Description: Editor's letter introducing the issue of Health Watch.

Description: This article examines the history, theory, and effectiveness of high-deductible health plans and health savings accounts.

Description: This article explores the disruptive applications of blockchain, an emerging technology, and its impact on the pharmacy benefit space, and pharmacy benefit managers (PBM).

Description: Description of rationale and benefits of moving newsletter to a digital format

Description: Can Direct-to-Provider Contracting Achieve Value-Based Care for Employer-Sponsored Plans? Direct-to-provider contracting is a strategy in which a self-insured entity negotiates a contract directly with a provider of healthcare services rather than through a third-party administrator (TPA), often with the goal of driving value-based care. This article discusses the considerations for employers and providers with direct-to-provider contracting.

Description: Introduce basic concepts of the Health Risk-Based Capital and show case a few strategies around Risk-Based Capital.

Description: The article documents the efficacy of infra-low frequency neurofeedback regarding how it improves patient no show rates, decreases mental health symptoms by 40% or more, and self-harm and suicidal ideations.

Description: This article provides an overview of critical illness insurance: history, product description, and the three primary ways to offer critical illness coverage in the United States. This article also contains an illustration of an issue age premium rate calculation, as well as product features and rating applications specific to the various types of critical illness coverage.

Description: This article describes Medicare Supplement and short-term care products in more detail, and we compare their risk profiles. We explore the concept that these two products—when offered together—may provide a complementary hedge of certain policyholder behavior risks.

Description: Read the May 2020 issue of Health Watch, published by the Health Section. Practical information for actuaries, articles impact sections, section activities.