This paper considers whether long term care insurance (LTCI) should receive preferences under the tax code. The analysis in this paper supports the view that additional tax incentives should not be used to stimulate the sale of LTCI. First, funding for long term care should not automatically...

This paper analyzes the potential impact of two different modifications to the bankruptcy code, which might reduce foreclosures and help end the mortgage crisis. The first type of modification involving repeal or modification of the newly enacted bankruptcy means test is motivated by two recent...

This paper uses data from the 2001 and 2007 American Housing Surveys (AHS) and the 2004 Survey of Consumer Finances (SCF) to document and assess the impact of increased use of home equity lines and decreased private mortgage insurance (PMI) on mortgage markets. The data confirms that in the...

Current multi-pillar pension plans have adopted the same retirement age for the defined benefit (DB) and defined contribution (DC) components of the plan. This paper considers potential benefits obtainable from coordinating DB and DC benefits. The plan proposed here involves establishing an...

This paper evaluates the impact of three insurance policy parameters; the deductible, the coinsurance rate, and the out-of-pocket expense limit, on incentives for individuals to economize on health care spending, health plan costs, and household financial risk. High-deductible health plans are...

The Bankruptcy Abuse and Protection Act (BAPCPA) (2005) by making it more difficult and costly for marginal homeowners to utilize the bankruptcy code, restructure their debts, and maintain mortgage payments, increased foreclosures and the number of homes for sale. BAPCPA was intended to help...

The current economic environment is dominated by two major concerns: (1) a large increase in the number of homeowners with negative equity in their house, and (2) a large and sharp increase in the unemployment rate. Individuals with negative equity are often unable to sell their home, recoup the...

The debate over bankruptcy law is generally thought of as a conflict between the rights of debtors and creditors. However, the U.S. government is now providing direct financial aid to financial institutions and to homeowners. Several potential revisions to the bankruptcy code could help...

Many policy makers and economists support changes to the U.S. tax code to stimulate decreased reliance on employer sponsored insurance. However, the tax code is not the only law impacting the availability and price of group and non-group health insurance. Outcomes from a health care reform...