"Despite the substantial improvement in plan assets since the market crisis of 2008, however, certifications of plans' funded status for the 2011 plan year -- showing 60% of all plans to be in 'green' status -- likely overstate the extent of plans' financial health. This is due to the significant effect of PRA 2010 funding relief, which increased plans' funded percentages (e.g., by allowing plans to spread the recognition of asset losses over ten years) and delayed projected funding deficiencies (e.g., by extending certain amortization periods and reducing minimum required contributions).... Data available through November 2012 indicate that 52% of participants are in moderately or severely distressed plans (plans in endangered, seriously endangered, or critical status under PPA)[.]"  MORE >>