Discussion on Comprehensive Assessment of Reform Efforts (COMPARE) model

Are you looking for an innovative way to assess public policy proposals affecting health care? Interested in understanding the effects of components of health care reform on the health care system? Then join the Academy for a free webcast that will examine a new health reform microsimulation model.

The American Academy of Actuaries’ Health Practice Council is offering a free webcast on Friday, January 23, 2009 from noon until 1:30pm EDT. The webcast, co-sponsored by the Society of Actuaries and the Conference of Consulting Actuaries, will provide health actuaries with an understanding of a new microsimulation model created by the RAND Corporation. The Comprehensive Assessment of Reform Efforts (COMPARE) model examines the intended and unintended effects of different health care reform proposals. The model’s web interface allows users to compare policy options under different scenarios and assumptions.

The speakers will:

• Provide an overview of the COMPARE initiative and general objectives of the COMPARE microsimulation model.
• Discuss the development of the model, including relevant information regarding methodology and assumptions.
• Demonstrate the model’s functionality, specifically explaining to attendees how the model estimates the effects of various aspects of health reform proposals on the health care system.
• Discuss the practical implications of the COMPARE initiative for actuaries, policymakers, and other stakeholders.

Speakers for this webcast are:

• Elizabeth McGlynn, PhD
• Federico Girosi, PhD
• John Bertko, FSA, MAAA

Registration

Registration is free to all Academy members.

If you require assistance in registering for the webcast, please contact Phillip Hafler at 202-223-8196 of hafler@actuary.org. If you require technical assistance please contact WebEx at 1-866-779-3239.

More information

For more information on this webcast please contact Heather Jerbi at jerbi@actuary.org or 202-223-8196.

“The Academy is sponsoring this webcast to inform our members of the model’s availability, as well as its purpose and use; it does not reflect an endorsement of this model. Because results from the RAND model may appear in the media and be presented to policymakers, we are making this information available. The RAND Corporation is a non-profit organization.”