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

The Future of 401(k) Contributions for Kimberly-Clark: A Balanced Outlook and Considerations

Healthcare Provider Update: Healthcare Provider for Kimberly-Clark: Kimberly-Clark does not typically provide direct healthcare services as a core aspect of its business. However, it does offer healthcare products under its brand portfolio, which includes items like medical gloves and protective wear used in various healthcare settings. The company primarily focuses on consumer products in personal care and hygiene, and while it may collaborate with organizations in the healthcare sector, it is not a traditional healthcare provider. Potential Healthcare Cost Increases for Kimberly-Clark in 2026: As we approach 2026, Kimberly-Clark and its consumers may face significant increases in healthcare costs due to anticipated steep hikes in health insurance premiums. The Affordable Care Act (ACA) marketplace is expected to see rate increases exceeding 60% in certain regions, driven by factors such as rising medical costs and potential loss of enhanced federal premium subsidies. Without intervention, these escalating premiums could drastically affect affordability for millions, with some policyholders at risk of experiencing up to a 75% rise in out-of-pocket expenses. This perfect storm of rising costs could pressure both Kimberly-Clark's employees and consumers, impacting the overall demand for its healthcare-related products. Click here to learn more

Kimberly-Clark 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, Kimberly-Clark 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 Kimberly-Clark be the next corporation to suspend or reduce their company match program?

One of Kimberly-Clark’ 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 Kimberly-Clark' 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 Kimberly-Clark' 401(k) matching program, contact your HR department.

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

What is the 401(k) plan offered by Kimberly-Clark?

The 401(k) plan offered by Kimberly-Clark is a retirement savings plan that allows employees to save a portion of their paycheck before taxes are taken out.

How does Kimberly-Clark match employee contributions to the 401(k) plan?

Kimberly-Clark provides a matching contribution to the 401(k) plan, which typically matches a percentage of what employees contribute, up to a specified limit.

Can employees at Kimberly-Clark choose how their 401(k) contributions are invested?

Yes, employees at Kimberly-Clark can choose from a variety of investment options within the 401(k) plan to align with their retirement goals.

When can employees at Kimberly-Clark enroll in the 401(k) plan?

Employees at Kimberly-Clark can enroll in the 401(k) plan during their initial onboarding period or during designated open enrollment periods.

Is there a vesting schedule for Kimberly-Clark's 401(k) matching contributions?

Yes, Kimberly-Clark has a vesting schedule for matching contributions, meaning employees must work for the company for a certain period before they fully own the matched funds.

What is the maximum contribution limit for Kimberly-Clark's 401(k) plan?

The maximum contribution limit for Kimberly-Clark's 401(k) plan is subject to IRS regulations, which are updated annually. Employees should refer to the latest guidelines for specific limits.

Does Kimberly-Clark offer any financial education resources for employees regarding their 401(k)?

Yes, Kimberly-Clark provides financial education resources and tools to help employees make informed decisions about their 401(k) savings and investments.

Can employees take loans against their 401(k) savings at Kimberly-Clark?

Yes, Kimberly-Clark allows employees to take loans against their 401(k) savings, subject to specific terms and conditions outlined in the plan.

What happens to my 401(k) if I leave Kimberly-Clark?

If you leave Kimberly-Clark, you have several options for your 401(k), including rolling it over to another retirement account, cashing it out, or leaving it in the Kimberly-Clark plan if allowed.

How often can employees change their contribution amounts to the 401(k) at Kimberly-Clark?

Employees at Kimberly-Clark can typically change their contribution amounts to the 401(k) plan during designated enrollment periods or as specified by the plan guidelines.

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

Kimberly-Clark offers both a defined benefit pension plan and a defined contribution plan. The defined benefit plan provides retirement income based on years of service and compensation, with benefits frozen but payable upon reaching specific milestones. In 2015, the company transferred payment responsibilities for retirees to Prudential and MassMutual.

Restructuring and Layoffs: Kimberly-Clark announced it will lay off approximately 1,000 employees globally as part of a restructuring plan to improve operational efficiency (Source: Reuters). Cost Management: The company aims to save $500 million annually through these measures. Financial Performance: Kimberly-Clark reported a 5% increase in net sales for Q3 2023, driven by strong demand for personal care products (Source: Kimberly-Clark).

Kimberly-Clark grants RSUs that vest over time, providing shares upon meeting vesting conditions. Stock options are also part of their compensation plan, allowing employees to purchase shares at a fixed price.

Kimberly-Clark has been actively enhancing its employee healthcare benefits to adapt to the current economic, investment, tax, and political environment. In 2022, the company introduced several new healthcare initiatives aimed at improving employee well-being. These included comprehensive health insurance plans covering medical, dental, and vision care, along with mental health support through Employee Assistance Programs. The company also offered flexible work arrangements and wellness programs to help employees manage stress and maintain a healthy work-life balance. These enhancements reflect Kimberly-Clark's commitment to fostering a supportive and healthy workplace, which is essential for maintaining productivity and morale in a competitive market. In 2023, Kimberly-Clark continued to build on these initiatives by introducing additional benefits, such as increased access to telemedicine services and expanded support for mental health and wellness. The company's focus on employee healthcare aligns with its broader strategy to create a resilient and engaged workforce capable of navigating the complexities of the current economic landscape. These efforts are particularly important given the ongoing economic uncertainties and the increasing importance of employee well-being in driving business success. By investing in comprehensive healthcare benefits, Kimberly-Clark aims to attract and retain top talent, ensuring long-term sustainability and growth.

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For more information you can reach the plan administrator for Kimberly-Clark at 100 centurylink drive Monroe, LA 71203; or by calling them at 800-871-9244.

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