Description: This article reviews the results of the first SOA study of large medical claims, defined as claims greater than $25,000.

Description: This article is a review of Howard E. Winklevoss and Alwyn V. Powell's Continuing Care Retirement Communities: An Empirical, Financial and Legal Analysis. The book discusses the actuarial aspects of a CCRC, especially the establishment of fee structures.

Description: There are growing concerns that the Asian bird flu virus will evolve into a form that can be transmitted from human to human, thus unleashing a new global flu pandemic. This article uses the Spanish flu epidemic and the German life insurance portfolio to analyze the additional claims expenditure due to a pandemic.

Description: This article chroncles the law suit that Blue Cross of Minnesota filed against all of the large tobacco companies for fraud and the extra cost incurred by all Blue Cross members. The case was settled for $469 million.

Description: The author takes exception to criticism from the AMA about hospital discharge guidelines as being set by actuaries when, in fact, they are set by physicians based on actual practice.

Description: A discussion about regulators, lawmakers, actuaries and insurers working together to keep health insurance costs affordable to the consumer but also profitable enough for insurers to continue to offer the product.

Description: This is a review of the publication entitled 'Medicare: Health Insurance for the Aged, 1969: Geographic Indices of Reimbursement by State and County.' It is of value to health actuaries because it contains information as to the variation in health insurance claim costs by geographical areas within the United States.

Description: This article discusses the growing number of cases of dementia and its effects on economics and loved ones.

Description: This article describes the functions of the National Center for Health Statistics which serves as the focal points for U.S. health statistics. The NCHS data collection program goes beyond the important vital statistics. The Center produces data on the extent of illness and disability in the population.

Description: This article highlights a trend among companies to integrate the management of the various medical programs including health, workers compensation and disability. This concept of total health management allows greater focus on the health and wellness of employees resulting in improved productivity.