Vance Co.'s prepaid insurance was $30,000 at December 31, 2004 and $15,000 at December 31, 2003. Insurance expense was $12,000 for 2004 and $9,000 for 2003. What amount of cash disbursements for insurance would be reported in Vance's 2004 net cash provided by operating activities presented on a direct basis?
a. $33,000
b. $27,000
c. $18,000
d. $12,000