Description: The medical scheme approach adopted by several African countries has failed to meet the needs of those in informal employment and rural communities. This is partly due to affordability amongst these individuals as well as a lack of awareness of how healthcare financing products work. Community based healthcare organisations have achieved greater levels of success in this regard by carefully incorporating the peculiarities of communities in benefit design and involving community members in the management of these healthcare solutions. There are lessons to be garnered from the countries where these have been implemented with some level of success. Even as countries aim towards universal health coverage, observing the unique needs of different communities within a country is essential to ensure resources are utilised efficiently and that healthcare needs are targeted effectively.

Description: This article contains excerpts from the first three articles that were released through the strategic initiative - Commercial Health Care: What’s Next?

Description: This session discusses the merits of the Small Business Health Fairness Act [an amendment to ERSIA] and the implications of associations sponsoring health plans for small employer groups. From the Record of the Society of Actuaries, Volume 30, No. 1, Session 35

Description: This session is about regulatory constraints and the role the NAIC is playing to help facilitate 24-hour programs, plan design issues, the use of managed care, coverage as part of a workers' compensation plan versus coverage of health care outside of the workers' compensation system. From Record of Society of Actuaries Vol. 18, No. 4A.

Description: This session is about rationing health care. From Record of Society of Actuaries Vol. 18, No. 4A.

Description: Panelists discuss potential effects on the health insurance system and implications of future developments in genetic technology. From the Record of the Society of Actuaries, Volume 28, No. 3, Session 53.

Description: This 1980 session is about effect of government actions and consumerism on product design and pricing. Areas addressed: 1. What have been the most important regulatory and consumerist actions in the past decade as related to products, their marketing and the overall operation of a life insurance company? 2. What will be the most important actions in these arenas in the next decade? 3. What specific impact have these regulatory and consumer actions had on companies in the past decade and will they have in the coming decade? 4. What true value has accrued to consumers and the public because of these actions, and what impact will they have in the next decade? 5. Is there an acceptable relationship between the value of these benefits and the cost to the companies of providing them?

Description: Insurance commissioners and deputy insurance commissioners will discuss current topics including health care reform, life insurance issues, risks in the major medical markets, voluntary products and other topics.

Description: A discussion of the Brazilian Health Industry

Description: This panel discussion session focuses on the effects of consumerism and regulation on the health insurance industry in the United States and Canada. Includes legislation on non-discrimination, mandated benefits and special coverage such as credit & specified diseases. From Record of the SOA 1979 Vol. 5 No. 3