Kingson E R
Graduate School of Social Work, Boston College, Chestnut Hill, MA 02167.
Gerontologist. 1994 Dec;34(6):736-42. doi: 10.1093/geront/34.6.736.
This article explores the relationship between recent policy reforms, targeting proposals, and a universal Social Security program. It explores principles that inform Social Security, concluding that treating benefits as taxable income and raising the "normal" retirement age push at the boundaries of universality without violating the fundamental precepts of a social insurance program. Universal eligibility to Social Security is assessed as an essential feature of a public pension program and especially beneficial to low- and moderate-income populations. Introduction of a means test is assessed as potentially undermining political support for the program, the economic well-being of low-income elders, and retirement savings efforts. Greater targeting of benefits and financing is possible within the context of the existing Social Security program. Further targeting in Social Security and improvements in selective programs such as SSI do not contradict and may enhance a public retirement income strategy which is built upon social insurance principles.
本文探讨了近期政策改革、针对性提议与普遍社会保障计划之间的关系。它探讨了为社会保障提供指导的原则，得出结论认为，将福利视为应纳税收入并提高“正常”退休年龄，在不违反社会保险计划基本准则的情况下，对普遍性构成了挑战。社会保障的普遍资格被视为公共养老金计划的一个基本特征，对低收入和中等收入人群尤其有益。引入经济状况调查被认为可能会削弱对该计划的政治支持、损害低收入老年人的经济福祉以及退休储蓄努力。在现有社会保障计划的框架内，进一步实现福利和融资的针对性是可行的。在社会保障方面进一步实现针对性以及改进诸如补充保障收入（SSI）等选择性计划，并不矛盾，反而可能会加强基于社会保险原则的公共退休收入战略。
