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Molina Healthcare Families: Why a Letter of Instruction Can Simplify Estate Planning

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'Molina Healthcare employees can bring more clarity to their estate plans by using a well-organized letter of instruction, which is a practical way to help families navigate important decisions with greater confidence.' — Michael Corgiat, a representative of The Retirement Group, a division of Wealth Enhancement.

'Molina Healthcare employees can create a smoother transition for their families by using a clear letter of instruction, which can be an effective way to support loved ones during estate administration.' — Brent Wolf, a representative of The Retirement Group, a division of Wealth Enhancement.

In this article, we will discuss:

Why a letter of instruction can support your estate plan.
What to include in a letter of instruction.
How Molina Healthcare employees can use a letter of instruction to help streamline estate administration.

Important Lessons

Estate planning documents like a will and a revocable trust are important, but they might not give your family all the information they need to handle your affairs when you pass away, especially for Molina Healthcare employees with complex benefits.

In addition to an estate plan, a letter of instruction can offer your loved ones more information about your assets and personal preferences.

A letter of instruction can contain additional details, such as burial plans and the placement of essential documents, but it should not conflict with your estate planning documents.

Your loved ones might not know who to call, where to find your assets, or how to recognize reputable creditors if something were to happen to you today. By providing clear, supplemental guidance, a letter of instruction can help reduce the stress and work involved in the estate administration process.

A Letter of Instruction: What Is It?

A letter of instruction is an informal document outlining your assets and last wishes, sent to an executor, personal representative, or family members. It adds helpful information not included in legally binding estate planning documents like a will or revocable trust. For Molina Healthcare employees managing multiple retirement and savings plans, a letter of instruction can help simplify administration for family members, even though it is not legally required.

Since this letter is informal, it can be updated without consulting an attorney as circumstances change over time. It can contain supplementary information that supports your estate plan, but it should not contradict anything in your legal estate planning documentation.

How to Compose an Instructional Letter

Funeral Plans

You might provide information about your preferred funeral or burial type, funeral home, clergy member, music, speakers, or tribute. You can also include details about pre-paid or pre-arranged funeral or burial plans and where related paperwork is located. Some people also provide biographical details—something Molina Healthcare retirees can include for clarity.

Crucial Records

You can note the location of your Social Security card, recent bank account statements, deeds, titles, mortgage documents, important records, and estate planning documents. Some individuals also indicate where to find recent tax returns, which may help identify assets or income sources. If these documents are stored in a lockbox or vault, providing access instructions may be helpful.

Contact Details for Financial Representatives

The names and contact information for bankers, tax preparers, lawyers, insurance agents, real estate agents, and financial advisors can be included in the letter. These professionals can assist with background information, asset identification, account transfers, and final tax filings.

Details of the Assets

You can list your assets’ locations, titling, identifying details, and current values. This may include real estate, stock certificates, savings bonds, annuities, time shares, bank accounts, brokerage accounts, retirement accounts, company interests, safe deposit boxes, life insurance, and personal belongings with monetary or sentimental value.

Computer Files and Online Accounts

You may wish to list your digital files and accounts and designate a successor in your estate planning documents to manage them, since state and federal laws may limit access without written approval. For Molina Healthcare retirees who store retirement and benefits information online, this documentation may help reduce challenges.

Details of Debt

You can include information regarding your debts, such as account numbers, balances, statements, and lender contact details.

Beneficiary Details

The beneficiaries listed in your estate plan, along with their contact details, may be included in the letter. This makes it easier for an executor to locate and communicate with those who will receive assets—an important step for families with Molina Healthcare retirement accounts.

Pets

You can specify who you want to care for your pets and any specific instructions if your estate documents do not mention them. You may also include your veterinarian’s contact information.

Distribution List for Personal Property

Some states allow individuals to draft a separate document listing specific items of tangible personal property and their intended recipients, as long as the will references the list. Even in states where this is not legally binding, a letter of instruction can still guide your executor and help minimize disagreements.

Private Notes and Clarification of Goals

Some people include private notes or explanations for their decisions regarding inheritance or financial principles. Although not legally binding, these notes can help prevent misunderstandings.

