The Hartford believes in the  power of ability and is the first  and only group benefits carrier  to pledge support for the U.S. Paralympics and its 500 athletes. The second largest athletic event in the world after the Olympics,  the Paralympics is dedicated to promoting excellence through sport for people with disabilities. This mission aligns with and sup- ports The Hartford’s group bene- fits division’s “Ability Philosophy,” which states: “We passionately believe people want to live active, productive, independent lives.”  That philosophy drives our ability- focused approach to disability  management, which we believe  is the best in the industry. As part of its founding part- nership with U.S. Paralympics,  The Hartford also sponsors a num- ber of events called Paralympic Experiences. These are designed  to educate members of the busi- ness community about what it is  like to be a Paralympic athlete. I n addition to protecting and growing your wealth,  The Hartford insures individuals and businesses against  loss of income from disabilities, destruction of property – home, auto, or business – or disruption of business. Our nearly 200-year heritage attests to our record of being there for customers in times of need and distinguishes The Hartford as  we put our strength to work every day for our policyholders. For business customers who want to add a full range of pro- tection to their employee benefit package, The Hartford offers group disability, life  and accident insurance products. Every day, The Hartford’s “Ability Philosophy” helps drive the business: “ We passionately believe people want to live active, productive, independent lives. ” To highlight this commitment,  in 2004 The Hartford renewed its sponsorship of the U.S. Paralympics and its mission to promote excellence through sports in the lives of people with physical disabilities. In 2004, The Hartford’s group benefits operations experi- enced a year of growth and integration with the acquisition  of CNA’s group disability, life and accident insurance businesses. The acquisition contributed to a 57 percent increase in insur- ance premiums and gives us increased distribution through an expanded sales force. In national rankings, we are now a strong number two in group disability insurance premiums and num- ber five in group life insurance premiums, according to LIMRA. The acquisition also provided The Hartford with the oppor- tunity to integrate best practices from each business into the com- bined operations and use them to enhance products, services and claims management. For example, The Hartford augmented its “Ability Philosophy” by incorporating CNA’s “Ability Assist” and “Beneficiary Assist” services to now offer emotional, financial and legal counseling to employees, claimants, beneficiaries and family members covered by our disability and life offerings. Group Benefits Fully Insured Premiums ($ in billions) 00 01 02 03 04 0 1 2 3 $4 18   ’    “the power of ability”  your income  and property ©Chris Hamilton 2004. All rights reserved. No. 2 in U.S. fully insured group disability  insurance premiums