Description: In this paper, a model is proposed as a potential explanation for the steady deterioration in loss ratios often observed on blocks of individual health insurance policies. This model, which incorporates assumptions of anti-selective lapses, can be used for morbidity projections and projections of the effects of rate increases. Discussions of this paper are included.

Description: The objective of this paper, prepared by the Society of Actuaries Committee on Pension Principles and Related Research, is to examine the advantages and disadvantages of using select and ultimate interest and salary scale assumptions in the valuation of defined benefit pension plans. The technical issues involved and the effect of such assumptions on the incidence of plan cost are also studied. From Transactions of Society of Actuaries 1985, Vol. 37.

Description: In this article, the incoming chairperson of Expanding Horizons addresses the section and talks about the section’s goals for the next year.

Description: This session at the SOA 1998 Maui I Spring Meeting looks at the fair value of liabilities focusing on financial measurement, FASB 115, implications of various methods and a status update. Case studies comparing statutory, GAAP and fair value results are discussed.

Description: The authors of this paper chose to consider a coterminous endowment insurance where the cash value is equal to the net level reserve. They wish to determine the relationship between the rate of increase in the cash value and the rate of increase in the amount of paid-up insurance purchased by the cash value. From Transactions of Society of Actuaries 1958, Vol. 10, No. 28.

Description: Historically, male mortality rates were below those of females. However, that trend has been reversed within the last 100 to 150 years, causing revolutionary changes in the role of women. This subject was examined in a paper on “Mortality Trends of Males and Females Over the Ages” by Barnet N. Berin, George J. Stolnitz and Aaron Tenenbein, presented at the Centennial meeting.

Description: The differences between select and ultimate insurance mortality are usually explained in terms of: 1. deterioration of a person's physical condition which occurs due to aging, and 2. anti-selection which occurs as some policyholders allow their coverage to lapse [i.e., those policyholders who find their health has become poor keep their coverage, while those who remain healthy discontinue their insurance]. This paper explores the differences in mortality between companies related to the differences in lapse rates of the companies.

Description: This report looks at closed form models or 'exact solutions' in which calculus produces 'simple' formulae. The conclusion is that for Gaussian interest rate models we can solve the problem of an American option provided the option holder behaviour can be described by a force of option exercise which is linear or quadratic in the state variables.

Description: This report is the credit life actual-to-expected mortality study based on experience for calendar year 1992. The study reviewed single premium credit life insurance only.

Description: The purpose of this survey was to gather data on how a sampling of the life insurance industry makes decisions involving lab tests. This most significant conclusions were that protective value was the biggest driving force and the chief underwriter played the biggest role.