WO2000017800A1

WO2000017800A1 - Reducing risk using behavioral and financial rewards

Info

Publication number: WO2000017800A1
Application number: PCT/US1999/022020
Authority: WO
Inventors: Stephen J. Brown
Original assignee: Health Hero Network, Inc.
Priority date: 1998-09-23
Filing date: 1999-09-22
Publication date: 2000-03-30
Also published as: AU6158999A; EP1032903A1; WO2000017800A8; WO2000017800A9; CA2310648A1

Abstract

The invention provides a set of techniques and products in which one or more insured persons and one or more associated beneficiaries are monitored with regard to dynamic risk reassessment, given feedback information in response to that dynamic risk reassessment, and are encouraged to comply with the feedback. The insured persons and associated beneficiaries are coupled to a client-server system disposed for dynamic measurement of medical information, and the client-server system is disposed for alerting the insured persons and associated beneficiaries to suggested behaviors for reducing risk. The invention includes an insurance product in which portions of the insurance premium are allocated to one or more components, in response to compliance with the suggested behaviors.

Description

APPLICATION FOR UNITED STATES LETTERS PATENT FOR:

REDUCING RISK USING BEHAVIORAL AND FINANCIAL REWARDS

These known methods increase the incentive for the insured entity to re-

duce the insured-against risk. However, these methods are subject to several draw-

backs. Where the insured-against risk is relatively inevitable (such as with life

insurance or long-term care insurance), the insurance company finds if difficult to

avoid the inevitability of a claim. Rather, it is in the underwriter's interest to stave off

the claim for as long as possible.

Certain kinds of insurance (such as long-term care insurance) also have a

substantial effect on the family of the insured person. For example, the insured person

is often faced with the dilemma of either (1) reduction to penury to qualify for gov-

eminent support, or (2) spending their entire estate on long-term care. The family of

the insured person also has interests against these options.

Accordingly, it would be advantageous to provide a method and system

to increase the incentive for the insured entity to reduce the insured-against risk, even

when that insured-against risk is relatively inevitable. In the case of long-term care

insurance, it is in the underwriter's interest to provide incentives for the insured person

and their family to maintain the insured person's health and independence for as long

as possible (quite apart from the emotional incentives they already have).

Application Serial No. , Express Mail Mailing No. EE 261 914

722 US, filed September 23, 1998, in the name of Stephen J. Brown, titled "Dynamic Modeling and Scoring Risk Assessment," assigned to the same assignee, attorney

docket number HHN-003 describes techniques for modeling and scoring risk assess-

ment that are time-dependent, and in one embodiment are responsive to progression of

a disease or degenerative condition in a patient.

One aspect of this co-pending application is that the insurer can dynami-

cally adjust the risk assessment of individual insured persons in response to actions

taken (or not taken) by those insured persons to maintain their own health. The un-

derwriter can thus dynamically adjust the cost or the benefits of the insurance policy in

response to those actions. By doing so, the underwriter, the insured person, and the

insured person's family have the common goal of maximizing the useful .life and inde-

pendence of the insured person.

As described in the co-pending application, dynamic reassessment can

be perfomied in conjunction with a monitoring and scoring system for determining

risk assessment for populations and for individuals with regard to those populations.

It would also be desirable for the insured person (and associated others)

to make use of dynamic risk reassessment to monitor and influence the behavior of the

insured person, to reduce the risk. It would also be desirable to provide the insured

person, and the insured person's family with information available to the underwriter, and to suggest particular prescribed or proscribed actions that would reduce short-term

risk and provide a greater payoff for all concerned.

Accordingly, it would be advantageous to provide the insured person,

and associated others, with feedback information from dynamic reassessment of the

risk associated with the insured person, so that the insured person, and associated oth-

ers, can act to minimize that risk. This advantage is achieved in an embodiment of the

invention in which the insured person and their beneficiaries are provided with feed-

back information and instruction responsive to dynamic risk reassessment, and in

which payments from an associated set of insurance products are allocated dependant

on compliance with that feedback. For example, one such insurance product includes

a long-term care component and a life insurance component, and devotes a fraction of

the product premium to one or the other component in response to compliance with the

feedback offered by the underwriter.

