/General/General%202.png?width=1280&height=853&name=General%202.png)
Healthcare Provider Update: Healthcare Provider for Southwestern Energy The healthcare provider for Southwestern Energy is UnitedHealthcare, which is one of the major national insurers. They manage the health insurance plans available to Southwestern Energy employees, offering a variety of coverage options that cater to their needs. Potential Healthcare Cost Increases in 2026 In 2026, Southwestern Energy employees and retirees may face significant increases in healthcare costs, driven primarily by anticipated spikes in Affordable Care Act (ACA) premiums. With insurers like UnitedHealthcare proposing rate hikes of up to 66%, employees could see their out-of-pocket expenses rise substantially. This situation is exacerbated by the potential expiration of enhanced federal premium subsidies, which, if they lapse, could lead to a surge in out-of-pocket premiums exceeding 75% for the vast majority of ACA marketplace enrollees. As the healthcare landscape evolves, it's crucial for employees to reassess their options early and strategically plan for this financial shift. Click here to learn more
Most Southwestern Energy 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 Southwestern Energy 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 2023-2024 academic year:
- Federal Pell Grants - With a maximum award of $6,895, 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 $6,895, 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
Featured Video
Articles you may find interesting:
- Corporate Employees: 8 Factors When Choosing a Mutual Fund
- Use of Escrow Accounts: Divorce
- Medicare Open Enrollment for Corporate Employees: Cost Changes in 2024!
- Stages of Retirement for Corporate Employees
- 7 Things to Consider Before Leaving Your Company
- How Are Workers Impacted by Inflation & Rising Interest Rates?
- Lump-Sum vs Annuity and Rising Interest Rates
- Internal Revenue Code Section 409A (Governing Nonqualified Deferred Compensation Plans)
- Corporate Employees: Do NOT Believe These 6 Retirement Myths!
- 401K, Social Security, Pension – How to Maximize Your Options
- Have You Looked at Your 401(k) Plan Recently?
- 11 Questions You Should Ask Yourself When Planning for Retirement
- Worst Month of Layoffs In Over a Year!
- Corporate Employees: 8 Factors When Choosing a Mutual Fund
- Use of Escrow Accounts: Divorce
- Medicare Open Enrollment for Corporate Employees: Cost Changes in 2024!
- Stages of Retirement for Corporate Employees
- 7 Things to Consider Before Leaving Your Company
- How Are Workers Impacted by Inflation & Rising Interest Rates?
- Lump-Sum vs Annuity and Rising Interest Rates
- Internal Revenue Code Section 409A (Governing Nonqualified Deferred Compensation Plans)
- Corporate Employees: Do NOT Believe These 6 Retirement Myths!
- 401K, Social Security, Pension – How to Maximize Your Options
- Have You Looked at Your 401(k) Plan Recently?
- 11 Questions You Should Ask Yourself When Planning for Retirement
- Worst Month of Layoffs In Over a Year!
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 Southwestern Energy employee could secure may surprise you.
- Finder.com, 2019
- StudentAid.gov, 2020
What type of retirement plan does Southwestern Energy offer to its employees?
Southwestern Energy offers a 401(k) Savings Plan to help employees save for retirement.
How can Southwestern Energy employees enroll in the 401(k) Savings Plan?
Employees can enroll in the Southwestern Energy 401(k) Savings Plan through the company’s HR portal or by contacting the HR department for assistance.
Does Southwestern Energy match employee contributions to the 401(k) Savings Plan?
Yes, Southwestern Energy provides a matching contribution to the 401(k) Savings Plan, which helps employees boost their retirement savings.
What is the maximum employee contribution percentage allowed in the Southwestern Energy 401(k) Savings Plan?
Employees can contribute up to the IRS limit, which is subject to change annually. Southwestern Energy encourages employees to check the latest guidelines.
Can Southwestern Energy employees change their contribution rates to the 401(k) Savings Plan?
Yes, employees at Southwestern Energy can change their contribution rates at any time, subject to the plan’s rules.
What investment options are available in the Southwestern Energy 401(k) Savings Plan?
The Southwestern Energy 401(k) Savings Plan offers a variety of investment options, including mutual funds, target-date funds, and other investment vehicles.
Is there a vesting schedule for the employer match in the Southwestern Energy 401(k) Savings Plan?
Yes, Southwestern Energy has a vesting schedule for the employer match, which means employees need to work for a certain period before they fully own the matched contributions.
Can Southwestern Energy employees take loans against their 401(k) Savings Plan?
Yes, employees may have the option to take loans against their Southwestern Energy 401(k) Savings Plan, subject to specific terms and conditions.
How does Southwestern Energy provide information about the 401(k) Savings Plan to its employees?
Southwestern Energy provides information about the 401(k) Savings Plan through employee orientation sessions, the HR portal, and regular communications.
Are there any fees associated with the Southwestern Energy 401(k) Savings Plan?
Yes, there may be fees associated with the administration and investment options of the Southwestern Energy 401(k) Savings Plan. Employees are encouraged to review the plan documents for details.
-2.png?width=300&height=200&name=office-builing-main-lobby%20(52)-2.png)
.webp?width=300&height=200&name=office-builing-main-lobby%20(27).webp)
-2.png)
.webp)