments............   598,476 1,067,607 4,932,295 2,633,856 2,026,410  483,411   2,813,109 1,262,996  676,773   256,540
                    ======== ========= ========= ========= =========  =======   ========= =========  =======   =======
</TABLE>
 
 
                See Accompanying Notes to Financial Statements.
 
                                      F-14
<PAGE>
 
                           PARAGON SEPARATE ACCOUNT C
 
                            STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
 
 PERIODS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1996, 1995 AND 1994, EXCEPT THE CONTRAFUND DIVISION
               WHICH IS FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1996 AND
  FOR THE PERIOD FROM AUGUST 8, 1995 (INCEPTION) TO DECEMBER 31, 1995 AND THE
                      GROWTH MANAGER DIVISION WHICH IS FOR
    THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1996 AND FOR THE PERIOD FROM AUGUST 29, 1995
                       (INCEPTION) TO DECEMBER 31, 1995.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                            MONEY MARKET DIVISION     HIGH INCOME DIVISION          GROWTH DIVISION
                          -------------------------- ------------------------  --------------------------
                            1996    1995     1994     1996    1995     1994      1996     1995     1994
                          -------- ------- --------- ------- -------  -------  --------- -------  -------
<S>                       <C>      <C>     <C>       <C>     <C>      <C>      <C>       <C>      <C>
Net Realized Gain (Loss)
from Sales of Invest-
ments:
 Proceeds from Sales....  $257,957 936,978 1,042,123 108,848 144,263   94,828    366,424 500,609  471,648
 Cost of Investments
 Sold...................   250,216 933,523 1,040,867  94,828 136,020   95,288    300,048 458,073  470,089
                          -------- ------- --------- ------- -------  -------  --------- -------  -------
  Net Realized Gain
  (Loss) from Sales of
  Investments...........     7,741   3,455     1,256  14,020   8,243     (460)    66,376  42,536    1,559
Net Unrealized Gain
(Loss) on Investments:
 Unrealized Gain (Loss)
 Beginning of Year......     7,405     619         1  71,412    (511)      57    527,282  35,698      777
 Unrealized Gain (Loss)
 End of Year ...........    28,546   7,405       619 181,889  71,412     (511) 1,060,732 527,282   35,698
                          -------- ------- --------- ------- -------  -------  --------- -------  -------
 Net Unrealized Gain
 (Loss) on Investments..    21,141   6,786       618 110,477  71,923     (568)   533,450 491,584   34,921
                          -------- ------- --------- ------- -------  -------  --------- -------  -------
  Net Gain (Loss) on In-
  vestments.............    28,882  10,241     1,874 124,497  80,166   (1,028)   599,826 534,120   36,480
Expenses:
 Mortality and Expense
 Charge.................     6,124   2,023       349  10,879   4,106      780     40,034  18,527    3,637
                          -------- ------- --------- ------- -------  -------  --------- -------  -------
  Increase (Decrease) in
  Assets Resulting from
  Operations............  $ 22,758   8,218     1,525 113,618  76,060   (1,808)   559,792 515,593   32,843
                          ======== ======= ========= ======= =======  =======  ========= =======  =======
<CAPTION>
                                                                                 INVESTMENT GRADE BOND
                            EQUITY-INCOME DIVISION      OVERSEAS DIVISION              DIVISION
                          -------------------------- ------------------------  --------------------------
                            1996    1995     1994     1996    1995     1994      1996     1995     1994
                          -------- ------- --------- ------- -------  -------  --------- -------  -------
<S>                       <C>      <C>     <C>       <C>     <C>      <C>      <C>       <C>      <C>
Net Realized Gain (Loss)
from Sales of Invest-
ments:
 Proceeds from Sales....  $462,970 289,491   189,000 198,737 364,752  209,301     53,802 139,591   49,359
 Cost of Investments
 Sold...................   393,090 265,682   184,461 180,095 360,791  208,559     51,333 133,166   49,487
                          -------- ------- --------- ------- -------  -------  --------- -------  -------
  Net Realized Gain
  (Loss) from Sales of
  Investments...........    69,880  23,809     4,539  18,642   3,961      742      2,469   6,425     (128)
Net Unrealized Gain
(Loss) on Investments:
 Unrealized Gain (Loss)
 Beginning of Year......   293,259   7,002       198  86,811 (10,751)     428     19,633    (300)      (3)
 Unrealized Gain (Loss)
 End of Year ...........   563,226 293,259     7,002 298,638  86,811  (10,751)    33,702  19,633     (300)
                          -------- ------- --------- ------- -------  -------  --------- -------  -------
 Net Unrealized Gain
 (Loss) on Investments..   269,967 286,257     6,804 211,827  97,562  (11,179)    14,069  19,933     (297)
                          -------- ------- --------- ------- -------  -------  --------- -------  -------
  Net Gain (Loss) on In-
  vestments.............   339,847 310,066    11,343 230,469 101,523  (10,437)    16,538  26,358     (425)
Expenses:
 Mortality and Expense
 Charge.................    21,431   9,431     1,736  16,647   8,533    1,852      3,500   1,505      301
                          -------- ------- --------- ------- -------  -------  --------- -------  -------
  Increase (Decrease) in
  Assets Resulting from
  Operations............  $318,416 300,635     9,607 213,822  92,990  (12,289)    13,038  24,853     (726)
                          ======== ======= ========= ======= =======  =======  ========= =======  =======
</TABLE>
 
                See Accompanying Notes to Financial Statements.      (continued)
 
                                      F-15
<PAGE>
 
                           PARAGON SEPARATE ACCOUNT C
 
                            STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
 
 PERIODS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1996, 1995 AND 1994, EXCEPT THE CONTRAFUND DIVISION
               WHICH IS FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1996 AND
  FOR THE PERIOD FROM AUGUST 8, 1995 (INCEPTION) TO DECEMBER 31, 1995 AND THE
                      GROWTH MANAGER DIVISION WHICH IS FOR
    THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1996 AND FOR THE PERIOD FROM AUGUST 29, 1995
                       (INCEPTION) TO DECEMBER 31, 1995.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                          ASSET MANAGER
                                                                             CONTRAFUND      GROWTH
                           ASSET MANAGER DIVISION     INDEX 500 DIVISION      DIVISION      DIVISION
                          -------------------------  ---------------------  ------------  -------------
                            1996    1995     1994     1996    1995   1994    1996  1995    1996    1995
                          -------- -------  -------  ------- ------ ------  ------ -----  -------- ------
<S>                       <C>      <C>      <C>      <C>     <C>    <C>     <C>    <C>    <C>      <C>
Net Realized Gain (Loss)
from Sales of Invest-
ments:
 Proceeds from Sales....  $278,569 577,547  417,231  102,483 67,836 52,099  53,886 6,059    10,892   186
 Cost of Investments
 Sold...................   243,077 562,867  416,235   88,612 62,500 51,718  50,525 6,110    10,363   187
                          -------- -------  -------  ------- ------ ------  ------ -----  -------- -----
  Net Realized Gain
  (Loss) from Sales of
  Investments...........    35,492  14,680      996   13,871  5,336    381   3,361   (51)      529    (1)
Net Unrealized Gain
(Loss) on Investments:
 Unrealized Gain (Loss)
 Beginning of Year......   213,995 (19,051)     156   67,059    796    (16)  1,134     0        99     0
 Unrealized Gain (Loss)
 End of Year............   565,297 213,995  (19,051) 249,753 67,059    796  80,756 1,134    20,512    99
                          -------- -------  -------  ------- ------ ------  ------ -----  -------- -----
 Net Unrealized Gain
 (Loss) on Investments..   351,302 233,046  (19,207) 182,694 66,263    812  79,622 1,134    20,413    99
                          -------- -------  -------  ------- ------ ------  ------ -----  -------- -----
  Net Gain (Loss) on In-
  vestments.............   386,794 247,726  (18,211) 196,565 71,599  1,193  82,983 1,083    20,942    98
Expenses:
 Mortality and Expense
 Charge.................    24,840  13,175    2,824    8,364  2,151    340   3,437   169       970     3
                          -------- -------  -------  ------- ------ ------  ------ -----  -------- -----
  Increase (Decrease) in
  Assets Resulting from
  Operations............  $361,954 234,551  (21,035) 188,201 69,448    853  79,546   914    19,972    95
                          ======== =======  =======  ======= ====== ======  ====== =====  ======== =====
</TABLE>
 
 
                See Accompanying Notes to Financial Statements.
 
                                      F-16
<PAGE>
 
                           PARAGON SEPARATE ACCOUNT C
 
                      STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS
 
   PERIODS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1996, 1995 AND 1994, EXCEPT CONTRAFUND DIVISION
                 WHICH IS FOR YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1996 AND
  FOR THE PERIOD FROM AUGUST 8, 1995 (INCEPTION) TO DECEMBER 31, 1995 AND THE
                      GROWTH MANAGER DIVISION WHICH IS FOR
    THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1996 AND FOR THE PERIOD FROM AUGUST 29, 1995
                       (INCEPTION) TO DECEMBER 31, 1995.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                             MONEY MARKET DIVISION           HIGH INCOME DIVISION               GROWTH DIVISION
                          ------------------------------  -----------------------------  -------------------------------
                             1996       1995      1994      1996       1995      1994      1996       1995       1994
                          ----------  ---------  -------  ---------  ---------  -------  ---------  ---------  ---------
<S>                       <C>         <C>        <C>      <C>        <C>        <C>      <C>        <C>        <C>
Operations:
 Net Realized Gain
 (Loss) from sales of
 investments ...........  $    7,741      3,455    1,256     14,020      8,243     (460)    66,376     42,536      1,559
 Net Unrealized Gain
 (Loss) on Investments..      21,141      6,786      618    110,477     71,923     (568)   533,450    491,584     34,921
 Mortality and Expense
 Charge.................      (6,124)    (2,023)    (349)   (10,879)    (4,106)    (780)   (40,034)   (18,527)    (3,637)
                          ----------  ---------  -------  ---------  ---------  -------  ---------  ---------  ---------
 Increase (Decrease) in
 Net Assets Resulting
 from Operations........      22,758      8,218    1,525    113,618     76,060   (1,808)   559,792    515,593     32,843
 Net Deposits into Sepa-
 rate Account ..........     221,123    270,768  102,622    447,141    390,103  211,465  2,269,278  1,628,448    929,658
                          ----------  ---------  -------  ---------  ---------  -------  ---------  ---------  ---------
  Increase in Net As-
  sets..................     243,881    278,986  104,147    560,759    466,163  209,657  2,829,070  2,144,041    962,501
Net Assets, Beginning of
Year....................     384,799    105,813    1,666    689,739    223,576   13,919  3,168,348  1,024,307     61,806
                          ----------  ---------  -------  ---------  ---------  -------  ---------  ---------  ---------
Net Assets, End of Year.  $  628,680    384,799  105,813  1,250,498    689,739  223,576  5,997,418  3,168,348  1,024,307
                          ==========  =========  =======  =========  =========  =======  =========  =========  =========
<CAPTION>
                                                                                             INVESTMENT GRADE BOND
                             EQUITY-INCOME DIVISION            OVERSEAS DIVISION                   DIVISION
                          ------------------------------  -----------------------------  -------------------------------
                             1996       1995      1994      1996       1995      1994      1996       1995       1994
                          ----------  ---------  -------  ---------  ---------  -------  ---------  ---------  ---------
<S>                       <C>         <C>        <C>      <C>        <C>        <C>      <C>        <C>        <C>
Operations:
 Net Realized Gain
 (Loss) from sales of
 investments............  $   69,880     23,809    4,539     18,642      3,961      742      2,469      6,425       (128)
 Net Unrealized Gain
 (Loss) on Investments .     269,967    286,257    6,804    211,827     97,562  (11,179)    14,069     19,933       (297)
 Mortality and Expense
 Charge.................     (21,431)    (9,431)  (1,736)   (16,647)    (8,533)  (1,852)    (3,500)    (1,505)      (301)
                          ----------  ---------  -------  ---------  ---------  -------  ---------  ---------  ---------
 Increase (Decrease) in
 Net Assets Resulting
 from Operations........     318,416    300,635    9,607    213,822     92,990  (12,289)    13,038     24,853       (726)
 Net Deposits into Sepa-
 rate Account ..........   1,154,045    965,867  423,472    771,784    709,290  530,333    240,949    155,944     79,853
                          ----------  ---------  -------  ---------  ---------  -------  ---------  ---------  ---------
  Increase in Net As-
  sets..................   1,472,461  1,266,502  433,079    985,606    802,280  518,044    253,987    180,797     79,127
Net Assets, Beginning of
Year....................   1,726,657    460,155   27,076  1,341,556    539,276   21,232    263,140     82,343      3,216
                          ----------  ---------  -------  ---------  ---------  -------  ---------  ---------  ---------
Net Assets, End of Year.  $3,199,118  1,726,657  460,155  2,327,162  1,341,556  539,276    517,127    263,140     82,343
                          ==========  =========  =======  =========  =========  =======  =========  =========  =========
</TABLE>
 
