Medical technology advances are often cited as either the greatest strength (innovative and better ways to treat individuals) or greatest weakness (more expensive, invasive and no more effective ways to treat individuals) of the U.S. healthcare system.

Methods used by U.S. payers and providers to select which technologies to adopt are varied and may lack rigor with respect to evaluating the benefits and weaknesses of the technology in the context of its financial costs. Costs for these technologies are primarily established by the technology vendors and are resource or market based, rather than based on outcomes.

In light of the importance of medical technology for the future of the U.S. health care system, the Society of Actuaries' Health Section Research Committee is seeking researchers to identify the advantages and disadvantages of different approaches used in the evaluation and adoption of medical technologies.

Ideally, the research would cover the following topics, although the Research Committee is open to considering other research objectives as well:

1. Identification of practices used in the U.S. and other countries or systems for incorporating new technology into health insurance systems, including advantages and disadvantages of the practices used.
2. Estimates of the impact of different technology evaluation and adoption approaches or practices on medical costs, outcomes, and resources within countries / systems other than the U.S.
3. Estimates of the impact of different technology evaluation and adoption approaches or practices on medical costs, outcomes, and resources within the U.S. system.
4. Practical considerations and concerns in implementing technology evaluation and adoption changes in the U.S. system by market (Medicare, Medicaid, commercial, employer, etc.).

The Research Committee expects the deliverable at a minimum to include a research report, although it is are open to other deliverables including working models.

To facilitate the evaluation of proposals, the following information should be submitted:

1. Resumes of the authors, including any graduate student(s) expected to participate, indicating how their background, education, and experience bear on their qualifications to undertake the research. If more than one author is involved for each report, a single individual should be designated as the lead researcher and primary contact. The person submitting the proposal must be authorized to speak on behalf of all the authors as well as for the firm or institution on whose behalf the proposal is submitted.
2. A description of the data to be used.
3. A description the expected report and any supporting data, tools or other resources.
4. Cost estimates for the research, including computer time, salaries, report preparation, research costs, etc. Such estimates can be in the form of hourly rates, but in such cases, time estimates should also be included. Any guarantees as to total cost should be given and will be considered in the evaluation of the proposal. While cost will be a factor in the evaluation of the proposal, it will not necessarily be the decisive factor.
5. A schedule for completion of the research, identifying key dates or time frames for research completion and report submission.
6. Other related factors that give evidence of a proposer'sPublish capabilities to perform in a superior fashion should be detailed.

The SOA's Health Section Council is responsible for the selection of the proposal to be funded. Input from other knowledgeable individuals may also be sought, but the SOA's Health Section Council will make the final decision. The SOA's Research Actuary will provide staff actuarial support. A Project Oversight Group (POG) will be appointed to oversee the project upon selection of the proposal.

Any questions regarding this RFP should be directed by fax, or email to: Steven Siegel, SOA Research Actuary (ph: 847.706.3578) (f: 847.273.8578).

If you intend to submit a proposal, please send written notification by April 15, 2012 to Barbara Scott by email (bscott@soa.org) or fax: 847.273.8592.

Please email a copy of the proposal to: Barbara Scott.

Proposals must be received no later than May 31, 2012. It is anticipated that all authors who have submitted proposals will be informed of the status of their proposal no later than June 2012.

Note: Proposals are considered confidential and proprietary.

The SOA reserves the right to not award a contract for this research. Reasons for not awarding a contract could include, but are not limited to, a lack of acceptable proposals or a finding that insufficient funds are available. The SOA also reserves the right to redirect the project as is deemed advisable.

The SOA intends to copyright and publish the results of this research. The research will be considered work-for-hire and all rights thereto belong to the SOA. However, appropriate credit will be given to the researcher(s).