Description: This project shows how to use agent-based models to simulate the behaviors of agents in complex health systems.

Description: Presented at June 2010 Health Meeting. Discusses Section research projects, professional development programs, member survey results, member value task force project, 'Bending the Cost Curve' presentation on ways to reduce healthcare cost trends and create a sustainable healthcare system, and market research results on opportunities for actuaries.

Description: Essay where payers desiring to optimize health gains per dollar spent should avoid “across the board” cost sharing, and instead implement a “value based” design that removes barriers/provides incentives to encourage desired behaviors for patients and providers.

Description: This paper discusses the quality of healthcare verses the price of healthcare and puruses individuals and doctors making decisions for their own healthcare costs and services.

Description: A glossary of terms.

Description: A call for essays issued by the SOA Health and Long Term Care Sections on the visions for the future of the U.S. health care system.

Description: While there are many issues in healthcare, the single most significant issue is cost, both in terms of the cost today and in terms of the growth in cost over the past several decades. We need to increase the ability of all citizens to purchase healthcare services or health insurance that in turn purchases healthcare services, and decrease the growth in the cost of healthcare.

Description: Essay reforming healthcare where participants have a vested interest in reaching the best answer.

Description: Medical insurance today is more like pre-paid medical payments. Medical insurance should be bought for protection, but rarely used, like auto insurance.

Description: This essay discusses the long overdue effciencies that would improve the quality of healthcare in the United States.