Description: Read the October 2017 issue of Health Watch, published by the Health Section. Practical information for actuaries, articles impact sections, section activities.

Description: Identifying and submitting all appropriate ICD-9 diagnosis codes to CMS will result in a higher risk score for the member and increased payments to Medicare Advantage plans. Milliman's HCC prevalence study illustrates the significant variations in HCC prevalence rates by age/gender, geography, and population type and will assist plans in benchmarking the effectiveness of their own diagnosis code capture efforts.

Description: Read the October 2018 issue of Health Watch, published by the Health Section. Practical information for actuaries, articles impact sections, section activities.

Description: This article examines the history, theory, and effectiveness of high-deductible health plans and health savings accounts.

Description: Key findings from a market research study which the SOA undertook as part of their strategic initiative: Untapped Opportunities for Actuaries in Health.

Description: Read the June 2017 issue of Health Watch, published by the Health Section. Practical information for actuaries, articles impact sections, section activities.

Description: This article briefly describes the pandemic-related initiatives the SOA undertook in 2006. From Health Watch Newsletter, May 2006, Issue No. 52.

Description: A new health insurance pricing model takes external market prices into account, as well as regulatory rate restrictions and other traditional pricing factors. Rather than being assumed at the outset, lapse rates emerge from the model, along with assessment spiral & loss ratio projections. Under the model optimal pricing strategy depends on whether the class being rated has a healthier than average mix of risks.

Description: Created by the PPACA, states can establish a Basic Health Program to cover low income individuals. This is specifically designed to help these individuals as their eligibility for various health care coverage options changes throughout time. This article discusses how the Basic Health Program is funded.

Description: This article is directed to the payors—especially self-funded employers and TPAs—that seek to improve the health of the populations they cover in addition to administering the plan. Greater use of primary care is one way to better manage the health delivery. The results should also impact costs in a measurable way. Issue No. 59