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

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Essential Considerations for Lam Research Employees Contemplating Retirement: What You Need to Know Before Making the Leap

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Healthcare Provider Update: Healthcare Provider for Lam Research Lam Research offers healthcare benefits through a variety of providers. While specific details about the exact healthcare insurer may vary based on employee health plan selections, employees typically can choose from major insurance networks, including providers like Anthem and Kaiser Permanente, as per the company's offerings. Potential Healthcare Cost Increases in 2026 In 2026, healthcare costs are forecasted to see significant increases, driven by a confluence of factors. Individuals enrolled in the Affordable Care Act (ACA) marketplace could be particularly affected, with potential premium hikes exceeding 60% in some states. The anticipated expiration of enhanced federal subsidies could leave nearly 92% of policyholders facing steep out-of-pocket expenses, with some projections indicating increases upwards of 75%. Coupled with ongoing medical cost inflation and surging drug prices, these dynamics pose challenges for employees at organizations like Lam Research as they navigate their healthcare options in a rapidly changing landscape. Click here to learn more

With all of the changes at Lam Research employees need to know what steps to take before leaving. Retiring, or worse, losing your job, is a monumental (for better or for worse) moment in your life. Your mind is racing, your palms are sweating, and you simply just doesn't know how to operate. The loss of a job, especially for those with over 20 years of service, affects the same receptors in the brain as the loss of a loved one. You have been connected with Lam Researchfor 20 years, and now the relationship is over. Remember to reach out to Lam Research HR & Benefits departments for all Lam Research summary plan descriptions.

The same five stages of grief apply for a person going through retirement, job loss, or the loss of a loved one. Denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance are a part of the framework that makes up our learning to get through the lack of employment.

As the reality of the situation settles, your emotions will be a mess. You might feel upset one minute, and annoyed the next, and it can be tempting to vent your frustrations. Remember, acting upon impulse almost never turns out well, and can make a difficult situation even worse.

Here are a few items to check off as you consider leaving Lam Research:

1. Sit down and carefully analyze your finances. If you have a spouse or signifigant other, involve them in this process. Avoid doing financial business with friends or family. Money and friendships do not mix.

2. Call your Credit Union or Bank, and consider opening a line of credit against your home equity. Consider opening additional credit cards to create an emergency credit line. As many of you have been employed your whole life, you probably won't think to do this - once you are unemployed, it becomes exceedingly difficult to get credit, making it very important you take this line of action.

3. Go over your 401(k) contributions, if you were making them. Decide whether or not you should increase your contributions for your remaining time on payroll, or cease them entirely to build up more immediate cash. How you proceed may have big tax implications. Depending on when you stop contributing, you may end up in a much higher tax bracket due to your severance payment, unemployment, etc.

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4. It's not always wise to file for unemployment immediately after the loss of a job. Depending on the time of year you are laid off, paired with your financial situation, it could be beneficial to wait to file your claim so that your unemployment payments fall in the next tax year, when your overall income is lower due to the fact that you're unemployed. There are an overwhelming number of situations that you want to consider before making a move on this. We recommend speaking with a Lam Research-focused retirement advisor to go over your options.

5. Unless you believe your layoff was deserved, speak to a trusted lawyer to go over your options. Venting your anger at managers and colleagues may feel amazing temporarily, but it will damage your career in the long run. You spent all this time building up your relationships at Lam Research why burn them now? Avoid going online even anonymously to berate past Lam Research staff & management.

6. Have a plan for how to fill the void on your LinkedIn profile and your resume. If you are pursuing a new job, having a job makes it much easier when finding your next adventure. In the mean time, you might consider becoming a consultant until you find a permanent position. You may also find the ability go go back to Lam Research as a contractor working on your terms.

7. Figure out what you will tell your Lam Research wcoworkers - create your go-to statement and practice it, so you can say it without becoming too emotional. It will be normal for friends and acquaintances to ask, and we assume you won't want to burst into tears or lash out every time the question is popped. However horrible you feel, it's crucial to remain calm and act professional, and try to avoid doing anything that might hinder your reputation or integrity. Remember to stay professional on social media when discussing Lam Research.

What type of retirement savings plan does Lam Research offer to its employees?

Lam Research offers a 401(k) retirement savings plan to its employees.

Does Lam Research provide a company match for contributions to the 401(k) plan?

Yes, Lam Research provides a company match for employee contributions to the 401(k) plan, subject to certain limits.

When can employees at Lam Research start contributing to their 401(k) plan?

Employees at Lam Research can start contributing to their 401(k) plan after completing their initial eligibility period.

What is the maximum contribution limit for the Lam Research 401(k) plan?

The maximum contribution limit for the Lam Research 401(k) plan is in accordance with IRS guidelines, which are updated annually.

Are there investment options available within the Lam Research 401(k) plan?

Yes, the Lam Research 401(k) plan offers a variety of investment options for employees to choose from.

Can employees at Lam Research take loans against their 401(k) savings?

Yes, Lam Research allows employees to take loans against their 401(k) savings, subject to specific terms and conditions.

What happens to my 401(k) balance if I leave Lam Research?

If you leave Lam Research, you can choose to roll over your 401(k) balance to another qualified plan or take a distribution, subject to tax implications.

Is there a vesting schedule for the company match in the Lam Research 401(k) plan?

