Description: Article discussing how the pursuit of value-based care as a consequence of health care reform laws such as the Affordable Care Act (ACA) and the Medicare Modernization Act has accelerated the use of risk adjustment and what it means to actuaries.

Description: A document came across my desk recently that caused me to think about the profession and the way it is structured and led, at least in the United States. The document that I read is a report by the International Actuarial Association's (IAA) Strategic Planning Task Force titled, "A Strategy for the IAA." As an owner of a smaller consulting firm, I'm not in favor of paying additional dues to more actuarial bodies. Also, I was confused about the role of the IAA and the national organizations: is the IAA intended to replace the SOA, internationally? I had some tough questions for Steve and Jim. Here are their responses. From The Actuary Magazine August 2006

Description: This report, sponsored by the Society of Actuaries' Health Section, examines stochastic simulation research found in peer reviewed health journals. In addition, the authors suggest ways health actuaries can apply the modeling techniques and/or findings in their daily work.

Description: This article provides the reader with highlights from the International Actuarial Association Health Section Colloquium held in Cape Town in 2007. From Expanding Horizons, September 2007, Issue No. 37.

Description: Ian Duncan, FSA, MAAA, FCIA, FIA, is an admitted travel junkie and enjoys being on the road. From sunrise to sunset, he treks from city to city meeting with clients. When he's not bringing in new business and cultivating relationships with existing clients, he writes; he publishes; he volunteers; and time permitting, takes a rare vacation. His energy, enthusiasm and excitement serve him well as president of his own company, Solucia, Inc.

Description: At the E&R section breakfast at the Annual Meeting on Monday, October 13, Tom Edwalds handed over the (notional) gavel and the keys to the E&R safety deposit box to me, as the new section chairperson. I am honored to be able to lead the section in the coming year.