In this podcast, Steve Castleton (Chatham Financial) and David Murad (NISA Investment Advisors) discuss the use of derivatives in the insurance and pension industries.  They cover their varied applications, recent trends, and touch on the market, operational, and other considerations that come with using these powerful tools.

Listen to Rick Pawelski and Ryan Coblentz, actuaries at Highmark Health, discuss with Jackie Lee how care management vendors and insurers are becoming increasingly integrated in managing customer care.  Understand these vendors’ role in providing medically effective and cost-effective care to customers as value-based contracts continue increasing, the insurer’s perspective on determining the effectiveness and savings for the vendors, and the changing methodology and difficulties of accurately and consistently quantifying data. 

Patrick Ring, ASA, EA, MSPA, MAAA speaks with Ron Gebhardtsbauer, FSA, MAAA on a variety of issues surrounding Social Security including, proposals for reforming it and the impact of COVID-19.

The SOA Competency Framework contains eight core competencies, which highlight all the technical and non-technical skills needed to become a well-rounded actuary. As the SOA creates professional development opportunities, they are aligned with one or more of these eight competencies so you can use them as a guide as you plan your career goals.

Podcast host Carlos Arocha, FSA, speaks with Professor Karel Van Hulle about his experience in the development of the Solvency II Directive. Van Hulle, served as head of insurance and pensions at the European Commission, where he was responsible for the development of Solvency II. In that capacity, he represented the European Commission within EIOPA (the European Insurance and Occupational Pensions Authority) and was a member of the technical committee of the International Association of Insurance Supervisors. He is the author of Solvency Requirements for EU Insurers: Solvency II is Good for You

Marie Kolendo of the Alzheimer’s Association provides an overview of Alzheimer’s Disease, its impact on the LTC industry, and an update on recent research.

Listen to Jackie Lee and David Blumenthal, President of the Commonwealth Fund, discuss a variety of topics regarding pandemic planning.  Learn how trends will affect the healthcare system now and post-pandemic.  Actuaries play dual roles in reform: assessing risk and validating measures. CWF paper: https://bit.ly/3qCpwfU

Rahul Nawab and Karl Canty from EXL Services join host Anders Larson, FSA, MAAA, to discuss the importance of data transformation for organizations to yield the benefits of modern machine learning and artificial intelligence capabilities. They introduce the conceptual framework of talent, process, and technology to help actuaries think about their current and future data environment.

Dr. Boris Garcia Zakzuk answers questions from Jing Lang, FSA, FCIA, MAAA, on COVID-19 vaccinations.

Jackie Lee discusses innovative technology in healthcare with returning guest, Sudha Shenoy, including the forces driving change, Managed Care 3.0, leading technology, notable obstacles, and key roles of the public, providers, payers, and benefactors.  In reflecting on the importance of reducing industry costs through these innovations, including rate of adoption, consumerism, and the impact of demand, actuaries have an opportunity to play a key role in efficient, stable, and timely implementation of innovations to revolutionize healthcare.