Description: In this era of rising health care costs, numerous efforts have been made to link quality and cost through multiple approaches. This is a report of a study, conducted by MPRO under contract with the SOA, in which they evaluate whether quality pays or not in an inpatient setting by carefully selecting a few hospitals in Southeast Michigan and retrospectively calculating their return on investment [ROI] in quality improvement [QI] activities within their organization.

Description: This collection of essays provides a thought-provoking array of views and perspectives related to Financial Wellness.

Description: This article covers a round table discussion about the most significant housing issues affecting retirees.

Description: The objective of this article is to provide an overview of the research mission of the SOA, its inner workings, major efforts, funding and its unique qualities.

Description: This article is a recap of the 2010 ERM symposium and the paper awards.

Description: The article describes the recent implementation of a new research strategy for the SOA. It includes excerpts from the strategy and explains how it impacts health research.

Description: This session takes a fresh look at the issues related to acute care focus and the challenges of providing coordinated care for chronic conditions in the United States and internationally. From the Record of the Society of Actuaries, Vol. 31, No. 2, Session 67

Description: This is a discussion about an ongoing dialogue on a model of personal investing known as the Life–Cycle Model of Investing and Saving. To gain additional insight into the model and its implications for retirement planning, the SOA's Committee on Post Retirement Needs and Risks CPRNR recently gathered a panel of leading experts for a round table discussion on the model with the hope of providing a lively forum to exchange ideas.

Description: In the last research column, the Research Expanding Boundaries Pool (REX Pool) was discussed, and it was noted that it is now open for business. Since that time, applications from the first round of the pool have been reviewed. In total, the Research Executive Committee (REC) received 17 applications for funding, totaling over $900,000. After much deliberation, the REC allocated its 2012 REX Pool budget of $400,000 to seven diverse ideas that will become new SOA-sponsored (or cosponsored) research projects.

Description: This abstract describes a report that studies the social media response to three extreme tornado outbreaks in the Midwest United States.