Description: The document is a literature review on maternal mortality in the United States, focusing on trends, disparities, measurement issues, data quality, and monitoring systems. It also discusses how different indicators and definitions impact the understanding of maternal mortality in the country.

Description: This is an introduction to the SOA call for essays around risk strategies pertaining to the diverse risks found in retirement. We are pleased that these essays can be included in this issue of Pension Section News, along with a short interview with each author.

Description: "Advancing health equity is one of the five strategic objectives outlined in the CMS Innovation Center's strategic objectives for the next ten years and is an increasing area of focus across many states. Focus in on recent developments in addressing Medicaid beneficiary needs related to social determinants of health (SDOH), health-related social needs (HRSN), and health disparities and inequities in Medicaid. Several states have introduced non-traditional benefits into their programs in recent years to address these areas, such as various types of housing supports, nutrition-related benefits, and enhanced/advanced case management support. Expect a discussion on the benefits introduced recently in states such as AZ, CA, MA, NC, and OR, including funding considerations around these benefits as well as the 1115 demonstration waiver authorities granted to these states to allow coverage for these non-traditional health care services.

Description: Session 5D: Reflections on a Post-VBID World

Description: With the 2024 presidential election one week in the rear-view mirror, actuaries and health policy experts will discuss the potential health policy implications in the next four years in relation to the election results. Focus will be on the changing dynamics within Affordable Care Act (ACA) marketplaces with the knowledge benefit of the next president having administrative experience in the ACA environment. Session attendees will be well-equipped to discuss the post-ACA health policy implementation of presidents Biden and Trump, recent policy proposals, and potential legislative/regulatory changes as a result of the 2024 election outcomes.

Description: This is a Request for Proposals (RFP) issued by the SOA Research Institute (SOARI) seeking research studies related to anxiety, depression, and their impact on mortality in the United States.

Description: The SOA has been continuing to highlight the importance of societal purpose across the global actuarial profession, and as a way to attract and retain the next generation of amazing exam candidates and young members. This session will highlight the variety of activities that the SOA and actuaries of all ages are involved in to further drive the profession's societal purpose.

Description: Session 3B: Actuarial Principles in Action – Pharmacy Benefits

Description: Knowing Dan and seeing him live his life in the community makes me a better Medicaid actuary. My experience as a Medicaid actuary makes me a better brother and guardian to Dan. I want to share our story and offer you our unique perspective on the Medicaid LTSS system through real-life examples. In this session, attendees can expect to learn about the following questions:

Description: "During the pandemic there has been provider burn out, early retirement, hospital consolidation, and lack of staff in step down facilities. It is taking longer to get appointments. Take a look at the impacts of this andat how this can affect quality ratings in Medicare. You can also explore meeting quality incentives in Medicaid and how the current requirements for these plan to say they have adequate networks. Will the provider shortage have an effect upon actuarial rate certifications? If so, how? Are there any forecasts for how long this shortage will last? What are the impacts to care giving to the Seniors and Medicaid beneficiaries as well as plan design changes? Those who are intermediate level Medicaid and Medicare actuaries are encouraged to attend. By attending this session, you will be able to: Have a good understanding of the current Medicare and Medicaid situation and its impacts Understand strategic ideas of how to keep quality of care and access to care available"