New Update: Healthcare Costs Increasing by Over 60% in Some States. Will you be impacted?

Do Not Resuscitate Order For Avaya Holdings Employees

Healthcare Provider Update: Avaya Holdings offers health insurance coverage to its U.S. employees through Aetna-administered plans. Benefits include medical, dental, vision, and life insurance, along with access to Health Savings Accounts (HSAs), disability coverage, and preventive care services. Avaya Holdings Healthcare costs in the United States are projected to continue rising through 2026, with insurers proposing significant premium increases for Affordable Care Act (ACA) plans. A recent analysis found that ACA insurers are seeking a median premium increase of 15% for 2026, marking the largest hike since 2018. This surge is attributed to factors such as the anticipated expiration of enhanced premium tax credits, rising medical costsincluding expensive medications and increased hospital staysand a shift in the risk pool towards higher-cost enrollees. Without the renewal of enhanced subsidies, out-of-pocket premiums for ACA marketplace enrollees could increase by more than 75% on average. Click here to learn more

What Is It?

As a Avaya Holdings employee, you have the right to decline medical treatment, even if you die as a result of your decision. Depending on your medical condition, your prognosis, and your views on the quality of life, you may wish to refuse lifesaving measures, such as cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). Executing a do not resuscitate (DNR) order is one way of doing this. A DNR is a doctor's order that tells all other medical personnel not to perform CPR if you go into cardiac arrest. Cardiac arrest occurs when your heart stops beating, blood flow to your brain stops, and you stop breathing. If the blood flow is not quickly restored, permanent damage to the brain and other organs can occur. CPR simulates heartbeat and breathing, while attempting to restart these functions.

The term CPR actually encompasses a variety of separate procedures, including cardiac compression, endotracheal intubation, assisted ventilation, defibrillation, and cardiac medications. Most states recognize two types of DNRs. One is effective only while you are hospitalized. The other is used by people outside the hospital--for example, nursing home residents, hospice patients, and even those who are not receiving medical treatment.

Typically, terminally ill patients and elderly individuals execute DNRs to avoid prolonging their final illnesses. However, some states allow healthy adults to execute the orders, as well. Depending on the laws of your state, a DNR used outside the hospital may be called a 'pre-hospital DNR,' 'out-of-hospital DNR,' 'outpatient DNR,' 'DNR for EMS,' or 'CPR directive.' As a result of your request, your doctor generally notes an in-hospital DNR order on your chart. Out-of-hospital DNRs take various forms, depending on the laws of your state. ID bracelets, MedicAlert necklaces, and wallet cards are some methods of noting DNR status.

When Can It Be Used?

Availability of DNRs Is Determined By State Law

Not all states have DNR laws. For Avaya Holdings employees, you may want to consider how your state's laws govern whether DNRs are permissible, who can execute a DNR, and what form the order must take. These laws may permit in-hospital DNRs, out-of-hospital DNRs, both of these, or neither of these. Some state laws allow any person of legal age to execute a DNR, while others permit DNRs only for individuals with terminally ill conditions. Some states allow children to participate in decisions regarding DNR in certain cases. Check the laws of your state and any other states where you spend a significant amount of time.

Strengths

Allows You to Exercise Choice In Medical Treatment

Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) has produced some miraculous results when used on normally healthy individuals in trauma situations. However, it can be a painful and even violent procedure. Its effectiveness is limited when used on terminally ill or hopelessly deteriorated patients. In some cases, CPR only delays the moment of death.

For example, CPR could restore your heartbeat, but if permanent brain or organ damage occurs during cardiac arrest, you may be dependent on life support machines. Executing a do not resuscitate (DNR) order allows you to choose a natural death.

Example(s): Hal is hospitalized with a terminally ill condition. He is on a respirator and knows he has only a short time to live. Hal consults his doctor and learns that the laws of his state permit in-hospital DNRs. This will allow him to forego CPR if his heart fails. Hal asks his doctor to execute a DNR as soon as possible. The following week, Hal's heart stops. Because of Hal's DNR, hospital personnel do not attempt CPR.

Specifically Intended for an Emergency Situation

If you go into cardiopulmonary arrest, your DNR lets medical personnel know that you don't want CPR. Because of the emergency nature of this situation, other types of advanced directives are usually not timely enough to accomplish this goal.

Tradeoffs

Extremely Limited Usefulness

Although a do not resuscitate (DNR) order is a very powerful instrument, it is only effective under specific conditions. Generally, a DNR comes into play only if you go into cardiac arrest, and it frequently only allows you to refuse cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), although in some states it may allow you to decline other drastic medical treatment as well. A living will or durable power of attorney for health care may be needed to convey other medical treatment instructions, such as your wishes regarding life support and intravenous feeding.

Out-of-Hospital DNR May Not Be Effective In Other States

As a Avaya Holdings employee, it is beneficial to understand how an out-of-hospital DNR that is valid in your state may not be valid in other states. Therefore, if you spend a significant amount of time in another state, you should find out whether that state's laws recognize DNRs, whether you are eligible to have a DNR in that state, and what restrictions are placed on the form of the DNR.

