List service (listserv)

An online computer service run from a website where questions may be posted by subscribers. It is a single e-mail address that resends to many others and allows a discussion to continue among a group of participants. Also called distribution list or e-mailing list .

lives

Unit of measurement used by managed care plans or insurance companies to find out the number of people covered in the contract or policy. The formula for determining this number is to multiply the number of plan members by 2.5.

Living benefit rider

Insurance policy provision that allows the insured to receive all or part of the policy’s death benefit before the insured’s death dependent on specific conditions. This type of rider may be used to help an insured individual pay medical expenses if he or she develops a terminal illness.

Living will

Legal document that states the wishes of an individual concerning life support or other medical treatment in certain circumstances, usually when death is imminent or if the person is unconscious and unable to make a decision. Also known as a medical directive, advance directive , or health care advance directive .