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

Unlocking the Five Essential Benefits for Military Families: A Guide for Frontier Communications Employees

Healthcare Provider Update: Healthcare Provider for Frontier Communications Frontier Communications typically partners with large insurance companies for their employee healthcare plans. As of 2025, the primary provider for Frontier Communications is UnitedHealth Group, which offers a variety of health insurance plans catering to the organization's workforce. Potential Healthcare Cost Increases in 2026 In 2026, health insurance premiums are projected to soar, with many states experiencing increases that could exceed 60%. The combination of rising medical costs and the potential expiration of enhanced federal premium subsidies is expected to drastically impact consumers. Specifically, over 22 million individuals enrolled in Affordable Care Act (ACA) marketplace plans may see their out-of-pocket premiums rise by more than 75%. As insurers like UnitedHealthcare and Anthem announce substantial rate hikes, the financial strain could leave many families facing unaffordable coverage options, further complicating access to necessary healthcare services. Click here to learn more

Military families face plenty of financial challenges. If you're saving for college or Frontier Communications retirement, buying a home, or wondering how to help secure your family's financial future, don't overlook these five important benefits.

1. Thrift Savings Plan

Retirement from Frontier Communications is something you need to plan for, whether it's far away or just around the corner. Even if you can rely on a military pension because you've stayed in the service for 20 years or more, it's probably not going to provide all the retirement income you'll need, and neither is Social Security. That's why it's important to save for your Frontier Communications retirement on your own. One option you have is to contribute to the government's Thrift Savings Plan (TSP).

The TSP is a retirement savings plan for federal employees, including service members. When you make traditional contributions to the TSP, you get the same types of savings and tax benefits as you would if you contributed to a 401(k) plan offered by a private-sector employer. Contributing to the TSP is simple--your regular contributions are deducted from your paycheck before taxes (which can lower your taxable income for the year), and your contributions and any earnings accumulate tax deferred until withdrawn in retirement. You can also opt to make after-tax Roth contributions. They won't reduce your current tax liability, but qualified withdrawals in retirement will be tax-free (assuming IRS requirements are met).

You can enroll, change, or cancel your contributions whenever you'd like. You can contribute as little as 1% or as much as 100% of your basic pay (or a designated dollar amount) each pay period, up to what's called the elective deferral limit for the year. In 2020, you can contribute up to $19,500; if you're age 50 or older and are making catch-up contributions, you can contribute up to $26,000.

If you're contributing a percentage of your basic pay, you can also contribute a percentage of your incentive pay, special pay, or bonus pay (but you can't make catch-up contributions from these types of pay). And if you're deployed and receiving tax-exempt pay (i.e., pay that's subject to the combat zone exclusion), you can also make contributions from that pay, and your contribution limit for the year is even higher; the limit for total contributions from all types of pay is $57,000 for 2020.

When you leave the military, you can't continue to contribute to the TSP, but you have the option of keeping your money in the TSP or rolling it over to another retirement account, such as a traditional or Roth IRA or an eligible employer plan. For our Frontier Communications clients who would like more information on the TSP, visit tsp.gov.

2. Savings Deposit Program

Are you trying to save money to buy a vehicle or make a down payment on a home? Do you need to set aside money for a rainy day? If you're deployed to a designated combat zone for more than 30 consecutive days, you may have a unique chance to save for your goals at a guaranteed interest rate by participating in the Defense Department's Savings Deposit Program (SDP).

The SDP pays you 10% interest on deposits up to $10,000 while you're deployed, and you'll earn this interest rate on your money for up to 90 days after your return. You may deposit all or part of your unallotted pay. Interest compounds quarterly and is taxable.

Generally, you can withdraw funds and close your account only after you leave the combat zone and are no longer eligible to participate in the SDP, although emergency withdrawals, while you're deployed, are allowed in some cases. Other rules and eligibility requirements apply. For our Frontier Communications clients who would like to find out more or begin participating in the SDP, contact your local military finance office.

3. Post-9/11 GI Bill

Education benefits are one of the most valuable benefits available to servicemembers. If you're entitled to benefits, the Post-9/11 GI Bill will pay up to the full cost of in-state tuition and fees at public colleges for up to four years, or up to a certain maximum amount per academic year if you attend a private college or foreign school. The maximum for the 2019 - 2020 academic year (August 1, 2019 through July 31, 2020) is $24,476.79. Extra benefits may be available to those who are enrolled in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) programs. But if you don't need to use your entitlement, the Post-9/11 GI Bill can provide a great way to pay for your family's education. Servicemembers who make a long-term service commitment have the opportunity to transfer unused education benefits (up to 36 months' worth) to their spouses and children.

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To transfer your unused benefit entitlement to your spouse, you must have served at least 6 years, and generally commit to serving 4 additional years from the date a benefit transfer is approved (some exceptions to this added service requirement exist). Once the transfer is approved, your spouse may begin using the benefits immediately and generally has an unlimited amount of time to use the benefits. If you opt to transfer your unused entitlement to your dependent children, they can use the benefits only after you've completed at least 10 years of service. In addition, they must have attained a secondary school diploma or equivalency certificate or have reached age 18, and they can use the benefit entitlement only until reaching age 26. If both your spouse and your children are attending school, you can opt to split your benefit entitlement among them. For our Frontier Communications clients who would like to learn more about GI Bill benefits for you and your family members, visit benefits.va.gov.

