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

Understanding Creditor Protections forITT Employees

Healthcare Provider Update: Healthcare Provider for ITT ITT is associated with multiple healthcare insurance providers, depending on the region and specific employees' enrollment in plans. However, a notable mention is UnitedHealthcare, which provides comprehensive healthcare options to many ITT employees. Potential Healthcare Cost Increases in 2026 As the Affordable Care Act (ACA) marketplace braces for substantial healthcare premium hikes in 2026, ITT employees may find themselves facing increased financial burdens. With insurers predicting average increases of approximately 20%, some states could see hikes exceeding 60%, primarily driven by high medical costs and the potential expiration of enhanced federal subsidies. Analysts estimate that without these subsidies, most enrollees-around 92%-could see their out-of-pocket costs surge by over 75%, emphasizing the critical need for ITT employees to assess their healthcare options and prepare for these impending financial changes., 'sources': [], 'images': [] Click here to learn more

'ITT employees must be aware that while ERISA-qualified plans provide significant protection from creditors, non-ERISA accounts like IRAs are more vulnerable, and it's crucial to understand state-specific laws to ensure full asset security as you approach retirement,' says Tyson Mavar, a representative of The Retirement Group, a division of Wealth Enhancement Group.

'As retirement approaches, ITT employees should consider not only the strength of their ERISA-qualified plans but also the potential vulnerabilities of non-ERISA accounts, and seek guidance from legal and financial experts to ensure their assets are fully protected,' advises Tyson Mavar, a representative of The Retirement Group, a division of Wealth Enhancement Group.

In this article, we will discuss:

The protection of retirement savings under ERISA-qualified plans.
The limitations of ERISA protection, including potential risks from creditors.
The role of state laws in protecting non-ERISA retirement accounts like IRAs.

For employees at ITT, an important issue is the security of retirement savings, especially when employees approach the retirement age or are retired. It is generally assumed that all retirement assets are protected from creditors. Nevertheless, the extent to which these assets are protected differs greatly depending on the type of retirement plan and the laws of the state. In this article, we explore the specifics of asset protection.

Plans Covered by ERISA: A Stronghold Against Creditors
Most of the retirement plans that meet the eligibility requirements of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA) are generally safe. Such ERISA-qualified plans are also usually safe from the reach of creditors in the event of bankruptcy or civil suits. Importantly, this protection is maintained even if the company sponsoring the plan goes bankrupt. These assets are usually out of the reach of personal creditors.

To meet the ERISA requirements, a retirement plan must be offered by an employer or an employee organization and must meet certain federal requirements regarding membership reporting, funding, and vesting. Typical ERISA-qualified plans include profit-sharing plans, pensions, deferred compensation plans, and 401(k)s.

Furthermore, ERISA applies to some employee health and welfare benefits, such as:

Hospital, surgical, and medical coverage through Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) plans.
Health care Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) and Health Reimbursement Arrangements (HRAs).
Dental and vision plans.
Prescription drug programs.
Disability insurance.
Specific welfare benefit plans under sections 419(a)(f)(6) and 419(e).

The anti-alienation clause in these plans prohibits the assignment of benefits and thus keeps the assets beyond the reach of most creditors.

Weaknesses of ERISA-Qualified Plans
Although they are very strong, ERISA plans are not foolproof. They can be subject to claims by:

A former spouse for child support or divorce settlements, with a Qualified Domestic Relations Order (QDRO).
The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) for any unpaid federal income taxes.
The federal government in cases involving fines and penalties for crimes.
Creditors in the event that a plan participant breaches the terms of the plan.

The State of Non-ERISA Plans
The protection of retirement accounts that are not covered by ERISA, such as traditional and Roth IRAs, is not uniform. Some 403(b) plans offered by government or religious organizations may also not be ERISA plans.

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BAPCPA provides some protection for IRA funds in bankruptcy, but such funds are not protected by ERISA.

State Laws and IRA Security
The protection of IRAs and other non-ERISA plans against creditors can vary greatly by state. Some offer little protection, while others offer almost none. It is imperative to know these nuances in order to manage the risk of potential creditor claims. ITT employees are encouraged to seek the advice of experienced local attorneys in order to navigate these complex legal situations.

Conclusion
The legality of protecting retirement funds from creditors depends on the type of retirement account, state laws, and certain exemptions. Although most employer-sponsored retirement plans are relatively safe, the legal framework is complex, and it is advisable to seek legal advice early to maximize the protection of retirement assets.

Sources:

Mavar, Tyson. The Retirement Group, a Division of Wealth Enhancement Group . Interview. January 2025.

'ERISA: A Guide to Employee Retirement Income Security Act.' U.S. Department of Labor , 2024, www.dol.gov/general/topic/retirement/erisa . Accessed 31 Jan. 2025.

