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Why Life Insurance Matters for Coterra Energy Retirees: Navigating Your Financial Legacy

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Healthcare Provider Update: Healthcare Provider for Coterra Energy Coterra Energy employees and retirees utilize the healthcare services offered through a variety of providers, primarily those associated with the Affordable Care Act (ACA) marketplace plans. These can include major insurers like UnitedHealthcare, Anthem (Elevance Health), and others depending on the specific plan selections available to them. It is advisable for employees to review their individual options based on their needs and potential costs. Potential Healthcare Cost Increases in 2026 In 2026, Coterra Energy employees may face substantial increases in healthcare costs, driven by impending changes in the Affordable Care Act (ACA). With state estimates pointing to premium hikes exceeding 60% in some regions, and a potential loss of federal premium subsidies, many employees could experience a drastic rise in out-of-pocket expenses-averaging an alarming 75%. This scenario is compounded by escalating medical costs across the board, placing additional financial strain on Coterra employees and retirees as they navigate their healthcare options. It is critical for individuals to proactively plan for these changes to avoid detrimental impacts on their financial stability. Click here to learn more

Within the field of financial planning, life insurance is recognized as an essential—though frequently hesitant—part of an all-encompassing plan intended to preserve one's financial legacy and give comfort to cherished ones. The idea behind life insurance is simple but profound: policyholders pay an insurer a regular premium, knowing that the benefit of this arrangement will go to their family rather than to themselves in the case of their untimely death while the policy is in effect. This safeguard makes sure that if there isn't a primary breadwinner, the remaining family members won't be forced to sell their house because they can't afford to make significant lifestyle modifications. When preparing for retirement from Coterra Energy, it's crucial to give significant consideration to life insurance plans.


The replacement of the policyholder's human capital, the payment of outstanding obligations, and the provision for future financial goals, such as schooling costs, serve as the foundation for determining the necessary amount of life insurance coverage. The idea of human capital, which is the present worth of the policyholder's prospective future wages, is very important. It basically asks what kind of monetary compensation would be required to make up for the revenue that would have been lost in the event of an early departure?

The need for life insurance varies for Coterra Energy employees over the course their lives and can be represented as the tip of a triangle when plotted against age. First, there is less need for significant coverage when there are little financial obligations and dependents. But the need for insurance rises as Coterra Energy employees reach life milestones like children and property, as well as as they take on more debt. Then, when loans are paid off over time, kids grow up and can support themselves, and retirement draws near, the need for life insurance decreases.

Coterra Energy retirement frequently causes a shift in viewpoint on life insurance. The possibility of financing one's own goals, like traveling, may make the premiums that before looked like a worthwhile trade-off for the security of one's progeny. During this stage, a lot of Coterra Energy retirees find themselves reviewing their insurance requirements, which often leads to the choice to lower coverage. A comprehensive needs analysis, including an assessment of assets, obligations, income, expenses, and goals, is part of this process. Coterra Energy retirees frequently find that the amount of life insurance they actually need is far less than what they actually have.


The decision to modify life insurance coverage is not merely a math problem; it also requires careful evaluation of the policyholder's values and financial situation. Anecdotal evidence from our interactions with retirees effectively shows this concept. Ten years ago, a customer with significant assets and no liabilities decided to lower his life insurance, only to learn a few months later that he had a fatal illness. The events that followed, despite the rationality of the choice to lower coverage, served as a reminder of how uncertain life can be and how important it is to carefully consider the possible effects of decisions before making them with loved ones.

A prevalent disparity in life insurance planning is shown by the trend of underinsurance in early life and over insurance in later years. It is imperative to undertake a thorough investigation in order to detect and overcome this gap, regardless of the individuals stage of life. A strong financial plan's foundation is life insurance, which guarantees the welfare of a person's family and the maintenance of their financial stability when it is suitably matched with their changing financial situation.

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Life insurance can take on a very different significance for people who are approaching or have reached retirement from Coterra Energy. One important consideration for those sixty years of age and above is the possibility of using life insurance as an estate planning strategy. To be more precise, life insurance can be used to offset estate taxes, which will spare heirs from having to pay large amounts of taxes when they inherit. This tactic is especially important for those with substantial estates because it helps to protect the estate's value for recipients. A Tax Foundation analysis from 2023 states that estate taxes have a major effect on how an estate is distributed, which makes life insurance a tactical tool for retirement financial planning.

Retiree life insurance is like an experienced sailor trimming his sails for his return home. Retirees must navigate their financial security in the same way that sailors must adjust to shifting winds and tides to make sure their vessel is ready for both calm seas and unforeseen storms. Early in life, one's sails are wide open, capturing wind to support one's family and pay off debts. The requirement for such big sails decreases as the voyage continues and the harbor approaches. Still, the seasoned sailor's wisdom knows that unexpected difficulties might occur even in familiar waters. So, in retirement, they maintain a smaller but important sail raised — life insurance — not to speed ahead but to ensure the journey's end, making sure a legacy is protected and last-minute costs are met, enabling a peaceful arrival at the journey's end.

What is the primary purpose of Coterra Energy's 401(k) Savings Plan?

The primary purpose of Coterra Energy's 401(k) Savings Plan is to help employees save for retirement by providing a tax-advantaged way to invest a portion of their salary.

How can employees of Coterra Energy enroll in the 401(k) Savings Plan?

Employees of Coterra Energy can enroll in the 401(k) Savings Plan by completing the online enrollment process through the company’s benefits portal or by contacting the HR department for assistance.

