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

Kroger employees: Are you NUA Qualified?

Healthcare Provider Update: Healthcare Provider for Kroger Kroger partners with a variety of health insurance providers for its employee healthcare plans, which typically include major insurers such as Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield, UnitedHealthcare, and others. These partnerships offer comprehensive healthcare coverage options to their employees, ensuring access to a broad network of medical services. Potential Healthcare Cost Increases for Kroger in 2026 As we look ahead to 2026, Kroger employees-along with many others-may face substantial healthcare cost increases as health insurance premiums for Affordable Care Act (ACA) marketplace plans are projected to surge. In some states, premiums could rise by as much as 60%, driven by factors such as the expiration of enhanced federal premium subsidies and escalating medical costs, which are now rising at an alarming rate due to inflation and increased demand for healthcare services. According to analysts, without congressional intervention, the average out-of-pocket premium for ACA enrollees could jump by over 75%, putting financial strain on many families and potentially affecting their access to necessary healthcare services. Click here to learn more

For Kroger employees wanting to make the most of their retirement savings, using strategies like Net Unrealized Appreciation (NUA) can deliver big tax benefits - 'you get long-term capital gains rates on appreciated employer stock instead of ordinary income tax rates - and it's a strategy you should discuss with your advisor - Tyson Mavar of the Retirement Group.'

I often tell Kroger employees that if NUA lowers tax liabilities on appreciated employer stock, they should talk to an expert like Paul Bergeron of The Retirement Group, 'he said.

In this article, we will discuss:

1. The tax treatment of qualified versus non-qualified accounts.

2. What Net Unrealized Appreciation (NUA) is for eligible employees.

3. Potential tax savings for Kroger employees with the NUA strategy.

We want to help our Kroger clients understand how NUA can be used by first making clear the tax treatment differences between qualified and nonqualified accounts. Those qualified accounts (traditional 401(k)s) exist to provide tax advantages. Contributing pre-tax dollars from your income to a qualified account lowers your tax for the year.

The qualified accounts are like a Traditional 401(k) but with tax advantages added.

And appreciation is not taxed until withdrawals are made. Upon withdrawal (tax penalty for withdrawals before age 59½ and required minimum distributions [RMDs] after age 70½), appreciation and invested amounts are taxed as ordinary income at the time of withdrawal (tax penalty for withdrawals before age 59½ and RMDs after age 70½).

In contrast, we remind our Kroger customers that non-qualified plans (like a standard brokerage account) are not encumbered by tax-deferral benefits. Investments are funded with after-tax money. In the event appreciated shares are liquidated for a gain, any excess of the difference between cost basis (original purchase price) and sales price is taxed at either the short-term or long-term capital gains rate, plus tax on dividends paid in the same year. The funds in non-qualified accounts are not subject to early withdrawal penalties nor required minimum distributions.

Read our e-book here for more: https://retirekit.theretirementgroup.com/net-unrealized-appreciation-ebook-offer

Added Fact:

Kroger employees holding employer stock in their qualified retirement plans could qualify for a special tax strategy called Net Unrealized Appreciation (NUA). NUA may allow eligible people to receive tax treatment favorable to them on the appreciation of their employer stock distributed from a qualified plan. Utilizing NUA may mean paying higher long-term capital gains tax rates on the stock appreciation than ordinary income tax rates. This can mean big tax savings if the stock has appreciated strongly over the years. Seek advice from a financial advisor or tax professional about eligibility and benefits of the NUA strategy. (Source: IRS.gov, 'Retirement Topics – Net Unrealized Appreciation (NUA),' updated October 15, 2021).

Added Analogy:

Imagine you have been building up a rare antique over years. Your retirement plan as a Kroger employee is sort of like this antique collection. Like the antique, your retirement plan may contain employer stock that has appreciated over time. Imagine now that you have a special tax strategy available to you - Net Unrealized Appreciation (NUA). Finding NUA is like entering a room of hidden tax benefits. You could get tax advantages on the appreciated value of your employer stock through NUA. It's like getting a key that lets you pay long-term capital gains tax rates on the appreciation instead of higher ordinary income tax rates. Exploring NUA as a strategy may be an added benefit to your retirement plan - helping you to protect and grow your money. Just as collectors consider how to protect and leverage their antiques, Kroger employees should consider NUA to optimize retirement savings.

Sources:

1. TurboTax. 'Net Unrealized Appreciation (NUA): Tax Treatment & Strategies.' TurboTax , October 2024, www.turbotax.intuit.com/tax-tips/retirement/net-unrealized-appreciation-nua-tax-treatment-amp-strategies/c71vBJZ2B?utm_source=chatgpt.com .

2. SmartAsset. 'Differences of Qualified vs. Nonqualified Retirement Plans.' SmartAsset , May 2024, www.smartasset.com/retirement/qualified-vs-nonqualified-retirement-plans?utm_source=chatgpt.com .

Articles you may find interesting:

3. Endeavor Wealth Advisors. 'Net Unrealized Appreciation 'NUA' Tax Strategies in Retirement.' Endeavor Wealth Advisors , October 2024, www.endeavorwa.com/nua-tax-strategies-in-retirement/?utm_source=chatgpt.com .

