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

Beyond the 401k Cap: Advanced Retirement Tactics for Conagra Brands Employees

Healthcare Provider Update: Healthcare Provider for Conagra Brands: For Conagra Brands, the healthcare provider information is typically linked to their employment benefits and can vary based on the location and specific plans offered to employees. Generally, large companies like Conagra may partner with major insurers such as UnitedHealthcare, Anthem (Elevance Health), or Aetna to provide health insurance benefits to their employees. It is advisable for Enrolled members to refer to their HR department or employee benefit documentation for specific provider details. Potential Healthcare Cost Increases in 2026: As we look ahead to 2026, significant increases in healthcare costs are anticipated, largely influenced by the expiration of enhanced federal subsidies under the Affordable Care Act (ACA). Reports indicate that premium rates for ACA marketplace plans could rise by over 60% in certain states due to higher medical expenses and market adjustments. Notably, a staggering 92% of policyholders may face a potential increase in their out-of-pocket premiums by more than 75%, reflecting the compounded effect of expiring subsidies and aggressive rate hikes from leading insurers. This perfect storm may lead to many consumers being priced out of essential healthcare coverage, forcing a reevaluation of their insurance options as financial pressures mount. Click here to learn more

'By leveraging health savings accounts, Roth conversion pathways, annuities, and intentional asset location, Conagra Brands employees can reduce their lifetime tax burden and establish a diversified suite of retirement income sources.' – Brent Wolf, a representative of The Retirement Group, a division of Wealth Enhancement.

'By thoughtfully combining health savings accounts, Roth conversion strategies, and strategic asset placement, Conagra Brands employees can optimize tax efficiency and bolster their retirement income flexibility.' – Paul Bergeron, a representative of The Retirement Group, a division of Wealth Enhancement.

In this article we will discuss:

Leveraging Health Savings Accounts and tax-advantaged rollovers to extend retirement savings.
Advanced Roth strategies (backdoor and mega backdoor) for high-income earners.
Using annuities and tax-efficient brokerage techniques to diversify and preserve assets.

High-Income Earners’ Advanced Retirement Savings Strategies

Retirement planning presents unique opportunities and challenges for Conagra Brands employees who have reached the IRS limit on 401k contributions or whose income prevents direct Roth IRA funding. To build on strong saving habits and substantial assets, it help to understand alternative techniques that extend tax-advantaged growth beyond traditional workplace plans.

1. Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) as a Long-Term Investment Vehicle

Health Savings Accounts offer a remarkable “triple tax advantage”: contributions reduce taxable income, investment growth is tax-free, and qualified medical withdrawals remain untaxed, making HSAs one of the most efficient savings tools available. Conagra Brands employees enrolled in a high-deductible health plan can contribute up to the 2025 IRS caps—$4,300 for self-only coverage and $8,550 for family coverage, plus a $1,000 catch-up for those 55 and older. ¹ Non-medical withdrawals after age 65 incur ordinary income tax (but no penalty), enhancing flexibility, while premature non-qualified distributions face a 20% penalty, underscoring the need for disciplined planning.

2. The Backdoor Roth IRA: Unlocking Tax-Free Growth

Although direct Roth IRA contributions phase out at higher incomes, Conagra Brands employees can still tap a backdoor Roth IRA by making a non-deductible contribution to a traditional IRA and immediately converting to a Roth. ² The IRS’s pro-rata aggregation rules require careful calculation when you hold other traditional IRAs, as conversions consider the aggregate pre- and after-tax balances, potentially triggering tax liabilities. Given the IRA contribution limit of $7,000 ($8,000 for those age 50 and above), working with a financial advisor can help facilitate smooth execution and manage potential tax on conversions.

3. The Mega Backdoor Roth: Supercharging Roth Savings

For those with eligible employer plans, the “mega backdoor Roth” ³ can significantly boost Roth balances by contributing after-tax dollars above standard 401k limits and then rolling them into a Roth IRA or Roth 401k via in-service distributions. With 2025 combined employee/employer contribution caps of $70,000 (or $77,500 including catch-ups), ⁴ this strategy can create substantial additional tax-free retirement income. Because only about 20% of plans offer the necessary features, confirm with HR whether your Conagra Brands plan supports after-tax contributions and in-service rollovers, and coordinate with advisors to optimize timing and tax efficiency.

4. Tax-Deferred Annuities to Extend Tax-Advantaged Savings

When you’ve exhausted IRAs and employer plans, tax-deferred annuities provide another avenue to shelter earnings from current taxation. Fixed annuities offer a stable interest rate, while variable annuities invest in market-linked subaccounts—allowing reallocation without immediate tax events. ⁵ Although earnings and withdrawals are taxed as ordinary income and early withdrawals before age 59½ may incur a 10% penalty, annuities can include income commitments or death benefits. Before adding an annuity, Conagra Brands employees should evaluate fees, investment options, and the insurer’s strength to confirm alignment with overall retirement goals.