4. VA Home Loan

Saving for a down payment is one of the biggest obstacles to homeownership. Fortunately, military families can often benefit from the no-down-payment requirement of a VA loan. This type of loan, which can only be used to finance a primary residence, also features another money-saving benefit: borrowers aren't required to pay mortgage insurance.

Despite its name, the VA loan isn't handled by the government. Like other home loans, VA loans are offered by private lenders such as banks, credit unions, and mortgage companies. The VA guarantees a portion of the loan, which may make it easier for you to obtain a loan or qualify for more favorable terms, including lower closing costs and appraisal fees. Not all lenders offer VA loans, so you'll need to ask potential lenders whether they are VA-approved lending institutions.

One lesser-known feature of the VA loan program is the opportunity to do a cash-out refinancing. If you have substantial home equity, this feature allows you to refinance an existing home loan (including a non-VA loan) while borrowing extra money, which you can use to pay off debt or make home improvements, for example. A VA loan is often a good choice for military families, but it's not the only game in town. We suggest that these Frontier Communications clients compare the terms, interest rates, closing costs, and fees against other mortgage options. One drawback of a VA loan is the funding fee that's generally required. This funding fee which you pay at closing (it can be financed into the loan) is a percentage of the amount you're borrowing.

For our Frontier Communications clients who would like more information on VA loans, including how to qualify and how to apply, visit benefits.va.gov.

5. Servicemembers' Group Life Insurance

Knowing that your family will be protected is extremely important, and affordable term life insurance coverage is available through the Servicemembers' Group Life Insurance (SGLI) program. Eligible servicemembers are automatically enrolled in SGLI, and spouses and dependent children are generally automatically insured through a related program, Family Servicemembers' Group Life Insurance (FSGLI). When you leave the military, you can apply to convert your policy to Veterans' Group Life Insurance (VGLI), which provides renewable term coverage.

An SGLI policy may also be converted to an individual policy sold by a participating commercial company. (Deadlines apply to both types of conversions.) However, you should carefully evaluate your options to determine whether VGLI will meet your life insurance needs. Points to consider include premium costs, plan features, and whether term insurance is your best option. For our Frontier Communications clients who would like more information about these and other life insurance programs for servicemembers, visit insurance.va.gov.

How does Frontier Communications Corporation determine the eligibility and participation criteria for employees in the pension plan? What are the key components that employees should be aware of in terms of service hours and years of service that can impact their pension benefits?

Frontier Communications Corporation determines pension plan eligibility based on employees' transfer from Verizon, crediting prior service under the Verizon Pension Plan to the Frontier Plan. Employees must meet the eligibility and service requirements, including hours of service and years of service, which are integral to calculating accrued benefits. The pension plan specifies that employees' service prior to the transition is recognized for determining their benefits under the Frontier plan(Frontier_Communications…).

In what ways does Frontier Communications Corporation ensure that employees transitioning from Verizon retain their accrued benefits under the new pension plan? Can you elaborate on how prior service will be accounted for under the Frontier Plan and any potential challenges that may arise in this process?

Employees transitioning from Verizon to Frontier retain their accrued benefits, with prior service credited under the Frontier Pension Plan. This is facilitated by a "Mirror Plan," which ensures that benefits under Verizon’s plan are transferred without reduction. Prior service is critical to the calculation of benefits and will continue under the Frontier Plan. However, challenges may arise regarding understanding the precise terms of service credits post-transition(Frontier_Communications…).

How does the merger of the Verizon pension plans with the Frontier Communications Corporation Pension Plan affect employeesâ€™ future benefits? What measures are put in place to ensure that Former Verizon employees receive benefits that are at least as favorable as those they previously had?

The merger of Verizon pension plans into the Frontier Communications Pension Plan guarantees that former Verizon employees receive benefits that are at least as favorable as those they had under the Verizon plan. The benefits accrued under Verizon are preserved, and future benefits are determined similarly, subject to Frontier’s amendments(Frontier_Communications…).

What resources are available for Frontier Communications Corporation employees to access more detailed information regarding their pension plan benefits? How might these resources assist in understanding the changes post-merger with Verizon?

Frontier provides detailed pension information through resources such as the Milliman Benefits Service Center. Employees can access these resources to better understand the impacts of the merger and ensure their benefits remain intact. The Summary Plan Description (SPD) and Summary of Material Modifications (SMM) provide employees with comprehensive updates post-merger(Frontier_Communications…).

Can you explain the process and implications for employees at Frontier Communications Corporation if they decide to appeal a denied pension claim? What steps must they take, and how does the appeals process ensure compliance with ERISA regulations?

If an employee’s pension claim is denied, they may appeal by submitting a written claim to the Plan Administrator, with additional documentation if requested. The appeals process ensures compliance with ERISA regulations, offering employees multiple review stages to reconsider denied claims(Frontier_Communications…).

