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

Navigating the Future: What Corning Employees Should Know About Potential Benefit Changes

Healthcare Provider Update: Corning Inc. typically partners with CVS Health for its healthcare needs, focusing on a combination of healthcare management strategies and employee wellness initiatives designed to improve overall health outcomes for their workforce. As we look towards 2026, significant healthcare cost increases are anticipated, primarily driven by the potential expiration of enhanced federal premium subsidies under the Affordable Care Act (ACA). Reports indicate that insurance premiums for ACA marketplace plans could surge by over 60% in some states, leading nearly 22 million enrollees to face increases exceeding 75% in out-of-pocket costs. With these compounding factors, including rising medical expenses and the profitability pressures on major insurers, companies like Corning must prepare for a challenging landscape where access to affordable healthcare could be severely impacted. Click here to learn more

According to Principal Financials' 2022 Well-Being Index, 65% of businesses surveyed anticipate a recession in the next six months, and 63% report having already been negatively impacted by inflation and want to cut costs such as employee benefits. As a Corning employee, it is imperative to account for this information and plan ahead as to ensure the welfare of you and your family.

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Why?

As a potential recession looms, increase in job changes, additional training, inflation, and an older workforce has forced employers to cut health and maternity leave benefits. If you are a Corning employee dependent on these benefits, it is essential to account for this transition and adjust your spending accordingly.

One method employers use to quickly reduce costs is reducing these benefits back to FMLA requirements of about 12 weeks rather than offering more than the requirement.

U.S. employers expect health benefit costs per employee to rise 5.6% on average in 2023, according to early results from Mercer’s National Survey of Employer-Sponsored Health Plans 2022 released Aug. 10. According to MarketWatch, the average couple retiring at age 65 can expect to spend $300,000 on health care in retirement, which does not include long-term care needs. As a Corning employee planning to retire, you may want to consider these values and determine if it is a good idea to start saving more money to supplement your future medical bills.

https://www.marketwatch.com/story/vanguard-reverses-decision-to-cut-retiree-medical-benefit-after-employee-outcry-11633632066

“So, the expectation is that health care costs will accelerate in the coming years regardless of what happens to inflation,” he says. Mercer’s research also found that employers were not looking to put the brunt of rising health care costs on employees, such as raising deductibles or copays. Just 36% of survey respondents are making cost-cutting changes in 2023, down from 40% in 2022 and 47% in 2021.

So, who is cutting benefits?

Some Corning companies are cutting benefits such as life insurance and death benefits. Corning employees feel their former employer is reneging on a promise made when they were hired 20-30 years earlier. As many find that these cuts don't apply to top executives, who have life insurance under a separate company-paid program, which the company can't reduce without their permission.

These companies state that the cuts for other retirees will bring their benefits more in line with the benefits at other large employers, and that only a handful of Fortune 100 companies still offer most employees life insurance that continues after retirement. If you are a Corning employee, you may want to consider planning in accordance to these cuts as to not be taken by surprise in the event they are implemented at your workspace.

https://www.wsj.com/articles/at-t-slashed-promised-life-insurance-for-former-workersand-time-runs-out-at-year-end-11640544022?st=a8293xazk6a3cb0&reflink=desktopwebshare_permalink

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Can Corning legally cut benefits

As we mentioned in prior articles the Allstate case discusses companies' options with respect to terminating benefits.

In the early 1980s, Allstate distributed booklets to employees that described the retiree life insurance benefit as being provided at 'no cost.' Starting in 1990, Allstate distributed summary plan descriptions (SPDs) that, unlike the earlier booklets, reserved 'the right to change, amend or terminate the plan or the provisions of the plan at any time.'

The US 11th Circuit Court of Appeals ruled in Klass v. Allstate Insurance Co. that Allstate did not violate the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA) when it terminated retiree life insurance benefits. After this ruling we saw other companies pursue terminating retiree life insurance benefits. https://law.justia.com/cases/federal/appellate-courts/ca11/20-14104/20-14104-2021-12-28.html

https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-ca11-20-14104

Can Retiree Health Benefits Provided by Corning Be Cut?

For employees and retirees who work or worked at Corning that provide post-employment health care benefits, an important question to ask is under what circumstances can the company reduce or terminate these benefits.

Corning employees and retirees should know that private-sector employers are not required to promise retiree health benefits. Furthermore, when employers do offer retiree health benefits, nothing in federal law prevents them from cutting or eliminating those benefits—unless they have made a specific promise to maintain the benefits. The key to understanding your Corning retiree health benefits lies in the documents governing your plan.

https://robertsdisability.com/eleventh-circuit-affirms-allstate-retirees-are-not-entitled-to-lifetime-life-insurance-benefits/

Prudential Freeze on Retiree Benefits Left Some Feeling 'Betrayed'

In 2022 Prudential Financial will stop contributing to retirement medical savings accounts for current, according to a letter sent to employees in December. In addition, Prudential retirees must now use all the money accrued in the accounts over 20 years, rather than over their lifetime, and any remaining balance reverts back to Prudential life. https://www.inquirer.com/business/prudential-financial-retiree-medical-savings-accounts-healthcare-costs-20211215.html

How does Corning Incorporated's growth in its Optical Communications segment reflect the broader trends in telecommunications and data center industries, and what specific strategies are being employed by Corning to capture market share in this competitive landscape?

