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

Why Marathon Oil Employees Should Consider These Top Retirement Locations for Affordability and Ideal Weather

Healthcare Provider Update: Healthcare Provider for Marathon Oil: Marathon Oil utilizes various healthcare providers for its employee health insurance plans, including major national insurers such as UnitedHealthcare, Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield, and Cigna. These partnerships typically aim to deliver comprehensive health coverage to employees, taking into account various healthcare needs and preferences. Potential Healthcare Cost Increases in 2026: As we approach 2026, employees of Marathon Oil may face significantly higher healthcare costs due to anticipated sharp increases in Affordable Care Act (ACA) premiums. Projections indicate that up to 92% of ACA policyholders could see their monthly premiums rise by over 75%, largely attributed to the expiration of enhanced federal subsidies. Coupled with record rate hikes from insurers-some exceeding 60%-these factors are creating a perfect storm for increased healthcare expenses, impacting financial planning for many employees considering retirement or changes in coverage. Without proactive strategies, employees may find themselves navigating a challenging healthcare landscape. Click here to learn more

'Marathon Oil employees nearing retirement should consider cities like Cary, North Carolina, that balance affordable living, great weather, and top-tier healthcare, as these factors are essential in ensuring a financially comfortable and healthy retirement.' – Wesley Boudreaux, a representative of The Retirement Group, a division of Wealth Enhancement Group.

'Retirees from Marathon Oil companies should prioritize locations that offer both cost-effective living and excellent healthcare, such as Cary, North Carolina, ensuring a fulfilling and stable retirement experience.' – Patrick Ray, a representative of The Retirement Group, a division of Wealth Enhancement Group.

In this article, we will discuss:

The best affordable cities for retirement, with a focus on Cary, North Carolina.
How weather and cost of living are key factors for Marathon Oil employees planning their retirement.
The importance of healthcare access in choosing a retirement destination.

Combining great weather with affordability, Cary, North Carolina, has emerged as one of the top spots for Marathon Oil employees planning their retirement. Located just nine miles west of Raleigh, this charming city offers retirees a year-round climate with temperatures between 32°F and 89°F. With an average monthly cost of living of $3,615, Cary provides an excellent balance of affordable housing and beautiful weather—two key considerations for Marathon Oil employees looking to make the most of their retirement years.

Cary's exceptional quality of life is reflected in its impressive livability score of 90 out of 100. The city offers a community that supports retirees, with 12% of its population being over 65, according to GoBankingRates. The temperature is generally mild, though seasonal fluctuations are expected, with the hottest months being late May through early October. Despite some fluctuations, Cary's facilities, low crime rate, and healthcare services all earned favorable ratings, even though its cost of living score on AreaVibes was slightly lower.

Cary is not the only city with the perfect mix of affordability and great weather for retirement. For example, Metairie, Louisiana, scored 84 out of 100 on the livability scale. This city boasts a reasonably low cost of living, a mild climate, and a hint of Southern charm. For Marathon Oil retirees seeking relief from the hotter Southern U.S., Perry Hall, Maryland, is an excellent option due to its consistently milder temperatures.

With its reasonably priced housing and dry, sunny climate, Laughlin, Nevada, offers the lowest anticipated monthly cost of living on the list for retirees who are considering the desert lifestyle. In contrast, Oro Valley, Arizona, located in the heart of the Sonoran Desert, is particularly attractive to retirees, with more than one-third of its population being 65 or older. The area's year-round, outdoor-friendly temperatures further enhance its appeal.

Although Florida remains a popular retirement destination, the living costs in cities like Miami and Orlando can surpass $60,000 annually. High real estate prices and increasing property taxes might deter some retirees from making the move. For those still drawn to Florida's warm climate, alternatives like Perry Hall and Metairie offer similar weather conditions but at a more affordable cost of living.

