Issue Briefs

“Debt of the Elderly and Near Elderly, 1992–2007,” and “The Relationship Between Union Status and Employment-Based Health Benefits”

Debt levels of those in or near retirement age are heading up: Among elderly families—and especially among the lower-income elderly—housing debt in particular is rising, according to a new study by EBRI. For some age groups, a significant percentage has debt levels beyond the threshold considered problematic. Press release EBRI Notes Oct 8, 2009 24 pages

401(k) Plan Asset Allocation, Account Balances, and Loan Activity in 2008

American workers who held 401(k) accounts consistently from 2003 through 2008 suffered a 24.3 percent average drop in their account balance during 2008’s bear market, according to a report released today by the Employee Benefit Research Institute (EBRI) and the Investment Company Institute (ICI). These consistent participants saw their average account balances increase at an annual rate of 7.2 percent over five years, even after the 2008 losses, according to the study. The account balances include ongoing worker contributions, employer contributions, and investment gains and losses. Press release EBRI Issue Brief Oct 6, 2009 68 pages

Sources of Health Insurance and Characteristics of the Uninsured: Analysis of the March 2009 Current Population Survey

Although employment-based health insurance remains the most common form of health insurance coverage in the United States, the most recent data show it continues to slowly erode—and current trends indicate it will continue doing so, according a new analysis by EBRI. Press release EBRI Issue Brief Sep 21, 2009 36 pages

‘Trends in Satisfaction and Confidence in Health Care, by Insurance and Health Status: Findings from the 2009 EBRI/MGA Health Confidence Survey,’ and ‘Social Security Reform: How Different Options Might Affect Future Funding’

Uninsured Americans are more likely than individuals with insurance coverage to be dissatisfied with the quality of health care received and they are less confident in various aspects of health care, according to a study published by EBRI. The gap in satisfaction and confidence has also grown over time. Similar differences in satisfaction and confidence are found by health status. Press release

EBRI Notes Sep 9, 2009 20 pages

Individual Account Retirement Plans: An Analysis of the 2007 Survey of Consumer Finances, With Market Adjustments to June 2009

Median asset levels in defined contribution (401(k)) and IRA/Keogh plans dropped at least 15 percent from year-end 2007 to mid-June 2009, reflecting the significant downturn in the economy, according to an analysis of Federal Reserve data published today by the nonpartisan Employee Benefit Research Institute (EBRI). Press release EBRI Issue Brief Aug 4, 2009 36 pages

‘Health Insurance Coverage of Individuals Ages 55–64, 1994–2007’ and ‘The Basics of Social Security, Updated With the 2009 Board of Trustees Report’

Adults ages 55–64 were one of two groups—the other was children—most likely to have health insurance coverage in 2007, according to a study of the older age group released today by EBRI. Press release EBRI Notes Aug 1, 2009 16 pages

What Does Consistent Participation in 401(k) Plans Generate?

This Issue Brief presents recently available longitudinal data from the EBRI/ICI 401(k) database on consistent participation in a 401(k) plan, through year-end 2007. Looking at consistent participants in the EBRI/ICI 401(k) database over the eight-year period from 1999 to 2007, the average 401(k) account balance increased at an annual growth rate of 9.5 percent over the period, to $137,430 at year-end 2007. The median 401(k) account balance (half above, half below) increased at an annual growth rate of 15.2 percent over the period, to $76,946 at year-end 2007. Data for 2008 are currently being analyzed and are expected to be published later this year. EBRI Issue Brief Jul 14, 2009 16 pages

‘More Detail on Lump-Sum Distributions of Workers Who Have Left a Job, 2006,’ and ‘The Basics of Medicare, Updated With the 2009 Board of Trustees Report’

This article examines workers’ decisions to a take a lump-sum distribution—a one-time payment—from an employment-based retirement plan when changing jobs, while remaining in the labor force. It builds on earlier, top-line data from the 2004 Survey of Income and Program Participation (SIPP). This study provides estimates of the percentage of workers changing jobs and leaving their assets in their former employers’ plan, compares the standard of living of individuals age 55 or older with that of their early 50s, and assesses how the current near-elderly and elderly have fared after making a lump-sum decision. Press release EBRI Notes Jul 7, 2009 20 pages

The 2009 Health Confidence Survey: Public Opinion on Health Reform Varies; Strong Support for Insurance Market Reform and Public Plan Option, Mixed Response to Tax Cap

As Congress prepares to debate a major overhaul of the nation’s health care system, Americans already have formed opinions in support of several proposals to expand coverage that have been part of the preliminary discussion, according to the 12th annual Health Confidence Survey. But attitudes could change as the public learns more about the details. EBRI Issue Brief Jul 1, 2009 20 pages

“Savings Needed for Health Expenses in Retirement: An Examination of Persons Ages 55 and 65 in 2009,” and “Many 401(k) Sponsors Suspending Matching Contributions Also Funding Defined Benefit Pension Plans”

EBRI has published a newly updated set of estimates of the amount of money individuals and couples will need to cover certain health care expenses in retirement. The new estimates attempt to provide current information to allow men, women, and couples deal with the financial consequences of longevity and investment risk, as well as the various types of medical care coverage available when they reach age 65. Press release EBRI Notes Jun 10, 2009 20 pages