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

Graybar Electric Employees, Prepare for Enhanced HSA Benefits in 2025

For Graybar Electric employees, maximizing contributions to your HSA in 2025 may be a smart way to control costs around healthcare and also grow your long-term savings for retirement, said.

With the increase in HSA contribution limits coming soon, Graybar Electric employees approaching retirement should take advantage of this opportunity to grow their healthcare savings now so they can take a tax-efficient approach to future medical costs, said Sullivan.

In this article, we will discuss:

1. Limits on 2025 IRS health savings account (HSA) contributions.

2. How HSAs give you a triple tax advantage and help you control costs for healthcare.

3. HSAs & retirement planning & Medicare premiums.

The IRS has announced inflation-adjusted increases to the health savings account (HSA) contribution limits for 2025. The contribution cap for those with self-only health coverage will increase from USD 4,150 in 2024 to USD 4,300 in 2025, and for families, the maximum will increase from USD 8,300 to USD 8,550.

HSAs provide a triple tax benefit - contributions are deductible, account assets grow tax-free, and withdrawals for approved medical expenses are tax-free. Such features help HSAs manage healthcare costs.

Your high-deductible health plan must offer an HSA. For the year 2025, the IRS says the plans must carry a USD 1,650 individual deductible and USD 3,300 family deductible.Even with all these benefits, a 2023 survey by the Plan Sponsor Council of America found only 19% of HSA account holders invest—most keep their savings in cash—potentially missing big growth opportunities.

The IRS is also updating the catch-up contribution limit for Graybar Electric employees over age 55 this year—keeping the USD 1,000 catch-up contribution for now.Understand HSAs and how they could benefit your financial strategy—especially with the rise of healthcare costs and retirement planning. Prompt financial decisions such as switching to a Roth IRA or drafting a will are life planning steps as well.

And for Graybar Electric employees approaching retirement age: HSA money can help pay for Medicare premiums when you turn 65. That includes Medicare Advantage plans, as well as Parts B and D premiums, although Medigap premiums are not eligible for HSA expenditure. While not all medical expenses are covered by Medicare, funding these costs through HSAs could optimize your healthcare spending in retirement. A 2022 study by Fidelity Investments estimated medical costs for a retired couple would be around USD 315,000 after taxes.

Consider your health savings account (HSA) an essential tool in your financial toolkit. Like getting a new phone, increasing HSA contribution limits for 2025 gives you more options to manage and invest in your healthcare. You can think of contributing to your HSA as downloading an app that gives you triple tax benefits—deductions on contributions, tax-free growth, and tax-free withdrawals for qualified medical expenses. This keeps your health coverage as current and efficient as new technology—making your HSA a critical component of your Graybar Electric retirement planning strategy.

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Sources:

1. Fidelity Investments. 'HSA Contribution Limits 2024 and 2025.' Fidelity.com , 23 Jan. 2025, https://www.fidelity.com/learning-center/smart-money/hsa-contribution-limits . Accessed 5 Mar. 2025.

2. Plan Sponsor Council of America (PSCA). 'Helping Employees Enroll in HSAs.' PSCA.org , 9 Nov. 2023, https://www.psca.org/news/psca-news/2023/11/PR_2023_HSAreprot . Accessed 5 Mar. 2025.

3. Internal Revenue Service (IRS). 'Part III Administrative, Procedural, and Miscellaneous.' IRS.gov , May 2024, https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-drop/rp-24-25.pdf . Accessed 5 Mar. 2025.

4. Woodruff Sawyer. 'IRS Releases 2025 HSA Contribution Limits and HDHP Deductible and Out-of-Pocket Limits.' Woodruffsawyer.com , 13 May 2024, https://woodruffsawyer.com/insights/2025-hsa-limits-released . Accessed 5 Mar. 2025.

5. Plan Sponsor Council of America (PSCA). 'HSAs: A Growing Retirement Savings Strategy.' 401k Specialist , Nov. 2023, https://401kspecialistmag.com/higher-numbers-of-hsas-positioned-as-retirement-savings-strategy . Accessed 5 Mar. 2025.

What steps must an employee take to ensure they accurately calculate their pension benefits when planning for retirement under the Electricians Pension Plan, IBEW 995? Employees need to understand the various factors that contribute to benefit calculations, including years of service credits, age, and any early retirement reductions. Participants should also familiarize themselves with the formulas outlined in the plan regarding Normal Retirement and Early Retirement benefits.

Employees under the Electricians Pension Plan, IBEW 995 can ensure accurate pension calculations by reviewing the plan's formulas, which consider factors like service credits, age, and early retirement reductions. The plan provides specific calculation methods for Normal and Early Retirement pensions, so employees should refer to their accrued credits and apply the appropriate formula based on the years of service to get a precise benefit estimate(Electricians_Pension_Pl…).

How does the Electricians Pension Plan, IBEW 995, treat periods of active service compared to breaks in service when determining eligibility for pension benefits? Employees should be aware that their length of service is critical to establishing eligibility, and any periods identified as breaks in service may impact their pension status. Understanding the definition and implications of breaks in service can be vital for maximizing retirement benefits.

