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Why Life Insurance Matters for Marathon Oil Retirees: Navigating Your Financial Legacy

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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

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 Marathon Oil, 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 Marathon Oil 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 Marathon Oil 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.

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

https://carlsoncap.com/articles/nua-net-unrealized-appreciation/ https://turbotax.intuit.com/tax-tips/retirement/net-unrealized-appreciation-nua-tax-treatment-amp-strategies/c71vBJZ2B https://www.kitces.com/blog/net-unrealized-appreciation-irs-rules-nua-from-401k-and-esop-plans/ https://bogartwealth.com/nua-strategy/ https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/101778/000119312512088742/d270787dex1032.htm https://mympcbenefits.com/Your-Financial-Future/Retirement-Plan.aspx https://www.thelayoff.com/t/1sQQHutk https://ir.marathonoil.com/ https://www.foxrothschild.com/publications/interest-rate-hikes-present-challenge-for-fully-funded-pension-plans https://www.marathonoil.com/ https://mympcbenefits.com/Your-Financial-Future/Retirement-Plan.aspx https://pgjonline.com/news/2024/may/conocophillips-to-acquire-marathon-oil-in-225-billion-deal-amid-ongoing-energy-mergers https://www.energyconnects.com/news/oil/2024/may/conocophillips-to-acquire-marathon-oil-in-22-5-billion-all-stock-transaction/ https://www.marathonoil.com/sustainability/safety-and-workforce/human-capital-management/ https://www.marathonoil.com/investor-center/annual-report-and-proxy/ https://nb.fidelity.com/public/nb/MarathonOil/home https://www.theretirementgroup.com/featured-article/5448119/marathon-oil-employees-you-dont-need-to-be-a-millionaire-to-retire-comfortably https://nb.fidelity.com/public/nb/MarathonOil/home https://ir.marathonoil.com/

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