Abstract:
Changes in pension regulation since 1974 have coincided with changes in pension coverage, plan choice, funding status, and pension contributions. This paper examines the effects of regulation and other factors on these items. The main contribution is a new set of estimates of the determinants of pension contributions. Regressions using a new, comprehensive measure of private pension contributions indicate that the Employee Retirement Income Security Act raised contributions and the 1987 full funding limitations reduced contributions. In each case, the regulatory change accounts for a sizable share of the actual change in contributions. Copyright 1994 by Ohio State University Press.