Optical Communications Growth and Strategies: Corning Incorporated's growth in its Optical Communications segment reflects broader trends in the telecommunications and data center industries driven by increased demand for high-speed connectivity and cloud services. The company's strategy involves leveraging its expertise in specialty glass and optical physics to innovate and enhance network solutions for both carrier and enterprise networks. Corning is focusing on expanding its product offerings and capacity to address the needs of 5G technology and fiber optic expansion, aiming to capture a significant share in these rapidly growing markets.

In light of the rapid advancements in technology, how is Corning Incorporated prioritizing research and development across its five Market-Access Platforms, and what impact could these investments have on future product innovations?

Research and Development Prioritization: Corning Incorporated prioritizes research and development (R&D) across its five Market-Access Platforms to sustain its competitive advantage and foster future product innovations. By investing heavily in R&D, Corning aims to advance its materials science expertise to develop products that meet the evolving needs of global industries. This investment is strategic, focusing on enhancing product performance and developing new applications, which are crucial for maintaining technological leadership and driving long-term growth.

Corning Incorporated has set ambitious sustainability targets for itself, including reducing greenhouse gas emissions. What are the implications of these goals for the companyâ€™s operational strategies and overall corporate governance, particularly in regard to stakeholder engagement?

Sustainability Targets and Implications: Corning Incorporated's sustainability targets, particularly in reducing greenhouse gas emissions, reflect its commitment to environmental stewardship and sustainable operational practices. These goals are integral to the company's operational strategies and corporate governance, emphasizing resource efficiency and minimizing environmental impact. The focus on sustainability also plays a significant role in stakeholder engagement, as it aligns with the increasing global emphasis on corporate responsibility and can enhance Corning's reputation and stakeholder trust.

In 2021, Corning Incorporated reported significant financial growth across all segments. How does this performance illustrate the effectiveness of the companyâ€™s â€œMore Corningâ€ strategy, and what challenges does Corning foresee as it strives to maintain this momentum in an evolving market?

More Corning Strategy Performance: The "More Corning" strategy, which focuses on enhancing integration and collaboration across Corning's diverse segments to drive innovation and market expansion, has demonstrated significant financial growth in 2021. This strategy's effectiveness is evident in the increase in core sales and earnings, showing that Corning's integrated approach helps leverage its technological capabilities to tap into new opportunities and drive revenue growth. However, maintaining this momentum poses challenges such as adapting to market volatility and technological disruptions.

Corning Incorporated places a strong emphasis on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI). How does the company plan to operationalize its DEI initiatives within its workforce, and what metrics will it utilize to assess the success of these programs?

DEI Initiatives: Corning Incorporated is actively embedding Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) into its operational practices. The company plans to operationalize its DEI initiatives by setting clear goals, monitoring progress through measurable metrics, and integrating DEI into all levels of the organization. Corning aims to create a more inclusive workplace that reflects global diversity and enriches its corporate culture, which is critical for fostering innovation and maintaining a competitive edge.

How does Corning Incorporated manage executive compensation and how does its approach align with the companyâ€™s performance-oriented culture, particularly in light of shareholder expectations and competitive practices in the industry?

Executive Compensation Management: Corning manages executive compensation by aligning it with company performance and shareholder expectations. The compensation strategy includes a mix of short-term and long-term incentives that are tied to achieving specific corporate goals and benchmarks. This approach ensures that executive rewards are directly linked to Corning's operational success and shareholder value, fostering a performance-oriented culture that aligns with industry practices.

What measures does Corning Incorporated have in place to ensure the integrity of its supply chain amidst rising global challenges, and how does the company plan to adapt its operations accordingly?

Supply Chain Integrity Measures: In response to global challenges, Corning Incorporated has implemented robust measures to ensure the integrity of its supply chain. These measures include diversifying its supplier base, enhancing quality control, and increasing transparency in its supply chain operations. Corning plans to adapt its operations to mitigate risks associated with supply chain disruptions, ensuring reliability and compliance with global standards.

Corning Incorporated has participated in shareholder engagement practices. What role does this engagement play in shaping corporate governance policies and how might it influence decisions made by the Board of Directors?

Shareholder Engagement Impact: Corning Incorporated's active shareholder engagement practices are central to shaping its corporate governance policies. This engagement allows Corning to align its strategies with shareholder expectations and enhance transparency. The feedback from these engagements informs the Board of Directors' decisions, ensuring that Corning remains responsive to investor concerns and governance trends.

How can employees of Corning Incorporated reach out to the Human Resources department for more personalized assistance regarding retirement planning and associated benefits, and what resources are available to support their transition?

HR Contact for Retirement Planning: Employees of Corning Incorporated seeking personalized assistance with retirement planning can reach out to the Human Resources department. Corning provides various resources, including workshops, one-on-one counseling, and online tools, to support employees in making informed decisions about their retirement options and benefits.

