Description: As actuaries in health care, we spend most of our time focused on reviewing claims, enrollment and clinical data. That information is captured while patients are in health care facilities. Yet most people spend only a small fraction of their time in these facilities. This article explores what types of data are available to actuaries the provide a more holistic view of the member so that a members physical and emotional needs, the social determinants of health can be taken into consideration along with their clinical needs. Two uses cases are presented so actuaries can see how these types of analyses can be leveraged to improve clinical, operational, and financial performance of risk bearing health entities. Understanding the customer (member) not just the patient enables actuaries to provide new insights and values to our stakeholders across a wide range of business and risk applications.

Description: Pharmacy prices are top of mind for many consumers, policymakers, and payers. While there have been many efforts to reduce pharmacy costs over the years, many believe these efforts only helped us cope with the symptoms of the problem without providing a comprehensive cure for the underlying causes of this problem. The Society of Actuaries Health Section sponsored this Pharmacy Partnership Forum to gather multi-disciplinary experts in the pharmacy ecosystem. This report shares the insights and learnings that emerged from this group of health economics outcomes researchers, clinical pharmacists, medical doctors, health actuaries, benefits consultants and brokers, and their collective thoughts on advancing this exploration for society’s benefit.

Description: Hear from Kevin Pierce, FSA MAAA on the key components on the Inflation Reduction Act as it relates to Medicare Part D. Kevin is a Senior Consulting Actuary at Milliman and a top industry speaker on this subject. Kevin has extensive industry experience in actuarial, finance, and strategic projects, providing market intelligence and strategy support for clients across the health care industry. He outlines key provisions of the act, such as a complete redesign of the benefit, inflation rebate payments from pharmaceutical manufacturers,, and Medicare’s ability to negotiate drug prices. Kevin touches on the changes in costs and complexities for beneficiaries, pharmaceutical manufacturers, the federal government, and health insurers. Contributors: Kevin Pierce, FSA MAAA, Mitchell Momanyi, FSA, MAAA, Deana Bell, FSA, MAAA, Jon Forster, ASA, MAAA

Description: Prepare for an interactive session around how members choose a Medicare Advantage Plan, and how actuaries can help be part of the discussion! You will participate in a decision-making activity to set the stage for understanding member selection. Then, dive into an actuarial analysis of the 2023 Medicare Advantage competitive landscape, with an emphasis on what benefits drive membership decisions. This presentation will evaluate plan components prevalent amongst the strongest plan offerings in the market, including supplemental benefit prevalence, member cost sharing, and the underlying benefit value. You will better understand which benefits drive the most significant membership changes, as well as how to think about what the most impactful benefit changes will be for 2024.

Description: Actuaries team up with Payers and Providers, to share insight into their data-driven approaches for improving health plans' CMS Medicare Star Ratings, which leverage experiential analytics to create solutions. 'Experience' is the king-it is broader umbrella, which includes and addresses engagement, cultural competency, equity, cost, and lastly, 'quality'. By attending this session, you will be better equipped to turn real-life data into actionable business solutions-essentially, data science in action. Further, you will better appreciate the importance of stars and risk adjustment in the Medicare Advantage space, along with the consequences of coming up short.

Description: State Medicaid programs have broad flexibility to establish their own payment methodologies and rates for hospital services. Many states direct additional funding to populations, services, and hospitals where Medicaid comprises a disproportionate share of total business, or where there are other access concerns (e.g. rural providers). Actuaries can play a key role in determining where those additional funds would have the most benefit.

Description: A diverse panel of health actuaries will be available to answer any attendee questions. An ACA question, we have it covered! A valuation question, we will find a solution. A professionalism issue, we will make a ruling! A regulatory concern, we will help guide the way!! No question is off limits! There are no stupid questions!

Description: A panel of leading reinsurance executivesprovide perspective on topics to include market capacity, cell and gene therapy, COVID-19's impact on results, syndication arrangements, mergers and acquisitions, and how reinsurers view a variety of risk transfer opportunities.

Description: Delve into the factors contributing to the rapid growth of high-cost medical treatments and how payers can manage the financial exposure that comes with them. Learn about the current and near-future state of million-dollar medical costs, as well as the trends shaping the industry. By attending the session, you will have a better understanding of the underlying drivers of high-cost treatments and will be equipped with practical strategies for mitigating their financial impact, including risk management techniques, cost containment measures, and new payment models. Additionally, you will be able to identify key considerations for implementing these strategies in their own organizations.