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

What Crestwood Equity Partners Employees Should Know About Caring for Aging Parents

Healthcare Provider Update: Healthcare Provider for Crestwood Equity Partners: Crestwood Equity Partners primarily utilizes industry-standard options for employee health insurance, typically engaging with larger national providers that participate in the Affordable Care Act (ACA) marketplace. The specific healthcare provider might vary based on the plan options selected during annual open enrollment. Employees are encouraged to check with Crestwood's HR department for the precise provider details relevant to their benefits package. Potential Healthcare Cost Increases in 2026: As 2026 approaches, Crestwood Equity Partners employees face the prospect of significant healthcare cost increases. Premiums for ACA marketplace insurance are anticipated to rise sharply, with some states experiencing hikes exceeding 60%. This surge is largely driven by the potential expiration of enhanced federal subsidies, coupled with escalating medical costs and rate adjustments from major insurers. Consequently, a large portion of employees may see out-of-pocket expenses rise dramatically, significantly impacting their financial planning and access to necessary healthcare services. Click here to learn more

'Many Crestwood Equity Partners 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 Crestwood Equity Partners 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 Crestwood Equity Partners 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. Crestwood Equity Partners 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, Crestwood Equity Partners 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 Crestwood Equity Partners 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. Crestwood Equity Partners 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 Crestwood Equity Partners 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 Crestwood Equity Partners 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.

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Articles you may find interesting:

Sources:

1. Alzheimer’s Association. “10 Early Signs and Symptoms of Alzheimer’s and Dementia.” Alzheimer’s Association , 2025, www.alz.org/alzheimers-dementia/10_signs .

2. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. “Long-Term Care.” Medicare.gov , n.d., www.medicare.gov/coverage/long-term-care .

3. Federal Bureau of Investigation. “Elder Fraud.” FBI , U.S. Department of Justice, n.d., www.fbi.gov/how-we-can-help-you/scams-and-safety/common-frauds-and-scams/elder-fraud .

What types of retirement savings plans does Crestwood Equity Partners offer its employees?

Crestwood Equity Partners offers a 401(k) retirement savings plan to help employees save for their future.

Does Crestwood Equity Partners match employee contributions to the 401(k) plan?

Yes, Crestwood Equity Partners provides a matching contribution to employee 401(k) accounts, subject to the plan's terms.

What is the eligibility requirement for employees to participate in Crestwood Equity Partners' 401(k) plan?

Employees of Crestwood Equity Partners are eligible to participate in the 401(k) plan after completing a specified period of service, typically outlined in the plan documents.

Can employees of Crestwood Equity Partners make pre-tax contributions to their 401(k) accounts?

Yes, employees can make pre-tax contributions to their 401(k) accounts at Crestwood Equity Partners, which can help reduce their taxable income.

Does Crestwood Equity Partners offer a Roth 401(k) option?

Yes, Crestwood Equity Partners offers a Roth 401(k) option, allowing employees to make after-tax contributions to their retirement savings.

How often can employees change their contribution rates to the 401(k) plan at Crestwood Equity Partners?

Employees at Crestwood Equity Partners can typically change their contribution rates on a quarterly basis, but specific details can be found in the plan documents.

What investment options are available in the Crestwood Equity Partners 401(k) plan?

The 401(k) plan at Crestwood Equity Partners offers a range of investment options, including mutual funds and other investment vehicles, allowing employees to tailor their portfolios.

How can employees at Crestwood Equity Partners access their 401(k) account information?

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

What happens to the 401(k) funds if an employee leaves Crestwood Equity Partners?

If an employee leaves Crestwood Equity Partners, they can choose to roll over their 401(k) funds to another retirement account, withdraw the funds, or leave them in the Crestwood Equity Partners plan if allowed.

Is there a loan option available for employees in the Crestwood Equity Partners 401(k) plan?

Yes, Crestwood Equity Partners may allow employees to take loans from their 401(k) accounts, subject to the plan's specific rules and limits.

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

Crestwood Equity Partners announced a restructuring plan that includes a reduction in workforce and changes to employee benefits, including pension contributions and 401(k) match adjustments. The company is also altering its healthcare benefits to manage rising costs.

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For more information you can reach the plan administrator for Crestwood Equity Partners at 811 Main St., Ste. 3400 Houston, TX 77002; or by calling them at 832-519-2200.