New Update: Healthcare Costs Increasing by Over 60% in Some States. Will you be impacted?

Charting the Course: How Frontier Communications Employees Can Navigate the New Senior Tax Deduction

Healthcare Provider Update: Healthcare Provider for Frontier Communications Frontier Communications typically partners with large insurance companies for their employee healthcare plans. As of 2025, the primary provider for Frontier Communications is UnitedHealth Group, which offers a variety of health insurance plans catering to the organization's workforce. Potential Healthcare Cost Increases in 2026 In 2026, health insurance premiums are projected to soar, with many states experiencing increases that could exceed 60%. The combination of rising medical costs and the potential expiration of enhanced federal premium subsidies is expected to drastically impact consumers. Specifically, over 22 million individuals enrolled in Affordable Care Act (ACA) marketplace plans may see their out-of-pocket premiums rise by more than 75%. As insurers like UnitedHealthcare and Anthem announce substantial rate hikes, the financial strain could leave many families facing unaffordable coverage options, further complicating access to necessary healthcare services. Click here to learn more

“Frontier Communications employees who leverage strategic income coordination and Roth conversion timing can fully benefit from the 2025 senior bonus deduction and increased standard deductions—though they should consult a tax advisor for individualized guidance.” – Patrick Ray, a representative of The Retirement Group, a division of Wealth Enhancement.

“By modeling various income scenarios—balancing part-time earnings with Roth conversions and RMD timing—Frontier Communications employees can optimize their benefit from the four-year senior bonus deduction window.” – Michael Corgiat, a representative of The Retirement Group, a division of Wealth Enhancement.

In this article we will discuss:

The new four-year “senior bonus” deduction and increased standard deduction.
Tax exclusions for part-time employment and strategic income coordination.
Roth conversion timing and RMD considerations to optimize MAGI.

President Donald Trump’s 2025 Tax Law

President Donald Trump signed a historic tax policy into law on July 4 that takes effect in 2025, providing taxpayers age 65 and older with a significant planning opportunity. Instead of fully exempting Social Security benefits from taxes, the law preserves existing rules while introducing a temporary, increased standard deduction to lower seniors’ taxable income.

New Senior Bonus Deduction

Frontier Communications employees who qualify can claim a $6,000 “senior bonus” deduction for each eligible individual through the 2028 tax year, provided their modified adjusted gross income (MAGI) stays within specified limits.

Increased Income and Deduction Caps

Single filers with a MAGI up to $75,000 can claim the full $6,000 bonus deduction; the benefit phases out entirely once MAGI reaches $175,000. Married couples filing jointly may each deduct $6,000 if their combined MAGI is under $150,000, with the deduction phasing out by $250,000. ¹ Wealth Enhancement financial advisor Tyson Mavar notes, “This is a meaningful opportunity.” Every dollar of tax reduction directly strengthens retirement assets for those on fixed incomes.

Increases in Standard Deduction

Beginning in 2025, the basic standard deduction rises to $15,750 for single returns and $31,500 for joint returns, ² in addition to any senior bonus deduction. Retirees age 65+ already receive age-based increases—$2,000 for single filers and $3,200 for married couples. As a result, a married couple under the income threshold could deduct up to $46,700 before any itemized deductions.

Exclusions from Taxes for Part-Time Employment

The legislation also provides sector-specific limits for hourly and tipped workers. Certain service roles may exclude up to $25,000 in tip income and $12,500 in overtime pay from taxable income. Retirees who continue part-time work in service or hospitality may find this particularly transformative, as Tyson Mavar suggests, since it allows additional earnings without jeopardizing deduction eligibility.

Considerations for Roth Conversion

While converting traditional IRA assets to a Roth IRA can yield long-term benefits, it increases taxable income in the conversion year. Frontier Communications retirees may inadvertently exceed MAGI limits, negating the $6,000 deduction. Patrick Ray, a financial advisor with Wealth Enhancement, suggests carefully structuring any Roth conversions to avoid exceeding limits, or potentially postponing the conversion until after the senior bonus phases out in 2028.

Required Minimum Distributions with Roth Accounts

RMDs from traditional IRAs begin at age 73 and fully count as taxable income, raising AGI. In contrast, Roth IRA withdrawals are tax-free and have no distribution mandate. Brent Wolf at Wealth Enhancement emphasizes that “the tax-free feature is crucial” for supporting flexible income planning through Roth accounts.

Management of Strategic Income

Coordinating revenue sources is essential to leverage this four-year window. Frontier Communications employees might ask, “Can we adjust withdrawals and earnings to keep MAGI below the cutoff and capture substantial tax reductions?” as Mavar frames it.

Next Actions

Frontier Communications retirees should forecast income streams—including earned income, Social Security, IRA distributions, pensions, and Roth conversion schedules—and model scenarios to identify optimal withdrawal ranges and part-time earnings. Engaging tax and wealth planning specialists helps confirm that plans are in place when the law takes effect.

