AdaptHealth Employees: Smarter Ways to Manage Taxes on Appreciated Stock
Healthcare Provider Update: Healthcare Provider for AdaptHealth
AdaptHealth primarily partners with various healthcare providers to deliver home healthcare solutions, including respiratory therapy and durable medical equipment. Specific partnerships may vary by location, but AdaptHealth collaborates with hospitals, rehabilitation centers, and other healthcare professionals to ensure comprehensive patient care.
Potential Healthcare Cost Increases in 2026
In 2026, healthcare costs are anticipated to rise significantly, fueled by a combination of factors including the potential expiration of enhanced premium subsidies from the Affordable Care Act (ACA), which could leave millions facing drastically increased out-of-pocket expenses. With insurers requesting average premium hikes of approximately 20% nationwide, and some states experiencing spikes exceeding 60%, more than 22 million consumers could see their monthly premiums swell by over 75%. The outcome of these rising costs could severely limit access to affordable healthcare for middle-income families, as they grapple with the cumulative impacts of increasing medical costs and reduced financial assistance.
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'AdaptHealth employees with concentrated stock positions may benefit from thoughtful tax planning that allows for tax deferral while balancing liquidity, compliance, and long-term compounding,' Wesley Boudreaux, a representative of The Retirement Group, a division of Wealth Enhancement.
'AdaptHealth employees who hold highly-appreciated stock may want to consider tax-efficient strategies that help mitigate their liabilities while aligning with their overall retirement goals,' Patrick Ray, a representative of The Retirement Group, a division of Wealth Enhancement.
In this article, we will discuss:
How taxes can affect investment returns, particularly on concentrated stock positions.
Exchange funds and options-based strategies as methods for tax deferral and diversification.
Alternative planning techniques outside ETFs, including charitable trusts and gifting strategies.
By Carlos Hernandez, Wealth Enhancement advisor
When it comes to driving portfolio returns, many investors aim to keep management fees low by investing in low-cost index funds and exchange-traded funds (ETFs). While fees matter, however, the real culprit for lower-than-anticipated performance is taxes.
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Wealth Enhancement advisor Carlos Hernandez explains: 'By losing less to taxes each year, investors have access to more capital that can continue to compound over time. This makes tax deferral an important part of an effective financial plan.' AdaptHealth employees looking for long-term growth strategies could benefit by understanding how to better manage their investment tax burdens.
Trade Money
One area where taxes can take a toll is on the sale of company stock or other concentrated investment positions. AdaptHealth professionals looking to diversify could face significant capital gains taxes on an outright sale. One way to diversify without triggering immediate capital gains is through exchange funds. By contributing their highy-appreciated stock to a pooled fund, investors can trade their concentrated holdings for shares in a diverse basket of securities. This method can be used by AdaptHealth employees who want to diversify while postponing taxable events.
Although this method allows for tax deferral, it also requires investors to hold the exchange fund for a period of time, typically seven years.
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This could create a challenge for investors who require liquidity. Additionally, these funds are often exclusively accessible to wealthy, accredited investors—something AdaptHealth executives should carefully evaluate.
Funds Based on Options
Another way to mitigate taxes on the sale of highly-appreciated stock is by using options contracts. The idea is to hedge risk with put options while covering the cost of those puts by selling call options—a strategy called 'collaring'. From there, the strategy reverses, with investors selling put options and using the proceeds to buy call option on an equity or bond index.
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If managed effectively, this helps to diversify a concentrated portfolio while still maintaining liquidity.
Given the complexity of this strategy, meticulous planning is necessary. It's generally recommended that investors work with an experienced financial advisor before pursuing this approach.
Things to Be Aware of
Although these strategies can be beneficial for AdaptHealth employees who hold highly-appreciated stock, caution is recommended. There are costs associated with these approaches, and potential liquidity risks. Additionally, the IRS may eventually contest such arrangements because their tax status has not been thoroughly examined—something AdaptHealth retirees should keep top of mind.
