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Bristol-Myers Squibb Employees: 10 Critical Estate Planning Steps After the 2025 Tax Law

Healthcare Provider Update: Healthcare Provider for Bristol-Myers Squibb Bristol-Myers Squibb collaborates with multiple healthcare providers, including major national health insurers and pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) like CVS Caremark and Express Scripts, to ensure patient access to their medications. Their widespread distribution network encompasses hospitals, clinics, and specialty pharmacies, enabling healthcare professionals to prescribe and dispense their pharmaceutical products effectively. Potential Healthcare Cost Increases in 2026 As we look toward 2026, healthcare consumers should brace for significant cost increases stemming from a combination of factors. Record hikes in premiums for Affordable Care Act (ACA) marketplace plans are anticipated, with some states facing increases over 60% due to higher medical costs and the potential expiration of federal premium subsidies. Reports indicate that nearly 92% of marketplace enrollees could see their out-of-pocket premiums soar by over 75%, putting immense financial strain on families. Coupled with escalating hospital and drug prices, particularly specialty medications like GLP-1 weight loss drugs, the burden of rising healthcare expenses is likely to affect millions as they navigate their insurance options and healthcare needs. Click here to learn more

“Bristol-Myers Squibb employees should proactively revisit their estate and trust strategies—incorporating adjustable trust provisions, state-level mitigation tactics, and digital asset protocols under the new law—and consult a qualified legal or tax advisor for individualized guidance.” – Wesley Boudreaux, a representative of The Retirement Group, a division of Wealth Enhancement.

“Bristol-Myers Squibb employees would be well advised to integrate flexible trust provisions, state-level tax strategies, and digital asset instructions into their legacy plans—and consult a legal or tax advisor to tailor these measures to their circumstances.” – Patrick Ray, a representative of The Retirement Group, a division of Wealth Enhancement.

In this article we will discuss:

The key federal and state tax exemption updates and their planning implications.
How trust taxation, long-term care funding, and digital asset protocols have changed under the new law.
Key strategies for business succession and legacy preservation.

Bristol-Myers Squibb employees should conduct a thorough review of their legacy arrangements in light of the major federal estate and gift taxation changes introduced by the One Big Beautiful Bill Act of 2025. Though high net worth households have drawn much of the spotlight, these updates impact everyone managing health care funding, retirement savings, and intergenerational asset transfers.

First , the Act permanently raises the federal estate, gift, and generation-skipping transfer tax exemption to $15 million per individual and $30 million for married couples. While this allows more assets to pass free of federal tax, the political landscape remains unsettled; if control of Congress shifts, senators like Elizabeth Warren and Bernie Sanders could push to reduce exemptions. Bristol-Myers Squibb employees can build in flexibility by using adjustable trust provisions or formula clauses in wills to adapt to future legislative shifts.

Second , even though the prior “sunset” clause on exemptions is gone, Congress still has the power to roll back benefits. A change in legislative majority could restore lower exemption levels. To lock in current advantages without sacrificing flexibility, consider contingency vehicles such as charitable lead trusts and grantor retained annuity trusts (GRATs) tailored to your planning needs.

Third , the new law compresses trust income tax brackets and alters distribution rules, accelerating the point at which the highest rates apply for undistributed income. Bristol-Myers Squibb employees should review existing irrevocable trusts and evaluate tiered distribution strategies to limit accelerated taxation and help preserve assets for beneficiaries.

Fourth , several states—including Massachusetts, Oregon, and Minnesota—still impose estate or inheritance taxes with exemption thresholds far below federal levels (for example, Massachusetts taxes estates over $2 million at up to 16%). Incorporating state-level exposure into planning, perhaps through state-qualified charitable remainder trusts or spousal lifetime access trusts (SLATs), may help Bristol-Myers Squibb employees mitigate unexpected liabilities.

Fifth , according to Genworth’s 2024 Cost of Care survey, the median annual cost of a nursing home is $108,405 and a semi-private room averages $96,060. ¹ With long-term care expenses rising and potential Medicaid funding cuts on the horizon, Bristol-Myers Squibb employees may benefit from Medicaid asset protection trusts or commercial long-term care insurance, taking into account individual health trends and premium deductibility under IRS rules.

Sixth , the law preserves or increases tax deductible limits for qualifying long-term care insurance premiums, ranging in 2025 from $450 for those under 40 to $5,640 for anyone over 70. Confirming that policies meet IRS Section 213(d) criteria helps Bristol-Myers Squibb employees claim every available deduction.

