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Health Care Costs in Retirement: What Fox Employees Should Know Before It’s Too Late

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'Fox employees should treat rising health care costs as a central part of retirement planning, not an afterthought, by integrating realistic medical expense projections into their overall financial strategy early on.' — Michael Corgiat, a representative of The Retirement Group, a division of Wealth Enhancement.

'Fox employees who factor health care inflation into their long-term retirement plan can better maintain financial stability and flexibility throughout their later years.' — Brent Wolf, a representative of The Retirement Group, a division of Wealth Enhancement.

In this article, we will discuss:

The rising cost of health care in retirement and its impact on long-term outcomes for your finances.
Strategies Fox employees can use to estimate and manage future medical expenses.
Smart ways to integrate health care planning into your overall retirement strategy.

You’ve been saving, working, and planning your retirement for decades. Yet many Fox employees are still surprised by one expense that can quietly disrupt even the most careful plans: health care.

Even if your mortgage is paid, your pension elections are set, and your retirement travel mapped out, health care costs can alter your financial path if not taken into account early.

According to Wealth Enhancement financial adviser Kevin Won, CFP®, “Health care inflation is the hidden tax on retirement. People often budget carefully for living expenses and travel, but underestimate the long-term costs of health and longevity.”

The Price of Health Care in Retirement

Industry research shows the average 65-year-old couple may need roughly $345,000 to cover premiums, prescriptions, and out-of-pocket expenses in retirement—not including long-term care. ¹ Depending on health and lifespan, total costs could reach higher amounts. For Fox retirees, these expenses can reduce decades of pension and 401(k) savings if not addressed appropriately.

Between 1989 and 2019, prescription drug prices surged over 200%, and hospital care costs climbed about 450%, far outpacing general inflation. ² This reinforces the need for Fox employees to plan for the future cost of medical care well before retirement.

Why Estimating Health Care Costs Is So Difficult

Everyone’s retirement health story is different, but several key factors shape expenses:

Life Expectancy
Many Americans now live well into their 80s. For Fox couples retiring at 65, there’s nearly a high chance at least one partner will live past 80 ³ —meaning additional years of premiums and prescriptions.

Personal Health
Even retirees in good health will face costs for age-related procedures, such as joint replacements, dental, and vision care. As Won notes, “Being healthy gives you choices, but not immunity from medical costs.”

Location
Where you live after leaving Fox can have a major impact. Medical procedures may vary by tens of thousands of dollars depending on the state or region.

Insurance Options
Medicare provides core coverage, but it doesn’t cover everything. Fox retirees who transition from company health benefits should understand that dental, vision, and long-term care are excluded from Original Medicare (Parts A and B).

The Ongoing Trend of Medical Inflation

Medical costs continue to rise faster than general inflation. While new technology improves outcomes and longevity, it also increases expenses. For Fox retirees living on fixed pensions, this trend can place pressure on household budgets over time.

Won cautions, “The challenge isn’t today’s prices—it’s tomorrow’s uncertainty. Retirees who base planning on current medical costs may face shortfalls in 10 to 15 years.”

Turning Concern into Control

You may not influence the health care system, but you can influence your preparation. Fox employees can start by estimating their current expenses—including out-of-pocket costs, copays, and premiums—and using an annual health care inflation rate of 5–6% to model potential future needs.

Regularly review your insurance coverage, including any Fox retiree medical benefits you qualify for, and adjust as plans and costs change. Flexibility is essential—having a buffer is better than facing a shortfall during retirement.

Smart Strategies for Paying Health Care Costs

1. Understand Medicare Coverage ⁴

Part A: Covers hospital stays, usually with no premiums but with deductibles.
Part B: Covers outpatient care with monthly premiums and copays.
Part D: Offers prescription coverage through private insurers.
Part C: (Medicare Advantage): May include dental and vision benefits.

2. Account for Long-Term Care
About 70% of retirees will need some form of long-term care. ⁵ Costs can range from $70,000 to $75,000 annually for assisted living. ⁶ Fox retirees should consider long-term care insurance or hybrid life policies, since Medicare does not cover custodial care.

3. Use Health Savings Accounts (HSAs)
Employees enrolled in a high-deductible health plan can fund HSAs with triple tax benefits: tax-deductible contributions, tax-free growth, and tax-free withdrawals for qualified medical expenses. After age 65, funds may be applied to Medicare premiums and dental or hearing costs.

4. Keep a Medical Emergency Fund
Set aside six to 12 months of medical expenses to handle dental implants, surgeries, or out-of-network care. This helps avoid liquidating investments during market downturns.

5. Balance Your Investments
Health care inflation often exceeds overall inflation. A mix of growth and income investments can help Fox retirees preserve purchasing power and maintain cash flow for health needs.

6. Review Prescription Options
Compare prices between pharmacies, consider mail-order services, and choose generic medications when available to reduce costs.

7. Include Health Care in Your Income Strategy
Treat health care as a fixed expense in your retirement budget. “When health care becomes part of your income plan, it can stop being a source of fear,” says Won.

