Annual Meeting Sessions
Wednesday, October 29
601 - Understanding the Rules: A Guide to Professional Standards for Pension Actuaries
U.S. pension actuaries operate within a complex professionalism framework that must be navigated with care—especially in today’s rapidly changing environment. Whether you're just starting out or looking for a timely refresher, this session will help you understand the professionalism framework that applies to you. Topics include Continuing Education (CE) requirements and audits, Actuarial Standards of Practice (ASOPs), Qualification Standards, the Actuarial Board for Counseling and Discipline (ABCD), and the Code of Conduct—all within the context of evolving industry expectations and regulatory shifts.
Credits:
CPD Credit: 1.50
EA Core Credit: 1.50
EA Formal Credit: 1.50
602 - Market Based Cash Balance / Variable Annuities
Sponsoring a retirement program shouldn’t be like going to a casino when new market-based designs can tilt the odds in everyone’s favor. Speakers at this session will explore innovative strategies to provide secure retirement benefits that mitigate risks for both employees and employers alike.
Credits:
CPD Credit: 1.50
EA Core Credit: 0.75
EA Non-Core Credit: 0.75
EA Formal Credit: 1.50
603 - Implementing SECURE 2.0: Administrative and Operational Impacts for Plan Professionals
This session will explore the practical implications of the SECURE 2.0 Act with a focus on implementation and ongoing administration. The session will cover key provisions impacting defined benefit and defined contribution plans including changes to required minimum distributions, long-term part-time employees, catch-up contributions, and auto-enrollment features.
Credits:
CPD Credit: 1.50
EA Core Credit: 0.75
EA Non-Core Credit: 0.75
EA Formal Credit: 1.50
604 - Providers, Fraud, Waste, and Abuse
Various analyses continue to show that there is unnecessary overutilization, upcoding, and waste in the US healthcare system. While some unnecessary spend is related to the fragmented nature of our existing system, others can come from provider profit targets or downright fraud. Join us to better understand how various healthcare entities are targeting, tracking, and mitigating unnecessary spend through payment integrity programs to ensure accurate payments to providers and manage overall financial risk for health plans, employer groups and government programs.
Credits:
CPD Credit: 1.50
605 - Predictive Modeling, ASOPs, AI Governance – What’s an actuary to do?
More and more of a healthcare actuary’s work is centered on predicting financial, clinical, and business outcomes—projections that carry meaningful implications for patients, providers, and shareholders alike. With the growing reliance on predictive modeling and AI, these tools are drawing heightened scrutiny, leading many organizations to establish AI committees and governance frameworks. This session explores not only the types of modeling actuaries are using today, but also the risks, professionalism considerations, and governance structures needed to ensure responsible application. Attendees gain insight into where predictive modeling can drive value, while also learning practical approaches for balancing innovation with accountability, transparency, and sound professional judgment.
Credits:
CPD Credit: 1.50
606 - Practical Strategies to Manage Spike Expense Risk in Retirement
Speakers explore the concept of "Spike Expense Risk"— sudden, significant, and unpredictable costs that can jeopardize the sustainability of cash flow over retirement. New research will be presented that will quantify the impact of these expense shocks and introduce strategies to mitigate this risk, including various uses of home equity that can support a sustainable retirement.
Credits:
CPD Credit: 1.50
EA Non-Core Credit: 1.50
EA Formal Credit: 1.50
607 - Actuarial Tables or Poker Tables: Navigating Uncertain Post-COVID Trends
With the pandemic behind us, what new trends have emerged in Experience Studies and how much credibility should we give them. Panelists explore the following questions: Have mortality rates have returned to normal or is there a new normal? Has remote work redefined your turnover or retirement rates? Has higher inflation impacted your pay increase assumption? Come hear from a panel of experts and be prepared to share any new trends that you have seen.
Credits:
CPD Credit: 1.50
EA Non-Core Credit: 1.50
EA Formal Credit: 1.50
608 - Withdrawal Liability Roulette
Speakers cover a handful of dicey topics! The spinning wheel of recent legal rulings, the lucky draw of receiving Special Financial Assistance despite withdrawal liability implications, the slot machine allocating withdrawal liability after a plan merger, and other random topics.
Credits:
CPD Credit: 1.50
EA Core Credit: 1.50
EA Formal Credit: 1.50
609 - Pension Surplus Management, A US and UK Perspective
The rise in interest rates over the past few years has significantly impacted pension plans, leading to an increase in the number of plans in surplus. Effective management of pension surpluses is crucial for ensuring the long-term sustainability of pension plans. Attendees will gain insights into the regulatory landscapes, financial strategies, and innovative approaches to surplus management in these two key markets.
