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

How Everyday Choices Impact Corning Employees’ Paths to a Stronger Retirement

Healthcare Provider Update: Corning Inc. typically partners with CVS Health for its healthcare needs, focusing on a combination of healthcare management strategies and employee wellness initiatives designed to improve overall health outcomes for their workforce. As we look towards 2026, significant healthcare cost increases are anticipated, primarily driven by the potential expiration of enhanced federal premium subsidies under the Affordable Care Act (ACA). Reports indicate that insurance premiums for ACA marketplace plans could surge by over 60% in some states, leading nearly 22 million enrollees to face increases exceeding 75% in out-of-pocket costs. With these compounding factors, including rising medical expenses and the profitability pressures on major insurers, companies like Corning must prepare for a challenging landscape where access to affordable healthcare could be severely impacted. Click here to learn more

'Many Corning employees overlook how everyday spending habits influence their long-term goals, making it important to understand how consistent financial discipline in small decisions can be just as impactful as major investment choices when preparing for retirement.'— Wesley Boudreaux, a representative of The Retirement Group, a division of Wealth Enhancement.

'Corning employees can strengthen their retirement outlook by recognizing that sustainable wealth often grows from steady, mindful habits rather than big financial moves,' — Patrick Ray, a representative of The Retirement Group, a division of Wealth Enhancement.

In this article, we will discuss:

The hidden cost of convenience and its impact on wealth.
How small savings can compound over time to strengthen retirement readiness.
Practical money habits that support fiscal discipline across generations.

Maintaining Your Standard of Living: Small Habits That Build Long-Term Wealth

by Brent Wolf, CPA, Wealth Enhancement

I recently spoke with a client who had carefully built significant savings through years of consistent fiscal discipline. When his children remarked that “baby boomers had it easy,” he simply replied, “We just learned to live within our means.” That mindset remains just as valuable today for Corning employees preparing for retirement.

The Hidden Cost of Convenience

Modern conveniences can quietly erode long-term wealth. Services like Uber Eats, DoorDash, and Grubhub can make life easier, but research shows that delivery orders can cost between 80% and 105% more than picking up the same meal yourself. ¹ These additional costs often stem from:

- Restaurants increasing menu prices by 20–30% for delivery app orders ²
- Added platform service and delivery fees
- Extra taxes layered into the total
- Tips on top of already inflated costs

Essentially, you’re paying more for someone else to handle the task—not for a better product.

How Small Savings Compound Over Time

Choosing to cook at home or pick up meals rather than relying on delivery can save roughly $250 per week, or about $13,000 per year. ³ Over two decades, that amounts to $260,000 in cash savings. If those savings were invested and grew at a 10% annual rate, they could potentially reach $687,300. ⁴ That's a lot of savings for an incremental change, enough to substantially influence retirement readiness for many Corning employees.

Building Better Money Habits

Reducing unnecessary spending doesn’t mean giving up what you enjoy. Consider these practical steps:

- Call restaurants directly and pick up your meal instead of ordering through apps
- Prepare more meals at home
- Walk to nearby restaurants instead of paying for delivery

Long-term fiscal strength often results from steady, thoughtful habits that align with broader goals—something Corning employees can integrate into their daily routines.

Taking the Next Step

Growth rarely comes from one major decision; it’s built through consistent, intentional behaviors. By rethinking spending habits and redirecting small savings, you can make meaningful progress toward long-term retirement goals.

The Retirement Group can help Corning employees understand how everyday savings may support their broader strategy. To discuss how these principles can fit into your retirement planning, call (800) 900-5867 to speak with a financial professional today.

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Sources:

1. Bitter, Alex. “You Might Be Paying Twice as Much by Ordering Take-out Food on DoorDash or Postmates, New Study Says.” Business Insider , 29 Jan. 2024, www.businessinsider.com/doordash-postmates-food-delivery-costs-twice-as-much-as-pickup-2024-1 .
2. iOrders. ' Why Food Costs More on Uber Eats Than In-Restaurant .' April 30, 2025.
3. Top Nutrition Coaching. ' The Cost of Eating Out Versus Eating In by State ,' by Nicolette Star Maggiolo. 2024.
4. U.S. Securities and Exchance Commission. ' Compound Interest Calculator .'
Other Resources:
1. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. “Consumer Price Index – September 2025.” U.S. Dept. of Labor, 24 Oct. 2025, www.bls.gov/news.release/pdf/cpi.pdf .
2. U.S. Department of Agriculture, Economic Research Service. Food Price Outlook: Summary Findings. 25 Sept. 2025, ers.usda.gov/data-products/food-price-outlook/summary-findings .

How does Corning Incorporated's growth in its Optical Communications segment reflect the broader trends in telecommunications and data center industries, and what specific strategies are being employed by Corning to capture market share in this competitive landscape?

