GH 201-U: Welcome to GH 201 Course
GH (Group and Health Insurance) 201-U is the second of two sequenced courses in the GH practice area, and the U.S.-focused path through this required FSA milestone. What you build here carries directly into GH 301 and rounds out your foundation from GH 101.
This course covers the full scope of the GH 201-U syllabus: reserving, statutory and GAAP financial statements, regulation, government health programs, and the flow of funds through the healthcare system. With Coaching Actuaries, you'll see how it all fits together through clear, structured lessons.
From Confusion to Confidence: Why Coaching Actuaries?
Upper-level FSA exams reward smarter preparation, not harder work. Coaching Actuaries is built around that idea. If you've studied with us before, you'll recognize the structure and support right away. And if you're new to Coaching Actuaries, you'll find our tools and guidance waiting to help you ease in and feel confident from the start.
Expert Instruction
Course author Tim Magnuson, FSA, MAAA, brings over 10 years of experience in valuation, reinsurance consulting, product development, and financial reporting, plus 4 years teaching GH exam prep with PAK. That combination shapes a course where the material connects directly to how actuaries actually work.
Keeps You Moving
The FSA syllabus is broad, and without a clear path through it, it's easy to lose momentum. Coaching Actuaries organizes the material into focused, digestible lessons so you always know what to study next and why it matters. You’ll have a reliable structure to follow all the way to exam day!
Data-Driven Confidence
Go into exam day with confidence that’s built on data. Our practice tools let you work through problems and self-grade as you go. Concept Checkers and Coach's Remarks help you review key ideas and work through the tougher material. Mastery Score® pinpoints weak spots and measures your readiness objectively.
Support When You Need It: Meet your course author
Meet Tim Magnuson, FSA, MAAA, who brings over a decade of expertise in GH, valuation, and financial reporting. Stuck on a concept? Post in the discussion forums and Tim will respond, with detailed answers to most questions within 2 business days.
Timothy S. Magnuson, FSA, MAAA, has over 10 years of experience in annuity and life insurance, with deep expertise in reinsurance strategy, valuation, and product development. As Director of Insurance at Meanwhile Insurance, he previously served as VP of Actuarial Analytics at Gallagher RE, leading consulting on asset-intensive, financial, longevity, and mortality reinsurance across MYGA, Term, FIA, and Whole Life products. Earlier roles at Genworth Financial and Ameriprise Financial built his expertise in GAAP and statutory valuation, LDTI implementation, and inforce management. He holds dual degrees from the University of Minnesota in Statistics & Mathematics and Greek & Latin.
Timothy Magnuson Content Coach
Aspiring Actuary Testimonials: A word from our students
There’s no better proof than a happy student. After each exam, we follow up to hear about your success and collect your feedback. Your input ensures your experience here is always improving!
I’ve really enjoyed using the Coaching Actuaries materials for CP351. The manuals are exceptionally thorough, with clear numerical examples and graphs that make the concepts much easier to understand.
WJ CP 351 Student
The Practice module is a significant improvement from simply reviewing exam solutions. Organizing problems on your own takes a lot of time, and this module removes that burden. The grading rubric is also very helpful—it gives you a much clearer picture of your performance than self-grading alone.
Marco CP 351 Student
What You Learn: A Formidable Curriculum
GH 201-U covers the full arc of U.S. GH contract valuation, reporting, and regulation. Completing the GH sequence and setting the stage for GH 301. (Candidates may fulfill the FSA requirement with either GH 201-U or GH 201-C, but not both.)
FSA exams are demanding in both complexity and breadth, with questions drawn from across a wide range of readings. Coaching Actuaries gives you the structure, tools, and support to succeed.
Valuation Principles and Financial Statements
Start with the numbers. You'll learn how to calculate reserves for short-duration GH contracts and how those figures flow into insurance company financial statements prepared under both Statutory Accounting Standards and GAAP. Understanding both frameworks and how they differ is a core skill for actuaries in this space.
U.S. Regulatory Environment
Regulation shapes nearly every decision a GH actuary makes. You'll examine how federal and state regulation affects insurance companies and plan sponsors, giving you the context to evaluate compliance considerations and their financial implications. This working knowledge follows you into practice.
Government Programs and Healthcare
Finally, take in the bigger picture. You’ll explore the government programs that provide health benefits in the U.S. and trace the flow of funds through the healthcare system, including the roles various providers play within it. By the end, you'll see how valuation and regulation connect to the broader environment in which GH operates.