Seventh , IRAs, Roth conversions, and income shifting techniques are affected by the Act’s revised individual income tax rules. Although the top rate remains 37%, phased-out deductions and new bracket thresholds may raise taxable income. Bristol-Myers Squibb employees can coordinate retirement distributions with estate planning—such as using IRA assets to fund charitable remainder trusts—to lower overall tax exposure and help preserve legacy value.

Eighth , changes to grantor trust status, minority interest treatment, and valuation discounts directly influence family owned business successions. Bristol-Myers Squibb employees involved in closely held enterprises should examine buy-sell agreements, equity freeze techniques, and liquidity planning to facilitate effective transfers and address potential estate tax obligations.

Ninth , digital assets must now be explicitly addressed in wills, trusts, and powers of attorney. Clear transfer instructions and designated fiduciaries are vital for online banking accounts, digital wallets, and cryptocurrencies. Establishing a digital asset memorandum with custodial details and wallet access protocols can help Bristol-Myers Squibb employees preserve these holdings.

Tenth , comprehensive estate planning goes beyond taxes to encompass guardianships, philanthropic goals, and family values. Whether it’s donor advised funds, multigenerational wealth education, or special needs support, updating documents ensures they reflect current priorities. Bristol-Myers Squibb employees should review plans regularly to align with evolving family circumstances.

All things considered, the 2025 tax law demands a holistic reassessment of estate plans—covering exemption thresholds, trust taxation, state exposures, long-term care funding, tax planning interplay, business succession, digital asset stewardship, and broader legacy objectives. By engaging a seasoned estate planning attorney and working with a trusted financial advisor, Bristol-Myers Squibb employees can preserve flexibility for an uncertain legislative future while aligning documents with current law.

Articles you may find interesting:

Sources:

1. Business Wire. “ Genworth and CareScout Release Cost of Care Survey Results for 2024 .” Business Wire , 4 Mar. 2025.

2. Assaf, Rita. “ While Over 70 % of Retirees Say Retirement Is Going as Planned, Confidence in Retirement Outlook Is Down Among Pre-Retirees .” Fidelity Investments , 11 Mar. 2025.

3. Watson, Garrett, et al. “ “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” Tax Policies: Details and Analysis .” Tax Foundation , 4 July 2025.

4. Internal Revenue Service. “ Eligible Long-Term Care Premium Limits .” Internal Revenue Service , 2024.

5. Dangremond, Samuel. “ How to Protect Digital Assets in an Estate Plan .” Real Property, Trust and Estate eReport , American Bar Association, 26 Feb. 2025.

How does the Broward Health Cash Balance Pension Plan ensure the financial security of its employees upon retirement, and what are the specific benefit options available to employees who retire or terminate employment with Broward Health? Discuss the implications of choosing a lump sum versus a monthly benefit and how these choices affect overall retirement income.

Financial Security and Benefit Options: The Broward Health Cash Balance Pension Plan provides financial security by offering a defined benefit based on hypothetical account balances. Upon retirement or termination, employees can choose between a lump sum payment or a lifetime monthly benefit. The lump sum provides immediate access to funds, but opting for a monthly benefit ensures a steady income throughout retirement, which could lead to a more stable financial situation over time.

How does the retirement savings plan at Bristol-Myers Squibb Company compare to similar plans in the biotech and pharmaceutical industry, particularly regarding company matching contributions and employee deferral options? What factors should employees consider when deciding how much to contribute to their retirement accounts at Bristol-Myers Squibb Company?

Early Retirement Accommodations: Employees can retire early if they are at least 55 years old and have completed 5 years of vesting service. Benefits received upon early retirement are typically smaller compared to those received at the normal retirement age of 65. The normal form of benefit payment for early retirees is an actuarially adjusted life annuity based on the cash balance account at the time of early retirement(Broward Health_June 201…).

Bristol-Myers Squibb Company offers various retirement plans, including 401(k) plans and non-qualified deferred compensation plans. Can employees elaborate on the differences between these plans and how each one impacts their long-term retirement savings? Furthermore, how can an employee evaluate which plan best suits their individual retirement goals?

