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Healthcare Provider Update: For Gannett, the healthcare provider is UnitedHealthcare, which has been affiliated with the company and serves its employees. In 2026, healthcare costs are expected to rise substantially, with many states experiencing dramatic premium increases for Affordable Care Act (ACA) plans. With the potential expiration of enhanced federal premium subsidies, more than 22 million Americans could face out-of-pocket premium hikes exceeding 75%. Contributing factors include escalating medical costs, projected increases in provider reimbursements, and aggressive rate hikes from major insurers, resulting in an overall perfect storm pushing affordability beyond reach for many families. As these factors coalesce, it's crucial for Gannett employees and ACA marketplace enrollees to stay informed and consider their healthcare options carefully for the upcoming year. Click here to learn more
What Is It?
As a Gannett employee, you have the right to decline medical treatment, even if you die as a result of your decision. Depending on your medical condition, your prognosis, and your views on the quality of life, you may wish to refuse lifesaving measures, such as cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). Executing a do not resuscitate (DNR) order is one way of doing this. A DNR is a doctor's order that tells all other medical personnel not to perform CPR if you go into cardiac arrest. Cardiac arrest occurs when your heart stops beating, blood flow to your brain stops, and you stop breathing. If the blood flow is not quickly restored, permanent damage to the brain and other organs can occur. CPR simulates heartbeat and breathing, while attempting to restart these functions.
The term CPR actually encompasses a variety of separate procedures, including cardiac compression, endotracheal intubation, assisted ventilation, defibrillation, and cardiac medications. Most states recognize two types of DNRs. One is effective only while you are hospitalized. The other is used by people outside the hospital--for example, nursing home residents, hospice patients, and even those who are not receiving medical treatment.
Typically, terminally ill patients and elderly individuals execute DNRs to avoid prolonging their final illnesses. However, some states allow healthy adults to execute the orders, as well. Depending on the laws of your state, a DNR used outside the hospital may be called a 'pre-hospital DNR,' 'out-of-hospital DNR,' 'outpatient DNR,' 'DNR for EMS,' or 'CPR directive.' As a result of your request, your doctor generally notes an in-hospital DNR order on your chart. Out-of-hospital DNRs take various forms, depending on the laws of your state. ID bracelets, MedicAlert necklaces, and wallet cards are some methods of noting DNR status.
When Can It Be Used?
Availability of DNRs Is Determined By State Law
Not all states have DNR laws. For Gannett employees, you may want to consider how your state's laws govern whether DNRs are permissible, who can execute a DNR, and what form the order must take. These laws may permit in-hospital DNRs, out-of-hospital DNRs, both of these, or neither of these. Some state laws allow any person of legal age to execute a DNR, while others permit DNRs only for individuals with terminally ill conditions. Some states allow children to participate in decisions regarding DNR in certain cases. Check the laws of your state and any other states where you spend a significant amount of time.
Strengths
Allows You to Exercise Choice In Medical Treatment
Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) has produced some miraculous results when used on normally healthy individuals in trauma situations. However, it can be a painful and even violent procedure. Its effectiveness is limited when used on terminally ill or hopelessly deteriorated patients. In some cases, CPR only delays the moment of death.
For example, CPR could restore your heartbeat, but if permanent brain or organ damage occurs during cardiac arrest, you may be dependent on life support machines. Executing a do not resuscitate (DNR) order allows you to choose a natural death.
Example(s): Hal is hospitalized with a terminally ill condition. He is on a respirator and knows he has only a short time to live. Hal consults his doctor and learns that the laws of his state permit in-hospital DNRs. This will allow him to forego CPR if his heart fails. Hal asks his doctor to execute a DNR as soon as possible. The following week, Hal's heart stops. Because of Hal's DNR, hospital personnel do not attempt CPR.
Specifically Intended for an Emergency Situation
If you go into cardiopulmonary arrest, your DNR lets medical personnel know that you don't want CPR. Because of the emergency nature of this situation, other types of advanced directives are usually not timely enough to accomplish this goal.
Tradeoffs
Extremely Limited Usefulness
Although a do not resuscitate (DNR) order is a very powerful instrument, it is only effective under specific conditions. Generally, a DNR comes into play only if you go into cardiac arrest, and it frequently only allows you to refuse cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), although in some states it may allow you to decline other drastic medical treatment as well. A living will or durable power of attorney for health care may be needed to convey other medical treatment instructions, such as your wishes regarding life support and intravenous feeding.
