Description: Private LTC insurers are paving the way for value-based care through working to implement care management programs that improve the lives of their policyholders before and during a claim. However, measuring the effectiveness of these new programs is a challenging task. In this article, we will explore powerful tools that can enhance traditional effectiveness studies and address some of their existing weaknesses.

Description: Feature article providing an in-depth look at using genetic algorithms.

Description: LTC insurers are beginning to implement population health programs to improve the lives of their policyholders before and during a claim. Measuring the financial impact of these programs can be difficult for a variety of reasons and multiple methodologies are used to evaluate treatments or programs. This article proposes two different methods of randomized control trials to evaluate the impact of these programs through a case study approach, along with additional potential considerations when evaluating effectiveness.

Description: Incorporating Pended Claims in Medical IBNR Estimates. Issue No. 45.

Description: By necessity, attributions of financial processes require approximations. Tools used for approximations include Aumann-Shapley, time step, step-through, average step-through, partial derivative, and average partial derivative. Significantly non-linear paths can cause problems during attribution. Time (theta) and market factors must be handled concurrently. Typically contractual factors can be handled separately. Average Step-Through, Aumann-Shapley and Aumann-Shapley-3 points perform the best given the same time period. Attribution should be done with fairly small time steps as opposed to using a lot of points in the Aumann-Shapley calculation, but using Aumann-Shapley-3 points as a last step has some advantages.

Description: Feature article about the use of approximations.

Description: Summary of the SOA research project on PBR Simplified Methods. Describes the multi-risk scenario generator, central estimate assumptions, assumption objectivity measures, and regulatory demonstrations per VM-20.

Description: European insurance regulation pretends to capture and rely on the 1-year 1-in-200 VaR. But there cannot exist any scientific calibration of such measure. Why?

Description: In this continuation of our July 2013 article we explore an algorithm for evaluating Hidden Markov Models in detail. A preferred method in speech recognition technology, Hidden Markov Models are a promising technique when dealing with data you suspect may be driven by a change in a unobservable state. The example in the article is provided in an Excel workbook for the reader to follow along with.

Description: A guide to the protocols and rules necessary to ensure an accurate savings comparison when using an historical claims repricing in the PBM RFP process.