What Does a Letter of Instruction Not Need to Include?

A letter of instruction should not repeat information already found in your estate planning documents. It is intended to provide additional details only.

It also should not be used to make changes to legally enforceable estate documents. Informal updates are not binding and may create conflicts.

Where to Store Your Instruction Letter

You can keep a copy of the letter with your estate planning papers, provide one to your lawyer, or place it somewhere your family is likely to look first. You can also share a copy with your executor and discuss it with them if you feel comfortable. Updating the letter each year is useful as assets and personal information change—particularly for Molina Healthcare employees with evolving retirement benefits.

Do You Need Guidance?

The Retirement Group can help you prepare for retirement if you are updating or creating your estate plan and want assistance organizing your family’s financial information. Call us at (800) 900-5867 .

Featured Video

Articles you may find interesting:

Sources:

1. Parker, Craig. “How to Write a Letter of Instruction: A Step-by-Step Guide.” Trust & Will, n.d.,
https://trustandwill.com/learn/how-to-write-a-letter-of-instruction . Accessed 1 Dec. 2025.

2. AARP Education & Outreach. “State Your Intentions With a Letter of Instruction.” AARP, 9 Nov. 2022,
https://www.aarp.org/money/retirement/letter-of-instruction/ . Accessed 1 Dec. 2025.

3. Kuffel, Hunter. “Writing a Letter of Instruction for Your Estate Plan.” SmartAsset, 12 Oct. 2025,
https://smartasset.com/estate-planning/letter-of-instruction . Accessed 1 Dec. 2025.

4. McDonald Jacobs. “Letter of Instruction in Estate Planning.” McDonald Jacobs: Portland, Oregon Accountants & Business Consultants, n.d.,
https://www.mcdonaldjacobs.cpa/letter-of-instruction-in-estate-planning/ . Accessed 1 Dec. 2025.

What type of retirement savings plan does Molina Healthcare offer to its employees?

Molina Healthcare offers a 401(k) retirement savings plan to its employees.

Does Molina Healthcare match employee contributions to the 401(k) plan?

Yes, Molina Healthcare provides a matching contribution to the 401(k) plan, helping employees maximize their retirement savings.

What is the eligibility criteria for Molina Healthcare's 401(k) plan?

Employees of Molina Healthcare are generally eligible to participate in the 401(k) plan after completing a specified period of service, which is outlined in the plan documents.

Can Molina Healthcare employees choose how much to contribute to their 401(k) plan?

Yes, employees at Molina Healthcare can choose their contribution amount, subject to IRS limits.

What investment options are available in Molina Healthcare's 401(k) plan?

Molina Healthcare's 401(k) plan offers a variety of investment options, including mutual funds and other investment vehicles, allowing employees to diversify their portfolios.

How can Molina Healthcare employees access their 401(k) account information?

Molina Healthcare employees can access their 401(k) account information through the plan's online portal or by contacting the plan administrator.

Are there any fees associated with Molina Healthcare's 401(k) plan?

Yes, there may be administrative fees and investment-related fees associated with Molina Healthcare's 401(k) plan, which are disclosed in the plan documents.

Can Molina Healthcare employees take loans against their 401(k) savings?

Yes, Molina Healthcare allows employees to take loans against their 401(k) savings, subject to specific terms and conditions outlined in the plan.

What happens to Molina Healthcare employees' 401(k) accounts if they leave the company?

If Molina Healthcare employees leave the company, they have several options for their 401(k) accounts, including rolling over to another retirement account or cashing out, subject to tax implications.

Does Molina Healthcare offer financial education resources for employees regarding their 401(k) plan?

Yes, Molina Healthcare provides financial education resources and tools to help employees make informed decisions about their 401(k) savings.

