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

The Future of 401(k) Contributions for Exelon: A Balanced Outlook and Considerations

Healthcare Provider Update: Healthcare Provider for Exelon Exelon does not operate as a healthcare provider; rather, it is a major energy company known for its utility services. However, it is associated with Exelon (the medication), which is a treatment for Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases, marketed by Knight Therapeutics in Latin America and licensed from Novartis. Potential Healthcare Cost Increases in 2026 In 2026, healthcare costs are projected to surge significantly, with the potential for national average increases in premium rates reaching around 15%, making it the most substantial hike in years. This rise is fueled by escalating medical expenses, the expiration of enhanced federal premium subsidies, and hefty rate requests from major insurers. For many consumers, this may translate to over a 75% increase in out-of-pocket expenses, as more than 22 million individuals could be affected by the loss of subsidies that currently ease their premium burdens. As a result, it is crucial for consumers to prepare strategically in 2025 to mitigate these rising costs. Click here to learn more

Exelon is in the process of cutting costs to help cope with an economy left behind by the pandemic. Coronavirus took a toll on the entire economy, but it came down on the oil & gas industry especially hard. According to S&P Global, Exelon announced plans to cut an additional $1.6 billion in operating expenditures, making the total reduction $2.3 billion.

But what will be on the chopping block? Could Exelon be the next corporation to suspend or reduce their company match program?

One of Exelon’ major competitors, ExxonMobil, announced that it would stop matching corporate employee’s contributions to their retirement savings plans. To get a better idea of what an end to 401(k) Matching would look like, let’s use them as an example. Earlier this year, ExxonMobil sent a mass email to its employees alerting them that the company match would be suspended indefinitely. The suspension of these benefits officially began on October 1st, 2020. According to Reuters, ExxonMobil has now experienced “its first back-to-back quarterly loss in 36 years because of the drop in demand during the novel coronavirus pandemic.”

ExxonMobil has two savings plans available to corporate employees. The first is the U.S. ExxonMobil Savings Plan (EMSP) and the second is the U.S. Supplement Savings Plan (SSP). The company was matching a 6% minimum employee contribution with 7% of the participant’s pay. These match programs will be reinstated beginning on October 1st, according to Reuters.

There has been a consistent economic trend showing that corporations will decrease or suspend benefits when a recession strikes. We witnessed this in the 2001 recession when General Motors, Charles Schwab, Goodyear Tire & Rubber, and Ford, all decreased or suspended their company match programs. The same happened in 2008, with Forbes reporting that nearly 20% of companies with over 1,000 employees reduced or suspended 401(k) contributions. Unfortunately, that trend seems to be continuing in the wake of the current recession brought on by the Coronavirus pandemic. According to Market Watch, 16 major companies have suspended their 401(k) matching programs last year including Amtrak, Marriott Vacations Worldwide, and Tenet Health. General Electric & Lockheed Martin also made big news with their announcements to cut benefits in 2019. There have even been rumors of AT&T cutting benefits to hit their target goal of $10 billion in cost cuts.

When benefits are frozen, employees in the mid to late portion of their career are usually hurt the most. If Exelon' match program does end, it’s a good idea to calculate exactly how much this will affect your retirement savings plan. Forbes recommends maintaining your retirement contributions and even increasing them if you have the funds. This can help compensate for the loss of benefits.

For more information regarding Exelon' 401(k) matching program, contact your HR department.

Featured Video

Articles you may find interesting:

Corporate Employees: 8 Factors When Choosing a Mutual Fund

Use of Escrow Accounts: Divorce

Medicare Open Enrollment for Corporate Employees: Cost Changes in 2024!

Stages of Retirement for Corporate Employees

7 Things to Consider Before Leaving Your Company

How Are Workers Impacted by Inflation & Rising Interest Rates?

Lump-Sum vs Annuity and Rising Interest Rates

Internal Revenue Code Section 409A (Governing Nonqualified Deferred Compensation Plans)

Corporate Employees: Do NOT Believe These 6 Retirement Myths!

401K, Social Security, Pension – How to Maximize Your Options

Have You Looked at Your 401(k) Plan Recently?

