Issue Briefs

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

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

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

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

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

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

A key element being discussed as part of health reform—the creation of a health insurance exchange that would offer new forms of insurance pooling, combined with an individual mandate and guaranteed issue—would restructure the health insurance market and has major implications for the existing employment-based benefits system that provides the majority of Americans with health coverage, according to a new study by EBRI. EBRI Issue Brief Jun 9, 2009 24 pages

A new EBRI study of target-date fund investments explores whether plan demographic characteristics would affect individual participant contribution rates and target-date fund investments for participants in relation to plan demographics by considering target replacement income and its success rate. EBRI Issue Brief May 28, 2009 44 pages

Many Americans support the use of lower cost sharing as an incentive to change the way individuals use the health care system in order to reduce costs, according to survey data published today by EBRI. Press release EBRI Notes May 5, 2009 24 pages

The recession has cast a pall over the retirement expectations of the vast majority of Americans, leaving a record-low 13 percent this year able to say they are very confident of having enough money to live comfortably in retirement, according to the 19th Annual Retirement Confidence Survey (RCS) released today by EBRI. Among workers, those feeling very confident about retirement has tumbled by one-half in the last two years. EBRI Issue Brief Apr 14, 2009 24 pages