Healthcare Provider Update: Healthcare Provider for HP Hewlett-Packard, commonly known as HP, offers a variety of health insurance plans through large national insurers including UnitedHealthcare, Aetna, and Anthem. The choice of provider may depend on the region and specific employee benefits plan that HP provides to its workforce. Potential Healthcare Cost Increases in 2026 In 2026, healthcare costs are projected to rise significantly for consumers, particularly those enrolled in Affordable Care Act (ACA) marketplace plans. With some states expecting premium hikes exceeding 60%, many consumers may find their out-of-pocket costs increasing by over 75% due to the expiration of enhanced federal premium subsidies and rising medical costs. Insurers have cited a combination of escalating healthcare expenses and the need for aggressive rate adjustments to maintain profitability as key factors behind these anticipated increases. As this scenario unfolds, it will be crucial for individuals to carefully assess their healthcare options for the coming year. Click here to learn more
Understanding Social Security can help ensure a financial future even for HP employees facing unexpected challenges in life, says Patrick Ray of The Retirement Group. 'We recommend talking with a financial advisor about your benefits to see if they fit your needs.
'Social Security benefits are very important to many HP employees and retirees,' says Michael Corgiat, a financial expert with The Retirement Group. A professional advisor can help you understand these benefits and help you protect your financial future amid life's uncertainties,' says'
In this article:
1. Social Security and Retirement Planning: Understanding how Social Security can be a supplement to income for HP employees and retirees - and why it should not be the only income in retirement.
2. Family Benefits under Social Security: Explore how spousal death, divorce, and disability affect eligibility and benefits distribution to family members.
3. Strategic Application of Benefits: Information on how to apply for Social Security benefits 'to maximize financial support for critical family events.'
Social Security benefits are very important to many HP employees and retirees,' says Michael Corgiat, a financial expert with The Retirement Group. 'Working with a professional advisor can help you understand these benefits and protect your financial future amid life's uncertainties.'
Social Security is among the most basic retirement income concepts for HP employees and retirees. Social Security is another retirement income stream. It should never be the only source of income, but it can help in times of need. A family dealing with death of a spouse, disability, divorce, or dependent children/parents should know the benefits they dispose of to ease the financial strain they may be experiencing. How does family benefit work?
You will usually get a percentage of the Social Security benefit, the entire Social Security benefit, or a family maximum. An example of how this differs is what we hear from HP employees and retirees.
Answer: That question comes from many HP employees and retirees - understandably so. Yes, spousal benefits are available to a couple who has been married one year or longer. They may collect up to 50 percent of working spouses Primary Insurance amount - Full Retirement Age if they wait until their own Full Retirement Age - or they may collect another reduced amount starting at Age 62.
Answer: Yes. If you were married to your ex-spouse for 10 or more years, they are unmarried and age 62 or older. You receive the same benefits as a current spouse.
Answer: It comes from working with a lot of HP employees and retirees about how death can affect the family financial situation. This question comes up a lot, therefore.
In the answer, there are two parts. Yes. Your unmarried dependent children under 18 years old, 19 if in a primary or secondary school, or disabled as long as disability occurred before age 22 years old are entitled to 75 percent of the PIA of the deceased parent up to a family maximum. For any child under age 16 your spouse is also entitled to 75 percent of the PIA up to a family maximum. In this situation Social Security has come in immediately to help the family with additional income.
In addition, at age 60 a widower can take Social Security from the deceased spouse. This is two years before the traditional spousal benefit. And as with any situation involving taking Social Security early, you will pay a percentage reduction of the full benefit.
Answer: It's another worry for many HP employees and retirees with children. Yes, exactly the same eligibility rules apply as if you were deceased. The only change: your children would get only 50 percent of your PIA.
Answer: Yes. Depending on the circumstances, your dependent parents may collect off your record if you are deceased and you provided more than 50 percent of their support before you died. That's the least common family benefit. 1 Remember that a family member collecting Social Security benefit off of your record will not reduce your benefit. Making applications for the benefits your family and you deserve can create significant income for your family and ease the strain a life-changing event may place on your resources.
