Navigating Retirement: Annuities vs. IRA Withdrawals for ResMed Employees

Healthcare Provider Update: ResMed provides health insurance coverage to its U.S.-based employees through comprehensive medical plans, along with dental, vision, and life insurance. Employees benefit from flexible work arrangements, retirement plans, and an employee stock purchase program. The company also offers mental health support and wellness initiatives to promote work-life balance. ResMed Healthcare costs in the United States are projected to continue rising through 2026, with insurers proposing significant premium increases for Affordable Care Act (ACA) plans. A recent analysis found that ACA insurers are seeking a median premium increase of 15% for 2026, marking the largest hike since 2018. This surge is attributed to factors such as the anticipated expiration of enhanced premium tax credits, rising medical costsincluding expensive medications and increased hospital staysand a shift in the risk pool towards higher-cost enrollees. Without the renewal of enhanced subsidies, out-of-pocket premiums for ACA marketplace enrollees could increase by more than 75% on average. Click here to learn more

There are just a couple of things almost all ResMed retirees need when they hit retirement: predictable income and protection against a cluster of risks, which include longevity risk, performance risk and sequence-of-returns risk.

In the past we have seen retiring ResMed employees utilize the “4% rule,” where retirees take annual withdrawals start at 4% of the entire portfolio and increase with inflation. They then keep the remainder of the portfolio with at least 50% invested in equities. Based on historical data, this would give a ResMed retiree about 30 years of retirement income.

As the economy constantly changes, a number of factors may force prospective ResMed retirees to revisit the 4% rule. It may be worth considering annuities as an alternative.

As life expectancies increase, ResMed retirees need to prepare for expenses over a longer time frame. In the past we would plan for a 15 to 20 year retirement, but now we need to prepare for a 30 to 35 year retirement. What is available to assist meeting the 35-year time frame?  

The annuity strategy can assist with a few of the pitfalls we see in the 4% rule. For example:

If you need $50,000 per year in retirement and need that for 30 years, you may need $1.2 million in fixed income at a 3% interest rate. BUT if you look to fund $50,000 for 30 years, you can cover that expense with $800,000 by choosing the annuity option.

The other pitfall with the 4% rule is that it may not reflect a client’s risk tolerance. When you are accumulating assets, you can afford more volatility and can take on more risk than when in the retirement and withdrawal phase after leaving ResMed. 

Also, should we see a drop in the market, you would be able to reduce your income using the 4% rule, which you cannot do if you choose an annuity option.

 

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