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Moog Employees: Navigating the Transition from Pension Plans to 401(k) Options for a Comfortable Retirement

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Social Security

Identifying optimal ways to claim Social Security is essential to your retirement income planning. For many retirees, understanding and claiming Social Security can be difficult. Social Security benefits are not designed to be the sole source of your retirement income, but rather a part of your overall withdrawal strategy. Knowing the foundation of Social Security and using this knowledge to your ad-vantage can help you claim your maximum benefit. 

It is your responsibility to enroll in Medicare parts A and B when you first become eligible — and you must stay enrolled to have coverage for Medicare-eligible expenses. This applies to your Medicare eligible dependents as well. 

 

You should know how your retiree medical plan choices or Medicare eligibility impact your plan options. Before you retire, contact the U.S. Social Security Administration directly at (800) 772-1213, call your local Social Security Office or visit ssa.gov. They can help determine your eligibility, get you and/or your eligible dependents enrolled in Medicare or provide you with other government program information.

Next Step:

Check the status of your Social Security benefits before you retire. Contact the U.S. Social Security Administration by calling 800-772-1213. You can also call your local Social Security office or visit ssa.gov.

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Medicare

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If you or your dependents are currently or will become eligible for Medicare after you leave Moog, Medicare generally becomes the primary coverage for you or any of your dependents as soon as the individual becomes eligible for Medicare. This will affect your company-provided medical benefits. You and your Medicare-eligible dependents must enroll in Medicare Parts A and B when you first become eligible. Medical and MH/SA benefits payable under the company-sponsored plan will be reduced by the amounts Medicare Parts A and B would have paid whether you actually enroll in them or not. For details on coordination of benefits, refer to your summary plan description (SPD)(2). 

If you or your eligible dependent do not enroll in Medicare Parts A and B, your provider can bill you for the amounts that are not paid by Medicare or your Moog medical plan, making your out-of-pocket expenses significantly higher.

According to the Employee Benefit Research Institute (EBRI), Medicare will only cover about 60% of an individual’s medical expenses. This means a 65-year-old couple with prescription-drug expenses at the midpoint of their peers will need $259,000 in savings to have a 90% chance of covering their healthcare expenses. A single male will need $124,000 and a single female, thanks to her longer life expectancy, will need $140,000.

Next Step:

Get Medicare prescription drug information by visiting medicare.gov.

Check your SPD Summary(2) to see if you're eligilble to enroll in Medicare Parts A and B (2). If you become Medicare eligible for reasons other than age, you must contact the Moog Benefits Center about your status.

How does the transition from the Moog Pension Plan to the RSP(+) Program affect my retirement savings strategy, and what steps should I take to optimize my contributions in light of the changes Moog has implemented to its retirement programs?

Transition from Pension Plan to RSP(+): The transition from the Moog Pension Plan to the RSP(+) Program offers greater flexibility and portability, as the RSP(+) includes both a retirement contribution and a matching contribution. To optimize your contributions, aim for the maximum percentage of your eligible compensation to take full advantage of Moog's increasing match, which phases up to 10% by October 2021. Evaluate your long-term goals and consult a financial advisor for personalized advice.

In what scenarios would remaining in the Current Retirement Program offered by Moog provide a greater benefit compared to the new RSP(+) program, and what factors should I consider when assessing my long-term retirement goals in relation to these two options?

Benefits of Staying in the Current Program: Remaining in the Current Retirement Program may provide greater benefits for long-term employees close to retirement. The Moog Pension Plan offers a defined benefit that provides predictable, stable income, which can be beneficial if you're near retirement age or value a guaranteed income. Weigh the security of the pension against the flexibility and growth potential of the RSP(+) based on your retirement goals.

With the Moog Pension Plan being "frozen" as of December 31, 2019, how does this affect my accrued benefits, and what are the implications for my retirement planning as I approach retirement age and consider other income sources?

Frozen Moog Pension Plan Impact: Since the Moog Pension Plan was frozen on December 31, 2019, your accrued benefits will not grow, but you retain the value you’ve earned. This fixed benefit, payable as an annuity, can still play a role in your overall retirement strategy. As you approach retirement, plan for other income sources, like Social Security or RSP withdrawals, to supplement your frozen pension benefit.

What are the specific vesting timelines for the different retirement options available through Moog, and how do these timelines impact my ability to access benefits if I decide to leave the company before reaching retirement age?

Vesting Timelines: The Moog Pension Plan vests after five years of service, while the RSP(+) retirement contribution vests after three years. The RSP(+) matching contributions are immediately vested for current employees, but newly hired employees face a three-year vesting schedule. If you leave Moog before vesting, you risk losing unvested contributions, so factor in your tenure when planning your exit.

Can you explain the various payment options available when I decide to withdraw from the Moog Pension Plan or RSP(+) account, specifically discussing the benefits and drawbacks of lump-sum distributions versus annuity options offered by Moog?

Payment Options: For both the Pension Plan and RSP(+) Program, Moog offers various withdrawal options. Pension benefits are generally paid as a monthly annuity, whereas the RSP(+) offers lump sum, installments, or partial withdrawals. A lump sum offers flexibility but shifts the investment risk to you, while an annuity provides stable, lifelong payments but limits liquidity.