                See Accompanying Notes to Financial Statements.      (continued)
 
                                      F-17
<PAGE>
 
                           PARAGON SEPARATE ACCOUNT C
 
                      STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS
 
   PERIODS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1996, 1995 AND 1994, EXCEPT CONTRAFUND DIVISION
                 WHICH IS FOR YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1996 AND
  FOR THE PERIOD FROM AUGUST 8, 1995 (INCEPTION) TO DECEMBER 31, 1995 AND THE
                      GROWTH MANAGER DIVISION WHICH IS FOR
    THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1996 AND FOR THE PERIOD FROM AUGUST 29, 1995
                       (INCEPTION) TO DECEMBER 31, 1995.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                       ASSET MANAGER
                                                                                        CONTRAFUND        GROWTH
                             ASSET MANAGER DIVISION          INDEX 500 DIVISION          DIVISION        DIVISION
                          ------------------------------  --------------------------  ---------------  --------------
                             1996       1995      1994      1996      1995     1994    1996     1995    1996    1995
                          ----------  ---------  -------  ---------  -------  ------  -------  ------  -------  -----
<S>                       <C>         <C>        <C>      <C>        <C>      <C>     <C>      <C>     <C>      <C>
Operations:
 Net Realized Gain from
 sales of investments...  $   35,492     14,680      996     13,871    5,336     381    3,361     (51)     529     (1)
 Net Unrealized Gain
 (Loss) on Investments..     351,302    233,045  (19,207)   182,694   66,262     812  79,622   1,134    20,413     99
 Mortality and Expense
 Charge.................     (24,840)   (13,175)  (2,824)    (8,364)  (2,151)   (340)  (3,437)   (169)    (970)    (3)
                          ----------  ---------  -------  ---------  -------  ------  -------  ------  -------  -----
 Increase (Decrease) in
 Net Assets Resulting
 from Operations........     361,954    234,550  (21,035)   188,201   69,447     853   79,546     914   19,972     95
 Net Deposits into Sepa-
 rate Account...........     935,663  1,014,459  838,057    876,152  287,818  88,539  588,189  88,827  255,154  4,093
                          ----------  ---------  -------  ---------  -------  ------  -------  ------  -------  -----
  Increase in Net As-
  sets..................   1,297,617  1,249,009  817,022  1,064,353  357,265  89,392  667,735  89,741  275,126  4,188
Net Assets, Beginning of
Year....................   2,083,492    834,483   17,461    450,269   93,004   3,612   89,741       0    4,188      0
                          ----------  ---------  -------  ---------  -------  ------  -------  ------  -------  -----
Net Assets, End of Year.  $3,381,109  2,083,492  834,483  1,514,622  450,269  93,004  757,476  89,741  279,314  4,188
                          ==========  =========  =======  =========  =======  ======  =======  ======  =======  =====
</TABLE>
 
 
                See Accompanying Notes to Financial Statements.
 
                                      F-18
<PAGE>
 
                           PARAGON SEPARATE ACCOUNT C
 
                         NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
                               DECEMBER 3L, 1996
 
(1) ORGANIZATION
 
  Paragon Life Insurance Company (Paragon) established Paragon Separate Account
C on August 1, 1991. Paragon Separate Account C (the Separate Account)
commenced operations on November 1, 1993 and is registered under the Investment
Company Act of 1940 as a unit investment trust. The Separate Account receives
and invests net premiums for flexible premium group variable life insurance
policies that are issued by Paragon. The Separate Account is divided into
divisions, ten of which invests exclusively in shares of a single fund of
Fidelity Investments Variable Insurance Product Fund or Variable Insurance
Product Fund II (Fidelity), an open-end, diversified management investment
company. These Divisions represent the Money Market Portfolio, High Income
Portfolio, Growth Portfolio, Equity-Income Portfolio, Overseas Portfolio,
Investment Grade Bond Portfolio, Asset Manager Portfolio, Index 500 Portfolio,
Contrafund Portfolio, and Asset Manager Growth Portfolio (the Divisions).
Policyholders have the option of directing their premium payments into any or
all of the Divisions.
 
(2) SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
 
  The following is a summary of significant accounting policies followed by the
Separate Account in the preparation of its financial statements. The policies
are in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles.
 
 Investments
 
  The Separate Account's investments in the Funds of the Fidelity are valued
daily based on the net asset values of the respective fund shares held. The
average cost method is used in determining the cost of shares sold on
withdrawals by the Separate Account. Share transactions are recorded consistent
with trade date accounting. All dividends received are immediately reinvested
on the ex-dividend date.
 
 Federal Income Taxes
 
  The operations of the Separate Account are treated as part of Paragon for
income tax purposes. Under existing Federal income tax law, capital gains from
sales of investments of the Separate Account are not taxable. Therefore, no
Federal income tax has been provided.
 
 Use of Estimates
 
  The preparation of financial statements requires management to make estimates
and assumptions with respect to amounts reported in the financial statements.
Actual results could differ from those estimates.
 
(3) POLICY CHARGES
 
  Charges are deducted from the policies and the Separate Account to compensate
Paragon for providing the insurance benefits set forth in the contracts and any
additional benefits added by rider, administering the policies, incurring
expenses in distributing the policies, and assuming certain risks in connection
with the policy.
 
 Premium Expense Charge
 
  Certain policies include a provision that premium payments may be reduced by
a premium expense charge. The premium expense charge is determined by the costs
associated with distributing the policy and,
 
                                      F-19
<PAGE>
 
                           PARAGON SEPARATE ACCOUNT C
 
                   NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
if applicable, is equal to 1% of the premium paid. The premium expense charge
compensates Paragon for providing the insurance benefits set forth in the
policies, incurring expenses of distributing the policies, and assuming certain
risks in connection with the policies. In addition, some policies have a
premium tax assessment equal to 2% or 2.25% to reimburse Paragon for premium
taxes incurred. The premium payment less premium expense and premium tax
charges equals the net premium that is invested in the underlying separate
account.
 
 Monthly Expense Charge
 
  Paragon has responsibility for the administration of the policies and the
Separate Account. As reimbursement for expenses related to the acquisition and
maintenance of each policy and the Separate Account, Paragon assesses a monthly
administration charge to each policy. This charge, which varies due to the size
of the group, has a maximum of $6.00 per month during the first 12 policy
months and $3.50 per month thereafter.
 
 Cost of Insurance
 
  The cost of insurance is deducted on each monthly anniversary for the
following policy month. Because the cost of insurance depends upon a number of
variables, the cost varies for each policy month. The cost of insurance is
determined separately for the initial face amount and for any subsequent
increase in face amount. Paragon determines the monthly cost of insurance
charge by multiplying the applicable cost of insurance rate or rates by the net
amount at risk for each policy month.
 
 Optional Rider Benefits Charge
 
  The monthly deduction charge for any additional benefits provided by rider.
 
 Surrender or Contingent Deferred Sales Charge
 
  During the first policy years, certain policies include a provision for a
charge upon surrender or lapse of the policy, a requested decrease in face
amount, or a partial withdrawal that causes the face amount to decrease. The
amount assessed under the policy terms, if any, depends upon the cost
associated with distributing the particular policies. The amount of any charge
depends on a number of factors, including whether the event is a full surrender
or lapse or only a decrease in face amount, the amount of premiums received by
Paragon, and the policy year in which the surrender or other event takes place.
 
 Mortality and Expense Charge
 
  In addition to the above contract charges, a daily charge against the
operations of each division is made for the mortality and expense risks assumed
by Paragon. Paragon deducts a daily charge from the Separate Account at the
rate of .0024547% of the net assets of each division of the Separate Account
which equals an annual rate of .90% of those net assets. The mortality risk
assumed by Paragon is that insureds may die sooner than anticipated and that,
therefore, Paragon will pay an aggregate amount of death benefits greater than
anticipated. The expense risk assumed is that expenses incurred in issuing and
administering the policy will exceed the amounts realized from the
administrative charges assessed against the policy.
 
