Healthcare Provider Update: Healthcare Provider for KeyCorp: KeyCorp partners with Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield as their primary healthcare provider. This relationship offers KeyCorp employees a broad range of health insurance options and services to ensure their healthcare needs are met efficiently. Healthcare Cost Increases in 2026: As we approach 2026, significant increases in healthcare costs are anticipated. With the expiration of enhanced federal premium subsidies under the Affordable Care Act, many enrollees could face out-of-pocket premium hikes exceeding 75%. This situation is exacerbated by rising medical costs and aggressive rate hikes from major insurers, which in some states might surpass 60%. The combination of these factors suggests a challenging landscape for consumers, potentially prompting healthier individuals to exit the market, thus raising costs for those who remain. As the healthcare industry grapples with these changes, proactive planning for 2026 will be essential for individuals and employers alike. Click here to learn more
In December 2019, the 'Setting Every Community Up for Retirement Enhancement (SECURE) Act ' introduced transformative adjustments to the taxation of post-mortem distributions from qualified retirement accounts. A pivotal element of these changes was the elimination of the 'stretch' provision for most non-spouse beneficiaries, replaced by the 10-Year Rule, which mandates the full distribution of inherited retirement assets within a decade of the account holder’s death. This shift directly affects KeyCorp employees planning for or managing inheritance scenarios.
By February 2022, the IRS had released Proposed Regulations extending the impacts of the SECURE Act by imposing requirements for annual Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs) over a 10-year period for beneficiaries, provided the deceased had been subject to RMDs prior to their death. This meant that annual distributions were mandatory even during the decennial distribution period, significantly altering the landscape for taxation and estate planning. This regulation demands attention from KeyCorp advisors to assist their colleagues effectively.
This complexity was further emphasized with the IRS’s release of the Final Regulations on July 18, 2024, which not only confirmed these stipulations but also expanded the situations in which various beneficiaries would be impacted. These regulations have strengthened the framework for both eligible and non-eligible beneficiaries, introducing nuanced rules that address scenarios ranging from undistributed RMDs at the death of an account owner to the management of inherited estates through different types of trusts. Such intricacies require careful navigation to optimize outcomes for KeyCorp families.
Key Provisions and Their Implications
1. Post-mortem Distribution Rules: For beneficiaries inheriting after the Required Beginning Date (RBD) of the account holder, annual RMDs are mandatory until the end of the tenth year following the death. This rule emphasizes the IRS’s stance on reinforcing tax deduction benefits previously extended through the stretch measure. KeyCorp employees must be aware of these timelines to make informed decisions about their retirement assets.
2. Management of Undistributed RMDs: The regulations stipulate that if the deceased had not taken their full RMD at death, any beneficiary can fulfill this obligation. This flexibility helps simplify compliance for beneficiaries managing inherited estates, which is particularly relevant for KeyCorp beneficiaries who may be navigating these waters for the first time.
3. Specific Rules for Spouses: A new 'hypothetical RMD' rule requires surviving spouses who first opt for the 10-Year Rule and then decide to treat the inheritance as their own account, to carry out RMDs as if the assets were still in their account. This regulation highlights the importance of careful planning by surviving spouses in managing asset rotation schedules, a critical consideration for KeyCorp families ensuring financial stability.
4. Trusts as Beneficiaries: The regulations outline how Passage Trusts, whether Conduit or Accumulation types, are treated under the law, specifying the beneficiaries considered for RMD calculations. This ensures that trusts designed to extend asset distributions over an extended period are meticulously structured to comply with the new rules, offering strategic insights for KeyCorp planners.
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5. Annuities and Retirement Accounts: Clarifications on how annuities embedded in retirement accounts are to be treated for RMD calculations highlight the management of annual payments to meet RMD obligations. These clarifications are vital for KeyCorp employees who have invested in these financial vehicles as part of their retirement planning.
Strategic Perspectives for Financial Advisors
Financial advisors face these regulations with a deep understanding of their implications on estate planning strategies. This evolution highlights the need to review future plans and beneficiary designations to adapt to the new legal framework. Advisors are tasked with interpreting these complex rules to provide clear, strategic expertise that minimizes tax liabilities and ensures compliance while achieving clients’ long-term financial goals, which is especially pertinent for KeyCorp advisors working with their peers.
In conclusion, the latest regulations from 2024 mark a crucial evolution in managing retirement assets post-death. By strengthening rules regarding the timing and mode of distribution, the IRS aims to ensure quicker tax remedies while allowing some leeway in certain cases. For financial advisors, staying informed about these regulations is essential to effectively assist their clients, ensuring that strategic decisions are both tax-efficient and aligned with estate management goals. As this legislation continues to evolve, it will be crucial for advisors to engage proactively and continually educate themselves to deliver the best value to their clients in this complex environment. KeyCorp advisors are uniquely positioned to navigate these changes, providing invaluable guidance to their colleagues and families.
What type of retirement plan does KeyCorp offer to its employees?
KeyCorp offers a 401(k) Savings Plan to help employees save for retirement.
How can KeyCorp employees enroll in the 401(k) Savings Plan?
KeyCorp employees can enroll in the 401(k) Savings Plan through the company’s HR portal or by contacting the benefits department.
Does KeyCorp match employee contributions to the 401(k) Savings Plan?
Yes, KeyCorp provides a matching contribution to employee contributions made to the 401(k) Savings Plan, subject to certain limits.
What is the maximum contribution limit for KeyCorp's 401(k) Savings Plan?
The maximum contribution limit for KeyCorp's 401(k) Savings Plan is determined by IRS regulations and may change annually.
Can KeyCorp employees take loans against their 401(k) Savings Plan balance?
Yes, KeyCorp allows employees to take loans against their 401(k) Savings Plan balance under certain conditions.
What investment options are available in KeyCorp's 401(k) Savings Plan?
KeyCorp's 401(k) Savings Plan offers a variety of investment options, including mutual funds and other investment vehicles.
How often can KeyCorp employees change their 401(k) contribution amounts?
KeyCorp employees can change their 401(k) contribution amounts at any time, subject to payroll processing schedules.
Is there a vesting schedule for KeyCorp's 401(k) Savings Plan?
Yes, KeyCorp has a vesting schedule for its matching contributions, which determines when employees fully own those contributions.
At what age can KeyCorp employees begin withdrawing from their 401(k) Savings Plan without penalties?
KeyCorp employees can begin withdrawing from their 401(k) Savings Plan without penalties at age 59½.
What happens to KeyCorp's 401(k) Savings Plan if an employee leaves the company?
If an employee leaves KeyCorp, they can roll over their 401(k) Savings Plan balance to another retirement account or leave it in the plan, depending on the balance.