Working Paper: NBER ID: w11250
Authors: Martin Feldstein
Abstract: This paper begins by discussing the nature of and rationale for social insurance programs. I then consider three political principles and four economic principles that could guide the design and reform of social insurance programs. These ideas are then applied to unemployment insurance, Social Security pensions, health insurance and Medicare. A common theme is the advantage of incorporating investment based personal accounts in each of these programs.
Keywords: No keywords provided
JEL Codes: H5
Edges that are evidenced by causal inference methods are in orange, and the rest are in light blue.
| Cause | Effect |
|---|---|
| unemployment insurance (J65) | unemployment rate (J64) |
| higher unemployment benefits (J65) | longer unemployment spells (J65) |
| social security benefits structure (H55) | savings behavior (D14) |
| social insurance programs (H55) | income distribution outcomes (D31) |