Description: A presentation of a mathematics/statistics based approach for determining credibility factors for possible use in group health insurance premium rate setting and experience refund setting. Includes supporting mathematical proofs of approach. Followed by discussions submitted by several people

Description: This paper presents Bayesian models for analysis of claim lag data. The analysis of claim runoff patterns investigate the extraction of information on trend and seasonal patterns in incurred claims. This is investigated on the basis of individual group data, and also relative to a larger aggregation of pooled experience. The models are implemented based on Markov chain Monte Carlo methods. The models are applied to examples using simulated claim lag data. From Actuarial Research Clearing House, 2003, Vol. 1.

Description: Poisson regression models are commonly used in actuarial science to model count data e.g., the number of claims and covariates. The standard parametric formulation assumes that the response to covariates is constant across the population under study. Additionally, the shape of the posterior distribution is rather inflexible. In practice, however, the response to covariates may depend on a latent class and the posterior distribution may be highly nonparametric. This paper proposes a Bayesian nonparametric model in which a Dirichlet process prior on the regression coefficients leads to a clustering of observations into groups having the same response to covariates. This paper illustrates the utility of this approach with an example dataset of diabetes deaths.

Description: This work describes a study undertaken to determine whether the Federal Housing Administration's 'FHA' single-family-home mortgage insurance program for investor 'non-occupant' loans should be modified. The sample data were analyzed using both Bayesian and sample reuse procedures. A commentary on the paper is included.

Description: This paper addresses various modifications of the Kimeldorf-Jones Bayesian graduation method. These enhancements entail the use of time series and eigenvalue decomposition. By augmenting the existing method one can empirically smooth the Kimeldorf-Jones technique. From Actuarial Research Clearing House 1991, VOL. 1.

Description: In this paper the ad-hoc Bayesian derivation of the Whittaker method is replaced with a formal Bayesian specification, and then it is shown that with this specification it is possible to complete the graduation without making an arbitrary selection of the smoothing parameter. From Actuarial Research Clearing House 1992, VOL. 1.

Description: This paper presents an additional view of estimating parameters of the force of mortality using Bayesian methods. Some examples are provided. From Actuarial Research Clearing House 1993 VOL. 1.

Description: This paper examines the compatibility of the two models, in the hope that this exploration will prompt a greater cross-fertilization of ideas between the life actuarial branch which favors Bayesian models and the casualty branch which favors Hans Buhlmann models.

Description: The objective of this paper is to present a technical exposition of the rudiments of Bayesian statistics.

Description: This paper shows how a graduation method may be developed as straight forward statistical estimation within a statistical theory based upon personal probability, that is, so-called Bayesian statistics. The method discussed is applicable to a broad range of graduation situations, but does assume the more specific property of the graduator's prior opinion with respect to mortality rates.