Description: Discussion of the impact of the ACA on RBS and required surplus for a health plan

Description: Exploration of sources of volatility in retiree health valuations, noting how volatility arises and might be mitigated, with discussion of valuation parameters more problematic for retiree health benefits than for pensions. Three significant influences on retiree health valuation volatility are covered-- changes in benefit level, fluctuations in cost level, and alterations in eligibility for, or duration of, benefit – and attention focused on the last two. Specific conclusions result in recommendations, which are supported by practical examples contrasting volatile measurement results with those likely from the recommended practices. Theoretical discussion includes health claim variation, health trend usage, financial economics, option pricing, discount rates, and deterministic vs. stochastic modeling.

Description: Preparing an effective actuarial memorandum in support of the health actuarial opinion.

Description: Presented at April 1986 Spring Meeting. This session discussion is about the current and future challenges in the employee benefits area, is the actuarial profession adequately preparing its members to meet those challenges, and do our clients and publics view us as playing a vital role in employee benefits developments.

Description: The article discusses the sustainability of the ACA individual market from a public entitlement standpoint. A key point of measuring sustainability is the reliance on market forces rather than federal budget constraints. The article explains why an actuarial viewpoint of sustainability is necessary to a greater extent than other public assistance and social insurance programs. The article challenges actuaries to be a bold, objective voice in a space that is full of opinionated but often uninformed viewpoints.

Description: Presented at October 2001 Annual Meeting. Topics covered in this session include Internet-based health plan exchanges, defined-contribution health plans, self-directed health plans, personal spending accounts, and episodic based reimbursement to insureds.

Description: Presented at June 1996 Spring Meeting. This discussion looks at redirecting the traditional role of the actuary into new areas such as working with doctors to deal with medical management issues, dealing and negotiating with providers and how to help the company develop a provider payment strategy. Employers negotiating directly with providers is also discussed.

Description: Presented at October 2000 Annual Meeting. Discusses recent enrollment and cost trends and competitive dynamics with Medicare+Choice capitated plans. Expected future trends are also discussed.

Description: This article introduces a research report that studied the relationship of nontraditional variables with health costs.

Description: This is a guide to underwriting literature which covers a broad range of underwriting issues and the actuary's role in underwriting.