Description: This article discusses of the Federal Employees' Health Benefits Program. Specifically addressed were the flexible features, the political environment and changes being considered.

Description: This session is about the practical and theoretical considerations in all-lines insurance operations, solvency of all-lines companies, and financial implications of all-lines operations, including investment of assets and Federal Income Tax.

Description: This panel discussion occurred at the SOA's 1980 June Meeting in San Diego and covered Risk Classification. Panelists discussed basic priciples of risk classificiation, and common elements from various systems.From Record of Society of Actuaries, Vol. 6, No. 3.

Description: This panel discussion, which occurred at the October 1982 Society of Actuaries Annual Meeting in Washington D.C., presented information on federal issues that impact health insurance. Topics discussed included: -The Federal Government's role in health care financing - Prospective reimbursement of hospitals - Tax treatment of individuals medical expenses - Primacy of group health insurance for workers over 65 - Budgetary pressure on Medicare/Medicaid - Whatever became of National Health Insurance [NHI]? From Record of Society of Actuaries, Vol. 8, No. 4.

Description: Panelists at this session of the SOA 2000 Las Vegas Spring Meeting discuss Congressional proposals for changing Medicare and the Academy's Medicare Reform Task Force report with respect to financial soundness, competition and potential prescription drug benefits.

Description: Insurance commissioners and/or deputy commissioners will discuss a variety of current topics including health care reform, risks in the major medical markets, voluntary products and other topics. At the conclusion of the session, attendees will be able to identify issues that are on the mind of the regulatory agencies and the different approaches used across the country.

Description: On average, contracts receiving their first star rating receive 3.20 stars, compared to existing or established contracts receiving 3.90 stars on average. This 0.70 disparity in quality ratings creates significant hardship on new contracts when this lower star rating decreases their payments in the following calendar year. This article explores the disparity in Medicare Advantage Star Ratings between contracts receiving their first star ratings (“New” contracts) and existing contracts, including: 1. Understanding what happens to Medicare Advantage Payments when contracts receive lower star ratings? – What is the Star Rating cliff and why does it matter to new contracts? 2. Explaining when a contract receives their first star rating and how much enrollment this requires – When does the Star Rating cliff occur? 3. Noting which specific star measures “New” contracts struggle with, including those contracts under large parent organizations, contracts with rapid growth, and all other new contracts. – How can my contract avoid the Star Rating cliff?

Description: What is the difference between a Single-Payer and Universal Health Care System, and how could the U.S. implement a system that would reduce the growth of medical costs while increasing quality.

Description: This discussion examines miscellaneous topics. Topics include actuarial training, final salary pension plans and hospitalization and surgical insurance. From Transactions of Society of Actuaries 1960, Vol. 12, No. 34.

Description: Joe Wurzburger, Staff Fellow at the SOA, shares his views and insights about the health care industry in general and the Health Section's role in particular.