Summary of the Invention

The invention provides a set of techniques and products in which one or

more insured persons and one or more associated beneficiaries are monitored with re-

gard to dynamic risk reassessment, are given feedback information responsive to that

dynamic risk reassessment, and are encouraged to comply with the feedback informa-

tion. In a preferred embodiment, the insured persons and associated beneficiaries are coupled to a client-server system that is configured to obtain dynamic measurement of

medical information (for example, using bio-medical devices or using a question and

answer format), and the client-server system is configured to alert the insured persons

and associated beneficiaries to suggested behaviors for reducing risk. The preferred

embodiment includes an insurance product in which portions of the insurance pre-

mium are allocated to one or more components (such as a long-term care benefit or a

life insurance benefit), in response to compliance with the suggested behaviors. Thus,

• the insured is provided with an incentive for compliance with the suggested behaviors

for reducing risk by receiving a more beneficial allocation of the premium to the com-

ponents of the insurance product.

In a preferred embodiment, an insured patient is examined at intervals by

medical personnel, to determine medical information that can be used as factors for

dynamically determining a risk assessment for that insured patient. The medical per-

sonnel can determine a medical regimen (possibly including diet, exercise, prescribed

medication, or other factors) that are intended to reduce the insured-against risk. The

insured patient, and where appropriate, associated beneficiaries or other close rela-

tions, use a client device with a client-server system to provide dynamic medical in-

formation regarding the condition of the insured. For example, the client device can

periodically measure blood glucose, blood pressure, heart rate, weight, and the like.

Similarly, the client device can periodically question the insured patient or the close relations for information about the insured, such as affect or mentation, diet or exer-

cise, and the like.

In response to the prescribed medical regimen and information from the

insured patient, a server device receiving that information from the client device can

dynamically reassess risk factors associated with that insured .patient, and can alert

medical personnel or close relations in response thereto. In response to dynamic risk

assessment, the server device can modify which portions of an insurance premium (or

other financial product payments) are allocated to one or more components (such as a

long-term care component or a life insurance component). The server device can use

patient compliance with the suggested medical regimen as one measure to be factored

into the dynamic risk assessment.

Description of the Drawings

Fig.lA shows a block diagram of a system for data collection and inter-

pretation for a population;

Fig. IB shows details of the client device shown in Fig. 1A.

Fig. 1C shows devices that may be connected to client device;

Fig. ID shows details of the data review device; Fig. 2 illustrates a data flow diagram indicating some of the data paths

used in a preferred embodiment;

Fig. 3A illustrates a process for determining dynamic risk assessment;

Fig. 3B illustrates a process used to evaluate patient information;

Fig. 4 illustrates a process used to respond to risk; and

Fig. 5 illustrates a process used to determine feedback information.

Description of the Preferred Embodiments

In the following description, a preferred embodiment of the invention is

described with regard to preferred process steps and data structures. Embodiments of

the invention can be implemented using general-purpose processors or special purpose

processors operating under program control, or other circuits, adapted to particular

process steps and data structures described herein. Other embodiments include com-

puter program products that contain computer code embodied in a computer readable

media for causing a computer to perform the process steps. Implementation of the

process steps and data structures described herein would not require undue experi-

mentation or further invention. Related Applications

Inventions described herein can be used in combination or conjunction

with inventions described in the following patent applications. These patent applica-

tions are hereby incorporated by reference as if fully set forth herein:

• Application Serial No. 09/041,809, filed November 21, 1997 in the

name of Stephen J. Brown, titled "Phenoscope and Phenobase," as-

signed to the same assignee, attorney docket number RYA-136;

• Application Serial No. , filed , in the name of Ste-

phen J. Brown, titled "Health Management Process Control System,"

assigned to the same assignee, attorney docket number RYA-114.

