What Amgen Employees Should Know About Caring for Aging Parents
Healthcare Provider Update: Healthcare Provider for Amgen
Amgen provides healthcare coverage primarily through various employer-sponsored plans that include offerings from national insurers. These plans are designed to support employees and their families, ensuring access to necessary medical services and medications.
Potential Healthcare Cost Increases in 2026
In 2026, Amgen employees and retirees may face a significant surge in healthcare costs due to anticipated rate hikes in the Affordable Care Act (ACA) marketplace. Several states are expecting premium increases of over 60%, largely driven by the expiration of enhanced federal subsidies. As these subsidies fade, combined with rising medical expenses and aggressive pricing from insurers, many individuals could see their out-of-pocket premiums rise by more than 75%. This perfect storm of factors poses a considerable financial challenge for those relying on ACA coverage, necessitating careful planning and consideration of available options.
Click here to learn more
'Many Amgen employees underestimate how caregiving responsibilities may influence their long-term planning. To prepare thoughtfully and involve the right professionals, it's important to start these conversations early.' — Paul Bergeron, a representative of The Retirement Group, a division of Wealth Enhancement.
'Many Amgen employees face unexpected pressure when aging parent responsibilities arise. I believe early planning and open family communication can help households navigate these challenges with greater clarity.' — Tyson Mavar, a representative of The Retirement Group, a division of Wealth Enhancement.
In this article, we will discuss:
Key warning signs that aging parents may need additional support.
Essential legal and health care preparations to help families stay organized.
How to coordinate family involvement and emotional readiness during caregiving.
Many Amgen employees in their mid-50s to early 60s come to discover that their retirement planning may have to expand to include the needs of their aging parents. As America’s population grows older, adult children frequently take on caregiving responsibilities for parents facing health issues, financial weaknesses, and cognitive decline. These realities influence family dynamics, investments, estate planning, taxes, and emotional well-being.
“Your parents' financial vulnerabilities become your financial stress unless you plan ahead and take a proactive role,” explains Brent Wolf, CFP®, an advisor at Wealth Enhancement.
Below are key considerations for individuals ages 55 to 65 who are preparing to support elderly parents.
1. Recognize the Early Signs of Cognitive Decline
For many families, cognitive decline in an aging parent typically appears gradually. Early warning signs may include:
- Repeatedly forgetting conversations
- Missing or duplicating bill payments
- Confusion about routine transactions
- Financial decisions influenced by new “friends”
- Unusual wire transfers or unexpected spending changes
Your role is not to diagnose—your role is to observe and speak up early. By addressing concerns promptly, you, your family, and your advisory team can potentially help mitigate the risk of future financial or cognitive harm.
2. Put Durable Power of Attorney and a Trusted Contact in Place
If a parent becomes cognitively impaired without a durable power of attorney, families often face a costly, lengthy conservatorship process. Amgen employees can address this by planning ahead.
Consider getting the following key documents in place:
- A trusted contact authorization
- Durable Power of Attorney for finances
- HIPAA releases and health care power of attorney
- Updated beneficiary designations, wills, and trusts
These steps can help reduce uncertainty and lessen the risk of financial exploitation should a parent become more vulnerable.
3. Prepare for Health Care Shock: Medicare Has Gaps
Many households are surprised by how much Medicare does not cover. Common out-of-pocket costs include:
- Long-term custodial care (memory care, assisted living, in-home support)
- Prescription drugs
- Private caregivers and care managers
- Out-of-pocket deductibles and co-pays
To plan effectively, Amgen employees should understand:
- What your parents’ insurance covers
- Their likely care expenses
- Whether self-funding or long-term care strategies may fit
- Whether Medicaid planning (with its five-year look-back) should begin early
Health care decisions become more urgent if cognitive decline is a concern.
4. Guard Your Parents Against Financial Abuse
Financial abuse is a growing threat for older adults—including parents of Amgen employees. Common scams include:
- Romance schemes
- Fake IRS, FedEx, or government calls
- “Grandchild in trouble” scams
- Caregiver misconduct
- Pressure from acquaintances or distant relatives
- Fraudulent investment pitches
Adult children often hesitate to intervene, but silence can increase risk. Advisors can help monitor accounts, identify unusual activity, and place temporary holds when needed.
5. Organize the “Invisible” Parts of Their Financial Life
By age 80, even financially experienced parents may struggle to keep up with routine obligations such as:
- Required minimum distributions
- Quarterly tax payments
- Charitable documentation
- Insurance renewals
- Online passwords
- Property tax deadlines
- Portfolio withdrawal planning
Advisors can help reduce errors by automating tasks, consolidating accounts, and simplifying processes.
