Description: Although rate structures where low-cost cohorts subsidize high cost cohorts may be justified from a actuarial, marketing, or legal standpoint, the subsidization creates risks which must be understood and monitored. This article presents the concept of subsidization signature to measure and interpret the effects of rate subsidization, and to assess the sustainability of rating structures and the sensitivity of business mix assumptions.

Description: Presented at October 1985 Annual Meeting. Discusses: Measures which should be used in setting objectives and in evaluating performance for insurance companies and product lines, Variations that are appropriate for stock and mutual companies and United States and Canadian companies, Qualitative considerations in interpreting and evaluating information by the management reporting system.