Description: Blockchain technology has the potential to significantly improve the quality of life and overall health of the members of a health system, while also adding to administrative efficiencies. For the first time, we will have access to members’ entire diagnoses and prescription history, consumer behavioral attributes, and other socio-economic determinants which that are valuable inputs to designing appropriate benefits and proper care management plans. Through the blockchain, we will be able to access data not just of the existing members of the health system but also of potential enrollees and new entrants. The data can be accessed by querying the blockchain through a permissioned granted by the member. This information can be very useful in performing feasibility studies for evaluating entry into newer markets and/or newer products, developing customized care plans, and designing efficient value-based contracts. By executing smart contracts on the blockchain, we will be able to achieve administrative efficiencies like never before. The applications of blockchain technology are numerous and ground-breaking. Organizations that do not pay heed to the benefits that blockchain can bring may find themselves left behind as the rest of the industry marches forward in its quest for efficiency and member satisfaction.

Description: This article deeply examines Pay-for-performance and presents curious findings through the lens of unwarranted variation. From Heath Watch Newsletter, May 2006, Issue No. 52.

Description: Results of a survey of healthcare organizations regarding use and plans for Predictive Analytics

Description: Recap of National Academy of Social Insurance NASI annual conference “Getting to Universal Health Insurance Coverage”

Description: This article summarizes a joint SOA/Kaiser Family Foundation initiative focused on addressing the rising cost of health care in the United States.

Description: The Health Section's strategic initiative entitled Commercial Health Care: What’s Next? focuses on health care reform. This article contains a summary

Description: Disease Management and the impact of overlap, co-morbidity on determining cost savings and employer buy-in. Issue No. 37.

Description: SOA’s Pension and Health Sections recently released a new resource model for projecting health care trends through the year 2099.

Description: Key findings from a market research study which the SOA undertook as part of their strategic initiative: Untapped Opportunities for Actuaries in Health.

Description: Many executives are talking about predictive analytics uses in health insurance.