Medical, Dental, and Vision Benefit Plans
Early Retirees and Eligible Dependents Under 65
Retirees and Eligible Dependents Over 65
The Form 5500s are filed annually with the Department of Labor and Internal Revenue Service and contain audited financial information related to each plan. This report is mandated by the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA) of 1974 (as amended).
The Summary Annual Reports are sent to employees each year and are an abstract of information contained in the Form 5500 Reports. These reports also are sent to the Department of Labor and Internal Revenue Service each year and are mandated by the Employee Retirement and Income Security Act (ERISA) of 1974 (as amended) also. The Summary Annual Reports generally contain the following information.
The Annual Pension Plan Funding Notices replace the Summary Annual Reports for pension plans. The Pension Protection Act of 2006 requires sponsors of defined benefit pension plans to provide plan participants with certain information about the funded status of each plan. The notices also include required information about federal rules governing plan terminations and benefit payments guaranteed by the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation, a federal agency.
The intent of these reports is to provide a thumbnail sketch of the Plans. After your review of the Summary Annual Reports and Pension Plan Funding Notices, please contact the person listed in the report if you have any questions or need more information.
Montana Retirees: Contact the NorthWestern Benefits department with any questions. If you have a deferred benefit, contact the Benefits department at least 60 days prior to the date you wish to commence benefit payments.
South Dakota and Nebraska Retirees: Retirees receiving pension benefit payments should contact John Hancock Pension Service to update their address, tax withholding elections or bank information. If you have a deferred benefit, please contact the Benefits department at least 60 days prior to the date you wish to commence benefit payments.
NorthWestern's Group Life Insurance Plan is a fully insured plan through Lincoln Financial Group. Please contact the Benefits department with questions regarding life insurance benefits.
The NorthWestern 401(k) Retirement Savings Plan is administered by Fidelity Investments. All transactions, including withdrawals, rollovers and beneficiary designation may be initiated by contacting Fidelity Investments.
