Description: This presentation from Session 15 of the SOA 2005 Health/Pension Spring Meeting discusses current developments affecting health plan contracting with institutional, professional and ancillary providers. Specific questions addressed are: 1. What are the trends in financial arrangements sought by providers?, 2. Has consolidation changed negotiating strategies?, 3. Has technology affected the types of financial arrangements available?, and 4.How can actuaries assist in the analytical/negotiating process?