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

Navigating the Future: What Century Communities Employees Should Know About Potential Benefit Changes

Healthcare Provider Update: Healthcare Provider for Century Communities The primary healthcare provider for Century Communities is often facilitated through the company's employee benefits program, which includes options for major insurers. However, specific healthcare providers may vary based on the employees' locations and plans selected. Generally, employees can access several national insurers that are common in employer-sponsored health plans. Potential Healthcare Cost Increases in 2026 As health insurance premiums for the Affordable Care Act (ACA) marketplace are projected to surge in 2026, many employees of Century Communities could face significant financial strain. A combination of escalating medical costs and the potential expiration of federal subsidies may result in average premium increases of over 60% in certain states, with some individuals seeing their out-of-pocket costs jump by approximately 75%. This drastic rise in expenses can disproportionately affect middle-income families, complicating retirement planning and financial stability. With proactive budgeting and strategic healthcare planning becoming increasingly essential, employees should prepare for these potentially daunting changes ahead. Click here to learn more

According to Principal Financials' 2022 Well-Being Index, 65% of businesses surveyed anticipate a recession in the next six months, and 63% report having already been negatively impacted by inflation and want to cut costs such as employee benefits. As a Century Communities employee, it is imperative to account for this information and plan ahead as to ensure the welfare of you and your family.

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Why?

As a potential recession looms, increase in job changes, additional training, inflation, and an older workforce has forced employers to cut health and maternity leave benefits. If you are a Century Communities employee dependent on these benefits, it is essential to account for this transition and adjust your spending accordingly.

One method employers use to quickly reduce costs is reducing these benefits back to FMLA requirements of about 12 weeks rather than offering more than the requirement.

U.S. employers expect health benefit costs per employee to rise 5.6% on average in 2023, according to early results from Mercer’s National Survey of Employer-Sponsored Health Plans 2022 released Aug. 10. According to MarketWatch, the average couple retiring at age 65 can expect to spend $300,000 on health care in retirement, which does not include long-term care needs. As a Century Communities employee planning to retire, you may want to consider these values and determine if it is a good idea to start saving more money to supplement your future medical bills.

https://www.marketwatch.com/story/vanguard-reverses-decision-to-cut-retiree-medical-benefit-after-employee-outcry-11633632066

“So, the expectation is that health care costs will accelerate in the coming years regardless of what happens to inflation,” he says. Mercer’s research also found that employers were not looking to put the brunt of rising health care costs on employees, such as raising deductibles or copays. Just 36% of survey respondents are making cost-cutting changes in 2023, down from 40% in 2022 and 47% in 2021.

So, who is cutting benefits?

Some Century Communities companies are cutting benefits such as life insurance and death benefits. Century Communities employees feel their former employer is reneging on a promise made when they were hired 20-30 years earlier. As many find that these cuts don't apply to top executives, who have life insurance under a separate company-paid program, which the company can't reduce without their permission.

These companies state that the cuts for other retirees will bring their benefits more in line with the benefits at other large employers, and that only a handful of Fortune 100 companies still offer most employees life insurance that continues after retirement. If you are a Century Communities employee, you may want to consider planning in accordance to these cuts as to not be taken by surprise in the event they are implemented at your workspace.

https://www.wsj.com/articles/at-t-slashed-promised-life-insurance-for-former-workersand-time-runs-out-at-year-end-11640544022?st=a8293xazk6a3cb0&reflink=desktopwebshare_permalink

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Can Century Communities legally cut benefits

As we mentioned in prior articles the Allstate case discusses companies' options with respect to terminating benefits.

In the early 1980s, Allstate distributed booklets to employees that described the retiree life insurance benefit as being provided at 'no cost.' Starting in 1990, Allstate distributed summary plan descriptions (SPDs) that, unlike the earlier booklets, reserved 'the right to change, amend or terminate the plan or the provisions of the plan at any time.'

The US 11th Circuit Court of Appeals ruled in Klass v. Allstate Insurance Co. that Allstate did not violate the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA) when it terminated retiree life insurance benefits. After this ruling we saw other companies pursue terminating retiree life insurance benefits. https://law.justia.com/cases/federal/appellate-courts/ca11/20-14104/20-14104-2021-12-28.html

https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-ca11-20-14104

Can Retiree Health Benefits Provided by Century Communities Be Cut?

For employees and retirees who work or worked at Century Communities that provide post-employment health care benefits, an important question to ask is under what circumstances can the company reduce or terminate these benefits.

Century Communities employees and retirees should know that private-sector employers are not required to promise retiree health benefits. Furthermore, when employers do offer retiree health benefits, nothing in federal law prevents them from cutting or eliminating those benefits—unless they have made a specific promise to maintain the benefits. The key to understanding your Century Communities retiree health benefits lies in the documents governing your plan.

https://robertsdisability.com/eleventh-circuit-affirms-allstate-retirees-are-not-entitled-to-lifetime-life-insurance-benefits/

Prudential Freeze on Retiree Benefits Left Some Feeling 'Betrayed'

In 2022 Prudential Financial will stop contributing to retirement medical savings accounts for current, according to a letter sent to employees in December. In addition, Prudential retirees must now use all the money accrued in the accounts over 20 years, rather than over their lifetime, and any remaining balance reverts back to Prudential life. https://www.inquirer.com/business/prudential-financial-retiree-medical-savings-accounts-healthcare-costs-20211215.html

What type of retirement plan does Century Communities offer to its employees?

Century Communities offers a 401(k) retirement savings plan to help employees save for their future.

Is there a company match for contributions to the Century Communities 401(k) plan?

Yes, Century Communities provides a company match for employee contributions to the 401(k) plan, helping to enhance your retirement savings.

How can employees enroll in the Century Communities 401(k) plan?

Employees can enroll in the Century Communities 401(k) plan through the company’s designated benefits portal or by contacting the HR department for assistance.

What is the eligibility requirement to participate in the Century Communities 401(k) plan?

Generally, employees of Century Communities who meet specific criteria, such as age and length of service, are eligible to participate in the 401(k) plan.

Can employees change their contribution percentage to the Century Communities 401(k) plan?

Yes, employees can change their contribution percentage to the Century Communities 401(k) plan at any time, subject to the plan's rules.

What investment options are available in the Century Communities 401(k) plan?

The Century Communities 401(k) plan offers a variety of investment options, including mutual funds, target-date funds, and other investment vehicles.

Does Century Communities provide financial education resources for employees regarding the 401(k) plan?

Yes, Century Communities offers financial education resources and workshops to help employees understand their 401(k) options and make informed investment decisions.

What happens to my Century Communities 401(k) if I leave the company?

If you leave Century Communities, you have several options for your 401(k), including rolling it over to another retirement account, cashing it out, or leaving it in the plan if permitted.

Are there any fees associated with the Century Communities 401(k) plan?

Yes, like most 401(k) plans, the Century Communities 401(k) plan may have administrative and investment fees. Employees can review the plan documents for detailed information.

How often can employees contribute to the Century Communities 401(k) plan?

Employees can contribute to the Century Communities 401(k) plan through payroll deductions, which occur on each pay period.

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

In 2024, Century Communities announced a restructuring plan that includes reducing its workforce by 8% and making significant changes to its benefits package, including increased employee contributions to retirement plans.

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For more information you can reach the plan administrator for Century Communities at 8390 East Crescent Parkway, Suite 650 Greenwood, CO 80111; or by calling them at 1-303-268-8390.