Many of our clients from Blue Cross Blue Shield have wanted to know more about immediate and deferred annuities. To start off simply, the terms immediate annuity and deferred annuity simply indicate when the distribution phase of the annuity begins. Both allow unlimited contributions, and both can provide, upon election, a continuous stream of payments for life. So, what's the difference?
Immediate Annuities
First, we'd like our clients from Blue Cross Blue Shield to understand immediate annuities. Immediate annuities allow you to convert a lump sum of cash into an income stream. They differ from deferred annuities in that they do not have an accumulation period. They are funded with a single lump-sum payment rather than with a series of premium payments. An annuity option is chosen, and the distribution period begins within 12 months after the purchase.
Immediate annuities may appeal to any Blue Cross Blue Shield clients who want an investment return that they cannot outlive. The distributions are considered partly a return of the original investment and partly earnings. You are taxed on the earnings portion only.
Immediate annuities are also used to provide benefits from a terminated defined benefit pension plan. In this situation, the accrued benefits under the plan are determined for each plan participant, and a single premium annuity may be purchased for each plan participant, with benefits usually starting at age 65.
Another common use is in the structured settlement of lawsuits. In these cases, the parties agree to pay a sum of money not as a lump sum but as a series of payments, often for the life of an injured party. A monthly amount to be paid is agreed to by the parties, and an annuity is purchased that provides that amount.
Deferred Annuities
Next, we'd like to make sure our Blue Cross Blue Shield clients understand deferred annuities. With a deferred annuity, you make a lump sum or a series of premium payments and defer the payout until some time in the future. This is known as the accumulation period. The earnings in the annuity are not subject to taxation until distributed.
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Deferred annuities can provide an attractive investment supplement to IRAs and qualified pension plans such as 401(k) plans.
Note: We'd like our Blue Cross Blue Shield clients to note that annuity guarantees are subject to the claims-paying ability of the annuity issuer. Annuity distributions made prior to age 59½ may be subject to a 10% federal tax penalty unless an exception applies.
What type of retirement savings plan does Blue Cross Blue Shield offer to its employees?
Blue Cross Blue Shield offers a 401(k) retirement savings plan to help employees save for their future.
How can employees of Blue Cross Blue Shield enroll in the 401(k) plan?
Employees can enroll in the Blue Cross Blue Shield 401(k) plan by completing the enrollment process through the company’s HR portal.
Does Blue Cross Blue Shield provide any matching contributions to the 401(k) plan?
Yes, Blue Cross Blue Shield offers a matching contribution to the 401(k) plan, which helps employees maximize their retirement savings.
What is the eligibility requirement for employees to participate in Blue Cross Blue Shield's 401(k) plan?
Employees are typically eligible to participate in Blue Cross Blue Shield's 401(k) plan after completing a specified period of service, as outlined in the plan documents.
Can employees of Blue Cross Blue Shield change their contribution percentage to the 401(k) plan?
Yes, employees can change their contribution percentage to the Blue Cross Blue Shield 401(k) plan at any time, subject to the plan's guidelines.
What investment options are available in Blue Cross Blue Shield's 401(k) plan?
Blue Cross Blue Shield offers a variety of investment options in its 401(k) plan, including mutual funds, target-date funds, and other investment vehicles.
Is there a vesting schedule for the employer match in Blue Cross Blue Shield's 401(k) plan?
Yes, Blue Cross Blue Shield has a vesting schedule for employer matching contributions, which determines when employees gain full ownership of those funds.
How can employees access their 401(k) account information at Blue Cross Blue Shield?
Employees can access their 401(k) account information through the online portal provided by Blue Cross Blue Shield’s retirement plan administrator.
Are there any fees associated with Blue Cross Blue Shield's 401(k) plan?
Yes, there may be administrative fees associated with the Blue Cross Blue Shield 401(k) plan, which are disclosed in the plan documents.
What happens to an employee's 401(k) balance if they leave Blue Cross Blue Shield?
If an employee leaves Blue Cross Blue Shield, they have several options for their 401(k) balance, including rolling it over to another retirement account or leaving it in the Blue Cross Blue Shield plan if permitted.