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An economic analysis of proposals to improve coverage of longevity risk

Author

Listed:
  • David Boisclair
  • Jean-Yves Duclos
  • Steeve Marchand
  • Pierre-Carl Michaud

Abstract

We use simulation methods to analyze the impacts of certain proposed reforms to improve the coverage of longevity risk. This risk, which may in principle be adequately covered by classic defined-benefit pension plans, has been of particular interest in Quebec for some years now, notably due to the decline in the participation to such plans. Recent proposals which aim to increase the coverage of longevity risk mostly deal with expansion of the “2nd pillar" of the retirement income system, currently comprised of the Quebec Pension Plan. We therefore consider a key proposal of the D’Amours committee (the longevity pension), in addition to two other proposals: that of Mintz and Wilson, which aims to increase the generosity of the current regime, and that of Wolfson, which introduces a concept of contribution and benefit rates differentiated by income. Using data from Statistics Canada surveys, we analyze the internal rate of return (IRR) of these proposals for various types of individuals taking into consideration inequality in life expectancy, temporal variability of income, and interactions with taxation and the different retirement income support programs. We contrast the results with those obtained when opting instead for additional contributions into existing voluntary savings vehicles combined with a basic annuity purchased at retirement.

Suggested Citation

  • David Boisclair & Jean-Yves Duclos & Steeve Marchand & Pierre-Carl Michaud, 2015. "An economic analysis of proposals to improve coverage of longevity risk," CIRANO Working Papers 2015s-09, CIRANO.
  • Handle: RePEc:cir:cirwor:2015s-09
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    longevity risk; retirement savings; inequality; life expectancy;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • I14 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Health - - - Health and Inequality
    • J18 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demographic Economics - - - Public Policy
    • J26 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demand and Supply of Labor - - - Retirement; Retirement Policies
    • J32 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Wages, Compensation, and Labor Costs - - - Nonwage Labor Costs and Benefits; Retirement Plans; Private Pensions

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