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Healthcare Provider Update: Healthcare Provider for L3Harris L3Harris Technologies typically provides its employees with healthcare benefits through employer-sponsored insurance plans. The exact healthcare provider may vary based on location and specific employee circumstances, but major insurers commonly used include UnitedHealthcare, Anthem, and Cigna. Potential Healthcare Cost Increases in 2026 In 2026, L3Harris and similar employers are facing significant healthcare cost increases. Reports indicate a projected rise of approximately 8.5% in employer-sponsored insurance costs due to multiple inflationary pressures, including rising medical expenses and increased claims. Additionally, if the federal premium subsidies under the Affordable Care Act expire without renewal, employees may see a drastic rise in their out-of-pocket expenses, compounding the financial impact on both the company and its workforce. Employers are likely to respond by shifting more healthcare costs to employees, necessitating a proactive approach to managing these anticipated changes. Click here to learn more
In this article, we will discuss:
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The significant changes L3Harris is making to its U.S. pension scheme, including the financial motivations and implications for the company and its participants.
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The broader industry trend of transitioning from defined benefit plans to defined contribution plans, and its impact on employees and retirees.
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L3Harris's strategic reinvestment plans and the company's shift towards diversification and financial sustainability.
L3Harris, a key entity in the energy sector, is preparing for a major modification to its U.S. pension scheme. This decision is driven by the performance of its market funds and its legacy in oil and gas, with the goal of creating substantial value for the company. The plan concerns approximately 35,000 participants, and its completion could result in a financial benefit estimated between $530 and $585 million after taxes. These funds will be allocated to reducing company debt and investing in its operational sectors, pending board approval.
The rationale for liquidating the pension stems from the company's current debt status and the impact of high-interest rates on financial operations. The process involves selling non-liquid assets, addressing liabilities, and ending the existing plan, which may take over a year to complete. According to L3Harris's CEO, the primary focus is to 'improve the company's financial standing,' signaling a long-term approach to sustainability and growth.
Historically, defined benefit pension plans have been central to employee compensation, offering fixed employer-funded payouts. However, these plans are declining in popularity, with many firms shifting to defined contribution plans, such as 401(k)s, where employees play a larger role in managing their retirement savings. This mirrors broader industry trends influenced by economic shifts and changing workforce demographics.
As of the end of September, L3Harris reported a cash reserve of $214 million, alongside $3.5 billion in pension assets compared to $2.3 billion in liabilities. This performance showcases the plan's strength, which has been shaped by market performance and effective management. However, the company also faced $14 million in interest expenses last quarter against $18 million in earnings, highlighting ongoing financial challenges.
The company's strategy includes settling all retirement plan-related obligations, benefiting approximately 2,000 active U.S. employees. Globally, L3Harris employs around 4,000 people and is transitioning retirees and current employees to new plan structures. Retirees will receive annuities from an insurance company, while current and former employees will have the choice of cash payments or annuities upon their departure.
The transition for plan participants is designed to be smooth, with no changes expected in the value of their promised benefits. This approach helps maintain confidence and continuity among employees and retirees during the shift.
Additionally, L3Harris is developing a new retirement program for its workforce, which may include either a defined-benefit or defined-contribution framework. The plan is expected to be finalized within the next year to provide ongoing support for employees approaching retirement.
In a strategic move, the company recently agreed to sell private equity and other illiquid assets within the retirement fund. This is part of a larger effort to divest from hedge fund investments in the pension, improving financial flexibility to meet loan terms requiring a 12.5% interest rate. The goal is to reduce principal debt to $200 million.
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Looking forward, L3Harris plans to direct the proceeds into its core business areas, particularly expanding its pharmaceutical chemical production—a new venture for the company. This reinvestment effort aims to strengthen shareholder value and adapt to a changing economic environment.
As L3Harris evolves, it reflects a broader shift from traditional operations to a diversified portfolio, including commercial publishing, motion picture film, and specialty chemicals. This transformation demonstrates the company's resilience and focus on sustained growth amid global economic changes.