Vesting Schedule and Rights: The Broward Health Cash Balance Pension Plan uses a vesting schedule that grants full vesting rights after 5 years of service. Employees with fewer than 5 years of service are not eligible for benefits and forfeit their account balance. Vesting means employees gain the right to their accrued benefits, which become payable when employment ends(Broward Health_June 201…).

Based on the changes in IRS regulations for 2024, how might they affect Bristol-Myers Squibb Company's retirement and savings plans? Are there any new contribution limits or eligibility rules that employees should be aware of, and how can they adapt their savings strategies accordingly?

Role of the Pension Plan Committee: The Broward Health Pension Plan Committee administers the Cash Balance Pension Plan, ensuring compliance with laws and the plan’s financial health. The committee is responsible for investment decisions and approving plan changes, and it ensures that benefits are paid accurately and in a timely manner(Broward Health_June 201…).

What are the implications of taking an early withdrawal from retirement funds at Bristol-Myers Squibb Company, and how does it affect an employee's financial future? Employees should also consider what alternatives to early withdrawal exist within the company's policy framework.

Changes or Amendments to the Plan: The plan can be amended or terminated, but employees' vested rights are protected. Changes do not reduce accrued benefits from prior contributions, and the plan's termination follows a specific order to prioritize benefit distributions(Broward Health_June 201…).

Employees often have questions about post-retirement benefits, especially concerning medical coverage. What policies does Bristol-Myers Squibb Company have in place to ensure continued healthcare coverage for retirees, and what are the eligibility criteria for these benefits?

Recognition of Past Service upon Re-employment: If employees return to Broward Health after a break, their prior service may be recognized depending on vesting and benefit conditions at the time of rehire. Those who were vested before leaving can have their prior benefits restored, and contributions can resume after re-employment(Broward Health_June 201…).

How does Bristol-Myers Squibb Company handle the integration of pension benefits during mergers or acquisitions, and what can employees expect if they find themselves in such a situation? It would also be important for employees to understand their rights and options during these transitional phases.

Beneficiary Designations: Employees can designate beneficiaries to receive benefits if they die before or after retirement. Beneficiaries can receive lump sums or monthly payments, depending on the employee's retirement eligibility. Failure to designate a beneficiary may result in benefits going to the surviving spouse, children, or other family members as per the plan's order of priority(Broward Health_June 201…).

In light of recent company performance, what are Bristol-Myers Squibb Companyâ€™s future benefits projections, especially regarding pension plans? How can employees utilize this information to better plan for their retirement saving strategies?

Interest Credits on Accounts: The interest credits for cash balance accounts are determined based on U.S. Treasury rates, with a minimum annual interest rate. Interest is applied monthly, enhancing the account value and ensuring that employees' retirement savings grow over time(Broward Health_June 201…).

Given that Bristol-Myers Squibb Company has a robust benefits architecture, what specific programs or platforms are in place for employees to seek clarifications on their retirement benefits? How can Bristol-Myers Squibb company employees efficiently navigate these resources to address their individual inquiries?

Challenges in Filing Claims: The process for filing retirement claims involves notifying Broward Health and submitting the necessary paperwork 30 to 60 days before retirement or termination. In case of a denied claim, employees have the right to request a review and appeal, ensuring fair treatment and timely resolution(Broward Health_June 201…).

For employees looking to gain more information about retirement benefits and other related policies, how can they contact Bristol-Myers Squibb Company effectively? What communication methods are recommended to ensure that their questions are addressed promptly and comprehensively? These questions should provide employees with a deeper insight into their retirement planning while encouraging them to explore the benefits offered by Bristol-Myers Squibb Company further.

Contacting Broward Health for Information: Employees can contact the Employee Benefits department at Broward Health to learn more about the Cash Balance Pension Plan. Resources such as retirement counseling sessions and detailed plan descriptions are available to help employees understand their benefits and make informed decisions(Broward Health_June 201…).

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

In process of terminating U.S. Retirement Income Plan, transferring $3.8 billion of its pension obligations. Previous $1.4 billion transfer to Prudential for 8,000 retirees.

Bristol-Myers Squibb announced a restructuring plan that includes layoffs of approximately 1,200 employees.

Bristol-Myers Squibb offers RSUs to executives and certain employees. The RSUs vest over a three-year period, promoting long-term company performance and employee retention.

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For more information you can reach the plan administrator for Bristol-Myers Squibb at 430 East 29th Street New York, NY 10016; or by calling them at +1 212-546-4000.