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

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Are You Fully Leveraging Your Health Savings Account as a General Electric Employee?

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Healthcare Provider Update: Healthcare Provider for General Electric General Electric (GE) employees typically have access to healthcare coverage through their employer-sponsored health plans. One of the prominent providers for GE is Cigna Healthcare, which offers a range of health insurance plans including medical, dental, and vision coverage tailored to accommodate GE employees. Potential Healthcare Cost Increases in 2026 As we approach 2026, General Electric employees should brace for significant increases in healthcare costs. With insurance companies projecting premium hikes up to 66% in certain states, coupled with the potential expiration of enhanced federal subsidies, many workers could see their out-of-pocket expenses soar. A survey revealed that over half of employers plan to raise deductibles and out-of-pocket maximums, making it essential for GE employees to review their benefit options early and strategize for the rising costs. Failing to adapt could result in substantially higher healthcare spending for families at a time when affordability is more critical than ever. Click here to learn more

Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) were introduced under the administration of George W. Bush in 2003, but their adoption was initially slow, with only about $10 billion in assets by the end of their first decade. However, growth surged in the years that followed, particularly alongside the rise of high-deductible health plans, which are a prerequisite for HSA eligibility.  By the end of 2023, HSA assets had grown to over $123 billion, according to data from consulting firm HSA Devenir .

A significant portion of HSA funds—$77 billion—remains in savings accounts, primarily used to cover out-of-pocket healthcare expenses. Meanwhile, $46 billion has been allocated for long-term investment in bonds, despite recent market fluctuations affecting balances. The investment feature within HSAs has gained popularity due to its substantial tax advantages, such as pre-tax contributions, tax-deferred growth, and tax-free distributions for qualified medical expenses, making HSAs more appealing than other retirement vehicles like IRAs and 401(k)s.

Concerns about contributing too much to HSAs may seem misplaced given the account's flexible withdrawal options. In cases where the account balance exceeds expected healthcare expenses, there are two primary strategies to access the funds while maintaining the tax benefits.

Strategy 1: Spend Now, Reimburse Later

This strategy encourages using non-HSA funds for immediate healthcare costs, allowing the HSA balance to grow tax-free. One of the greatest flexibilities of HSAs is the lack of a time limit for reimbursing yourself for past medical expenses, as long as you maintain proper documentation. For instance, if a General Electric employee paid $5,000 for medical expenses from a non-HSA account in 2023 and then contributed the maximum family limit of $8,300 to their HSA in 2024 without using it, they could reimburse themselves in December 2024 for the $5,000 spent on 2023 healthcare. This reimbursement would be tax-free, provided they can document the 2023 expenses. While this strategy allows for tax-free fund access, it may be more beneficial to preserve HSA funds for maximum tax-free growth.

Strategy 2: HSA Withdrawals After Age 65

Once you reach age 65, HSA withdrawal rules become even more flexible. Funds can be withdrawn for any purpose, much like distributions from a traditional IRA or 401(k), where withdrawals are taxed but enjoy prior tax-free contributions and growth. This makes HSAs a powerful additional savings vehicle for retirement. For General Electric employees who used non-HSA assets for medical expenses and preserved their HSA funds, these funds can be accessed for any reason after age 65, as long as past medical expenses are documented.

The Importance of Strategic HSA Management

While HSAs offer flexible withdrawal options, it’s essential to manage them strategically, especially considering inheritance scenarios. Unlike IRAs, HSAs do not offer the same tax benefits when inherited by non-spouses, as the inherited funds become fully taxable. General Electric employees with HSAs may want to consider spending these funds on healthcare expenses or designating charitable beneficiaries, who would not face tax liabilities on inherited amounts.

A well-thought-out strategy is crucial for HSA beneficiaries. Spouse beneficiaries can continue to enjoy HSA tax benefits, but in cases where a non-spouse is the beneficiary, it is advisable to prioritize strategic withdrawals to minimize tax impacts.