Yes, there is a vesting schedule for the company match in the Lam Research 401(k) plan, which determines when employees fully own the matched contributions.

How can I access my 401(k) account information at Lam Research?

Employees can access their 401(k) account information through the designated online portal provided by Lam Research.

Does Lam Research offer any educational resources for employees regarding their 401(k) plan?

Yes, Lam Research provides educational resources and workshops to help employees understand their 401(k) plan options and investment strategies.

With the current political climate we are in it is important to keep up with current news and remain knowledgeable about your benefits.
Lam Research offers a comprehensive retirement plan that includes both a 401(k) and pension plan for its employees. The Lam Research 401(k) Plan is administered by Fidelity Investments, allowing employees to contribute pretax, Roth, and after-tax dollars. The maximum contribution limit for 2024 is $23,000 for those under 50, and $30,500 for those over 50, including catch-up contributions. This 401(k) plan offers flexibility in investment options, allowing employees to diversify their portfolios according to their retirement goals. Additionally, employees can consolidate previous 401(k) accounts and take their retirement savings with them if they leave Lam Research​ (Lam Benefits)​ (Lam Benefits). Lam Research also provides an employee pension plan through a Cash Balance Pension Plan. This plan calculates benefits based on a combination of an employee's earnings and years of service. Employees accrue benefits annually as a percentage of their pay, and the accumulated amount grows with interest credits. Eligibility for the pension plan typically requires at least five years of service, though the specific pension formula may depend on the employee's age and years of service​ (Lam Benefits)​ (Lam Research). The 401(k) Plan and Cash Balance Pension Plan at Lam Research are essential for employees looking to secure their retirement. Employees are encouraged to take advantage of the full range of investment options and matching contributions offered by the company to maximize their retirement savings potential. These plans provide robust support for employees aiming to achieve long-term financial security​ (Lam Benefits)​ (Lam Research).
Restructuring and Layoffs: In January 2023, Lam Research announced significant layoffs, affecting 1,300 employees globally, which amounts to 7% of their workforce. These job cuts were in response to economic challenges and declining semiconductor demand, driven in part by U.S. export controls on China and a global supply glut in memory chips​ (Data Center Dynamics)​ (Enterprise Technology News and Analysis). The layoffs followed a 65% workforce increase during the pandemic, as the company expanded rapidly to meet surging chip demand. Further layoffs were announced later in the year, focusing on realigning the company with market realities. Importance: It is crucial to address these layoffs because they highlight the impact of shifting geopolitical policies, such as U.S.-China trade restrictions, which are reshaping the global semiconductor market. The economic, tax, and political environment continues to influence corporate restructuring decisions, making it vital for stakeholders to monitor these changes.
Lam Research offers employees both stock options and Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) as part of its compensation package. The company's stock options provide employees the right to purchase Lam Research (LRCX) shares at a predetermined price, typically after a vesting period. RSUs, on the other hand, are units that convert into Lam Research shares once vesting conditions are met. These equity-based compensations are offered to eligible employees, generally including top executives and senior management, though they can extend to other staff as a form of long-term incentive. In 2022, 2023, and 2024, Lam Research continued to offer stock options and RSUs, with increased equity-based compensation expenses year-over-year. For example, in 2022, the company reported equity-based compensation expenses of $189.47 million, a significant increase from the previous year. This trend reflects Lam Research's ongoing commitment to providing competitive stock options and RSUs to retain and motivate its workforce​ (Lam Research Investor Relations). These stock options and RSUs are available to Lam Research employees who meet specific service or performance-based criteria, and vesting typically occurs over multiple years. You can refer to Lam Research's official financial reports, such as the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows from 2022, for more details on these compensations (page 2 of Lam Research's 2022 investor report)​ (Lam Research Investor Relations).
Lam Research offers a comprehensive health benefits package designed to support employee well-being across multiple dimensions—physical, mental, and financial. The company's healthcare offerings include options such as the Anthem Consumer Directed Health Plan (CDHP) with Health Savings Account (HSA) and Kaiser Permanente Consumer Directed Health Plan (CDHP). These plans provide employees with preventive care at no cost and offer high-deductible structures to allow employees to contribute pretax dollars toward healthcare expenses through Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) or Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)​ (Lam Benefits)​ (Lam Benefits). In addition to traditional health insurance, Lam Research promotes mental wellness through its Employee Assistance Program (EAP), offering free confidential counseling, and its "Live Well" program, which supports year-round physical and emotional well-being​ (Lam Benefits)​ (Lam Research). These benefits are especially significant given the rising healthcare costs in the U.S., with employers anticipating an average 5.4% increase in 2024​ (Lam Benefits). Discussing healthcare benefits in the context of today's economic, investment, and political environment is critical as costs continue to rise and employees seek greater security. For instance, Lam’s approach to healthcare, including telemedicine, virtual physical therapy, and supplemental medical benefits like critical illness insurance, helps employees manage their health more effectively while potentially reducing out-of-pocket expenses​ (Lam Research)​ (Lam Benefits). The introduction of tax-advantaged HSAs and voluntary coverage options further demonstrates the company’s commitment to offering flexible solutions that align with current healthcare challenges and evolving tax laws​ (Lam Benefits). This balance of cost management and comprehensive care reflects Lam's understanding of the modern workforce's needs.
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For more information you can reach the plan administrator for Lam Research at , ; or by calling them at .

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