Is there adverse selection in the U.S. social security system?

TitleIs there adverse selection in the U.S. social security system?
Publication TypeJournal Article
Year of Publication2020
AuthorsBeauchamp, A, Wagner, M
JournalEconomics Letters
Pagination108995
ISSN Number0165-1765
KeywordsAdverse selection, Optimal policy, Social Security
Abstract

Despite facing some of the same challenges as private insurance markets, little is known about the role of adverse selection in Old-Age Social Security. Using data from the Health and Retirement Study, we perform the unused observables version of the positive correlation test, and find robust evidence that people who expect to live shorter lives both choose smaller annuities - by claiming benefits early - and are less costly to insure, implying adverse selection in the system. Results are consistent when using either subjective expectations or observed longevity. Decomposing the sources of adverse selection we find that health, demographics, occupation and financial information together account for much of the positive correlation between mortality and claiming. IV estimates help to rule out moral hazard.

URLhttp://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0165176520300318
DOI10.1016/j.econlet.2020.108995
Citation KeyBEAUCHAMP2020108995