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3 Tips For Bristol-Myers Squibb Employees When Managing Grey Divorce

Healthcare Provider Update: Healthcare Provider for Bristol-Myers Squibb Bristol-Myers Squibb collaborates with multiple healthcare providers, including major national health insurers and pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) like CVS Caremark and Express Scripts, to ensure patient access to their medications. Their widespread distribution network encompasses hospitals, clinics, and specialty pharmacies, enabling healthcare professionals to prescribe and dispense their pharmaceutical products effectively. Potential Healthcare Cost Increases in 2026 As we look toward 2026, healthcare consumers should brace for significant cost increases stemming from a combination of factors. Record hikes in premiums for Affordable Care Act (ACA) marketplace plans are anticipated, with some states facing increases over 60% due to higher medical costs and the potential expiration of federal premium subsidies. Reports indicate that nearly 92% of marketplace enrollees could see their out-of-pocket premiums soar by over 75%, putting immense financial strain on families. Coupled with escalating hospital and drug prices, particularly specialty medications like GLP-1 weight loss drugs, the burden of rising healthcare expenses is likely to affect millions as they navigate their insurance options and healthcare needs. Click here to learn more

Strategy for Bristol-Myers Squibb employees to navigate the complexities of gray divorce is to manage their substantial marital assets and secure their financial future,' says Paul Bergeron, on behalf of The Retirement Group, a division of Wealth Enhancement Group.

'This paper finds that gray divorce poses unique financial planning challenges for the Bristol-Myers Squibb employees who often have complex assets and liabilities to manage,' says Kevin Landis from The Retirement Group, a division of Wealth Enhancement Group.

1. The article describes the rising incidence of gray divorce and its implications for the financial status of families.

2. Financial and Legal Issues: It outlines the issues including the division of property and debt for older couples and the special issues that affect the Bristol-Myers Squibb employees.

3. Management of Gray Divorce: It describes how to manage gray divorce the right way, through listing assets and liabilities, speaking to professionals, and out of court settlement.

The term ‘gray divorce revolution’ has been used to describe a heightened rate of divorces among individuals above 50, who have nearly quadrupled since 1990. This trend is affecting families a great deal, especially from the financial perspective. This article looks at the consequences of gray divorce from the financial standpoint and the strategies that are vital for every Bristol-Myers Squibb employee when it comes to such transitions.

Financial and Legal Considerations

Divorcing later in life comes with a slew of legal and financial implications that are far more nuanced than those experienced by younger couples. Older couples have the difficulty of dividing multiple assets built over years or even decades of marriage. The majority of U.S. states use equitable distribution, which means that the property is divided equitably but not always equally. It is important for Bristol-Myers Squibb employees to realize that what is fair is not always black and white and depends on the situation.

The divorce process can be quite expensive and the main costs are usually associated with legal fees, especially if the case goes to court. Other costs such as fees for filing and court charges as well as appraisal fees can add up quickly, it is important to be financially prepared.

Asset and Debt Division

Take, for instance, John and Maureen who have both added to their marital assets through employment and at one time owned a business together. It often happens that one of the spouses has quit the job to look after children and therefore the contribution to the assets will not be the same for the two individuals during the division of assets.

Debt division can also pose challenges. Issues regarding who keeps the family home and who takes the mortgage on it can result in financial problems, particularly if the mortgage is being refinanced under not as good conditions as the initial mortgage.

Financial Implications Post-Divorce

The effects of gray divorce are not only limited to the costs of legal processes and property division. Since the single people have to pay for the utilities and maintenance of their homes on their own after the divorce, they end up paying more per person for the services, which may result in a decrease in their quality of life. This situation can be especially difficult for Bristol-Myers Squibb employees who may also have reduced potential for income and the difficulty of returning to the dating scene in later life.

Strategies for Managing a Gray Divorce

All Bristol-Myers Squibb employees who are planning on getting a gray divorce should do so with a plan in mind:

Assessment of Assets and Liabilities: First, it is advisable to make a list of all the assets and debts acquired during the marriage. This is because it is important to have this financial report in order to know how to prepare for the negotiations and how to divide the assets and properties between the two parties equally.

