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

Navigating Your Retirement Health Journey: Essential Insights for Kontoor Brands Employees

Healthcare Provider Update: Healthcare Provider for Kontoor Brands: Kontoor Brands does not publicly list a specific healthcare provider as it may depend on various factors including the employees' locations and specific plan options. However, companies of this size typically partner with major national insurance providers such as Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna, or UnitedHealthcare, which offer a range of employer-sponsored health plans. Potential Healthcare Cost Increases in 2026: As Kontoor Brands navigates the healthcare landscape, it faces potential healthcare cost increases projected at 8.5% in 2026. This surge is attributed to several factors, including rising medical expenses, heightened claims activity, and shifts in cost-sharing strategies being implemented by employers. Furthermore, the impending expiration of enhanced ACA premium subsidies could exacerbate costs for many employees, leading to a significant 75% increase in out-of-pocket premiums for those reliant on marketplace insurance. This scenario highlights the urgent need for companies to reevaluate their health benefits strategies in preparation for the financial implications of these rising costs. Click here to learn more

The path to retirement marks a profound transition in life, encompassing not only financial adjustments but significant psychological and physical changes as well. The early years of this phase can deeply influence the subsequent decades, making it crucial for Kontoor Brands employees to approach retirement with a strategic and informed perspective.

Stephen Kreider Yoder and Karen Kreider Yoder provide a clear illustration of how to address the challenges that emerge as retirement nears. Stephen, a former editor at the Wall Street Journal, and his wife Karen have shared their proactive steps to maintain their health and vitality.

Initial Encounters and Preventive Measures

Stephen's experience with a persistent eye issue during his travels highlights a critical aspect of retirement: the inevitability of health issues. What started as a minor blur in his vision led to an emergency room visit in Minnesota, showcasing the unpredictable nature of health in retirement. This incident served as a reminder for Kontoor Brands personnel of the importance of vigilance and early medical consultation, a commitment the couple embraced upon retiring.

The Importance of Regular Health Patterns

Aware of age-related risks like cataracts, macular degeneration, and glaucoma, Stephen and Karen decided to undertake regular health screenings. This includes the Medicare Wellness Visit, a preventive measure that helps create personalized plans to ward off illnesses. During these visits, assessments such as cognitive tests are performed, which Stephen passed, highlighting an essential element of health monitoring for Kontoor Brands retirees.

Lifestyle Adjustments and Risk Management

They have also focused on adapting their lifestyle to reduce health risks. For example, Stephen stopped climbing stairs and both are more cautious about multitasking while walking. These adjustments are part of broader risk-reduction rules they have set to prevent falls and other accidents, particularly relevant as physical flexibility decreases with age at Kontoor Brands.

Nutritional Considerations and Physical Activity

Karen takes a proactive approach to preserving her health, consulting healthcare professionals, including family members who are physicians. She has been advised to focus on prevention through diet, physical activity, and mental health practices. Following longevity experts like Peter Attia, she aims to maintain a diet rich in grains, white meats, and primarily plants, alongside regular physical activities like cycling and weight training, ensuring Kontoor Brands employees maintain a healthy lifestyle.

Psychological Well-being and Social Engagement

The mental aspect of retirement is as crucial as the physical side. Loneliness and social isolation can lead to depression and other mental health issues in older adults. Karen and Stephen are aware of this, striving to remain socially active, which is essential for emotional and psychological well-being among Kontoor Brands colleagues.

Financial Health as Part of Overall Health

While their monthly columns lack explicit financial details, the financial aspect of retirement is inherently connected to overall health. The eye condition that Stephen encountered resulted in a significant medical bill, for which they were partially responsible. This situation highlights the importance of financial planning and the potential for unexpected expenses associated with aging for Kontoor Brands employees.

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In Conclusion

The Yoders' journey serves as a reflective example for many entering this life phase at Kontoor Brands. They emphasize the importance of a holistic approach to retirement that includes health vigilance, preventive care, lifestyle adjustments, and maintaining social connections. As they navigate their later years, their experiences and insights offer valuable lessons on managing and possibly enhancing the chances of a healthy recovery.

Adopting a holistic perspective on retirement is not just about preserving health but also ensuring that life's later years are as fulfilling and enriching as possible. The proactive measures taken by the Yoders serve as a model for others, showing that while aging is inevitable, deterioration is not an absolute outcome if appropriate steps are taken.

A recent study by the American Heart Association (2021) underscores the importance of maintaining cardiovascular health in retirement. According to the study, individuals over 60 can significantly reduce their risk of cardiovascular diseases by engaging in moderate aerobic activities like brisk walking for at least 150 minutes per week. This routine not only improves heart health but also strengthens physical and mental well-being, essential components for a fulfilling retirement for Kontoor Brands retirees. Incorporating regular cardiovascular activity is a proactive initiative to extend vitality and reduce health expenses in the coming years.

