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

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

Healthcare Provider Update: Waters provides health insurance coverage to its U.S.-based employees through a selection of medical plans that include options for dental, vision, and life insurance. Employees can access Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) with employer contributions, along with wellness programs, disability coverage, and retirement savings plans. The company emphasizes preventive care and offers resources to support physical and mental well-being. Waters Healthcare costs in the United States are projected to continue rising through 2026, with insurers proposing significant premium increases for Affordable Care Act (ACA) plans. A recent analysis found that ACA insurers are seeking a median premium increase of 15% for 2026, marking the largest hike since 2018. This surge is attributed to factors such as the anticipated expiration of enhanced premium tax credits, rising medical costsincluding expensive medications and increased hospital staysand a shift in the risk pool towards higher-cost enrollees. Without the renewal of enhanced subsidies, out-of-pocket premiums for ACA marketplace enrollees could increase by more than 75% on average. Click here to learn more

Most Waters 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 Waters 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:

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 Waters employee could secure may surprise you.

Finder.com, 2019

StudentAid.gov, 2020

What is the primary purpose of Waters' 401(k) Savings Plan?

The primary purpose of Waters' 401(k) Savings Plan is to help employees save for retirement through tax-advantaged contributions.

Who is eligible to participate in Waters' 401(k) Savings Plan?

All full-time employees of Waters are eligible to participate in the 401(k) Savings Plan after completing a specified period of service.

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

Yes, Waters offers a company match for employee contributions to the 401(k) Savings Plan, subject to certain limits.

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

Employees can enroll in Waters' 401(k) Savings Plan through the company’s benefits portal or by contacting the HR department for assistance.

What types of contributions can employees make to Waters' 401(k) Savings Plan?

Employees can make pre-tax contributions, Roth (after-tax) contributions, and may also have the option for catch-up contributions if they are age 50 or older.

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

Yes, Waters' 401(k) Savings Plan may have administrative fees, investment fees, and other costs that are disclosed in the plan documents.

How often can employees change their contribution rates to Waters' 401(k) Savings Plan?

Employees can change their contribution rates to Waters' 401(k) Savings Plan during designated enrollment periods or as permitted by the plan guidelines.

What investment options are available in Waters' 401(k) Savings Plan?

Waters' 401(k) Savings Plan offers a variety of investment options, including mutual funds, target-date funds, and other investment vehicles.

Can employees take loans against their 401(k) accounts at Waters?

Yes, Waters allows employees to take loans against their 401(k) accounts, subject to specific terms and conditions outlined in the plan.

What happens to my 401(k) savings if I leave Waters?

If you leave Waters, you have several options for your 401(k) savings, including rolling it over to another retirement account, cashing it out, or leaving it in the Waters plan if permitted.