Academy Health Practice Council Vice President Tom Wildsmith discussed lifetime limits on health coverage. Wildsmith said that the expense of eliminating lifetime limits is fairly modest.

The Academy's Social Security Game was cited and linked. According to the Social Security Game, subjecting all incoming to Social Security tax without increasing benefits--as calculated under current law--would eliminate 100 percent of Social Security's long-term shortfall.

Academy volunteer Steve Schoonveld discussed the average costs of various long-term care services.

Academy volunteer and long-term care expert Steve Schoonveld discussed changes proposed by the Department of Health and Human Services regarding the Community Living Assistance Services and Supports (CLASS) Act. He said the proposal would alleviate many of the actuaries' concerns with the health care reform provision that establishes a federal long-term care program. Schoonveld said that he remains concerned, however, about affordability issues that could limit participation.

Academy leaders cited for their comments on the Community Living Assistance Services and Supports (CLASS) Act. The actuaries are concerned that the federal long-term care program, established by the health care reform law, will attract a disproportionate share of higher-risk individuals and will lead to adverse selection issues.

The Academy's FAQ on the Community Living Assistance Services and Supports (CLASS) Act was linked, and co-contributor Steve Schoonveld discussed the actuaries' adverse selection and affordability concerns regarding the federal long-term care program.

Academy Health Practice Council Vice President Tom Wildsmith discussed Academy volunteers’ visit to Washington to confer with policymakers on health care reform implementation. He said one of the most frequently asked questions was about alternatives to the individual mandate. Wildsmith said that there is "no real silver bullet," but that a combination of things would have to be done, such as open enrollments, waiting periods, and penalties for late enrollment.

An op-ed cited the Academy’s issue brief on The Value of Defined Benefit Plans. The brief states that the management of investments is more efficient in a defined benefit plan than in a defined contribution plan and this efficiency can often lead to higher returns. 

Academy Health Practice Council Vice President Tom Wildsmith was the guest expert during a live web chat. Wildsmith answered a host of questions ranging from how health insurance companies determine premiums to how health care reform will affect insurance markets.

Academy meetings, where discussions have occurred about alternatives to the individual health insurance coverage mandate contained in the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, were referenced.