Credits:
CPD Credit: 1.50
EA Non-Core Credit: 1.50
EA Formal Credit: 1.50
701 - Retirement Plan Litigation
Expert speakers review recent court decisions and current litigation that might affect retirement plans and retirement plan activities. Cases covering the selection of retirement plan assumptions, actuarial malpractice, and other litigation topics will be discussed.
Credits:
CPD Credit: 1.50
EA Core Credit: 1.50
EA Formal Credit: 1.50
702 - Betting on Yourself: Planning for Your Own Retirement
In this session, speakers share personal insights in retirement planning and preparation strategies. Topics include how Social Security is calculated, Medicare coverage, and other healthcare costs, individual investment risk profile changes, and strategies to avoid running out of money. Whether you’re retiring next month, 30 years from now, or just helping family and friends make that jump, this session is a solid bet to give you the new retiree perspective and help you thrive in your retirement!
Credits:
CPD Credit: 1.50
EA Non-Core Credit: 1.50
EA Formal Credit: 1.50
703 - The Nonqualified Gamble: Funding Right and Avoiding Pitfalls
Dive into the world of nonqualified plan funding, where the stakes are high! While these plans don’t have to be funded, many companies choose to do so for various reasons. We’ll explore why businesses decide to fund, the popular funding vehicles available, and the key considerations for each option. Learn how to hit the jackpot with your funding strategies and discover what to do when things go off the rails. Get ready for a thrilling discussion featuring insights from industry experts.
Credits:
CPD Credit: 1.50
EA Non-Core Credit: 1.50
EA Formal Credit: 1.50
704 - Pharmacy
The pharmaceutical industry continues to be the fastest evolving area of healthcare. Actuaries need to stay ahead of the curve as they advise clients on the payor, provider, and employer space. This session will dive into the latest trends and developments in the pharmaceutical industry including GLP-1, biosimilars, and gene and cell therapy.
Credits:
CPD Credit: 1.50
705 - The Future of Medicaid: Policy Changes, Legislative Impacts and What to Expect
As the healthcare landscape continues to evolve, Medicaid remains a critical component of the US healthcare system, providing essential coverage to millions of Americans. This session will delve into the future of Medicaid, focusing on recent and upcoming legislative impacts, and what stakeholders can expect moving forward.
Credits:
CPD Credit: 1.50
706 - Project Management Jackpot
Unlock the true potential of your consulting projects with expert project management skills. In today’s dynamic business landscape, mastering the art of planning, executing, and leading projects is not just beneficial, it's essential. This session offers proven strategies and processes to ensure your projects meet and exceed client expectations. Discover how to optimize team collaboration, mitigate risks, and deliver impactful results that consistently hit the jackpot. Don’t miss this opportunity to elevate your project success to new heights.
Credits:
CPD Credit: 1.50
EA Non-Core Credit: 1.50
EA Formal Credit: 1.50
707 - Public Plan Workshop
Come share your thoughts as public pension/OPEB actuaries discuss challenges, concerns, and/or perceived solutions to hot topics affecting public plans across the US. Be prepared to participate in polling as well as group discussion.
Credits:
CPD Credit: 1.50
EA Non-Core Credit: 1.50
EA Formal Credit: 1.50
708 - Obscure Rules and Regulations
Speakers delve into lesser-known but important rules that can influence plan funding, withdrawal liability, reporting and compliance, administrative practices, maybe even collective bargaining. Panelists address some technical nuances and hidden pitfalls that can complicate our days, surprise plan sponsors and other professionals, and create unexpected outcomes for all.
Credits:
CPD Credit: 1.50
EA Core Credit: 1.50
EA Formal Credit: 1.50
709 - What's Happening in the Annuity Market
The current market environment is ripe for pension de-risking. In this session panelists walk through a Pension Risk Transfer lifecycle including the go to market strategy and investment considerations, the pre-sale and bidding process, as well as key considerations for a smooth post-sale transition of the benefit administration responsibilities, from both a consulting and insurer perspective.
Credits:
CPD Credit: 1.50
EA Non-Core Credit: 1.50
EA Formal Credit: 1.50
005 - Final Remarks & Innovation and Change Management
The 2025 CCA Annual Meeting concludes with the final remarks of the CCA President, the passing of the gavel to the President Elect, and our closing general session presentation from six-time Emmy Award-winning comedian, network TV host, and best-selling business author Ross Shafer. Learn how to future-proof your company during this wildly entertaining presentation while energizing your colleagues. Get solid ideas on how to create instant rapport for building solid relationships (based upon the proven tactics of TV talk show hosts). Ross encourages you to accept that relevance is a moving target. Securing your growth in this ever-evolving, post-pandemic economy requires the vigilance to respond to constant changes in client expectations. Ross unveils inspiring case studies that span the landscape of retail, manufacturing, B2B, HVAC, construction, technology, and healthcare.
Credits:
CPD Credit: 1.50