4. Thrivent. 'Tax-qualified Retirement Plans vs. Non-tax-qualified.' Thrivent , August 2024, www.thrivent.com/insights/retirement-planning/what-are-the-differences-in-tax-qualified-retirement-plans-and-non-tax-qualified-retirement-plans?utm_source=chatgpt.com .

5. Kiplinger. 'How Net Unrealized Appreciation Helps Save More of Your Retirement Savings.' Kiplinger , September 2024, www.kiplinger.com/taxes/how-net-unrealized-appreciation-helps-save-more-of-your-retirement-savings?utm_source=chatgpt.com .

How does the KROGER CONSOLIDATED RETIREMENT BENEFIT PLAN ensure that employees receive adequate retirement benefits calculated based on their years of service and compensation? Are there specific formulas or formulas that KROGER uses to ensure fair distribution of benefits among its participants, particularly in regards to early retirement adjustments?

The KROGER CONSOLIDATED RETIREMENT BENEFIT PLAN ensures that employees receive adequate retirement benefits based on a formula that takes into account both years of credited service and compensation. The plan, being a defined benefit plan, calculates benefits that are typically paid out monthly upon reaching the normal retirement age, but adjustments can be made for early retirement. This formula guarantees that employees who retire early will see reductions based on the plan’s terms, ensuring a fair distribution across participants(KROGER_2023-10-01_QDRO_…).

In what ways does the cash balance formula mentioned in the KROGER CONSOLIDATED RETIREMENT BENEFIT PLAN impact the retirement planning of employees? How are these benefits expressed in more relatable terms similar to a defined contribution plan, and how might this affect an employee's perception of their retirement savings?

The cash balance formula in the KROGER CONSOLIDATED RETIREMENT BENEFIT PLAN impacts retirement planning by expressing benefits in a manner similar to defined contribution plans. Instead of a traditional annuity calculation, the benefits are often framed as a hypothetical account balance or lump sum, which might make it easier for employees to relate their retirement savings to more familiar terms, thereby influencing how they perceive the growth and adequacy of their retirement savings(KROGER_2023-10-01_QDRO_…).

Can you explain the concept of "shared payment" and "separate interest" as they apply to the KROGER CONSOLIDATED RETIREMENT BENEFIT PLAN? How do these payment structures affect retirees and their alternate payees, and what considerations should participants keep in mind when navigating these options?

In the KROGER CONSOLIDATED RETIREMENT BENEFIT PLAN, "shared payment" refers to a payment structure where the alternate payee receives a portion of the participant’s benefit during the participant's lifetime. In contrast, "separate interest" means that the alternate payee receives a separate benefit, typically over their own lifetime. These structures impact how retirees and their alternate payees manage their retirement income, with shared payments being tied to the participant’s life and separate interests providing independent payments(KROGER_2023-10-01_QDRO_…).

What procedures does KROGER have in place for employees to access or review the applicable Summary Plan Description? How can understanding this document help employees make more informed decisions regarding their retirement benefits and entitlements under the KROGER plan?

KROGER provides procedures for employees to access the Summary Plan Description, typically through HR or digital platforms. Understanding this document is crucial as it outlines the plan’s specific terms, helping employees make more informed decisions about retirement benefits, including when to retire and how to maximize their benefits under the plan(KROGER_2023-10-01_QDRO_…).

With regard to early retirement options, what specific features of the KROGER CONSOLIDATED RETIREMENT BENEFIT PLAN can employees take advantage of? How does the plan's definition of "normal retirement age" influence an employee's decision to retire early, and what potential consequences might this have on their benefits?

The KROGER CONSOLIDATED RETIREMENT BENEFIT PLAN offers early retirement options that include adjustments for those retiring before the plan’s defined "normal retirement age." This early retirement can result in reduced benefits, so employees must carefully consider how retiring early will impact their overall retirement income. The definition of normal retirement age serves as a benchmark, influencing the timing of retirement decisions(KROGER_2023-10-01_QDRO_…).

How does the KROGER CONSOLIDATED RETIREMENT BENEFIT PLAN address potential changes in federal regulations or tax law that may impact retirement plans? In what ways does KROGER communicate these changes to employees, and how can participants stay informed about updates to their retirement benefits?

The KROGER CONSOLIDATED RETIREMENT BENEFIT PLAN incorporates changes in federal regulations or tax laws by updating the plan terms accordingly. KROGER communicates these changes to employees through official channels, such as newsletters or HR communications, ensuring participants are informed and can adjust their retirement planning in line with regulatory changes(KROGER_2023-10-01_QDRO_…).

What are some common misconceptions regarding participation in the KROGER CONSOLIDATED RETIREMENT BENEFIT PLAN that employees might have? How can these misconceptions impact their retirement planning strategies, and what resources does KROGER provide to clarify these issues?