Optical Communications Growth and Strategies: Corning Incorporated's growth in its Optical Communications segment reflects broader trends in the telecommunications and data center industries driven by increased demand for high-speed connectivity and cloud services. The company's strategy involves leveraging its expertise in specialty glass and optical physics to innovate and enhance network solutions for both carrier and enterprise networks. Corning is focusing on expanding its product offerings and capacity to address the needs of 5G technology and fiber optic expansion, aiming to capture a significant share in these rapidly growing markets.

In light of the rapid advancements in technology, how is Corning Incorporated prioritizing research and development across its five Market-Access Platforms, and what impact could these investments have on future product innovations?

Research and Development Prioritization: Corning Incorporated prioritizes research and development (R&D) across its five Market-Access Platforms to sustain its competitive advantage and foster future product innovations. By investing heavily in R&D, Corning aims to advance its materials science expertise to develop products that meet the evolving needs of global industries. This investment is strategic, focusing on enhancing product performance and developing new applications, which are crucial for maintaining technological leadership and driving long-term growth.

Corning Incorporated has set ambitious sustainability targets for itself, including reducing greenhouse gas emissions. What are the implications of these goals for the companyâ€™s operational strategies and overall corporate governance, particularly in regard to stakeholder engagement?

Sustainability Targets and Implications: Corning Incorporated's sustainability targets, particularly in reducing greenhouse gas emissions, reflect its commitment to environmental stewardship and sustainable operational practices. These goals are integral to the company's operational strategies and corporate governance, emphasizing resource efficiency and minimizing environmental impact. The focus on sustainability also plays a significant role in stakeholder engagement, as it aligns with the increasing global emphasis on corporate responsibility and can enhance Corning's reputation and stakeholder trust.

In 2021, Corning Incorporated reported significant financial growth across all segments. How does this performance illustrate the effectiveness of the companyâ€™s â€œMore Corningâ€ strategy, and what challenges does Corning foresee as it strives to maintain this momentum in an evolving market?

More Corning Strategy Performance: The "More Corning" strategy, which focuses on enhancing integration and collaboration across Corning's diverse segments to drive innovation and market expansion, has demonstrated significant financial growth in 2021. This strategy's effectiveness is evident in the increase in core sales and earnings, showing that Corning's integrated approach helps leverage its technological capabilities to tap into new opportunities and drive revenue growth. However, maintaining this momentum poses challenges such as adapting to market volatility and technological disruptions.

Corning Incorporated places a strong emphasis on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI). How does the company plan to operationalize its DEI initiatives within its workforce, and what metrics will it utilize to assess the success of these programs?

DEI Initiatives: Corning Incorporated is actively embedding Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) into its operational practices. The company plans to operationalize its DEI initiatives by setting clear goals, monitoring progress through measurable metrics, and integrating DEI into all levels of the organization. Corning aims to create a more inclusive workplace that reflects global diversity and enriches its corporate culture, which is critical for fostering innovation and maintaining a competitive edge.

How does Corning Incorporated manage executive compensation and how does its approach align with the companyâ€™s performance-oriented culture, particularly in light of shareholder expectations and competitive practices in the industry?

Executive Compensation Management: Corning manages executive compensation by aligning it with company performance and shareholder expectations. The compensation strategy includes a mix of short-term and long-term incentives that are tied to achieving specific corporate goals and benchmarks. This approach ensures that executive rewards are directly linked to Corning's operational success and shareholder value, fostering a performance-oriented culture that aligns with industry practices.

What measures does Corning Incorporated have in place to ensure the integrity of its supply chain amidst rising global challenges, and how does the company plan to adapt its operations accordingly?

Supply Chain Integrity Measures: In response to global challenges, Corning Incorporated has implemented robust measures to ensure the integrity of its supply chain. These measures include diversifying its supplier base, enhancing quality control, and increasing transparency in its supply chain operations. Corning plans to adapt its operations to mitigate risks associated with supply chain disruptions, ensuring reliability and compliance with global standards.

Corning Incorporated has participated in shareholder engagement practices. What role does this engagement play in shaping corporate governance policies and how might it influence decisions made by the Board of Directors?

Shareholder Engagement Impact: Corning Incorporated's active shareholder engagement practices are central to shaping its corporate governance policies. This engagement allows Corning to align its strategies with shareholder expectations and enhance transparency. The feedback from these engagements informs the Board of Directors' decisions, ensuring that Corning remains responsive to investor concerns and governance trends.

How can employees of Corning Incorporated reach out to the Human Resources department for more personalized assistance regarding retirement planning and associated benefits, and what resources are available to support their transition?

HR Contact for Retirement Planning: Employees of Corning Incorporated seeking personalized assistance with retirement planning can reach out to the Human Resources department. Corning provides various resources, including workshops, one-on-one counseling, and online tools, to support employees in making informed decisions about their retirement options and benefits.

