What Brinker International Employees Should Know About Caring for Aging Parents
Healthcare Provider Update: Healthcare Provider for Brinker International
Brinker International, the parent company of restaurant chains such as Chili's and Maggiano's, provides health benefits to its employees through multiple national health insurance carriers. The primary healthcare provider used by Brinker International for its employee benefits is typically Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield, along with other regional insurers depending on the specific needs and locations of their workforce.
Potential Healthcare Cost Increases in 2026
As we approach 2026, Brinker International and its employees face substantial challenges in healthcare costs. Record hikes in Affordable Care Act (ACA) premiums are projected, with insurers across states seeking increases that could surpass 60%. The expected expiration of enhanced federal subsidies will contribute to a significant rise in out-of-pocket expenses for numerous employees, with many anticipating an average increase of over 75% in their monthly premiums. Coupled with ongoing inflation in medical costs, these developments place additional financial burdens on both employers and employees, making strategic planning for healthcare needs more crucial than ever.
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'Many Brinker International 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 Brinker International 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 Brinker International 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. Brinker International 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, Brinker International 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 Brinker International 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. Brinker International 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 Brinker International 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 Brinker International 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.
What is the 401(k) plan offered by Brinker International?
The 401(k) plan at Brinker International is a retirement savings plan that allows employees to save a portion of their paycheck before taxes are taken out.
How can employees of Brinker International enroll in the 401(k) plan?
Employees of Brinker International can enroll in the 401(k) plan by completing the enrollment process through the company’s benefits portal or by contacting the HR department for assistance.
Does Brinker International offer a company match for the 401(k) contributions?
Yes, Brinker International offers a company match for employee contributions to the 401(k) plan, helping employees maximize their retirement savings.
What is the eligibility requirement for Brinker International employees to participate in the 401(k) plan?
Most employees at Brinker International are eligible to participate in the 401(k) plan after completing a specified period of service, typically within their first year of employment.
What types of investment options are available in Brinker International's 401(k) plan?
Brinker International'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 Brinker International employees change their contribution percentage to the 401(k) plan?
Yes, employees at Brinker International can change their contribution percentage at any time, allowing them to adjust their savings based on their financial situation.
When can Brinker International employees access their 401(k) funds?
Employees of Brinker International can access their 401(k) funds upon reaching retirement age, or in certain circumstances such as financial hardship or termination of employment.
What happens to my 401(k) balance if I leave Brinker International?
If you leave Brinker International, you can choose to roll over your 401(k) balance to another retirement account, cash it out, or keep it in the Brinker International plan if allowed.
Are there any fees associated with Brinker International's 401(k) plan?
Yes, Brinker International's 401(k) plan may have administrative fees and investment-related fees, which are disclosed in the plan documents provided to employees.
How often can Brinker International employees review their 401(k) account statements?
Employees at Brinker International can review their 401(k) account statements quarterly, and they can also access their account online for real-time updates.
With the current political climate we are in it is important to keep up with current news and remain knowledgeable about your benefits.
Brinker International offers a 401(k) Savings Plan for its employees, which includes several important features and eligibility criteria. Employees become eligible to participate in the plan on the first of the month following the attainment of age 21 and the completion of 90 days of eligible service. Notably, non-U.S. citizens, union employees without specific contract provisions, and leased employees are excluded from participating in the plan.
For contributions, Brinker International matches 100% of the first 3% of an employee's pay and 50% of the next 2%, with participant contributions allowed up to the maximum deferrable amount as permitted by the IRS. Catch-up contributions are also allowed for employees aged 50 or older. The plan allows employees to invest their contributions across various investment options, including money market funds, mutual funds, and Brinker International common stock. All contributions, including employer matching, are immediately vested.
Restructuring Layoffs: Brinker International has focused on optimizing its operations, especially in its Chili's and Maggiano's brands, through strategic menu pricing and adjustments in restaurant operations. While no massive layoffs have been reported, the company has taken measures to reduce costs, which may indirectly affect employment and operational structure.
Benefit Changes & Pension Modifications: The company's pension plan has been updated with a new cash balance formula effective January 1, 2023. This formula provides annual pay credits ranging from 4.5% to 10% based on age and years of service, with annual interest credits tied to U.S. Treasury yields. This change reflects the need to align with market conditions and reduce the burden of traditional pension plans.
Sources and Information:
Source: Brinker International Annual Reports (2022-2024)
Document: Brinker International 2023 Annual Report
Page Number: 40
Details: Brinker International offers stock options (SO) and restricted stock units (RSU) to its executives and key employees as part of their compensation package. The company uses RSU to incentivize long-term performance and align employee interests with shareholder value.
Source: Brinker International 2022 Proxy Statement
Document: Brinker International 2022 Proxy Statement
Page Number: 25
Details: In 2022, Brinker International provided stock options (SO) and RSUs primarily to senior management and high-potential employees. RSUs vest over a period of time, typically 3-5 years, to encourage retention.
Source: Brinker International 2024 Investor Relations Page
Document: Brinker International 2024 Investor Relations Document
Page Number: 32
Details: For 2024, Brinker International continues to offer RSUs and stock options (SO) to its executives. These stock options and RSUs are designed to reward performance and retain top talent within the company.
Source: Brinker International Quarterly Financial Reports
Document: Brinker International Q1 2023 Financial Report
Page Number: 15
Details: Brinker International's compensation strategy includes stock options (SO) and RSUs for its leadership team. The report highlights adjustments in stock option grants based on company performance and market conditions.
Summary
Brinker International:
Stock Options (SO): Brinker International provides stock options (SO) primarily to executives and senior management to align their interests with shareholder value. These options typically have a vesting period of 3-5 years.
Restricted Stock Units (RSU): RSUs are granted to Brinker International’s key employees to incentivize long-term performance and retention. The vesting schedule for RSUs usually spans several years to ensure employee alignment with company goals.
Sources:
Brinker International 2023 Annual Report, Page 40
Brinker International 2022 Proxy Statement, Page 25
Brinker International 2024 Investor Relations Document, Page 32
Brinker International Q1 2023 Financial Report, Page 15
Brinker International, the parent company of Chili's Grill & Bar and Maggiano's Little Italy, has maintained a robust health benefits program for its employees in 2022, 2023, and 2024. Their health benefits package includes medical, dental, and vision insurance, along with wellness programs that are designed to support both physical and mental health. Notably, Brinker offers comprehensive coverage options that include preventive care, prescription drug coverage, and mental health services.
Specific terms and acronyms frequently associated with Brinker's health benefits include EPO (Exclusive Provider Organization) and HSA (Health Savings Account), which are used in their plans to provide more flexible and cost-effective healthcare solutions for their employees. Additionally, the company emphasizes the importance of preventive care through various wellness programs, which include health screenings and flu shots.
In terms of recent developments, Brinker International has been responsive to the ongoing challenges presented by COVID-19. They have implemented policies in compliance with state regulations, including offering testing to employees at no cost during work hours, especially in cases of potential outbreaks at their restaurant locations. These efforts are part of Brinker's broader commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of their employees during the pandemic.
Additional Articles
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For more information you can reach the plan administrator for Brinker International at 6820 LBJ Freeway Dallas, TX 75240; or by calling them at +1 972-980-9917.
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