How does Frontier Communications Corporation communicate updates to its pension plan practices to employees? Are there specific intervals or methods by which changes are shared, and how can employees keep abreast of these changes?

Frontier communicates pension plan updates to employees through various channels, including formal documents like the SMM and SPD. Updates are typically distributed periodically, with critical changes communicated as needed. Employees should regularly check for updates to stay informed(Frontier_Communications…).

In the context of financial planning for retirement, how do past benefits from the Verizon pension plans get integrated into the existing Frontier Communications Corporation pension framework? What advice can be given to employees regarding their financial health as they approach retirement?

Past benefits from the Verizon pension plan are integrated into Frontier’s pension framework through the transfer of assets and liabilities. Employees should review their benefit statements and consult financial planning resources to ensure a smooth transition and optimize their retirement strategy(Frontier_Communications…).

What roles do the Milliman Benefits Service Center and the Claims Review Committee play in supporting the employees of Frontier Communications Corporation regarding their pension claims? How can employees engage with these entities for assistance?

The Milliman Benefits Service Center supports employees with pension inquiries, while the Claims Review Committee handles appeals. Employees can contact Milliman for questions and submit appeals to the Claims Review Committee if disputes arise over benefits(Frontier_Communications…).

As an employee of Frontier Communications Corporation, what should be understood about the standard forms of pension payments available at retirement? How do these options impact the total benefits an employee may receive over time?

Frontier employees should understand the available pension payment options, including annuities and lump-sum distributions. These options affect the total amount received, and employees should consider their long-term financial needs when selecting a payment method(Frontier_Communications…).

How can employees contact Frontier Communications Corporation for more information about their pension plan? What are the best practices for reaching out and ensuring that their inquiries are handled efficiently?

Employees can contact Frontier regarding pension plans through the Milliman Benefits Service Center by phone or via their online portal. It is recommended to prepare inquiries with relevant documentation to ensure efficient handling(Frontier_Communications…).

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

Frontier Communications offers both a pension plan and a 401(k) savings plan for its employees. The Frontier Communications Pension Plan is designed for veteran employees, particularly those in bargaining units, and is structured to provide retirement benefits based on years of service and compensation. Employees must generally have completed five years of service to become vested. The pension formula involves a standard calculation of a fixed amount per year of service. Frontier allows eligible participants to elect a full lump sum if they retire after March 1, 2022, due to the plan’s improved funded status of 91% as of February 2022 (CWA 1298). In addition to the pension, Frontier offers the Frontier Communications 401(k) Savings Plan, which is available to all employees, with specific vesting and matching rules. The company uses Fidelity to manage this plan and offers a match of up to 6% of the employee’s contributions (CWA 1298). Matching contributions are subject to a vesting schedule that requires several years of employment before the company contributions are fully vested. Employees can contribute on a pre-tax or post-tax basis, depending on their financial strategy.

Restructuring and Layoffs: Frontier Communications has undergone significant restructuring efforts, including layoffs as part of its strategy to streamline operations and reduce costs. In recent reports from 2023-2024, the company has been focusing on reducing its workforce to improve efficiency and focus on core business areas. This restructuring is crucial to understand given the current economic climate, where companies are reassessing their operations to stay competitive. The economic environment and evolving market demands are driving such changes, and it’s important for stakeholders to stay informed about these developments. Benefit and Pension Changes: Frontier has also made adjustments to its employee benefits and pension plans. Recent changes include alterations to retirement benefits and 401(k) contributions as part of its broader cost-cutting measures. These changes reflect broader trends in the industry where companies are re-evaluating their benefit structures in response to economic pressures and shifting regulatory environments. Keeping up with these changes is essential for employees and investors alike, given the current tax and political landscape that influences corporate benefit strategies.

Frontier Communications typically offers stock options to executives and senior management. These options grant employees the right to purchase Frontier Communications' stock at a predetermined price within a specified period. The company usually sets performance targets that must be met for options to vest. RSUs: Frontier Communications provides RSUs to various levels of employees, including senior management and other key contributors. RSUs are granted with specific vesting schedules, often based on tenure or performance milestones. The vesting of RSUs is generally linked to continued employment with the company. Specific Information by Year

Frontier Communications Health Benefits 1. Official Company Website: Frontier Communications Careers: Health benefits are listed on their career page, providing information about the types of insurance, eligibility, and plan details. Company Newsroom: Check for any press releases or news related to changes in health benefits or employee healthcare initiatives. 2. Employee Review Websites: Glassdoor: Employee reviews often include information about health benefits and satisfaction with healthcare coverage. Indeed: Look for company reviews and benefits summaries from current or former employees. 3. Benefits Review Websites: Payscale: Provides detailed reports on employee compensation and benefits, including health insurance. Comparably: Offers insights into company benefits, including health insurance plans and employee satisfaction. 4. News Outlets: Business Insider: Check for any articles or news reports related to changes in employee benefits at Frontier Communications. Reuters: Look for any updates or news stories related to employee health benefits. 5. Industry and Financial News: Forbes: Search for any relevant articles discussing health benefits changes or company policies affecting employees. Bloomberg: Look for reports on Frontier Communications’ employee benefits and any associated financial impacts.