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Consultation with Professionals: You should meet with divorce attorneys in order to determine the likely outcomes of your case given your circumstances and the law. Many attorneys offer free initial meetings, which can give you an idea of the attorney’s skills and suitability for your case. Also, you should seek the counsel of financial advisors who are familiar with divorce to assist in rearranging your finances to suit the single lifestyle and predict future financial consequences.

ADR (Alternative Dispute Resolution) and Mediation: See if you can avoid litigation through mediation. Mediation is the process of solving problems with the help of a third party and often leads to a faster and easier solution, which is particularly helpful when the issues at hand are complicated by the emotions and history that are often entangled in such cases.

Conclusion

This paper aims to highlight that a gray divorce is a complex process that requires a consideration of financial, legal, and personal issues. To understand the basics of the assets and debts division, what costs to expect for living separately, and what professional advice to seek, so that Bristol-Myers Squibb employees can reduce the impact of the financial shock and navigate the change better.

Also, due to the fact that retirement benefits like pensions and 401(k) plans are involved in divorce, it is important to get updated valuation and legal advice to reach a fair and reasonable settlement.

References:

1. Duderstadt, Chris. 'Gray Divorce and Its Financial Impact.' Modern Wealth Management, 15 Nov. 2024, www.modwm.com. Accessed 2 Feb. 2025.

2. 'The Financial Challenges of Gray Divorce: Protecting Your Golden Years.' AMG National Trust, www.amgnational.com. Accessed 2 Feb. 2025.

3. Stewart, Jackie. 'The Role Employers Play in Gray Divorce.' Employee Benefit News, 31 Oct. 2024, www.benefitnews.com. Accessed 2 Feb. 2025.

4. 'What is 'Gray Divorce' and Its Impact on Your Retirement and Financial Security?' Advisor Check, www.advisorcheck.com. Accessed 2 Feb. 2025.

5. Brown, Susan, and I-Fen Lin. 'The Economic Consequences of Gray Divorce for Women and Men.' Journals of Gerontology, academic.oup.com. Accessed 2 Feb. 2025.

How does the Broward Health Cash Balance Pension Plan ensure the financial security of its employees upon retirement, and what are the specific benefit options available to employees who retire or terminate employment with Broward Health? Discuss the implications of choosing a lump sum versus a monthly benefit and how these choices affect overall retirement income.

Financial Security and Benefit Options: The Broward Health Cash Balance Pension Plan provides financial security by offering a defined benefit based on hypothetical account balances. Upon retirement or termination, employees can choose between a lump sum payment or a lifetime monthly benefit. The lump sum provides immediate access to funds, but opting for a monthly benefit ensures a steady income throughout retirement, which could lead to a more stable financial situation over time.

How does the retirement savings plan at Bristol-Myers Squibb Company compare to similar plans in the biotech and pharmaceutical industry, particularly regarding company matching contributions and employee deferral options? What factors should employees consider when deciding how much to contribute to their retirement accounts at Bristol-Myers Squibb Company?

Early Retirement Accommodations: Employees can retire early if they are at least 55 years old and have completed 5 years of vesting service. Benefits received upon early retirement are typically smaller compared to those received at the normal retirement age of 65. The normal form of benefit payment for early retirees is an actuarially adjusted life annuity based on the cash balance account at the time of early retirement(Broward Health_June 201…).

Bristol-Myers Squibb Company offers various retirement plans, including 401(k) plans and non-qualified deferred compensation plans. Can employees elaborate on the differences between these plans and how each one impacts their long-term retirement savings? Furthermore, how can an employee evaluate which plan best suits their individual retirement goals?

Vesting Schedule and Rights: The Broward Health Cash Balance Pension Plan uses a vesting schedule that grants full vesting rights after 5 years of service. Employees with fewer than 5 years of service are not eligible for benefits and forfeit their account balance. Vesting means employees gain the right to their accrued benefits, which become payable when employment ends(Broward Health_June 201…).

