Description: A mathematical framework for benefits and choices must be created to model benefit selection. This paper creates such a framework by defining benefit plans as reimbursement functions. These are then used with a defined choice function to calculate the cost deviation due to selection. Finally, utility functions can be applied to this framework to predict choice.

Description: The NAIC's 'Life Insurance Illustrations Model Regulation,' which goes into effect on January 1, 1997, is largely a response to the perceived misrepresentations in life insurance illustrations, of which vanishing premiums is a notorious example. From an actuarial perspective, this state of affairs presents an interesting challenge. Rather than disallowing illustrations of risky contracts, why not develop an illustration for potential policyholders which adequately conveys the essence of these contracts and their probabilistic nature. The purpose of this paper is to discuss some preliminary observations related to the development of such illustrations.

Description: Presented at 1983 Actuarial Research Conference. Discussion focuses on improving coordination between practicing actuaries, academic actuaries and non-actuarial academics. The situations in Canada and the UK are also discussed. The emphasis is on research and communications among the different parties.

Description: The purpose of this paper is to discuss modified cost methods that have been proposed for small-plan valuations, The first portion of the paper deals with criteria for choosing a cost method. The next portions deal with small-plan characteristics and the potential shortcomings of conventional cost methods when applied to these plans. The final portion discusses two classes of modified cost methods that have been proposed for circumventing these shortcomings. From Transactions of Society of Actuaries 1983, Vol. 35.

Description: The purpose of this research is to analyze recent court cases that focused on excessive contributions to small defined benefit plans. The implications of the cases is important because it provides insight into appropriate paradigms for the funding of private retirement plans. From the Actuarial Research Clearing House 1994, Vol. 1 .

Description: This paper shows at a relatively low cost, computer assisted instructional techniques can materially improve both classroom instruction and independent study. This discussion is limited to the material used in a Penn State mathematics of finance course. From Actuarial Research Clearing House 1993, VOL. 1.

Description: A mathematical framework for benefits and choices must be created, in order to model flexible benefit selection. This paper creates such a framework by defining benefit plans as reimbursement functions. These are then used with a defined choice function to calculate the cost deviation due to selection. From Actuarial Research Clearing House 1992, VOL. 1.

Description: The study is based on a sample of actuarial reports attached to the form 550C3, Schedule B, which were sent to the Department of Labor during the period June 1976 to May 1977.

Description: Shapiro 1990 documented some of the criteria used by actuaries when selecting the assumptions for actuarial valuations. He noted, however, that many of these criteria are often were in conflict with one another. This paper uses expected utility theory to model this process of choosing actuarial assumption when faced with potentially conflicting criteria. The three criteria considered are prudence, best estimate and conservativeness.