                                      F-20
<PAGE>
 
                           PARAGON SEPARATE ACCOUNT C
 
                   NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
 
NOTE 4--PURCHASES AND SALES OF FIDELITY INVESTMENTS VARIABLE INSURANCE PRODUCTS
FUNDS SHARES
 
  During the years ended December 31, 1996, 1995, and 1994, except the
Contrafund Division which is for the Year ended December 31, 1996 and the
Period from August 8, 1995 (Inception) to December 31, 1995 and the Growth
Manager Division which is for Year ended December 31, 1996 and the Period from
August 29, 1995 (Inception) to December 31, 1995 purchases and sales of the
Fidelity Investments Insurance Products Funds were as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                    MONEY MARKET DIVISION         HIGH INCOME DIVISION             GROWTH DIVISION
                 ---------------------------- ----------------------------- -----------------------------
                   1996     1995      1994      1996      1995      1994      1996      1995      1994
                 -------- --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
<S>              <C>      <C>       <C>       <C>       <C>       <C>       <C>       <C>       <C>
Purchases....... $473,407 1,205,723 1,143,576   550,174   530,260   304,072 2,622,488 2,110,530 1,394,021
Sales........... $257,957   936,978 1,042,123   108,848   144,263    94,828   366,424   500,609   471,648
                 ======== ========= ========= ========= ========= ========= ========= ========= =========
<CAPTION>
                    INVESTMENT GRADE BOND
                           DIVISION              ASSET MANAGER DIVISION          INDEX 500 DIVISION
                 ---------------------------- ----------------------------- -----------------------------
                   1996     1995      1994      1996      1995      1994      1996      1995      1994
                 -------- --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
<S>              <C>      <C>       <C>       <C>       <C>       <C>       <C>       <C>       <C>
Purchases....... $293,514   294,030   128,572 1,190,363 1,578,832 1,239,460   978,195   353,504   140,143
Sales........... $ 53,802   139,591    49,359   278,569   577,547   417,231   102,483    67,836    52,099
                 ======== ========= ========= ========= ========= ========= ========= ========= =========
<CAPTION>
                   EQUITY-INCOME DIVISION        OVERSEAS DIVISION
                 --------------------------- -------------------------
                   1996      1995     1994    1996     1995     1994
                 --------- --------- ------- ------- --------- -------
<S>              <C>       <C>       <C>     <C>     <C>       <C>
Purchases....... 1,612,670 1,245,927 607,985 960,243 1,065,508 734,445
Sales...........   462,970   289,491 189,000 198,737   364,752 209,301
                 ========= ========= ======= ======= ========= =======
<CAPTION>
                                      ASSET MANAGER
                 CONTRAFUND DIVISION GROWTH DIVISION
                 ------------------- ---------------
                   1996      1995     1996    1995
                 --------- --------- ------- -------
<S>              <C>       <C>       <C>     <C>     <C>       <C>
Purchases.......   640,347    94,716 263,123   4,277
Sales...........    53,886     6,059  10,892     186
                 ========= ========= ======= =======
</TABLE>
 
                                      F-21
<PAGE>
 
                           PARAGON SEPARATE ACCOUNT C
 
                   NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
 
NOTE 5--ACCUMULATION OF UNIT ACTIVITY
 
  The following is a reconciliation of the accumulation of unit activity for
the Years ended December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994 except for the Contrafund
Division which is for Year ended December 31, 1996 and for the Period from
August 8, 1995 (Inception) to December 31, 1995 and the Growth Manager Division
which is for the Year ended December 31, 1996 and for the Period from August
29, 1995 (Inception) to December 31, 1995:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                     MONEY MARKET DIVISION     HIGH INCOME DIVISION     GROWTH DIVISION
                  --------------------------- ---------------------- ----------------------
                   1996     1995      1994     1996    1995    1994   1996    1995    1994
                  ------- --------- --------- ------- ------- ------ ------- ------- ------
<S>               <C>     <C>       <C>       <C>     <C>     <C>    <C>     <C>     <C>
Net Increase in
Units
Deposits........  426,367 1,150,687 1,203,840  36,741  41,236 25,641  79,717  77,887 62,649
Withdrawals.....  226,819   898,366 1,104,335   6,786  11,074  7,690  10,718  19,451 20,468
                  ------- --------- --------- ------- ------- ------ ------- ------- ------
Net Increase in
Units...........  199,548   252,321    99,505  29,955  30,162 17,951  68,999  58,436 42,181
Outstanding
Units, Beginning
of Year.........  353,488   101,167     1,662  49,278  19,116  1,165 103,301  44,865  2,684
                  ------- --------- --------- ------- ------- ------ ------- ------- ------
Outstanding
Units, End of
Year............  553,037   353,488   101,167  79,233  49,278 19,116 172,300 103,301 44,865
                  ======= ========= ========= ======= ======= ====== ======= ======= ======
<CAPTION>
                     INVESTMENT GRADE BOND
                           DIVISION           ASSET MANAGER DIVISION   INDEX 500 DIVISION
                  --------------------------- ---------------------- ----------------------
                   1996     1995      1994     1996    1995    1994   1996    1995    1994
                  ------- --------- --------- ------- ------- ------ ------- ------- ------
<S>               <C>     <C>       <C>       <C>     <C>     <C>    <C>     <C>     <C>
Net Increase in
Units
Deposits........   22,595    24,267    11,338  68,615 104,670 85,412  11,569   5,231  2,492
Withdrawals.....    3,929    11,436     4,266  14,751  37,587 28,475   1,192   1,030    914
                  ------- --------- --------- ------- ------- ------ ------- ------- ------
Net Increase in
Units...........   18,666    12,831     7,072  53,864  67,083 56,937  10,377   4,201  1,578
Outstanding
Units, Beginning
of Year.........   20,178     7,347       275 125,157  58,074  1,137   5,844   1,643     65
                  ------- --------- --------- ------- ------- ------ ------- ------- ------
Outstanding
Units, End of
Year............   38,844    20,178     7,347 179,021 125,157 58,074  16,221   5,844  1,643
                  ======= ========= ========= ======= ======= ====== ======= ======= ======
<CAPTION>
                  EQUITY-INCOME DIVISION   OVERSEAS DIVISION
                  ---------------------- ----------------------
                   1996    1995   1994     1996    1995   1994
                  ------- ------ ------- -------- ------ ------
<S>               <C>     <C>    <C>     <C>      <C>    <C>
Net Increase in
Units
Deposits........   69,624 65,569  37,553   53,327 67,011 45,935
Withdrawals.....   19,462 15,278  11,358   10,052 22,450 12,743
                  ------- ------ ------- -------- ------ ------
Net Increase in
Units...........   50,162 50,291  26,195   43,275 44,561 33,192
Outstanding
Units, Beginning
of Year.........   78,240 27,949   1,754   79,132 34,571  1,379
                  ------- ------ ------- -------- ------ ------
Outstanding
Units, End of
Year............  128,402 78,240  27,949  122,407 79,132 34,571
                  ======= ====== ======= ======== ====== ======
<CAPTION>
                    CONTRAFUND    ASSET MANAGER
                     DIVISION    GROWTH DIVISION
                  -------------- ----------------
                   1996    1995   1996     1995
                  ------- ------ ------- --------
<S>               <C>     <C>    <C>     <C>      <C>    <C>
Net Increase in
Units
Deposits........   42,303  6,882  19,801      356
Withdrawals.....    3,401    432     728       15
                  ------- ------ ------- --------
Net Increase in
Units...........   38,902  6,450  19,073      341
Outstanding
Units, Beginning
of Year.........    6,450    --      341      --
                  ------- ------ ------- --------
Outstanding
Units, End of
Year............   45,352  6,450  19,414      341
                  ======= ====== ======= ========
</TABLE>
 
                                      F-22
<PAGE>
 
                           PARAGON SEPARATE ACCOUNT C
 
                   NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
 
NOTE 6--RECONCILIATION OF GROSS AND NET DEPOSITS INTO THE SEPARATE ACCOUNT
 
  Deposits into the Separate Account purchase shares of Fidelity. Net deposits
represent the amount available for investment in such shares after deduction of
premium expense charges, monthly expense charges, cost of insurance and the
cost of optional benefits added by rider. The following is a summary of net
deposits made for the years ended December 31, 1996, 1995, and 1994, except the
Contrafund Division which is for the period ended from August 8, 1995
(inception) to December 31, 1995 and the Growth Manager Division which is from
August 29, 1995 (inception) to December 31, 1995.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                       MONEY MARKET DIVISION          HIGH INCOME DIVISION             GROWTH DIVISION
                   --------------------------------  -------------------------  -------------------------------
                      1996       1995       1994      1996     1995     1994      1996       1995       1994
                   ----------  ---------  ---------  -------  -------  -------  ---------  ---------  ---------
<S>                <C>         <C>        <C>        <C>      <C>      <C>      <C>        <C>        <C>
Total Gross
Deposits.........  $2,902,150  2,029,012  1,272,160  842,735  631,512  299,414  3,760,980  2,410,761  1,396,558
 Surrenders and
 Withdrawals.....     (90,148)   (25,837)    (1,644) (90,413) (37,645)  (2,590)  (396,427)  (126,032)   (12,302)
 Transfers
 Between Funds
 and General
 Account.........     (48,021)    23,452     (2,632) (19,447) (19,824)    (748)   101,790    128,164    (13,437)
                   ----------  ---------  ---------  -------  -------  -------  ---------  ---------  ---------
 Total Gross
 Deposits net of
 Surrenders,
 Withdrawals, and
 Transfers.......   2,763,981  2,026,627  1,267,884  732,875  574,043  296,076  3,466,343  2,412,893  1,370,819
Deductions:
 Premium Expense
 Charges.........      64,531     44,481     26,081   18,739   13,844    6,371     83,628     52,850     29,434
 Monthly Expense
 Charges.........      11,058     98,093     69,261   21,170    9,300    4,757    100,008     41,140     25,033
 Cost of
 Insurance and
 Optional
 Benefits........   2,467,269  1,613,285  1,069,920  245,825  160,796   73,483  1,013,429    690,455    386,694
                   ----------  ---------  ---------  -------  -------  -------  ---------  ---------  ---------
 Total
 Deductions......   2,542,858  1,755,859  1,165,262  285,734  183,940   84,611  1,197,065    784,445    441,161
                   ----------  ---------  ---------  -------  -------  -------  ---------  ---------  ---------
Net Deposits from
Policyholders....  $  221,123    270,768    102,622  447,141  390,103  211,465  2,269,278  1,628,448    929,658
                   ==========  =========  =========  =======  =======  =======  =========  =========  =========
<CAPTION>
                     EQUITY-INCOME DIVISION            OVERSEAS DIVISION
                   ------------------------------ ------------------------------
                     1996       1995      1994      1996       1995      1994
                   ---------- ---------- -------- ---------- ---------- --------
<S>                <C>        <C>        <C>      <C>        <C>        <C>
Total Gross
Deposits.........  1,996,862  1,408,679  606,131  1,656,440  1,292,857  733,579
 Surrenders and
 Withdrawals.....   (245,481)   (91,806)  (8,670)  (195,817)   (84,074)  (6,451)
 Transfers
 Between Funds
 and General
 Account.........    (11,121)    54,349    5,498   (141,486)  (151,653)   5,228
                   ---------- ---------- -------- ---------- ---------- --------
 Total Gross
 Deposits net of
 Surrenders,
 Withdrawals, and
 Transfers.......  1,740,260  1,371,222  602,959  1,319,137  1,057,130  732,356
Deductions:
 Premium Expense
 Charges.........     44,401     30,882   12,645     36,832     28,343   15,362
 Monthly Expense
 Charges.........     53,745     21,553   10,144     40,030     18,094   11,349
 Cost of
 Insurance and
 Optional
 Benefits........    488,069    352,919  156,698    470,491    301,403  175,312
                   ---------- ---------- -------- ---------- ---------- --------
 Total
 Deductions......    586,215    405,354  179,487    547,353    347,840  202,023
                   ---------- ---------- -------- ---------- ---------- --------
Net Deposits from
Policyholders....  1,154,045    965,868  423,472    771,784    709,290  530,333
                   ========== ========== ======== ========== ========== ========
</TABLE>
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                    INVESTMENT GRADE BOND                                                                    CONTRAFUND
                           DIVISION               ASSET MANAGER DIVISION          INDEX 500 DIVISION          DIVISION
                   --------------------------  -------------------------------  -------------------------  ---------------
                     1996     1995     1994      1996       1995       1994      1996     1995     1994     1996     1995
                   --------  -------  -------  ---------  ---------  ---------  -------  -------  -------  -------  ------
<S>                <C>       <C>      <C>      <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>      <C>      <C>      <C>      <C>
Total Gross
Deposits.........  $386,909  256,080  123,845  2,601,765  2,053,891  1,276,515  778,663  344,814  139,876  701,766  26,848
 Surrenders and
 Withdrawals.....   (24,505) (10,138)  (1,743)  (230,691)  (124,460)    (8,045) (68,775) (22,442)  (1,796) (46,022)   (765)
 Transfers
 Between Funds
 and General
 Account.........   (18,887)  (1,770)    (468)  (438,022)  (246,500)   (10,732) 263,515   74,787   (1,194)  97,860  68,222
                   --------  -------  -------  ---------  ---------  ---------  -------  -------  -------  -------  ------
 Total Gross
 Deposits net of
 Surrenders,
 Withdrawals, and
 Transfers.......   343,517  244,172  121,634  1,933,052  1,682,931  1,257,738  973,403  397,159  136,886  753,604  94,305
Deductions:
 Premium Expense
 Charges.........     8,603    5,614    2,528     57,852     45,026     26,530   17,314    7,559    2,940   15,604     589
 Monthly Expense
 Charges.........     8,514    4,679    2,387     59,625     35,308     23,903   21,439    5,764    2,761    9,244     306
 Cost of
 Insurance and
 Optional
 Benefits........    85,451   77,935   36,866    879,912    588,138    369,248   58,498   96,018   42,646  140,567   4,583
                   --------  -------  -------  ---------  ---------  ---------  -------  -------  -------  -------  ------
 Total
 Deductions......   102,568   88,228   41,781    997,389    668,472    419,681   97,251  109,341   48,347  165,415   5,478
                   --------  -------  -------  ---------  ---------  ---------  -------  -------  -------  -------  ------
Net Deposits from
Policyholders....  $240,949  155,944   79,853    935,663  1,014,459    838,057  876,152  287,818   88,539  588,189  88,827
                   ========  =======  =======  =========  =========  =========  =======  =======  =======  =======  ======
<CAPTION>
                   ASSET MANAGER
                      GROWTH
                     DIVISION
                   ---------------
                    1996    1995
                   -------- ------
<S>                <C>      <C>
Total Gross
Deposits.........  276,809  3,243
 Surrenders and
 Withdrawals.....   (9,416)    (1)
 Transfers
 Between Funds
 and General
 Account.........   52,463  1,704
                   -------- ------
 Total Gross
 Deposits net of
 Surrenders,
 Withdrawals, and
 Transfers.......  319,856  4,946
Deductions:
 Premium Expense
 Charges.........    6,155     71
 Monthly Expense
 Charges.........    3,093     46
 Cost of
 Insurance and
 Optional
 Benefits........   55,454    736
                   -------- ------
 Total
 Deductions......   64,702    853
                   -------- ------
Net Deposits from
Policyholders....  255,154  4,093
                   ======== ======
</TABLE>
 
