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

NOV Employees: Unlock the Benefits of the Federal Student Grant Program for Your Family's Education

Healthcare Provider Update: Healthcare Provider for NOV The healthcare provider for NOV Inc. (formerly known as National Oilwell Varco) is typically determined by their employee health insurance plans, which can include various major insurance carriers. These providers may vary depending on the location and specific plans offered through NOV's benefits packages. Common offerings may include large insurers such as UnitedHealthcare, Aetna, or Blue Cross Blue Shield, among others. Healthcare Cost Increases in 2026 As the healthcare landscape evolves, significant premium hikes for Affordable Care Act (ACA) marketplace plans are anticipated in 2026, with some states projecting increases exceeding 60%. The primary drivers of these surges include rising medical costs, the potential expiration of enhanced federal premium subsidies, and substantial rate increases from major insurers. The Kaiser Family Foundation warns that without congressional intervention, approximately 22 million enrollees could experience a staggering rise in out-of-pocket costs, with a potential increase of over 75% in their premiums. This combination of factors signals a challenging financial environment for healthcare consumers as they navigate impending cost fluctuations. Click here to learn more

As NOV equity compensation values reach new highs amid the Q1 2026 oil market crisis, employees with vesting events or option expirations should develop an informed strategy that balances tax efficiency with portfolio diversification.

2026 Q1 Oil Market Update (March 2026): NOV (NOV) shares are up approximately +20% over the past 90 days, with an approximate March 2026 average price of ~$18. Oilfield services companies are experiencing a surge in drilling contracts as higher crude prices driven by the U.S.-Israel joint strikes on Iran and the near-closure of the Strait of Hormuz, which carries approximately 20% of global oil and 21% of global LNG supply accelerate domestic E&P capital spending.

Global energy markets have been upended in Q1 2026, with Brent crude near ~$107/barrel and WTI near ~$94/barrel following the near-closure of the Strait of Hormuz — a chokepoint carrying approximately 20% of the world's seaborne oil supply.

The energy price shock has rippled into natural gas: Henry Hub is trading near ~$2.94/MMBtu while European TTF has moved to approximately ~$16.90/MMBtu, driven partly by Iran's strikes on Gulf LNG infrastructure.

For NOV employees with equity compensation, the Q1 2026 energy price surge serves as both an opportunity and a risk — a structured, tax-aware liquidation plan can help capture gains while managing downside exposure if geopolitical tensions ease.

Most NOV employees have already heard of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA, if they or someone they know has plans to attend a college, career school, or university. Last year, around 70% of families submitted a FAFSA to the Department of Education to secure financial assistance. But what many prospective and current students may overlook are the various federal grants awarded to students in need each year.

Granted value

Most federal grants, unlike loans, function as sources of funding. There are some exceptions, though. For example, if a student is awarded a grant, but withdraws from the program in which they’re enrolled, they may be required to pay back all or a portion of that grant.

Know your grants

The Department of Education offers multiple aid packages as part of the Federal Student Grant Program and all NOV employees should be aware of them. The following four are granted most often, and each has different requirements for eligibility. The information below applies to the 2025-2026 academic year:

Federal Pell Grants - With a maximum award of $7,395 for the 2025-2026 award year, Pell Grants are reserved for undergraduate students who have exceptional financial need and have not earned a bachelor’s, graduate, or professional degree yet.
Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants (FSEO) - FSEO Grants award a maximum of $4,000 to those who demonstrate exceptional need and have not yet earned a bachelor’s or graduate degree. FSEO Grants also give priority to Pell Grant recipients over other applicants.
Iraq and Afghanistan Service Grants - These grants award a maximum of $7,395 for the 2025-2026 award year, and they're only for students whose parent or guardian served in a branch of the U.S. Armed Forces and died while serving in Iraq or Afghanistan after the events of 9/11.
Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education (TEACH) Grants - TEACH Grants award a maximum of $4,000, and they’re reserved for students who are enrolled in teaching preparation programs and agree to teach for a minimum of 4 years at the elementary or secondary school level in a high-need field.

FAFSA Required

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No matter who you are or your financial situation, you may want to consider submitting a FAFSA. After all, the grants listed above do require recipients to have an application on file with the Department of Education. And who knows? The potential financial benefit that you as a NOV employee could secure may surprise you.

StudentAid.gov, 2025

StudentAid.gov, 2025

What is the purpose of NOV's 401(k) Savings Plan?

The purpose of NOV's 401(k) Savings Plan is to help employees save for retirement by allowing them to contribute a portion of their salary on a pre-tax or after-tax basis.

How can employees enroll in NOV's 401(k) Savings Plan?

Employees can enroll in NOV's 401(k) Savings Plan by accessing the company's benefits portal and following the enrollment instructions provided.

Does NOV offer a company match for contributions to the 401(k) Savings Plan?

Yes, NOV offers a company match for contributions to the 401(k) Savings Plan, which helps employees maximize their retirement savings.

What types of investment options are available in NOV's 401(k) Savings Plan?

NOV's 401(k) Savings Plan provides a variety of investment options, including mutual funds, target-date funds, and other investment vehicles tailored to different risk tolerances.

Can employees change their contribution percentage to NOV's 401(k) Savings Plan at any time?

Yes, employees can change their contribution percentage to NOV's 401(k) Savings Plan at any time through the benefits portal, subject to certain limitations.

Is there a vesting schedule for the company match in NOV's 401(k) Savings Plan?

Yes, there is a vesting schedule for the company match in NOV's 401(k) Savings Plan, which determines when employees fully own the matched funds based on their years of service.

What is the minimum age requirement to participate in NOV's 401(k) Savings Plan?

The minimum age requirement to participate in NOV's 401(k) Savings Plan is typically 21 years old, although employees can start contributing once they meet this age requirement.

Are there any fees associated with NOV's 401(k) Savings Plan?

Yes, there may be fees associated with NOV's 401(k) Savings Plan, including administrative fees and investment management fees, which are disclosed in the plan documents.

How often can employees change their investment allocations in NOV's 401(k) Savings Plan?

Employees can change their investment allocations in NOV's 401(k) Savings Plan at any time, although there may be restrictions on frequent trading.

What happens to an employee's 401(k) account if they leave NOV?

If an employee leaves NOV, they have several options for their 401(k) account, including rolling it over to another retirement account, cashing it out, or leaving it in the NOV plan if eligible.