<img height="1" width="1" style="display:none" src="https://www.facebook.com/tr?id=314834185700910&amp;ev=PageView&amp;noscript=1">

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

Learn More

Disability and Your Finances for Moog Employees

image-table

Healthcare Provider Update: Healthcare Provider for Moog Moog Inc. typically provides health benefits through various healthcare providers, including large national insurers such as Aetna, UnitedHealthcare, and Blue Cross Blue Shield. The specific provider may vary by location and plan options available to employees. Healthcare Cost Increases in 2026 for Moog Employees In 2026, Moog employees are likely to face significantly higher healthcare costs, primarily driven by anticipated premium hikes in the ACA marketplace, which could reach up to 66% in some states. As employers like Moog adjust their benefit structures in response to rising medical costs, employees may see changes in deductibles and out-of-pocket expenses. With nearly 51% of large employers expected to shift more costs onto workers, understanding these changes and preparing for increased healthcare expenses will be essential for Moog employees navigating their health coverage options. Click here to learn more

'For Moog employees, personal disability insurance is a vital financial protection that provides a stable source of income to replace lost earnings due to a disabling injury or illness, unless government programs are unavailable.'

'Given the recent changes in the government disability benefits, it is important for Moog employees to purchase personal disability insurance to cover their needs in case of disability due to health problems.'

In this article we will discuss:

1. The need for personal disability insurance as an alternative to government benefits.

2. Workers' compensation and personal disability insurance: What are the differences?

3. The benefits of individualizing disability insurance coverage for the needs of each person.

As a Moog employee, you should be aware that the Social Security Disability Insurance program paid out $143.7 billion in benefits in 2018. However, the number of applicants every year means that the fund is expected to be exhausted by 2034 unless the government acts. Instead of turning to the government's program to help them meet their financial needs during a disability, many people protect themselves with personal disability insurance.

Disability insurance helps by paying between 50% and 70% of your salary if you become disabled due to an injury or illness. Because disability can result in two forms of financial burden, this type of coverage may be very useful. Disabled people are usually unable to work and face other costs related to their condition.

What About Workers' Comp? Most people think that workers' compensation is a kind of disability insurance. However, workers' compensation is only available to workers who are disabled in the course of their employment. If your disability was caused by a car accident or other non-work related incident, you may not be eligible for workers' compensation. We would like to remind our Moog clients that every state regulates its own workers' compensation laws and payments, which means that the availability of the coverage can be very different. Especially if you have a hazardous job, you may want to find out what your state offers and then make up for the shortage. Similarly, if any of our Moog clients have an active pastime that may lead to disability, it may be wise to seek additional protection.

Private disability insurance can be purchased to pay weekly or monthly amounts during a period of disability. Provided you have paid up your premiums, the benefits are not taxable income. When buying a policy you may be able to adjust coverage to suit your needs. For example, you might be able to change the benefits or the elimination period. You may decide on general protection or decide to define coverage more specifically. Some policies also provide partial disability benefits, cost of living adjustments, residual benefits, death benefits, and pension benefits.

Because the purpose of insurance is to replace income, almost everyone decides to buy coverage only during their working years. Despite reforms being made to the federal disability programs, they usually provide only a small amount of money, and one must qualify for it. For the Moog employees who do not want to depend on the government for funds in the case of an accident or illness, disability insurance can be a good way to secure their income and assets.

Out of Commission:

The unemployment rate of working-age disabled Americans is 19.6%. Chart Source: ACLI Life Insurers Fact Book 2018 Administration of Social Security, 2019 Policy coverage is written by participating insurance companies. Not all states offer all policy categories and product features. Any obligations are dependent on the insuring insurance company's ability to pay claims. This information is not intended to serve as tax or legal advice. It is prohibited from use to evade federal tax penalties. After-tax investment returns could be influenced by changes in federal and state laws and regulations. Contact a tax professional or an attorney for information that is applicable to your situation.

Added Fact:

According to the Harvard Business Review, the average length of a long term disability claim is 34.6 months. This means that if a Moog employee was to get a disabling injury or illness, they could be out of work for over two and a half years without income. This is the reason why it is crucial to consider the need for personal disability insurance for Moog employees to ensure that they are financially secure in the event of a disability. This way, they can have peace of mind knowing that they have a safety net to turn to in the event of a disability.

(Reference: Harvard Business Review, 'The Disability Disconnect: The Workers' Compensation System Fails to Protect All Workers,' March-April 2019)

Added Analogy:

Featured Video

Articles you may find interesting:

Loading...