                                      F-23
<PAGE>
 
                           PARAGON SEPARATE ACCOUNT C
 
                            SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS
                               DECEMBER 31, 1996
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                NUMBER     MARKET
                                               OF SHARES   VALUE       COST
                                               --------- ---------- ----------
<S>                                            <C>       <C>        <C>
Fidelity Investments Variable Insurance Prod-
 ucts Funds:
  Money Market Division....................... $627,022  $  627,022 $  598,476
  High Income Division........................   99,800   1,249,496  1,067,607
  Growth Division.............................  192,454   5,993,027  4,932,295
  Equity-Income Division......................  152,025   3,197,082  2,633,856
  Overseas Division...........................  123,410   2,325,048  2,026,410
  Investment Grade Bond Division..............   42,248     517,113    483,411
  Asset Manager Division......................  199,551   3,378,406  2,813,109
  Index 500 Division..........................   16,972   1,512,749  1,262,996
  Contrafund Division.........................   45,745     757,529    676,773
  Asset Manager Growth Division...............   21,149     277,052    256,540
</TABLE>
 
 
 
                 See Accompanying Independent Auditors' Report
 
                                      F-24
<PAGE>
 
                                   APPENDIX A
 
                ILLUSTRATIONS OF DEATH BENEFITS AND CASH VALUES
 
  The following tables illustrate how the Cash Value and Death Benefit of a
Policy change with the investment experience of a Division of the Separate
Account. The tables show how the Cash Value and Death Benefit of a Policy
issued to an Insured of a given age and at a given premium would vary over time
if the investment return on the assets held in each Division of the Separate
Account were a uniform, gross, after-tax annual rate of 0%, 6% or 12%. In
addition, the Cash Values and Death Benefits would be different from those
shown if the gross annual investment rates of return averaged 0%, 6%, and 12%
over a period of years, but fluctuated above and below those averages for
individual Policy years.
 
  The tables illustrate a Policy issued to an Insured, age 45, in an Executive
Program issued as a Group Contract Policy as well as an Insured, age 50, in a
Corporate Program. This assumes the maximum monthly administrative charge. If a
particular Policy has different sales or administrative charges or if a
particular group is larger or smaller or has a different gender mix, the Cash
Values and Death Benefits would vary from those shown in the tables.
 
  The Cash Value column under the "Guaranteed" heading shows the accumulated
value of the premiums paid reflecting deduction of the charges described above
and monthly charges for the cost of insurance based on the guaranteed rate
which is 125% of the maximum allowed under the 1980 Commissioners Standard
Ordinary Mortality Table C. The "Cash Value" column under the "Current" heading
shows the accumulated value of the premiums paid reflecting deduction of the
charges described above and monthly charges for the cost of insurance at the
current level for an Executive Program, which is less than or equal to 125% of
the maximum allowed by the 1980 Commissioners Standard Ordinary Mortality Table
C. The illustrations of Death Benefits reflect the above assumptions. The Death
Benefits also vary between tables depending upon whether Level Type (Option A)
or Increasing Type (Option B) Death Benefits are illustrated.
 
  The amounts shown for the Cash Value and Death Benefit reflect the fact that
the investment rate of return is lower than the gross after-tax return on the
assets held in a Division of the Separate Account. The charges include a .90%
charge for mortality and expense risk, an investment advisory fee of .516%,
representing the average of the fees incurred in 1996 by the Funds in which the
Divisions invest (the actual investment advisory fee is shown in the VIP
prospectuses), and a .126% charge that is an estimate of the Funds' expenses
based on the average of the actual expenses incurred in fiscal year 1996. After
deduction for these amounts, the illustrated gross annual investment rates of
return of 0%, 6% and 12% correspond to approximate net annual rates of -1.542%,
4.458%, and 10.458%, respectively. No expense reimbursement arrangement exists
between the Company and VIP. FMR reimbursed expenses in 1996 for the Index 500
Portfolio.
 
  The hypothetical values shown in the tables do not reflect any charges for
federal income taxes against the Separate Account, since the Company is not
currently making any such charges. However, such charges may be made in the
future and, in that event, the gross annual investment rate of return of the
divisions of the Separate Account would have to exceed 0%, 6%, and 12% by an
amount sufficient to cover the tax charges in order to produce the Death
Benefit and Cash Value illustrated. (See "Federal Tax Matters.") Additionally,
the hypothetical values shown in the tables assume that the Policy for which
values are illustrated is not deemed an individual policy under OBRA, and
therefore the values do not reflect the additional 1% premium expense charge
for the Company's increased federal tax liabilities.
 
  The tables illustrate the Policy values that would result based upon the
investment rates of return if premiums are paid as indicated, and if no Policy
loans have been made. The tables are also based on the assumptions that the
Owner has not requested an increase or decrease in the Face Amount, that no
partial withdrawals have been made, that no transfer charges were incurred, and
that no optional riders have been requested.
 
  Upon request, the Company will provide a comparable illustration based upon
the proposed Insured's age, group size and gender mix, the Face Amount and
premium requested and the proposed frequency of premium payments.
 
                                      A-1
<PAGE>
 
                    FLEXIBLE PREMIUM VARIABLE LIFE INSURANCE
 
FACE AMOUNT OF COVERAGE: $500,000.00                 AGE: 45
DEATH BENEFIT OPTION: A                              ANNUAL PREMIUM: $6,000.00
PREMIUM EXPENSE CHARGE: 0.00%                        (Monthly Premium:
PREMIUM TAX: 2.25%                                   $500.00)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                               FOR SEPARATE ACCOUNT C--A HYPOTHETICAL GROSS
                                ANNUAL RATE OF RETURN @ 0.00% (NET RATE @ -
                                                  1.542%)
                              -------------------------------------------------------------------
                                  GUARANTEED*                           CURRENT**
                              ------------------------------      -------------------------------
             PREM              CASH              DEATH             CASH              DEATH
 YR        @ 5.00%             VALUE            BENEFIT            VALUE            BENEFIT
 ---       --------           -------           -------           -------           --------
 <S>       <C>                <C>               <C>               <C>               <C>
  1        $  6,161           $ 3,094           500,000           $ 4,954           $500,000
  2          12,630             5,986           500,000             9,748            500,000
  3          19,423             8,634           500,000            14,418            500,000
  4          26,555            11,031           500,000            18,911            500,000
  5          34,045            13,152           500,000            23,226            500,000
  6          41,908            14,978           500,000            27,366            500,000
  7          50,165            16,479           500,000            31,342            500,000
  8          58,834            17,614           500,000            35,096            500,000
  9          67,937            18,346           500,000            38,690            500,000
 10          77,496            18,645           500,000            42,072            500,000
 11          87,532            18,501           500,000            45,194            500,000
 12          98,070            17,882           500,000            48,114            500,000
 13         109,134            16,782           500,000            50,784            500,000
 14         120,752            15,171           500,000            53,156            500,000
 15         132,951            12,993           500,000            55,229            500,000
 16         145,760            10,185           500,000            57,016            500,000
 17         159,209             6,633           500,000            58,462            500,000
 18         173,331             2,199           500,000            59,520            500,000
 19         188,159                 0                 0            60,195            500,000
 20         203,728                 0                 0            60,432            500,000
 25         294,060                 0                 0            52,322            500,000
 30         409,348                 0                 0            16,261            500,000
</TABLE>
- --------
*These values reflect investment results using guaranteed cost of insurance
   rates.
**These values reflect investment results using current cost of insurance
   rates.
 
  The hypothetical investment rate of return shown above is illustrative only,
and should not be deemed a representation of past or future results. Actual
investment results may be more or less than those shown and will depend on a
number of factors, including the investment allocation made by the policyowner,
and the investment results for the Funds. The cash value, cash surrender value
and death benefit for a policy would be different from those shown if the
actual rates of return averaged the rate shown above over a period of years,
but also fluctuated above or below that average for individual years. No
representation can be made by the Company, Walnut Street Securities, the
investment management company, or any representative thereof, that this
hypothetical rate of return can be achieved for any one year, or sustained over
any period of time.
 
  Illustrated values shown above are as of the end of the years indicated and
assume premiums are received monthly on the policy anniversary day and further
assume there is no policy indebtedness outstanding.
 
