Description: Exploration of sources of volatility in retiree health valuations, noting how volatility arises and might be mitigated, with discussion of valuation parameters more problematic for retiree health benefits than for pensions. Three significant influences on retiree health valuation volatility are covered-- changes in benefit level, fluctuations in cost level, and alterations in eligibility for, or duration of, benefit – and attention focused on the last two. Specific conclusions result in recommendations, which are supported by practical examples contrasting volatile measurement results with those likely from the recommended practices. Theoretical discussion includes health claim variation, health trend usage, financial economics, option pricing, discount rates, and deterministic vs. stochastic modeling.

Description: Presented at June 1996 Spring Meeting. This discussion looks at redirecting the traditional role of the actuary into new areas such as working with doctors to deal with medical management issues, dealing and negotiating with providers and how to help the company develop a provider payment strategy. Employers negotiating directly with providers is also discussed.

Description: Discusses cost-benefit decision-making for acquiring electronic data-processing equipment and installation issues, ability of small companies to compete in pension trust arena, effectiveness of various agency compensation programs in stimulating sales and improving persistency, success of sales to substandard risks and rating methods, and pricing, reinsurance and experience with individual hospital and medical policies.

Description: Presented at October 2001 Annual Meeting. Topics covered in this session include Internet-based health plan exchanges, defined-contribution health plans, self-directed health plans, personal spending accounts, and episodic based reimbursement to insureds.