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

Are Ghost Taxes Creeping Into Your Conagra Brands Retirement Plan?

Healthcare Provider Update: Healthcare Provider for Conagra Brands: For Conagra Brands, the healthcare provider information is typically linked to their employment benefits and can vary based on the location and specific plans offered to employees. Generally, large companies like Conagra may partner with major insurers such as UnitedHealthcare, Anthem (Elevance Health), or Aetna to provide health insurance benefits to their employees. It is advisable for Enrolled members to refer to their HR department or employee benefit documentation for specific provider details. Potential Healthcare Cost Increases in 2026: As we look ahead to 2026, significant increases in healthcare costs are anticipated, largely influenced by the expiration of enhanced federal subsidies under the Affordable Care Act (ACA). Reports indicate that premium rates for ACA marketplace plans could rise by over 60% in certain states due to higher medical expenses and market adjustments. Notably, a staggering 92% of policyholders may face a potential increase in their out-of-pocket premiums by more than 75%, reflecting the compounded effect of expiring subsidies and aggressive rate hikes from leading insurers. This perfect storm may lead to many consumers being priced out of essential healthcare coverage, forcing a reevaluation of their insurance options as financial pressures mount. Click here to learn more

'Many Conagra Brands employees underestimate how much “ghost taxes” can erode retirement income. Understanding these hidden thresholds today can help you make more thoughtful decisions for tomorrow’s financial well-being,' — Michael Corgiat, a representative of The Retirement Group, a division of Wealth Enhancement.

'Many Conagra Brands employees are surprised by how quickly hidden taxes like AMT, NIIT, and IRMAA can reduce retirement income, making it important for retirees to stay informed and thoughtfully plan so these costs don’t catch them off guard.' — Brent Wolf, a representative of The Retirement Group, a division of Wealth Enhancement.

In this article, we will discuss:

The five “ghost taxes” that may unexpectedly impact retirement income.
How these taxes can affect Conagra Brands employees and retirees.
Strategies to better understand and prepare for these tax implications.

How Conagra Brands Employees Can Prepare for the Five “Ghost Taxes” That Could Haunt Retirement

There are several lesser-known surcharges and thresholds that may unexpectedly increase your tax bill in retirement, even if you already understand federal, state, and local tax obligations. These include the Alternative Minimum Tax (AMT), the Net Investment Income Tax (NIIT), the Medicare Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amount (IRMAA), the Social Security “tax torpedo,” and the new senior deduction. Because many of these thresholds are not adjusted for inflation, they increasingly impact retirees, including those from Conagra Brands.

1. AMT: Alternative Minimum Tax

The AMT is a parallel tax system designed to make sure higher-income individuals pay at least a minimum amount of taxes. It has its own tax brackets, forms, and rules, with a top rate of 28%. ¹ Some deductions available under the traditional tax system are limited under AMT rules.

For 2025, the AMT exemptions are:

- $88,100 for single filers (phasing out at $626,350)
- $137,000 for married couples filing jointly (phasing out at $1,252,700)

High income, exercising incentive stock options, large capital gains, or numerous itemized deductions may trigger AMT. Even though long-term capital gains receive preferential tax treatment, they can still reduce your AMT exemption. If AMT is paid in one year, a tax credit may be available in future years when AMT is not owed.

2. NIIT: Net Investment Income Tax

The NIIT applies a 3.8% tax on net investment income when modified adjusted gross income (MAGI) exceeds:

- $200,000 for single filers
- $250,000 for married couples filing jointly ²

This tax applies to dividends, interest, rental income, gains from home sales, and capital gains beyond exclusion limits. Withdrawals from 401(k)s and traditional IRAs are not directly taxed by NIIT, but they may increase MAGI and cause other investment income to be taxed.

Strategies to limit exposure include contributing to traditional retirement accounts, using health savings accounts (HSAs), and tax-loss harvesting. For instance, tax-loss harvesting allows you to use up to $3,000 in capital losses annually to offset ordinary income. ³

For individuals age 70½ or older looking to reduce MAGI, qualified charitable distributions (QCDs) may help. QCDs allow you to donate to qualified charities on a tax-free basis directly from your IRA, satisfying required minimum distribution (RMD) rules without bringing distributions into income. In 2025, up to $108,000 may be donated tax-free. ⁴

3. IRMAA: Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amount

IRMAA adds a surcharge to Medicare Parts B and D premiums for higher-income retirees and is based on MAGI from two years prior.

