Description: Methods and assumptions used in the valuation of savings by external care vendors

Description: 2003 Valuation Actuary Symposium, San Diego, CA. The panel discussed the current challenges in the health reinsurance marketplace. Topics included traditional quota share reinsurance, employer and provider stop-loss coverage, difficulties in obtaining reliable and credible data from a ceding carrier and terrorism reinsurance.

Description: This paper presents a method for analyzing the experience of a stop-loss underwriter to develop a claim continuance table. This method is designed to deal with the limitations presented from certain limited information so as to get the most out of the available information. To the extent this approach is succesful, the credibility of the experience analysis will be maximized, thus minimizing the reliance on external data. From Actuarial Research Clearing House 1993, VOL. 3.

Description: This article describes Medicare Supplement and short-term care products in more detail, and we compare their risk profiles. We explore the concept that these two products—when offered together—may provide a complementary hedge of certain policyholder behavior risks.

Description: This paper investigates the accuracy of loss reserves by comparing some reserves with the actual results five years hence. The ultimate purpose was to provide an estimate of the amount of variability which cannot be explained by listed factors. The resulting amount of variability gives an indication of the amount required for a provision for adverse deviation. From Actuarial Research Clearing House 1991, VOL. 1

Description: The article documents the efficacy of infra-low frequency neurofeedback regarding how it improves patient no show rates, decreases mental health symptoms by 40% or more, and self-harm and suicidal ideations.

Description: On average, contracts receiving their first star rating receive 3.20 stars, compared to existing or established contracts receiving 3.90 stars on average. This 0.70 disparity in quality ratings creates significant hardship on new contracts when this lower star rating decreases their payments in the following calendar year. This article explores the disparity in Medicare Advantage Star Ratings between contracts receiving their first star ratings (“New” contracts) and existing contracts, including: 1. Understanding what happens to Medicare Advantage Payments when contracts receive lower star ratings? – What is the Star Rating cliff and why does it matter to new contracts? 2. Explaining when a contract receives their first star rating and how much enrollment this requires – When does the Star Rating cliff occur? 3. Noting which specific star measures “New” contracts struggle with, including those contracts under large parent organizations, contracts with rapid growth, and all other new contracts. – How can my contract avoid the Star Rating cliff?

Description: This article describes the four keys to successful worksite marketing: 1. Onsite selling either with group meetings or one-on one using professional enrollers. 2. Use a process that has been proven successful. 3. Gain employer sponsorship/commitment/endorsement. 4. Ensure your insurance company is committed as evidenced by high quality service from issue on through the life cycle of the policy.

Description: As actuaries in health care, we spend most of our time focused on reviewing claims, enrollment and clinical data. That information is captured while patients are in health care facilities. Yet most people spend only a small fraction of their time in these facilities. This article explores what types of data are available to actuaries the provide a more holistic view of the member so that a members physical and emotional needs, the social determinants of health can be taken into consideration along with their clinical needs. Two uses cases are presented so actuaries can see how these types of analyses can be leveraged to improve clinical, operational, and financial performance of risk bearing health entities. Understanding the customer (member) not just the patient enables actuaries to provide new insights and values to our stakeholders across a wide range of business and risk applications.

Description: 1994 SOA Meeting, San Antonio. This session on physician reimbursements focused on arrangements that might be offered by managed care companies, such as HMOs. It included an overview of key definitions, concepts, and incentive compensation arrangements.