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Is anyone interested in joining a discord group to take the FAP final assessment from 12/21-12/24/24?

I've started a group here: https://discord.gg/4WJJKSjnYT

I’ve seen many threads on how intimidating fellowship papers can be. I’m waiting for the result for my last paper before I can finally say I’ve cleared the ASA requirements.

Do you think I should start studying for LPM now or wait for my results to be out first ? I don’t think I can juggle with both LPM and retaking this paper. However, I’m also afraid that starting in mid January might be too late for me.

Cuz I know everyone has been dying to know

On December 1, Anthem announced:

At a glance:

Effective Feb 1, 2025, Anthem will begin using CMS Physician Work Time values for anesthesia claims. Claims with anesthesia services time exceeding the set limit will only pay up to the CMS established amount; industry standards remain. Billing for pre- and post-operation time must follow ASA guidelines.

As usual, both journalism and reddit discussion on the topics are full of idiotic, ignorant bullshit.

This NBC article and [this article] (https://www.beckersasc.com/anesthesia/policymakers-push-anthem-bcbs-for-answers-on-new-anesthesia-time-limit-policy.html) both incorrectly state the claims will be denied if they go over time. Anthem will pay up to the CMS established time limits; they are not denying the entire claim outright.

Reddit is threatening violence as usual.

I am curious for any insights on

• why Anthem has instituted this policy change
• how much this may affect consumer out of pocket payments
• same for payments to providers
• any other useful discussion on the topic

I am an actuary but not in a role where I have good answers to these questions.

Thanks!

Putting a discord server here for anyone taking the FA this weekend. Let’s finish off this thing!

https://discord.gg/NHm5JJtb

Hi All,

This is a draft of the student program surveys for CAS and SOA. After 2 weeks with your feedback I will post the actual survey for everyone to fill out.

We revived a lot of commentary last time to shorten the survey, so please let me know what ways I can do that.

Here are the current drafts (I and many of the mods haven't taken an exam in years so this draft may be out of date).

SOA Student Survey: https://forms.gle/ZqJufx1iMhqf58Cf6

CAS Student Survey: https://forms.gle/ofNb6zQSfGiC3Hkp6

https://preview.redd.it/49ycgs22lx4e1.png?width=1840&format=png&auto=webp&s=4ff4dd94dd1c47316bf92e814ecd7d2aad640662

Having issues accessing SOA website, tried Chrome and Edge, neither worked. My friend could access with no issue. Anyone knows how to fix it?

How many study hours did you take for exam 2 and 3? Does your company offer any study hours and if so how many for each exam?

Hi,

For the upcoming ASA list in December, if the list comes out prior to January 1 then you are on the hook for the continuing education requirement in 2025 but if the list comes out after January 1 (the first week of January) then you are not on the hook in 2025 and don't need to start until 2026?

I was just curious if someone could clarify when you need to start tracking continuing education for new ASAs. Thank you!

I’m sickened by the number of comments / posts on other sub making fun of the tragic passing of UHC’s CEO. Many of them complained about their denied coverage, high medical cost and premiums. I agree the health industry is not perfect and has lots of flaws, but it’s frustrating to see everyone blaming only the health insurance to the point that they feel his passing was “justified”. It’s frustrating that no one seems to understand we calculate premium based on claims, which are primarily driven by how expensive the medical procedures and drugs are

I just passed Exam P and FM within a month during the recent summer and secured a P&C actuarial internship for next summer at a top insurance company. I am wondering how to better prepare myself for the internship as I want to graduate in 3 years and receive a return offer after my internship.

I noticed that CAS exams only have two sittings per year, and I need to decide now whether to prepare for Exam MAS I or Exam 5 for my next sitting. I’ve talked to many P&C actuaries, and the recommendations between these two exams are split 50-50. It seems that Exam MAS I would be a little easier to pass, but Exam 5 will bring my competency to another level. I can’t really decide on which to sit for. I’m personally leaning on the Exam 5 side because I really want to know what actuaries are actually doing in their everyday job, and I’m from a math background, so I’m more confident in preparing and passing exams. (I prepared for like 20 days each on P and FM.)

How does everyone suggest I make the decision from here? I’m really looking forward to hearing any suggestions on this.

https://www.casact.org/exams-admissions/exams/acas-exams/course-professionalism

They've also literally just changed the registration requirements, after I was already registered :/

Thankfully, I fulfil them anyway but if you don't have 5+ exams, you can no longer register today.

Hi all,

I was wondering, is there anyone here who took the online Course on Profesionalism (COP) last year? Or tried to register for it?

Can anyone take it or need to prove somehow they can't make it in person? I am based in Europe so it won't be very handy, wondering if that is enough and if the spots are also limited (maybe I should register for an in-person one to increase my chances of getting to ACAS before Fall 2025)

Thanks!

Newly credentialed actuary here... and I find the continuing education very confusing. I thought I'm good if I satisfy the CE requirements under USQS, but it looks like the SOA has its own thing on top of that...? Can someone please clarify what the requirements are for CE?

TIA!

I'm planning to do FAP Final Assessment next week Dec 12. Is there a discord group available? Would like to have the invite.

I keep hearing that Exam SRM is highly conceptual, so I was hoping I could run a thought experiment with those that have experience with the exam.

Let’s say hypothetically, that I were to go into Exam SRM with no calculator, and for whatever reason, my calculations all came out wrong when trying to do them by hand. But on the other hand (ha ha), I have limitless knowledge on all the concepts and theories pertaining to this exam, and would be able to answer all conceptual questions, that require no “math”, with 100% precision AND accuracy. How likely is it that I pass the exam? Thank you for indulging me🙏

I recently got my ASA and applied for MAAA, how long until I hear back on it?

Those who just finished writing it in November 2024 ,what are your thoughts on the exam? How'd it go?

Since the Exam FAM window for November 2024 closed a week ago, what do you think the passing percentage will be with fewer questions? I’m guessing the passing mark will be around 23/34. What’s your take?

How did you guys find your results? Was it satisfactory? Congratulations to all those who passed.

To those who didn't pass, don't give up. It can feel like a major setback, but you can try on the next time.

As long as SOA dues are paid by February 28 (before March 1) and AAA dues are paid by April 30 (before May 1) there should not be any late fees, correct?

What Big 4 firm has the best actuarial department?

Hi everyone-

Currently working as an actuary in Germany for a P&C insurer, I would like to know more about the main US hubs for actuarial and catastrophe modeling professionals.

My understanding is that most roles would be in New York, Connecticut (Hartford or Stamford), parts of New Jersey, Chicago, and Boston/Philadelphia to some extent.

1. How does the market compare between Boston and Philadelphia? Which one has more roles, more interesting/technical, more employers across both areas?
2. Are there other 'secondary' hubs that could be added to the list above, which are growing and becoming more attractive? For actuaries, catastrophe modelers, etc. What is the market like in other cities like Atlanta, Minneapolis, Dallas, Seattle, Los Angeles, etc.?
3. Are there any states where companies may be more likely to sponsor foreign actuaries or catastrophe modelers who need a visa through their employer to work in the US? For example, if there is high demand but not enough supply in certain places, specific skills of particular interest, etc.

Thank you everyone for sharing your experience, feedback and opinions!