Actuaries publish health reform implementation glossary

A new glossary for consumers by the Academy explains the terminology being used during the implementation of health care reform. (08/18/2010)

• More information on health reform implementation available here.

Academy Webinar: Aug. NAIC Meeting Recap

Sept. 9 webinar presented by the Life Practice Council will recap the Aug. NAIC meeting. Sign up now to learn more about the decisions, progress, and discussion on the proposed principle-based reserves project. (08/20/10)

PBA Implementation Seminar—SOLD OUT

The PBA Implementation: Getting a Rock Solid Start Seminar will give you insights into the new principle-based requirements for life products from the soon-to-be-completed Valuation Manual. This Sept. 22 seminar is ideal for those who are responsible for calculating reserves on life products. Learn more. (08/20/10)

ABCD 2009 Annual Report Available Online

The Actuarial Board for Counseling and Discipline (ABCD) in 2009 handled 105 cases, 46 requests for guidance and 59 inquiries. Read the ABCD’s recently published 2009 annual report online. (08/12/10)

ASB 2009 Annual Report Available Online

The Actuarial Standards Board (ASB)'s annual report, published in April, is also available online. In 2009, the Board released three exposure drafts for comment, repealed one standard, and adopted a final revision of one ASOP. (08/12/10)

Strategic Planning Committee status update

The Strategic Planning Committee met in Washington on July 20. A summary is available on the committee's webpage. (08/09/10)

Governance Task Force status update

The Governance Task Force met on July 20 in Washington. A new status update has been posted on its webpage. (08/06/10)

Nominating Committee slate announced

The Academy's Nominating Committee has prepared a slate of nominees to fill leadership positions. The Academy's board will vote on the nominees in October. (08/03/10)

• News release

At what age will you retire?

The Academy's Senior Pension Fellow Frank Todisco discussed the retirement age for pension plans on "The Takeaway," produced in partnership with The New York Times, the BBC World Service and WNYC. (08/03/10)

• Audio

Read Articles, Opinions, Insights and More

Download the entire online issue of Contingencies or quick link to these featured articles:

• In Health Care Reform, the Play's the Thing
• Commutation Columns: A Brief and Sentimental History
  
• Playing the Reinsurance Game
  
• Information Upload: Accessing Web 2.0
  
• Plus puzzles and more.

2010 Volunteer Survey Closed after Record Number of Responses

More than 700 Academy members – a record number and more than double the 2009 response rate – have stepped forward to contribute to the Academy's vital work on public policy issues and professionalism by completing the annual Volunteer Survey by its July 9 closing date. New to the survey this year is the Academy Advisors, a virtual committee that will employ easy-to-use web-based survey research technology to capture feedback and advice from a representative group of Academy members. Academy Advisors will begin its work with approximately 300 members. Academy volunteers working over the past year produced substantial, noteworthy work that touched every practice area and every aspect of the profession; the response to the 2010 Volunteer Survey reflects an ever-increasing commitment among actuaries to volunteer their time, talent, and expertise to advance the profession and serve the public interest. Thank you!

How will the new pension accounting standards affect you?

The Academy's Pension Practice Council presented a webinar on July 15 about the Governmental Accounting Standards Board's recently released Preliminary Views document on Pension Accounting and Financial Reporting by Employers. Panelists discussed several aspects of the GASB document along with an overview of the GASB's progress on the Pension Accounting and Financial Reporting research project. (07/16/10)

Access the webinar:

• Audio
• Slides

New message from Academy President

Academy President Ken Hohman provided updates from the most recent board of directors meeting. (06/08/10)

• Past messages from the Academy president

Life and Health Qualifications Seminar Registration Now Open

Registration for the annual Life and Health Qualifications Seminar is now open. Seating is limited for the November 1 – 4 seminar, which will be held this year in Arlington, VA. To find out more about the seminar and to register online please click here. (06/01/10)

Pay dues online

If you haven't renewed your Academy membership, pay your 2010 dues online. To pay dues, log into your member account. Online dues payment is fast and efficient.

Read the 2009 Record to learn in detail about the real value that Academy membership adds to your professional life.

Council's Response to DOL/Treasury Request

The Pension Practice Council and Life Practice Council responded to a request for information from the departments of Labor and the Treasury regarding lifetime-income options for participants and beneficiaries in retirement plans. (5/4/10)

• Related news release

Looking for an issue of Health Check?

All issues of Health Check, a biweekly report from the Academy on health care reform, are now conveniently archived on the Academy's website. (03/22/10)

Academy seeks volunteers

The Risk Management and Financial Reporting Practice Council is looking for volunteers for the Financial Regulatory Reform Task Force and the ERM Subcommittee of the Risk Management and Solvency Committee. If you are interested, please contact Tina Getachew at getachew@actuary.org. (03/22/10)

Help from PAL

The Academy's Pension Assistance List (PAL) program helps people who have questions about their pension plans.

• Members of the public: Ask for assistance.
• Actuaries: Volunteer for PAL