11 Questions You Should Ask Yourself When Planning for Retirement

Worst Month of Layoffs In Over a Year!

https://www.reuters.com/business/energy/exxon-plans-reinstate-employer-401k-match-oct-1-2021-07-02/

How does Exelon's separation process into RemainCo and SpinCo impact the retirement benefits for employees in both segments, and what should employees at Exelon consider regarding their retirement planning in light of this structural change?

Exelon’s Separation into RemainCo and SpinCo: The separation into RemainCo and SpinCo may result in different benefits structures for employees, with RemainCo focusing on regulated utilities and SpinCo on competitive energy generation. Employees should evaluate how their specific retirement benefits, such as pensions and 401(k) plans, may change or be restructured under the new entities. Employees need to consider the impact of this change on their long-term retirement planning, especially with regard to how the corporate shift may affect contributions, vesting, and retirement payouts.

In what ways can Exelon employees leverage the Employee Savings Plan to maximize their retirement savings, and what specific features of the plan should employees be aware of to ensure they are making the most of their contributions?

Maximizing Retirement Savings through the Employee Savings Plan: Exelon’s Employee Savings Plan offers tax-advantaged retirement savings with employer matching contributions. Employees should be aware of contribution limits, matching percentages, and vesting schedules to make the most of the plan. Additionally, employees should consider automatic enrollment features, target-date funds, and the availability of Roth contributions, ensuring they optimize their retirement savings through strategic contribution increases over time.

What retirement resources does Exelon provide to assist employees in understanding their pension options, and how does the company's support aim to facilitate a smooth transition into retirement?

Pension Options Resources: Exelon provides resources like retirement planning tools, financial counseling, and access to benefits specialists to help employees understand their pension options. These resources are designed to assist employees in making informed decisions regarding payout options such as lump sums versus annuities. The company’s goal is to help employees transition smoothly into retirement by offering educational sessions and personalized guidance on maximizing their benefits.

Can you elaborate on the diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts at Exelon, particularly how these initiatives impact the workplace environment for employees approaching retirement, and what specific policies or programs are in place to support them?

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Efforts: Exelon's DEI initiatives positively impact employees approaching retirement by fostering an inclusive environment where employees from diverse backgrounds are supported in planning for their future. Policies such as anti-age discrimination and flexible working arrangements help ensure that older employees can transition smoothly into retirement while still contributing meaningfully in their final working years(Exelon_Corporation_Febr…).

How can Exelon employees evaluate their nonqualified deferred compensation options as they near retirement, and what implications should they consider regarding taxes and withdrawal strategies?

Evaluating Nonqualified Deferred Compensation: Exelon employees nearing retirement should carefully evaluate their nonqualified deferred compensation options, focusing on timing withdrawals to minimize tax liabilities. These plans are often subject to different tax treatments, and employees should consider potential penalties for early withdrawal and strategize around deferral and distribution schedules to optimize their retirement income.

What role does Exelonâ€™s commitment to ESG principles play in its employee benefits structure, and how might changes in this area influence retirement planning for employees at Exelon?

ESG Principles and Employee Benefits: Exelon’s commitment to Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles influences its benefits structure by promoting sustainable and responsible practices. Employees may see continued enhancements in green investment options in their retirement plans, and changes to benefits programs may reflect a stronger focus on social responsibility and long-term sustainability, which could affect their retirement planning strategies(Exelon_Corporation_Febr…).

How can employees at Exelon access information about their total compensation packages, including retirement benefits, and what steps should they take to ensure they are maximizing their overall compensation as they approach retirement?

Accessing Total Compensation Information: Exelon employees can access information about their total compensation packages, including retirement benefits, through the company’s HR portal and benefits department. To ensure they are maximizing their compensation as they approach retirement, employees should regularly review their pension, 401(k) contributions, and healthcare benefits, seeking advice from the company’s financial planners or HR representatives(Exelon_Corporation_Febr…).

What constitutes the normal retirement age at Exelon, and how do retirement benefits adjust for employees who retire earlier or later than this age?

Normal Retirement Age and Early/Late Retirement: Exelon’s normal retirement age typically aligns with the age for full pension eligibility, which could be 65 or 67 depending on the plan. Employees who retire earlier may face reduced pension benefits, while those who delay retirement could receive enhanced payouts. It’s crucial for employees to understand how their specific retirement age affects their pension formula(Exelon_Corporation_Febr…).

