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

Essential Checklist for Frontier Communications Employees Navigating the Loss of a Loved One

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

If Your Loved One Was A Veteran, You May Be Eligible For Burial And Memorial Benefits. Call 1-800-827-1000 To Find The Nearest VA Regional Office.

Losing a loved one can be a difficult experience. Yet, during this time, you must complete a variety of tasks and make important financial decisions. You may need to make final arrangements, notify various businesses and government agencies, settle the individual's estate, and provide for your own financial security. The following checklist may help guide our Frontier Communications clients through the matters that must be attended to upon the death of a family member.

Note: Some of the following tasks may have to be completed by the estate's executor.

Initial Tasks

Upon the death of your loved one, call close family members, friends, and clergy first because you'll need their emotional support.
Arrange the funeral, burial or cremation, and memorial service. Hopefully, your loved one will have made arrangements ahead of time. Look among his or her papers for a letter of instruction containing final wishes. Such instructions may also be stated in his or her will or other estate planning documents. Arrange any cultural rituals, and make any anatomical gifts.
Notify family and friends of the final arrangements.
Alert your loved one's place of work, union, professional organizations, and any organizations where he or she may have volunteered.
Contact Frontier Communications and arrange for bereavement leave.
Place an obituary in the local paper.
Obtain certified copies of the death certificate. The family doctor or medical examiner should provide you with the death certificate within 24 hours of the death. The funeral home should complete the form and file it with the state. Get several certified copies (photocopies may not be accepted); you will need them when applying for benefits and settling the estate.
Review your family member's financial affairs, and look for estate planning documents, such as a will and trusts, and other relevant documents, such as deeds and titles. We also suggest that these Frontier Communications clients locate any marriage certificate, birth or adoption certificates of children, and military discharge papers, which you may need to apply for benefits. These documents may be found in a safe-deposit box, or your loved one's attorney may have copies.

Report the death to Social Security by calling 1-800-772-1213. For our Frontier Communications clients whose loved one was receiving benefits via direct deposit, request that the bank return funds received for the month of death and thereafter to Social Security. Do not cash any Social Security checks received by mail. Return all checks to Social Security as soon as possible. Surviving spouses and other family members may be eligible for a $255 lump-sum death benefit and/or survivor benefits. We suggest that these Frontier Communications clients go to ssa.gov for more information.

Make a list of assets. Put safeguards in place to protect any property. Make sure mortgage and insurance payments continue to be made while the estate is being settled.
Arrange to retrieve your loved one's belongings from his or her workplace. Collect any salary, vacation, or sick pay owed to your loved one, and be sure to ask about continuing health insurance coverage and potential survivor's benefits for a spouse or children. Unions and professional organizations may also offer death benefits. If the death was work-related, the estate or beneficiaries may be entitled to worker's compensation benefits.
Contact past employers regarding pension plans, and contact any IRA custodians or trustees. Review designated beneficiaries and post-death distribution options.

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Locate insurance policies. The policies could include individual and group life insurance, mortgage insurance, auto credit life insurance, accidental death and dismemberment, credit card insurance, and annuities. Contact all insurance companies to file claims. • Contact all credit card companies and let them know of the death. Cancel all cards unless you're named on the account and wish to retain the card.

Retitle jointly held assets, such as bank accounts, automobiles, stocks and bonds, and real estate.

For our Frontier Communications clients whose loved one owned, controlled, or was a principal in a business, check to see if there are any buy-sell agreements under which his or her interest must be sold.

Within 3 to 9 Months after Death

File the will with the appropriate probate court. If real estate was owned out of state, file ancillary probate in that state also. If there is no will, contact the probate court for instructions, or contact a probate attorney for assistance.
Notify creditors by mail and by placing a notice in the newspaper. Claims must be made within the statute of limitations, which varies from state to state (30 days from the actual notice is common). Insist upon proof of all claims.
A federal estate tax return may need to be filed within 9 months of death. State laws vary, but state estate tax and/or inheritance tax returns may also need to be filed. Federal and state income taxes are due for the year of death on the normal filing date unless an extension is requested. If there are trusts, separate income tax returns may need to be filed. These Frontier Communications clients may want to seek the advice of a tax professional.

Within 9 to 12 Months after Death

Update your own estate plan if your loved one was a beneficiary or appointed as an agent, trustee, or guardian.
Update beneficiary designations on your retirement plans, including IRAs, and transfer-on-death accounts on which your loved one was named beneficiary.
Reevaluate your budget and short-term and long-term finances.
Reevaluate your insurance needs, and update beneficiary designations on insurance policies on which your loved one was the named beneficiary.
Reevaluate investment options.

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.