• As cash flow programs are secured under cash flow programs (eg retrospective plans), significant portions of the ultimate coverage premium are not payable until the insurer actually pays the claims. Thus, the insurer assumes the credit risk (in addition to the insurance risk). This creates the need to provide such programs. In addition, cash flow programs must be secured in accordance with legal requirements (i.e., virtually all states require organizations to self-insure their employees to offset the risks associated with purchasing bonds backing these obligations).