The Bigger Picture

At a time when living costs may be rising, this four-year boost to the standard deduction offers a rare chance to lower tax bills. Over 2025–2028, disciplined planning—balancing MAGI against new thresholds, leveraging tip-income exclusions, and judicious Roth use—could yield tens of thousands in savings for those prepared to chart their course.

Personalized Guidance

Frontier Communications employees seeking tailored strategies should consult advisors at Wealth Enhancement today to craft a retirement plan optimized for the enhanced deduction and broader tax changes.

Managing Medicare Surcharges

The same MAGI limits for the senior bonus also apply to Medicare premium surcharges. For instance, a single filer whose MAGI exceeds $106,000 by just $1 may face IRMAA penalties that add over $1,000 to annual Part B and Part D premiums.

In Summary

Examine the 2025 tax law’s retirement-planning options—including the $6,000 bonus deduction, higher standard deductions, MAGI thresholds, Roth timing, and tip-income exclusions—to optimize after-tax income through 2028.

Analogy

Navigating this new tax landscape is like steering a sailboat through a series of canal locks: you must time your income withdrawals and Roth conversions precisely to avoid rising water levels (MAGI phase-outs and Medicare surcharges), harness every current (the enhanced deductions and higher standard deduction) for forward motion, and explore side channels (tip-income and overtime exclusions) to gain extra distance. By keeping that careful course, Frontier Communications employees can sail smoothly through 2025–2028 with optimal savings.

Featured Video

Articles you may find interesting:

p data-start='4780' data-end='4932' data-is-last-node='' data-is-only-node=''> Sources:

1. Tax Foundation. “ How Does the Additional Senior Deduction Compare to No Tax on Social Security? ,” by Alex Durante, 4 July 2025.

2. Bipartisan Policy Center. “ The 2025 Tax Bill: Additional $6,000 Deduction for Seniors, Simplified. ” by Emerson Sprick, 12 June 2025.

3. CBS News. “ Does the ‘Big, Beautiful Bill’ Eliminate Taxes on Social Security? ” by Mary Cunningham, 9 July 2025.

How does Frontier Communications Corporation determine the eligibility and participation criteria for employees in the pension plan? What are the key components that employees should be aware of in terms of service hours and years of service that can impact their pension benefits?

Frontier Communications Corporation determines pension plan eligibility based on employees' transfer from Verizon, crediting prior service under the Verizon Pension Plan to the Frontier Plan. Employees must meet the eligibility and service requirements, including hours of service and years of service, which are integral to calculating accrued benefits. The pension plan specifies that employees' service prior to the transition is recognized for determining their benefits under the Frontier plan(Frontier_Communications…).

In what ways does Frontier Communications Corporation ensure that employees transitioning from Verizon retain their accrued benefits under the new pension plan? Can you elaborate on how prior service will be accounted for under the Frontier Plan and any potential challenges that may arise in this process?

Employees transitioning from Verizon to Frontier retain their accrued benefits, with prior service credited under the Frontier Pension Plan. This is facilitated by a "Mirror Plan," which ensures that benefits under Verizon’s plan are transferred without reduction. Prior service is critical to the calculation of benefits and will continue under the Frontier Plan. However, challenges may arise regarding understanding the precise terms of service credits post-transition(Frontier_Communications…).

How does the merger of the Verizon pension plans with the Frontier Communications Corporation Pension Plan affect employeesâ€™ future benefits? What measures are put in place to ensure that Former Verizon employees receive benefits that are at least as favorable as those they previously had?

The merger of Verizon pension plans into the Frontier Communications Pension Plan guarantees that former Verizon employees receive benefits that are at least as favorable as those they had under the Verizon plan. The benefits accrued under Verizon are preserved, and future benefits are determined similarly, subject to Frontier’s amendments(Frontier_Communications…).

What resources are available for Frontier Communications Corporation employees to access more detailed information regarding their pension plan benefits? How might these resources assist in understanding the changes post-merger with Verizon?

Frontier provides detailed pension information through resources such as the Milliman Benefits Service Center. Employees can access these resources to better understand the impacts of the merger and ensure their benefits remain intact. The Summary Plan Description (SPD) and Summary of Material Modifications (SMM) provide employees with comprehensive updates post-merger(Frontier_Communications…).

Can you explain the process and implications for employees at Frontier Communications Corporation if they decide to appeal a denied pension claim? What steps must they take, and how does the appeals process ensure compliance with ERISA regulations?

If an employee’s pension claim is denied, they may appeal by submitting a written claim to the Plan Administrator, with additional documentation if requested. The appeals process ensures compliance with ERISA regulations, offering employees multiple review stages to reconsider denied claims(Frontier_Communications…).

How does Frontier Communications Corporation communicate updates to its pension plan practices to employees? Are there specific intervals or methods by which changes are shared, and how can employees keep abreast of these changes?

Frontier communicates pension plan updates to employees through various channels, including formal documents like the SMM and SPD. Updates are typically distributed periodically, with critical changes communicated as needed. Employees should regularly check for updates to stay informed(Frontier_Communications…).