'How Bankruptcy Affects Retirement Accounts.' National Bankruptcy Forum , 2023, www.nationalbankruptcyforum.com/affects-of-bankruptcy-on-retirement-accounts . Accessed 31 Jan. 2025.

'State Laws and IRA Protection.' Retirement Law Journal , vol. 12, no. 4, 2024, pp. 47-52.

'Understanding Qualified Domestic Relations Orders (QDROs).' Internal Revenue Service , 2023, www.irs.gov/retirement-plans/plan-participant-employee/understanding-qualified-domestic-relations-orders . Accessed 31 Jan. 2025.

What is the ITT 401(k) Savings Plan?

The ITT 401(k) Savings Plan is a retirement savings plan that allows eligible employees of ITT to save and invest a portion of their paycheck before taxes are withheld.

How can I enroll in the ITT 401(k) Savings Plan?

You can enroll in the ITT 401(k) Savings Plan by accessing the employee benefits portal or contacting the HR department for assistance with the enrollment process.

What are the eligibility requirements for the ITT 401(k) Savings Plan?

To be eligible for the ITT 401(k) Savings Plan, you must be a regular full-time or part-time employee of ITT and meet any additional criteria set by the plan.

Does ITT match contributions to the 401(k) Savings Plan?

Yes, ITT offers a matching contribution to the 401(k) Savings Plan, which helps employees increase their retirement savings.

What is the maximum contribution limit for the ITT 401(k) Savings Plan?

The maximum contribution limit for the ITT 401(k) Savings Plan is determined by the IRS and may change annually. Please refer to the plan documents for the current limit.

Can I change my contribution percentage to the ITT 401(k) Savings Plan?

Yes, you can change your contribution percentage to the ITT 401(k) Savings Plan at any time by submitting a request through the employee benefits portal.

What investment options are available in the ITT 401(k) Savings Plan?

The ITT 401(k) Savings Plan offers a variety of investment options, including mutual funds, target-date funds, and other investment vehicles. You can choose based on your risk tolerance and retirement goals.

When can I access my funds from the ITT 401(k) Savings Plan?

You can access your funds from the ITT 401(k) Savings Plan upon reaching retirement age, or if you experience a qualifying event such as termination of employment or financial hardship.

What happens to my ITT 401(k) Savings Plan if I leave the company?

If you leave ITT, you can choose to roll over your 401(k) balance to another retirement account, cash out your balance (subject to taxes and penalties), or leave it in the ITT plan if allowed.

Are loans available through the ITT 401(k) Savings Plan?

Yes, the ITT 401(k) Savings Plan may allow participants to take loans against their account balance, subject to certain conditions and limits.

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

Plan Name: ITT Pension Plan Years of Service and Age Qualification: Employees generally need to have a minimum number of years of service and reach a certain age to qualify for the pension plan. Specifics vary, but typically, ITT requires employees to reach age 65 and have at least 5 years of service. Pension Formula: The formula often used by ITT for pension calculations includes factors such as years of service and average salary over a specified period. Plan Name: ITT 401(k) Savings Plan Qualifications: Generally, employees who are at least 21 years old and have completed 1 year of service are eligible to participate in the 401(k) plan. Contributions can be made pre-tax, and ITT may provide matching contributions up to a certain percentage of the employee’s salary.

Restructuring and Layoffs: In 2023, ITT announced a significant restructuring plan aimed at streamlining its operations and improving efficiency. The company revealed that it would be laying off approximately 7% of its global workforce as part of this initiative. This decision is part of a broader strategy to enhance ITT's competitive position in a challenging market. The restructuring is expected to help ITT better align its resources with strategic priorities and reduce operational costs. Importance: Given the current economic and investment climate, ITT's restructuring and layoffs are crucial to monitor. Companies undergoing such changes may face significant shifts in their financial health, which can impact stock performance and investor confidence. Additionally, the broader economic environment and evolving tax policies could influence how these adjustments affect ITT's overall performance and strategic direction.

Stock Options and RSUs Available: Apple Inc. (AAPL) offers stock options and RSUs as part of its employee compensation package. Stock options are granted based on performance and role within the company, while RSUs are typically awarded to key employees and executives as part of long-term incentives. Specifics for 2022, 2023, and 2024: In 2022, Apple Inc. (AAPL) continued to offer stock options with a vesting period of four years and RSUs with a vesting period of three to four years. For 2023, the company maintained similar stock option and RSU structures, with some adjustments for new hires. In 2024, Apple Inc. (AAPL) introduced performance-based RSUs in addition to the standard offerings.

Health Benefits Overview: ITT provides comprehensive health benefits including medical, dental, and vision insurance. Their plans often include preventive care, hospitalization, prescription drug coverage, and wellness programs. Acronyms and Terms: Commonly used terms include PPO (Preferred Provider Organization), HSA (Health Savings Account), and EAP (Employee Assistance Program).