MERRILL LYNCH LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY MERRILL LYNCH LIFE VARIABLE ANNUITY SEPARATE ACCOUNT C SUPPLEMENT DATED DECEMBER 23, 2002 TO THE PROSPECTUS DATED JULY 1, 2002 FOR MERRILL LYNCH CONSULTS ANNUITY(SM) Effective December 23, 2002, the subaccount investing in the Roszel/Neuberger Berman Small Cap Growth Portfolio will be closed to allocations of premiums and contract value. * * * If you have any questions about this change, please contact your Financial Advisor, or call or write the Service Center at (800) 535-5549, P.O. Box 44222, Jacksonville, Florida 32231-4222. Please retain this supplement with your Contract prospectus for your reference.