Healthcare Provider Update: Healthcare Provider for Huntington Ingalls Industries The healthcare provider for Huntington Ingalls Industries (HII) primarily focuses on providing employee health benefits through a mix of employer-sponsored insurance plans, as well as partnerships with other insurance carriers for comprehensive coverage options. HII is known for offering valuable benefits, helping ensure that their employees have access to necessary medical care. Specific healthcare providers might include major insurers that operate in the regions where HII has a presence, but details on the exact provider may vary based on the location and employee choices. Potential Healthcare Cost Increases in 2026 for Huntington Ingalls Industries As 2026 approaches, Huntington Ingalls Industries employees should prepare for significant healthcare cost increases, with some states projected to see premium hikes exceeding 60%. Factors contributing to these spikes include the expiration of enhanced federal subsidies from the Affordable Care Act (ACA), escalating medical costs, and heightened demand for healthcare services. Consequently, employees may find themselves shouldering a larger portion of healthcare expenses as companies like HII adapt their benefit structures to counterbalance rising costs, potentially resulting in out-of-pocket expenses increasing sharply next year. It is crucial for employees to familiarize themselves with upcoming benefit changes and strategically assess their healthcare plan options to mitigate the financial impact. Click here to learn more
'Huntington Ingalls Industries employees approaching retirement should recognize that the sequence of market returns in their early years can influence the longevity of their income far more than the average return itself, making disciplined withdrawal strategies and diversified income planning essential.' – Brent Wolf, a representative of The Retirement Group, a division of Wealth Enhancement.
'Huntington Ingalls Industries employees nearing retirement can benefit from understanding how market downturns early in retirement may have lasting effects, and from adopting flexible, research-based withdrawal and allocation strategies to help sustain their income over time.' – Paul Bergeron, a representative of The Retirement Group, a division of Wealth Enhancement.
In this article we will discuss:
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Historical examples of sequence-of-returns risk and their effects on retirement income.
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Why the first years of retirement are most critical for portfolio sustainability.
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Research‑backed strategies for managing sequence risk and supporting long‑term retirement goals.
Contributed by Paul Bergeron and Brent Wolf of Wealth Enhancement
For Fortune 500 employees approaching retirement, recognizing the timing of returns—not just the average return—can be critical to keeping income going over the long term. This concept, known as sequence-of‑returns risk, shows how poor early market performance in retirement can have a lasting impact on a withdrawal plan, even if long-term averages seem strong. Historical market data provides clear examples of this risk and offers practical methods for responding to it.
Historical examples of sequence risk
Fortune 500 retirees entering retirement during tough market cycles face situations similar to the declines seen in the late 1960s, when the market hit two bear markets (1968–70 and 1973–74) alongside high inflation. The S&P 500 dropped roughly 48% during the 1973–74 bear market, compounding inflation-related difficulties. 1 Likewise, those retiring in 2000 endured two severe bear markets in the decade, while 2022 proved one of the toughest years for balanced portfolios, with sharp drops in both U.S. stocks and high-quality bonds.
Why the early years matter most
For a Fortune 500 retiree, significant losses in the first five to ten years of retirement—combined with regular withdrawals—can shrink the number of shares left to rebound when markets recover. Academic studies and industry research repeatedly show that even with the same average return, the order of gains and losses plays a huge role in retirement outcomes.
Research-backed strategies to manage sequence risk
One effective method for Fortune 500 retirees is keeping a mix of asset types to help weather downturns. Cash and bonds can act as “shock absorbers” for immediate expenses, reducing the need to sell stocks during market dips. Flexible withdrawal approaches—such as adjusting withdrawals within set guardrails—have been shown to support portfolio longevity better than fixed-dollar withdrawal methods.
Staging risk in a retirement portfolio—by holding one to two years of expenses in cash-like assets and several years in short‑ to intermediate‑term bonds—may give equities time to recover before they're tapped for income. For some Fortune 500 retirees, delaying income sources like Social Security can help raise total lifetime income and lessen the need to tap investments during volatile times. Thoughtful rebalancing and managing tax lots, especially during downturns, can also help maintain equity exposure and extend portfolio lifespan.
Implications for retirement planning
While higher stock allocations may offer greater long-term growth potential, they also increase sequence risk in early retirement for Fortune 500 workers. Historically, balanced portfolios—often with 30% to 50% equities for income-focused funds—have supported more resilient initial withdrawal rates compared to all-stock strategies. 2 Strong early-market results can set up long-term success, but disciplined spending limits, guardrails, and rebalancing remain key.
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- Stages of Retirement for Corporate Employees
- 7 Things to Consider Before Leaving Your Company
- How Are Workers Impacted by Inflation & Rising Interest Rates?
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Sources:
1.The New York Times. ' What Happens When Stock Markets Become Bears ,' by William Davis, Karl Russell, and Stephen Gandel. 13 June 2022.
2. Vanguard UK. ' Sustainable Spending Rates in Turbulent Markets ,' by Daga, Ankul, et al. Mar. 2021, pp. 1–7.
Other Resources:
1. Guyton, Jonathan T., and William J. Klinger. “ Decision Rules and Maximum Initial Withdrawal Rates .” Journal of Financial Planning , vol. 19, no. 3, Mar. 2006, pp. 48–50, 52–54, 56–58. Financial Planning Association.
2. “ Timeline of U.S. Stock Market Crashes .” Investopedia , 30 Oct. 2024, section “The 1973–74 Oil Crisis Bear Market.”