                                      A-2
<PAGE>
 
                    FLEXIBLE PREMIUM VARIABLE LIFE INSURANCE
 
FACE AMOUNT OF COVERAGE: $500,000.00                 AGE: 45
DEATH BENEFIT OPTION: A                              ANNUAL PREMIUM: $6,000.00
PREMIUM EXPENSE CHARGE: 0.00%                        (Monthly Premium:
                                                     $500.00)
PREMIUM TAX: 2.25%
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                FOR SEPARATE ACCOUNT C--A HYPOTHETICAL GROSS
                              ANNUAL RATE OF RETURN @ 6.00% (NET RATE @ 4.458%)
                              ---------------------------------------------------------------------
                                   GUARANTEED*                           CURRENT**
                              -------------------------------      --------------------------------
             PREM              CASH              DEATH               CASH              DEATH
 YR        @ 5.00%             VALUE            BENEFIT             VALUE             BENEFIT
 ---       --------           -------           --------           --------           --------
 <S>       <C>                <C>               <C>                <C>                <C>
  1        $  6,161           $ 3,195           $500,000           $  5,116           $500,000
  2          12,630             6,375            500,000             10,374            500,000
  3          19,423             9,492            500,000             15,816            500,000
  4          26,555            12,536            500,000             21,395            500,000
  5          34,045            15,474            500,000             27,113            500,000
  6          41,908            18,281            500,000             32,979            500,000
  7          50,165            20,917            500,000             39,011            500,000
  8          58,834            23,331            500,000             45,156            500,000
  9          67,937            25,473            500,000             51,480            500,000
 10          77,496            27,297            500,000             57,941            500,000
 11          87,532            28,776            500,000             64,496            500,000
 12          98,070            29,860            500,000             71,210            500,000
 13         109,134            30,521            500,000             78,044            500,000
 14         120,752            30,708            500,000             84,959            500,000
 15         132,951            30,339            500,000             91,962            500,000
 16         145,760            29,323            500,000             99,073            500,000
 17         159,209            27,511            500,000            106,253            500,000
 18         173,331            24,723            500,000            113,467            500,000
 19         188,159            20,761            500,000            120,731            500,000
 20         203,728            15,416            500,000            128,010            500,000
 25         294,060                 0                  0            162,867            500,000
 30         409,348                 0                  0            187,182            500,000
</TABLE>
- --------
*These values reflect investment results using guaranteed cost of insurance
   rates.
**These values reflect investment results using current cost of insurance
   rates.
 
  The hypothetical investment rate of return shown above is illustrative only,
and should not be deemed a representation of past or future results. Actual
investment results may be more or less than those shown and will depend on a
number of factors, including the investment allocation made by the policyowner,
and the investment results for the Funds. The cash value, cash surrender value
and death benefit for a policy would be different from those shown if the
actual rates of return averaged the rate shown above over a period of years,
but also fluctuated above or below that average for individual years. No
representation can be made by the Company, Walnut Street Securities, the
investment management company, or any representative thereof, that this
hypothetical rate of return can be achieved for any one year, or sustained over
any period of time.
 
  Illustrated values shown above are as of the end of the years indicated and
assume premiums are received monthly on the policy anniversary day and further
assume there is no policy indebtedness outstanding.
 
                                      A-3
<PAGE>
 
                    FLEXIBLE PREMIUM VARIABLE LIFE INSURANCE
 
FACE AMOUNT OF COVERAGE: $500,000.00                  AGE: 45
DEATH BENEFIT OPTION: A                               ANNUAL PREMIUM:
PREMIUM EXPENSE CHARGE: 0.00%                         $6,000.00
                                                      (Monthly Premium:
                                                      $500.00)
PREMIUM TAX: 2.25%
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                FOR SEPARATE ACCOUNT C--A HYPOTHETICAL GROSS
                                 ANNUAL RATE OF RETURN @ 12.00% (NET RATE @
                                                  10.458%)
                              ---------------------------------------------------------------------
                                   GUARANTEED*                           CURRENT**
                              -------------------------------      --------------------------------
             PREM              CASH              DEATH               CASH              DEATH
 YR        @ 5.00%             VALUE            BENEFIT             VALUE             BENEFIT
 ---       --------           -------           --------           --------           --------
 <S>       <C>                <C>               <C>                <C>                <C>
  1        $  6,161           $ 3,294           $500,000           $  5,275           $500,000
  2          12,630             6,772            500,000             11,013            500,000
  3          19,423            10,405            500,000             17,301            500,000
  4          26,555            14,204            500,000             24,140            500,000
  5          34,045            18,158            500,000             31,586            500,000
  6          41,908            22,267            500,000             39,708            500,000
  7          50,165            26,515            500,000             48,588            500,000
  8          58,834            30,878            500,000             58,251            500,000
  9          67,937            35,334            500,000             68,845            500,000
 10          77,496            39,866            500,000             80,422            500,000
 11          87,532            44,481            500,000             93,046            500,000
 12          98,070            49,161            500,000            106,896            500,000
 13         109,134            53,921            500,000            122,068            500,000
 14         120,752            58,751            500,000            138,678            500,000
 15         132,951            63,620            500,000            156,903            500,000
 16         145,760            68,490            500,000            176,951            500,000
 17         159,209            73,277            500,000            199,009            500,000
 18         173,331            77,872            500,000            223,304            500,000
 19         188,159            82,156            500,000            250,136            500,000
 20         203,728            86,005            500,000            279,814            500,000
 25         294,060            94,696            500,000            485,596            563,292
 30         409,348            58,409            500,000            825,287            883,057
</TABLE>
- --------
*These values reflect investment results using guaranteed cost of insurance
   rates.
**These values reflect investment results using current cost of insurance
   rates.
 
  The hypothetical investment rate of return shown above is illustrative only,
and should not be deemed a representation of past or future results. Actual
investment results may be more or less than those shown and will depend on a
number of factors, including the investment allocation made by the policyowner,
and the investment results for the Funds. The cash value, cash surrender value
and death benefit for a policy would be different from those shown if the
actual rates of return averaged the rate shown above over a period of years,
but also fluctuated above or below that average for individual years. No
representation can be made by the Company, Walnut Street Securities, the
investment management company, or any representative thereof, that this
hypothetical rate of return can be achieved for any one year, or sustained over
any period of time.
 
  Illustrated values shown above are as of the end of the years indicated and
assume premiums are received monthly on the policy anniversary day and further
assume there is policy indebtedness outstanding.
 
                                      A-4
<PAGE>
 
                    FLEXIBLE PREMIUM VARIABLE LIFE INSURANCE
 
FACE AMOUNT OF COVERAGE: $500,000.00                AGE: 45
DEATH BENEFIT OPTION: B                             ANNUAL PREMIUM: $12,000.00
PREMIUM EXPENSE CHARGE: 0.00%                       (Monthly Premium:
PREMIUM TAX: 2.25%                                  $1,000.00)
 
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                FOR SEPARATE ACCOUNT C--A HYPOTHETICAL GROSS
                              ANNUAL RATE OF RETURN @0.00% (NET RATE @ -1.542%)
                              ---------------------------------------------------------------------
                                   GUARANTEED*                           CURRENT**
                              -------------------------------      --------------------------------
             PREM              CASH              DEATH               CASH              DEATH
 YR        @ 5.00%             VALUE            BENEFIT             VALUE             BENEFIT
 ---       --------           -------           --------           --------           --------
 <S>       <C>                <C>               <C>                <C>                <C>
  1        $ 12,322           $ 8,899           $508,899           $ 10,766           $510,766
  2          25,261            17,491            517,491             21,272            521,272
  3          38,846            25,730            525,730             31,556            531,556
  4          53,111            33,612            533,612             41,564            541,564
  5          68,090            41,112            541,112             51,293            551,293
  6          83,817            48,212            548,212             60,748            560,748
  7         100,330            54,883            554,883             69,938            569,938
  8         117,669            61,084            561,084             78,804            578,804
  9         135,875            66,781            566,781             87,408            587,408
 10         154,992            71,946            571,946             95,696            595,696
 11         175,064            76,576            576,576            103,614            603,614
 12         196,140            80,643            580,643            111,227            611,227
 13         218,269            84,150            584,150            118,479            618,479
 14         241,505            87,076            587,076            125,318            625,318
 15         265,903            89,377            589,377            131,744            631,744
 16         291,521            91,004            591,004            137,769            637,769
 17         318,419            91,859            591,859            143,334            643,334
 18         346,663            91,830            591,830            148,387            648,387
 19         376,319            90,807            590,807            152,937            652,937
 20         407,457            88,693            588,693            156,925            656,925
 25         588,120            60,033            560,033            165,679            665,679
 30         818,697                 0                  0            144,701            644,701
</TABLE>
- --------
*These values reflect investment results using guaranteed cost of insurance
   rates.
**These values reflect investment results using current cost of insurance
   rates.
 
  The hypothetical investment rate of return shown above is illustrative only,
and should not be deemed a representation of past or future results. Actual
investment results may be more or less than those shown and will depend on a
number of factors, including the investment allocation made by the policyowner,
and the investment results for the Funds. The cash value, cash surrender value
and death benefit for a policy would be different from those shown if the
actual rates of return averaged the rate shown above over a period of years,
but also fluctuated above or below that average for individual years. No
representation can be made by the Company, Walnut Street Securities, the
investment management company, or any representative thereof, that this
hypothetical rate of return can be achieved for any one year, or sustained over
any period of time.
 
  Illustrated values shown above are as of the end of the years indicated and
assume premiums are received monthly on the policy anniversary day and further
assume there is no policy indebtedness outstanding.
 
                                      A-5
<PAGE>
 
                    FLEXIBLE PREMIUM VARIABLE LIFE INSURANCE
 
FACE AMOUNT OF COVERAGE: $500,000.00                 AGE: 45
DEATH BENEFIT OPTION: B                              ANNUAL PREMIUM:
PREMIUM EXPENSE CHARGE: 0.00%                        $12,000.00
PREMIUM TAX: 2.25%                                   (Monthly Premium:
                                                     $1,000.00)
 
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                 FOR SEPARATE ACCOUNT C--A HYPOTHETICAL GROSS
                              ANNUAL RATE OF RETURN @ 6.00% (NET RATE @ 4.458%)
                              ----------------------------------------------------------------------
                                   GUARANTEED*                            CURRENT**
                              --------------------------------      --------------------------------
             PREM               CASH              DEATH               CASH              DEATH
 YR        @ 5.00%             VALUE             BENEFIT             VALUE             BENEFIT
 ---       --------           --------           --------           --------           --------
 <S>       <C>                <C>                <C>                <C>                <C>
  1        $ 12,322           $  9,190           $509,190           $ 11,117           $511,117
  2          25,261             18,613            518,613             22,633            522,633
  3          38,846             28,230            528,230             34,601            534,601
  4          53,111             38,037            538,037             46,980            546,980
  5          68,090             48,013            548,013             59,783            559,783
  6          83,817             58,140            558,140             73,028            573,028
  7         100,330             68,388            568,388             86,742            586,742
  8         117,669             78,715            578,715            100,877            600,877
  9         135,875             89,080            589,080            115,515            615,515
 10         154,992             99,450            599,450            130,616            630,616
 11         175,064            109,811            609,811            146,139            646,139
 12         196,140            120,128            620,128            162,166            662,166
 13         218,269            130,391            630,391            178,657            678,657
 14         241,505            140,569            640,569            195,571            695,571
 15         265,903            150,602            650,602            212,923            712,923
 16         291,521            160,423            660,423            230,737            730,737
 17         318,419            169,912            669,912            248,967            748,967
 18         346,663            178,928            678,928            267,571            767,571
 19         376,319            187,319            687,319            286,565            786,565
 20         407,457            194,942            694,942            305,900            805,900
 25         588,120            217,793            717,793            404,932            904,932
 30         818,697            195,119            695,119            494,815            994,815
</TABLE>
- --------
*These values reflect investment results using guaranteed cost of insurance
   rates.
**These values reflect investment results using current cost of insurance
   rates.
 
