Description: This paper by John Mereu describes a method for mathematically computing the expected loss under a group life contract in excess of a stated limit. The paper also shows how to compute the variance and standard deviation of the stop-loss claim and suggests how the method can be extended to group insurance benefits where the claim amount per certificate is not fixed. Paper is followed by discussions from several people

Description: This article describes techniques and models used to forecast mortality improvement and the considerations that underlie long-term mortality improvement projections in the United States.

Description: Reports generally display tables of data broken down by many variables. This paper presents a variation of the Whittaker-Henderson graduation method that may be used to graduate such multidimensional data. Followed by several discussion papers submitted

Description: A discussion of alternative meanings to “Best” in best estimate. When one is trying to estimate a result that is normally distributed, the mean, median and mode will all equal one another. However if the results are not normally distributed, different variance metrics will result in different “best” estimates. When different parts of a financial statement use different criteria for measuring best estimates and different processes for handling variances, the results can be volatile, unpredictable and perhaps unreasonable.

Description: This article describes methods for addressing technical challenges related to modeling asset cash flows for PBR reserve projections.

Description: Nonparametric regression tries to ?nd a relationship between the predictor and the response without assuming shape of estimated regression function. Its theory and methods are well developed for the case of completely observed vectors of predictors and responses. In many applications, including actuarial, some components of the observed vectors may be missed. Ignoring missing data and using known methods of nonparametric regression may yield inconsistent estimation. Theoretical results on optimal nonparametric regression with missing data are presented, and an applied actuarial example is discussed.

Description: Summary of methods and standards to use to achieve an efficient, maintainable model

Description: Presented at May 1986 Spring Meeting. This session discussion is about the purposes, tools and methods available, scenario testing, updating, special issues and problems. This discussion anticipates the development of new Valuation Actuary reserve adequacy opinion requirements.

Description: Presented at May 1996 Spring Meeting. Teaching session on various types of algorithms that can be used, their applications and their pros and cons.

Description: From a session at a meeting of the Society of Actuaries held in Las Vegas, NV May 22-24, 2000 The panelists cover: 1 The basic concepts underlying fuzzy logic, 2 Current applications to risk classification and pricing and 3 Future possible uses of fuzzy logic.