For 2025, IRMAA applies when MAGI exceeds:

- $106,000 for single filers
- $212,000 for married couples filing jointly

Even a small increase above these limits can place retirees in a higher premium bracket. Tax-exempt interest from municipal bonds is included in MAGI for IRMAA purposes. Premiums and IRMAA can be deducted from Social Security payments or paid directly. Social Security allows individuals experiencing major life changes, such as retirement or death of a spouse, to request revised IRMAA calculations.

4. The Social Security “Tax Torpedo”

Social Security benefits may be taxable depending on “provisional income,” which includes:

- Adjusted gross income
- Non-taxable interest
- One-half of Social Security benefits

If provisional income exceeds:

- $34,000 for single filers
- $44,000 for married couples filing jointly

...then up to 85% of Social Security benefits may be taxable. ⁵

Delaying Social Security up to age 70 increases benefits by 8% per year beyond full retirement age.

5. The 2025–2028 New Senior Deduction

From 2025 to 2028, individuals age 65 and older may qualify for a new senior deduction:

- $6,000 for single filers
- $12,000 for married couples filing jointly

This deduction phases out at:

- $75,000 MAGI for single filers
- $150,000 MAGI for joint filers

This is separate from the standard senior deduction, which currently adds $2,000 for individuals or $3,200 for married couples age 65 or older.

Need Help Navigating These Taxes?

Understanding how AMT, NIIT, IRMAA, Social Security rules, and senior deductions affect retirement income can be complex, especially for Conagra Brands retirees managing pensions, 401(k)s, and other investments. The Retirement Group can help you better understand how these tax considerations relate to your retirement planning. Call (800) 900-5867 for guidance.

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Articles you may find interesting:

Sources:

1. Tax Foundation. “ 2026 Tax Brackets .” 9 Oct. 2025.

2. Gravelle, Jane G., and Don J. Marples. The 3.8% Net Investment Income Tax: Overview, Data, and Policy Options . Congressional Research Service, 30 June 2023, crsreports.congress.gov/product/pdf/R/R41413.

3. IRS. ' Topic no. 409, Capital gains and losses .' 12 Sep. 2025.

4. Wealth Enhancement. ' 7 Tax Moves to Consider Before The End of The Year ,' by Mary Taliaferro, CFP. Nov. 5, 2025.

5. Investopedia. ' Provisional Taxes: What They Are and How They Work ,' by Julia Kagan. 4 Sep. 2025.

How does Conagra Brands, Inc. ensure that employees understand their retirement benefits, particularly the nuances of the Conagra Foods Inc. Pension Plan and the historical obligations from the Beatrice Retirement Income Plan (BRIP)? Are there specific communication strategies or resources provided to employees to navigate their eligibility and benefits?

Conagra Brands has not provided consistent documentation of the Beatrice Retirement Income Plan (BRIP), as evidenced by a lost BRIP Plan document, which has created confusion among former Beatrice employees. Conagra relies on internal committees like the Conagra Brands Employee Benefits Administrative Committee to oversee the administration of the Conagra Foods Inc. Pension Plan and the historical obligations from BRIP. However, there are allegations in the class action that Conagra has failed to communicate certain benefit entitlements, particularly the age at which unreduced benefits should commence(Conagra_Brands_Inc_02-1…).

In light of regulatory compliance, what measures does Conagra Brands, Inc. take to maintain the integrity and security of pension plan documents, especially considering the historical loss of the BRIP Plan document? How do the missing documents impact employee knowledge of their benefits?

The loss of the BRIP Plan document represents a significant failure in document retention and regulatory compliance. Under ERISA, Conagra is required to maintain and distribute these documents upon request. The missing BRIP documents have caused discrepancies in the administration of retirement benefits, particularly regarding the age of eligibility for unreduced benefits. Conagra has been criticized for not informing employees that these documents were lost, leading to confusion and underpayment of benefits(Conagra_Brands_Inc_02-1…).

What resources does Conagra Brands, Inc. offer to its employees who have questions about their pension benefits or discrepancies that may arise from the transition from the Beatrice Retirement Income Plan to the Conagra Foods Inc. Pension Plan? How can employees best utilize these resources?

Conagra directs employees to contact the Plan service center for inquiries related to their pension benefits. However, based on the complaints filed in court, there have been issues with transparency and the accessibility of important plan documents, including the BRIP. Employees have had to appeal their benefit decisions and deal with insufficient guidance on navigating the discrepancies between the old BRIP and the Conagra Plan. Resources like benefit calculators and service centers have sometimes provided inaccurate or incomplete information(Conagra_Brands_Inc_02-1…).