8. Stay Informed Without Overreacting
Laws and benefits change frequently. Focus on what you can control—your savings rate, coverage selections, and plan reviews.

Your Health and Finances Are Connected

A well thought-out health care strategy can support both your wealth and your peace of mind. Whether you’re still working at Fox or approaching retirement, now is the time to strengthen your plan.

“This is the stage where your preparation pays off,” says Won. “We want health care to be part of your retirement story, not a surprise ending.”

How The Retirement Group Can Help

Health care planning doesn’t have to be overwhelming. The Retirement Group can assist Fox employees in designing a customized retirement and health care strategy aligned with their goals and benefit options. To speak with a retirement planning consultant about your pension, 401(k), or health care choices, call (800) 900-5867.

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Articles you may find interesting:

Sources:

1. Fidelity Investments. ' Fidelity Investments Releases 2025 Retiree Health Care Cost Estimate ,' July 30, 2025.
2. Rakshit, Shameek, Emma Wager, Paul Hughes-Cromwick, Cynthia Cox, and Krutika Amin. “How Does Medical Inflation Compare to Inflation in the Rest of the Economy?” Peterson-KFF Health System Tracker, 2 Aug. 2024, www.healthsystemtracker.org/brief/how-does-medical-inflation-compare-to-inflation-in-the-rest-of-the-economy/ .
3. Social Security Administration. ' Actuarial Life Table .' Period life table, 2022, as used in the 2025 Trustees Report.
4. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. “What’s Not Covered?” Medicare.gov, 6 months ago (access date Oct. 30, 2025), www.medicare.gov/providers-services/original-medicare/not-covered .
5. Administration for Community Living. “How Much Care Will You Need?” U.S. Dept. of Health & Human Services, 18 Feb. 2020 (page updated), acl.gov/ltc/basic-needs/how-much-care-will-you-need.
6. Where you live matters. ' How Much Does Assisted Living Cost? ' May 13, 2025.

How does 21st Century Fox America Inc. determine the funding status of its pension plan, and what key metrics are utilized in evaluating its financial health? Employees may want to understand the significance of the Funding Target Attainment Percentage and how it influences their retirement benefits, especially as it pertains to both the general and specific circumstances affecting funding levels.

Funding Status and Metrics: 21st Century Fox America Inc. determines the funding status of its pension plan by calculating the Funding Target Attainment Percentage (FTAP), which divides the plan’s net assets by its liabilities. For the 2022 plan year, the FTAP was 125.79%. This metric is crucial because it indicates how well the plan is funded. A high FTAP suggests that the plan is well-funded and capable of meeting its obligations, which directly influences employees' retirement security(21st Century Fox Americ…).

What considerations does 21st Century Fox America Inc. take into account when deciding the investment strategies for its pension plan? Employees should be informed about the policy guidelines that govern the allocation of the plan's assets, including which asset classes are prioritized and the expected outcomes from such investment decisions.

Investment Strategy Considerations: The company follows specific investment policies that establish guidelines for asset allocation within the pension plan. These policies ensure that assets are allocated among major categories like equities, fixed income, and cash. The fiduciaries of the plan determine the target ranges for each category, aiming for stable returns and long-term viability(21st Century Fox Americ…).

How can employees of 21st Century Fox America Inc. assess their rights and the processes involved should the pension plan terminate? This includes evaluating the stipulations provided by federal laws that dictate what happens to vested benefits upon termination and what steps participants can take to secure their entitlements.

Rights and Pension Termination: Should the pension plan terminate, federal law requires 21st Century Fox America Inc. to follow certain procedures. If fully funded, the plan would undergo a standard termination, where an insurance company provides annuities, or a lump sum may be offered. In underfunded cases, a distress termination could occur, where the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation (PBGC) takes over(21st Century Fox Americ…).

What are the recent changes in federal regulations influencing how pension plans, such as the one at 21st Century Fox America Inc., calculate their liabilities? Employees need to grasp the implications of these regulations on their future benefits, specifically regarding the new methodologies for determining financial sufficiency.

Impact of Federal Regulations: Recent changes in federal regulations, including the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, adjusted the methodologies for calculating pension liabilities. Plans now incorporate a 25-year interest rate average, which typically results in higher interest rates and lower liabilities, affecting the funding status and employer contributions(21st Century Fox Americ…).

In the context of 21st Century Fox America Inc., what is the role of the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation (PBGC) in guaranteeing pension benefits, and what are the criteria for ensuring benefits remain secure? Understanding how the PBGC functions and its limits is critical for employees planning their retirements.

Role of PBGC: The PBGC provides a guarantee for vested pension benefits in the event of plan termination. The guarantee is subject to legal limits, which vary depending on the participant’s age and the plan’s termination date. For 2023, the maximum annual benefit for a 65-year-old retiree was $81,000(21st Century Fox Americ…).

