Healthcare Provider Update: Healthcare Provider for Southwestern Energy The healthcare provider for Southwestern Energy is UnitedHealthcare, which is one of the major national insurers. They manage the health insurance plans available to Southwestern Energy employees, offering a variety of coverage options that cater to their needs. Potential Healthcare Cost Increases in 2026 In 2026, Southwestern Energy employees and retirees may face significant increases in healthcare costs, driven primarily by anticipated spikes in Affordable Care Act (ACA) premiums. With insurers like UnitedHealthcare proposing rate hikes of up to 66%, employees could see their out-of-pocket expenses rise substantially. This situation is exacerbated by the potential expiration of enhanced federal premium subsidies, which, if they lapse, could lead to a surge in out-of-pocket premiums exceeding 75% for the vast majority of ACA marketplace enrollees. As the healthcare landscape evolves, it's crucial for employees to reassess their options early and strategically plan for this financial shift. Click here to learn more
More and more Southwestern Energy employees are investing in their futures through 401(k) plans. Southwestern Energy employees who participate in 401(k) plans assume responsibility for their retirement income by contributing part of their salary and, in many instances, by directing their own investments.
As a Southwestern Energy employee, if you are among those who direct your investments, you will need to consider the investment objectives, the risk and return characteristics, and the performance over time of each investment option offered by your plan. Fees and expenses are one of the factors that will affect your investment returns and will impact your retirement income. This article will outline some of the major factors that may impact the severity of fees relating to your Southwestern Energy 401(k) plan:
'Fees and expenses are one of the factors that will affect your investment returns and will impact your retirement income.' |
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Funds that are “actively managed” (i.e., funds with an investment adviser who continually researches, monitors, and actively trades the holdings of the fund to seek a higher return than the market) generally have higher fees. The higher fees are associated with the more active management provided and sales charges from the higher level of trading activity. As a Southwestern Energy employee, you may want to consider how while actively managed funds seek to provide higher returns than the market, neither active management nor higher fees necessarily guarantee higher returns.
Funds that are “passively managed” generally have lower management fees. Passively managed funds seek to obtain the investment results of an established market index, such as the Standard and Poor’s 500, by duplicating the holdings included in the index. Thus, passively managed funds require little research or trading activity. For Southwestern Energy employees, it is worthy to account for the information when deciding who will manage your funds, and if their rates are adequate for the services provided.
If the services and investment options under your plan as a Southwestern Energy employee are offered through a bundled program, then some or all of the costs of plan services may not be separately charged to the plan or to your employer. For example, these costs possibly may be subsidized by the asset-based fees charged on investments. Compare the services received in light of the total fees paid.
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Plans with more total assets may be able to lower fees by using special funds or classes of stock in funds, which generally are sold to larger group investors. “Retail” or “brand name” funds, which are also marketed to individual and small group investors, tend to be listed in the newspaper daily and typically charge higher fees. As a Southwestern Energy employee, you should inform your employer of your preference.
Optional features, such as participant loan programs and insurance benefits offered under variable annuity contracts, involve additional costs. Consider whether they have value to you as a Southwestern Energy employee. If not, let your employer know.
Retirement plans, such as 401(k) plans, are group plans. For those working in Southwestern Energy, your employer may not be able to accommodate each employee’s preferences for investment options or additional services.
What type of retirement plan does Southwestern Energy offer to its employees?
Southwestern Energy offers a 401(k) Savings Plan to help employees save for retirement.
How can Southwestern Energy employees enroll in the 401(k) Savings Plan?
Employees can enroll in the Southwestern Energy 401(k) Savings Plan through the company’s HR portal or by contacting the HR department for assistance.
Does Southwestern Energy match employee contributions to the 401(k) Savings Plan?
Yes, Southwestern Energy provides a matching contribution to the 401(k) Savings Plan, which helps employees boost their retirement savings.
What is the maximum employee contribution percentage allowed in the Southwestern Energy 401(k) Savings Plan?
Employees can contribute up to the IRS limit, which is subject to change annually. Southwestern Energy encourages employees to check the latest guidelines.
Can Southwestern Energy employees change their contribution rates to the 401(k) Savings Plan?
Yes, employees at Southwestern Energy can change their contribution rates at any time, subject to the plan’s rules.
What investment options are available in the Southwestern Energy 401(k) Savings Plan?
The Southwestern Energy 401(k) Savings Plan offers a variety of investment options, including mutual funds, target-date funds, and other investment vehicles.
Is there a vesting schedule for the employer match in the Southwestern Energy 401(k) Savings Plan?
Yes, Southwestern Energy has a vesting schedule for the employer match, which means employees need to work for a certain period before they fully own the matched contributions.
Can Southwestern Energy employees take loans against their 401(k) Savings Plan?
Yes, employees may have the option to take loans against their Southwestern Energy 401(k) Savings Plan, subject to specific terms and conditions.
How does Southwestern Energy provide information about the 401(k) Savings Plan to its employees?
Southwestern Energy provides information about the 401(k) Savings Plan through employee orientation sessions, the HR portal, and regular communications.
Are there any fees associated with the Southwestern Energy 401(k) Savings Plan?
Yes, there may be fees associated with the administration and investment options of the Southwestern Energy 401(k) Savings Plan. Employees are encouraged to review the plan documents for details.