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Quest Diagnostics Employees Confront the Fear of Running Out of Money in Retirement

Healthcare Provider Update: Healthcare Provider for Quest Diagnostics Quest Diagnostics collaborates with several major health insurance providers, including UnitedHealthcare, Aetna, Humana, Cigna, and various Anthem and BlueCross BlueShield plans. This network allows for extensive coverage options and accessibility for patients utilizing Quest Diagnostics' lab services. Potential Healthcare Cost Increases in 2026 As we approach 2026, healthcare costs are projected to rise significantly, particularly for those relying on Affordable Care Act (ACA) marketplace plans. With some states anticipating premium hikes exceeding 60%, many consumers could see their monthly premiums increase by over 75% without renewed federal subsidies. This unprecedented surge is driven by escalating medical costs, the expiration of enhanced financial support, and aggressive rate requests from national insurers, potentially placing immense financial strain on millions of Americans who depend on these plans for healthcare coverage., 'sources': [], 'images': [] Click here to learn more

'To allay long-term financial concerns, Quest Diagnostics employees may benefit from a comprehensive retirement strategy that addresses inflation, health care costs, and tax planning.' – Michael Corgiat, a representative of The Retirement Group, a division of Wealth Enhancement.

'Proactive retirement planning—especially around inflation, health care, and shifting tax policies—can help Quest Diagnostics employees gain clarity and reduce uncertainty in the years leading up to retirement.' – Brent Wolf, a representative of The Retirement Group, a division of Wealth Enhancement.

In this article we will discuss:

Key causes of retirement anxiety, including inflation, health care, and taxes.
Generational differences in money concerns and readiness.
The value of broad retirement planning approaches.

Retirement Anxiety is On The Rise

Employees across industries, including those at Quest Diagnostics, have long worried about how they will fund retirement. These concerns have grown considerably in today’s economy. Nearly two out of three Americans (64%) said they worry more about outliving their resources than they do about dying, according to the Allianz Center for the Future of Retirement’s 2025 Annual Retirement Study. ¹

Main Causes of Retirement-Related Worry

The Allianz study lists several key triggers of these fears. Regarding long-term planning, 54% of respondents said inflation was their top worry. Increases in health care costs, housing, and food prices are still undermining people’s purchasing power.

Concerns around Social Security’s future and tax burdens are also high. 43% said they feared Social Security might not offer adequate support. And another 43% named high taxes as a major issue.

Generational Gaps in Money Stress

Gen X—often balancing care for both kids and aging parents—report the highest worry: 70% versus 66% of millennials and 61% of boomers. Among corporate workers, including those at Quest Diagnostics, this dynamic underlines how family obligations can magnify retirement concerns.

The Gap Between Worry and Action

The survey shows a gap between concern and conversation: just 23% of respondents have talked about outliving their assets with a retirement specialist, down from 28% in 2024. ² That said, Americans are considering several strategies to allay these fears, ranking the following approaches as most helpful:

41% said cutting current spending to funnel more toward retirement 
44% said increasing retirement contributions 
39% said postponing retirement
While increasing contributions to retirement accounts could help address these concerns, barriers remain: daily necessities (63%), credit card debt (40%), mortgage or rent (35%) were top reasons people weren’t contributing more.

The Emotional Side of Retirement Anxiety

Retirement fears influence not just finances, but lifestyle, career choices, and family planning. Worries about independence, dignity, and quality of life often accompany fear of running short on funds.

Health care need are often underestimated too, complicating the equation. Medicare covers many basic services, but long‑term care, home assistance, and uncovered treatments can add large bills—adding uncertainty even for high‑income employees.

