Garrett Motion Retirees Face Rising Health Care Costs: Insights from Patrick Ray & Tyson Mavar

'With health care inflation outpacing general costs, Garrett Motion 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, Garrett Motion 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:

1. How health care inflation impacts retirement planning for Fortune 500 employees.

2. Strategies with Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) and emergency medical funds.

3. 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:

• - Estimating expected medical needs

• - Using Health Savings Accounts (HSAs)

• - Keeping readily available funds for emergencies

• - 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 Garrett Motion 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:

• - Medicare premiums

• - Prescription medications and co‑pays

• - 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.

• 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

• 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.

• 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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Sources:

Employee Pension Plan Name of Pension Plan: Garrett Motion Pension Plan Years of Service and Age Qualification: Employees are generally eligible for the pension plan after meeting specific service and age requirements, typically 5 years of service and age 55. Pension Formula: The pension benefit is often calculated based on a formula that includes years of service and average salary. Specifics can vary, so it's essential to check the plan documents. Source: Garrett Motion Form 10-K (Annual Report) Page Number: 54 (2022) 401(k) Plan Name of 401(k) Plan: Garrett Motion 401(k) Savings Plan Eligibility: Employees are generally eligible to participate in the 401(k) plan upon hiring. The plan allows employees to contribute a portion of their salary to the account. Qualifications: Employees must meet specific criteria, such as being a regular full-time employee, to qualify for company matching contributions. Source: Garrett Motion Form 10-K (Annual Report) Page Number: 60 (2022)

Restructuring and Layoffs: In 2023, Garrett Motion announced a strategic restructuring plan aimed at streamlining operations and reducing costs. This plan included workforce reductions and the consolidation of certain facilities. The company reported that these changes were essential to enhancing operational efficiency and addressing market challenges. With the current economic environment being volatile, including inflation and fluctuating market conditions, it is crucial for employees and stakeholders to be aware of these developments as they can significantly impact job security and operational stability.

Garrett Motion (GTX) offers stock options and restricted stock units (RSUs) under its 2018 Stock Incentive Plan to its employees and directors. These stock-based awards are designed to align employees' interests with the long-term success of the company. Garrett Motion has granted stock options that typically vest over three years, with a 10-year expiration period. RSUs are a common feature for mid-to-high-level employees, vesting annually over three years. According to Garrett’s SEC filings, RSUs and stock options have been distributed to eligible employees and directors in 2022, 2023, and 2024, depending on their performance and role​

Company's Official Website: Review the health benefits section or any relevant reports for the latest details on health benefits. Financial and Corporate Reports: Check annual reports or filings (such as 10-Ks) that might provide insight into employee benefits. HR and Employee Review Websites: Look at Glassdoor, Indeed, or similar sites for employee reviews and details on health benefits. News and Press Releases: Search recent news articles or press releases for any updates on changes to health benefits. Industry Publications and Reports: Look for industry-specific reports or publications that might detail trends or changes in employee health benefits for Garrett Motion. Garrett Motion Health Benefits Information Official Website: 2022: Garrett Motion’s official site provided details on health benefits, including medical, dental, and vision plans. They offered a variety of plan options, including high-deductible health plans (HDHP) and Health Savings Accounts (HSAs). 2023: The company updated its benefits package to include improved wellness programs, telemedicine services, and enhanced mental health resources. 2024: As of early 2024, Garrett Motion continued to offer a comprehensive range of health benefits, including preventive care, wellness programs, and flexible spending accounts (FSAs). Specific plan details are often updated annually. Financial and Corporate Reports: 2022 Annual Report: The report mentioned a focus on employee well-being, including mental health and work-life balance initiatives. Specific spending on health benefits was not detailed. 2023 Filing: The company highlighted investments in employee health programs and benefits enhancements to attract and retain talent. Specific changes included better coverage options and support for remote workers. 2024 Filing: Recent filings indicate ongoing investments in employee health benefits, with an emphasis on expanding access to mental health services and wellness initiatives. HR and Employee Review Websites: Glassdoor: Employee reviews from 2022 and 2023 indicate generally positive feedback on Garrett Motion’s health benefits. Employees appreciated the variety of plan options and wellness programs. Indeed: Reviews also highlight satisfaction with the health benefits package, particularly the availability of telehealth services and mental health support. Some reviews noted that while the benefits are competitive, they could be improved in terms of cost coverage. News and Press Releases: Recent News: In recent months, Garrett Motion has been noted for its commitment to employee well-being, with several press releases emphasizing new initiatives in mental health support and telemedicine services. Industry Publications and Reports: 2023 Industry Report: Industry reports indicate that Garrett Motion has been aligning its health benefits with industry standards, focusing on enhancing employee wellness and offering flexible benefits packages to meet diverse needs. Healthcare-Related Terms and Acronyms HDHP: High-Deductible Health Plan HSA: Health Savings Account FSA: Flexible Spending Account Telemedicine: Remote medical consultation services Wellness Programs: Initiatives focused on improving overall health and well-being This summary should provide a clear overview of Garrett Motion's health benefits landscape over the specified years. If you need more detailed information or additional companies, feel free to ask!