Milliman has released the results of its Fall 2017 Multiemployer Pension Funding Study, which analyzes the funded status of all multiemployer pension plans. As of June 30, 2017, these plans are nearing the healthiest they ve been since U.S. financial markets collapsed in 2008. In the first six months of 2017, the aggregate funding percentage for all multiemployer pensions climbed from 77% to 81%, reducing the system's shortfall by $21 billion—an improvement driven largely by favorable investment returns.



In aggregate, asset growth for multiemployer plans far outpaced assumptions for the first half of 2017. But that bears little weight for critical plans, which are hurt by their substantially lower asset bases. Despite the bull market, we re seeing the funding gap continue to widen between critical and noncritical plans.

While noncritical plans are nearing an aggregate funded percentage of 90%, the funding level for critical plans remains around 60%. Currently about a quarter of the plans tracked by Milliman's Multiemployer Study fall within critical levels, with some of the most troubled on track to rely on assistance from the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation (PBGC)—which itself is facing severe financial challenges. Comparatively, of the approximately 1,250 plans analyzed in the study, around 75% are considered noncritical.

To view the complete study, click here.

Also, to receive regular updates of Milliman's pension funding analysis, contact us here.