As the company winds down its U.S. retirement plan, it is essential for participants, especially those nearing retirement, to understand the wider industry movement toward alternative retirement structures. A May 2023 study by the Society of Actuaries highlights a growing trend of companies transferring pension obligations to insurers through buyout deals. These arrangements provide retirees with consistent income and reduce corporate financial volatility ( source ). This aligns with L3Harris's strategy to address future liabilities while creating more flexibility for its financial operations.
What specific factors should L3Harris Technologies employees consider when determining the most suitable form of pension benefit at retirement? Employees of L3Harris Technologies may have various options, such as life annuities, contingent annuities, and lump-sum payouts. Understanding the implications of each option, including tax treatments and benefit guarantees, can be crucial in making a decision that aligns with long-term financial goals. It is also important to consider how the selected form may affect survivor benefits and overall retirement income planning.
Pension Options at Retirement: L3Harris Technologies employees have various pension benefit options to consider at retirement, such as life annuities, contingent annuities, and lump-sum payouts(L3Harris Technologies I…). Each option has different tax treatments, survivor benefits, and guarantees. For example, selecting a life annuity ensures a fixed monthly payment for life, while a lump-sum payout might offer more flexibility but comes with immediate tax implications. Employees should evaluate how each option aligns with their long-term financial goals and whether it provides adequate survivor protection for dependents(L3Harris Technologies I…).
How does L3Harris Technologies determine eligibility for early retirement, and what implications does this have for pension benefits? Employees should familiarize themselves with the criteria for qualifying for early retirement, including age and service requirements. Additionally, understanding the benefits that are available should retirement occur before the standard retirement age can affect financial planning, as these benefits can differ significantly from those available at normal retirement age due to reduction factors or penalties.
Early Retirement Eligibility: L3Harris Technologies determines eligibility for early retirement based on age and years of service. Employees may qualify for early retirement if they are at least 55 years old and have completed 10 years of service(L3Harris Technologies I…). Opting for early retirement can result in a reduced pension benefit due to the longer payment period. These reductions, known as early retirement penalties, affect financial planning since the payout is lower compared to waiting until the normal retirement age(L3Harris Technologies I…).
In what ways do the pension formulas at L3Harris Technologies differ, and how can employees assess which plan is most advantageous for their retirement? Employees participating in the L3Harris pension plan can choose between different formulas, such as the Traditional Pension Plan and the Pension Equity Plan. Assessing which formula may yield higher benefits involves understanding the benefits calculation processes, including how each formula accounts for years of service, salary history, and participation criteria, which can significantly impact total retirement income.
Pension Formulas: L3Harris employees can choose between different pension formulas, such as the Traditional Pension Plan and Pension Equity Plan(L3Harris Technologies I…). The Traditional Plan is based on years of service and final average pay, while the Pension Equity Plan uses a lump-sum formula that accrues value over time. Understanding how each formula calculates benefits is essential for employees to determine which plan will provide higher retirement income, depending on their service years and salary history(L3Harris Technologies I…).
How should L3Harris Technologies employees prepare for the selection of a beneficiary, and what are the potential impacts on their pension benefits? Selecting a beneficiary is an important component of retirement planning. Employees at L3Harris Technologies must understand the implications that come with adding a spouse or other individuals as beneficiaries, including the effect on benefit amounts and how beneficiary selection can influence survivor payouts. Moreover, they should familiarize themselves with the requirements for updating beneficiary information and the legal implications of such designations.
Beneficiary Selection: Choosing a beneficiary is a crucial step for L3Harris employees. Adding a spouse or another individual as a beneficiary may reduce the employee's pension benefit but ensures that a portion of the pension continues after the employee's death(L3Harris Technologies I…). Employees should be aware of the survivor benefit provisions, spousal consent requirements, and the need to regularly update their beneficiary information(L3Harris Technologies I…).
What procedures must L3Harris Technologies employees follow to appeal a denied pension benefit claim, and what timelines should they be aware of? Employees should be well-informed about the steps involved in the appeals process for denied claims, including how and when to file an appeal and the importance of providing adequate documentation. Understanding the statutes of limitations related to claims and appeals can significantly influence the outcomes for employees seeking to reinstate or secure their benefits.
