Description: This e-book contains topical essays that express the opinions and thoughts of a number of authors on the subject. It should be understood that the thoughts and insights shared herein are the opinion of the authors and not necessarily those of the Society of Actuaries, the Casualty Actuarial Society, the Canadian Institute of Actuaries, or corresponding employers of the essayists.

Description: Exploration of sources of volatility in retiree health valuations, noting how volatility arises and might be mitigated, with discussion of valuation parameters more problematic for retiree health benefits than for pensions. Three significant influences on retiree health valuation volatility are covered-- changes in benefit level, fluctuations in cost level, and alterations in eligibility for, or duration of, benefit – and attention focused on the last two. Specific conclusions result in recommendations, which are supported by practical examples contrasting volatile measurement results with those likely from the recommended practices. Theoretical discussion includes health claim variation, health trend usage, financial economics, option pricing, discount rates, and deterministic vs. stochastic modeling.

Description: The article summarizes and comments on a recent IRS Chief Counsel Advice that addressed how the proration formula works for purposes of the separate account dividends received deduction in the context of a partnership structure. The article explains the historical background of the proration formula as it appeared in the 1959 Act and the differences between how the applies and affects the dividends received deduction in the partnership structure versus the more tradition RIC structure.

Description: Professional development opportunities from the Society of Actuaries.

Description: The SOA continues to support actuaries working with predictive analytics, from insurance companies and healthcare providers to financial service firms.

Description: E-courses available from the Society of Actuaries.

Description: Update to section members on professional development tool EBSCO Business Source Corporate Plus.

Description: Provides a lively overview and summary of key topics and speakers at 2013 Life & Annuity Symposium, held in Toronto in May. Provides a good feel for social events at the conference, including game transcriptions and pictures from Thomas C. Barham III Speed Chess Tournament.

Description: Describes a process for identifying relevant industry experience to credibility-weight with relevant company experience to set modeling assumptions and margins.

Description: Update on industry action on legislative and tax regulatory items affecting the life insurance industry.