Watson Wyatt: Big Employers Shift To Retiree Medical Accounts

NU Online News Service, Nov. 18, 12:43 p.m. – More big employers are setting up retiree medical accounts, rather than traditional retiree medical plans, to help retirees pay for health coverage, according to a new study from Watson Wyatt & Company, Washington.

Researchers at the benefits consulting firm surveyed 56 large employers and found that 13% are using “RMAs” to fund retiree health benefits for new employees, and 7% will be using RMAs to fund health benefits for all retirees who qualify for health benefits in the future.