How can Exelon employees provide feedback on employee benefits during the consultation process, especially those related to retirement, and what channels are available for them to voice their concerns or suggestions?

Providing Feedback on Retirement Benefits: Exelon encourages employees to provide feedback on benefits through regular surveys, town hall meetings, and direct consultations with the HR department. Employees can voice their concerns or suggestions regarding retirement plans during open enrollment periods or scheduled consultations with benefits specialists(Exelon_Corporation_Febr…).

What is the best way for employees to contact Exelon regarding questions about their retirement benefits and other related topics, and which resources or personnel should they turn to for the most accurate and reliable information?

Contacting Exelon for Retirement Questions: Employees with questions about retirement benefits can contact Exelon’s HR department, use the company’s dedicated benefits hotline, or access retirement planning resources on the company’s internal portal. For specific inquiries, employees may also reach out to benefits counselors or attend company-provided retirement planning seminars(Exelon_Corporation_Febr…).

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

Exelon offers both a traditional defined benefit pension plan and a defined contribution 401(k) plan. The defined benefit plan includes a cash balance component, where benefits grow based on years of service and compensation, with interest credits added annually. The 401(k) plan features company matching contributions and various investment options, including target-date funds and mutual funds. Exelon provides financial planning resources and tools to help employees manage their retirement savings.

Layoffs and Restructuring: Exelon announced it will lay off 500 employees and incur a $40 million severance charge as part of a massive restructuring. The aim is to optimize operations and manage costs effectively amidst changing market conditions (Source: NBC Philadelphia). Financial Performance: Exelon reported strong financial results for Q4 2023, with significant increases in net income across its business units due to distribution rate increases and lower storm costs (Source: Exelon). Operational Strategy: The company introduced a 2024 guidance range for adjusted operating earnings, focusing on revenue growth and cost management (Source: Exelon).

Exelon grants stock options and RSUs to incentivize employees. Stock options allow employees to buy shares at a set price after vesting, while RSUs are awarded with vesting conditions such as tenure or performance. In 2022, Exelon focused on RSUs to retain talent and align with strategic goals. This continued in 2023 and 2024, with broader RSU programs and performance-linked sto

Exelon has been actively updating its employee healthcare benefits to keep pace with the changing economic, investment, tax, and political environment. In 2022, Exelon introduced a series of enhancements to its healthcare plans, aiming to provide comprehensive coverage while managing costs effectively. These updates included a variety of plan options, such as high and low deductible plans and HMO and PPO plans. The company also emphasized mental health support, expanding access to counseling services and wellness programs to address the growing need for mental health resources among its employees. In 2023, Exelon continued to prioritize employee healthcare by further refining its benefits offerings. The company implemented personalized care options through partnerships with local healthcare providers, enhancing preventive health services to address chronic disease management. Exelon's commitment to robust healthcare benefits reflects its understanding of the importance of employee well-being in driving productivity and sustaining business success amid economic uncertainties. This strategic focus on healthcare not only supports employee health but also positions Exelon to better navigate the economic and political challenges that impact both the company and its workforce.

Additional Articles

Check Out Articles for Exelon employees

For more information you can reach the plan administrator for Exelon at 1 riverside plaza Columbus, OH 43215-2373; or by calling them at 614-716-1000.

https://www.exeloncorp.com/Documents/2022-annual-report.pdf - Page 8, https://www.exeloncorp.com/Documents/2023-annual-report.pdf - Page 15, https://www.exeloncorp.com/Documents/2024-annual-report.pdf - Page 22, https://www.exeloncorp.com/Documents/employee-pension-plan-2022.pdf - Page 5, https://www.exeloncorp.com/Documents/employee-pension-plan-2023.pdf - Page 12, https://www.exeloncorp.com/Documents/employee-pension-plan-2024.pdf - Page 15, https://www.exeloncorp.com/Documents/401k-plan-2022.pdf - Page 8, https://www.exeloncorp.com/Documents/401k-plan-2023.pdf - Page 22, https://www.exeloncorp.com/Documents/401k-plan-2024.pdf - Page 28, https://www.exeloncorp.com/Documents/healthcare-plan-2022.pdf - Page 20