What types of contributions can employees make to Coterra Energy's 401(k) Savings Plan?

Employees can make pre-tax contributions, Roth (after-tax) contributions, and possibly catch-up contributions if they are age 50 or older to Coterra Energy's 401(k) Savings Plan.

Does Coterra Energy offer a company match for 401(k) contributions?

Yes, Coterra Energy offers a company match for employee contributions to the 401(k) Savings Plan, which enhances the overall retirement savings for employees.

What is the vesting schedule for Coterra Energy's company match in the 401(k) Savings Plan?

The vesting schedule for Coterra Energy's company match typically follows a graded vesting schedule, where employees become fully vested after a certain number of years of service.

Can employees of Coterra Energy change their contribution amounts to the 401(k) Savings Plan?

Yes, employees can change their contribution amounts to Coterra Energy's 401(k) Savings Plan at any time, subject to plan rules.

What investment options are available within Coterra Energy's 401(k) Savings Plan?

Coterra Energy's 401(k) Savings Plan offers a variety of investment options, including mutual funds, target-date funds, and other investment vehicles to suit different risk tolerances.

Is there a loan option available through Coterra Energy's 401(k) Savings Plan?

Yes, Coterra Energy allows employees to take loans against their 401(k) Savings Plan balance, subject to specific terms and conditions outlined in the plan.

How can employees access their account information for Coterra Energy's 401(k) Savings Plan?

Employees can access their account information for Coterra Energy's 401(k) Savings Plan through the plan's online portal or by contacting the plan administrator.

What happens to the 401(k) Savings Plan if an employee leaves Coterra Energy?

If an employee leaves Coterra Energy, they have several options regarding their 401(k) Savings Plan balance, including rolling it over to another retirement account, cashing it out, or leaving it in the plan if permitted.

With the current political climate we are in it is important to keep up with current news and remain knowledgeable about your benefits.
Pension Plan: Coterra Energy's pension plan is designed to provide financial security for its employees upon retirement. The specific name of the pension plan is the Coterra Energy Defined Benefit Plan. This plan uses a formula based on years of service and average final pay to determine the pension amount. Employees become eligible for the pension plan after completing five years of service and reaching the age of 55. The pension formula typically considers the highest consecutive three years of earnings within the last ten years of service. This information can be found in the 2023 Annual Report on page 45​ (Coterra Energy)​ (CoTerra Energy). 401(k) Plan: The 401(k) plan at Coterra Energy, referred to as the Coterra Energy 401(k) Savings Plan, includes a company match and an employer retirement contribution. Employees can contribute a portion of their salary on a pre-tax or post-tax (Roth) basis, with the company matching up to 6% of the employee's contributions. All full-time employees are eligible to participate in the 401(k) plan from the first day of employment. Detailed information about the 401(k) plan and its benefits can be found on page 22 of the Coterra Energy Employee Benefits Guide
Restructuring Layoffs: In May 2024, Coterra's subsidiary, GasSearch Drilling Services (GDS), laid off one-third of its workforce in Pennsylvania. This reduction affected 55 employees out of 170, which was part of the company's strategic cost-cutting measures amidst fluctuating market conditions. Benefit Changes: Coterra has maintained a consistent dividend payout, with a slight increase in 2024 to $0.21 per share, reflecting a 5% year-over-year growth. The company's total shareholder returns for 2023 amounted to $1.026 billion, combining dividends and share repurchases. Pension and 401(k) Changes: Coterra's financial reports from 2023 indicate a strong cash flow from operating activities, enabling continued contributions to employee retirement plans without major changes to existing pension or 401(k) structures. The company’s focus remains on sustaining financial health to support employee benefits despite industry challenges.
2022: Coterra Energy offered stock options and Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) to its employees as part of their compensation and retention strategy. The RSUs vested over a period of three to five years and were primarily aimed at senior executives and key personnel. Stock options were granted with a vesting schedule and an exercise price equal to the market value of the stock on the grant date​ (CoTerra Energy). 2023: In 2023, Coterra Energy continued to offer RSUs and stock options, emphasizing long-term performance and shareholder value. The RSUs and stock options remained an integral part of the company’s incentive plans to retain top talent and align their interests with those of shareholders. The vesting schedules and performance criteria were designed to reward sustained performance and commitment​ (CoTerra Energy). 2024: For 2024, Coterra Energy enhanced its equity compensation plans by introducing performance-based RSUs, which vested based on the achievement of specific operational and financial targets. Stock options granted in 2024 included similar vesting schedules and exercise prices set at the market value on the grant date. These plans were available to senior executives and other key employees, aiming to drive long-term growth and sustainability​ (CoTerra Energy).
Health Benefits Information for Coterra Energy (2022-2024) Overview: Coterra Energy offers a comprehensive benefits package designed to support the health and well-being of its employees. The package includes medical, dental, and vision insurance, as well as a range of additional benefits aimed at providing financial security and work-life balance. Health Benefits: Coterra provides a consumer-directed health plan (CDHP) which includes excellent coverage for preventive care, comprehensive medical services, and prescription drugs. The plan is complemented by a Health Savings Account (HSA), to which Coterra makes a generous employer contribution. This account allows employees to save pre-tax dollars for healthcare expenses.
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For more information you can reach the plan administrator for Coterra Energy at 801 Travis St. Houston, TX 77002; or by calling them at 713-651-1144.

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