In part 2 of this podcast, Dr. Mark McClellan continues to share his insights and explain the transformative role of ACOs and how they are helping to re-shape the finance and delivery of health care, not only in the US, but internationally as well.  He addresses the need for different care approaches for different populations, the future of health insurance, and the role health actuaries can play going forward.

In part 1 of this 2-part discussion, economist and physician, Dr. Mark McClellan, is interviewed by Daniel Bailey about the changes in the US system for the delivery and finance of health care.  Dr. McClellan is Senior Fellow at Brookings and Director of their Initiative on Innovation and Value in Health Care Reform.  He previously served as Administrator of CMS and Commissioner of the FDA.  In this interview, he focuses on the changes in care delivery and how they affect quality and affordability.  In particular, Dr. McClellan describes the effect of ACOs, their recent results and expected future.  This podcast is a follow-up to Dr. McClellan's keynote address at the SOA Health Meeting in June 2014.

Last January, the Tax Court decided Rent-A-Center, Inc. and Affiliated Subsidiaries v. Commissioner, involving a captive insurance arrangement that was challenged by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). The Tax Court found that a parental agreement between a captive and its parent could be present in a valid insurance arrangement for federal income tax purposes.

Dan Bailey interviews Mary Van der Heijde who recently presented at the 2014 SOA Health Meeting on Rate Review 101. For those who could not attend her presentation, this episode will provide you with highlights from Mary’s session. 

The Financial Reporting Section and Committee on Life Insurance Research announce the release of a new report examining current practice around the development of policyholder behavior assumptions for life insurance and annuity products.

This podcast is a synopsis of the Current and Future Interest Rates session at the 2014 Life and Annuity Symposium.

Session 27 was an interactive discussion from the perspectives of a direct writer, reinsurer and technology provider. A real world case study was used to illustrate key considerations required to maximize the effectiveness and ultimate success of an automated underwriting initiative. 

Dan Bailey interviews Shari Rodriquez who recently presented at the 2014 SOA Health Meeting on Developing Your Leadership Brand. For those who could not attend her presentation, this episode will provide you with highlights from Shari’s session.  

This column—the first in a series intended to provide basic education on the federal tax law, with a focus on the rules applicable to life insurance products and companies—spells out in brief the hierarchy of authorities that establish and interpret that body of law.

In the case of United States v. Windsor, the Supreme Court addressed the constitutionality of the Federal Defense of Marriage Act2 (“DOMA”) in a situation involving a claim for refund of federal estate taxes.  This article considers guidance addressing the federal government’s response to the Windsor decision.