There is no protection for disability risks if one has no financial preparation. It is, therefore, not recommended to walk the tightrope without a safety net. As Moog employees, you have strived to achieve financial freedom but a disability can undo all your efforts. As a tightrope walker, the safety net gives him confidence and security, personal disability insurance gives financial security. It guarantees that if you are unable to work due to a disability, you will not be left financially vulnerable. Disability insurance provides support, which means that it helps you by paying you a certain amount of money to help you sustain your financial status. It is therefore important to take disability insurance to ensure that in case you are unable to work due to an injury or illness, your financial future is secure.

Sources: 

1. Social Security Administration.  Annual Statistical Report on the Social Security Disability Insurance Program, 2018 . Social Security Administration, 2019,  www.ssa.gov/policy/docs/statcomps/di_asr/2018/di_asr18.pdf .

2. Fort Pitt Capital Group. 'Should You Carry Disability Insurance Beyond Age 65?'  Fort Pitt Capital Group , 24 Sept. 2020,  www.fortpittcapital.com/blog/disability-insurance-in-retirement .

3. Special Needs Alliance. 'An Introduction to Private Disability Insurance.'  Special Needs Alliance , 2021,  www.specialneedsalliance.org/the-voice/private-disability-insurance-2 .

4. Guardian Life. 'Long Term Disability Insurance vs. Social Security.'  Guardian Life , 2021,  www.guardianlife.com/disability-insurance/long-term/vs-social-security .

5. MassMutual. 'Disability Income Insurance Policies for Individuals.'  MassMutual , 2021,  www.massmutual.com/insurance/disability-income-insurance .

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 significantly restructured its retirement plans in recent years, transitioning from offering a traditional pension plan to a more modern defined contribution approach. Previously, Moog provided employees with a defined benefit pension plan, but for employees hired after January 1, 2008, this pension plan is no longer available. Instead, Moog created the Retirement Savings Plan Plus (RSP+), which incorporates a 401(k) with enhanced features​ (Moog)​ (Ogorek Wealth Management, LLC). In Moog's 401(k) plan, employees receive a 50% match on the first 10% of eligible pay they contribute, meaning that employees who contribute at least 10% of their salary can receive a full 5% match from Moog​ (Moog). Additionally, Moog makes annual direct contributions to employee 401(k) accounts. The company utilizes Blackrock Life Path funds as the default investment choice for these accounts, with options for employees to switch to alternative funds such as Vanguard, based on their preferences​ (Ogorek Wealth Management, LLC). Moog's pension plan, which was previously available to employees before 2008, followed a more traditional formula based on career-average pay and credited service. However, this pension plan is now closed to new participants, and the company focuses entirely on the RSP+ for retirement savings​
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
New call-to-action

Additional Articles

Check Out Articles for Moog employees

Loading...

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

https://turbotax.intuit.com/tax-tips/retirement/net-unrealized-appreciation-nua-tax-treatment-amp-strategies/c71vBJZ2B https://bogartwealth.com/nua-strategy/ https://www.fidelity.com/learning-center/personal-finance/retirement/company-stock https://www.taxfavoredbenefits.com/resource-center/retirement/net-unrealized-appreciation-nua-explained https://ogorek.com/2021/11/10/moog-employees-are-you-making-the-most-of-your-401k/ https://www.moog.com/careers/what-we-offer.html https://stockanalysis.com/stocks/mog.a/ https://pitchbook.com/profiles/company/41069-80 https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231103950835/en/Moog-Inc.-Reports-Record-Fiscal-Year-2023-Sales-and-Continuing-Margin-Expansion-Into-Fiscal-Year-2024/ https://tracxn.com/ https://www.moog.com/content/dam/moog/literature/Corporate/Investors/financial-performance/fy23/2023_Moog_Annual_Report.pdf https://tracxn.com/d/acquisitions/acquisitions-by-moog/__jHbp0pWtzlSGfVpdBu_IT2FnbfDEGgtIeALQvpvFDp0 https://www.thelayoff.com/t/15PkITgv https://www.emparion.com/cash-balance-pension-plan-faq/ https://www.investopedia.com/terms/c/cashbalancepensionplan.asp https://www.emparion.com/ https://www.kiplinger.com/ https://www.investopedia.com/

*Please see disclaimer for more information

Relevant Articles

Check Out Articles for Moog employees