GoBankingRates compiled a detailed list of affordable and appealing retirement destinations in 2024 by evaluating cities on several criteria, including rent, weather, cost of living, and overall desirability. At the top of the list is Cary, North Carolina, with its active retiree community and temperate climate. Laughlin, Nevada, and Oro Valley, Arizona, also stand out as great retirement options, showcasing that there are plenty of affordable places to retire while still enjoying a comfortable and pleasant lifestyle.

When planning retirement, Marathon Oil employees must strike a balance between living costs and a healthy, active environment. Whether in Cary or another well-regarded location, retirement planning should factor in both lifestyle preferences and financial considerations to help create a fulfilling retirement experience.

In addition to affordability and pleasant weather, healthcare access plays a critical role in selecting a retirement location. Cary, North Carolina, stands out for its top-notch healthcare offerings, including facilities like WakeMed Cary Hospital. U.S. News & World Report (March 2024) named Cary as a top choice for retirees who value both financial stability and healthcare quality, making it an ideal place for Marathon Oil employees nearing retirement.

If you're looking for an affordable and desirable retirement destination, Cary, North Carolina, with its 90/100 livability score, is one of the best cities for retirees. Offering a mild climate, affordable living costs, and excellent healthcare services, it's a standout location. Other affordable places with favorable weather for retirement include Metairie, Louisiana, and Oro Valley, Arizona. Discover why these cities are gaining popularity due to their appealing combination of amenities, climate, and affordability.

Choosing the right retirement destination is much like selecting the perfect vacation spot: it should offer the amenities you desire, such as great weather, reasonable prices, and convenient access to the services you need. Like a year-round vacation, cities like Cary, North Carolina, and Metairie, Louisiana, provide a perfect mix of relaxation, adventure, and practicality, allowing Marathon Oil retirees to enjoy both financial comfort and peace of mind. These locations promise a long-term 'staycation' with affordable living, pleasant weather, and excellent healthcare throughout the year.

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Sources:

1. GoBankingRates. “12 Surprisingly Affordable Cities With Great Weather for Retirees.” GoBankingRates , October 2024, pp. 1-2.

2. U.S. News & World Report. “The 2 Best Independent Living Communities in Cary, NC.” U.S. News & World Report , March 2025, pp. 1-3.

3. Investopedia. “Why Arizona Could Be the Perfect Retirement Destination for You.” Investopedia , May 2025, pp. 1-2.

4. CarePatrol. “Beyond Cost: A Different Perspective on Choosing a Retirement Location.” CarePatrol , April 2025, pp. 1-2.

5. Nasdaq. “Retirement Relocation: Choosing the Perfect Place to Call Home.” Nasdaq , April 2025, pp. 1-2.

What is the 401(k) plan offered by Marathon Oil?

The 401(k) plan at Marathon Oil is a retirement savings plan that allows employees to save a portion of their paycheck before taxes are deducted.

How can I enroll in the Marathon Oil 401(k) plan?

Employees can enroll in the Marathon Oil 401(k) plan by logging into the employee benefits portal and following the enrollment instructions provided.

Does Marathon Oil offer a company match on the 401(k) contributions?

Yes, Marathon Oil offers a company match on employee contributions to the 401(k) plan, which helps employees save for retirement more effectively.

What is the maximum contribution limit for the Marathon Oil 401(k) plan?

The maximum contribution limit for the Marathon Oil 401(k) plan is determined by the IRS guidelines, which are updated annually. Employees should check the latest IRS limits for specifics.

Can I change my contribution percentage to the Marathon Oil 401(k) plan?

Yes, employees can change their contribution percentage to the Marathon Oil 401(k) plan at any time through the employee benefits portal.

What investment options are available in the Marathon Oil 401(k) plan?

The Marathon Oil 401(k) plan offers a variety of investment options, including mutual funds, target-date funds, and other investment vehicles to suit different risk tolerances.

When can I access my funds from the Marathon Oil 401(k) plan?

Employees can access their funds from the Marathon Oil 401(k) plan upon reaching retirement age, or in cases of financial hardship, as specified in the plan guidelines.

Does Marathon Oil provide financial counseling for 401(k) participants?