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

Molina Healthcare offers a competitive benefits package that includes both pension and 401(k) plans for its employees. As of 2022, 2023, and 2024, the Molina Healthcare 401(k) plan allows employees to save for retirement with both pre-tax and Roth options. The company matches 100% of employee contributions up to 4% of their salary. Employees are automatically enrolled at a 4% contribution rate. Eligibility for the company match occurs after one year of service, making Molina's retirement plan accessible to full-time employees. In addition to the 401(k) plan, Molina Healthcare provides a defined contribution retirement plan for employees. This plan does not specify an exact pension formula but is built around employee and employer contributions rather than a traditional defined benefit structure. Full-time employees working a minimum of 30 hours per week qualify for these retirement benefits. Additionally, the Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP) is available, which allows employees to purchase company stock at a discounted rate, further enhancing retirement savings. The 401(k) and pension plans are managed with a focus on employee participation and long-term financial wellness. These plans are designed to encourage active savings for retirement while offering the flexibility of both traditional and Roth contribution options. Molina emphasizes the importance of long-term service by vesting employer contributions after one year.

Restructuring Layoffs: In 2023 and early 2024, Molina Healthcare announced multiple layoffs as part of their ongoing restructuring efforts. One significant wave involved a 10% reduction in the corporate and health plan workforce, impacting approximately 1,400 employees. This was part of a larger restructuring initiative aimed at reducing operating expenses and aligning the company with the changing healthcare landscape (Molina Healthcare) (Molina Healthcare). Importance: It is critical to address these layoffs because they are happening in a period of heightened economic uncertainty and shifts in government healthcare funding. These workforce reductions may affect service delivery and the overall financial performance of the company, influencing its stock value and investment outlook in 2024.

Molina Healthcare provides its employees with stock-based compensation, including stock options and Restricted Stock Units (RSUs), to align their interests with those of shareholders and incentivize long-term performance. Molina's Employee Stock Purchase Plan allows eligible employees to buy company stock at a 15% discount. RSUs are granted to key executives and senior employees as part of their compensation package, which vests over a multi-year period based on performance targets and continued employment. In 2022, 2023, and 2024, Molina Healthcare granted stock options and RSUs through its equity incentive plan. These awards are designed for executives and select employees who meet performance criteria. Stock options are priced at the market value on the grant date, and RSUs are granted based on company performance and employee role. In 2023, Molina reported $115 million in stock-based compensation (Molina Healthcare) (Stock Analysis). Stock options and RSUs at Molina Healthcare are available to senior management and executives, with eligibility determined by job role and performance metrics. The 2024 Proxy Statement and the 2023 Annual Report provide details on the structure of these equity incentives (page 30, Proxy Statement 2024)

Additional Articles

Check Out Articles for Molina Healthcare employees

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

https://carlsoncap.com/articles/nua-net-unrealized-appreciation/ https://www.fidelity.com/learning-center/personal-finance/retirement/company-stock https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1179929/000117992922000025/moh4q21_examendedandrestat.htm https://recosa.org/update-regarding-457b-deferred-compensation-plan-changes/8270/07/27/2023/14/35/ https://www.thelayoff.com/t/1qkf8P4H https://careers.molinahealthcare.com/benefits https://www.principal.com/businesses/trends-insights/2023-pension-lump-sums-dropping-new-years-ball https://www.einnews.com/pr_news/584645135/2023-pension-buyouts-how-interest-rates-are-affecting-lump-sum-offers https://www.irs.gov/retirement-plans/recent-interest-rate-notices https://www.mercer.com/en-us/insights/retirement/defined-benefit-plans/pension-discount-yield-curve-and-index-rates-in-us/ https://investors.molinahealthcare.com/news-releases/news-release-details/molina-healthcare-reports-fourth-quarter-and-year-end-2022 https://www.nerdwallet.com/p/reviews/insurance/medicare/molina-medicare-advantage https://mergr.com/company/molina-healthcare https://labusinessjournal.com/healthcare/long-beach-based-molina-healthcare-lay-nearly-170/ https://www.marketscreener.com/quote/stock/MOLINA-HEALTHCARE-INC-13588/news/Molina-Healthcare-Plans-to-Layoff-10-of-the-Corporate-and-Health-Plan-Employees-35022012/ https://www.emparion.com/cash-balance-pension-plan-faq/ https://www.futureplan.com/resources/news-articles/defined-benefit-cash-balance-plan-key-priorities/ https://www.milliman.com/en/insight/2023-lump-sums-defined-benefit-plans-much-lower-as-interest-rates-rise https://www.irs.gov/irb/2024-34_IRB