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In conclusion, the evolution of HSAs highlights their growing recognition as both a healthcare funding and retirement resource. Their dual tax efficiency and flexibility make them a valuable part of any comprehensive financial strategy, especially for General Electric employees seeking to effectively manage healthcare costs while optimizing retirement savings growth. HSAs are not just tools for managing healthcare expenses; they are also essential components of a broader financial plan.

According to a recent study by the Employee Benefit Research Institute (EBRI) in April 2023, one key aspect of HSAs is their significance for individuals approaching retirement . The study revealed that those over 55 with HSAs had significantly higher average balances ($45,000) compared to their younger counterparts. This underscores the importance of HSAs not only as a tool for managing healthcare expenses but also as an essential asset in retirement planning. Many in this demographic take advantage of the catch-up contribution (an additional $1,000 allowed for individuals over 55), further bolstering their financial stability during retirement transitions.

Think of an HSA as a hybrid financial vehicle: it combines long-term tax savings with the power of investment growth. Just as a hybrid car uses both fuel and electricity to optimize efficiency and performance, an HSA leverages both immediate tax benefits and future financial growth opportunities to optimize healthcare and retirement savings. By funding short-term medical expenses with tax-advantaged dollars and growing investments for future use, the HSA mirrors the flexibility and long-term benefits of a hybrid, making it a key component of General Electric's strategic retirement planning.

What is the primary purpose of General Electric's 401(k) Savings Plan?

The primary purpose of General Electric's 401(k) Savings Plan is to help employees save for retirement by allowing them to contribute a portion of their salary into a tax-advantaged account.

How can employees of General Electric enroll in the 401(k) Savings Plan?

Employees of General Electric can enroll in the 401(k) Savings Plan by accessing the company’s benefits portal and following the enrollment instructions provided there.

Does General Electric offer matching contributions to the 401(k) Savings Plan?

Yes, General Electric offers matching contributions to the 401(k) Savings Plan, which helps employees increase their retirement savings.

What types of investment options are available in General Electric's 401(k) Savings Plan?

General Electric's 401(k) Savings Plan typically offers a range of investment options, including mutual funds, stocks, and bonds, allowing employees to choose based on their risk tolerance.

When can employees of General Electric start contributing to the 401(k) Savings Plan?

Employees of General Electric can start contributing to the 401(k) Savings Plan after they have completed their eligibility requirements, which usually include a waiting period.

What is the maximum contribution limit for General Electric's 401(k) Savings Plan?

The maximum contribution limit for General Electric's 401(k) Savings Plan is subject to IRS regulations and may change annually. Employees should refer to the latest IRS guidelines for the current limit.

Can employees of General Electric take loans against their 401(k) Savings Plan?

Yes, General Electric allows employees to take loans against their 401(k) Savings Plan, subject to certain conditions and limits set by the plan.

How does General Electric's 401(k) Savings Plan handle employee contributions?

General Electric's 401(k) Savings Plan allows employees to set a percentage of their salary to be automatically deducted and contributed to their retirement account.

What happens to the 401(k) Savings Plan if an employee leaves General Electric?

If an employee leaves General Electric, they can choose to roll over their 401(k) Savings Plan balance to another retirement account, cash out, or leave the funds in the plan if permitted.

Is there a vesting period for General Electric's matching contributions in the 401(k) Savings Plan?

Yes, General Electric has a vesting schedule for matching contributions, meaning employees must work for a certain period before they fully own those contributions.

With the current political climate we are in it is important to keep up with current news and remain knowledgeable about your benefits.
General Electric offers both a traditional defined benefit pension plan and a defined contribution 401(k) plan. The defined benefit plan provides retirement income based on years of service and final average pay. The 401(k) plan features company matching contributions and various investment options, including target-date funds and mutual funds. GE has frozen its defined benefit pension plan for new hires, shifting towards enhancing the defined contribution plan. Employees have access to financial planning tools and resources.
GE is continuing its restructuring efforts, which include significant layoffs and divestitures to streamline operations. The company is enhancing its retirement benefits, including 401(k) plans with company match and improved healthcare options. Staying knowledgeable about these benefits is crucial in the current political climate.
General Electric grants RSUs that vest over several years, giving employees shares upon vesting. They also provide stock options, allowing employees to buy shares at a set price.
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