Healthcare Provider Update: Healthcare Provider for MassMutual MassMutual primarily collaborates with a range of healthcare providers through its employee benefits plans but does not operate a dedicated healthcare provider network itself. Instead, MassMutual provides health insurance options to its employees through various partnerships with leading insurance carriers. Projected Healthcare Cost Increases for 2026 As we approach 2026, healthcare costs are anticipated to increase significantly, with potential premium hikes driven largely by the expiration of enhanced federal subsidies for ACA marketplace enrollees. Experts forecast that Americans could face average increases of over 75% in out-of-pocket premium costs due to these subsidy reductions, alongside aggressive rate increases from major insurers, some of which are as high as 66.4% in places like New York. Furthermore, rising medical costs and inflation are compounding the financial strain on consumers, marking 2026 as a challenging year for healthcare affordability. Click here to learn more
MASSMutual employees looking to align their investment portfolios with their values should consider ESG & Impact Investing. When such strategies become commonplace, they may be a way to marry personal convictions with financial goals. Consult with a financial advisor such as myself, Patrick Ray at The Retirement Group, to ensure these choices reflect your ethical standards and financial objectives.
MASSMutual employees looking for socially responsible investment options need to understand SRI, ESG and Impact Investing, 'said Navarro. These support ethical, environmental and social causes and also yield competitive returns. 'I, Michael Corgiat of The Retirement Group, would recommend talking with a financial advisor about creating an investment strategy that fits your needs and goals for your money.'
In this article we will discuss:
The Rise of Responsible Investment Strategies: Exploring how Socially Responsible Investing / Impact Investing and ESG / Environmental, Social & Governance Investing have become mainstream choices for MASSMutual investors. SRI, ESG and Impact Investing Comparative Analysis. Outlining similarities and differences among these strategies so investors can make an educated decision.
Strategic Investment Decisions: Important points discussed include how to align investment decisions with personal and ethical values and the role of financial advice in these decisions.
Many of the MASSMutual are building a portfolio that reflects their socially responsible values but provides good yields. And that is where SRI Investing, Impact Investing and ESG Investing can help.
Some former MASSMutual investors found the strategies too restrictive. Eventually though, better evaluative data and competitive returns made such strategies commonplace. SRI, ESG Investing and Impact investing have many similarities but differ in some fundamental ways. Read more.
ESG Investing - Environmental, Social & Governance Investing.
ESG investing means environmental, social and governance Investing. This model scores investments against certain standards like ethical business practice, environmental conservation and local community impact. ESG investing has become popular: more than 500 ESG mutual funds and exchange-traded funds (ETFs) exist in the US alone. A decade ago there were just 100 ESG funds.
SRI = Socially Responsible Investing.
SRI uses criteria from ESG investing to actively eliminate or select investments according to ethical guidelines. SRI investors can apply negative or positive screens when choosing how to build their portfolio based on ESG factors. For example, MASSMutual investors might invest some of their portfolio in companies that support charities. In the US alone, more than USD 17 trillion is invested using SRI strategies. This is up from USD 12 trillion invested in SRIs as of December 2017.
Impact Investing
Impact investing is also called thematic investing. Impact investing seeks to secure a positive outcome independent of profit. For example, an impact investor may use ESG criteria to find and invest in a company working on a cancer cure regardless of the investment result.
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!
The biggest takeaway? You can keep your investments in line with your personal beliefs by making choices. Whatever way you structure your investments, remember to consult with a financial professional before making a major change.
Sources:
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Zhou, Michelle. 'ESG, SRI, and Impact Investing: What's the Difference?' Investopedia , 13 Jan. 2025, www.investopedia.com/esg-sri-and-impact-investing-5204786 .
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'The Key Differences between SRI, ESG, and Impact Investing.' PitchBook , www.pitchbook.com/news/articles/the-key-differences-between-sri-esg-and-impact-investing .
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Kelley, Matt. 'ESG Investments – Part One: An Introduction to and History of ESG Investing.' ESL Federal Credit Union , www.esl.org/esg-investments-part-one-an-introduction-to-and-history-of-esg-investing .
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'SRI vs. ESG vs. Impact Investing: What's the Difference?' Fidelity Investments Canada , www.fidelity.ca/sri-vs-esg-vs-impact-investing-whats-the-difference .
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'Understanding ESG, SRI, and Impact Investing.' Financial Planning Association , www.financialplanningassociation.org/understanding-esg-sri-and-impact-investing .
What is the primary purpose of the 401(k) plan offered by MASSMutual?
The primary purpose of the 401(k) plan offered by MASSMutual is to help employees save for retirement in a tax-advantaged way.
How can employees at MASSMutual enroll in the 401(k) plan?
Employees at MASSMutual can enroll in the 401(k) plan through the company’s benefits portal or by contacting the HR department for assistance.
What types of contributions can employees make to their MASSMutual 401(k) accounts?
Employees can make pre-tax contributions, Roth (after-tax) contributions, and possibly catch-up contributions if they are age 50 or older.
Does MASSMutual offer a company match for 401(k) contributions?
Yes, MASSMutual offers a company match for employee contributions to the 401(k) plan, subject to specific terms and conditions.
What is the vesting schedule for the company match at MASSMutual?
The vesting schedule for the company match at MASSMutual typically follows a graded vesting schedule, which means employees earn ownership of the match over a period of time.
Can employees at MASSMutual take loans against their 401(k) savings?
Yes, employees at MASSMutual may have the option to take loans against their 401(k) savings, subject to plan rules and limits.
What investment options are available in the MASSMutual 401(k) plan?
The MASSMutual 401(k) plan offers a variety of investment options, including mutual funds, target-date funds, and possibly company stock.
Are there any fees associated with the MASSMutual 401(k) plan?
Yes, there may be fees associated with the MASSMutual 401(k) plan, such as administrative fees and investment management fees, which are outlined in the plan documents.
How often can employees change their contribution amounts in the MASSMutual 401(k) plan?
Employees can typically change their contribution amounts to the MASSMutual 401(k) plan on a regular basis, often at any time during the year.
What resources does MASSMutual provide to help employees manage their 401(k) investments?
MASSMutual provides various resources, including online tools, educational materials, and access to financial advisors to help employees manage their 401(k) investments.