Healthcare Provider Update: Hormel Foods Healthcare Provider and Cost Outlook for 2026 Hormel Foods, a leading food production company, primarily utilizes UnitedHealthcare as its healthcare provider for employee health benefits. As we look ahead to 2026, significant increases in healthcare costs are anticipated. The expiration of enhanced premium subsidies under the Affordable Care Act (ACA) could lead to premium hikes exceeding 75% for many enrollees, including Hormel employees who rely on marketplace plans. This situation, coupled with rising medical care costs and insurer requests for steep premium increases across various states, suggests that Hormel Foods may face escalating healthcare expenses in the coming year, impacting both the company and its employees financially. Addressing these potential cost challenges will be crucial for maintaining employee welfare and the company's bottom line. Click here to learn more
For Hormel Foods 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, Hormel Foods 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 Hormel Foods 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 Hormel Foods 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 Hormel Foods retirement planning strategy.
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- How Are Workers Impacted by Inflation & Rising Interest Rates?
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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 retirement savings plan does Hormel Foods offer to its employees?
Hormel Foods offers a 401(k) Savings Plan to help employees save for retirement.
How can employees at Hormel Foods enroll in the 401(k) Savings Plan?
Employees at Hormel Foods can enroll in the 401(k) Savings Plan through the company’s HR portal or by contacting the HR department for assistance.
Does Hormel Foods match employee contributions to the 401(k) Savings Plan?
Yes, Hormel Foods provides a matching contribution to the 401(k) Savings Plan, which helps employees maximize their retirement savings.
What is the maximum contribution limit for the Hormel Foods 401(k) Savings Plan?
The maximum contribution limit for the Hormel Foods 401(k) Savings Plan is subject to IRS limits, which may change annually. Employees should check the latest IRS guidelines for the current limit.
Can employees at Hormel Foods choose how their 401(k) contributions are invested?
Yes, employees at Hormel Foods can choose from a variety of investment options within the 401(k) Savings Plan to align with their financial goals and risk tolerance.
When can Hormel Foods employees start withdrawing from their 401(k) Savings Plan?
Employees at Hormel Foods can typically start withdrawing from their 401(k) Savings Plan without penalty at age 59½, subject to specific plan rules.
Are there any fees associated with the Hormel Foods 401(k) Savings Plan?
Yes, like most 401(k) plans, the Hormel Foods 401(k) Savings Plan may have administrative and investment fees. Employees should review the plan documents for detailed information.
Does Hormel Foods allow employees to take loans against their 401(k) Savings Plan?
Yes, Hormel Foods allows employees to take loans against their 401(k) Savings Plan, subject to the plan’s terms and conditions.
How often can employees at Hormel Foods change their 401(k) contribution amounts?
Employees at Hormel Foods can typically change their 401(k) contribution amounts at any time, subject to the plan's specific guidelines.
What happens to the Hormel Foods 401(k) Savings Plan if an employee leaves the company?
If an employee leaves Hormel Foods, they have several options regarding their 401(k) Savings Plan, including rolling it over to an IRA or a new employer’s plan.