What investment decisions do employees have the power to make regarding their contributions to the RSP and RSP(+) at Moog, and how might these decisions impact the overall performance of my individual retirement accounts as I prepare for retirement?

Investment Decisions in the RSP(+): Employees control investment decisions within the RSP(+) Program. Moog’s initial contributions are invested in Moog Class B Stock Fund-Restricted, but you can reallocate to other funds. Your choices significantly impact the growth of your retirement savings, so regularly review your investment strategy to ensure it aligns with your retirement timeline and risk tolerance.

How does Moog ensure the security of my retirement benefits under the Pension Plan, and what protections are in place in the event of financial difficulties faced by the company, including the role of the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation (PBGC)?

Security of Retirement Benefits: Moog’s pension benefits are backed by the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation (PBGC), providing a safety net in case of company financial difficulties. However, the RSP(+) accounts are not PBGC-insured, and the value depends on investment performance. Your pension is protected, but careful management of your RSP investments is crucial.

In the event of my death before receiving retirement benefits, what provisions does Moog have in place for disbursing my accrued benefits to my beneficiaries, and how does marital status affect these benefits under the Moog Pension Plan and RSP?

Death Benefits: If you pass away before receiving your Pension Plan benefits and are married, your spouse receives a monthly lifetime benefit. For the RSP(+) Program, your designated beneficiary will receive your account balance as a lump sum. Spousal consent is required if you wish to name a non-spousal beneficiary. Marital status directly impacts the distribution of your retirement benefits.

How can I maximize the company match contributions offered in the RSP and RSP(+) plans, and what specific contribution levels should I aim for to ensure that I am fully leveraging the benefits provided by Moog?

Maximizing Company Match: To maximize Moog’s matching contributions, contribute at least 6% of your eligible compensation initially, increasing to 8% in 2020 and 10% in 2021 to receive the full match. By reaching these thresholds, you leverage the full benefits of Moog's matching, boosting your retirement savings potential.

If I have further questions or need more information on my retirement options, how can I contact Moog's HR Employee Support team for assistance, and what resources are available to help me navigate the transition between retirement plans effectively? These questions are designed to encourage deeper exploration of individual retirement situations and the specific policies within the company’s retirement programs.

Contacting Moog HR for Further Information: For more questions or additional guidance, you can contact Moog's HR Employee Support team via email at employeesupport@moog.com or by calling 844-367-5787. Empower Retirement’s Call Center is also available for technical questions regarding the RSP(+) Program. These resources ensure you have the support needed during your retirement transition​(Moog_Choice_Guide_Retir…).

With the current political climate we are in it is important to keep up with current news and remain knowledgeable about your benefits.
Moog has undertaken significant changes in its operational structure, including a footprint rationalization initiative that led to the sale of two buildings in 2023. This is part of a broader restructuring effort across multiple divisions, including industrial and commercial aircraft, to optimize margins and streamline operations. This restructuring, including adjustments in the aerospace and defense businesses, is crucial as it impacts employee roles and the overall company structure. Addressing these changes is vital due to the current economic environment, as fluctuations in defense budgets and supply chain constraints continue to affect Moog's business model​ (Business Wire)​ (Moog).
Moog Inc. provides stock options and Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) to its employees as part of its equity compensation plans, aimed at aligning employee incentives with company performance. In 2022, 2023, and 2024, Moog offered these compensation packages under its equity compensation plan. Stock options at Moog typically vest over a period of three to four years, allowing employees to purchase shares at a predetermined price. Moog's RSUs vest based on the employee's tenure and performance, giving employees shares of stock without requiring an upfront purchase, unlike stock options​ (Moog)​ (PitchBook). Moog's stock options and RSUs are made available to senior employees and executives, often as part of long-term incentive plans. These plans are structured to retain key talent and ensure alignment with shareholder interests. Moog ensures that both stock options and RSUs are accessible to employees who meet performance thresholds and tenure requirements.
Moog Inc. offers a comprehensive health benefits package designed to support their employees and their families across various needs. In 2022, Moog expanded its InHealth Wellness Center located at the East Aurora campus, which now includes a full-service pharmacy and an eye care center​ (Moog). The pharmacy provides reduced copays on prescriptions and discounted over-the-counter products, while the eye care center offers vision exams, safety eyewear, and holistic eye health care with a licensed optometrist​ (Moog). Moog employees enrolled in a Moog medical plan can access most of these services at little to no cost, with offerings such as annual physicals, lab work, vaccinations, physical therapy, and nutrition counseling​ (Moog). In addition to traditional medical, dental, and vision plans, Moog also provides an Employee Assistance Program (EAP), offering 24/7 confidential support for personal and professional challenges​ (Moog). Key healthcare-related acronyms used by Moog include EAP (Employee Assistance Program) and the InHealth Wellness Program, which provides financial incentives for participation in wellness activities. Moog also offers voluntary benefits that can enhance the core health plans, alongside disability and life insurance coverage at no cost to employees
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For more information you can reach the plan administrator for Moog at , ; or by calling them at .

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