Description: "Advancing health equity is one of the five strategic objectives outlined in the CMS Innovation Center's strategic objectives for the next ten years and is an increasing area of focus across many states. Focus in on recent developments in addressing Medicaid beneficiary needs related to social determinants of health (SDOH), health-related social needs (HRSN), and health disparities and inequities in Medicaid. Several states have introduced non-traditional benefits into their programs in recent years to address these areas, such as various types of housing supports, nutrition-related benefits, and enhanced/advanced case management support. Expect a discussion on the benefits introduced recently in states such as AZ, CA, MA, NC, and OR, including funding considerations around these benefits as well as the 1115 demonstration waiver authorities granted to these states to allow coverage for these non-traditional health care services.

Description: Medicare Advantage Organizations (MAOs) have made dramatic changes to the benefits and plan premiums they've offered members over the past years. Hear about information on the changes to benefits and plan premiums offered over the past few years. Find out where these strategic items are currently (for CY2024 bid year) and get ideas on what might come in the next few years. Presenters will discuss recent proposals and rules from CMS that will impact the current and future landscape. They will also compare these items in relation to the fee-for-service (FFS) Medicare market. This session will help you gain a deeper knowledge of the Medicare Advantage, Prescription Drug Plan, and Medicare FFS landscape and walk away with some strategic thoughts on potential paths MAOs may take from here.

Description: Discover the benefits of building a shared business model during the Building Digital Platforms: Insurtechs, Carriers and Reinsurers webcast. This is an educational event for the actuary interested in product and channel innovation, in addition to those wanting to understand how to juggle competitive incentives in the market. Representatives from Insurtechs, insurance carriers and reinsurers will discuss their distribution development and product capabilities for marketing insurance products on digital platforms, as well as their collaboration throughout the process.

Description: This is Part 2 of 2 on changes affecting Medigap insurers. It focuses on marketing and regulatory differences between Medigap and Medicare Advantage that affect the competitiveness of Medigap plans.

Description: Discuss the dramatically changing provider landscape, as well as the innovative solutions being leveraged by providers to address the intriguing opportunities and complex challenges. Among the questions to be answered are the following: How can providers capitalize on employers’ desire to contract directly with local providers? What's the path for providers to develop employer stop-loss (ESL) capabilities to maximize network value/impact? Can providers create a risk portfolio including ESL for local employers, their own employee plan, and other delegated risk arrangements such as Medicare Advantage? How can captive insurers support a provider's risk strategy?

Description: Learn about key topics affecting actuaries working in the dental insurance space! The session will include valuable information for health actuaries looking to better understand how dental fits into Medicaid, Medicare, commercial, and ACA markets.

Description: In today's growing supplemental health space, innovative benefit offerings are essential for both marketability and market competition. Discuss the latest trends in accident, critical illness, and hospital indemnity plan design, as well as the regulatory hurdles that can be involved when implementing these new benefits.

Description: "Spread pricing is a pricing methodology where pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) bill a payer one price but reimburses the dispensing pharmacy a lower price for the same prescription drug. PBMs have historically relied on spread pricing as a revenue source. However, a growing number of states are introducing and passing legislation prohibiting spread pricing for Medicaid and commercial clients. In addition, new entrants to the PBM and mail-order pharmacy space are disrupting the market by offering services that promote increased transparency and member satisfaction. Expect updates on recent legislative trends and market disruptions targeted towards increasing PBM drug pricing transparency. By attending this session, you will have a better understanding of how changing legislation and market disruptions may impact current pricing methodologies."

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!