How does Conagra Brands, Inc. handle the potential discrepancies regarding the pension benefits related to the age eligibility for receiving unreduced benefits in the context of both the Conagra Plan and the Beatrice plan? What steps have been taken to prevent similar issues in the future?

Conagra has been handling discrepancies poorly, particularly around the age at which participants in the BRIP are entitled to receive unreduced benefits. The company's adjustment of the eligibility age from 60 to 65 without properly consulting or notifying employees has led to underpayment of benefits. The ongoing class action lawsuit seeks to address these discrepancies and prevent future issues by clarifying benefit entitlements under the terms of both plans(Conagra_Brands_Inc_02-1…).

Can you elaborate on the process that Conagra Brands, Inc. utilizes to communicate with employees about plan amendments and to clarify their rights under the Conagra Foods Inc. Pension Plan? What specific improvements have been made to this communication strategy in recent years?

The communication process regarding plan amendments at Conagra has been criticized as insufficient, particularly concerning the transition from the BRIP to the Conagra Plan. Employees have filed complaints about not receiving adequate notice of important changes, such as the shift in eligibility age for unreduced benefits. Conagra has failed to provide clear documentation, leading to confusion among employees. There is no evidence of significant improvements in recent years(Conagra_Brands_Inc_02-1…).

How does Conagra Brands, Inc. ensure compliance with the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA), especially regarding the fiduciary duties of the Conagra Brands Employee Benefits Administrative Committee? What protocols are in place to guarantee that employeesâ€™ rights are consistently protected?

Conagra's compliance with ERISA has been challenged in court, with allegations of fiduciary breaches related to the loss of critical plan documents like the BRIP. The Conagra Brands Employee Benefits Administrative Committee is responsible for maintaining the integrity of the pension plan, but the loss of documents and failure to notify employees of their rights raise questions about the adequacy of these protocols. The lawsuit highlights a need for improved oversight and adherence to ERISA's fiduciary requirements(Conagra_Brands_Inc_02-1…).

What options are currently available for former Beatrice employees and other participants in the Conagra Foods Inc. Pension Plan to claim benefits they believe they are entitled to? How does Conagra Brands, Inc. facilitate this process?

Former Beatrice employees can contact the Pension Service Center to inquire about their benefits and initiate claims. However, the process has been complicated by missing documentation and conflicting information about eligibility. Some employees have been forced to file legal claims to recover benefits owed to them, as in the case of the ongoing class action lawsuit. The lack of clear and accessible resources has made it difficult for employees to navigate the process effectively(Conagra_Brands_Inc_02-1…).

In what ways does Conagra Brands, Inc. provide support or guidance for employees approaching retirement, particularly in understanding the timelines and responsibilities associated with electing benefits from the Conagra Foods Inc. Pension Plan?

Conagra provides online calculators and service center assistance for employees approaching retirement, but these tools have proven unreliable for some participants. Employees have reported being unable to calculate their benefits accurately or being told they were ineligible for benefits before age 65, despite the terms of the BRIP allowing benefits to begin at age 60. The class action complaint highlights deficiencies in the guidance provided to employees regarding their benefits(Conagra_Brands_Inc_02-1…).

How can employees at Conagra Brands, Inc. contact the Employee Benefits Administrative Committee for inquiries related to their benefits? What are the most efficient avenues for addressing concerns about the Conagra Foods Inc. Pension Plan or the transitions from the Beatrice plan?

Employees can contact the Plan service center for inquiries related to their benefits, but accessing the Employee Benefits Administrative Committee directly appears to be more challenging. The lawsuit indicates that employees seeking to address discrepancies with their benefits have not received timely or effective communication from the committee, often requiring legal action to resolve their concerns(Conagra_Brands_Inc_02-1…).

How does Conagra Brands, Inc. evaluate its pension plan's performance and benefits offerings in relation to industry standards? What methods are used to ensure the company remains competitive while protecting employee benefits under the Conagra Foods Inc. Pension Plan?

There is little publicly available information regarding how Conagra evaluates its pension plan's performance against industry standards. The company's handling of historical pension obligations, particularly from the Beatrice acquisition, suggests that its methods for protecting employee benefits have been insufficient. Ongoing litigation regarding underpayment of benefits and loss of critical documents indicates that the company may need to improve its evaluation methods and compliance efforts to remain competitive(Conagra_Brands_Inc_02-1…).

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

Conagra Brands announced a restructuring plan aiming to streamline operations and reduce costs. This includes layoffs impacting various departments and potential changes to employee benefits.

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For more information you can reach the plan administrator for Conagra Brands at 222 W. Merchandise Mart Plaza Chicago, IL 60654; or by calling them at (312) 549-5000.