• Application Serial No. , filed , in the name of Ste-

phen J. Brown and Erik K. Jensen, titled "On-line Health Education

and Feedback System Using Motivational Driver Profile Coding and

Automated Content Fulfillment," assigned to the same assignee, at-

torney docket number RYA- 115.

• Application Serial No. , filed , in the name of Ste-

phen J. Brown, titled "Multiple Patient Monitoring System for Pro-

active Health Management," assigned to the same assignee, attorney

docket number RYA- 116. • Application Serial No. , filed , in the name of Ste-

phen J. Brown, titled "On-Line Health Education Using Composites

of Entertainment and Personalized Health Information,"- assigned to

the same assignee, attorney docket number RYA-119a.

• Application Serial No. , filed , in the name of Ste-

phen J. Brown, titled "Monitoring System for Remotely Querying In-

dividuals," assigned to the same assignee, attorney docket number

RYA- 126.

• Application Serial No. , filed , in the name of Ste-

phen J. Brown, titled "Multi-User Remote Health Monitoring Sys-

tern," assigned to the same assignee, attorney docket number RYA-

131a.

• Application Serial No. , Express Mail Mailing No. EE 261

914 722 US, filed September 23, 1998, in the name of Stephen J.

Brown, titled "Dynamic Modeling and Scoring Risk Assessment,"

assigned to the same assignee, attorney docket number HHN-003.

System for Reducing Risk

The invention enables dynamic risk determination of an insured' s condi-

tion. An example of when the invention can be used is if the insured has a progressive

condition, which will eventually require long-term care (such as diabetes), but for

which in-home care is currently appropriate. Another example where dynamic risk

determination can be used is if the insured is at risk for a medical setback (such as an

MI or a stroke) but currently is capable of self-care. Yet another example is when the

insured is currently being cared for by family, but the care burden is increasing and the

insured will eventually require long-term care. The invention allows the underwriter

to dynamically determine the current risk to the insured and to provide incentives to

the insured to reduce that risk.

Fig. 1 A shows a block diagram of a system for data collection and inter-

pretation for a population.

Referring to Fig. 1A, a system 100 includes a client device 110, a server

device 120 including a database of information 121 and a program memory 122, and a

data review element 130. These devices are connected via a communication channel

140, such as a communication network as is well known in the art, and as more fully

described in the Phenoscope and Phenobase patent application (serial no. 09/041 ,809). The communication channel 140 may be a simple point-to-point network

(for example a wire connecting the client device 110 with the server device 120), or a

complex network such as the Internet.

Referring to Fig. IB, the client device 110 is disposed locally to a patient

111 (the insured), and includes an output element 112 for presenting information to the

patient 111, and an input element 113 for entering information from the patient 111.

As used herein, "locally" refers to a logical relationship to the patient 111, and does

not have any necessary implication with regard to actual physical position. In a pre-

ferred embodiment, the client device 110 is relatively small or compact, and can be

disposed on a night table or otherwise near the patient 111.

The output element 112 includes a display screen 114, on which ques-

tions and suggested answers can be displayed for the patient 111, to facilitate informa-

tion entry, or on which instructions can be displayed for the patient 111, to instruct the

patient 111. The output element 112 can also include a speaker 115, to present infor-

mation in conjunction with or in alternative to the display screen 114. The output ele-

ment 112 can also include a bell or other sound element, or a bright light 119 or a flag,

to alert the patient 111 that the client device 110 has questions or information for the

patient 111. The input element 113 includes a plurality of buttons 116A-D for enter-

ing information.

The input element 113 can also include one or more data ports 117A-D

for entering information from other devices. Referring to Fig. 1C, such other devices

118 can include a medical measurement device, such as a blood glucose meter or a

blood pressure monitor. Such other devices 118 can also include a general purpose or

special purpose client workstation, such as a personal computer or a hand-held digital

calendar.

The server device 120 is disposed logically remotely from the patient

111, and includes a database 121 of information about the patient 111 antl about other

patients in a related population thereof. As used herein, "remotely" refers to a logical

relationship to the patient 111, and does not have any necessary implication with re-

gard to actual physical position.