Based on the changes in IRS regulations for 2024, how might they affect Bristol-Myers Squibb Company's retirement and savings plans? Are there any new contribution limits or eligibility rules that employees should be aware of, and how can they adapt their savings strategies accordingly?

Role of the Pension Plan Committee: The Broward Health Pension Plan Committee administers the Cash Balance Pension Plan, ensuring compliance with laws and the plan’s financial health. The committee is responsible for investment decisions and approving plan changes, and it ensures that benefits are paid accurately and in a timely manner(Broward Health_June 201…).

What are the implications of taking an early withdrawal from retirement funds at Bristol-Myers Squibb Company, and how does it affect an employee's financial future? Employees should also consider what alternatives to early withdrawal exist within the company's policy framework.

Changes or Amendments to the Plan: The plan can be amended or terminated, but employees' vested rights are protected. Changes do not reduce accrued benefits from prior contributions, and the plan's termination follows a specific order to prioritize benefit distributions(Broward Health_June 201…).

Employees often have questions about post-retirement benefits, especially concerning medical coverage. What policies does Bristol-Myers Squibb Company have in place to ensure continued healthcare coverage for retirees, and what are the eligibility criteria for these benefits?

Recognition of Past Service upon Re-employment: If employees return to Broward Health after a break, their prior service may be recognized depending on vesting and benefit conditions at the time of rehire. Those who were vested before leaving can have their prior benefits restored, and contributions can resume after re-employment(Broward Health_June 201…).

How does Bristol-Myers Squibb Company handle the integration of pension benefits during mergers or acquisitions, and what can employees expect if they find themselves in such a situation? It would also be important for employees to understand their rights and options during these transitional phases.

Beneficiary Designations: Employees can designate beneficiaries to receive benefits if they die before or after retirement. Beneficiaries can receive lump sums or monthly payments, depending on the employee's retirement eligibility. Failure to designate a beneficiary may result in benefits going to the surviving spouse, children, or other family members as per the plan's order of priority(Broward Health_June 201…).

In light of recent company performance, what are Bristol-Myers Squibb Companyâ€™s future benefits projections, especially regarding pension plans? How can employees utilize this information to better plan for their retirement saving strategies?

Interest Credits on Accounts: The interest credits for cash balance accounts are determined based on U.S. Treasury rates, with a minimum annual interest rate. Interest is applied monthly, enhancing the account value and ensuring that employees' retirement savings grow over time(Broward Health_June 201…).

Given that Bristol-Myers Squibb Company has a robust benefits architecture, what specific programs or platforms are in place for employees to seek clarifications on their retirement benefits? How can Bristol-Myers Squibb company employees efficiently navigate these resources to address their individual inquiries?

Challenges in Filing Claims: The process for filing retirement claims involves notifying Broward Health and submitting the necessary paperwork 30 to 60 days before retirement or termination. In case of a denied claim, employees have the right to request a review and appeal, ensuring fair treatment and timely resolution(Broward Health_June 201…).

For employees looking to gain more information about retirement benefits and other related policies, how can they contact Bristol-Myers Squibb Company effectively? What communication methods are recommended to ensure that their questions are addressed promptly and comprehensively? These questions should provide employees with a deeper insight into their retirement planning while encouraging them to explore the benefits offered by Bristol-Myers Squibb Company further.

Contacting Broward Health for Information: Employees can contact the Employee Benefits department at Broward Health to learn more about the Cash Balance Pension Plan. Resources such as retirement counseling sessions and detailed plan descriptions are available to help employees understand their benefits and make informed decisions(Broward Health_June 201…).

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

In process of terminating U.S. Retirement Income Plan, transferring $3.8 billion of its pension obligations. Previous $1.4 billion transfer to Prudential for 8,000 retirees.

Bristol-Myers Squibb announced a restructuring plan that includes layoffs of approximately 1,200 employees.

Bristol-Myers Squibb offers RSUs to executives and certain employees. The RSUs vest over a three-year period, promoting long-term company performance and employee retention.

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For more information you can reach the plan administrator for Bristol-Myers Squibb at 430 East 29th Street New York, NY 10016; or by calling them at +1 212-546-4000.