In the context of financial planning for retirement, how do past benefits from the Verizon pension plans get integrated into the existing Frontier Communications Corporation pension framework? What advice can be given to employees regarding their financial health as they approach retirement?

Past benefits from the Verizon pension plan are integrated into Frontier’s pension framework through the transfer of assets and liabilities. Employees should review their benefit statements and consult financial planning resources to ensure a smooth transition and optimize their retirement strategy(Frontier_Communications…).

What roles do the Milliman Benefits Service Center and the Claims Review Committee play in supporting the employees of Frontier Communications Corporation regarding their pension claims? How can employees engage with these entities for assistance?

The Milliman Benefits Service Center supports employees with pension inquiries, while the Claims Review Committee handles appeals. Employees can contact Milliman for questions and submit appeals to the Claims Review Committee if disputes arise over benefits(Frontier_Communications…).

As an employee of Frontier Communications Corporation, what should be understood about the standard forms of pension payments available at retirement? How do these options impact the total benefits an employee may receive over time?

Frontier employees should understand the available pension payment options, including annuities and lump-sum distributions. These options affect the total amount received, and employees should consider their long-term financial needs when selecting a payment method(Frontier_Communications…).

How can employees contact Frontier Communications Corporation for more information about their pension plan? What are the best practices for reaching out and ensuring that their inquiries are handled efficiently?

Employees can contact Frontier regarding pension plans through the Milliman Benefits Service Center by phone or via their online portal. It is recommended to prepare inquiries with relevant documentation to ensure efficient handling(Frontier_Communications…).

With the current political climate we are in it is important to keep up with current news and remain knowledgeable about your benefits.

Frontier Communications offers both a pension plan and a 401(k) savings plan for its employees. The Frontier Communications Pension Plan is designed for veteran employees, particularly those in bargaining units, and is structured to provide retirement benefits based on years of service and compensation. Employees must generally have completed five years of service to become vested. The pension formula involves a standard calculation of a fixed amount per year of service. Frontier allows eligible participants to elect a full lump sum if they retire after March 1, 2022, due to the plan’s improved funded status of 91% as of February 2022 (CWA 1298). In addition to the pension, Frontier offers the Frontier Communications 401(k) Savings Plan, which is available to all employees, with specific vesting and matching rules. The company uses Fidelity to manage this plan and offers a match of up to 6% of the employee’s contributions (CWA 1298). Matching contributions are subject to a vesting schedule that requires several years of employment before the company contributions are fully vested. Employees can contribute on a pre-tax or post-tax basis, depending on their financial strategy.

Restructuring and Layoffs: Frontier Communications has undergone significant restructuring efforts, including layoffs as part of its strategy to streamline operations and reduce costs. In recent reports from 2023-2024, the company has been focusing on reducing its workforce to improve efficiency and focus on core business areas. This restructuring is crucial to understand given the current economic climate, where companies are reassessing their operations to stay competitive. The economic environment and evolving market demands are driving such changes, and it’s important for stakeholders to stay informed about these developments. Benefit and Pension Changes: Frontier has also made adjustments to its employee benefits and pension plans. Recent changes include alterations to retirement benefits and 401(k) contributions as part of its broader cost-cutting measures. These changes reflect broader trends in the industry where companies are re-evaluating their benefit structures in response to economic pressures and shifting regulatory environments. Keeping up with these changes is essential for employees and investors alike, given the current tax and political landscape that influences corporate benefit strategies.

Frontier Communications typically offers stock options to executives and senior management. These options grant employees the right to purchase Frontier Communications' stock at a predetermined price within a specified period. The company usually sets performance targets that must be met for options to vest. RSUs: Frontier Communications provides RSUs to various levels of employees, including senior management and other key contributors. RSUs are granted with specific vesting schedules, often based on tenure or performance milestones. The vesting of RSUs is generally linked to continued employment with the company. Specific Information by Year

Frontier Communications Health Benefits 1. Official Company Website: Frontier Communications Careers: Health benefits are listed on their career page, providing information about the types of insurance, eligibility, and plan details. Company Newsroom: Check for any press releases or news related to changes in health benefits or employee healthcare initiatives. 2. Employee Review Websites: Glassdoor: Employee reviews often include information about health benefits and satisfaction with healthcare coverage. Indeed: Look for company reviews and benefits summaries from current or former employees. 3. Benefits Review Websites: Payscale: Provides detailed reports on employee compensation and benefits, including health insurance. Comparably: Offers insights into company benefits, including health insurance plans and employee satisfaction. 4. News Outlets: Business Insider: Check for any articles or news reports related to changes in employee benefits at Frontier Communications. Reuters: Look for any updates or news stories related to employee health benefits. 5. Industry and Financial News: Forbes: Search for any relevant articles discussing health benefits changes or company policies affecting employees. Bloomberg: Look for reports on Frontier Communications’ employee benefits and any associated financial impacts.