Appealing Denied Claims: L3Harris Technologies employees must follow a formal process to appeal denied pension benefit claims(L3Harris Technologies I…). The process includes submitting an appeal within a specific timeframe and providing supporting documentation. It is important to be familiar with the statute of limitations and administrative remedies to ensure the best chance of success when appealing a decision(L3Harris Technologies I…).
How does L3Harris Technologies handle survivor benefits, and what actions should employees take to ensure that their surviving spouses or partners have access to these benefits? Understanding the components of survivor benefits at L3Harris Technologies is crucial. Employees should learn about the eligibility of their spouses or partners following their death, the type of benefits due, and any actions required to secure these benefits. Familiarity with the plan’s rules surrounding survivor benefits and timelines for elections can also affect the financial security of beneficiaries.
Survivor Benefits: L3Harris offers survivor benefits to spouses or designated beneficiaries(L3Harris Technologies I…). Employees must ensure that their spouse or partner is properly designated to receive these benefits, which may involve selecting an annuity option that provides continued payments to the survivor. Understanding the timelines for making these elections and the rules governing survivor benefits is crucial for securing financial support for loved ones(L3Harris Technologies I…).
What resources are available for L3Harris Technologies employees for receiving personalized retirement counseling, and how can these resources aid in making informed financial decisions? Employees may benefit from accessing professional counseling services or informational resources provided by L3Harris Technologies. These resources can include individual retirement planning sessions that help employees align their pension benefits with their overall retirement strategy, ensuring that they utilize their benefits effectively and are informed about their options.
Retirement Counseling Resources: L3Harris provides personalized retirement counseling services to assist employees with their pension and retirement planning(L3Harris Technologies I…). These resources include individual sessions to discuss how pension benefits fit into overall retirement strategies. By leveraging these services, employees can make well-informed decisions about their financial future(L3Harris Technologies I…).
How can employees of L3Harris Technologies find out more about their eligibility for the Cash Balance Plan and the advantages of this plan over traditional pension formulas? Employees should research what defines an "active Cash Balance Plan Participant" as well as the benefit calculations associated with it. Investigating the elements that set this type of plan apart—specifically regarding lump-sum distributions and the ability to track benefits—can better inform employees about the potential advantages for their future retirement income.
Cash Balance Plan: Employees interested in the Cash Balance Plan can research its advantages over traditional pension formulas. The Cash Balance Plan allows for lump-sum distributions and provides clear benefit tracking, which can be more appealing to employees looking for flexibility and control over their retirement funds(L3Harris Technologies I…).
What impact do potential changes to the L3Harris Technologies pension plan have on current employees, and what steps should they take to stay informed about such changes? Employees should remain vigilant regarding any amendments to the pension plan that could influence their retirement benefits. This includes understanding their rights under ERISA and staying engaged with communication from L3Harris regarding plan updates, ensuring that they are equipped to make timely decisions based on the latest information.
Plan Changes: L3Harris employees should stay updated on any changes to the pension plan, which could impact their benefits(L3Harris Technologies I…). Monitoring communications from the company and understanding their rights under ERISA is essential to making timely decisions based on new plan terms or amendments(L3Harris Technologies I…).
How can employees of L3Harris Technologies contact the Benefits Service Center to address specific questions regarding their pension plan or retirement strategy? It is essential for employees seeking clarity on their pension benefits or retirement planning to know how to reach out to the L3Harris Benefits Service Center. This center acts as a vital resource, and understanding its operations—including contact times, methods of contact, and the types of inquiries that can be addressed—will enable employees to receive the guidance they need regarding their benefits.
Benefits Service Center: L3Harris employees can contact the Benefits Service Center for any questions regarding their pension or retirement strategy. The center provides assistance with understanding pension benefits, resolving issues, and addressing specific inquiries related to retirement planning(L3Harris Technologies I…)(L3Harris Technologies I…).
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