Out-of-Hospital DNR May Not Be Effective In Other States
As a Gannett employee, it is beneficial to understand how an out-of-hospital DNR that is valid in your state may not be valid in other states. Therefore, if you spend a significant amount of time in another state, you should find out whether that state's laws recognize DNRs, whether you are eligible to have a DNR in that state, and what restrictions are placed on the form of the DNR.
Doctors May Be Hesitant to Broach This Topic or Reluctant to Write a DNR
If you are hospitalized with a serious illness, your doctor may not bring up the option of executing a DNR. If you don't want to be resuscitated, you should initiate this discussion with your doctor. Also, studies indicate that many doctors are slow to write DNRs, even when they are aware of their patients' preferences, although the reasons for this vary. If you are a Gannett employee and want to ensure your wishes are followed, you should touch base with your doctor to make sure the DNR is placed on your chart.
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How to Do It
Research Your State's Laws Regarding Dnrs
Not all states provide for these orders. Each state has its own eligibility requirements, particularly for out-of-hospital DNRs.
Discuss Your Wishes With Your Doctor
Your doctor should be able to provide information on your prognosis and counsel you on your options. If you are a Gannett employee, your doctor's signature will most likely be required on any DNR you execute.
Execute Your Out-of-Hospital DNR Properly And Keep It With You
If you are a Gannett employee interested in DNR, you must consider how if your state allows out-of-hospital DNRs, there is probably a required format for the order. Examples of state-required DNR formats include ID bracelets, necklaces, wallet cards, and letter-size forms. If your DNR is not in the required form, it may not be honored. If medical personnel can't find your DNR order, they are obligated to give full and immediate care. Thus, it is extremely important to execute your DNR order properly and keep it with you (or in an appropriate place) at all times.
Example(s): Hal is a resident of an assisted-living facility. Hal is 89 years old and feels he has lived a good life. He does not want to die in a hospital or be dependent on machines for his survival. Hal discusses his feelings with his doctor. Hal's doctor suggests executing an out-of-hospital DNR, which will instruct medical personnel not to perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) if Hal goes into cardiac or respiratory arrest. Hal agrees and receives an ID bracelet noting his DNR status. Hal wears his bracelet faithfully. Six years later, Hal's heart fails as he jogs in the park. Medical personnel arrive on the scene, but immediately notice Hal's DNR ID bracelet. CPR is not attempted.
Tell People About Your Decision
In general, other people cannot reverse your decision once you execute a DNR. As a Gannett employee however, if your DNR is misplaced or for some reason is not followed, it would be important for your family and friends to understand your wishes. Although this topic may be difficult to discuss, those close to you are more likely to support and uphold your decision if they understand how you feel and why you feel that way. If you have appointed a representative in a durable power of attorney for health care (DPAHC) , it is especially important that this person be aware of your decision.
Coordinate All Advanced Directives
Since a DNR is so limited in scope, you may wish to establish a living will and/or DPAHC as well. If you do so, make sure your wishes are stated consistently throughout these documents. In some states, the most recent document will govern if there is a conflict, so you must make sure your wishes are clear.
Tax Considerations for Gannett Employees
Income Tax
None
Gift And Estate Tax
None
Questions & Answers for Gannett Employees
What If You Go Into a Coma Before Executing Your DNR, And You Can't Express Your Wishes?
Your healthcare representative, if you have appointed one, may be able to have a DNR executed on your behalf. As a Gannett employee, there must be evidence that this is what you would want. You might include these instructions in your durable power of attorney for health care , especially if the laws of your state do not allow out-of-hospital DNRs. Be aware, however, that this method of instruction is useless in an emergency if your representative is not present. In some states, with your family's consent, your doctor may be able to execute a DNR on your behalf. Again, it would be unwise to rely on this course of action in an emergency.
Can You Change Your Mind?
Yes, it is possible to revoke a DNR order. If you have an out-of-hospital DNR, you may be able to revoke it by simply removing the bracelet or the wallet card. However, some states also have a database of DNR patients. If this is true in your state, you may need to take additional steps to revoke your DNR. When your doctor writes the DNR, ask what steps are necessary to revoke the order.
Additionally, medical personnel must give emergency care to anyone who requests it. For example, Emergency Medical Service guidelines in Wisconsin instruct personnel to perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) if a person rips off his or her DNR bracelet or asks for CPR during cardiac arrest.