The database 121 includes medical history, medical regimen, and risk

progression information for the insured and a similarly situated population. The data-

base 121 also includes the compliance background for the insured indicating how well

the insured follows the prescribed medical regimen and avoids the proscribed activi-

ties. The server device 120 also includes the program memory 122 that con-

tains program code and data to cause the server device 120 to perform subsequently

described processes.

In a preferred embodiment, the server 120 and database 121 are prefera-

bly accessible using a standard network connection (such as a .world wide web con-

nection). The server 120 and database 121 may include single stand-alone computers

or multiple computers distributed throughout a network.

The data review element 130 is disposed logically remotely from the pa-

tient 111, and includes an interface 131 disposed for use by an operator 132. The op-

erator 132 can comprise medical personnel, a device operated by medical personnel, or

a similar device, capable of interacting with the interface 131 to receive information

from the data review element 130 and possibly to enter information into the data re-

view element 130. Information entered into the data review element 130 can be en-

tered for ultimate transmission to the server device 120 or to the client device 110.

The data review element 130 is preferably a personal computer, remote

terminal, web TV unit, Palm Pilot unit, interactive voice response system, or any other

communication technique. The data review element 130 functions as a remote inter-

face for entering server 120 or client device 110 messages and queries to be communi-

cated to the individuals. The data review element 130 also functions to provide the professional to evaluate the progression of the insured and to monitor the insured's

medical regimen.

Other and further information regarding the system 100 is- s own in Ap-

plication Serial No. 09/041/809, titled "Phenoscope and Phenobase," attorney docket

number RYA- 136 and Application Serial No. , titled "Dynamic Modeling

and Scoring Risk Assessment," attorney docket number HHN-003.

Fig. 2 illustrates a data flow diagram, indicated by general reference

character 200, that indicates how data flows within a preferred embodiment. The

nodes include an insured 201, a client device 203, a server device 205, an accounting

server 207, a work station 209, and a professional 211. These nodes are ponnected by

data flows that include an 'insured-client device' data stream 221, an client device-

insured data stream 223, a client-server data stream 225, a server-client data stream

227, a server-workstation data stream 229, a workstation-server data stream 231, a

workstation-professional data stream 233, a professional-workstation data stream 235,

a 'workstation-accounting server' data stream 237, an 'accounting server-insured' data

stream 239, and an 'accounting server-server device' data stream 241. Each of these

data streams transfer data between the nodes connected by the data stream.

In particular the server device sends patient protocol and interrogatories

to the insured by sending this information across the server-client data stream 227 to the client device 203. The client device 203 then instructs or queries the insured 201

utilizing the client device-insured data stream 223. The insured 201 responds to the

queries, instructions, or through bio-medical input devices to the client device 203 us-

ing the 'insured-client device' data stream 221. The client device 203 passes this ac-

quired information to the server device 205 over the client-server data stream 225.

The server device 205 stores the information acquired from the insured 201.

Feedback is provided to the insured 201 by sending feedback informa-

tion from the server device 205 to the client device 203. This feedback information

can include additional medical regimens for the insured 201 to timely follow (for ex-

ample, additional tests that are determined by the server device 205 responsive to the

information just gathered from the insured).

The professional 211 uses the work station 209 (passing data over both

the workstation-professional data stream 233 and the professional-workstation data

stream 235) to access and/or modify data received by, stored on or created on the

server device 205. This data is accessed using the server-workstation data stream 229.

The professional 211 can also modify the medical regimen for the insured or provide

other information for the insured. These modifications are sent to the server device

205 over the workstation-server data stream 231 and then to the insured using the

server-client data stream 227, the client device 203, and the client device-insured data

stream 223. The professional 211, using the work station 209 can send information (reflecting benefits to the insured) to the accounting server 207 using the 'workstation-

accounting server' data stream 237. The status of benefits can be sent directly to the

insured using the 'accounting server- insured' data stream 239 (for example by using

postal mail, FAX or other traditional mechanism) or the information can be sent over

the 'accounting server-server device' data stream 241 to the server device 205 and on

to the insured using previously discussed paths.