Broader Retirement Planning Matters

The Allianz findings emphasize planning well beyond just saving. With people living 25 to 30 years post‑work, a solid planning mindset is critical. As Kelly LaVigne, VP at Allianz Life, noted, “Americans areliving longer… your money needs to go farther. A good plan considers 25 to 30 years of retirement, not just the first ten.” ²

Key components often include:

Income strategies: setting up regular monthly disbursements from assets
Tax planning: reducing tax burdens on withdrawals
Health care planning: factoring in Medicare gaps and long‑term care
Inflation alignment: keeping income responsive to cost increases

Combined, these strategies can help build resilience, confidence, and preparedness even in uncertain times.

In Conclusion

The 2025 Allianz Retirement Study makes it clear: a majority of Americans—and Quest Diagnostics employees among them—see the threat of running out of money as more frightening than death. Rising inflation, health care spending, and uncertainty around Social Security are central drivers. Fewer are taking direct action through planning conversations or boosted contributions.

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Yet there is opportunity. The IRS now permits catch‑up 401(k) contributions of up to $11,250 for those aged 60–63 in 2025—above the standard limit. For many, this is a practical way to fortify resources in those final working years.

A Final Thought

Think of retirement like a long sea voyage. Death may be the storm ahead, but empty savings are the leak that can sink the ship first. According to the Allianz study, 64% of Americans fear that leak more than the storm. For Quest Diagnostics employees, the goal is to build a well-structured plan—with consistent income, planning for health costs, and tax awareness—that can keep the vessel afloat for the long haul.

Sources:

1. Allianz Life Insurance Company of North America, ' How Americans feel about retirement in 2025 ,' by the Allianz Center for the Future of Retirement ^TM , June 2025.

2. businesswire, ' Americans Are More Worried About Running Out of Money Than Death ,' April 22, 2025.

What is the 401(k) plan offered by Quest Diagnostics?

The 401(k) plan at Quest Diagnostics is a retirement savings plan that allows employees to save and invest a portion of their paycheck before taxes are taken out.

How does Quest Diagnostics match employee contributions to the 401(k) plan?

Quest Diagnostics offers a matching contribution to the 401(k) plan, matching a percentage of the employee's contributions up to a certain limit, helping employees maximize their retirement savings.

When can I enroll in the Quest Diagnostics 401(k) plan?

Employees at Quest Diagnostics can enroll in the 401(k) plan during their initial eligibility period, typically within the first few months of employment, as well as during annual open enrollment periods.

What types of investment options are available in the Quest Diagnostics 401(k) plan?

The Quest Diagnostics 401(k) plan offers a variety of investment options, including mutual funds, target-date funds, and company stock, allowing employees to choose investments that align with their retirement goals.

Can I take a loan against my 401(k) plan with Quest Diagnostics?

Yes, Quest Diagnostics allows employees to take loans against their 401(k) balance under certain conditions, providing a way to access funds for emergencies or significant expenses.

What is the vesting schedule for the Quest Diagnostics 401(k) plan?

The vesting schedule for the Quest Diagnostics 401(k) plan determines how much of the employer's matching contributions an employee is entitled to keep, typically based on years of service.

How can I access my 401(k) account with Quest Diagnostics?

Employees can access their Quest Diagnostics 401(k) accounts online through the designated retirement plan portal, where they can view balances, make changes, and manage investments.

What happens to my 401(k) plan if I leave Quest Diagnostics?

If you leave Quest Diagnostics, you have several options for your 401(k), including rolling it over to an IRA or a new employer's plan, cashing it out, or leaving it in the Quest Diagnostics plan if permitted.

Does Quest Diagnostics offer financial education resources for 401(k) participants?

Yes, Quest Diagnostics provides financial education resources and workshops to help employees understand their 401(k) plan options and make informed investment decisions.

What is the maximum contribution limit for the Quest Diagnostics 401(k) plan?

The maximum contribution limit for the Quest Diagnostics 401(k) plan follows IRS guidelines, which are updated annually. Employees should check the current limits to ensure they are maximizing their contributions.

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

401(k) plan with company match, traditional defined benefit plan for certain employees.

Quest Diagnostics offers RSUs to its executives and eligible employees. RSUs vest over a three to four-year period, promoting long-term performance and retention.