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

Navigating Inflation: Essential Insights for Loews Employees to Safeguard Their Retirement Plans

Healthcare Provider Update: Healthcare Provider for Loews Loews Corporation utilizes Aetna for its employee healthcare coverage. Aetna is known for providing a range of health insurance services, including employer-sponsored insurance, which aligns with Loews' needs for its workforce. Potential Healthcare Cost Increases in 2026 As we look ahead to 2026, healthcare costs are projected to escalate significantly, driven largely by the potential expiration of enhanced federal premium subsidies and rising medical expenses. Many states, particularly New York and Arkansas, are witnessing proposed premium hikes exceeding 60%, reflecting a broader average increase of 20% across the ACA Marketplace. This alarming trend forecasts that over 22 million marketplace enrollees could see their premiums spike by more than 75%, making it increasingly challenging for families to afford comprehensive healthcare coverage. Click here to learn more

As a Loews employee earning a good wage, remember when everyday products were much cheaper than they are now? That's a real-life example of inflation, an unavoidable phenomenon that erodes the value of money by pushing prices up over time. If capital isn't being put to work and making a return during inflationary periods, the purchasing power of investor capital is declining.

'If capital isn't being put to work and making a return during inflationary periods, the purchasing power of investor capital is declining.'

woman signing on white printer paper beside woman about to touch the documents

As a Loews employee interested in investing, it is important to consider how investors have a wide range of tools at their disposal to protect their portfolios from inflation. Some prefer inflation-protected bonds, while others swear by commodities such as gold as effective inflation hedges. Investing in stocks has historically been one of the best ways to offset, or even outpace, inflation's degenerative effects on one's savings. For Loews employees, it is important to account for this information when planning your finances as to create a portfolio that minimizes volatility and accounts for inflation.

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We still have a tremendous amount of interest from advisors looking into commodity funds, ETFs and other inflation protection instruments to protect against potential inflation.

What is the purpose of the 401(k) plan offered by Loews?

The 401(k) plan offered by Loews is designed to help employees save for retirement by allowing them to contribute a portion of their salary on a pre-tax basis.

How can I enroll in Loews' 401(k) plan?

Employees can enroll in Loews' 401(k) plan by accessing the benefits portal or contacting the HR department for assistance with the enrollment process.

Does Loews offer a company match for the 401(k) contributions?

Yes, Loews offers a company match for employee contributions to the 401(k) plan, which helps to enhance overall retirement savings.

What is the maximum contribution limit for Loews' 401(k) plan?

The maximum contribution limit for Loews' 401(k) plan is in accordance with IRS guidelines, which can change annually. Employees should check the latest limits for accuracy.

Can I change my contribution percentage to Loews' 401(k) plan at any time?

Yes, employees can change their contribution percentage to Loews' 401(k) plan at any time, typically through the benefits portal or by contacting HR.

What investment options are available in Loews' 401(k) plan?

Loews' 401(k) plan offers a variety of investment options, including mutual funds, target-date funds, and other investment vehicles to suit different risk tolerances.

When can I start withdrawing from my Loews 401(k) plan?

Employees can typically start withdrawing from their Loews 401(k) plan at age 59½, but specific rules and penalties may apply depending on the circumstances.

Are there any fees associated with Loews' 401(k) plan?

Yes, there may be fees associated with Loews' 401(k) plan, which can include administrative fees and investment management fees. Employees should review the plan documents for details.

How does Loews communicate changes to the 401(k) plan?

Loews communicates changes to the 401(k) plan through official company emails, newsletters, and updates on the benefits portal to ensure all employees are informed.

Can I take a loan against my 401(k) with Loews?

Yes, Loews allows employees to take loans against their 401(k) savings, subject to specific terms and conditions outlined in the plan documents.

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

Loews offers a defined contribution plan (401(k)) to its employees, allowing them to save for retirement. Employees can contribute a percentage of their salary, with limits set by the IRS, which have increased from $20,500 in 2022 to $22,500 in 2023 and $23,000 in 2024. Employees aged 50 and above can make catch-up contributions, which are $6,500 in 2022 and $7,500 in 2023 and 2024 (Pension Rights Center) (CliftonLarsonAllen). These plans are structured to encourage long-term savings, with Loews often matching employee contributions up to a certain percentage, enhancing retirement security (CliftonLarsonAllen). The company also provides a defined benefit pension plan for certain long-term employees. This pension plan has age and years of service requirements, typically requiring employees to be at least 65 years old with a set number of years of service to receive full benefits. The pension formula is generally based on final average pay and years of service (CliftonLarsonAllen) (My Lowe's Life). For both the pension and 401(k) plans, Loews has specific terminology and acronyms, such as "final average pay" for pension calculations and "vesting periods" for the 401(k) plan. These details help employees understand how their benefits are calculated and when they become eligible

Loews Corporation has been navigating significant corporate restructuring, leading to workforce reductions across several of its subsidiaries, particularly in the insurance and energy sectors. Alongside these layoffs, Loews has implemented changes in employee benefit structures, with a stronger emphasis on enhanced 401(k) plans replacing traditional pension offerings. Employees who were previously enrolled in defined benefit pensions have seen modifications, including the cessation of new contributions to these pensions, in favor of shifting toward defined contribution plans, such as 401(k)s.

For Loews, stock options and Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) are a significant part of employee compensation, especially in fostering long-term engagement and retention. Loews typically offers time-based RSUs to a select group of employees, with vesting periods linked to tenure at the company. RSUs at Loews grant employees shares of company stock once they have met the vesting conditions, such as staying with the company for a specified number of years. In 2022, 2023, and 2024, Loews continued to issue stock options and RSUs as a key component of their long-term incentive plans (LTI). These incentives are available to employees based on their role within the company, particularly to senior management and executives. RSUs are vested over a set period, and employees must meet specific performance or tenure criteria to receive their shares. Once the shares vest, employees have the option to either hold or sell them, though this is subject to Loews’ trading policies. The RSU grants at Loews are taxed as ordinary income upon vesting, and the company withholds federal income tax at the time of vesting to meet IRS requirements. Additionally, employees who qualify for Loews' RSUs may also benefit from capital gains tax treatment on any price appreciation of the stock after the vesting period.

Health Plan Design & Cost: Loews has incorporated High Deductible Health Plans (HDHPs) into their offerings, which are becoming increasingly popular among employees due to their lower premium costs but higher deductibles. This is aligned with a broader industry trend, as HDHP enrollment has risen in 2023 despite significant increases in premiums (Stephens). Healthcare-Related Terms and Acronyms: Loews employees frequently encounter terms such as HDHP (High Deductible Health Plan), PPO (Preferred Provider Organization), and HSA (Health Savings Account). The HSA is particularly relevant for employees enrolled in HDHPs, offering tax advantages for medical expenses (Loews). Recent Employee Healthcare News: In recent years, Loews has been proactive in responding to healthcare inflation. In 2023, Loews adjusted its plan designs to mitigate rising costs, with a focus on prescription drug tiers and other cost-containment strategies. This reflects a broader trend among employers to manage healthcare spending through strategic plan modifications, particularly for small and midsize businesses

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For more information you can reach the plan administrator for Loews at , ; or by calling them at .

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