Yes, Marathon Oil offers financial counseling services to help employees make informed decisions about their 401(k) investments and retirement planning.

Is there a vesting schedule for the company match in the Marathon Oil 401(k) plan?

Yes, Marathon Oil has a vesting schedule for the company match, which determines how much of the employer contributions employees are entitled to based on their years of service.

Can I take a loan against my Marathon Oil 401(k) plan?

Yes, employees may have the option to take a loan against their Marathon Oil 401(k) plan, subject to the terms and conditions outlined in the plan documents.

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

Marathon Oil offers both a pension plan and a 401(k) plan to its employees. The pension plan is a cash balance-type plan provided entirely by the company, with no need for employee enrollment. Eligible employees include full-time, part-time, and casual workers who automatically join upon starting employment. The pension plan credits a percentage of the employee’s eligible pay annually based on a combination of age and years of service. For employees under 50 years old, the credit is 7%; for those aged 50 to 69, it increases to 9%; and employees aged 70 or older receive 11%. Employees become vested in the pension plan after three years of service, and the plan is administered by Fidelity. Source: Marathon Petroleum Company LP Retirement Plan Summary (2024), page 12 (MyMPCBenefits). Marathon Oil also provides a 401(k) plan with a company match. The company matches employee contributions up to 7%, making it a highly competitive offering. This 401(k) plan is available to all employees upon hire, and contributions grow tax-deferred. Employees are encouraged to take full advantage of the company's matching contributions to maximize their retirement savings. The plan is also administered through Fidelity, with various investment options available to employees.

Restructuring: Marathon Oil confirmed plans to lay off around 5% of its U.S. workforce in early 2023. These layoffs were part of broader restructuring efforts to align with the company's cost-cutting measures. Additionally, the announcement of the ConocoPhillips acquisition in 2024 will result in further organizational changes (Marathon Oil) (MyMPCBenefits).

Marathon Oil offers stock options and Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) as part of its employee compensation packages. These options and RSUs are typically awarded to key employees as part of long-term incentive programs aimed at aligning their interests with the company’s financial performance and shareholder value. The company's stock options, represented by the ticker symbol MRO, allow employees to purchase shares at a predetermined price after a specified vesting period. These options are generally available to senior-level employees and executives as a part of their performance-based compensation. In terms of RSUs, Marathon Oil grants these units as a way to give employees actual stock after a vesting period, usually contingent upon continued employment. RSUs are often distributed to a broader group of employees, beyond just executives, as part of Marathon Oil’s incentive to retain talent. For instance, the company has emphasized its commitment to ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) principles, and RSUs have been linked to performance metrics such as safety performance and greenhouse gas reduction goals in their executive compensation scorecards.

Marathon Oil has a comprehensive healthcare benefits program designed to meet the diverse needs of its employees, with a particular emphasis on modernizing and personalizing healthcare offerings from 2022 through 2024. Key healthcare-related terms and acronyms used by Marathon Oil include Health Savings Accounts (HSAs), Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs), and Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs). These programs are part of their broader strategy to offer flexible and accessible healthcare options to employees. Marathon Oil has emphasized virtual healthcare services to increase accessibility and reduce barriers to care, particularly in areas like mental health and chronic disease management. This includes virtual behavioral health services, which have seen significant engagement, helping reduce stigma and improve access to care. Additionally, they have implemented a "click and mortar" strategy that allows employees to choose between virtual and in-person appointments, enhancing convenience and flexibility (Marathon Oil) (Marathon Oil). Moreover, the company has made efforts to improve communication about their health benefits. Recognizing that underutilization of benefits often stems from a lack of awareness, Marathon Oil has adopted an omnichannel communication strategy. This includes emails, text messages, webinars, and even physical signage at work sites to ensure that all employees are fully informed about their healthcare options (Marathon Oil).

Additional Articles

Check Out Articles for Marathon Oil employees

For more information you can reach the plan administrator for Marathon Oil at , ; or by calling them at .

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