5. Tax-Efficient Techniques in Brokerage Accounts

In addition to having no contribution limits, taxable accounts offer considerable flexibility and asset choice. Conagra Brands employees can enhance after-tax returns by favoring low-turnover ETFs for tax efficiency, selecting tax-managed mutual funds, and using separately managed accounts (SMAs) for bespoke strategies like tax-loss harvesting. Strategic asset location—placing tax-inefficient bonds in IRAs/401ks and tax-efficient equities or municipal bonds in brokerage—can further reduce annual tax drag. ⁶ According to Vanguard, disciplined asset placement can boost after-tax wealth by up to 0.30% per year, ⁷ demonstrating the value of meticulous tax management.

Conclusion

After reaching the contribution limit on your Conagra Brands 401k, advanced tactics such as HSAs, backdoor and mega backdoor Roth IRAs, tax-deferred annuities, and tax-efficient brokerage strategies allow high-income earners to diversify retirement income sources and mitigate lifetime taxes. Staying informed on IRS rules—like the SECURE 2.0 Act’s changes—and using tools such as Qualified Charitable Distributions can further help manage required distributions and Medicare implications. Proactive planning and professional guidance help make every dollar saved work harder for your retirement goals.

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Sources:

1. Internal Revenue Service. ' Revenue Proclamation 2024-25 .' Accessed 31 July 2025.

2. Fidelity Investments. “ Backdoor Roth IRA: Is It Right for You? ” Fidelity Viewpoints, 19 Dec. 2024. Accessed 13 July 2025.

3. MarketWatch. “ This Roth Strategy Lets Elite Savers Stash $70,000 in Their 401(k) in 2025 ,” by Vanessa Wong, 20 Nov. 2024. Accessed 13 July 2025.

4. IRS. ' 401(k) limit increases to $#23,500 for 2025, IRA limit remains $7,000 ,' 1 Nov. 2024. Accessed 31 July 2025.

5. Investopedia. “ Annuities Taxation Explained: What You Need to Know Before Investing ,” by The Investopedia Team, 15 June 2024. Accessed 13 July 2025.

6. Charles Schwab. “ How Asset Location Can Help Save on Taxes ,” by Hayden Adams, 11 Oct. 2024. Accessed 13 July 2025.

7. Vaguard. ' Asset location can lead to lower taxes. Here's how to get more value, ' 16 Aug. 2024. Accessed 31 July 2025.

How does Conagra Brands, Inc. ensure that employees understand their retirement benefits, particularly the nuances of the Conagra Foods Inc. Pension Plan and the historical obligations from the Beatrice Retirement Income Plan (BRIP)? Are there specific communication strategies or resources provided to employees to navigate their eligibility and benefits?

Conagra Brands has not provided consistent documentation of the Beatrice Retirement Income Plan (BRIP), as evidenced by a lost BRIP Plan document, which has created confusion among former Beatrice employees. Conagra relies on internal committees like the Conagra Brands Employee Benefits Administrative Committee to oversee the administration of the Conagra Foods Inc. Pension Plan and the historical obligations from BRIP. However, there are allegations in the class action that Conagra has failed to communicate certain benefit entitlements, particularly the age at which unreduced benefits should commence(Conagra_Brands_Inc_02-1…).

In light of regulatory compliance, what measures does Conagra Brands, Inc. take to maintain the integrity and security of pension plan documents, especially considering the historical loss of the BRIP Plan document? How do the missing documents impact employee knowledge of their benefits?

The loss of the BRIP Plan document represents a significant failure in document retention and regulatory compliance. Under ERISA, Conagra is required to maintain and distribute these documents upon request. The missing BRIP documents have caused discrepancies in the administration of retirement benefits, particularly regarding the age of eligibility for unreduced benefits. Conagra has been criticized for not informing employees that these documents were lost, leading to confusion and underpayment of benefits(Conagra_Brands_Inc_02-1…).

What resources does Conagra Brands, Inc. offer to its employees who have questions about their pension benefits or discrepancies that may arise from the transition from the Beatrice Retirement Income Plan to the Conagra Foods Inc. Pension Plan? How can employees best utilize these resources?

Conagra directs employees to contact the Plan service center for inquiries related to their pension benefits. However, based on the complaints filed in court, there have been issues with transparency and the accessibility of important plan documents, including the BRIP. Employees have had to appeal their benefit decisions and deal with insufficient guidance on navigating the discrepancies between the old BRIP and the Conagra Plan. Resources like benefit calculators and service centers have sometimes provided inaccurate or incomplete information(Conagra_Brands_Inc_02-1…).