Doctors May Be Hesitant to Broach This Topic or Reluctant to Write a DNR

If you are hospitalized with a serious illness, your doctor may not bring up the option of executing a DNR. If you don't want to be resuscitated, you should initiate this discussion with your doctor. Also, studies indicate that many doctors are slow to write DNRs, even when they are aware of their patients' preferences, although the reasons for this vary. If you are a Avaya Holdings employee and want to ensure your wishes are followed, you should touch base with your doctor to make sure the DNR is placed on your chart.

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How to Do It

Research Your State's Laws Regarding Dnrs

Not all states provide for these orders. Each state has its own eligibility requirements, particularly for out-of-hospital DNRs.

Discuss Your Wishes With Your Doctor

Your doctor should be able to provide information on your prognosis and counsel you on your options. If you are a Avaya Holdings employee, your doctor's signature will most likely be required on any DNR you execute.

Execute Your Out-of-Hospital DNR Properly And Keep It With You

If you are a Avaya Holdings employee interested in DNR, you must consider how if your state allows out-of-hospital DNRs, there is probably a required format for the order. Examples of state-required DNR formats include ID bracelets, necklaces, wallet cards, and letter-size forms. If your DNR is not in the required form, it may not be honored. If medical personnel can't find your DNR order, they are obligated to give full and immediate care. Thus, it is extremely important to execute your DNR order properly and keep it with you (or in an appropriate place) at all times.

Example(s): Hal is a resident of an assisted-living facility. Hal is 89 years old and feels he has lived a good life. He does not want to die in a hospital or be dependent on machines for his survival. Hal discusses his feelings with his doctor. Hal's doctor suggests executing an out-of-hospital DNR, which will instruct medical personnel not to perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) if Hal goes into cardiac or respiratory arrest. Hal agrees and receives an ID bracelet noting his DNR status. Hal wears his bracelet faithfully. Six years later, Hal's heart fails as he jogs in the park. Medical personnel arrive on the scene, but immediately notice Hal's DNR ID bracelet. CPR is not attempted.

Tell People About Your Decision

In general, other people cannot reverse your decision once you execute a DNR. As a Avaya Holdings employee however, if your DNR is misplaced or for some reason is not followed, it would be important for your family and friends to understand your wishes. Although this topic may be difficult to discuss, those close to you are more likely to support and uphold your decision if they understand how you feel and why you feel that way. If you have appointed a representative in a durable power of attorney for health care (DPAHC) , it is especially important that this person be aware of your decision.

Coordinate All Advanced Directives

Since a DNR is so limited in scope, you may wish to establish a living will and/or DPAHC as well. If you do so, make sure your wishes are stated consistently throughout these documents. In some states, the most recent document will govern if there is a conflict, so you must make sure your wishes are clear.

Tax Considerations for Avaya Holdings Employees

Income Tax

None

Gift And Estate Tax

None

Questions & Answers for Avaya Holdings Employees

What If You Go Into a Coma Before Executing Your DNR, And You Can't Express Your Wishes?

Your healthcare representative, if you have appointed one, may be able to have a DNR executed on your behalf. As a Avaya Holdings employee, there must be evidence that this is what you would want. You might include these instructions in your durable power of attorney for health care , especially if the laws of your state do not allow out-of-hospital DNRs. Be aware, however, that this method of instruction is useless in an emergency if your representative is not present. In some states, with your family's consent, your doctor may be able to execute a DNR on your behalf. Again, it would be unwise to rely on this course of action in an emergency.

Can You Change Your Mind?

Yes, it is possible to revoke a DNR order. If you have an out-of-hospital DNR, you may be able to revoke it by simply removing the bracelet or the wallet card. However, some states also have a database of DNR patients. If this is true in your state, you may need to take additional steps to revoke your DNR. When your doctor writes the DNR, ask what steps are necessary to revoke the order.

Additionally, medical personnel must give emergency care to anyone who requests it. For example, Emergency Medical Service guidelines in Wisconsin instruct personnel to perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) if a person rips off his or her DNR bracelet or asks for CPR during cardiac arrest.

How can employees at Avaya Inc. ensure they are adequately prepared for retirement, considering the various types of pensions available under the Avaya Inc. Pension Plan? What steps should be taken to understand the key features of the pension plan, and how can they assess their individual needs relative to the benefits offered by Avaya Inc.?

Preparation for Retirement at Avaya Inc.: Employees at Avaya Inc. should first review the company’s Summary Plan Description for the pension plan details, which outline the types of pensions available and the processes for claiming them. It's crucial to understand the different pension types—service, deferred vested, and disability pensions—each with specific eligibility criteria and benefits. To prepare adequately, employees should estimate their pension benefits using tools provided by Avaya Inc., attend financial planning seminars offered by the company, and consider consulting with a financial advisor to assess how the pension fits into their broader retirement strategy.

Can you elaborate on the service pension eligibility criteria set by Avaya Inc.? How does age and credited service interact with this criterion, and what unique circumstances should employees at Avaya Inc. be aware of that may affect their eligibility for a service pension?