What steps can employees take to access information related to their pension plan from 21st Century Fox America Inc., and how can they ensure they receive timely updates regarding their benefits? Details about the channels available for inquiries and the importance of keeping informed about funding levels and benefits are crucial.

Accessing Pension Information: Employees can access information about their pension plan through the Disney Benefits Center by calling (800) 354-3970. Staying informed about the plan’s funding levels and benefits is essential, and employees are encouraged to review the annual funding notice for updates(21st Century Fox Americ…).

How does 21st Century Fox America Inc. manage the risks associated with its pension investments, particularly in a volatile market climate? Employees could benefit from insights into risk management strategies and how they affect long-term pension viability.

Risk Management in Investments: To manage investment risks, 21st Century Fox America Inc. adheres to a diversified asset allocation strategy. This approach helps mitigate market volatility and ensures the long-term sustainability of pension benefits despite changing economic conditions(21st Century Fox Americ…).

In what ways can a participant's years of service and salary history with 21st Century Fox America Inc. affect their retirement benefits, and what mechanisms are in place to ensure accurate benefit calculations? Exploring the relationship between service, salary, and pension outcomes can help clarify employee expectations.

Service and Salary Impact on Benefits: The pension plan is structured to account for employees' years of service and salary history in calculating their retirement benefits. These factors directly affect the benefit amount, and the plan ensures that accurate records are maintained to reflect this information(21st Century Fox Americ…).

What unique benefits does 21st Century Fox America Inc. offer that may enhance its pension plan, and how can employees maximize their advantages while planning for retirement? Understanding available supplemental benefits can empower employees in their retirement planning journeys.

Enhancing Pension Benefits: Employees of 21st Century Fox America Inc. may benefit from supplemental retirement benefits, including early retirement options or disability benefits. Understanding and maximizing these options can significantly impact long-term retirement planning(21st Century Fox Americ…).

How can employees of 21st Century Fox America Inc. get in touch with the Disney Benefits Center to inquire further about their employee benefits or to clarify any aspects of the pension plan? Having clear contact information and the process for accessing support can greatly assist employees in navigating their retirement preparation.

Contacting the Disney Benefits Center: Employees can reach out to the Disney Benefits Center at (800) 354-3970 for any inquiries related to their pension plan or other employee benefits. This resource is crucial for clarifying benefit details and addressing any concerns(21st Century Fox Americ…).

With the current political climate we are in it is important to keep up with current news and remain knowledgeable about your benefits.

Fox Corporation offers a 401(k) plan and a pension plan to its employees. The 401(k) plan includes a company match, typically up to 4-6% of the employee's salary, with a partial match beyond that percentage. The company also offers a defined benefit pension plan, although specific details like the pension formula, years of service, or age qualifications were not detailed in the sources reviewed. However, Fox emphasizes comprehensive benefits, including financial security through retirement plans.

In 2023, Fox News underwent significant layoffs as part of a broader restructuring effort, largely driven by the financial strain following the $787.5 million lawsuit settlement with Dominion Voting Systems. These layoffs, including those from the investigative unit, are believed to be part of cost-cutting measures. This is critical to address due to the current economic and political environment, where the company must adjust to financial pressures while maintaining investor confidence and adapting to changing tax regulations.

Stock Options: Fox Corporation offers stock options that allow employees to purchase company stock at a predetermined price, known as the exercise or strike price, after the options have vested. Vesting periods for these options vary, typically ranging from 1 to 5 years. Once vested, employees can exercise their options within a specified period, generally up to 10 years from the grant date. The value of the stock options depends on the market price of Fox Corporation’s stock at the time of exercise; if the market price is higher than the exercise price, the options are "in the money" and can be profitable. Stock options at Fox are primarily available to executives and senior management, although some plans extend to other key employees depending on their role within the company. Restricted Stock Units (RSUs): Fox Corporation also provides RSUs, which represent a grant of company stock that is transferred to employees once the RSUs vest. Unlike stock options, RSUs do not require the employee to purchase the stock; instead, the shares are automatically granted at no cost upon vesting. The value of RSUs is more predictable, as it is tied directly to the market value of Fox Corporation’s stock at the time of vesting. The vested shares are considered taxable income and are typically subject to withholding for taxes. RSUs at Fox are usually granted to a broader group of employees, including executives, senior management, and other employees as part of their annual performance reviews or hiring packages.

Fox Corporation offers a comprehensive range of health benefits to its employees, which are designed to support their well-being from the first day of employment. The health benefits package includes medical, dental, and vision coverage, which are available without any waiting period for many positions. In addition to these core health benefits, Fox also provides flexible spending accounts (FSAs), life insurance, business travel insurance, and long-term disability insurance. Fox places a strong emphasis on whole-person health, including not just physical but also mental health support through their Employee Assistance Program (EAP). This reflects broader trends in employee health benefits, where companies are increasingly focusing on holistic wellness programs that address both physical and mental well-being, especially given the rising costs of healthcare and pharmaceuticals.

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For more information you can reach the plan administrator for Fox at , ; or by calling them at .

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