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

Marsh & McLennan Employees Should be Aware that the Student Loan Payment Pause was Extended Through January 2022

Healthcare Provider Update: Healthcare Provider Information: Marsh & McLennan Marsh & McLennan is a global professional services firm offering a wide range of services primarily through its subsidiaries. They do not provide healthcare in the traditional sense but are known for their consulting services related to risk management, insurance, and employee benefits, including health benefits consulting. They work with various healthcare providers and insurance companies to manage and strategize healthcare costs on behalf of their clients. Potential Healthcare Cost Increases in 2026 As we approach 2026, significant healthcare cost increases loom on the horizon, primarily driven by the expected sharp rise in Affordable Care Act (ACA) premiums. States could see premium hikes ranging from 18% to over 60%, attributable to the potential expiration of enhanced federal subsidies and ongoing medical cost inflation. Without these subsidies, many enrollees might face out-of-pocket premium increases exceeding 75%, exacerbating the financial strain on households. This perfect storm of factors underscores the urgency for individuals and employers to prepare for the rising costs and reassess their healthcare strategy in the impending year. Click here to learn more

How Marsh & McLennan employees can navigate federal student loan repayment: This article provides a framework for Marsh & McLennan employees to understand the current federal student loan landscape and make the most of available repayment options and employer benefits, suggests Tyson Mavar, a representative from The Retirement Group, a division of Wealth Enhancement Group.

Wesley Boudreaux of The Retirement Group, a division of Wealth Enhancement Group, advises Marsh & McLennan employees with federal student loans to take stock of their current repayment plan and explore the updated options available now that the pandemic-era payment pause has ended.

In this article, we will cover:

The end of the federal student loan payment pause: A summary of the pandemic-era moratorium and what happened when repayment resumed.

The effects on Marsh & McLennan employees: How the current repayment environment affects both personal and Parent PLUS Loans.

New employer benefits and available programs: What Marsh & McLennan employees can take advantage of under current law.

Background: The student loan payment pause has ended.

Federal student loan repayment resumed on September 1, 2023, after more than three years of pandemic-era relief. The COVID-19 payment pause, which began in March 2020 under the CARES Act, was extended multiple times. After the U.S. Supreme Court's June 2023 ruling blocked broad student loan cancellation, the final pause ended and repayment restarted. The Department of Education implemented a one-year on-ramp period through October 2024, during which missed payments did not trigger credit reporting -- but interest continued to accrue. As of late 2024, standard monthly repayment is fully in effect for all Marsh & McLennan employees with federal student loans.

Marsh & McLennan employees nearing retirement should be aware that Parent PLUS Loans -- federal loans that parents can take out to help pay for their children's education -- resumed repayment along with all other federal loans in 2023. Income-driven repayment (IDR) options remain available for eligible borrowers. Marsh & McLennan employees should note, however, that the Saving on a Valuable Education (SAVE) plan -- introduced in 2023 as the most generous IDR option -- was blocked by federal courts in 2024 and is currently in administrative forbearance while legal challenges are resolved. Time spent in SAVE forbearance does not count toward Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF), and borrowers cannot make qualifying PSLF payments while in the plan. Two other IDR plans -- Income-Contingent Repayment (ICR) and Pay As You Earn (PAYE) -- are being phased out and will end in mid-2028. The standard 10-year repayment plan and Income-Based Repayment (IBR) remain fully available.

Does interest accrue during current forbearance periods?

Yes. Unlike the pandemic-era pause, the SAVE administrative forbearance does accrue interest. Marsh & McLennan employees enrolled in SAVE who are in administrative forbearance may wish to consider voluntary payments to prevent interest buildup.

Do private student loans qualify for income-driven repayment?

No. Marsh & McLennan employees should remember that private student loans are not eligible for federal IDR plans, PSLF, or federal forbearance protections. Only federal government-held loans -- including Federal Direct Loans, Federal Perkins Loans, and FFEL Program loans held by the Department of Education -- are eligible.

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Marsh & McLennan employees whose employer offers student loan repayment assistance should be aware of a significant development: the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA), signed into law in July 2025, permanently extended the employer benefit allowing companies to contribute up to $5,250 per year toward an employee's student loan repayment on a tax-free basis. This benefit was originally a temporary CARES Act provision. Marsh & McLennan employees are encouraged to check with their HR department to determine whether this benefit is available and to contact their loan servicer to review their current repayment plan status.

Sources:

U.S. Department of Education. 'Federal Student Loan Payment Restart.' StudentAid.gov, 2023, studentaid.gov/announcements-events/covid-19 .
U.S. Department of Education. 'Repayment Plans.' StudentAid.gov, 2025, studentaid.gov/manage-loans/repayment/plans .
NPR. 'Federal student loans are changing. Here’s what to expect in 2026.' NPR, December 2025, www.npr.org .
U.S. Congress. One Big Beautiful Bill Act. Signed July 2025.
Federal Reserve Bank of New York. 'Household Debt and Credit Report.' Federal Reserve Bank of New York, Q4 2025, www.newyorkfed.org/microeconomics/hhdc .

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

Name of Pension Plan: Marsh & McLennan does not typically offer a traditional defined benefit pension plan. Instead, it offers a defined contribution plan. Years of Service and Age Qualification: The detailed eligibility criteria can be found in the Summary Plan Description (SPD) or 10-K filings. Pension Formula: As Marsh & McLennan primarily offers defined contribution plans, a pension formula might not be applicable Name of 401(k) Plan: Marsh & McLennan 401(k) Savings Plan. Eligibility Criteria: Generally available to full-time employees. Eligibility may require a waiting period.

Restructuring and Layoffs: Marsh & McLennan announced a restructuring plan in late 2023 to streamline operations and integrate their various business units more effectively. This restructuring involved the consolidation of certain departments and led to a reduction in workforce by approximately 5%. The move aimed to improve operational efficiency and align with the company’s strategic objectives for growth and innovation. Given the current economic climate, it's crucial for employees and investors to stay informed about these changes, as they impact job security and company performance. Benefit and Pension Changes: In 2024, Marsh & McLennan also updated its benefits package and pension plans. The company introduced enhanced retirement savings options, including increased 401(k) match contributions and expanded investment choices. These changes were made to attract and retain top talent amid a competitive labor market. Additionally, adjustments to the pension plan were implemented to ensure long-term financial stability and compliance with new regulations. These updates are significant in the context of current investment and tax environments, making it essential for stakeholders to review these changes carefully.

Marsh & McLennan (MMC) offers stock options primarily to senior executives and key employees. For 2022 and 2023, stock options were granted based on performance targets and individual roles. Marsh & McLennan (MMC) provides RSUs to a broader range of employees, including mid-level managers and above. In 2023, RSU grants were made as part of a broader incentive plan to align employee interests with shareholder value.

Healthcare Plans: Marsh & McLennan offers comprehensive healthcare plans, including medical, dental, and vision coverage. They provide various plan options to suit different needs, including PPO and HMO plans. Wellness Programs: The company emphasizes wellness programs and preventive care, with resources such as wellness coaching and fitness incentives.