Employee Benefits: Effect of Bankruptcy on Retiree Health Benefits

Pursuant to a congressional request, GAO provided information on the effect of employer bankruptcy on retiree health benefits, focusing on: (1) selected bankrupt companies' continued provision of health benefits to their retirees; (2) the extent to which legislation has helped protect retiree health benefits; and (3) effects of bankruptcy on active workers and retirees in company health plans when the companies have assumed the risk of paying health claims directly rather than purchasing insurance.