  The hypothetical investment rate of return shown above is illustrative only,
and should not be deemed a representation of past or future results. Actual
investment results may be more or less than those shown and will depend on a
number of factors, including the investment allocation made by the policyowner,
and the investment results for the Funds. The cash value, cash surrender value
and death benefit for a policy would be different from those shown if the
actual rates of return averaged the rate shown above over a period of years,
but also fluctuated above or below that average for individual years. No
representation can be made by the Company, Walnut Street Securities, the
investment management company, or any representative thereof, that this
hypothetical rate of return can be achieved for any one year, or sustained over
any period of time.
 
  Illustrated values shown above are as of the end of the years indicated and
assume premiums are received monthly on the policy anniversary day and further
assume there is no policy indebtedness outstanding.
 
                                      A-6
<PAGE>
 
                    FLEXIBLE PREMIUM VARIABLE LIFE INSURANCE
 
FACE AMOUNT OF COVERAGE: $500,000.00                 AGE: 45
DEATH BENEFIT OPTION: B                              ANNUAL PREMIUM:
PREMIUM EXPENSE CHARGE: 0.00%                        $12,000.00
                                                     (Monthly Premium:
PREMIUM TAX: 2.25%                                   $1,000.00)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                            FOR SEPARATE ACCOUNT C--A HYPOTHETICAL GROSS
                        ANNUAL RATE OF RETURN @ 12.00% (NET RATE @ 10.458%)
                        ----------------------------------------------------------------
                              GUARANTEED*                        CURRENT**
                        ------------------------------    ------------------------------
           PREM            CASH            DEATH             CASH            DEATH
 YR      @ 5.00%          VALUE           BENEFIT           VALUE           BENEFIT
 ---     --------       ----------       ----------       ----------       ----------
 <S>     <C>            <C>              <C>              <C>              <C>
  1      $ 12,322       $    9,475       $  509,475       $   11,462       $  511,462
  2        25,261           19,759          519,759           24,024          524,024
  3        38,846           30,886          530,886           37,835          537,835
  4        53,111           42,930          542,930           52,966          552,966
  5        68,090           55,957          555,957           69,546          569,546
  6        83,817           70,044          570,044           87,728          587,728
  7       100,330           85,265          585,265          107,685          607,685
  8       117,669          101,686          601,686          129,535          629,535
  9       135,875          119,391          619,391          153,537          653,537
 10       154,992          138,476          638,476          179,855          679,855
 11       175,064          159,072          659,072          208,668          708,668
 12       196,140          181,300          681,300          240,299          740,299
 13       218,269          205,325          705,325          274,980          774,980
 14       241,505          231,304          731,304          312,968          812,968
 15       265,903          259,384          759,384          354,603          854,603
 16       291,521          289,722          789,722          400,273          900,273
 17       318,419          322,443          822,443          450,330          950,330
 18       346,663          357,664          857,664          505,172        1,005,172
 19       376,319          395,515          895,515          565,299        1,065,299
 20       407,457          436,152          936,152          631,195        1,131,195
 25       588,120          689,787        1,189,787        1,067,151        1,567,151
 30       818,697        1,048,859        1,548,859        1,746,283        2,246,283
</TABLE>
- --------
*These values reflect investment results using guaranteed cost of insurance
   rates.
**These values reflect investment results using current cost of insurance
   rates.
 
  The hypothetical investment rate of return shown above is illustrative only,
and should not be deemed a representation of past or future results. Actual
investment results may be more or less than those shown and will depend on a
number of factors, including the investment allocation made by the policyowner,
and the investment results for the Funds. The cash value, cash surrender value
and death benefit for a policy would be different from those shown if the
actual rates of return averaged the rate shown above over a period of years,
but also fluctuated above or below that average for individual years. No
representation can be made by the Company, Walnut Street Securities, the
investment management company, or any representative thereof, that this
hypothetical rate of return can be achieved for any one year, or sustained over
any period of time.
 
  Illustrated values shown above are as of the end of the years indicated and
assume premiums are received monthly on the policy anniversary day and further
assume there is no policy indebtedness outstanding.
 
                                      A-7
<PAGE>
 
                    FLEXIBLE PREMIUM VARIABLE LIFE INSURANCE
 
FACE AMOUNT OF COVERAGE: $500,000.00                 AGE: 50
DEATH BENEFIT OPTION: A                              ANNUAL PREMIUM:
PREMIUM EXPENSE CHARGE: 0,00%                        $12,000.00
PREMIUM TAX: 2.25%                                   (Monthly Premium:
                                                     $1,000.00)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                FOR SEPARATE ACCOUNT C--A HYPOTHETICAL GROSS
                                 ANNUAL RATE OF RETURN @ 0.00% (NET RATE @ -
                                                   1.542%)
                              ---------------------------------------------------------------------
                                   GUARANTEED*                           CURRENT**
                              -------------------------------      --------------------------------
             PREM              CASH              DEATH               CASH              DEATH
 YR        @ 5.00%             VALUE            BENEFIT             VALUE             BENEFIT
 ---       --------           -------           --------           --------           --------
 <S>       <C>                <C>               <C>                <C>                <C>
  1        $ 12,322           $ 7,618           $500,000           $ 10,111           $500,000
  2          25,261            14,894            500,000             20,009            500,000
  3          38,846            21,764            500,000             29,608            500,000
  4          53,111            28,202            500,000             38,975            500,000
  5          68,090            34,186            500,000             48,063            500,000
  6          83,817            39,718            500,000             56,829            500,000
  7         100,330            44,779            500,000             65,337            500,000
  8         117,669            49,373            500,000             73,545            500,000
  9         135,875            53,484            500,000             81,414            500,000
 10         154,992            57,075            500,000             88,952            500,000
 11         175,064            60,099            500,000             96,176            500,000
 12         196,140            62,470            500,000            103,046            500,000
 13         218,269            64,084            500,000            109,527            500,000
 14         241,505            64,833            500,000            115,634            500,000
 15         265,903            64,615            500,000            121,328            500,000
 16         291,521            63,364            500,000            126,580            500,000
 17         318,419            60,998            500,000            131,407            500,000
 18         346,663            57,447            500,000            135,594            500,000
 19         376,319            52,614            500,000            139,066            500,000
 20         407,457            46,306            500,000            141,792            500,000
 25         588,120                 0                  0            140,753            500,000
 30         818,697                 0                  0            101,595            500,000
</TABLE>
- --------
*These values reflect investment results using guaranteed cost of insurance
   rates.
**These values reflect investment results using current cost of insurance
   rates.
 
  The hypothetical investment rate of return shown above is illustrative only,
and should not be deemed a representation of past or future results. Actual
investment results may be more or less than those shown and will depend on a
number of factors, including the investment allocation made by the policyowner,
and the investment results for the Funds. The cash value, cash surrender value
and death benefit for a policy would be different from those shown if the
actual rates of return averaged the rate shown above over a period of years,
but also fluctuated above or below that average for individual years. No
representation can be made by the Company, Walnut Street Securities, the
investment management company, or any representative thereof, that this
hypothetical rate of return can be achieved for any one year, or sustained over
any period of time.
 
  Illustrated values shown above are as of the end of the years indicated and
assume premiums are received monthly on the policy anniversary day and further
assume there is no policy indebtedness outstanding.
 
                                      A-8
<PAGE>
 
                    FLEXIBLE PREMIUM VARIABLE LIFE INSURANCE
 
FACE AMOUNT OF COVERAGE: $500,000.00                  AGE: 50
DEATH BENEFIT OPTION: A                               ANNUAL PREMIUM:
PREMIUM EXPENSE CHARGE: 1.00%                         $12,000.00
PREMIUM TAX: 2.25%                                    (Monthly Premium:
                                                      $1,000.00)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                 FOR SEPARATE ACCOUNT C--A HYPOTHETICAL GROSS
                              ANNUAL RATE OF RETURN @ 6.00% (NET RATE @ 4.458%)
                              ----------------------------------------------------------------------
                                   GUARANTEED*                            CURRENT**
                              --------------------------------      --------------------------------
             PREM               CASH              DEATH               CASH              DEATH
 YR        @ 5.00%             VALUE             BENEFIT             VALUE             BENEFIT
 ---       --------           --------           --------           --------           --------
 <S>       <C>                <C>                <C>                <C>                <C>
  1        $ 12,322           $  7,867           $500,000           $ 10,441           $500,000
  2          25,261             15,857            500,000             21,290            500,000
  3          38,846             23,909            500,000             32,477            500,000
  4          53,111             31,997            500,000             44,083            500,000
  5          68,090             40,105            500,000             56,079            500,000
  6          83,817             48,236            500,000             68,440            500,000
  7         100,330             56,374            500,000             81,248            500,000
  8         117,669             64,531            500,000             94,484            500,000
  9         135,875             72,698            500,000            108,136            500,000
 10         154,992             80,848            500,000            122,236            500,000
 11         175,064             88,948            500,000            136,830            500,000
 12         196,140             96,926            500,000            151,913            500,000
 13         218,269            104,696            500,000            167,494            500,000
 14         241,505            112,171            500,000            183,627            500,000
 15         265,903            119,272            500,000            200,329            500,000
 16         291,521            125,954            500,000            217,630            500,000
 17         318,419            132,165            500,000            235,607            500,000
 18         346,663            137,865            500,000            254,178            500,000
 19         376,319            142,996            500,000            273,383            500,000
 20         407,457            147,426            500,000            293,315            500,000
 25         588,120            150,192            500,000            407,599            500,000
 30         818,697             79,243            500,000            561,679            589,763
</TABLE>
- --------
*These values reflect investment results using guaranteed cost of insurance
   rates.
**These values reflect investment results using current cost of insurance
   rates.
 
  The hypothetical investment rate of return shown above is illustrative only,
and should not be deemed a representation of past or future results. Actual
investment results may be more or less than those shown and will depend on a
number of factors, including the investment allocation made by the policyowner,
and the investment results for the Funds. The cash value, cash surrender value
and death benefit for a policy would be different from those shown if the
actual rates of return averaged the rate shown above over a period of years,
but also fluctuated above or below that average for individual years. No
representation can be made by the Company, Walnut Street Securities, the
investment management company, or any representative thereof, that this
hypothetical rate of return can be achieved for any one year, or sustained over
any period of time.
 
  Illustrated values shown above are as of the end of the years indicated and
assume premiums are received monthly on the policy anniversary day and further
assume there is no policy indebtedness outstanding.
 