How does Conagra Brands, Inc. handle the potential discrepancies regarding the pension benefits related to the age eligibility for receiving unreduced benefits in the context of both the Conagra Plan and the Beatrice plan? What steps have been taken to prevent similar issues in the future?

Conagra has been handling discrepancies poorly, particularly around the age at which participants in the BRIP are entitled to receive unreduced benefits. The company's adjustment of the eligibility age from 60 to 65 without properly consulting or notifying employees has led to underpayment of benefits. The ongoing class action lawsuit seeks to address these discrepancies and prevent future issues by clarifying benefit entitlements under the terms of both plans(Conagra_Brands_Inc_02-1…).

Can you elaborate on the process that Conagra Brands, Inc. utilizes to communicate with employees about plan amendments and to clarify their rights under the Conagra Foods Inc. Pension Plan? What specific improvements have been made to this communication strategy in recent years?

The communication process regarding plan amendments at Conagra has been criticized as insufficient, particularly concerning the transition from the BRIP to the Conagra Plan. Employees have filed complaints about not receiving adequate notice of important changes, such as the shift in eligibility age for unreduced benefits. Conagra has failed to provide clear documentation, leading to confusion among employees. There is no evidence of significant improvements in recent years(Conagra_Brands_Inc_02-1…).

How does Conagra Brands, Inc. ensure compliance with the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA), especially regarding the fiduciary duties of the Conagra Brands Employee Benefits Administrative Committee? What protocols are in place to guarantee that employeesâ€™ rights are consistently protected?

Conagra's compliance with ERISA has been challenged in court, with allegations of fiduciary breaches related to the loss of critical plan documents like the BRIP. The Conagra Brands Employee Benefits Administrative Committee is responsible for maintaining the integrity of the pension plan, but the loss of documents and failure to notify employees of their rights raise questions about the adequacy of these protocols. The lawsuit highlights a need for improved oversight and adherence to ERISA's fiduciary requirements(Conagra_Brands_Inc_02-1…).

What options are currently available for former Beatrice employees and other participants in the Conagra Foods Inc. Pension Plan to claim benefits they believe they are entitled to? How does Conagra Brands, Inc. facilitate this process?

Former Beatrice employees can contact the Pension Service Center to inquire about their benefits and initiate claims. However, the process has been complicated by missing documentation and conflicting information about eligibility. Some employees have been forced to file legal claims to recover benefits owed to them, as in the case of the ongoing class action lawsuit. The lack of clear and accessible resources has made it difficult for employees to navigate the process effectively(Conagra_Brands_Inc_02-1…).

In what ways does Conagra Brands, Inc. provide support or guidance for employees approaching retirement, particularly in understanding the timelines and responsibilities associated with electing benefits from the Conagra Foods Inc. Pension Plan?

Conagra provides online calculators and service center assistance for employees approaching retirement, but these tools have proven unreliable for some participants. Employees have reported being unable to calculate their benefits accurately or being told they were ineligible for benefits before age 65, despite the terms of the BRIP allowing benefits to begin at age 60. The class action complaint highlights deficiencies in the guidance provided to employees regarding their benefits(Conagra_Brands_Inc_02-1…).

How can employees at Conagra Brands, Inc. contact the Employee Benefits Administrative Committee for inquiries related to their benefits? What are the most efficient avenues for addressing concerns about the Conagra Foods Inc. Pension Plan or the transitions from the Beatrice plan?

Employees can contact the Plan service center for inquiries related to their benefits, but accessing the Employee Benefits Administrative Committee directly appears to be more challenging. The lawsuit indicates that employees seeking to address discrepancies with their benefits have not received timely or effective communication from the committee, often requiring legal action to resolve their concerns(Conagra_Brands_Inc_02-1…).

How does Conagra Brands, Inc. evaluate its pension plan's performance and benefits offerings in relation to industry standards? What methods are used to ensure the company remains competitive while protecting employee benefits under the Conagra Foods Inc. Pension Plan?

There is little publicly available information regarding how Conagra evaluates its pension plan's performance against industry standards. The company's handling of historical pension obligations, particularly from the Beatrice acquisition, suggests that its methods for protecting employee benefits have been insufficient. Ongoing litigation regarding underpayment of benefits and loss of critical documents indicates that the company may need to improve its evaluation methods and compliance efforts to remain competitive(Conagra_Brands_Inc_02-1…).

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

Conagra Brands announced a restructuring plan aiming to streamline operations and reduce costs. This includes layoffs impacting various departments and potential changes to employee benefits.

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For more information you can reach the plan administrator for Conagra Brands at 222 W. Merchandise Mart Plaza Chicago, IL 60654; or by calling them at (312) 549-5000.