New evidence on the efficacy of state-based retirement programs: The case of OregonSaves

A-Tier
Journal: Journal of Public Economics
Year: 2025
Volume: 246
Issue: C

Authors (4)

Score contribution per author:

1.005 = (α=2.01 / 4 authors) × 2.0x A-tier

α: calibrated so average coauthorship-adjusted count equals average raw count

Abstract

Seventeen US states have mandated employers to facilitate auto-enrollment retirement saving for workers lacking access to employer-sponsored plans, and proposed federal legislation seeks to extend these plans to the national level. This paper examines the experience with OregonSaves, the country’s longest-running plan, documenting that the program did prompt some participant savings. Median account balances were about $600 by mid-2023, but opt-out rates were above 50%, especially for the low-paid. Repeated exposure to the plan slightly reduced opt-outs, though withdrawals remained common. While modest savings accrued for many, it remains unclear whether these accounts will grow large enough to significantly increase retirement consumption.

Technical Details

RePEc Handle
repec:eee:pubeco:v:246:y:2025:i:c:s0047272725000775
Journal Field
Public
Author Count
4
Added to Database
2026-01-26