                                      A-9
<PAGE>
 
                    FLEXIBLE PREMIUM VARIABLE LIFE INSURANCE
 
FACE AMOUNT OF COVERAGE: $500,000.00                AGE: 50
DEATH BENEFIT OPTION: A                             ANNUAL PREMIUM: $12,000.00
PREMIUM EXPENSE CHARGE: 1.00%                       (Monthly Premium:
PREMIUM TAX: 2.25%                                  $1,000.00)
 
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                            FOR SEPARATE ACCOUNT C--A HYPOTHETICAL GROSS
                        ANNUAL RATE OF RETURN @ 12.00% (NET RATE @ 10.458%)
                        ----------------------------------------------------------------
                              GUARANTEED*                        CURRENT**
                        ------------------------------    ------------------------------
           PREM            CASH            DEATH             CASH            DEATH
 YR      @ 5.00%          VALUE           BENEFIT           VALUE           BENEFIT
 ---     --------       ----------       ----------       ----------       ----------
 <S>     <C>            <C>              <C>              <C>              <C>
  1      $ 12,322       $    8,111       $  500,000       $   10,765       $  500,000
  2        25,261           16,841          500,000           22,599          500,000
  3        38,846           26,189          500,000           35,525          500,000
  4        53,111           36,202          500,000           49,730          500,000
  5        68,090           46,937          500,000           65,303          500,000
  6        83,817           58,489          500,000           82,352          500,000
  7       100,330           70,944          500,000          101,108          500,000
  8       117,669           84,429          500,000          121,724          500,000
  9       135,875           99,071          500,000          144,381          500,000
 10       154,992          114,999          500,000          169,331          500,000
 11       175,064          132,361          500,000          196,866          500,000
 12       196,140          151,303          500,000          227,274          500,000
 13       218,269          171,992          500,000          260,895          500,000
 14       241,505          194,644          500,000          298,158          500,000
 15       265,903          219,541          500,000          339,525          500,000
 16       291,521          247,062          500,000          385,544          500,000
 17       318,419          277,665          500,000          436,839          519,838
 18       346,663          311,918          500,000          493,489          582,317
 19       376,319          350,503          500,000          555,803          650,289
 20       407,457          394,230          500,000          624,346          724,241
 25       588,120          704,519          753,835        1,087,456        1,163,578
 30       818,697        1,211,076        1,271,630        1,843,863        1,936,056
</TABLE>
- --------
*These values reflect investment results using guaranteed cost of insurance
   rates.
**These values reflect investment results using current cost of insurance
   rates.
 
  The hypothetical investment rate of return shown above is illustrative only,
and should not be deemed a representation of past or future results. Actual
investment results may be more or less than those shown and will depend on a
number of factors, including the investment allocation made by the policyowner,
and the investment results for the Funds. The cash value, cash surrender value
and death benefit for a policy would be different from those shown if the
actual rates of return averaged the rate shown above over a period of years,
but also fluctuated above or below that average for individual years. No
representation can be made by the Company, Walnut Street Securities, the
investment management company, or any representative thereof, that this
hypothetical rate of return can be achieved for any one year, or sustained over
any period of time.
 
  Illustrated values shown above are as of the end of the years indicated and
assume premiums are received monthly on the policy anniversary day and further
assume there is no policy indebtedness outstanding.
 
                                      A-10
<PAGE>
 
                    FLEXIBLE PREMIUM VARIABLE LIFE INSURANCE
 
FACE AMOUNT OF COVERAGE: $500,000.00                 AGE: 50
DEATH BENEFIT OPTION: B                              ANNUAL PREMIUM:
PREMIUM EXPENSE CHARGE: 1.00%                        $26,000.00
PREMIUM TAX: 2.25%                                   (Monthly Premium:
                                                     $2,166.67)
PREMIUM TAX: 2.25%
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                              FOR SEPARATE ACCOUNT C--A HYPOTHETICAL GROSS
                               ANNUAL RATE OF RETURN @ 0.00% (NET RATE @ -
                                                 1.542%)
                             ---------------------------------------------------------------
                                  GUARANTEED*                        CURRENT**
                             -----------------------------     -----------------------------
             PREM              CASH            DEATH             CASH            DEATH
 YR        @ 5.00%            VALUE           BENEFIT           VALUE           BENEFIT
 ---      ----------         --------         --------         --------         --------
 <S>      <C>                <C>              <C>              <C>              <C>
  1       $   26,698         $ 21,015         $521,015         $ 23,528         $523,528
  2           54,732           41,418          541,418           46,604          546,604
  3           84,168           61,139          561,139           69,142          569,142
  4          115,075           80,148          580,148           91,208          591,208
  5          147,528           98,420          598,420          112,750          612,750
  6          181,603          115,956          615,956          133,718          633,718
  7          217,382          132,731          632,731          154,180          654,180
  8          254,950          148,751          648,751          174,084          674,084
  9          294,397          163,998          663,998          193,379          693,379
 10          335,816          178,431          678,431          212,070          712,070
 11          379,305          192,003          692,003          230,171          730,171
 12          424,970          204,621          704,621          247,628          747,628
 13          472,917          216,177          716,177          264,389          764,389
 14          523,262          226,561          726,561          280,467          780,467
 15          576,124          235,680          735,680          295,808          795,808
 16          631,629          243,488          743,488          310,362          810,362
 17          689,909          249,935          749,935          324,149          824,149
 18          751,104          254,994          754,994          336,874          836,874
 19          815,358          258,622          758,622          348,427          848,427
 20          882,825          260,686          760,686          358,770          858,770
 25        1,274,261          239,295          739,295          388,015          888,015
 30        1,773,845          143,124          643,124          367,723          867,723
</TABLE>
- --------
*These values reflect investment results using guaranteed cost of insurance
   rates.
**These values reflect investment results using current cost of insurance
   rates.
 
  The hypothetical investment rate of return shown above is illustrative only,
and should not be deemed a representation of past or future results. Actual
investment results may be more or less than those shown and will depend on a
number of factors, including the investment allocation made by the policyowner,
and the investment results for the Funds. The cash value, cash surrender value
and death benefit for a policy would be different from those shown if the
actual rates of return averaged the rate shown above over a period of years,
but also fluctuated above or below that average for individual years. No
representation can be made by the Company, Walnut Street Securities, the
investment management company, or any representative thereof, that this
hypothetical rate of return can be achieved for any one year, or sustained over
any period of time.
 
  Illustrated values shown above are as of the end of the years indicated and
assume premiums are received monthly on the policy anniversary day and further
assume there is no policy indebtedness outstanding.
 
                                      A-11
<PAGE>
 
                    FLEXIBLE PREMIUM VARIABLE LIFE INSURANCE
 
FACE AMOUNT OF COVERAGE: $500,000.00                AGE: 50
DEATH BENEFIT OPTION: B                             ANNUAL PREMIUM: $26,000.00
PREMIUM EXPENSE CHARGE: 1.00%                       (Monthly Premium:
PREMIUM TAX: 2.25%                                  $2,166.67)
PREMIUM TAX: 2.25%
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                             FOR SEPARATE ACCOUNT C--A HYPOTHETICAL GROSS
                          ANNUAL RATE OF RETURN @ 6.00% (NET RATE @ 4.458%)
                          --------------------------------------------------------------
                               GUARANTEED*                       CURRENT**
                          ----------------------------    ------------------------------
            PREM            CASH           DEATH             CASH            DEATH
 YR       @ 5.00%          VALUE          BENEFIT           VALUE           BENEFIT
 ---     ----------       --------       ----------       ----------       ----------
 <S>     <C>              <C>            <C>              <C>              <C>
  1      $   26,698       $ 21,701       $  521,701       $   24,295       $  524,295
  2          54,732         44,071          544,071           49,583          549,583
  3          84,168         67,060          567,060           75,808          575,808
  4         115,075         90,653          590,653          103,075          603,075
  5         147,528        114,840          614,840          131,368          631,368
  6         181,603        139,636          639,636          160,673          660,673
  7         217,382        165,031          665,031          191,095          691,095
  8         254,950        191,046          691,046          222,623          722,623
  9         294,397        217,679          717,679          255,246          755,246
 10         335,816        244,902          744,902          289,007          789,007
 11         379,305        272,682          772,682          323,962          823,962
 12         424,970        300,932          800,932          360,098          860,098
 13         472,917        329,548          829,548          397,408          897,408
 14         523,262        358,416          858,416          435,943          935,943
 15         576,124        387,433          887,433          475,691          975,691
 16         631,629        416,539          916,539          516,647        1,016,647
 17         689,909        445,665          945,665          558,870        1,058,870
 18         751,104        474,765          974,765          602,100        1,102,100
 19         815,358        503,770        1,003,770          646,256        1,146,256
 20         882,825        532,518        1,032,518          691,318        1,191,318
 25       1,274,261        662,130        1,162,130          926,348        1,426,348
 30       1,773,845        735,750        1,235,750        1,164,428        1,664,428
</TABLE>
- --------
*These values reflect investment results using guaranteed cost of insurance
   rates.
**These values reflect investment results using current cost of insurance
   rates.
 
  The hypothetical investment rate of return shown above is illustrative only,
and should not be deemed a representation of past or future results. Actual
investment results may be more or less than those shown and will depend on a
number of factors, including the investment allocation made by the policyowner,
and the investment results for the Funds. The cash value, cash surrender value
and death benefit for a policy would be different from those shown if the
actual rates of return averaged the rate shown above over a period of years,
but also fluctuated above or below that average for individual years. No
representation can be made by the Company, Walnut Street Securities, the
investment management company, or any representative thereof, that this
hypothetical rate of return can be achieved for any one year, or sustained over
any period of time.
 
  Illustrated values shown above are as of the end of the years indicated and
assume premiums are received monthly on the policy anniversary day and further
assume there is no policy indebtedness outstanding.
 
                                      A-12
<PAGE>
 
                    FLEXIBLE PREMIUM VARIABLE LIFE INSURANCE
 
FACE AMOUNT OF COVERAGE: $500,000.00                AGE: 50
DEATH BENEFIT OPTION: B                             ANNUAL PREMIUM: $26,000.00
PREMIUM EXPENSE CHARGE: 1.00%                       (Monthly Premium:
PREMIUM TAX: 2.25%                                  $2,166.67)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                              FOR SEPARATE ACCOUNT C--A HYPOTHETICAL GROSS
                          ANNUAL RATE OF RETURN @ 12.00% (NET RATE @ 10.458%)
                          ----------------------------------------------------------------
                                GUARANTEED*                        CURRENT**
                          ------------------------------    ------------------------------
            PREM             CASH            DEATH             CASH            DEATH
 YR       @ 5.00%           VALUE           BENEFIT           VALUE           BENEFIT
 ---     ----------       ----------       ----------       ----------       ----------
 <S>     <C>              <C>              <C>              <C>              <C>
  1      $   26,698       $   22,375       $  522,375       $   25,050       $  525,050
  2          54,732           46,782          546,782           52,626          552,626
  3          84,168           73,352          573,352           82,890          582,890
  4         115,075          102,267          602,267          116,188          616,188
  5         147,528          133,734          633,734          152,774          652,774
  6         181,603          168,008          668,008          192,927          692,927
  7         217,382          205,346          705,346          237,086          737,086
  8         254,950          246,062          746,062          285,605          785,605
  9         294,397          290,478          790,478          338,879          838,879
 10         335,816          338,925          838,925          397,399          897,399
 11         379,305          391,763          891,763          461,719          961,719
 12         424,970          449,338          949,338          532,379        1,032,379
 13         472,917          512,016        1,012,016          609,979        1,109,979
 14         523,262          580,199        1,080,199          695,245        1,195,245
 15         576,124          654,346        1,154,346          788,912        1,288,912
 16         631,629          735,013        1,235,013          891,796        1,391,796
 17         689,909          822,810        1,322,810        1,004,869        1,504,869
 18         751,104          918,434        1,418,434        1,128,873        1,628,873
 19         815,358        1,022,640        1,522,640        1,264,823        1,764,823
 20         882,825        1,136,164        1,636,164        1,413,908        1,913,908
 25       1,274,261        1,870,987        2,370,987        2,404,128        2,904,128
 30       1,773,845        2,980,795        3,480,795        3,971,621        4,471,621
</TABLE>
- --------
*These values reflect investment results using guaranteed cost of insurance
   rates.
**These values reflect investment results using current cost of insurance
   rates.
 
