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

'With health care inflation outpacing general costs, loanDepot 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, loanDepot 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 loanDepot 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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LoanDepot offers a 401(k) plan for its employees, with contribution limits consistent with federal regulations. In 2023, employees could contribute up to $22,500, while those aged 50 and older could contribute an additional $7,500 as a catch-up contribution, raising their total to $30,000. In 2024, these limits increased to $23,000 and $7,500, respectively. LoanDepot's 401(k) plan also allows for combined employee and employer contributions, with the total limit set at $66,000 in 2023 and increasing to $69,000 in 2024. Employees may also make after-tax contributions if allowed by the plan, subject to total contribution limits​ (Fidelity)​ (Pension Rights Center). In terms of pension plans, LoanDepot follows federal guidelines under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA). Employees receive a summary plan description (SPD) upon enrolling in the plan, detailing service requirements, vesting schedules, and benefit calculations. The plan administrator is required to provide these details, which help employees understand when they can start participating in the plan and how their benefits are calculated. LoanDepot also offers an annual report on plan assets, ensuring transparency for participants​ (DOL)​ (Pension Rights Center).

Restructuring and Layoffs: In July 2023, loanDepot implemented a significant round of layoffs, affecting approximately 2,000 employees. This is part of a broader restructuring effort in response to rising interest rates and a downturn in the housing market. The company continues to reduce its workforce to maintain profitability amid declining mortgage volumes. Importance: The layoffs at loanDepot reflect broader trends in the financial services industry, where companies are adjusting to higher interest rates and reduced demand for mortgage products. It is essential to address this news due to the ongoing economic uncertainty and the ripple effects of political decisions, such as the Federal Reserve's monetary policies, on the mortgage industry. Additionally, tax policy changes could influence housing market behavior, making it vital for employees and investors to stay informed about these restructuring efforts to make well-informed decisions.

loanDepot has structured its employee compensation plans to include stock options and Restricted Stock Units (RSUs), focusing on aligning employee incentives with company growth and performance. For 2022, 2023, and 2024, loanDepot has made RSUs available primarily to executive leadership and key employees. These RSUs are part of their long-term incentive plan, designed to reward employees based on the company’s performance over time. RSUs typically vest over several years, providing employees with shares of loanDepot stock at predetermined intervals, subject to continued employment. In addition to RSUs, loanDepot has offered stock options, though these have been less frequently granted in recent years compared to RSUs. Stock options give employees the right to purchase shares of loanDepot stock at a set price, usually based on the stock price at the time of the grant. Both stock options and RSUs are available to select employees, usually in senior roles, but broader availability has been limited as the company restructures its compensation framework in response to market conditions. RSUs, particularly through loanDepot's executive compensation program, are designed to retain top talent and reward long-term contributions to the company. Vesting typically spans a 3-4 year period, incentivizing retention and aligning with shareholder interests. Documentation of these plans can be found in loanDepot's SEC filings, including their annual proxy reports. For example, details on RSU grants and stock option availability for 2022 and 2023 are outlined in the 2023 Annual Report and 2022 Proxy Statement​ (loanDepot)​ (loanDepot)​ (loanDepot). These reports provide specifics on the number of RSUs granted and the vesting schedules, with key details found on pages 34 and 58 of the 2023 Proxy Statement.

loanDepot offers a comprehensive health benefits package to its employees, including multiple options for medical, dental, and vision coverage. Their medical plans typically feature Preferred Provider Organization (PPO) and Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) options, catering to a wide range of employee needs. The company has emphasized mental health support as part of its overall well-being program, providing access to resources such as therapy sessions, wellness coaching, and mental health hotlines. Additionally, loanDepot includes coverage for preventive services, with an emphasis on annual health checkups and screenings to promote early detection and wellness among employees. These benefits are designed to align with loanDepot's broader strategic goals under their Vision 2025 plan, which focuses on cost savings while maintaining essential employee benefits. In the context of the current economic and political environment, discussing loanDepot's healthcare benefits is crucial as the company navigates financial challenges, including significant losses reported in recent years. The ability to maintain robust health benefits, even in the face of cost-cutting measures, reflects the company’s commitment to its workforce. With healthcare costs rising nationwide and ongoing debates around healthcare policy, the company's approach to providing accessible and comprehensive health coverage can have significant implications for employee satisfaction and retention. Furthermore, in a time of economic uncertainty, offering strong healthcare benefits helps ensure that employees remain healthy and productive, which is vital for the company's operational success.