The professional 211 assesses the insured-against risk using both the

static data most recently collected from the insured, the progression over time of the

data collected from the insured and information known to, or accessible by the profes-

sional 211. This assessment includes the insured's compliance with the prescribed

medical regimens and other environmental and behavioral factors. This assessment

can also include information and recommendations provided by artificial intelligence

expert systems that are accessible to the professional 211 through the work station 209.

Fig. 3 A illustrates a dynamic risk assessment process, indicated by gen-

eral reference character 300, for determining dynamic risk assessment. The dynamic

risk assessment process 300 is cyclic in normal circumstances. A 'gather patient in-

formation' step 301 obtains medical information (such as bio-medical information)

from the insured (using the client device 110) by using a series of questions or by us-

ing bio-medical sensors. The medical information is gathered according to a protocol

provided by the server device 120. This medical information is sent to a server device that performs an 'evaluate patient information' step 303 that determines one or more

risk factors for the insured as is subsequently described with respect to Fig. 3B. Next,

the dynamic risk assessment process 300 delays for an appropriate time a a delay step

305. This delay can be varied as appropriate for the insured, the insured's condition,

the caregivers, and the insurance provider. The delay step 305 determines the time

interval between gathering information from the insured and is appropriately set to be

(for example and without limitation) some number of days, weeks or months. Eventu-

^■ ally, the delay ends at an 'delay complete' step 307 and the dynamic risk assessment

process 300 repeats at the 'gather patient information' step 301 to re-determine the in-

sured-against risk for the insured.

The medical information gathered by the 'gather patient information'

step 301 is specific to the insured's current risk and progression of the condition. For

example, the insured or caregiver may be periodically instructed to check for sores on

extremities if the insured is diabetic. In addition, the caregiver can provide informa-

tion about affect or mentation. If the insured interacts with the client device 110, the

response time to questions can also be gathered.

The 'gather patient information' step 301 and the 'evaluate patient in-

formation' step 303 can be repeated dependent on the data acquired from the insured

by the previous iteration. Thus, if the previous iteration returned data that indicates

that a subsequent test should be performed, the server device 120 can send the client device 110 a protocol to cause the client device 110 to obtain the new information

from the insured, caregiver, or other person.

Fig. 3B illustrates an 'evaluate patient information' process,^' indicated by

general reference character 320 that reassesses the risk based on the gathered informa-

tion and responds to that risk. The 'evaluate patient information' process 320 is in-

voked by the 'evaluate patient information' step 303 of Fig. 3A and initiates at a 'start'

terminal 321. The 'evaluate patient information' process 320 continues to a 'send data

to server device' procedure 323, performed by the client device 110, that sends the

medical information gathered by the client device 110 to the server device 120. The

medical information is stored on the database 121 by a 'store data' procedure 325.

Once the medical information is stored, a 'reassess risk' procedure 327

(as disclosed in Application Serial No. , attorney docket number HHN-003)

can use the medical information, a risk-assessment model and the database 121 to de-

termine the current risk of the insured. The risk includes one or more risk factors.

These risk factors are used to determine an insured-against risk.

Example risk factors include information such as "patient smokes," "pa-

tient has diabetes," "patient has diabetes and doesn't bother to check his blood sugar

regularly," etc. Once the insured-against risk has been determined, the 'evaluate patient

information' process 320 continues to a 'respond to risk' procedure 329 (subsequently

described with respect to Fig. 4). The 'respond to risk' procedure 329 determines one

or more medical regimens for the insured. These medical regimens are selected to re-

duce the risk factors and thus to reduce the insured-against risk of the insured. The

'respond to risk' procedure 329 can also adjust the proportion of the insurance cost

allocated to components of the financial product used by the insured. The 'reassess

risk' procedure 327 and the 'respond to risk' procedure 329 need not be performed

every time data is received by the server device 120. These procedures can be exe-

cuted independent of the following procedures.