  The hypothetical investment rate of return shown above is illustrative only,
and should not be deemed a representation of past or future results. Actual
investment results may be more or less than those shown and will depend on a
number of factors, including the investment allocation made by the policyowner,
and the investment results for the Funds. The cash value, cash surrender value
and death benefit for a policy would be different from those shown if the
actual rates of return averaged the rate shown above over a period of years,
but also fluctuated above or below that average for individual years. No
representation can be made by the Company, Walnut Street Securities, the
investment management company, or any representative thereof, that this
hypothetical rate of return can be achieved for any one year, or sustained over
any period of time.
 
  Illustrated values shown above are as of the end of the years indicated and
assume premiums are received monthly on the policy anniversary day and further
assume there is no policy indebtedness outstanding.
 
                                      A-13
<PAGE>
 
                                    PART II
                          UNDERTAKING TO FILE REPORTS

     Subject to the terms and conditions of Section 15(d) of the Securities and
Exchange Act of 1934, the undersigned registrant hereby undertakes to file with
the Securities and Exchange Commission such supplementary and periodic
information, documents, and reports as may be prescribed by any rule or
regulation of the Commission heretofore, or hereafter duly adopted pursuant to
authority conferred in that section.

                             RULE 484 UNDERTAKING

     Article III, Section 13 of the Company's Bylaws provide: "The Corporation
may indemnify any person who is made a party to any civil or criminal suit, or
made a subject of any administrative or investigative proceeding by reason of
the fact that he is or was a director, officer, or agent of the Corporation.
This indemnity may extend to expenses, including attorney's fees, judgments,
fine, and amounts paid in settlement. The indemnity shall not be available to
persons being sued by or upon the information of the Corporation not to person
who are being investigated by the Corporation. The indemnity shall be
discretionary with the Board of Directors and shall not be granted until the
Board of Directors has made a determination that the person who would be
indemnified acted in good faith and in a manner he reasonably believed to be in
the best interest of the Corporation. The Corporation shall have such other and
further powers of indemnification as are not inconsistent with the laws of
Missouri."

     Insofar as indemnification for liability arising under the Securities Act
of 1933 may be permitted to directors, officers and controlling persons of the
registrant pursuant to the Charter and Articles of Incorporation of the Company,
the By-Laws of the Company, agreement, statute, 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.

                                     II-1
<PAGE>
 
                  REPRESENTATION CONCERNING FEES AND CHARGES


     Paragon Life Insurance Company hereby represents that the fees and charges
deducted under the terms of the Contract are, in the aggregate, reasonable in
relationship to the services rendered, the expenses expected, and the risks
assumed by Paragon.

                                     II-2
<PAGE>
 
                      CONTENTS OF REGISTRATION STATEMENT

This Registration Statement comprises the following Papers and Documents:

     The facing sheet.
     The Prospectus consisting of 82 pages.
     The undertaking to file reports required by Section 15 (d), 1934 Act.
     The undertaking pursuant to Rule 484.
     Representation concerning fees and charges.
     The signatures.
     The following exhibits:

1.   The following exhibits (which correspond in number to the numbers under
paragraph A of the instructions as to exhibits for Form N-8B-2):

     (1)  Resolution of the Board of Directors of the Company authorizing 
          establishment of the Separate Account. 1

     (2)  Not applicable.

     (3)  (a)  Proposed form of Underwriting Agreement. 1

          (b)  Proposed form of Selling Agreement. 1
 
     (4)  Not applicable.
 
     (5)  (a)  Proposed form of Group Contract. 1

          (b)  Proposed form of Individual Policy and Policy Riders. 1

          (c)  Proposed form of Certificate and Certificate Riders. 1
 
     (6)  (a)  Amended Charter and Articles of Incorporation of the Company. 1
 
          (b)  By-Laws of the Company. 1

     (7)  Not applicable.

     (8)  Series Participation Agreement. 1

     (9)  Not applicable.
 
     (10) (a)  Form of Application for Group Contract. 1

          (b)  Form of Application for Individual Insurance Guaranteed Issue
               (Group Contract). 1

                                     II-3
<PAGE>
 

2.   Memorandum describing the Company's issuance, transfer, and redemption
procedures for the Policies and the Company's procedure for conversion to a
fixed benefit policy. 1

3.   The following exhibits are numbered to correspond to the numbers in the
instructions as to exhibits for Form S-6.

     (1)  See above.

     (2)  See Exhibit 1(5).

     (3)  Opinion of Matthew P. McCauley, Esquire, General Counsel of Paragon 
          Life Insurance Company. 1

     (4)  No financial statements are omitted from the Prospectus pursuant to 
          Instruction 1(b) or (c) of Part I.
 
     (5)  Not applicable.
 
4.   Opinion and consent of Craig K. Nordyke, F.S.A., M.A.A.A., Vice President
     and Chief Actuary. 2

5.   The consent of KPMG Peat Marwick LLP, Independent Certified Public
     Accountants. 2

6.   Written consent of Sutherland, Asbill & Brennan. 2
 
7.   Original powers of attorney authorizing Matthew P. McCauley, Carl H.
     Anderson, and Craig K. Nordyke, and each of them singly, to sign this
     Registration Statement and Amendments thereto on behalf of the Board of
     Directors of Paragon Life Insurance Company. 1
 

1    Incorporated by reference to the Initial and Post-Effective Registration 
     Statement in File No. 33-67970.

2    Filed herewith.

                                     II-4
<PAGE>
 
                                  SIGNATURES

     Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, Paragon Life
Insurance Company and Separate Account C of Paragon Life Insurance Company
certify that they meet all the requirements for effectiveness of this amended
Registration Statement pursuant to Rule 485(b) under the Securities Act of l933
and have duly caused this amended Registration Statement to be signed on their
behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized, and the seal of Paragon
Life Insurance Company to be hereunto affixed and attested, all in the City of
St. Louis, State of Missouri, on the 17 day of April, 1997.



(Seal)                                           Paragon Life Insurance Company



Attest:/S/                                By: /S/
         ---------------------                  ----------------------------
          Matthew P. McCauley,                   Carl H. Anderson, President
          Secretary                              and Chief Executive Officer

      Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this amended
Registration Statement has been signed below by the following persons in the
capacities and on the dates indicated.

Signature                       Title                               Date


/S/                                                                4/17/97
  ----------------------
Carl H. Anderson            President and Director
                            (Chief Executive Officer)


/S/                                                                4/17/97
- ------------------------            
Matthew K. Duffy            Vice President and Chief
                            Financial Officer (Principal
                            Accounting Officer and
                            Principal Financial Officer)


- ------------------------
Warren J. Winer*            Director



- ------------------------
Richard A. Liddy*           Director


                                     II-5
<PAGE>
 
Signature                     Title                                 Date

/S/                                                                4/17/97
  ----------------------
Matthew P. McCauley         Vice President,
                            General Counsel,
                            Secretary and Director


/S/                                                                4/17/97
  ----------------------
Craig K. Nordyke            Director


- ------------------------
Leonard M. Rubenstein*      Director


- ------------------------
E. Thomas Hughes, Jr.*      Director and Treasurer


- ------------------------
Bernard H. Wolzenski*       Director


- ------------------------
A. Greig Woodring*          Director



By:/S/                                                             4/17/97
     -------------------
   Craig K. Nordyke


*Original powers of attorney authorizing Matthew P. McCauley, Carl H. Anderson,
and Craig K. Nordyke, and each of them singly, to sign this Registration
Statement and Amendments thereto on behalf of the Board of Directors of Paragon
Life Insurance Company have been filed with the Securities and Exchange
Commission.


                                     II-6

33-67970
<PAGE>
 
                                 EXHIBIT INDEX


4.  Opinion and consent of Craig K. Nordyke, F.S.A., M.A.A.A., Executive Vice
    President and Chief Actuary.

5.  Written consent of KPMG Peat Marwick LLP, Independent Certified Public
    Accountants.

6.  Written consent of Sutherland, Asbill & Brennan.







33-67970


<PAGE>
 
                                   Exhibit 4


          OPINION AND CONSENT OF CRAIG K. NORDYKE, F.S.A., M.A.A.A.,
                  EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT AND CHIEF ACTUARY


<PAGE>
 
                                                      RE:  33-67970



Gentlemen:

In my capacity as Executive Vice President and Chief Actuary for Paragon Life
Insurance Company, I have provided actuarial advice concerning: (a) the
preparation of a registration statement for Separate Account C filed on Form S-6
with the Securities and Exchange Commission under the Securities Act of 1933
(the "Registration Statement") regarding the offer and sale of flexible premium
variable life insurance policies (the "Policies"); and (b) the preparation of
policy forms for the Policies described in the Registration Statement.

It is my professional opinion that:

   1. The illustrations of cash values, cash surrender values, death benefits,
      and accumulated premiums in the Appendix to the prospectus contained in
      the Registration Statement, are based on the assumptions stated in the
      illustration, and are consistent with the provisions of the Policies. The
      rate structure of the Policies has not been designed so as to make the
      relationship between premiums and benefits, as shown in the illustrations,
      appear to be more favorable to prospective purchasers of Policies aged 45
      or 50 in the rate class illustrated than to prospective purchasers of
      Policies at other ages.

   2. The information contained in the examples set forth in the section of the
      prospectus entitled "Death Benefits", is based on the assumption stated in
      the examples, and is consistent with the provisions of the Policies.

I hereby consent to the filing of this opinion as an exhibit to the Post-
Effective Amendment No. 4 to the Registration Statement and to the use of my
name under the heading "Experts" in the prospectus.



                           /S/

                           Craig K. Nordyke, FSA, MAAA
                           Executive Vice President and Chief Actuary

<PAGE>
 
                                   Exhibit 5


              CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT CERTIFIED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANT
<PAGE>
 
                         Independent Auditors' Consent

The Board of Directors
Paragon Life Insurance Company

We consent to the use of our reports included herein and to the reference of our
firm under the heading "Experts" in the Registration Statement and Prospectus
for Paragon Separate Account C.

                                 KPMG Peat Marwick LLP

St. Louis, Missouri
April 18, 1997

<PAGE>
 
                                   Exhibit 6

                WRITTEN CONSENT OF SUTHERLAND, ASBILL & BRENNAN
<PAGE>
 
                                  April 14, 1997

Board of Directors
Paragon Life Insurance Company
100 South Brentwood Boulevard
St. Louis, Missouri  63105

Ladies and 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. 4 to
the registration statement on Form S-6 for Separate Account C of Paragon Life
Insurance Company (File No. 33-67970). In giving this consent, we do not admit
that we are in the category of persons whose consent is required under Section 7
of the Securities Act of 1933.

                                 Very truly yours,
 
                                 SUTHERLAND, ASBILL & BRENNAN

                            By:  /s/
                                    ---------------------------
                                    Stephen E. Roth


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