Description: This article is a review of the 1981 book ‘The Coming Revolution in Social Security,’ by A. Haeworth Robinson. The reviewer notes that the author believes there is ‘dangerous lack of information about the current program,’ but that understanding will bring demand for radical changes. An important question asked by the book is whether, due to the changes in our society and economy since the original program was instituted, and probable future changes, the system needs to be fundamentally different and more flexible.

Description: Feature article discussing the National Academy of Social Insurance NASI, its 2011 Annual Conference, and in particular the session on Social Security Reform.

Description: Feature article listing the papers on international social security systems from the 29th Congress of the International Actuarial Association in Cape Town in March 2010

Description: In this article, the author suggests that Social Security funds could earn better returns if some of the assets were invested in index funds weighted by the market capitalization. Index funds retain the risk and reward of the diversified market as a whole and eliminate the greater risk/reward of investing in a single issue or market segment. They offer a simple way to focus on asset mix where so much of the risk can be managed.

Description: Feature article describing the benefits of the state of Wisconsin's variable benefit plan.

Description: Article describing two actuarial notes released by the Social Security Administration in 1967 clarifying changes to primary insurance amounts and family benefits.

Description: This article presents a view of health care as an economic system, suggests a framework for classifying current criticisms of the system, and offers references for further reading.

Description: A review of the latest of a series of reports from Statistics Canada, covering data from various Canadian social benefits programs for 1971-1977.

Description: This article discusses key excerpts from testimony in June and July 1981 by James R.Swenson, Chairman of the Academy’s Committee on Social Insurance, to the Senate Special Committee on Aging, and to the Senate Subcommittee on Social Security. The testimony recommended that the long term problems of Social Security be addressed at the same time as the short term imbalances, that benefits be adjusted to affordable levels e.g. gradual increase in retirement age, that more attention be paid to pessimistic actuarial projections, that the actuaries be given more latitude in selecting assumptions, and that the law be amended to require actuarial certifications for Social Security.

Description: Is the New CPI Different? Implications for Pension Plans by Todd Rutley from Pension Section News, June 1999, Issue No. 40.