How does The Newspaper Guild International Pension Plan ensure that members are informed about their pension benefits, and what steps should an employee take to understand their earned Pension Credits within this Plan?
Member Information on Pension Credits: Members are informed about their pension benefits and earned Pension Credits through an annual statement provided by the Board of Trustees. This statement includes details about years of service, vesting status, and accrued Pension Credits. Members are encouraged to keep their contact information updated to ensure they receive all pertinent information.
In what ways are the contribution rates structured under The Newspaper Guild International Pension Plan, and how do these rates impact the monthly benefits that members receive upon retirement?
Contribution Rates Structure: The pension contributions by employers are structured based on collective bargaining agreements. These contributions are pivotal in determining the monthly benefits members receive upon retirement. The rate of contributions, along with the number of years of service and accumulated Pension Credits, directly influences the calculation of retirement benefits.
Can you elaborate on the different types of pensions offered by The Newspaper Guild International Pension Plan, including the eligibility criteria and the benefits associated with each type?
Types of Pensions Offered: The plan offers several types of pensions: Regular Pension, Early Pension, Disability Pension, and Deferred Pension. Each type has specific eligibility criteria: Regular Pension is available upon reaching Normal Retirement Age, generally age 65. Early Pension can be taken from age 55, provided certain service and Pension Credit conditions are met. Disability Pension is awarded if a member becomes disabled as per the plan's criteria and Social Security Administration’s confirmation. Deferred Pension applies if a member leaves employment after vesting but before qualifying for early or regular pension.
How does The Newspaper Guild International Pension Plan address the calculation of pensions for members who have participated in more than one pension contribution plan, and what specific guidelines govern these calculations?
Multiple Pension Plans Participation: If a member has participated in more than one pension contribution plan, their pensions are calculated by taking into account all the Pension Credits accumulated across different plans. Specific guidelines ensure that the benefits from all plans are integrated correctly to reflect total earnings and contributions.
What implications does the merger of the NewsGuild-CWA Adjustable Pension Plan into The Newspaper Guild International Pension Plan have for current and future pension benefits for employees covered under both plans?
Implications of Plan Mergers: The merger of the NewsGuild-CWA Adjustable Pension Plan into The Newspaper Guild International Pension Plan ensured that no accrued benefits were reduced. All benefits from the merged plan are honored, with provisions made to integrate the benefits and maintain the financial integrity of the merged plan.
How should an employee of The Newspaper Guild International Pension Plan respond if they experience a change in employment status that may affect their pension eligibility and what steps do they need to take to maintain their benefits?
Change in Employment Status: Members experiencing a change in employment status that might affect their pension eligibility should immediately notify the plan administrators. Steps include reviewing the impact on their Pension Credits and adjusting their retirement planning accordingly.
In the event of an employee’s death, what provisions are made under The Newspaper Guild International Pension Plan for survivor benefits, and how can family members navigate the process of claiming these benefits?
Provisions for Survivor Benefits: In case of a member’s death, the plan provides survivor benefits to the spouse or domestic partner. These benefits are structured based on the type of pension the member was receiving or entitled to receive, ensuring ongoing support for the beneficiaries.
How does The Newspaper Guild International Pension Plan define what constitutes "disqualifying employment," and what are the consequences for a member if they engage in such employment before reaching normal retirement age?
Disqualifying Employment Definition: Disqualifying employment under The Newspaper Guild International Pension Plan refers to any job that might affect a member's pension benefits if engaged in before reaching the normal retirement age. Engaging in such employment could potentially suspend or reduce pension benefits.
What resources does The Newspaper Guild International Pension Plan provide for employees seeking assistance with their pension plans, and who specifically should they contact for detailed inquiries regarding their benefits?
Resources for Assistance: Members seeking assistance with their pension plans are encouraged to contact the Board of Trustees directly. The plan’s office provides detailed inquiries and support regarding benefit calculations, eligibility, and other pension-related questions.
How can an employee contact The Newspaper Guild International Pension Plan for further information about their pension benefits, and what specific inquiries should they be prepared to discuss during their interaction with the Office?
Contacting for Further Information: Members can contact The Newspaper Guild International Pension Plan office via provided contact details for further information about their pension benefits. When interacting with the office, members should be prepared to discuss their employment history, Pension Credit details, and any specific questions about their retirement benefits.
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