Description: A Discussion of why female mortality is higher than male mortality at higher ages.

Description: This article describes the results of three years of work by Blue Shield of California to collaborate with hospitals and physician organizations to reduce cost and improve quality for commercial populations in targeted geographies.

Description: This session discusses defined-contribution plans as a method for employers to manage costs. Panelists discuss product designs and strategies as well as the impact on the health insurance market and third party administration business. Included is a discussion on e-health insurance. From the Record of the Society of Actuaries, Volume 27, No. 1, Session 59

Description: In this session, participants learn the issues large employers face with respect to increased health care costs, the goals and objectives of the value-based purchasing initiative and similar initiatives and the different methods used to implement these initiatives. The Leapfrog Group, a hospital performance initiative, and Bridges to Excellence, a physician performance initiative, are specifically discussed. From the Record of the Society of Actuaries, Volume 30, No. 1, Session 31

Description: Our panelists discuss mechanisms to measure affordability, reducing costs through product design and other responses by plans, employers & providers. From the Record of the Society of Actuaries, Volume 29, No. 3, Session 82

Description: Of the three issues in health care—coverage, financing, and cost—the overriding issue is holding down the growth in health care costs while simultaneously improving the quality of care. This article introduces new concepts for reducing cost and increasing quality. From Health Watch, January 2008, Issue No. 57.

Description: CHCS is a nonprofit policy center focused on improving American health outcomes, particularly for low-income people, including payment & delivery system reform.

Description: This session is about the details of the inception and implementation of the Oregon Health Plan. From Record of Society of Actuaries Vol. 18, No. 1B.