Description: This article announces a new research project, co-sponsored by a number of actuarial organizations, to evaluate macrodemographic and microsimulation models that could be used to analyze retirement and other public policy proposals.

Description: Preview of the May 2010 issue of Health Watch, with focus on the growing importance of actuaries, particularly in light of new developments in health care reform, clinical integration, enterprise risk management, and the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act.

Description: Report on the activities of the Academy’s health practice council and its work groups.

Description: This article talks about the challenges facing the FDA, especially those arising from the globalization of the pharmaceutical supply chain.

Description: This article presents a view of health care as an economic system, suggests a framework for classifying current criticisms of the system, and offers references for further reading.

Description: The chairperson reports on Health Section activities: papers by the joint workgroups with the AAA's Health Practice Council to inform the public and congressional staff, papers on capital requirements under proposed health care reform and on proposed taxing of Cadillac plans, new research on IBNR reserving methods and on measuring the quality and efficiency of health care delivery systems.

Description: A consideration of the issues involved in adding long-term care provisions to the social security system in France, and how the conditions differ from those in the U.S.

Description: An overview of the issues behind reimbursing providers on a bundled or packaged basis. The article presents the potential advantages offered by the proponents as well as the criticisms and obstacles to implementing this type of payment system.

Description: Discussion as to whether within an organization an actuary's regulatory role can conflict with his business-oriented role or be aligned with the strategic goals of the company.

Description: A look at the career and accomplishments of Julia Philips, the only health actuary employed at the Minnesota Department of Commerce. She believes her learn-by-doing attitude has allowed her to build a career she enjoys, which includes her to work to promote consumer protection, volunteer with many organizations, and implement health reform.