As Corning Incorporated continues to evolve, what are the major risks identified in its enterprise risk management program, and how does the company plan to mitigate these risks to safeguard its assets and business operations?

Risk Management Strategies: Corning Incorporated's enterprise risk management program identifies major risks that could impact its business operations and strategies. The company employs comprehensive measures to mitigate these risks, including technological innovation, market diversification, and financial management. By continuously assessing and adapting to potential risks, Corning aims to safeguard its assets and ensure long-term business sustainability.

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

Corning Incorporated offers comprehensive employee benefits through its pension and 401(k) plans. The Corning Incorporated Supplemental Pension Plan is available for eligible employees, and its benefits are calculated based on years of service and employee compensation. The pension formula operates under a career average formula or a cash balance formula depending on employee classification, with early retirement options available starting at age 55 with more than five years of service. Benefits are typically paid as life annuities or joint and survivor annuities for married participants, though lump sum options are available for balances below certain thresholds (Corning) (Justia). Corning also provides a 401(k) plan, known as the Corning Incorporated Investment Plan. Employees can contribute pre-tax and Roth contributions, and Corning offers employer matching. In 2022, the average participant retirement account value for the Corning 401(k) plan was $197,160, with average employee contributions of $9,943 annually. The IRS contribution limits for 2023 are set at $22,500 for employee contributions and $66,000 combined employee and employer contributions

Restructuring Layoffs: In 2023, Corning announced plans to reduce its workforce as part of a broader restructuring effort aimed at streamlining operations and improving efficiency. This decision was influenced by shifting market demands and an ongoing need to align production with changing customer requirements. Importance: It is crucial to stay informed about such developments due to the current economic environment, which is characterized by volatility and uncertainty. Understanding these changes helps employees and investors anticipate potential impacts on job security and company performance.

Corning Inc. Stock Options and RSUs Stock Options and RSUs Overview Corning Inc. provides stock options and RSUs to its employees as part of its compensation packages. Stock options typically allow employees to purchase shares at a predetermined price, while RSUs represent a promise to deliver shares at a later date, subject to vesting conditions. Specific Company Stock Options and RSUs (2022-2024) Corning Inc. offered various stock options and RSUs to its employees in 2022. For example, the company granted stock options as part of its annual incentive program and issued RSUs to senior executives as part of their long-term incentive compensation. In 2023, Corning Inc. continued to provide stock options and RSUs, with adjustments based on the company's performance and market conditions. The stock options were designed to align employee interests with shareholder value, while RSUs aimed to retain key talent. For 2024, Corning Inc. maintained its practice of awarding stock options and RSUs. The company tailored these awards to match individual performance and contributions, ensuring that both stock options and RSUs were strategically aligned with the company's growth objectives.

Search Approach: Corning Official Website: Review their HR or benefits page for official information. Company Filings and Reports: Check annual reports and SEC filings for detailed benefits descriptions. Industry News Websites: Look at recent articles on healthcare benefits for Corning employees. Employee Review Sites: Consult platforms like Glassdoor or Indeed for employee feedback on health benefits. HR and Benefits Analysis Sites: Check third-party sites that analyze and compare corporate health benefits. Corning Health Benefits Summary (2022-2024) 1. Corning Official Website: Benefits Overview: Corning provides comprehensive health benefits that include medical, dental, and vision coverage. Their plans typically offer a range of options including Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) and Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs). Corning emphasizes a commitment to employee well-being with resources for mental health, preventive care, and wellness programs. Acronyms & Terms: HSA (Health Savings Account) FSA (Flexible Spending Account) EAP (Employee Assistance Program) HDHP (High Deductible Health Plan) 2. Annual Reports and SEC Filings: Healthcare Coverage: Recent reports confirm that Corning's health benefits packages include standard offerings like health insurance plans with options for high deductibles and HSAs. The company also offers wellness incentives and preventive care programs. Recent Changes: There have been updates to increase coverage options and to include more comprehensive mental health support. 3. Industry News Websites: Recent News: There has been a focus on Corning's efforts to enhance mental health benefits and increase access to telehealth services. Recent updates also include expanded family leave and wellness programs in response to employee feedback. Terms Used: Telehealth (Remote healthcare services) Wellness Incentives (Programs to promote health and prevent illness) 4. Employee Review Sites: Employee Feedback: Reviews indicate that employees appreciate the broad coverage options and the flexibility of benefits. There is positive feedback about the mental health resources and wellness programs. However, some reviews mention that the complexity of benefits enrollment can be a challenge. Common Terms: Mental Health Resources (Counseling and support services) Preventive Care (Services aimed at preventing illness) 5. HR and Benefits Analysis Sites: Benefit Comparisons: Corning's benefits are competitive within the industry. They are noted for offering strong health coverage with a focus on preventive care and employee wellness. The company has been making efforts to integrate more modern benefits such as telehealth. Recent Updates: Enhanced telehealth options and expanded mental health coverage have been highlighted as recent improvements.