Crowd-out, Adverse Selection and Information in Annuity Markets: Evidence from a New Retrospective Data Set in Chile
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Abstract
Annuitization is often considered a socially desirable payout mode from pension plans, because it provides a lifelong income stream and therefore ensures that retirees will not run out of money. However, annuitization is rare in most countries. This project examines workers’ choices during the payout stage in Chile, the only country that has had mandatory personal accounts long enough to have had substantial experience with payouts. Upon retirement, workers in Chile have limited options for payouts: they must either annuitize or take gradual withdrawal. Two-thirds have annuitized. We expect that retirees are less likely to annuitize if their accumulation finances a pension in the vicinity of the minimum pension, whose value is guaranteed by the state. In that case, publiclyfinanced longevity insurance is likely to crowd out private annuity insurance. We expect that retirees with health problems are also less likely to annuitize, possibly leading to adverse selection. Finally, we expect that individuals with greater risk aversion, smaller time preference and better knowledge about the system are more likely to annuitize. A new retrospective data set from Chile yields evidence that is broadly consistent with these hypotheses.
Key Findings
- Workers in Chile must either annuitize their personal retirement accounts or take gradual withdrawal. Two-thirds annuitize.
- There is evidence that this publicly financed annuity crowds out private annuity insurance.
- Retirees with health problems are less likely to annuitze, leading to adverse selection.
- Those with greater risk aversion, smaller time preference, and better knowledge about the system are more likely to annuitize.
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Paper ID
WP 2006-147Publication Type
Working Paper