Once the medical information is stored by the 'store data' procedure 325

the dynamic risk assessment process 300, can also continue to a 'determine feedback

information' procedure 331 that develops feedback for the insured that can include one

or more medical regimens, display of bio-medical information, encouragement to foi¬

low the suggested medical regimen or follow-on protocols. The feedback information

is sent back to the client device 110 by a 'send feedback information' procedure 333.

A 'present feedback information' procedure 335 then presents the feedback informa-

tion to the insured and/or the caregiver. The 'evaluate patient information' process

320 completes through an 'end' terminal 337. The 'determine feedback information' procedure 331 can also provide

the client device 110 with additional data gathering protocols that are dependent on the

just- gathered information — to obtain additional information. In addition, the 'deter-

mine feedback information' procedure 331 checks to determine whether the just-

gathered information is out-of-limit, indicates a trend, or should be forwarded to a

medical professional.

Other preferred embodiments can allocate these processes between the

client device 110 and the server device 120 in a different manner. For example as the

relative cost/performance ratio changes for the client device 110 and the server device

120, more of these procedures can be moved to the client device 110.

Fig. 4 illustrates a 'respond to risk' process, indicated by general refer-

ence character 400, that is configured to adjust the cost of the financial product be-

tween the components of the financial product for the insured. The 'respond to risk'

process 400 is invoked by the 'respond to risk' procedure 329 and initiates at a 'start'

terminal 401. The 'respond to risk' process 400 then continues to a 'risk change' deci-

sion procedure 403 that determines whether the current insured-against risk has suffi-

ciently changed from the existing insured-against risk retrieved from the database 121.

If the insured-against risk has not sufficiently changed, the 'respond to risk' process

400 completes through an 'end' terminal 405. Otherwise, the 'respond to risk' process

400 continues to an 'allocate benefits' procedure 407 that reallocates the cost to the insured between the components of the financial product to correspond to the new in-

sured-against risk. Where the insured-against risk is reduced, the new allocation re-

wards the insured. However, if the insured-against risk has increased, the insured is

penalized. Next, an 'inform' procedure 409 generates information that will be pro-

vided to the insured and/or the caregiver either using postal mail or as information

provided to the insured by the 'present feedback information' procedure 335. This

procedure also provides the new allocations to an accounting database and/or the pay-

out system for the financial product. Next, the 'respond to risk' process 400 completes

through the 'end' terminal 405.

In a financial product that has at least two components (such as a long-

term care component and a life insurance component) the 'allocate benefits' procedure

407 determines a cost for the long term care component and allocates a first payment

to that component of the financial product. The 'allocate benefits' procedure 407 then

allocates a second payment to the life insurance component of the financial product, to

an annuity, or to another benefit for the insured (such as a refund). The second pay-

ment is a function of the first payment. This payment allocation is structured to pro-

vide an incentive to the insured to conform to the currently suggested medical

regimen.

Fig. 5 illustrates a 'determine feedback information' process, indicated

by general reference character 500, used to assemble the feedback information. The 'determine feedback information' process 500 is invoked by the 'determine feedback

information' procedure 331 and initiates at a 'start' terminal 501. A 'correlate regimen

with risk factors' procedure 503 uses the risk factors determined by the 'reassess risk'

procedure 327 to select one or more medical regimens that can be provided to the in-

sured. An 'evaluate regimen history' procedure 505 then uses the history of medical

regimens suggested to the insured and stored on the database 121 to determine the pre-

ferred selection of medical regimens. Then a 'modify regimen' procedure 507 modi-

fies the existing medical regimen if the existing medical regimen is different from the

preferred medical regimen. The 'modify regimen' procedure 507 may change the data

collection protocol used by the client device 110. These procedures 503, 505, and 507

are all dynamic in that they use historical information collected from the insured and

are responsive to the progressive nature of the information collected about the insured.

This is particularly important for those having a progressive condition or degenerative

disease (for example, diabetes, and CHD).