3. ' When to Start Receiving Retirement Benefits. ' Social Security Administration, Pub. No. 05-10147, May 2024, pp. 1–2.
4. Arnott, Amy C., CFA, and Ivanna Hampton. “ Why More Diversification Doesn’t Mean Better Returns .” Morningstar , 7 June 2024.
How does the Huntington Ingalls Industries (HII) pension plan integrate with Social Security benefits for maximizing an employee's retirement income, and what specific strategies can HII employees use to understand this integration better?
HII pension plan integration with Social Security: The HII pension plan works alongside Social Security benefits, with no reduction in pension payments due to Social Security benefits at age 65 or later. However, if an employee receives workers' compensation benefits, the pension may be reduced. To better understand this integration, employees should review their Social Security benefits statement and consult with the HIBC (Huntington Ingalls Benefits Center) for detailed guidance(Huntington Ingalls Indu…).
In relation to the Huntington Ingalls Industries (HII) pension plan, what are the eligibility requirements for normal and early retirement, and how do these requirements affect long-term financial planning for HII employees approaching retirement age?
Eligibility for normal and early retirement: Employees are eligible for normal retirement at age 65 or after five years of service, whichever comes first. Early retirement is available from age 55 with at least 10 years of service. Early retirement benefits are reduced to reflect the longer payout period, which can impact financial planning. Employees should consider whether to defer retirement to receive full benefits or take a reduced early retirement benefit(Huntington Ingalls Indu…).
How do changes in employment status, such as promotion or changing between hourly and salaried positions, affect pension benefits for Huntington Ingalls Industries (HII) employees, and what should employees consider when anticipating these changes?
Effect of employment status changes: Changes in employment status, such as a promotion or transitioning between hourly and salaried positions, can affect pension eligibility and accrual. For instance, transferring from an hourly to a salaried role might mean cessation of accrual under one plan and ineligibility to return to the previous plan unless specific conditions are met. Employees should check the plan rules and consult with HIBC before making such changes(Huntington Ingalls Indu…).
For employees of Huntington Ingalls Industries (HII), what steps must be taken to ensure that pension benefits are properly claimed and administered upon retirement, and what role does documentation play in this process?
Claiming pension benefits: Employees should notify the HIBC at least two months before their intended retirement date to begin the process of claiming pension benefits. Proper documentation, including a birth certificate, Social Security information, and marriage certificates (if applicable), is essential. Delays in providing this information can result in delays or even forfeiture of benefits(Huntington Ingalls Indu…).
How do the rules surrounding spousal consent impact retirement benefit elections for employees at Huntington Ingalls Industries (HII), and what specific options are available for employees considering different forms of retirement income?
Spousal consent and retirement elections: HII requires spousal consent for retirement elections other than the standard 50%, 75%, or 100% joint and survivor annuity options. This ensures that spouses are aware of and agree to any reduction in survivor benefits. Employees should discuss these options with their spouse and obtain written, notarized consent when necessary(Huntington Ingalls Indu…).
What are the implications of the pension plan provisions related to disability retirement for Huntington Ingalls Industries (HII) employees, including the eligibility criteria and the impact on social security benefits that employees should be aware of?
Disability retirement provisions: Disability retirement is available to employees with at least 15 years of service who qualify for Social Security disability benefits. Disability retirement benefits are not reduced for early commencement, making it a beneficial option for qualifying employees. It’s crucial for employees to apply to both HII and the Social Security Administration to claim these benefits(Huntington Ingalls Indu…).
In what ways does the pension plan of Huntington Ingalls Industries (HII) accommodate employees who have service credits from other employers or previously merged plans, and what actions should employees take to clarify their benefits?
Service credits from other employers: The HII pension plan may accommodate employees who have service credits from previously merged plans. If an employee has transferred assets from another employer’s plan, they should contact the HIBC to clarify how these credits affect their pension calculation(Huntington Ingalls Indu…).
How do the changes in IRS limits for retirement accounts in 2024 impact the retirement planning for employees of Huntington Ingalls Industries (HII), and what resources does HII provide to assist employees in navigating these changes?
IRS limit changes for 2024: Changes in IRS contribution limits affect retirement planning by capping how much can be saved in tax-advantaged accounts. HII provides access to tools and financial advisors through the HIBC, allowing employees to review how these changes impact their pension and 401(k) contributions(Huntington Ingalls Indu…).
What are the consequences for employees at Huntington Ingalls Industries (HII) if they fail to notify the benefits center of their address changes or retirement intentions, particularly concerning the accrual and distribution of their pension benefits?
Consequences of failing to notify benefits center: If an employee fails to update their address or retirement intentions with the HIBC, it may result in delayed pension payments or the loss of benefits. It is crucial to maintain up-to-date contact information to ensure smooth benefit distribution(Huntington Ingalls Indu…)(Huntington Ingalls Indu…).
If an Huntington Ingalls Industries (HII) employee wants to learn more about their specific pension benefits or has questions regarding the pension plan, what methods can they use to contact HII for assistance, and what information should they have ready during this communication?
Contacting HII for pension information: Employees can contact the HIBC via phone or the online portal (http://hiibenefits.com) to inquire about their pension benefits. They should have personal identification details such as Social Security numbers, marital status, and anticipated retirement dates ready for efficient assistance(Huntington Ingalls Indu…).
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