Description: The author discusses how small firms can compete successfully against big firms by cre¬ating a micro-niche business, because other firms—including big firms—cannot compete directly. In this way a small firm can compete against large firms with great success by stepping outside direct competi¬tion, in which it cannot hope to win. From ‘The Stepping Stone’ issue number 43.

Description: New for 2017, we are introducing a series of articles by experienced industry professionals who are relatively new to long-term care (LTC).

Description: In this article, the authors describe the flaws in our current determination of the Consumer Price Index CPI and other economic indicators, and propose a series of refinements for improving the CPI calculations. The article emphasizes the importance of accuracy, given the significant influence on business and investment policies, psychological effect on the marketplace, as well as on consumer confidence, and the direct impact on Social Security increases and other benefit plans.

Description: New for 2017, we are introducing a series of articles by experienced industry professionals who are relatively new to long-term care (LTC).

Description: This article describes the Health Insurance Providers Fee implemented through Section 9010 of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) and discusses how the fee will creates challenges in Managed Medicaid Rate development. It also offers some suggested ways to include the fee in Managed Medicaid rates.

Description: The benefits of touch-screen technology for senior citizens is discussed.

Description: Overview of market trends impacting the group benefits space in Canada and the implications for insures as they prepare for future evolving industry dynamics.

Description: Financial Reporting for Healthcare Plans objectives, defining market segments, preparing & recasting segment monitoring reports, quantification of liabilities, reconciliation of claim payments, medical management reports, expense control, company plans & projections & budgets, financial indicators & measurements. Issue No. 41.

Description: Summary of SOA initiative on preparing and positioning actuaries to move into new roles which are becoming available as the health care industry changes.