What type of retirement savings plan does Kontoor Brands offer to its employees?

Kontoor Brands offers a 401(k) retirement savings plan to help employees save for their future.

How can employees of Kontoor Brands enroll in the 401(k) plan?

Employees can enroll in the Kontoor Brands 401(k) plan by accessing the enrollment portal through the company’s HR website or by contacting the HR department for assistance.

Does Kontoor Brands match employee contributions to the 401(k) plan?

Yes, Kontoor Brands provides a matching contribution to employee contributions, helping to enhance retirement savings.

What is the vesting schedule for the 401(k) match at Kontoor Brands?

The vesting schedule for the Kontoor Brands 401(k) match typically follows a standard schedule, which employees can review in the plan documents provided by the HR department.

Can employees of Kontoor Brands change their contribution percentage to the 401(k) plan?

Yes, employees can change their contribution percentage to the Kontoor Brands 401(k) plan at any time, subject to plan rules.

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

The Kontoor Brands 401(k) plan offers a variety of investment options, including mutual funds, target-date funds, and other investment vehicles.

Is there a loan option available through the Kontoor Brands 401(k) plan?

Yes, Kontoor Brands allows employees to take loans against their 401(k) balance, subject to certain terms and conditions.

How can employees access their 401(k) account information at Kontoor Brands?

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

What happens to the 401(k) plan if an employee leaves Kontoor Brands?

If an employee leaves Kontoor Brands, they have several options for their 401(k) balance, including rolling it over to another retirement account or leaving it in the Kontoor Brands plan if eligible.

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

Yes, there may be fees associated with the Kontoor Brands 401(k) plan, which are disclosed in the plan documents and can vary based on investment choices.

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

For Kontoor Brands, the company offers a 401(k) Savings Plan as part of its employee retirement benefits. In 2022 and 2023, the plan was structured to allow employees to make elective deferrals from their salaries, which are matched by the company under a safe harbor provision. Employees can also participate in hardship withdrawals and loans from their 401(k) accounts, subject to IRS rules. Participants may access their accounts at retirement, disability, death, or termination of employment. Vesting is immediate for all employee contributions and the company's matching contributions (Kontoor Brands, Inc.) (Kontoor Brands, Inc.). The company's pension-related benefits have changed over time, with a move away from traditional defined benefit plans to more flexible, employee-directed investment plans such as the 401(k). Kontoor Brands reported pension assets in their financial statements, noting a median total pension plan asset of $9.25 million from fiscal years ending 2019 through 2023 (finbox). Although specific defined benefit pension plans were not emphasized in recent years, restructuring efforts resulted in gains from pension curtailments during fiscal events such as in 2022

News: In 2023, Kontoor Brands initiated workforce reductions as part of its global restructuring efforts. The company announced layoffs across several regions, including the U.S. and Europe, to streamline its operations under the "Project Jeanius Global Transformation" initiative. This restructuring also included the relocation of Kontoor's European headquarters, resulting in severance payments and other employee-related costs, while attempting to globalize its operating model (Business Wire) (Kontoor Brands, Inc.) (Kontoor Brands, Inc.). Additionally, Kontoor overhauled its 401(k) plan by updating its investment options lineup, providing employees with better financial planning resources for retirement (Business Wire).

Stock Options: Kontoor Brands provides eligible employees with stock options, allowing them to purchase shares at a predetermined exercise price. The vesting schedules for stock options at Kontoor Brands typically span over three to four years. As of 2022 and continuing into 2023 and 2024, these stock options were available to mid-to-senior-level employees, primarily in management roles (Kontoor Brands, Inc.). RSUs: Kontoor Brands also grants RSUs, which vest over a set period, typically three years. RSUs do not require employees to purchase shares, but rather, once vested, they convert into actual shares of Kontoor Brands stock. This feature ensures that employees benefit directly from the company's stock price performance. The availability of RSUs in 2022, 2023, and 2024 extended to a broader group of employees, including executives and high-performing individuals within various business units

Kontoor Brands, a global lifestyle apparel company, provides a comprehensive health and wellness program to support its employees' physical and financial well-being. Their benefits include competitive healthcare plans designed to offer flexibility, security, and choice to meet the needs of employees and their families. Key health benefits include medical, dental, and vision coverage, along with access to wellness programs like an onsite gym, company cafeteria, and a community garden (Kontoor Brands, Inc.) (Kontoor Brands, Inc.) (Kontoor Brands, Inc.). Employee health is further supported by Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) and affinity networks, which focus on fostering diversity, inclusion, and a sense of community. Additionally, Kontoor offers paid time off for volunteering, promoting community engagement through activities like planting pollinator gardens and installing denim insulation in homes

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For more information you can reach the plan administrator for Kontoor Brands at , ; or by calling them at .

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