Next, a 'select feedback language' procedure 509 selects the language

used to present the feedback information to the insured. Often, the selected language

is a natural language such as English. However, the 'select feedback language' proce-

dure 509 can also control how much technical jargon is to be included. Thus, the lan-

guage can be customized for the educational and experience level of the insured and/or

the caregiver. A 'prepare feedback information' procedure 511 assembles the feed- back information including the suggested medical regimens coded for the language of

the insured. The 'determine feedback information' process 500 completes through an

'end' terminal 513.

The 'correlate regimen with risk factors' procedure 503 evaluates the

risk factors, the insured's progression and the information gathered from the insured to

identify medical regimens best suited to gather additional information from the insured

or to help the insured to reduce the insured-against risk. One embodiment of the in-

vention uses Bayesian statistical techniques to perform this correlation.

Alternative Embodiments

Although preferred embodiments are disclosed herein, many variations

are possible which remain within the concept, scope, and spirit of the invention, and

these variations would become clear to those skilled in the art after perusal of this ap-

plication.

Claims

What is claimed is:

A method including steps of:

dynamically determining an insured-against risk associated with an in-

sured;

providing feedback information to said insured responsive to said in-

sured-against risk; and

providing an incentive to said insured to reduce said insured-against risk.

2. The computer controlled method of claim 1 wherein the step of providing an

incentive further includes steps of:

dynamically determining a cost for a first component of a financial prod-

uct responsive to said insured-against risk;

allocating a first payment to said first component in response to said

cost; and

allocating a second payment, responsive to said first payment, to a sec-

ond component of said financial product;

whereby said first component and second component have different values to

said insured.

3. The computer controlled method of claim 1 wherein the step of dynamically

determining further includes steps of:

determining one or more risk factors associated with said insured at a

plurality of times; and

re-determining said insured-against risk associated with said insured re-

sponsive to the step of determining one or more risk factors.

. The computer controlled method of claim 3 wherein the step of determining

one or more risk factors further includes steps of:

gathering, at a client device, medical information for said insured at said

plurality of times;

sending said medical information from said client device to a server de-

vice remote from said insured; and

comparing, at said server device, said medical information with a risk-

assessment model.

5. The computer controlled method of claim 3 wherein the step¹ of providing

feedback information further includes steps of:

associating, at said server device, a medical regimen with at least one of

said one or more risk factors;

sending said medical regimen from said server device to said client de-

vice; and

presenting said medical regimen at said client device.

An apparatus including:

a client-server system having a client device and having a server device that

is logically remote from an insured;

wherein said client device is configured for collecting medical information

regarding said insured and for sending said medical information to said

server device;

wherein said server device is configured to dynamically assess a risk value

associated with said insured in response to said medical information, and to

allocate an incentive responsive to said risk value;

whereby said incentive is responsive to said medical information regarding

said insured.

. A financial product including:

a first component having a cost responsive to a dynamic assessment of

risk associated with an insured, said first component having a first benefit as-

sociated with said insured; and

a second component having a second benefit associated with said in-

sured, said second benefit responsive to said cost;

whereby changes in said dynamic assessment of risk determine a relative al-

location of said first benefit and said second benefit.

8. The financial product of claim 7 wherein the first component includes a long-

term care policy having a long-term care benefit.

9. The financial product of claim 7 wherein the second component includes a

life insurance policy having a life insurance benefit.

0. A method including:

providing a financial product that includes a first component and a sec-

ond component, said first component having a cost responsive to a dynamic

assessment of risk associated with an insured, said first component having a

first benefit associated with said insured, said second component having a

second benefit associated with said insured, said second benefit responsive to

said cost;

obtaining medical information about said insured;

determining said dynamic assessment of risk using said information; and

changing said first benefit and said second benefit responsive to said dy-

namic assessment of risk.

11. The method of claim 10 wherein the first component includes a long-term

care policy having a long-term care benefit.

12. The method of claim 10 wherein the second component includes a life insur-

ance policy having a life insurance benefit.