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

International Paper Employees, Prepare for Enhanced HSA Benefits in 2025

Healthcare Provider Update: Healthcare Provider for International Paper International Paper typically utilizes large national insurers for its employee health coverage, primarily opting for options like UnitedHealthcare, Anthem (Elevance Health), or Aetna. These providers are known for offering comprehensive health plans that include medical, dental, and vision coverage for employees across various regions. Potential Healthcare Cost Increases in 2026 As we approach 2026, significant healthcare cost increases are anticipated, largely driven by escalating premiums in the Affordable Care Act (ACA) marketplace. States could see premium hikes exceeding 60%, influenced by rising medical costs, the possible expiration of federal premium subsidies, and aggressive rate adjustments by major insurers. Specifically, more than 22 million enrollees may face premium increases of over 75%, a development that poses serious implications for budget-conscious families and employers alike. As the healthcare landscape evolves, proactive strategies will be essential to mitigate the impact of these unsettling financial shifts. Click here to learn more

For International Paper 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, International Paper 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 International Paper 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 International Paper 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 International Paper retirement planning strategy.

Articles you may find interesting:

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 is the primary purpose of the 401(k) plan offered by International Paper?

The primary purpose of the 401(k) plan at International Paper is to help employees save for retirement by allowing them to contribute a portion of their salary on a pre-tax basis.

Who is eligible to participate in the International Paper 401(k) plan?

All eligible employees of International Paper, typically those who meet certain age and service requirements, can participate in the 401(k) plan.

How does International Paper match employee contributions to the 401(k) plan?

International Paper provides a matching contribution to the 401(k) plan, which is a percentage of the employee's contributions, up to a specified limit.

Can employees of International Paper change their contribution percentage to the 401(k) plan?

Yes, employees of International Paper can change their contribution percentage at any time, subject to plan rules.

What investment options are available in the International Paper 401(k) plan?

The International Paper 401(k) plan offers a variety of investment options, including mutual funds, target-date funds, and other investment vehicles.

Is there a vesting schedule for the employer match in the International Paper 401(k) plan?

Yes, International Paper has a vesting schedule for the employer match, meaning employees must work for a certain period before they fully own the matched contributions.

How can employees of International Paper access their 401(k) account information?

Employees can access their 401(k) account information through the International Paper employee portal or by contacting the plan administrator.

Are loans available from the International Paper 401(k) plan?

Yes, employees may have the option to take loans from their International Paper 401(k) plan, subject to specific terms and conditions.

What happens to an employee's 401(k) account when they leave International Paper?

When an employee leaves International Paper, they can choose to roll over their 401(k) balance to another retirement account, cash out, or leave the funds in the International Paper plan if allowed.

Does International Paper offer financial education resources for employees regarding the 401(k) plan?

Yes, International Paper provides financial education resources and tools to help employees make informed decisions about their 401(k) savings.

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

Employee Pension Plan: Plan Name: International Paper Company Pension Plan Years of Service and Age Qualification: Employees typically need to have a minimum of 5 years of service and must be at least 55 years old to qualify for early retirement benefits. Pension Formula: The pension benefit is calculated based on a formula that considers years of service and average compensation. For example, the formula might be a percentage of the employee’s average salary multiplied by years of service. Eligibility: Full-time employees who meet the service and age requirements qualify for benefits under the International Paper Company Pension Plan. 401(k) Plan: Plan Name: International Paper Company 401(k) Plan Eligibility: Generally available to all full-time employees who meet the plan’s entry requirements. The plan allows employees to make pre-tax and/or Roth contributions. Contribution Matching: International Paper may offer a company match on employee contributions up to a certain percentage of the employee's salary.

International Paper is undertaking significant restructuring efforts, including the closure of mills and production halts, which will result in an estimated 900 layoffs across locations in Texas, North Carolina, and Florida. The company is optimizing operations as part of its cost-saving measures (Home Page).

International Paper (NYSE: IP) offers its employees equity compensation in the form of stock options and Restricted Stock Units (RSUs). These grants are part of a comprehensive compensation package designed to align employees' interests with the company’s long-term performance. International Paper provides both Non-Qualified Stock Options (NSOs) and RSUs as part of its equity program. NSOs allow employees to purchase company stock at a predetermined price over a set period, typically vesting over four years. RSUs, on the other hand, are granted outright but only vest over time or upon meeting performance targets (Upstock) (International Paper). In 2022, International Paper issued new RSUs to mid- and upper-level management, with vesting schedules based on tenure and company performance (Carta). The 2023 offerings maintained a focus on RSUs over stock options, with the company's annual report noting RSUs were more tax-efficient and required fewer equity burns compared to options (International Paper). This shift reflects the industry trend towards RSUs as a primary form of compensation.

International Paper offers a comprehensive range of health benefits for its employees, including medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug coverage. The company emphasizes preventive care and provides options for Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) and Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs). Specific healthcare-related acronyms and terms frequently used by the company include HDHP (High Deductible Health Plan), PPO (Preferred Provider Organization), and HSA (Health Savings Account). Recent employee healthcare news highlights International Paper's efforts to manage rising healthcare costs while maintaining robust coverage options, particularly through wellness programs and preventive care initiatives aimed at reducing long-term healthcare expenses. These benefits are aligned with the company's broader commitment to employee well-being and inclusivity.

Additional Articles

Check Out Articles for International Paper employees

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

https://www.thelayoff.com/ https://www.upstock.io/post/rsu-explained-for-employees https://www.internationalpaper.com/investors/financial-reports/sec-filings https://carta.com/learn/equity/rsu-vs-stock-options/ https://www.theretirementgroup.com/featured-article/revisiting-the-4-withdrawal-rule-for-international-paper-employees https://www.internationalpaper.com/resources/reports/annual-report https://jobs.internationalpaper.com/content/Benefits/?locale=en_US https://www.eisneramper.com/insights/employee-benefit-plan/retirement-plan-limitations-1123/ https://am.gs.com/en-int/institutions/insights/article/2024/us-corporate-pension-review-and-preview-2024 https://www.investopedia.com/ask/answers/032415/how-does-defined-benefit-pension-plan-differ-defined-contribution-plan.asp https://www.ifebp.org/resources---news/retirement-101/defined-contribution-plans https://www.thelayoff.com/t/1qk1A8G9 https://myipretirement.empower-retirement.com/participant/#/login https://www.futureplan.com/resources/news-articles/defined-benefit-cash-balance-plan-key-priorities/ https://www.dol.gov/agencies/ebsa/about-ebsa/our-activities/resource-center/fact-sheets/cash-balance-pension-plans