Healthcare Provider Update: Healthcare Provider for Dollar General Dollar General employees typically access healthcare coverage through UnitedHealthcare, which is their primary health insurance provider. This partnership offers a range of health plans that cater to the diverse needs of their workforce, including preventive care, emergency services, and other essential health benefits. Potential Healthcare Cost Increases in 2026 As we approach 2026, Dollar General employees and retirees may face significant increases in healthcare costs due to projected hikes in Affordable Care Act (ACA) premium rates. Anticipated increases could exceed 60% in some states, primarily driven by the potential expiration of enhanced federal subsidies, rising medical expenses, and aggressive rate requests from major insurers like UnitedHealthcare. Without renewed legislation to extend these subsidies, a staggering 92% of marketplace enrollees could see their out-of-pocket premiums jump by over 75%, drastically impacting their financial health and access to affordable care as they navigate this changing landscape. Click here to learn more
'With health care inflation outpacing general costs, Dollar General employees should consider building personalized strategies that include HSAs and emergency reserves to help manage future medical expenses.' — Michael Corgiat, a representative of The Retirement Group, a division of Wealth Enhancement.
'As medical expenses continue to rise, Dollar General employees benefit from proactively incorporating health care costs into their retirement planning through customized approaches like HSAs and dedicated emergency funds.' — Brent Wolf, a representative of The Retirement Group, a division of Wealth Enhancement.
In this article we will discuss:
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How health care inflation impacts retirement planning for Fortune 500 employees.
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Strategies with Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) and emergency medical funds.
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The need for tailored planning to meet Medicare gaps and long-term care needs.
Managing retirement health care costs calls for thoughtful planning, especially as medical expenses continue to outpace general inflation. Yet, for Fortune 500 professionals approaching retirement, generic guidance often misses the mark. Patrick Ray and Tyson Mavar of The Retirement Group, a division of Wealth Enhancement, recommend a customized approach that factors in health care inflation, coverage choices, tax-efficient tools, and access to liquid funds for unexpected medical events.
Health Care Estimate for Retirees
According to the Fidelity Retiree Health Care Cost Estimate, a 65-year‑old retiring in 2025 may need approximately $172,500 saved to cover health and medical expenses during retirement—an increase of over 4% since 2024. 1 Notably, this estimate assumes enrollment in Medicare Parts A, B, and D and excludes the costs of long‑term care.
Of that estimate, 44% of the costs would go to Medicare Parts B and D premiums, 47% relate to standard out‑of‑pocket costs (such as co-payments and deductibles), and 9% would be needed to purchase prescription medications. 1
These trends are particularly concerning given that roughly 20% of Americans say they haven’t considered health care in retirement planning, while 17% haven’t taken any planning steps yet. 2
For its part, the Employee Benefit Research Institute (EBRI) notes that a 65‑year‑old couple with higher prescription drug expenses may need as much as $413,000 to have a 90% likelihood of covering their medical needs in retirement. 3
The Value of a Personalized Retirement Health Care Approach
In light of this data, Ray and Mavar recommend developing a retirement health care strategy tailored to each individual's situation, particularly for those at large employers like Fortune 500. Key components could include:
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- Estimating expected medical needs
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- Using Health Savings Accounts (HSAs)
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- Keeping readily available funds for emergencies
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- Aligning health care coverage with lifespan and income expectations
1. Estimating Your Health Care Budget
Although industry research offers a baseline for average health care costs, it does not consider the full range of medical expenses Dollar General employees could face post-retirement. For instance, if you factor in costs related to long-term care, estimates could balloon by an additional $26,000 to $127,750 per year. 4
Beyond long-term care, additional cost categories could include:
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- Medicare premiums
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- Prescription medications and co‑pays
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- Services not covered by Medicare (e.g., dental, vision)
Ray and Mavar caution Fortune 500 professionals not to underestimate these figures when planning.
2. Gaps in Preparedness
With 17% of Americans having taken no action to plan for health care in retirement, Ray and Mavar emphasize treating health care planning as a central component—not an afterthought.
3. Making Full Use of HSAs
Ray and Mavar suggest consistently contributing to HSAs during working years. For instance, a 35‑year‑old contributing up to $4,300 annually and assuming a 7% return might accumulate over $500,000 by age 65, including approximately $140,000 in tax savings . Only about 30% of HSA holders currently invest those balances.
In their recent webinar, ' Leveraging HSAs to Reduce Health Care Costs ,' Mavar described benefits such as tax‑free growth and withdrawals for qualified medical expenses for those with high‑deductible health plans.
