Description: Explores the open vs. closed systems debate with regards to actuarial modeling and exposes the over-simplification. Valuable for anyone who uses models.

Description: Possible usage of tools that can automate time consuming processes, and lead to a different team structure and organization for predictive analytics team.

Description: The article discusses the developments thus far with the adoption of the NAIC Valuation Manual and what steps still lie ahead. It also discusses the NAIC Life Actuarial Task Force’s response to the NAIC’s VM-20 Impact Study. In general, outcomes of the Phase III testing support the suggestion that the modifications made to VM-20 as a result of the NAIC Impact Study made progress in addressing the excessive conservatism demonstrated in the Phase I and Phase II testing.

Description: Book review of Getting Things Done: The Art of Stress-Free Productivity, by David Allen.

Description: An economic analysis of bariatric surgery and health care costs supports the case for health plans to cover these procedures.

Description: May 2013 issue of the Health Watch newsletter

Description: This article summarizes some of the operational considerations necessary to optimize the usefulness and impact of a predictive model, such as cross-functional support and involvement in model build, adequate training and reporting, and strategic model build.

Description: What you need to know about risk scores to be competitive in the Medicare Advantage market.

Description: The author explores reasons why blocks of business may become legacy blocks and discusses ways to decrease the likelihood of legacy blocks in the future.

Description: Introduction to option pricing using Black-Scholes. Discussion on the limitations of Black-Scholes and of its alternatives such as Heston. Clear, accessible explanation of key results of mathematical finance including risk-neutral valuation.