We speak with lots of HP employees and retirees over the years and we know everyone is different. Social Security benefits are complicated but our financial advisors can help you determine when and how to apply. A nationwide group of financial advisors known as The Retirement Group.
We only plan for and design retirement portfolios for transitioning corporate employees. And each representative of The Group has been hand-picked by The Retirement Group in select cities throughout The United States. Each advisor was screened for pension expertise, financial planning experience, and portfolio construction knowledge.
TRG believes in teamwork to find solutions to our clients' problems. A conservative investment philosophy guides the Team in constructing client portfolios with laddered bonds, CDs, mutual funds, ETFs, Annuities, Stocks, and other investments. They handle Retirement, Pensions, Tax, Asset Allocation, Estate, Elder Care issues. This document uses different research tools and techniques.
All attempts to estimate future results involve assumptions and judgments and are therefore only tentative. The law, investment climate, interest rates, and personal circumstances will all change and will affect how accurate our estimations are and how appropriate our recommendations are. Such a plan requires ongoing change sensitivities as well as constant re-examination and alteration of the plan.
So, update your plan a few months before your expected retirement date and do an annual review. Nothing contained herein shall be construed as an attempt by the Retirement Group, LLC, or any of its employees to practice law or accounting. We look forward to speaking with any tax and/or legal professionals you may select regarding the implications of our recommendations.
Through your retirement years, we will continue to update you on issues affecting your retirement via our complimentary and proprietary newsletters, workshops, and periodic updates. Or call us at (800) 900-5867.
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- Corporate Employees: 8 Factors When Choosing a Mutual Fund
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- Stages of Retirement for Corporate Employees
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- Corporate Employees: 8 Factors When Choosing a Mutual Fund
- Use of Escrow Accounts: Divorce
- Medicare Open Enrollment for Corporate Employees: Cost Changes in 2024!
- Stages of Retirement for Corporate Employees
- 7 Things to Consider Before Leaving Your Company
- How Are Workers Impacted by Inflation & Rising Interest Rates?
- Lump-Sum vs Annuity and Rising Interest Rates
- Internal Revenue Code Section 409A (Governing Nonqualified Deferred Compensation Plans)
- Corporate Employees: Do NOT Believe These 6 Retirement Myths!
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Sources:
1. 'Benefits Planner: Retirement.' Social Security Administration, 2023, www.ssa.gov/benefits/retirement/planner/ageincrease.html . Accessed 23 Feb. 2025.
2. 'Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and Government Pension Offset (GPO).' Social Security Administration, 2023, www.ssa.gov/benefits/retirement/planner/wep.html . Accessed 23 Feb. 2025.
3. 'How Do I Apply for Social Security Retirement Benefits?' Social Security Administration, 24 Apr. 2024, www.ssa.gov/faqs/en/questions/KA-01891.html . Accessed 23 Feb. 2025.
4. 'Benefits Planner: Retirement | Social Security Benefits for Federal Workers.' Social Security Administration, 2023, www.ssa.gov/benefits/retirement/planner/fedgovees.html . Accessed 23 Feb. 2025.
5. 'Quick Calculator.' Social Security Administration, last modified 27 May 2014, www.ssa.gov/OACT/quickcalc/ . Accessed 23 Feb. 2025.
How does HP Inc. ensure that the pension plan benefits will remain stable and secure for employees in the future, and what measures are being implemented to mitigate financial volatility associated with these benefits? Employees of HP Inc. should be particularly aware of how the transition of their pension payments to Prudential will affect their financial security and what protections are in place to ensure that these payments are maintained without disruption.
HP Inc. ensures pension plan benefits remain stable and secure by transferring the payment obligations to Prudential, a highly-rated insurance company selected through a careful review by an Independent Fiduciary. This move is aimed at reducing financial volatility associated with HP's pension obligations while maintaining the same benefit amount for retirees. Prudential's established financial stability provides additional security to employees(HP Inc_November 1 2021_…).
What specific details can HP Inc. employees expect to learn in the Welcome Kit from Prudential, and how will these details help them understand their new payment system? HP Inc. pension participants will need to familiarize themselves with the information outlined in the Welcome Kit to make informed decisions regarding their pension benefits going forward.
