Description: The National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) is moving forward to implement a new regulatory requirement that requires U.S. insurers to perform an Own Risk and Solvency Assessment (ORSA). Before developing a response to the ORSA requirement, insurers will want to understand its genesis and the underlying rationale for it, as well as its implications. This essay provides an overview of the evolution and rationale for ORSA, as well as practical implications for insurers as they begin to design an ORSA process. Part of the essay collection "Risk Metrics for Decision Making and ORSA"

Description: Research report sponsored by SOA to model and compare projected costs of different proposals for a Medicare prescription drug coverage plan. 3 types of costs are studied: net benefit cost estimates per member per month, continuance table data, and projected annual costs to the government over 10 years for two selected plan designs.

Description: Health Watch, Issue 79, December 2015, Health Watch

Description: A discussion of some criticisms of the feasibility of companies converting to GAAP, in addition to pros and cons of the GAAP system.

Description: Report on the activities of the Academy’s health practice council and its work groups.

Description: Compares how other industries (in this case, Fast Food) researches and tests new products. Provides examples of how the insurance industry can efficiently research and test new product concepts before going to market.

Description: This general discussion focused on: A. The increase on maximum limits on single premiums accepted based on investment conditions, B. Steps a smaller company might take to meet the current demand for pension plans, C. The extent to which companies have: 1. Transferred to their field or district offices functions which had previously been performed in the home office 2. Transferred to the home office or to central collection offices functions which had previously been performed in agency offices D. Steps taken to revise or supplement company retirement plan benefits to recognize higher salary scales and the possibility of still further inflation, E. The advantages and disadvantages of the Bank Loan Plan under which a policyholder purchases a limited payment life policy and borrows part of the premium from a bank, and F. Changes which have been made in War Exclusion Riders, Disability and Double Indemnity provisions.

Description: An overview of the issues behind reimbursing providers on a bundled or packaged basis. The article presents the potential advantages offered by the proponents as well as the criticisms and obstacles to implementing this type of payment system.

Description: Read the November 2016 issue of Health Watch published by the Health Section. Newsletters provide practical information for the working actuary, articles on trends that impact sections and news about section activities.

Description: An interesting article demonstrating how life insurance premiums are treated differently around the world.