Analysts at Gen Re say 2010 proved to be a challenging year for most companies in the group life and disability business, and that health reform has been a distraction for both employers and group benefits brokers.

According to the corporation's 2010 U.S. Group Disability Market Survey, total group term life inforce premium grew by 2 percent in 2010, totaling over $20.3 billion. Combined STD and LTD inforce premium rose slightly, by roughly 1 percent, totaling close to $13.2 billion. STD inforce premium increased by 4 percent while LTD inforce premium remained level year-over-year.

Compared to 2009, the total number of employers offering coverage declined by approximately 1 percent for group term life, and increased by 1 percent for LTD and STD. The total number of insured employees was up close to 1 percent for group term life, remained level for LTD and increased by 3 percent for STD.