Healthcare Provider Update: Healthcare Provider for MDU Resources Group MDU Resources Group, a utility and construction services company, primarily partners with various healthcare providers and insurance companies that serve its employees, including Blue Cross Blue Shield and UnitedHealthcare for healthcare coverage options. Brief Overview of Projected Healthcare Cost Increases in 2026 As we approach 2026, healthcare consumers face significant challenges as premiums for Affordable Care Act (ACA) marketplace plans are projected to rise sharply, with some states reporting increases exceeding 60%. The anticipated loss of enhanced federal premium subsidies coupled with escalating medical costs is creating a perfect storm for healthcare expenses. According to industry experts, without congressional action to extend these subsidies, over 22 million enrollees may experience out-of-pocket premium hikes of more than 75%, underscoring the need for proactive financial planning for healthcare in the coming year. The landscape suggests that the combination of heightened rates and diminished financial assistance could push many families toward more financial strain in 2026. Click here to learn more
Rising interest rates also play a large role in the decision of whether MDU Resources Group employees should take their pension as an annuity or a one-time lump sum payment. As inflation continues to rise, the Fed has responded by gradually increasing interest rates, which decreases the value of future pension payments as well as the lump sum value. This is because the future pension payments are worth less today as the dollar devalues and the higher investment return drives the total present value of the payments down. To show this mathematically, imagine an individual with pension payments of $48,000 annually ($4,000 monthly), a 20-year time horizon, and a 5% interest rate
The present value of all of these payments is worth $598,186, which should roughly be the value of the lump sum payment. With a single percentage increase in interest rates from 5% to 6%, the new present value of the payments is reduced to $550,556, just under an 8% decrease over the old present value. Evidently, rising interest rates negatively affect the present value of future payments so given Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell’s mention of 2-3 more interest rate hikes this year, the decision of whether to take a lump sum now or later could have a big impact on your retirement from MDU Resources Group.
'Taking your pension as a lump sum and knowing how to manage your funds to last for your retirement requires hard work.' |
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In practicality, taking your pension as a lump sum and knowing how to manage your funds to last for your years of retirement from MDU Resources Group requires hard work. Figuring out how much to withdraw, when to withdraw, and how much you can spend each year are just a few of the many decisions that are needed to be thought out in order to maximize the benefit of taking your pension as a lump sum. If you don’t take the time to think out these decisions, you could find yourself running out of funds during your years of retirement from MDU Resources Group.
For our MDU Resources Group clients who would prefer the safety of a guaranteed stream of income for the rest of their lives, taking the annuity over the lump sum may be the better option for you. With taking your pension as an annuity though, there is no certainty that the company paying your pension will remain in business for the duration of your retirement so you run the risk of receiving smaller pension payments from the PBGC (Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation) in the event that MDU Resources Group goes under. Both options have their pros and cons and in the end up to you to decide which suits your personal financial situation and lifestyle.
If you are interested in more information about this topic, view our e-book here: https://retirekit.theretirementgroup.com/effects-of-inflation-e-brochure
What types of retirement savings plans does MDU Resources Group offer?
MDU Resources Group offers a 401(k) savings plan to help employees save for retirement.
How can employees of MDU Resources Group enroll in the 401(k) plan?
Employees can enroll in the MDU Resources Group 401(k) plan by visiting the company’s benefits portal or contacting the HR department for assistance.
Does MDU Resources Group match employee contributions to the 401(k) plan?
Yes, MDU Resources Group provides a matching contribution to the 401(k) plan, subject to certain limits.
What is the maximum contribution limit for the MDU Resources Group 401(k) plan?
The maximum contribution limit for the MDU Resources Group 401(k) plan is aligned with IRS guidelines, which may change annually.
Can employees of MDU Resources Group take loans against their 401(k) savings?
Yes, MDU Resources Group allows employees to take loans against their 401(k) savings, subject to specific terms and conditions.
What investment options are available in the MDU Resources Group 401(k) plan?
The MDU Resources Group 401(k) plan offers a variety of investment options, including mutual funds and target-date funds.
When can employees of MDU Resources Group start withdrawing from their 401(k) accounts?
Employees can start withdrawing from their MDU Resources Group 401(k) accounts at age 59½, or earlier under certain circumstances.
Is there a vesting schedule for the employer match in the MDU Resources Group 401(k) plan?
Yes, MDU Resources Group has a vesting schedule for the employer match, which determines how much of the match employees are entitled to based on their years of service.
How often can employees change their contribution amounts to the MDU Resources Group 401(k) plan?
Employees of MDU Resources Group can change their contribution amounts on a quarterly basis or as specified in the plan documents.
What happens to the 401(k) savings if an employee leaves MDU Resources Group?
If an employee leaves MDU Resources Group, they can choose to roll over their 401(k) savings to another retirement account, cash out, or leave the funds in the MDU plan if eligible.