Service Pension Eligibility Criteria at Avaya Inc.: Eligibility for a service pension at Avaya Inc. is determined by age and credited service. Employees qualify at any age with 30 years of service, at age 50 with 25 years, at 55 with 20 years, and at 65 with 10 years. It’s essential for employees to understand that these criteria are strict; for instance, an employee aged 51 with 24 years of service does not qualify. Employees should plan their retirement age accordingly and consult with HR to confirm their credited service years.

What are the implications of early retirement under the Avaya Inc. Pension Plan? Employees at Avaya Inc. who are considering early retirement should understand both the benefits and potential losses associated with taking retirement benefits before the age of 55.

Implications of Early Retirement: Opting for early retirement at Avaya Inc. can lead to reduced pension benefits, especially if retirement occurs before age 55 with less than 30 years of service. The plan applies an early commencement discount, reducing the pension by 1/2% for each month before age 55. Employees considering early retirement should carefully evaluate how the reduction impacts their financial stability and may want to strategize with HR or a financial advisor to mitigate the reduction's effect.

What is the process for employees at Avaya Inc. to claim a deferred vested pension, and what specific conditions must be met for them to initiate this process? Employees must be informed about the timeline required for claims as well as the potential impact of their age and service duration on their pension amounts.

Claiming a Deferred Vested Pension: To claim a deferred vested pension at Avaya Inc., employees must meet certain conditions, such as being vested and having terminated employment. The pension commencement generally aligns with reaching age 65 or upon earlier termination. Employees must contact the Avaya Pension Service Center to initiate the process, providing necessary documentation and adhering to specified timelines, ensuring they understand the impact of early commencement on their pension amounts.

In what ways does Avaya Inc. support employees returning to work after retirement? Specifically, how does reemployment affect the pension benefits that retirees receive? Employees should consider how their decisions to return to work may minimize or suspend their pension benefits.

Returning to Work Post-Retirement: If an employee at Avaya Inc. returns to work after retirement, their pension benefits might be suspended or reduced, depending on the terms outlined in the pension plan. This policy is intended to adjust benefits when retirees re-enter the workforce, potentially affecting their financial planning. Employees should verify the specific rules with the pension service center and consider the financial implications before deciding to return to work.

How does the Mandatory Portability Agreement (MPA) influence the retirement benefits of Avaya Inc. employees transitioning between positions in affiliated companies? Employees should understand how service credit is recognized and transferred under the MPA and its impact on their retirement planning.

Impact of the Mandatory Portability Agreement (MPA): The MPA affects Avaya Inc. employees transitioning between positions within affiliated companies, allowing for the transfer of service credits. This agreement is crucial for employees moving within the company structure, as it ensures that their pension benefits are maintained and accurately calculated based on cumulative service, fostering seamless transitions and sustained benefit accrual.

What key information should employees at Avaya Inc. know regarding their rights under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA) as they navigate the pension benefit process? Understanding ERISA rights is crucial for employees to effectively advocate for their benefits and understand their protections.

Understanding ERISA Rights at Avaya Inc.: Employees at Avaya Inc. should be aware of their rights under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA), which safeguards employees' benefits. Understanding these rights is essential for effectively managing their pension plans and ensuring they receive all entitled benefits. Employees should familiarize themselves with the claim and appeal procedures provided in the plan documents to advocate effectively for their rights.

How do survivor benefits work under the Avaya Inc. Pension Plan? Employees and their beneficiaries should be aware of the conditions under which these benefits are paid and how they can designate beneficiaries to ensure compliance with Avaya Inc. policies.

Survivor Benefits under Avaya Inc. Pension Plan: Avaya Inc.'s pension plan provides survivor benefits, which are crucial for employees to arrange financial security for their beneficiaries. Understanding the conditions under which these benefits are paid and how to designate beneficiaries properly ensures that the employees' families are protected in case of the employee's death.

Can you explain the significance of the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation (PBGC) in relation to the retirement benefits that employees of Avaya Inc. may expect? Understanding the role of the PBGC could help clarify what protections are in place for employees in the case of plan termination.

Role of the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation (PBGC): The PBGC plays a protective role for Avaya Inc. employees by ensuring that pension benefits are secure even if the plan faces financial difficulties. Employees should understand how the PBGC's coverage affects them, particularly in scenarios where the company’s pension plan might be terminated or underfunded.

If Avaya Inc. employees want to learn more about their pension benefits or have specific questions about the retirement process, who should they contact and what resources are available to them? This question prompts employees to engage with the Avaya Inc. Pension Service Center and access information crucial for their retirement planning.

Accessing Pension Information and Assistance: Employees seeking more information about their pension benefits or needing specific help regarding their retirement process should contact the Avaya Pension Service Center. This center provides detailed guidance, handles claims and appeals, and offers comprehensive support to ensure employees understand and can effectively manage their pension benefits.

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

Avaya Holdings has announced a major restructuring plan involving significant layoffs and changes to their benefits and retirement plans. The company is focusing on streamlining operations to improve profitability, which includes reducing its workforce and altering pension and 401(k) contributions for current employees.

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For more information you can reach the plan administrator for Avaya Holdings at 350 Mt Kemble Ave Morristown, NJ 7960; or by calling them at +1 908-953-6000.