Rethinking Social Insurance

60 Pages Posted: 18 May 2005 Last revised: 29 Sep 2022

See all articles by Martin S. Feldstein

Martin S. Feldstein

National Bureau of Economic Research (NBER) (deceased); Harvard University (deceased)

Date Written: April 2005

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.

Suggested Citation

Feldstein, Martin S., Rethinking Social Insurance (April 2005). NBER Working Paper No. w11250, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=697175

Martin S. Feldstein (Contact Author)

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