4. Building an Emergency Medical Reserve
Unexpected diagnoses or emergencies can quickly drain resources. Mavar recommends a separate cash reserve—such as in a money market or high‑yield savings account—outside primary retirement accounts. This may help retirees handle health care shocks without impacting long‑term investments.
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Broader Economic Landscape: Health Care Inflation and Trends
Health care spending is projected to continue rising. In a report published by federal actuaries, U.S. health care spending is expected to rise by 7.1% in 2025—well ahead of general inflation. 5 Reasons for this rise range from growing personal health care spending and hospital spending growth, to prescription drugs and physician services. As a result, health care expenses could account for 20% of U.S. GDP by 2033. 5
At the same time, many health care insurers report higher medical-loss ratios, indicating increased spending on care—including chronic disease management and mental health services—costs that could be passed down to retirees.
Key Recommendations for Retirement Health Care Preparation
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As Mavar and Ray note, the $172,500 estimate for those retiring in 2025 is simply a starting reference point. Early retirement or long-term care needs could push your total higher.
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If you are among the percentage of people who has not yet considered health care costs in your retirement planning, now is the time to start. By leveraging the triple tax advantages available through HSAs, putting aside sufficient reserves to address medical emergencies, and exploring individual strategies that take your personal coverage choices, retirement timing, and health conditions into account, you can build a safety net that considers your long-term health care spending needs.
Final Thoughts
Health care outcomes and personal circumstances vary widely—especially among long‑time Fortune 500 professionals. A tailored planning strategy—covering realistic spending projections, full use of HSAs, dedicated medical reserves, and thoughtful coverage choices—can help support a more predictable and manageable retirement journey.
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- Corporate Employees: 8 Factors When Choosing a Mutual Fund
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- Medicare Open Enrollment for Corporate Employees: Cost Changes in 2024!
- Stages of Retirement for Corporate Employees
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- 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!
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- Worst Month of Layoffs In Over a Year!
Sources:
1. Fidelity Investments. “ Fidelity Investments Releases 2025 Retiree Health Care Cost Estimate: A Timely Reminder for All Generations .” 30 July 2025.
2. Barron's. “ The Healthcare Tab for Retirees Keeps Growing. How to Prepare ,” by Elizabeth O'Brien. 30 July 2025.
3. EBRI. ' New Research Report Finds Projected Savings Medicare Beneficiaries Need for Health Expenses Increased Again in 2023 .' 29 Jan. 2024.
4. Genworth. ' Genworth and CareScout Release Cost of Care Survey Results for 2024 .' 4 March 2025.
5. Fierce Healthcare. “ CMS study: Healthcare spending likely to grow by 7.1% in 2025 ,” by Paige Minemyer. 30 June 2025.
What is the 401(k) plan offered by Dollar General?
The 401(k) plan offered by Dollar General is a retirement savings plan that allows employees to save a portion of their paycheck before taxes are taken out.
How does Dollar General match employee contributions to the 401(k) plan?
Dollar General provides a matching contribution to the 401(k) plan, which typically matches a percentage of the employee's contributions, up to a certain limit.
When can employees at Dollar General start participating in the 401(k) plan?
Employees at Dollar General can typically start participating in the 401(k) plan after completing a specified period of employment, usually within the first year.
What types of investments are available in Dollar General's 401(k) plan?
Dollar General's 401(k) plan offers a variety of investment options, including mutual funds, stocks, and bonds, allowing employees to choose based on their risk tolerance.
Can employees at Dollar General take loans against their 401(k) savings?
Yes, Dollar General allows employees to take loans against their 401(k) savings, subject to certain terms and conditions outlined in the plan.
What happens to my Dollar General 401(k) if I leave the company?
If you leave Dollar General, you can choose to roll over your 401(k) balance into another retirement account, cash it out, or leave it in the Dollar General plan if eligible.
Is there a vesting schedule for Dollar General's 401(k) matching contributions?
Yes, Dollar General has a vesting schedule for its matching contributions, meaning employees must work for a certain period to fully own the employer contributions.
How can employees at Dollar General enroll in the 401(k) plan?
Employees at Dollar General can enroll in the 401(k) plan through the company's HR portal or by contacting their HR representative for assistance.
What is the contribution limit for Dollar General's 401(k) plan?
The contribution limit for Dollar General's 401(k) plan follows the IRS guidelines, which are updated annually. Employees should check the current limits for the year.
Does Dollar General offer financial education resources for 401(k) participants?
Yes, Dollar General provides financial education resources and tools to help employees make informed decisions about their 401(k) investments.