As Corning Incorporated continues to evolve, what are the major risks identified in its enterprise risk management program, and how does the company plan to mitigate these risks to safeguard its assets and business operations?

Risk Management Strategies: Corning Incorporated's enterprise risk management program identifies major risks that could impact its business operations and strategies. The company employs comprehensive measures to mitigate these risks, including technological innovation, market diversification, and financial management. By continuously assessing and adapting to potential risks, Corning aims to safeguard its assets and ensure long-term business sustainability.

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

Corning Incorporated offers comprehensive employee benefits through its pension and 401(k) plans. The Corning Incorporated Supplemental Pension Plan is available for eligible employees, and its benefits are calculated based on years of service and employee compensation. The pension formula operates under a career average formula or a cash balance formula depending on employee classification, with early retirement options available starting at age 55 with more than five years of service. Benefits are typically paid as life annuities or joint and survivor annuities for married participants, though lump sum options are available for balances below certain thresholds (Corning) (Justia). Corning also provides a 401(k) plan, known as the Corning Incorporated Investment Plan. Employees can contribute pre-tax and Roth contributions, and Corning offers employer matching. In 2022, the average participant retirement account value for the Corning 401(k) plan was $197,160, with average employee contributions of $9,943 annually. The IRS contribution limits for 2023 are set at $22,500 for employee contributions and $66,000 combined employee and employer contributions

Restructuring Layoffs: In 2023, Corning announced plans to reduce its workforce as part of a broader restructuring effort aimed at streamlining operations and improving efficiency. This decision was influenced by shifting market demands and an ongoing need to align production with changing customer requirements. Importance: It is crucial to stay informed about such developments due to the current economic environment, which is characterized by volatility and uncertainty. Understanding these changes helps employees and investors anticipate potential impacts on job security and company performance.

Corning Inc. Stock Options and RSUs Stock Options and RSUs Overview Corning Inc. provides stock options and RSUs to its employees as part of its compensation packages. Stock options typically allow employees to purchase shares at a predetermined price, while RSUs represent a promise to deliver shares at a later date, subject to vesting conditions. Specific Company Stock Options and RSUs (2022-2024) Corning Inc. offered various stock options and RSUs to its employees in 2022. For example, the company granted stock options as part of its annual incentive program and issued RSUs to senior executives as part of their long-term incentive compensation. In 2023, Corning Inc. continued to provide stock options and RSUs, with adjustments based on the company's performance and market conditions. The stock options were designed to align employee interests with shareholder value, while RSUs aimed to retain key talent. For 2024, Corning Inc. maintained its practice of awarding stock options and RSUs. The company tailored these awards to match individual performance and contributions, ensuring that both stock options and RSUs were strategically aligned with the company's growth objectives.

Search Approach: Corning Official Website: Review their HR or benefits page for official information. Company Filings and Reports: Check annual reports and SEC filings for detailed benefits descriptions. Industry News Websites: Look at recent articles on healthcare benefits for Corning employees. Employee Review Sites: Consult platforms like Glassdoor or Indeed for employee feedback on health benefits. HR and Benefits Analysis Sites: Check third-party sites that analyze and compare corporate health benefits. Corning Health Benefits Summary (2022-2024) 1. Corning Official Website: Benefits Overview: Corning provides comprehensive health benefits that include medical, dental, and vision coverage. Their plans typically offer a range of options including Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) and Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs). Corning emphasizes a commitment to employee well-being with resources for mental health, preventive care, and wellness programs. Acronyms & Terms: HSA (Health Savings Account) FSA (Flexible Spending Account) EAP (Employee Assistance Program) HDHP (High Deductible Health Plan) 2. Annual Reports and SEC Filings: Healthcare Coverage: Recent reports confirm that Corning's health benefits packages include standard offerings like health insurance plans with options for high deductibles and HSAs. The company also offers wellness incentives and preventive care programs. Recent Changes: There have been updates to increase coverage options and to include more comprehensive mental health support. 3. Industry News Websites: Recent News: There has been a focus on Corning's efforts to enhance mental health benefits and increase access to telehealth services. Recent updates also include expanded family leave and wellness programs in response to employee feedback. Terms Used: Telehealth (Remote healthcare services) Wellness Incentives (Programs to promote health and prevent illness) 4. Employee Review Sites: Employee Feedback: Reviews indicate that employees appreciate the broad coverage options and the flexibility of benefits. There is positive feedback about the mental health resources and wellness programs. However, some reviews mention that the complexity of benefits enrollment can be a challenge. Common Terms: Mental Health Resources (Counseling and support services) Preventive Care (Services aimed at preventing illness) 5. HR and Benefits Analysis Sites: Benefit Comparisons: Corning's benefits are competitive within the industry. They are noted for offering strong health coverage with a focus on preventive care and employee wellness. The company has been making efforts to integrate more modern benefits such as telehealth. Recent Updates: Enhanced telehealth options and expanded mental health coverage have been highlighted as recent improvements.