Healthcare Provider Update: Coca-Cola's primary healthcare provider is Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield, offering coverage options for its employees that includes a variety of plan choices to address their diverse healthcare needs. As we look ahead to 2026, significant increases in healthcare costs are anticipated, particularly in the wake of potential changes to the Affordable Care Act. A perfect storm of factors is contributing to this forecast; namely, the expiration of enhanced federal premium subsidies may lead many consumers to face out-of-pocket premium increases exceeding 75%. Coupled with anticipated medical cost inflation, which is projected to rise around 8% annually, employees of Coca-Cola and others could see their healthcare expenses surge dramatically, prompting companies to adapt their health benefits strategies. Click here to learn more
If you work for Coca-Cola, it's imperative to consider one of the common threads of a mobile workforce. Many individuals who leave their job are faced with a decision about what to do with their 401(k) account.
Individuals have four choices with the 401(k) account they accrued at a previous employer.
Choice 1: Leave It with Your Previous Employer
For Coca-Cola employees, you may choose to do nothing and leave your account in your previous employer’s 401(k) plan. However, if your account balance is under a certain amount, be aware that your ex-employer may elect to distribute the funds to you.
As an employee of Coca-Cola, there may be reasons to keep your 401(k) with your previous employer —such as investments that are low cost or have limited availability outside of the plan. Other reasons are to maintain certain creditor protections that are unique to qualified retirement plans, or to retain the ability to borrow from it, if the plan allows for such loans to ex-employees.
The primary downside for Coca-Cola employees are that individuals can become disconnected from the old account and pay less attention to the ongoing management of its investments.
Choice 2: Transfer to Your New Employer’s 401(k) Plan
Provided your current Coca-Cola employer’s 401(k) accepts the transfer of assets from a pre-existing 401(k), you may want to consider moving these assets to your new plan.
The primary benefits to transferring are the convenience of consolidating your assets, retaining their strong creditor protections, and keeping them accessible via the plan’s loan feature.
If the new plan has a competitive investment menu, many individuals prefer to transfer their account and make a full break with their former employer.
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Choice 3: Roll Over Assets to a Traditional Individual Retirement Account (IRA)
Another choice for those in Coca-Cola is to roll assets over into a new or existing traditional IRA. It’s possible that a traditional IRA may provide some investment choices that may not exist in your new 401(k) plan.
The drawback to this approach may be less creditor protection and the loss of access to these funds via a 401(k) loan feature.
Remember, don’t feel rushed into making a decision. You have time to consider your choices and may want to seek professional guidance to answer any questions you may have.
Choice 4: Cash out the account
The last choice for those in Coca-Cola is to simply cash out of the account. However, if you choose to cash out, you may be required to pay ordinary income tax on the balance plus a 10% early withdrawal penalty if you are under age 59½. In addition, employers may hold onto 20% of your account balance to prepay the taxes you’ll owe.
Think carefully before deciding to cash out a retirement plan. Aside from the costs of the early withdrawal penalty, there’s an additional opportunity cost in taking money out of an account that could potentially grow on a tax-deferred basis. For example, taking $10,000 out of a 401(k) instead of rolling over into an account earning an average of 8% in tax-deferred earnings could leave you $100,000 short after 30 years.
- In most circumstances, you must begin taking required minimum distributions from your 401(k) or other defined contribution plan in the year you turn 73. Withdrawals from your 401(k) or other defined contribution plans are taxed as ordinary income, and if taken before age 59½, may be subject to a 10% federal income tax penalty.
FINRA.org, 2022
- Those in Coca-Cola must acknowledge how an unpaid 401(k) loan is deemed a distribution, subject to income taxes and a 10% tax penalty if the account owner is under 59½. If the account owner switches jobs or gets laid off, any outstanding 401(k) loan balance becomes due by the time the person files his or her federal tax return.
- For Coca-Cola employees, in most circumstances, once you reach age 73, you must begin taking required minimum distributions from a Traditional Individual Retirement Account (IRA). Withdrawals from Traditional IRAs are taxed as ordinary income and, if taken before age 59½, may be subject to a 10% federal income tax penalty. You may continue to contribute to a Traditional IRA past age 70½ as long as you meet the earned-income requirement.
- This is a hypothetical example used for illustrative purposes only. It is not representative of any specific investment or combination of investments.
What is the Coca-Cola 401(k) plan?
The Coca-Cola 401(k) plan is a retirement savings plan that allows eligible employees to save a portion of their paycheck on a pre-tax basis, helping them prepare for retirement.
How can I enroll in the Coca-Cola 401(k) plan?
You can enroll in the Coca-Cola 401(k) plan by accessing the employee benefits portal or contacting the HR department for assistance with the enrollment process.
What is the employer match for the Coca-Cola 401(k) plan?
Coca-Cola offers a competitive employer match for contributions made to the 401(k) plan, which can significantly enhance your retirement savings.
When can I start contributing to the Coca-Cola 401(k) plan?
Eligible employees can start contributing to the Coca-Cola 401(k) plan after completing a specified waiting period, typically upon hire or after a designated time frame.
What types of investments are available in the Coca-Cola 401(k) plan?
The Coca-Cola 401(k) plan offers a variety of investment options, including mutual funds, target-date funds, and company stock, allowing employees to diversify their retirement savings.
How much can I contribute to the Coca-Cola 401(k) plan each year?
Employees can contribute up to the IRS annual limit for 401(k) plans, which is adjusted periodically. For 2023, the limit is $22,500, with an additional catch-up contribution for those aged 50 and over.
Does Coca-Cola offer a Roth 401(k) option?
Yes, Coca-Cola offers a Roth 401(k) option, allowing employees to make after-tax contributions to their retirement savings, which can grow tax-free.
Can I take a loan from my Coca-Cola 401(k) plan?
Yes, employees may have the option to take a loan from their Coca-Cola 401(k) plan, subject to specific terms and conditions outlined in the plan documents.
What happens to my Coca-Cola 401(k) plan if I leave the company?
If you leave Coca-Cola, you can choose to roll over your 401(k) balance to another retirement account, cash out your balance (subject to taxes and penalties), or leave it in the Coca-Cola plan if eligible.
How often can I change my contributions to the Coca-Cola 401(k) plan?
Employees can typically change their contribution amounts to the Coca-Cola 401(k) plan at any time, subject to the plan's specific guidelines and deadlines.