October 2008 - EBRI Notes "The 2008 Health Confidence Survey: Rising Costs Continue to Change the Way Americans Use the Health Care System," Americans continued to be battered by rising health care costs this year, with more than half of those with health insurance reporting they experienced higher costs. Some said the increases adversely affected their household finances and some said the U.S. health care system is so flawed that it should be completely overhauled, according to the 2008 Health Confidence Survey (HCS). Press release

EBRI Testimony, EBRI Research Director Jack VanDerhei testifies at today's hearing (Oct. 7) by the House Education and Labor Committee on "The Impact of the Financial Crisis on Workers' Retirement Security."  VanDerhei testimony   Education and Labor Committee Hearing Web site

September 2008 - EBRI Notes "'IRA Assets and Contributions, 2007,' and 'Domestic Partner Benefits: Facts and Background'," IRAs: More retirement assets are held in individual retirement accounts than any other vehicle, totaling $4.75 trillion at year-end 2007. Domestic Partner Benefits: This article updates previous research by EBRI providing information on why employers offer domestic partner health benefits, legal issues involved, recent developments, and current data. Press release

September 2008 - EBRI Issue Brief "Sources of Health Insurance and Characteristics of the Uninsured: Analysis of the March 2008 Current Population Survey," The percentage of the nonelderly population (under age 65) with health insurance coverage increased to 82.8 percent in 2007. While the percentage of the nonelderly population with employment-based health benefits was unchanged between 2006 and 2007, and the percentage with public coverage increased, resulting in a decrease in the uninsured, this should not be viewed as an indicator of things to come in 2008. Press release