Description: The overarching objective of this research project is to explore the connections between mental health and mortality, as well as the influential factors present during the various phases of this continuum. The project analyzes SAMHSA mental health treatment data and BRFSS survey response data, as evidence for change in the approach to mental health services and insurer underwriting. For life insurers, more complete data on SDOH, lifestyle habits/behaviors, and mental health diagnoses may help with the identification of the appropriate insurance product. Having details on diagnosis and clear treatment history may make the difference between denial of coverage and offering a different insurance policy/plan (term or reduced term policy instead of whole life).

Description: Nobody is perfect, and actuaries are no exception. At some point, every actuary is bound to make a big mistake. These kinds of mistakes can have a significant impact on an actuary's reputation — whether that impact is positive or negative depends in large part on the way someone investigates, communicates, and resolves errors they uncover. By approaching mistakes with transparency and honesty, these big mistakes can actually enhance credibility and reputation, rather than harm it.

Description: This article summarizes findings from a recently published peer-reviewed study in the Journal of Risk and Insurance (Hanewald et al., 2025),[1], which examined how access to housing wealth affects stated demand for LTC insurance in China. We conducted a survey of homeowners aged 45-–64 across 49 cities in China and found that offering reverse mortgages or home reversion products significantly increased stated demand for LTC insurance. This article highlights the study’s key results and implications for insurers, actuaries, and policymakers.

Description: Impact of Family Structure on Aspects of Retirement

Description: Heavy calculations are needed for life insurance financial reporting and ALM modeling requirements. Actuaries need to work with IT to weigh in on various approaches like optimized grid-computing set up vs. modeling approximation to deliver the required reserve calculation results on time at a reasonable cost. This webcast will explore the cost benefits of some of the techniques, which helps actuaries in their discussion with their IT counterpart.

Description: Short Form Professional Development Videos - Mortality Study  Recording