8. [Mandated accounting changes, economic consequences; market reaction] Newsweek (January 11, 1993. p. 59) reported that a survey found that two-thirds of major corporations have curtailed retiree health plans or intend to in 1993 The article attributes the curta Iment of such bencfits to a change in the national accounting rules that, beginning this year, require companies to carry the cost of such ben- efits as liabilities on their balance sheets. Technically, the new rule is a hit only on paper. But critics say many com- panies are using it as an excuse to cut costs and renege on past promises to workers.