Geoffrey C. Sandler, FSA 1976, MAAA

Staff Vice President & Actuary, WellPoint, Inc., New York, NY

Brief description of the type of work you currently do:

Responsible for pricing state sponsored programs (primarily Medicaid and state children's health insurance programs)

Primary Area of Practice:

Health Benefit Systems

Other Areas of Practice/Interests:

Managed care, public policy

Professional Background:

WellPoint, Inc./Empire Blue Cross and Blue Shield (1995–Present):

• Staff Vice President & Actuary, WellPoint (2008–Present), State Sponsored Business: responsible for pricing Medicaid and state children's health insurance programs.
• Previous positions involved responsibility for pricing WellPoint's NY commercial group products (2007); pricing commercial individual and small group products for WellPoint's East Region (2006), and responsibility for actuarial support for Empire's HMO and managed care products including pricing, financial analysis, experience analysis and rate filings (1995–2006).

Metropolitan Life Insurance Company/MetLife HealthCare (1985–1995)

Assistant Vice–President and Actuary

• HMO pricing (1994–1995); managed care effectiveness analysis (1988–1994); closeout annuity pricing and pension valuation (1985–1988)

Prior actuarial positions at William M. Mercer (1981–1985) and Connecticut General Life Insurance Company (1972–1981)

Volunteer Experience:

• American Academy of Actuaries: Council of US Presidents—Joint Task Force on Common Discipline Process (2008)
• American Academy of Actuaries: Council on Professionalism (2002 to Present)
• American Academy of Actuaries: Health Practice Council (1996 to Present)
• American Academy of Actuaries: Vice President for Professionalism/Member of Executive Committee and Board of Directors (2004 to 2006)
• American Academy of Actuaries: Vice President for Health/Member of Executive Committee and Board of Directors (2000 to 2002)
• Society of Actuaries: Health Section Council (1999 to 2001)
• American Academy of Actuaries: Federal Health Committee (1995 to 2008; Vice–Chairman 1996; Chairman 1997, 1999, 2000)
• American Academy of Actuaries: Work Group On Risk Adjustment (1993 to 1995)
• American Academy of Actuaries: Health Organization Risk Based Capital Task Force (1993 to 1995)
• Group Health Association of America: Solvency and Capitalization Issues Group (1994 to 1996)
• Health Insurance Association of America: Research and Development Committee (1988 to 1992)
• Society of Actuaries: Committee on Pension Principles and Related Research (1985 to 1988)

Vision Statement:

The actuarial profession faces challenges as new disciplines and technologies compete with users of actuarial services, employers of actuaries and potential new entrants to the profession. This competition erodes the boundaries of what were once considered areas of practice exclusive to actuaries. This erosion weakens the image of the actuary and the exclusiveness of our value proposition. Whatever we think of ourselves, our value as a profession is diluted if we cannot maintain a leading position in our areas of expertise in the eyes of our customer and constituent groups. Our approach to developing a practice area in Enterprise Risk Management is an excellent example of how we responded strategically to a changing environment, and its value is especially timely in light of current economic events. The Strategic Plan also addresses the development of long–term partnerships/relationships with actuarial and other professional organizations globally. This is another excellent example of how the Board can foster the development of relationships with professional organizations, academic institutions and the public to share our research and knowledge in ways that demonstrate the unique perspectives we bring to our work. These relationships can expand the scope of our work and the appreciation of our professional abilities, and can strengthen our credibility. These enhancements, and others addressed by the Board in the Strategic Plan, are important steps in improving our skills, maintaining our professional standing and increasing the public appreciation for who we are and what we do.