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

iHeartMedia Employees: Navigating the Essentials of Medicare Advantage Plans for Your Retirement Health Needs

Healthcare Provider Update: Healthcare Provider for iHeartMedia iHeartMedia offers its employees healthcare coverage through various plans under the Affordable Care Act (ACA) marketplace. Specific insurance providers for iHeartMedia employees can include major insurers such as UnitedHealthcare, Anthem, Cigna, and Molina Healthcare, depending on the enrolled plans available in their respective states. Potential Healthcare Cost Increases in 2026 As 2026 approaches, iHeartMedia employees face a potential surge in healthcare costs, driven by significant increases in ACA marketplace premiums. With some states experiencing hikes exceeding 60%, the expiration of enhanced federal subsidies will add further financial strain, potentially raising out-of-pocket premium expenses by over 75% for many enrollees. Contributing factors include rising medical costs, higher prescription drug prices, and an overall increase in healthcare utilization, making 2026 especially challenging for those relying on ACA plans. Click here to learn more

Medicare Advantage, sometimes known as “Part C,” is something of a catch-all choice for iHeartMedia employees who are ready to sign up for Medicare. Medicare Advantage plans are offered by private insurers in conjunction with the Medicare program and can provide you with additional health insurance coverage.

What’s in them?
In addition to signing up for Medicare Part A (hospital stays) and Part B (medical coverage), Medicare Advantage plans offer their subscribers extra features. This frequently, but not always, includes the Medicare Part D prescription drug plan. In some cases, Medicare Advantage plans offer coverage for areas not normally offered within regular Medicare plans. This can include dental, hearing, and vision insurance.

What are the rules?
Medicare pays for a fixed amount of your health care to iHeartMedia offering your Medicare Advantage (MA) plan. Beyond that, each MA plan requires different out-of-pocket fees. Those fees can vary from plan to plan. Depending on your plan, you may have different rules you need to follow when seeking a medical referral to get treatment from a specialist or if you are seeking non-urgent care (even from health care providers within the plan). It’s also important to remember that rules, requirements, and features may change from year to year. It will be important to make sure that those changes line up with any treatment that you need.

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What about my prescriptions?
While most MA plans offer Part D coverage for prescription drugs, some don’t. One example would be Medicare Medical Savings Account plans. In cases where the plan can’t or chooses not to offer prescription drug coverage, you may have the ability to join a separate Medicare Prescription Drug Plan, depending on the type of plan you enroll in. You will likely have a number of questions and concerns as you examine your options for Medicare Advantage plans. Discuss these with a trusted financial professional who can help you make choices that may best fit your lifestyle.

1. Medicare.gov, 2022

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

iHeartMedia offers a 401(k) retirement savings plan to help employees save for their future.

Does iHeartMedia provide any matching contributions to the 401(k) plan?

Yes, iHeartMedia offers a matching contribution to the 401(k) plan, which helps employees maximize their retirement savings.

What is the eligibility requirement for employees to participate in iHeartMedia's 401(k) plan?

Employees at iHeartMedia are eligible to participate in the 401(k) plan after completing a specified period of service, typically within the first year of employment.

Can employees of iHeartMedia choose how much to contribute to their 401(k) plan?

Yes, employees can choose to contribute a percentage of their salary to the iHeartMedia 401(k) plan, within the limits set by the IRS.

Are there any fees associated with iHeartMedia's 401(k) plan?

Yes, like most 401(k) plans, iHeartMedia's plan may have administrative fees and investment fees, which are disclosed in the plan documents.

What investment options are available in iHeartMedia's 401(k) plan?

iHeartMedia offers a range of investment options in its 401(k) plan, including mutual funds, target-date funds, and other investment vehicles.

How often can employees change their contribution amounts to the iHeartMedia 401(k) plan?

Employees can typically change their contribution amounts to the iHeartMedia 401(k) plan on a quarterly basis or as specified in the plan documents.

Does iHeartMedia allow for loans against the 401(k) plan?

Yes, iHeartMedia's 401(k) plan may allow employees to take loans against their account balance, subject to certain terms and conditions.

What happens to my 401(k) account if I leave iHeartMedia?

If you leave iHeartMedia, you can choose to roll over your 401(k) account to another retirement plan, cash it out, or leave it in the iHeartMedia plan if allowed.

Is there a vesting schedule for the employer match in iHeartMedia's 401(k) plan?

Yes, iHeartMedia has a vesting schedule for employer matching contributions, which determines how much of the match you own based on your years of service.

With the current political climate we are in it is important to keep up with current news and remain knowledgeable about your benefits.

Employee Pension Plan Plan Name: iHeartMedia does not have a traditional pension plan. The company primarily offers a 401(k) plan for retirement savings. Years of Service and Age Qualification: iHeartMedia does not offer a defined benefit pension plan, so there are no specific years of service or age qualification criteria for such a plan. Plan Name: iHeartMedia 401(k) Plan Eligibility: Employees are eligible to participate in the iHeartMedia 401(k) Plan. Typically, eligibility begins after 30 days of employment, although this can vary based on the employee's role and employment status. 401(k) Plan Features: The plan offers a range of investment options, and iHeartMedia provides a company match, which may vary based on the employee's contribution level and tenure.

Restructuring and Layoffs: In early 2024, iHeartMedia announced a significant restructuring plan aimed at reducing operational costs and streamlining its business. This decision comes as part of a broader effort to adapt to the rapidly changing media landscape and fluctuating ad revenues. The company is expected to cut approximately 10% of its workforce, which could impact several departments across the organization. This restructuring is critical to follow due to its potential implications on job security, industry dynamics, and market competitiveness. Company Benefits, Pension, and 401k Changes: iHeartMedia has also made changes to its employee benefits and retirement plans. The company has adjusted its 401k matching contributions and modified its pension plan to better align with its financial strategies. These changes could affect employees' long-term financial planning and retirement readiness. Understanding these adjustments is essential in the current economic environment, where investment strategies and tax implications play a crucial role in personal financial security.

In 2022, iHeartMedia provided stock options (SO) and Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) to senior executives and key employees. The RSU grants had performance-based vesting conditions.

Benefits Overview: iHeartMedia provides a range of health benefits, including medical, dental, and vision insurance. They offer a Health Savings Account (HSA) and Flexible Spending Account (FSA) options. Coverage includes preventive care, mental health support, and employee assistance programs.