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Understanding Creditor Protections forSaia Employees

Healthcare Provider Update: Healthcare Provider for Saia Saia, a leading transportation and logistics company, offers its employees access to health insurance through various providers, primarily utilizing the health plans available in the Affordable Care Act (ACA) marketplace. As of now, specific healthcare providers associated with Saia may vary based on region and employee enrollment, but major insurers such as UnitedHealthcare, Blue Cross Blue Shield, and Cigna are commonly explored options within their offerings. Potential Healthcare Cost Increases in 2026 As we approach 2026, Saia employees should prepare for significant healthcare cost increases. Due to rising medical expenses and anticipated adjustments in benefit structures, many employees may face a greater share of their healthcare costs. The ACA marketplace is expected to see premium hikes averaging around 20%, with some states reporting increases exceeding 60%. These changes signal a crucial need for Saia workers to understand their benefit options, maximize their health savings accounts, and carefully select their insurance plans to mitigate the impact of escalating healthcare expenses in the upcoming year. Click here to learn more

'Saia 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, Saia 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 Saia, 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. Saia 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 Saia 401(k) plan?

The Saia 401(k) plan is a retirement savings plan that allows employees to save a portion of their paycheck before taxes are taken out, helping them build a nest egg for retirement.

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

Saia offers a matching contribution to the 401(k) plan, which means that for every dollar an employee contributes, Saia will match a percentage up to a certain limit, enhancing the employee's retirement savings.

When can I enroll in the Saia 401(k) plan?

Employees can enroll in the Saia 401(k) plan during the initial eligibility period, which is typically upon hire, and during open enrollment periods thereafter.

What are the eligibility requirements for the Saia 401(k) plan?

To be eligible for the Saia 401(k) plan, employees generally need to be at least 21 years old and have completed a certain period of service, as defined in the plan documents.

Can I change my contribution rate to the Saia 401(k) plan?

Yes, employees can change their contribution rate to the Saia 401(k) plan at any time, subject to the plan's guidelines and limits.

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

The Saia 401(k) plan offers a variety of investment options, including mutual funds, stocks, bonds, and target-date funds, allowing employees to choose based on their risk tolerance and retirement goals.

Does Saia allow for loans against my 401(k) balance?

Yes, Saia allows employees to take loans against their 401(k) balance under certain conditions, providing a way to access funds for emergencies or significant expenses.

What happens to my Saia 401(k) if I leave the company?

If you leave Saia, you have several options for your 401(k) balance, including rolling it over into an IRA or another employer's 401(k) plan, or cashing it out, though cashing out may incur taxes and penalties.

How can I access my Saia 401(k) account information?

Employees can access their Saia 401(k) account information through the plan's online portal or by contacting the plan administrator for assistance.

Are there any fees associated with the Saia 401(k) plan?

Yes, there may be administrative fees and investment fees associated with the Saia 401(k) plan, which are disclosed in the plan documents and can vary based on the investment options selected.