Description: Article presents arguements for actuarial involvement to facilitate use of pharmaceutical research within managed care organizations MCO. Issue No. 44.

Description: Social determinants of health (SDoH) have been a topic of growing interest in recent years, yet consensus about what the phrase represents and how health-related social needs should be studied or addressed by employers, health plans, providers and other stakeholders in the business of health care have been lacking. For many, low-income populations come to mind when considering the topic, yet SDoH include a wide range of factors beyond income. Many types of data are available, yet each presents distinct challenges and opportunities for analysis. In this article, we describe some of the underlying context for considering SDoH, as well as some of the potential data sources to consult and challenges to grapple with on this important topic.

Description: A rethinking of current provider reimbursement, focusing on incentives instead of simply cutting fees. The recommended 2-pronged approach would feature integrated provider organizations as well as evidence-based decision making organized around episodes of care.

Description: The implications of the new long-term care law for individuals, employers, insurers and providers, and the federal government.

Description: The implications of the new long-term care law for individuals, employers, insurers and providers, and the federal government.

Description: Full version of Health Section News, Issue No. 49, March 2005.

Description: Research report measuring the annual frequency of medical errors in the United States and the total measurable cost to the United States economy of these errors.

Description: This research report, sponsored by the Society of Actuaries' Health Section, measures the annual frequency of medical errors in the United States and the total measurable cost to the United States economy of these errors.

Description: Actuaries should understand the economic considerations involved in the formulary drug decision-making process, and the presence of actuarial input in the process could improve it, especially by tying it to overall decision making for the health plan. From Prescription Drugs Monograph, M-HB04-1.

Description: This article looks at pharmacy benefit management and the use of data, reviews standard pharmacoeconomic analysis methods, and discusses points for formulary decision making and what is known about the process. From Health Section News, March 2005, Issue No. 49.