'Tax drag reduction strategies can be effective, but they must be assessed through the lens of risk, liquidity, cost, and compliance,' warns Carlos Hernandez. What is appealing in theory must hold up to inspection in the real world.
Alternative Strategies
Although they show promise, investors with highly-appreciated stock or those looking to postpone gains have other alternatives besides exchange funds or options. Other tactics could include:
- Prepaid variable forwards (subject to IRS regulations, contracts to sell at predetermined terms in the future).
- Charitable remainder trusts (CRTs), which allow investors to donate appreciated stock to a charitable trust and receive a stream of regular income in return.
- Donor-advised funds (DAFs), which provide investors with a tax deduction for the fair market value of the appreciated stock they donate.
- Other gifting techniques, such as direct donations to charity or family.
Each has its own set of guidelines, advantages, and disadvantages. To limit unnecessary taxes or violating the constructive sale regulations, careful planning is necessary for AdaptHealth professionals managing complex portfolios.
The Bottom Line
Although the movement to mitigate the tax burden on investments is not new, the instruments are changing. Both exchange funds and options-based structures offer investors a way to manage tax liabilities, especially for AdaptHealth employees who hold highly-appreciated stock.
In the end, taxes are unavoidable. However, with the correct set of instruments, they can be controlled and postponed. 'The real value comes from aligning tax strategy with investment strategy,' summarizes Carlos Hernandez.
What is the primary purpose of AdaptHealth's 401(k) plan?
The primary purpose of AdaptHealth's 401(k) plan is to help employees save for retirement by providing a tax-advantaged way to invest their earnings.
Who is eligible to participate in AdaptHealth's 401(k) plan?
All full-time employees of AdaptHealth who meet specific age and service requirements are eligible to participate in the 401(k) plan.
Does AdaptHealth offer a company match for contributions to the 401(k) plan?
Yes, AdaptHealth provides a company match for employee contributions to the 401(k) plan, enhancing the overall savings potential.
How can employees of AdaptHealth enroll in the 401(k) plan?
Employees can enroll in AdaptHealth's 401(k) plan by completing the enrollment process through the company's benefits portal or by contacting the HR department.
What types of investment options are available in AdaptHealth's 401(k) plan?
AdaptHealth's 401(k) plan offers a variety of investment options, including mutual funds, target-date funds, and other investment vehicles to suit different risk tolerances.
Can employees of AdaptHealth change their contribution amounts to the 401(k) plan?
Yes, employees can adjust their contribution amounts to AdaptHealth's 401(k) plan at any time, subject to the plan's guidelines.
What is the vesting schedule for AdaptHealth's 401(k) company match?
AdaptHealth has a vesting schedule for the company match, meaning employees must work for a certain period before they fully own the matched funds.
Are there any fees associated with AdaptHealth's 401(k) plan?
Yes, there may be administrative fees and fund expense ratios associated with AdaptHealth's 401(k) plan, which are disclosed in the plan documents.
What happens to the 401(k) plan if an employee leaves AdaptHealth?
If an employee leaves AdaptHealth, they can choose to roll over their 401(k) balance to another retirement account, cash out, or leave the funds in the plan, subject to certain conditions.
Can employees take loans against their 401(k) balance at AdaptHealth?
Yes, AdaptHealth allows employees to take loans against their 401(k) balance, subject to the terms and conditions set forth in the plan.
With the current political climate we are in it is important to keep up with current news and remain knowledgeable about your benefits.
AdaptHealth has announced a restructuring plan to streamline operations and reduce costs due to declining revenue in its home medical equipment segment. The company will be laying off 15% of its workforce as part of this plan.
For more information you can reach the plan administrator for AdaptHealth at 220 West Germantown Pike, Suite 250 Plymouth Meeting, PA 19462; or by calling them at (844) 415-6016.