“The words "profession", "professional" and "professionalism” frequently appear in the statements, programs and in the organizational chart of the American Academy of Actuaries and related partner actuarial organizations. These are important words and deserve to be constantly on our minds and in our consciences. The concept of a profession carries with it the idea of service to the public.” Today a unique opportunity, one could also say a professional obligation, for public service is presented to actuaries. In the United States, the national social insurance systems face serious problems. Any list of domestic issues has Medicare and Social Security in prominent places.”
Jim Hickman, 2006
In the spirit of Jim Hickman’s words, and with Jim as a major contributor until his passing in late 2006, a group of actuaries came together with the goal of educating the public about Social Security and Medicare. These programs are of great value to our retired and other senior citizens, but face serious future financial problems. The longer we wait to address these problems, the more painful the remedy will be.
This website provides citizens with unbiased information about these social insurance programs with the goals of (1) increasing public understanding, (2) enhancing the national dialogues and (3) enabling each individual to begin to envision possible solution paths. We have added "Public Finance" to our agenda; the global financial crisis that emerged in 2008 spotlighted many additional areas that beg for actuarial leadership.
For additional information we recommend the presentations section which includes a January 26, 2007 presentation by David W. Walker, then Comptroller General of the United States. The paper can alsobe found by clicking: David W. Walker Presentation
We would very much appreciate your comments and suggestions as you review this website and the information in it. E-mail to: concernedactuaries@yahoo.com or contact Bart Clennon, Jeremy Gold, Fred Kilbourne, Mark Litow, Bob Shapiro, or Jim Toole.