Description: In the absence of good research and analysis, decisions are made on the basis of intuition, unexamined assumption, and fixed ideas. This is the 'I believe…' approach to decision-making. The less information that individuals have, the more likely they are to rely on belief rather than evidence. This keynote address from the 43rd Actuarial Research Conference held in 2008 in Regina, Saskatchewan discusses the importance of research in health care reform, talks about the difference between pure and applied research, and explains what separates good applied research from poor research. From Actuarial Research Clearing House 2009, Vol. 1.

Description: From a session at a meeting of the Society of Actuaries held in San Diego, CA, June 22-23, 2000 Company representatives and state insurance department representatives addressed issues faced by companies in complying with the form-filing process. In addition, they offered suggestions and guidance in expediting policy form approvals.

Description: ASOP No. 6 Exposure Draft Provisions Relating to Community- Rated HMO Contracts. Discusses determination of initial per capita health care rates, effect on valuation results, accounting standards, potential conflicts with FAS 106 and source of problems. Issue No. 42.

Description: Chronicles the two-year history of the Committee on Life Insurance Company Valuation Principles, COLICVP, and looks ahead to the future.

Description: 1993 SOA Spring Meeting, Boston. This session is about actuarial standards for product actuaries and Actuarial Standards Board guidelines review. Topics included: 1. ASP 12 on risk classification. 2. ASP 15 on Dividend determination and illustrations for participating life Insurance and annuities. 3. Determination and redetermination of nonguaranteed elements. 4. When to do cash-flow testing. 5. ASP 7 on performing cash-flow testing.

Description: 1992 SOA Annual Meeting, Washington, D.C. This session on cash-flow testing for product actuaries covered the following topics: 1. Guidance notes designed to help in writing up reports on cash-flow testing. 2. Investment strategies in product design. 3. Surplus requirements.