The Welcome Kit from Prudential will provide HP Inc. employees with instructions to set up an online account, along with details on managing payments, tax withholdings, and other resources. This information will allow employees to familiarize themselves with Prudential’s system and ensure a seamless transition without disruptions(HP Inc_November 1 2021_…).
In what ways does the selection process for Prudential as the insurance provider reflect the commitment of HP Inc. to the well-being of its employees? Understanding the rationale behind this decision will give HP Inc. employees insights into the fiduciary responsibilities and governance processes that protect their retirement benefits.
The selection of Prudential reflects HP Inc.'s commitment to employee well-being, as it involved the Independent Fiduciary conducting an extensive review of insurance providers. Prudential was chosen based on its financial strength and ability to manage pension payments securely, showing HP's focus on protecting retirement benefits(HP Inc_November 1 2021_…).
How will the annuity payments from Prudential differ from the previous pension payments in terms of tax implications and reporting for HP Inc. employees? It is crucial for employees of HP Inc. to comprehend the tax treatment of their new annuity payments to avoid any potential pitfalls in their personal financial planning.
The annuity payments from Prudential will be taxed similarly to the previous pension payments, though employees will receive two separate 1099-R forms for 2021 (one from Fidelity and one from Prudential). For future years, only a single form will be issued. This ensures employees are aware of how to manage tax reporting(HP Inc_November 1 2021_…).
What resources are available to HP Inc. employees seeking assistance regarding their pension benefits, and how can they effectively utilize these resources to address their concerns? Knowing how to access support and guidance will empower HP Inc. employees to manage their retirement benefits proactively.
HP Inc. employees seeking assistance can access live customer support through Fidelity or contact Prudential directly after the transition. Additionally, the Welcome Kit will include important contact information for managing their benefits, making it easy for employees to address concerns(HP Inc_November 1 2021_…).
How can HP Inc. employees verify the financial health and stability of Prudential, and why is this factor important in the context of their pension benefits? Employees must ask how Prudential's financial standing influences their view of long-term pension security and what metrics or ratings they should consider.
HP Inc. employees can verify Prudential’s financial health by reviewing Prudential's annual financial reports, which are publicly available. Prudential’s strong financial ratings were a key factor in its selection, assuring employees of long-term pension security(HP Inc_November 1 2021_…).
What steps should HP Inc. employees take to update their personal information, such as banking details and tax withholding preferences, following the transition to Prudential? Understanding these processes will ensure a smooth continuation of benefits for HP Inc. employees as they adapt to the new system.
Employees do not need to re-submit their personal information to Prudential, as HP will securely transfer all necessary data, including banking and tax withholding preferences. This ensures the continuation of pension payments without the need for employee intervention(HP Inc_November 1 2021_…).
How does HP Inc. plan to address potential changes in the financial landscape that may affect pension benefits, and what role does the insurance contract with Prudential play in this context? HP Inc. employees should be informed about the company's strategic outlook and how it aims to safeguard pension assets against economic uncertainties.
HP Inc. plans to address potential financial changes through its contract with Prudential, which guarantees pension payments will remain the same. Prudential manages these risks as part of its core business, providing added security against economic volatility(HP Inc_November 1 2021_…).
In what circumstances might HP Inc. employees see changes in their net pension payments following the transition to Prudential, despite assurances that payment amounts will remain unchanged? This understanding will help employees manage their expectations regarding future payments and any adjustments they may need to make.
Employees might see changes in their net pension payments due to tax adjustments or changes in withholding instructions, but the gross payment amount will remain unchanged. Any garnishments or other deductions will continue as before, ensuring consistency in payment structure(HP Inc_November 1 2021_…).
How can HP Inc. employees contact the company directly to learn more about the pension transition process, and what channels are available for them to have their questions addressed? Clear communication lines are essential for HP Inc. employees to ensure they receive timely and relevant information regarding their pension situations.
HP Inc. employees can contact the company through the Fidelity support line or directly through Prudential for any questions about the pension transition. The Welcome Kit and other resources will provide contact details, ensuring employees have access to timely support(HP Inc_November 1 2021_…).