6. Bring the Entire Family Into the Conversation Early
The most challenging situations often arise when adult children learn of issues only after a crisis. Amgen employees may benefit from:
- Annual family meetings
- Clear conversations about parents’ wishes
- Defined caregiving and financial roles
- Discussions around independence and dignity
Proactive communication may helps mitigate conflict and avoid last-minute decisions during emergencies.
7. Prepare Yourself Emotionally and Financially
Caring for aging parents can influence:
- Retirement timing
- Your ability to continue working
- Your cash flow
- Your mental and emotional resilience
Advisors can help you develop:
- A dedicated “parent care fund”
- Tax-efficient withdrawal strategies
- Cash flow outlines that factor in elder care
- Estate plans that reflect multigenerational needs
With thoughtful planning, supporting your parents does not have to disrupt your retirement goals—even for Amgen employees navigating complex benefits.
8. Build a Team-Based Approach
Families caring for elderly parents often benefit from a coordinated team that may include:
- A financial advisor
- An attorney with experience working with seniors
- Tax specialist
- Geriatric care manager
- Estate planning attorney
- Health care advocates
Working together, these professionals can help manage risk for both parents and adult children through a unified strategy.
Conclusion
Aging is inevitable—but it does not have to create chaos. Early planning, while parents are still capable, can lessen emotional strain, help minimize family conflict, and ideally reduce the likelihood of financial harm.
“The best gift you can give your aging parents is structure, clarity, and a financial advocate who supports them when they can no longer support themselves,” says Brent Wolf.
For Amgen employees ages 55 to 65, now is the time to act.
Taking the Next Step
The Retirement Group can help you design a Parent Care Plan that includes financial oversight, health care review, legal preparation, and fraud monitoring.
To speak with a team member who can guide you through each stage of the process, call
(800) 900-5867
.
We are here to support you, your parents, and your family through every stage of life.
Amgen offers a 401(k) plan that allows employees to save for retirement through pre-tax contributions, which can help reduce taxable income.
How can I enroll in Amgen's 401(k) plan?
You can enroll in Amgen's 401(k) plan by completing the enrollment process through the company's benefits portal during your eligibility period.
Does Amgen offer a company match for its 401(k) contributions?
Yes, Amgen provides a company match for employee contributions to the 401(k) plan, which helps enhance your retirement savings.
What is the maximum contribution limit for Amgen's 401(k) plan?
The maximum contribution limit for Amgen's 401(k) plan is determined by IRS regulations, which are updated annually. Employees are encouraged to check the current limits.
Can I change my contribution percentage to Amgen's 401(k) plan?
Yes, you can change your contribution percentage to Amgen's 401(k) plan at any time through the benefits portal.
What investment options are available in Amgen's 401(k) plan?
Amgen's 401(k) plan offers a variety of investment options, including mutual funds, target-date funds, and company stock, allowing employees to diversify their portfolios.
When can I start withdrawing from my Amgen 401(k) plan?
You can start withdrawing from your Amgen 401(k) plan after reaching the age of 59½, or under certain circumstances such as hardship withdrawals or termination of employment.
Does Amgen provide financial education resources for 401(k) participants?
Yes, Amgen offers financial education resources and tools to help employees make informed decisions about their 401(k) savings and investments.
Is there a vesting schedule for Amgen's 401(k) company match?
Yes, Amgen has a vesting schedule for the company match in the 401(k) plan, which means you must work for the company for a certain period before the match becomes fully yours.
Can I take a loan from my Amgen 401(k) plan?
Yes, Amgen allows employees to take loans from their 401(k) plan under specific conditions, providing a way to access funds while still saving for retirement.
With the current political climate we are in it is important to keep up with current news and remain knowledgeable about your benefits.
Amgen offers both a traditional Defined Benefit Pension Plan and a 401(k) plan with company match. The pension plan provides a fixed monthly benefit based on years of service and salary. The 401(k) plan includes various investment options and financial planning resources.
In 2024, Amgen announced a significant restructuring that includes layoffs affecting several departments and a reevaluation of their pension plan. The company is also making changes to their 401(k) benefits, including reduced employer contributions and updated vesting schedules.
Amgen issues RSUs to its executives and eligible employees as part of its equity incentive plan. RSUs vest over a period of three years, aligning employees' interests with company performance.
For more information you can reach the plan administrator for Amgen at One Amgen Center Drive Thousand Oaks,, CA 91320; or by calling them at (805) 447-1000.
/General/General%201.png?width=1280&height=853&name=General%201.png)
-2.png?width=300&height=200&name=office-builing-main-lobby%20(52)-2.png)
.webp?width=300&height=200&name=office-builing-main-lobby%20(27).webp)
-2.png)
.webp)