Service periods under the Electricians Pension Plan, IBEW 995 are critical for pension eligibility and accrual. Breaks in service, defined as periods where an employee is not credited with at least 250 hours in a plan year, can disrupt benefit accrual and participation. However, the plan provides grace periods for specific situations such as disability or maternity, preventing these gaps from affecting eligibility(Electricians_Pension_Pl…).

What are the implications of returning to work after starting to receive benefits under the Electricians Pension Plan, IBEW 995, and how can it affect ongoing pension payments? It's important for employees to recognize the conditions classified as "Disqualifying Employment" that can lead to suspending their pension benefits. Knowing how working while receiving benefits influences the plan can help retirees make informed decisions about their post-retirement employment.

Returning to work after starting to receive benefits under the Electricians Pension Plan, IBEW 995 can result in a suspension of benefits if the work qualifies as "Disqualifying Employment." Employees should check the plan’s definitions to see if their employment will affect their pension payments. Generally, working over 40 hours per month in covered employment or similar trades can trigger a suspension(Electricians_Pension_Pl…).

In what ways can an employee's spousal status influence the benefits they receive from the Electricians Pension Plan, IBEW 995? Employees need to understand how their marital status affects pension distributions, including survivor benefits and waivers. This knowledge is crucial for planning, as certain benefit structures depend significantly on whether the participant has a qualified spouse.

Spousal status significantly affects the distribution of benefits under the Electricians Pension Plan, IBEW 995. If an employee is married, the default pension option is the Joint and Survivor Annuity, which provides a continued payout to the spouse upon the participant’s death. The plan also outlines the necessary waivers and consents required for changing these benefits based on marital status(Electricians_Pension_Pl…).

How do changes in the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) regulations affect the contribution limits and benefit payouts related to the Electricians Pension Plan, IBEW 995? Employees should keep informed on the most current IRS guidelines, as they directly influence how benefits are calculated and dispersed. Awareness of IRS limits can prevent unexpected tax penalties and ensure compliance with pension law.

IRS regulations play an important role in determining contribution limits and payout structures under the Electricians Pension Plan, IBEW 995. Changes to IRS rules may affect the maximum allowable benefits and tax treatments. Employees should keep up to date with IRS guidelines to avoid potential tax penalties and ensure their pension plan remains in compliance(Electricians_Pension_Pl…).

What documentation is required for employees to maintain their eligibility for pension benefits under the Electricians Pension Plan, IBEW 995, especially after significant life events such as marriage, divorce, or disability? Employees must notify the plan office of life changes and provide necessary documentation. Understanding what these documents are and how they should be submitted is crucial for maintaining eligibility and accessing benefits.

Significant life events such as marriage, divorce, or disability require timely submission of documentation to the Electricians Pension Plan, IBEW 995 to maintain eligibility. This may include marriage certificates, divorce decrees, or proof of disability. Employees should contact the plan office to ensure all required paperwork is properly submitted to avoid interruptions in benefits(Electricians_Pension_Pl…).

What processes are in place for employees to appeal a denial of benefits under the Electricians Pension Plan, IBEW 995, and what timelines must they adhere to? Employees should be aware of their rights under ERISA concerning claims and appeals, including the time limits for submitting appeals. This knowledge ensures they are equipped to address any potential issues they may encounter during the pension claim process.

If a claim for benefits is denied, the Electricians Pension Plan, IBEW 995 provides an appeals process. Employees must file a written appeal within 60 days of receiving the denial notice. The appeal should include any relevant documentation, and employees should follow the timeline and procedures outlined in the plan to ensure proper consideration of their case(Electricians_Pension_Pl…).

How can employees determine if their employer is meeting its financial obligation to the Electricians Pension Plan, IBEW 995, particularly regarding contributions? Understanding the mechanisms for verifying employer contributions can help employees ensure that they are accruing the appropriate benefits. Employees should know whom to contact and what reports they can access to gather this information.

Employees concerned about their employer meeting its contribution obligations to the Electricians Pension Plan, IBEW 995 can contact the plan’s administrative office for verification. The plan allows participants to access contribution reports to confirm that employers are properly crediting their accounts(Electricians_Pension_Pl…).

What resources are available through the Electricians Pension Plan, IBEW 995, for employees seeking to enhance their understanding of their retirement options and benefits? Employees should seek detailed information provided through the plan documents and know how to access educational resources, such as workshops or one-on-one sessions with plan administrators. Utilizing available resources ensures they are making informed decisions about their retirement.

The Electricians Pension Plan, IBEW 995 offers various resources to help employees understand their retirement options. These include the plan’s summary description, workshops, and individual consultations with plan administrators. Employees should make use of these tools to gain a clear understanding of their pension and plan effectively(Electricians_Pension_Pl…).

How can employees contact the Electricians Pension Plan, IBEW 995, for additional questions or clarification regarding their retirement benefits or the plan's provisions? It is essential for employees to know how to reach the plan's administrative office or the Board of Trustees for inquiries. Understanding the contact methods, including phone numbers and office addresses, greatly aids in effective communication when navigating retirement planning. These questions are framed to guide employees in understanding their rights and responsibilities as they prepare for retirement under the Electricians Pension Plan, IBEW

For additional questions or clarification regarding the Electricians Pension Plan, IBEW 995, employees can contact the plan's administrative office at the provided phone number or address. The office offers support for all queries related to pension benefits, eligibility, and documentation(Electricians_Pension_Pl…).