A common misconception regarding participation in the KROGER CONSOLIDATED RETIREMENT BENEFIT PLAN is that it functions similarly to a defined contribution plan, which it does not. This can lead to confusion about benefit accrual and payouts. KROGER provides resources such as plan summaries and HR support to clarify these misunderstandings and help employees better strategize their retirement plans(KROGER_2023-10-01_QDRO_…).

How does the KROGER CONSOLIDATED RETIREMENT BENEFIT PLAN interact with other employer-sponsored retirement plans, specifically concerning offsetting benefits? What implications does this have for employees who may also be participating in defined contribution plans?

The KROGER CONSOLIDATED RETIREMENT BENEFIT PLAN interacts with other employer-sponsored retirement plans by offsetting benefits, particularly with defined contribution plans. This means that benefits from the defined benefit plan may be reduced if the employee is also receiving benefits from a defined contribution plan, impacting the total retirement income(KROGER_2023-10-01_QDRO_…).

What options are available to employees of KROGER regarding the distribution of their retirement benefits upon reaching retirement age? How can employees effectively plan their retirement income to ensure sustainability through their retirement years based on the features of the KROGER plan?

Upon reaching retirement age, KROGER employees have various options for distributing their retirement benefits, including lump sums or annuity payments. Employees should carefully plan their retirement income, considering the sustainability of their benefits through their retirement years. The plan’s features provide flexibility, allowing employees to choose the option that best fits their financial goals(KROGER_2023-10-01_QDRO_…).

How can employees contact KROGER for more information or assistance regarding the KROGER CONSOLIDATED RETIREMENT BENEFIT PLAN? What are the recommended channels for employees seeking guidance on their retirement benefits, and what type of support can they expect from KROGER's human resources team?

Employees seeking more information or assistance regarding the KROGER CONSOLIDATED RETIREMENT BENEFIT PLAN can contact the company through HR or dedicated plan administrators. The recommended channels include direct communication with HR or online resources. Employees can expect detailed support in understanding their benefits and planning for retirement(KROGER_2023-10-01_QDRO_…).

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

Kroger offers both a defined benefit pension plan and a 401(k) retirement savings account plan. The defined benefit plan provides retirement income based on years of service and final average pay. The 401(k) plan allows employees to save for retirement with personal and employer contributions, including a company match. Employees can choose from various investment options within the 401(k) plan to grow their retirement savings.

Operational Changes: Kroger is undergoing a restructuring process that includes closing underperforming stores and cutting administrative costs. Layoffs: The company has announced layoffs affecting about 1,500 employees (Source: CNN). Financial Performance: Despite these changes, Kroger reported a 7% increase in same-store sales for Q2 2023, reflecting strong consumer demand (Source: Kroger).

Kroger offers RSUs that vest over time, providing shares to employees upon vesting. Stock options are also available, allowing employees to purchase shares at a set price, potentially benefiting from stock price increases.

Kroger has made significant updates to its employee healthcare benefits to align with the current economic, investment, tax, and political environment. In 2022, Kroger Health, the healthcare division of The Kroger Co., entered into a direct agreement with Prime Therapeutics to ensure continued access to affordable healthcare services for over 33 million Americans. This agreement, effective January 1, 2023, allowed Kroger's pharmacies to remain in-network for Prime's Medicare Part D members and other commercial, Medicare, and Medicaid customers. This initiative underscores Kroger's commitment to providing comprehensive healthcare services, including administering COVID-19 vaccines, offering in-store antibody tests, and distributing at-home COVID-19 tests, thereby enhancing health access and affordability. In 2023, Kroger was recognized for its commitment to workplace mental health, receiving the Gold Bell Seal for Workplace Mental Health from Mental Health America for the second consecutive year. This certification highlights Kroger's efforts to create a supportive and caring environment for its associates, focusing on mental, physical, and financial well-being. Kroger's wellness programs, mental health services, Employee Assistance Programs (EAP), and paid time off were rigorously evaluated, demonstrating the company's ongoing dedication to employee well-being. These efforts are part of Kroger's broader strategy to ensure a healthy and productive workforce, which is critical in navigating the current economic challenges and maintaining long-term business success.

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For more information you can reach the plan administrator for Kroger at 104 vine street Cincinnati, OH 45202-1100; or by calling them at 513-762-4000.

https://www.thekrogerco.com/documents/pension-plan-2022.pdf - Page 5, https://www.thekrogerco.com/documents/pension-plan-2023.pdf - Page 12, https://www.thekrogerco.com/documents/pension-plan-2024.pdf - Page 15, https://www.thekrogerco.com/documents/401k-plan-2022.pdf - Page 8, https://www.thekrogerco.com/documents/401k-plan-2023.pdf - Page 22, https://www.thekrogerco.com/documents/401k-plan-2024.pdf - Page 28, https://www.thekrogerco.com/documents/rsu-plan-2022.pdf - Page 20, https://www.thekrogerco.com/documents/rsu-plan-2023.pdf - Page 14, https://www.thekrogerco.com/documents/rsu-plan-2024.pdf - Page 17, https://www.thekrogerco.com/documents/healthcare-plan-2022.pdf - Page 23