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

Sonoco Products Employees, Prepare for Enhanced HSA Benefits in 2025

Healthcare Provider Update: Healthcare Provider for Sonoco Products Sonoco Products, a global packaging solutions company, collaborates with various healthcare providers to manage the health benefits of its employees. While specific providers may vary by location and plan selections, many large employers like Sonoco typically partner with prominent insurance carriers such as UnitedHealthcare, Anthem, and Cigna. Potential Healthcare Cost Increases in 2026 In 2026, healthcare costs for employees of Sonoco Products may experience significant increases due to anticipated premium hikes related to the Affordable Care Act (ACA). With projections indicating that premiums could rise by as much as 18% to 66% in certain states, many employees may face sharp out-of-pocket costs, particularly if enhanced federal subsidies expire. These increases will be driven by soaring medical costs and insurers' need to adjust for both economic inflation and the potential loss of critical financial support, raising concerns about accessibility and affordability for many subscribers. Click here to learn more

For Sonoco Products 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, Sonoco Products 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 Sonoco Products 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 Sonoco Products 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 Sonoco Products 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.

In the context of the retirement benefits provided by Sonoco Products Company, what are the different scenarios that could lead an employee to choose either the Normal Retirement Benefit or the Early Retirement Benefit, and what factors should be considered in making this decision? Additionally, how do these benefits interact with the vesting service and benefit service calculations specified by Sonoco Products Company?

Normal Retirement Benefit: Available at age 65, provides full monthly pension calculated by a predetermined formula. Early Retirement Benefit: Available from age 55 with 15 years of service, but monthly payments are reduced to account for the longer payment period. Employees must weigh the reduction in monthly benefits against the potential need or desire to retire early. Considerations: The choice largely depends on personal financial needs, health status, and employment circumstances. Early retirement reduces monthly benefits, which could impact long-term financial stability.

Considering the details about tax implications in the Sonoco Pension Plan, what steps should employees take to ensure they understand the taxation of both monthly annuity payments and lump sum payments when they retire from Sonoco Products Company? What resources does Sonoco offer to assist employees in navigating these tax obligations effectively?

Monthly Annuity Payments: Subject to federal income tax; state and local taxes may also apply. Employees can choose whether or not to have taxes withheld. Lump Sum Payments: Subject to mandatory 20% federal withholding if not rolled over into another qualified plan. Employees must consult with tax professionals to understand the taxation and potential penalties, especially if under age 59½. Resources: Sonoco provides access to benefits specialists through their Benefits Center and recommends consultation with tax advisors to manage tax obligations effectively.

How does Sonoco Products Company define and calculate the "Maximum Plan Benefit," and what impact do IRS limits have on the benefits that employees may receive upon retirement? Furthermore, how does this ensure that employees understand their entitlements under the plan?

Defined by IRS limits, which cap the annual benefits an employee can receive. For 2018, the limit was $220,000. Impact: Ensures high earners are aware of the maximum pension they can draw annually, and helps in planning additional retirement savings if necessary.

For employees at Sonoco Products Company who may be considering reemployment after retirement, what are the potential impacts on their pension benefits, and what guidelines does the company provide regarding how these benefits are recalculated upon re-entering the workforce?

Pension benefits cease during reemployment and resume upon re-retirement, recalculated based on additional service. This could affect decisions on returning to work post-retirement. Guidelines: Sonoco outlines how benefits are recalculated and emphasizes consulting with the Benefits Center to understand the specific impacts.

In what ways can employees of Sonoco Products Company calculate their required service years to determine pension eligibility, and what nuances exist in the vesting and benefit service calculations? How do these calculations affect the retirement planning process for long-term employees?

Vesting Service: Determines eligibility for a pension. A minimum of five years is required for a vested pension benefit. Benefit Service: Used to calculate the amount of pension. It includes periods of employment but may exclude certain leaves or breaks in service. Implications: Understanding these definitions helps employees plan their career and retirement timing to maximize benefits.

Employees at Sonoco Products Company are often curious about the various forms of payment they can choose for their pension. What are the available options, and how do these options differ in terms of financial implications for the retiree and their beneficiaries?

Options: Single life annuity, joint and survivor annuities (50%, 75%, 100% survivor benefits). Financial Implications: Each option impacts the monthly benefit amount and the security it provides to beneficiaries, necessitating careful consideration based on marital status and financial needs.

Understanding the process of applying for plan benefits can be complex for many employees. What are the specific steps that Sonoco Products Company employees need to follow to apply for their pension benefits, and what resources are available to help streamline this process?

Process: Initiated via Sonoco Benefits Center, involving choosing a retirement date, understanding benefit options, and completing necessary paperwork. Resources: Detailed support through retirement specialists aids in navigating the process smoothly.

Many employees may not be aware of their rights under ERISA as participants in the Sonoco Pension Plan. What specific rights and protections do employees have, and how can they assert these rights if there are disputes or issues regarding their pension benefits at Sonoco Products Company?

Provides specific rights regarding plan information, appeal processes for denied claims, and protections against plan abuses. Asserting Rights: Outlines steps to take if there are disputes over pension benefits, including the right to sue after exhausting administrative remedies.

If a Sonoco Products Company employee experiences a significant life change, such as divorce or a domestic relations order, what procedures must they follow regarding their pension benefits, and how does Sonoco manage such situations under the guidelines laid out in the plan documentation?

Procedures: Employees must follow specific procedures for dividing pension benefits in the event of divorce, under a Qualified Domestic Relations Order (QDRO). Management: Sonoco’s Benefits Center provides guidance and necessary documentation to ensure compliance with legal requirements.

For employees looking to learn more about their retirement options and benefits at Sonoco Products Company, what contact information is available for them to reach out for assistance? How can employees utilize these resources effectively to gain a clearer understanding of their retirement planning?

Available through the Sonoco Benefits Center, offering comprehensive support for retirement planning and benefit queries, essential for effective retirement planning.